Guests Unlock $100,000 For Elephant Conservation Through ‘Connect to Protect’ in Pandora

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September 2, 2017

Connect to Protect

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating a big milestone in their “Connect to Protect” program. Visitors to Pandora – The World of Avatar have unlocked the first contribution of $100,000 from the Disney Parks by participating in adventures and casting their votes.

Visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Pandora take part in numerous conservation-themed ‘missions’ that connect them with the local animal and plant life on Pandora via Facebook Messenger. These missions are facilitated by one of the moon’s digital ecological specialists, Fitsimti “Fits” Buckley.

By completing one or more missions, each guest unlocks a $10 contribution to be made through the Disney Conservation Fund, or a $5 contribution just for discussing conservation with Fitsimti. Those guests will then get to choose how the contribution (of up to $100,000 per animal) will help protect or restore habitats important to one of 10 threatened categories of animals: apes, elephants, butterflies, coral reefs, cranes, monkeys, rhinos, sea turtles, sharks/rays, and tigers.

Each animal can receive up to $100,000 for a total commitment of $1 million from Disney Parks to protect and restore the habitats critical for their survival. This first donation will help protect habitats for elephants in Kenya.

With an estimated 96 elephants lost each day due to threats like habitat loss and poaching, our efforts are more important than ever. This $100,000 grant will provide critical support to the Wildlife Conservation Society to restore forest habitat and create wildlife corridors, enabling elephants to safely move throughout their range in East Africa.

Guests Unlock $100,000 For Elephant Conservation Through ‘Connect to Protect’ in Pandora

In 2016, the Disney Conservation Fund announced a new initiative called “Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time,” aimed at reversing the decline of at-risk wildlife through scientific research, community collaboration, and increasing the time kids spend in nature to inspire them to care for the planet. The Fund is supporting leading nonprofit organizations that are working to protect threatened wildlife and inspire a lifelong love for nature in young people. In addition to funding, the initiative is also providing opportunities for Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team to apply the expertise and talents of its cast members and employees to help threatened animals.

The Reverse the Decline organizations supported by the Disney Conservation Fund that will receive the contributions from the Connect to Protect program are:

International Crane Foundation (Cranes)
International Rhino Foundation (Rhinos)
Save the Golden Lion Tamarin and Wildlife Conservation Network/Proyecto Tití (Monkeys)
Perry Institute for Marine Science (Coral Reefs)
The Jane Goodall Institute (Apes)
University of Florida Foundation (Sea Turtles and Butterflies)
Wildlife Conservation Society (Elephants, Sharks/Rays, and Tigers)

Will you be taking part in the “Connect to Protect” program during your next Animal Kingdom visit? Which animal will you choose for your contribution?

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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

Non-Character Breakfast Available at Trattoria Al Forno

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2017

Non-Character Breakfast Available at Trattoria Al Forno

Earlier this year beloved Princesses Rapunzel and Ariel, and their Princes Flynn Rider and Eric began visiting with guests dining at Trattoria al Forno’s Bon Voyage breakfast. Bon Voyage is a delightful character dining experience, but not every guest wants to dine with royalty. If you love the food at Trattoria al Forno and are looking to enjoy a nice quiet meal with lower prices, I’ve got great news for you, non-character breakfast is still available at the restaurant. The best part? You don’t need reservations!

Non-Character Breakfast Available at Trattoria Al Forno

Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. anytime during breakfast hours guests can walk-up to Trattoria’s check-in and request a non-character dining experience. The restaurant offers quiet indoor and outdoor options for those wishing to steer clear of the characters. Located right on the Boardwalk, Trattoria’s outdoor seating provides a beautiful waterfront view.

Non-Character Breakfast Available at Trattoria Al Forno

Along with a more quiet dining experience, choosing to dine without characters also saves you money. Since you aren’t partaking in the character meal, your bill is much cheaper than the Bon Voyage breakfast meal. Here is a look at the “secret” menu for the non-character breakfast:

Trattoria Non-Character Breakfast Available at Trattoria Al Forno

Have you experienced Trattoria al Forno? Personally speaking, I loved the Bon Voyage breakfast, my food was amazing and the character experience was great. I do see the appeal of a more quiet meal, perhaps on my next Walt Disney World trip without the kids! Which breakfast would you rather have?

Trattoria

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As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can save you money and time planning your MAGICAL vacation! My planning services are always 100% FREE! Contact me today for your FREE, no obligation quote,[email protected] or follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates, deals, and travel tips!

Two New Magic Kingdom Locations To Be Added To Mobile Ordering Service

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2017

Aloha Isle

A little over a week we brought you the news that new quick service locations were going to be added to the Mobile Ordering Service. We now know when the two Magic Kingdom locations will go live. Hooray for faster Dole Whips!

The Lunching Pad will go live on September 5th
- Located in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom
Aloha Isle will go live on September 6th
- Located in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom

Mobile Order, Disney’s food ordering service, can be found in the My Disney Experience App and offers the added convenience of being able to place orders and purchase meals on-the-go. You select menu items, customize orders and pre-pay for meals during park visits – all within the app.

Here is a tutorial video on how to use the Mobile Order feature:

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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: WDW Info

Image Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Annual Passholder Buttons Available At Select Booths During 2017 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2017

During the 2017 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can collect some very cute collectible buttons while experiencing select marketplaces. When Passholders make a purchase at any of the eight festival booths a complimentary unique button can be received.

Passholders will need to present a valid Annual Pass Card in order to receive their button. These are separate from the collectible buttons for Annual Passholders found at the Festival Center featuring a new design each month.

Annual Passholder Buttons Available At Select Booths During 2017 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival — Thanks to Chip and Co friend Mark A for the photo!

The five new booths include:

Light Lab
Flavors from Fire
Coastal Eats
Active Eats
Earth Eats
Chocolate Lab
Cheese Studio
Wine & Dine Studio

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.

It’s a Spooky Game Night with The Nightmare Before Christmas Yahtzee

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Danielle

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September 1, 2017

Nightmare Before Christmas Yahtzee

Boys and girls of every age, wouldn’t you like to play a spooky game? I’m a huge fan of all things Tim Burton, and I’m also a huge fan of themed games for game night. The Nightmare Before Christmas Yahtzee game would be the perfect addition to the collection for a spooky game night!

Jack Skellington adds a frightfully fun twist to the classic dice game with this Collector’s Edition Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Yahtzee Game. Shake things up with the custom dice featuring your characters. It’s sure to give tender lumplings everywhere, fun with a good scare! It’s Yahtzee fun worth screaming about!

Would you host a spooky Disney Halloween game night with The Nightmare Before Christmas Yahtzee game?

Independent Federal Mediator Hired by Disney for Wage Negotiations

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2017

Disney and the Service Trades Council Union met at the negotiating table this week to discuss the wages of Disney Cast Members. Since both sides came to the table with numbers that were very far apart from each other, Disney decided to hire an independent federal mediator to aide in the negations. This is not the first time Disney has hired the assistance of a mediator in Disney/Union talks. Usually, they are brought in during a later stage of talks though.

The labor relations vice president for Walt Disney World Resorts, Robin Almand, explained their decision in a letter to the president of the STCU, Ed Chambers: “Given the union’s limited availability and the significant delta between our wage proposals … we are enlisting the services of an independent federal mediator. We believe the use of a mediator will be beneficial for all involved to assist the parties in reaching an agreement.”

Disney went into the negotiations presenting a 2.5% wage increase for existing Cast Members. They also wanted to freeze the rate for new Cast Members at $10 per hour. The STCU was looking for an increase on new Cast Members pay from $10 per hour to $15 per hour after three years of being employed. They are also looking to raise the rate of employees who receive tips from $5 per hour to $8.10 per hour. As you can see, both sides are way far off from the other.

Both sides have until October 24 to reach an agreement. Their next scheduled meeting is on September 19 and 21.

The STCU is representing about 38,000 Disney Cast Members; or about half of the workforce of Disney World.

Let’s start planning your visit to Hollywood Studios and Disney World! There are still some great deals available for this Fall! 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!

Independent Federal Mediator Hired by Disney for Wage Negotiations

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Singer Toni Basil Files Lawsuit Against Disney and Others For Use Of Song “Mickey”

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2017

Toni Basil

Singer Toni Basil has filed a lawsuit against Disney, Viacom, VH1 and others for unauthorized use of her persona, image and voice. Basil best known for her 1982 hit song “Mickey” claims that she was “not consulted, did not give written consent to the assignment or licensing of ‘Mickey.'” The suit goes one to state that Basil’s “exclusive right to publicity has been damaged by the coupling with Mickey Mouse and the Disney brand.”

Most of the complaints Basil listed were against Razor & Tie Direct who she claims had obtained the rights to the song. Other entities were listed including the retail chain Forever 21 and the Comedy Central show South Park. Forever 21 promoted a line of Disney clothing line using “Mickey” in a promotional video. South Park has a scene from a 2008 episode where Basil’s “voice is synchronized to a scene in which South Park characters can be seen flipping over a police car with at least one character chanting, ‘Obama you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind, hey Obama, hey Obama.'”

Basil is claiming damages in excess of $25,000. You can view the full court document here.

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ESPN

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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.

Source Credit: The Hollywood Reporter

Image Credit: A&M Records

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will Host Nearly 6,000 Youth Athletes Labor Day Weekend

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2017

ESPN

The Walt Disney World Resort hosts many youth athletes throughout the year, and this weekend will kick off their busiest youth sports weekend of the year. The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be home to around 5,594 athletes competing in sporting events for football, volleyball, and more. Here is a list of the weekend’s events:

KSA Events Labor Day Volleyball
KSA Events Football Game of the Week
DIsney Labor Day Baseball Classic
Disney Soccer Showcase Qualifier

In the most competitive event, 228 soccer teams will compete in the Disney Soccer Showcase Qualifier. This event is the precursor to the heralded Disney Soccer Showcase, one of the premier high school soccer recruiting events in the nation. Champions from this weekend will earn automatic selection into the Disney Girls Soccer Showcase in November and the Disney Boys Soccer Showcase in December.

Also, the complex will host 38 baseball teams in the Disney Labor Day Baseball Classic. The event gives athletes one last chance to play with their 2017 summer team. This year, the event welcomes 23 teams from Florida and 15 teams from Massachusetts, Puerto Rico, New York, Illinois, Connecticut, Virginia and the US Virgin Islands combined.

As the transition to fall sports gets underway, football, field hockey and volleyball teams are kicking off their seasons in various KSA events at the complex including KSA Events Labor Day Volleyball and KSA Events Football Game of the Week.

ESPN

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As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can save you money and time planning your MAGICAL vacation! My planning services are always 100% FREE! Contact me today for your FREE, no obligation quote,[email protected] or follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates, deals, and travel tips!

Source: Disney Sports News

The Headless Horseman Returns to Fort Wilderness Campground With Exclusive Halloween Event

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2017

If one of your favorite things about visiting Walt Disney World at Halloween is witnessing the chilling ride of the Headless Horseman down Main Street U.S.A than you won’t want to miss the “Return To Sleepy Hollow” event heading to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground this Autumn.

This exclusive event will include a group viewing of the 1949 Disney Animated classic film “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” held at the resorts Tri-Circle-D Ranch stables as well as an up-close and personal interaction with the Horseman himself.

The Return to Sleep Hollow will take place at Fort Wilderness on the following dates:

September 29 – October 2
October 5 – 9
October 12 – 16
October 19 -23
October 26 – 31

The event will be held from 8pm – 10pm. And a word of warning, this event sells out at lightening speed so if you’re interested in booking its essential to get those tickets straight away. Tickets cost $22 per person (ages 3 and up)while premium seating (which includes a priority photo like the one below) and a treat bag costs $38 per person.

Guests 3 and up will also receive an exclusive limited edition pin.

So call today and make your reservations – If you dare!

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Thinking about a visit to Disney World? There are still great 2017 packages to be had and 2018 packages are now on sale! 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 Fastpass and dining 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

Images copyright Disney

3-year-old Boy Not Allowed to Participate in ‘Princess Makeover’ at Disneyland Paris

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2017

Disneyland Paris

NBC News is reporting that a little 3-year-old, Noah, was denied from attending a “Princess for a Day” experience at Disneyland Paris since he was a boy. Disneyland Paris has since issued an apology.

Noah absolutely adores Princess Elsa from Frozen. His mom states that he was “buzzing with excitement” when he learned about the opportunity to be made into his favorite Disney Princess at the Disneyland Hotel.

Noah’s mom, Hayley McLean-Glass, gifted this unique opportunity to Noah as an early Christmas present. McLean-Glass was beside herself when she received the following response via email when she attempted to register Noah: “At this time it is not possible to book princess for a day for a boy.” Per the Disneyland website the description of the makeover experience states: “Grant every little girl’s wish with a real Princess’s make-up and hair-styling session; a fairytale transformation they’ll treasure forever.”

Disneyland Paris is said to have “sincerely apologized” to McLean-Glass and stated that this was an isolated incident. They also stated that this won’t happen again.

3-year-old Boy Not Allowed to Participate in 'Princess Makeover' at Disneyland Paris

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New Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour Added at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2017

New Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour Added at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World has just announced the addition the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour at Animal Kingdom. This new tour is part of the Enchanting Extras Collection.

This tour will give guests the opportunity to experience Animal Kingdom as the park transitions from day to night. The tour guides will treat you like a VIP as they share their detailed knowledge of the critters and creatures that call Animal Kingdom home.

The part of the tour that guests may very well be enjoyed the most by guests is expedited FastPass+ access to many of Animal Kingdom’s favorite attractions including:

Flight of Passage
Na’vi River Journey
Expedition Everest
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Dinosaur
Rivers of Light

The tour takes approximately four hours. The cost of the tour is $249 + tax per person. There is a discount available for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa cardholders. Separate theme park admission is required and not included in the cost of the tour.

For more information about the Enchanting Extras Collectionor to make reservations, call 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

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New Models for Toy Story Land, Star Wars Land, & Mickey Minnie’s Runaway Railroad to Debut This September at Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2017

This is exciting! Orlando Theme Park News is reporting that the re-imagined One Man’s Dream, which will be reopening on September 8 as Walt Disney Presents, will have never-before-seen models of Toy Story Land, the marketplace from the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and the concept art for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad.

In addition to guests being able to catch the first glimpses of these new attractions coming to Hollywood Studios, the new Walt Disney Presents will have some old favorites. Guests will still be able to take a self-guided tour to learn more about Walt’s life starting with his childhood and leading up to him creating Disneyland and Disney World. Popular meet and greets like the most recent one with Star-Lord and Groot will also continue to take place at the attraction. (Disney has not confirmed if Star-Lord and Groot will remain or if a new round of characters will be introduced.) Guests will also be able to enjoy special sneak previews of upcoming Disney movies.

We will have a reporter covering the attraction when it opens next week. Keep following along to see the first pictures of the new models and concept art!

Let’s start planning your visit to Hollywood Studios and Disney World! There are still some great deals available for this Fall! 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!

New Models for Toy Story Land, Star Wars Land, & Mickey Minnie's Runaway Railroad to Debut This September at Hollywood Studios

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.

Image Credit: Disney