Disney World Debuts ‘Do-it-Yourself’ Meal Kit at Artist’s Palette

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September 27, 2017

Artist's Palette

Do-it-yourself meal kits are all the rage these days! Now, you can get one right in Disney World which is perfect for Guests staying at one of the Deluxe Villa Resorts.

The kits are available for purchase at Saratoga Springs’ Artist’s Palette marketplace. Priced at $49 plus tax and available for a limited time at the resort’s Artist’s Palette marketplace, the meal kit for four features Rigatoni Fiesolana (Rigatoni pasta with creamy tomato sauce, sausage, portabella mushrooms, parmesan and fresh basil) and comes with a large garden salad, garlic bread sticks and baking instructions.

Please note that full kitchens are available in one-bedroom villas and larger accommodations at Disney Vacation Club Resorts. Deluxe Studios are not equipped to prepare this meal option.

Let’s start planning your visit to Disney World! There are still some amazing rooms and discounts available for this year! 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!

Disney World Debuts 'Do-it-Yourself' Meal Kit at Artist's Palette

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.

Source/Image Credit: Disney

A First Look at the Youthful Cast From the Upcoming Film ‘Avatar 2’

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

The first sequel to the 2009 blockbuster hit film, Avatar began filming this week. While we will see the return of Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington as Neytiri and Jake Sully, Avatar 2 will also feature a youthful cast that will play a very significant role in the film, as well as the three sequels to follow. Thanks to Entertainment Weekly, we have a first look at the new additions to the cast.

The youth actors who will portray Jake Sully and Neytiri’s children are:

Jake Flatters – as Neteyam, their first born son.
Britain Dalton – as Lo’ak, their second born.
Trinity Bliss – as Tuktirey, their youngest.

Three other young cast members will take on the role of Metkayina children, a Na’vi clan who live on giant oceanic atoll reefs, under the rule of Tonowari.

Filip Geljo – as Aonung.
Bailey Bass – as Tsireya.
Duane Evans Jr – as Rotxo.

All the children will be portraying the youth of the Na’vi people, with the exception of Jack Champion. Jack is cast as Javier “Spider” Socorro, a human teenager born at Hell’s Gate military complex. Producer Jon Landau remarked “We never had this youthful element before, and that brings a different kind of energy to the film.” Avatar 2 is set to be released in theaters in December of 2020, and is being written and directed by James Cameron.

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Source and Image: Entertainment Weekly

Video – Disneyland Space Mountain Holiday Overlay

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Video - Disneyland Space Mountain Holiday Overlay

If you’re a fan of Space Mountain in Disneyland, then you will definitely be a fan of the spooky make-over for Halloween. Riders will be launched into a haunted section of the universe on the new Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. While flying into the darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, ghosts try to pluck riders from their seats as they speed through space. The drops and curves of the journey are even scarier with piercing screams and haunting music.

While flying into the darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, ghosts try to pluck riders from their seats as they speed through space. The drops and curves of the journey are even scarier with piercing screams and haunting music.

Take flight on Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy now through October 31, 2017!

Video - Disneyland Space Mountain Holiday Overlay

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 at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Video – Disneyland Haunted Mansion Holiday Overlay

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Video - Disneyland Haunted Mansion Holiday Overlay

Now through early January 2018, the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland will be transformed into the Haunted Mansion Holiday with jack o’ lanterns and wreaths, terrifying toys and kooky characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. It’s a creep-tastic classic you won’t want to miss!

Explore the estate at its eeriest with tons of frightfully festive touches—courtesy of Jack Skellington!

Video - Disneyland Haunted Mansion Holiday Overlay

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 at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Oscar Martinez, Longest-Tenured Cast Member at Disneyland, Announces Retirement

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Oscar Martinez

Oscar Martinez, the longest tenured cast member at the Disneyland Resort, has announced that he will be retiring today after 60 and a half years! He has become a Disneyland institution bringing smiles to guests throughout the years since 1956.

Oscar began his Disney career in the Fantasyland quick-service locations and eventually made his way up to the Carnation Cafe on Main Street, USA where he has spent the last 50 years. He has been greeting guests coming into the Cafe and posing for photos for all who want to meet him. Oscar even has his famous breakfast potatoes named after him on the menu.

Just after his 60th anniversary, Oscar was presented with an award created just for him at Walt Disney Imagineering. Learn more about Oscar and his award in this video!

Are you ready to start planning your amazing 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.

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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.

Source Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Hauntingly Gorgeous Haunted Mansion Minnie Ears

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Danielle

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September 27, 2017

Haunted Mansion Minnie Ears

It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with the Haunted Mansion ride at Disney. I have lots of accessories and apparel items, but I realized I have no Haunted Mansion ears! So obviously I had to search for the perfect pair, and I have to admit these gorgeous Haunted Mansion Minnie Ears made me say WOW!

These Haunted Mansion Ears are 3D printed in your color choice, with am accent of purple and black flowers or a bow. One ear features the tight rope walker, a personal favorite of mine from the ride. The other ear features a detailed image from the iconic Haunted Mansion wallpaper. Mouse Shoppe Designs also offers other great ear choices for the Halloween season too!

If you aren’t looking for a Halloween set check out some of these too!

Would you wear these hauntingly beautiful Haunted Mansion Minnie Ears?

New Episode of “Science and Star Wars” Released Discussing Future Helper Droids

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

The second episode of the new digital series Science and Star Wars has been released by Disney and Lucasfilm, which explores how close real-world science has come to our favorite Star Wars technology. The newest episode answers the question: Are helper droids like R2D2 and BB8 in our not-so-distant future?

WATCH: Star Wars Engineers Construct Real-Life Helper Droid In “Science and Star Wars”

This ‘droid’ episode features:

Robonaut – a robot astronaut: Meet a droid whose purpose will be to one day command spaceships with no humans on board.
Star Wars droid builders construct a droid: Michael McMaster, Mike Senna, two of the real-life engineers who help Disney and Lucasfilm build and maintain the droids from the film, create a smart robot who answers Star Wars trivia intelligently.

Over the course the next eight episodes, the series will continue to explore science fantasy, science fact, and the gray area in between. Fans can catch this and future episodes exclusively on the Star Wars official Facebook page.

Are you ready to start planning your amazing 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.

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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.

Animal Kingdom Sumatran Tiger Cubs Announced As Brother and Sister

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Sumatran Tiger Cubs

Last month I brought you the exciting news that Sohni the Sumatran Tiger at Animal Kingdom gave birth to two adorable tiger cubs. Disney has announced that Sohni is the proud Momma of both a boy cub and a girl cub. How perfect right? They both weigh in around 12 pounds and are growing fast.

The last time we checked in on them they were brand new to the world. Now their eyes are open and are beginning to learn how to walk on their own. Awww! Disney’s team of animal care experts continuously monitor their progress. They have reported that Sohni and babies are bonding well and mom feeds and grooms them throughout the day.

Animal Kingdom Sumatran Tiger Cubs Announced As Brother and Sister

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums oversaw the Species Survival Plan that the tigers were bred through. They ensure responsible breeding and diverse populations of threatened and endangered species. Did you know that there are fewer than 500 Sumatran tigers in the wild today? Habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade all significantly threaten their existence.

Animal Kingdom visitors can help support Disney’s efforts to reverse the decline of tigers and other animals by taking part in Connect to Protect. This mobile adventure allows guests to participate in conservation “missions” with a digital scientist while exploring Pandora – The World of Avatar and helping protect the habitats of at-risk animals here on Earth. Every mission completed goes towards unlocking large contributions from Disney Parks. So far the first of ten $100,000 contributions from Disney Parks has been unlocked. This first donation is helping protect habitats for elephants in Kenya, but guests can still choose to support gorillas, migratory birds, butterflies and other species.

The tiger cubs will remain backstage for the next few months before guests will be able to see them on Maharajah Jungle Trek but stay tuned to Chip and Co for the latest updates.

Are you ready to start planning your amazing 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.

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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.

Source Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Port Canaveral Suffers $2.9 Million in Damages From Hurricane Irma

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Port Canaveral

Hurricane Irma stormed into Central Florida just a few weeks ago and the tallies for damage caused by the storm to Port Canaveral are starting to come in. It is estimated that the damages are about 2.9 million. This number is actually less than the damages caused by last year’s Hurricane Matthew, which was not as strong as Irma. The damages caused by Hurricane Matthew came in right around 3.2 million.

The 2.9 million in damages is made up of a few different factors:

$1.5 million will go towards repairing the eastbound lanes of State Road 528
Another portion of the $2.9 million will be dedicated to repairing Terminal 8 at Port Canaveral. Terminal 8 is the terminal that Disney Cruise Line utilizes and had some minor damages prior to the storm hitting. These damages are described as “mostly superficial.”
$400,000 of the $2.9 million is from lost revenue due to canceled cruises. Two Disney Cruises and one Royal Caribbean had to cancel their scheduled sailings due to the storm.

Port Canaveral was officially open and fully functional a few days after Irma passed through.

Let’s start planning your visit to Disney Cruise! 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!

Port Canaveral Suffers $2.9 Million in Damages From Hurricane Irma

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.

Image Credit: Disney

Disney Bringing Experiences Directly From the Parks Into New Shop Disney Stores

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Yesterday, we reported that traditional Disney Stores and the online Disney Store are being completely reimagined in an effort to offer Guests more magical experiences. In addition to the store and website changing their names to “Shop Disney,” stores will now feature interactive experiences. Merchandise on the online store will be expanded to offer even more Pixar, Star Wars, Disney, and Marvel selections and even items directly from the Parks.

Well, today we are learning there will be even more magic to be had in store. Guests will be able to watch a live stream of Disney Parks parades. That means you can be in the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland without even leaving your local “Shop Disney” store! Also coming to these new stores will be nightly digital fireworks. The fireworks show will be displayed on the store’s giant storefront LED screen. Disney hopes these touches will bring even more storytelling magic to their stores. It’s also a way for people that don’t live near a Disney Park or who are homesick for their Disney Park to experience magic whenever the mood strikes.

Disney released the following statement: “We are a storytelling company and our vision was to create a retail space that reflected our heritage. Our stores are destinations and gathering places for fans of our iconic brands, and are often their closest physical Disney touch point so creating an authentic brand experience is key.”

Currently, there are three prototype stores open around the world. There are two right here in the United States with one being in Century City, California and another Northridge, California. Internationally, there is a location open in Nagoya, Japan. Another prototype store is scheduled to open in Miami, Florida tomorrow, September 28. Another store is scheduled to open in Munich later this year.

To read more about Shop Disney, please CLICK HERE.

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!

Disney Bringing Experiences Directly From the Parks Into New Shop Disney Stores

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.

Source/Image Credit: Disney

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival’s Must-Try Food and Drink Options!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival's Must-Try Food and Drink Options!

Want the inside scoop on the delicious must-have food and drink options at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?

Check out the video below where Epcot culinary director, than Chef Gregg Hannon, and Chelsea Florig, festival manager, spill all the yummy details!

The Festival ends November 13th, so make sure to check out all the delicious offerings and be sure to let us know your must-try recommendations!

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival's Must-Try Food and Drink Options!

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 at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for October 2017

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Disney Closures

In order to keep rides running smoothly and safely and resorts looking their best, Disney World often needs to close areas in order to perform maintenance on them or give them a fresh look. As much as we don’t like it when our favorite rides aren’t running, maintenance is necessary to keep guests safe during their park visits. Here is a list of the rides, attractions, and resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort undergoing refurbishment in October 2017 and beyond:

Magic Kingdom:

Splash Mountain – This beloved headlining attraction will be closed for refurbishment from 8/28/17 – 11/16/17
Hall of Presidents – This attraction remains closed for updates. Disney hasn’t released official word regarding a re-opening but insiders speculate it will be later this year.
Cinderella’s Royal Table – Will be closed February 28 – March 2, 2018

Water Parks

Typhoon Lagoon – Annual Refurbishment is scheduled from January 7, 2018 – TBD.
Blizzard Beach – Annual Refurbishment is scheduled from October 29, 2017 – January 6, 2018

Disney Transportation & Road Closures:

ESPN’s Wide World of Sports – Intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise impacts can be expected along Osceola Parkway / Victory Way until further notice.

Walt Disney World Resorts:

Art of Animation Resort – Due to Disney’s new Skyliner (gondola system) construction noise can be heard throughout the resort. Rooms closest to the water will be the most affected.
Beach Club Resort – Work is currently being done to the convention center and is not expected to be completed until 2/1/18. The Beach Club bus stop has also been moved to the parking lot of the Beach Club Villas with a courtesy shuttle to get guests to the stop.
Boardwalk Villas – The resort is currently undergoing refurbishment. Construction can be heard during daytime hours.
Caribbean Beach Resort – Currently undergoing refurbishment to its Main Building. Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters, Cabana Pool Bar, as well as Calypso Trading Post will be closed until fall 2018. Alternative dining options are available.
Contemporary Resort – Chef Mickey Chef Mickey’s will be relocating to the Convention Center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort beginning November 28 through sometime in December 2017. The dining and character experience will remain the same.
Coronado Springs Resort – Updates to the Convention Center as well as construction of a tower that will house 500 additional guest rooms are currently being carried out. Guests can expect to hear and see construction during daylight hours.
Old Key West Resort – Updates are being made throughout the property which may result in pathway closures and other slight disruptions. The project is slated to last until June 28, 2018.
Pop Century – Room updates are being carried out through summer 2018. Noise may also be heard along the waterfront as Disney installs its new Skyliner gondola transportation system.
Port Orleans French Quarter – Room refurbishments will take place early January 2018 through spring 2018.
Yacht Club – Work is currently being carried out at the Convention Center until February 1, 2018. Captains Grille has been temporarily relocated to Ariel’s.

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As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help save you time and money planning your next Disney vacation. The best part is my services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (229) 977-3773. Join me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.