Universal Studios Florida Purchases an Additional 101 Acres For Possible Theme Park Expansion

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October 31, 2017

Universal Studios Florida Purchases an Additional 101 Acres For Possible Theme Park Expansion

According to a piece in yesterday’s Orlando Sentinel, Universal Orlando has recently purchased another 101 acres of land for new theme park projects in Orlando. This is on top of the 475 acres that Universal acquired back in 2015. Universal closed the purchase on Thursday at a total cost of $27.5 million. For those familiar with the local area, the new acreage can be found along Sand Lake Road.

The land sits next to the $130 million purchase Disney made back in December 2015 off Universal Boulevard and west of Destination Parkway. This gives Universal an impressive expanded area of 570 acres to develop for future theme park projects.

As of going to print, Universal has yet to reveal what they plan to do with the land. It has been a busy time for the theme park giant which has recently unveiled its Volcano Bay water park. However, Universal has previously said that a Nintendo themed area is in the works under a deal with the Japanese video-game giant.

This announcement marks an exciting time in the history of Universal. Keep following along with Chip and Co. for the latest news and updates regarding Universal’s plans for this new purchase.

Universal Studios Florida Purchases an Additional 101 Acres For Possible Theme Park Expansion

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Image copyright Universal.

Overnight Rehearsals Now Happening At Magic Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 31, 2017

Overnight Rehearsals Now Happening At Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom overnight rehearsals happening now!

Now through November 9th guests staying at the resorts located along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake may notice overnight rehearsals going on for various upcoming events and entertainment.

Show level audio and lighting may be used as well as pyro effects on some nights. While guests may notice sound from these rehearsals, the majority of guests staying at a Walt Disney Resort should not have their stay impacted in any way.

The schedule for rehearsal is as follows:

October 31-November 2: Cinderella Castle Forecourt stage show rehearsal (pyro to be used)
November 2 into 3: Cinderella Castle Forecourt stage show rehearsal
November 3-7: Tomorrowland stage show rehearsal
November 5 into 6: Overnight filming
November 6 into 7: Frontierland audio tests
November 7 into 8: Parade rehearsal and Cinderella Castle Forecourt stage show rehearsal
November 8 into 9: Cinderella Castle Forecourt stage show rehearsal

Please note this schedule is subject to change without notice.

Tune In TODAY: ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ Retold Using Ancient Art and Instagram Filters

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 31, 2017

Tune In TODAY: 'Nightmare Before Christmas' Retold Using Ancient Art and Instagram Filters

In a social media collaboration with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Oh My Disney will launch a new chapter using Instagram to tell a fan-favorite story for Halloween today.

TUNE-IN: LACMA and Oh My Disney social media teams will recreate — in real time — the iconic “This Is Halloween” scene from Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas on Instagram, using a bank of more than 130,000 pieces of artwork and artifacts. Using pop culture references, hand-drawn art and Instagram filters, fans can interact with the accounts through the chat function or share their reactions through photo/video.

WHEN: Today, Oct. 31, on @OhMyDisney and @LACMA Instagram stories

LACMA’s Snapchat stories are among the most viral social media executions. Previously, Oh My Disney and LACMA collaborated on a 21st Century recreation of the 1991 Beauty and the Beast film. That collaboration on Snapchat, drew in more than 30,000 opens and 2,000+ screenshots from fans on the @OhMyDisney account and quickly went viral on Fast Company, THR, Huffington Post and more.

Are you ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation? Our friends at MickeyTravels (designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney) can help! Click Here for your FREE No Obligation Quote from one of their Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

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Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click here or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services are FREE? Get in touch toll-free at 1-800-454-4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

This Minnie Mouse Polka Dots Cross Body Bag is Adorable

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Danielle

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October 31, 2017

Minnie Mouse Polka Dots Cross body Bag

I so love a cute Minnie Mouse themed purse. I especially love when a purse has her ears, or bow as part of the style as well. So, I might have been overcome with the squeals of cuteness when I saw this adorable Minnie Mouse Polka Dots Cross Body Bag!

The Finex Korean design Minnie Mouse style mini cross body bag is a small handbag with long shoulder strap. It’s great a travel bag for storing cell phone, wallet, keys, makeup, even passport or small tablet. I love the bow and ears embellishment on the top of the bag, and the bottom half is her iconic polka dots and resembles her skirt. The inside also has a pocket inside to help keep small items safe. I think it would be a perfect date night purse, especially for a romantic Valentine’s evening out!

What do you think of this adorably dainty Minnie Mouse Polka Dots Cross Body Bag?

Disneyland Announces Fall Hiring & Job Fair

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 31, 2017

Disneyland Announces Fall Hiring & Job Fair

With the holiday season just around the corner, Disneyland Resort is ramping up hiring efforts for a variety of positions during an online hiring event. Full and part-time roles are currently available within both Disneyland Resort theme parks, three resort hotels and the Downtown Disney District.

Additionally, the Disneyland Resort will be hosting two role-specific job fairs in November. These events are open to the general public, and will focus on finding talent for housekeeping and culinary roles. Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to apply and accept an offer on-site.

Housekeeping applicants are encouraged to attend a job fair on Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Those interested in culinary opportunities are invited to attend a job fair on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. For more information and to register, visit www.Disneyland.jobs/jobfair.

For more information on these and other available opportunities at the Disneyland Resort, including full role descriptions, online applications and job fair registration, visit www.Disneyland.jobs/jobfair.

Ready to start planning your visit to Disneyland? CLICK HERE , fill out the form below, or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney and my services are 100% FREE!

Disneyland Announces Fall Hiring & Job Fair

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Disney is an equal opportunity employer, drawing creativity from diversity.

Check Out This Man’s Very Own Haunted Mansion House

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 31, 2017

Check Out This Man's Very Own Haunted Mansion House — Image Credit: Chris Sardinas

There are lovers of the Haunted Mansion and then there is Chris Sardinas. INSIDER is reporting that Sardinas of Orlando, FL, took his love of the iconic Disney ride to the next level by transforming his home into his very own Haunted Mansion.

“In August I bid my house farewell as I started blocking off rooms to start construction on the props and scenery, much like prop-building for a play,” Sardinas told INSIDER. “During this time, I would research how the original Imagineers built their illusions and would immerse myself in their world and put myself in their shoes.”

Sardinas payed extremely close attention to detail in every room he brought to live from the ride. For Madame Leota’s floating head, he placed an acrylic globe over a mannequin head he found at a local salon. He even “touched up” the mannequin head to make it a little extra spooky.

Serdinas said the transformation of his house into the Haunted Mansion took him six months. He also said his Haunted Mansion was the star of the Halloween Party he hosts every year at his house. I mean, who wouldn’t want to attend a Halloween Party at the Haunted Mansion?

Image Credit: Chris Sardinas

Source Credit: INSIDER

Let’s start planning your visit to a Disney Destination! CLICK HERE , fill out the form below, or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney and my services are 100% FREE!

Check Out This Man's Very Own Haunted Mansion House

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Disney Infinity Scarves Keep us Warm and Cozy with Style

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Danielle

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October 31, 2017

Baby it’s cold outside, even where I am here in Sunny Florida! I don’t get the chance to wear scarves often here, but I’ll look for any excuse to wear these fabulous Disney Infinity Scarves by tammylynnscreations on Etsy!

You will be as cute as Minnie in these beautiful Disney scarves! These infinity scarves would be a great accessory if you are planning a trip to Disney, a chilly day shopping, or even for extra flair at a Disney themed party! These scarves feature a combination of 2 fabrics, a cotton style print featuring Mickey and Minnie…… and the other side a cotton jersey featuring a bold contrasting color. There is even Mommy & Me sets available!

Would you bundle up on a chilly day with one of these Disney Infinity Scarves?

Disney Wonder Cruise Ship Employee Arrested On Embezzlement Charges Of Over $275,000

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 31, 2017

Disney Wonder Cruise Ship Employee Arrested On Embezzlement Charges Of Over $275,000

Fox 5 San Diego is reporting that 32-year-old Renan Dias Da Rocha Gomes, an employee aboard the Disney Wonder, was arraigned in federal court yesterday (October 30) with wire fraud in connection with a scheme to embezzle more than $275,000 from the Walt Disney Co. Gomes, a citizen of Brazil, was a merchandise host employed in the stores aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship since at least October 2015.

The Wonder returned to San Diego on October 27, after an itinerary to Mexico, where federal agents were waiting to arrest Gomes. According to prosecutors, the agents read him his rights and Gomes then proceeded to confess to the charges.

Court records show that he was allegedly using his access to the VeriFone payment system to obtain money fraudulently from the Walt Disney Co. Records go on to say that Gomes made approximately $275,000 in unauthorized charges to Disney’s bank account. The funds were then loaded onto Disney gift cards. $35,000 of these embezzled funds were used on lodging, food, beverage, merchandise and entertainment while taking his family on a Walt Disney world Vacation.

Renan Dias Da Rocha Gomes is awaiting a detention hearing tomorrow and will remain in federal custody until that time.

Source Credit: Fox 5 San Diego

Contempo Cafe’s Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe is Spooky Good!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 31, 2017

Contempo Cafe's Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe is Spooky Good!

Throughout October Disney Parks Blog has been sharing some amazing pumpkin recipes from tasty treats that guests can find throughout Walt Disney World.

Add a little pumpkin flair to your Halloween Party with these Pumpkin Cupcakes filled with cream cheese and topped with cinnamon buttercream icing. Guests can enjoy these cupcakes at Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Enjoy!

Contempo Cafe's Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe is Spooky Good!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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Prince Eric’s Fried Chicken Is the Perfect Magic Kingdom Supper

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 31, 2017

For those roaming through New Fantasyland looking for a tasty treat without the lines, head on over to Prince Eric’s Village Market where they are serving up a pretty decent portion of fried chicken.

This golden fried basket of deliciousness comes with 3-pieces of Honey-breaded Fried Chicken for $10.00. It’s the perfect treat for those with hearty appetites or for families that want to share.

The menu also includes other theme park classics like pretzels with cheese sauce, chocolate chip cookies or pickles and grapes for those looking for lighter fare.

They also offer frozen lemonades which serve as the perfect fried-chicken accompaniment on those hot Florida days.

With all the hustle and bustle around Gaston’s Tavern, Prince Eric’s is a quick service location that is easily overlooked. However, we highly recommend you seek it out during your next Disney visit.

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Thinking about a visit to Disney? There are still fantastic 2017 packages to be had and 2018 discounts are now available! Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations and sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at the parks. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Mochi Ice Cream at Epcot’s Japan Pavilion Has Become Our New Must-Try Snack

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 31, 2017

Move over Kaki Gori, on a recent visit to Epcot, we uncovered one of our new favorite World Showcase treats, the Mochi Ice Cream you’ll find at a food cart in the courtyard of the Japan Pavilion.

What is Mochi Ice Cream you ask? It is an authentic Japanese treat that features a dome of frozen ice cream surrounded with a yummy sticky rice dough.

As you can see from the images, it comes in an array of fantastic flavors including Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Green Tea and Mango. Guests looking for a playful treat may also want to opt for the Hello Kitty version.

The cost is $7.99 for a regular 6 piece package or $3.99 for the smaller Hello Kitty 2 piece package. For those with food allergies, it’s also worth noting that this treat makes the perfect gluten-free snack.

So next time you’re making your way around the World Showcase, step outside of your culinary comfort zone and give one of these frozen treats a try!

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Thinking about a visit to Disney? There are still fantastic 2017 packages to be had and 2018 discounts are now available! Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations and sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at the parks. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

runDisney Announces 2018-19 Calendar Of Events Announced

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 30, 2017

runDisney took to their Twitter account today to announce more 2018 events and extend their calendar into 2019!

New races, and their on-sale dates, include:

2018 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, November 1-4, 2018 (On sale: March 13, 2018)
2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, January 9-13, 2019 (On sale: April 17, 2018)
2019 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, February 21-24, 2019 (On sale: June 12, 2018)
2019 Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side, April 4-7, 2019 (On sale: August 7, 2018)

These races join those already on the schedule:

2017 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, November 2-5, 2017
2017 Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend, November 9-12, 2017 (this will be the last runDisney race at Disneyland)
2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, January 3-7, 2018
2018 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, February 22-25, 2018
2018 Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side, April 19-22, 2018
2018 Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend, September 20-23, 2018

All races will take place at the Walt Disney World Resort unless otherwise noted as runDisney recently canceled all upcoming races at the Disneyland Resort.

Will you be racing in one of these upcoming events?! Make sure you keep an eye out for more information as we get closer to On Sale dates and event weekends!