Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for September 2017

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August 30, 2017

Refurbishment

In order to keep their rides running smoothly and safely, Disney World often needs to close attractions 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. That being said, here is a list of the rides and attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort undergoing refurbishment in September 2017:

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.
Stitch’s Great Escape – Has now become a seasonal attraction and is slated to be closed during non-peak periods.

Hollywood Studios:

Star Wars – A Galaxy Far-Far Way – This show will not be running from 9/13/17 – 9/27/17

Disney Transportation & Road Closures:

Monorail – The monorail is currently under refurbishment and is operating on a modified schedule. Guests should double check prior to using the monorail what that day’s hours will be. Alternative modes of transportation are also available.
Epcot Center Drive Area – On August 20th work began in the Epcot Center Drive area resulting in single lane and ramp closures.

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 refurbishments. Construction can be heard during daytime hours.
Caribbean Beach Resort – Is 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 through until 2018. Alternative dining options are available.
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.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Repairs to the monorail canopy will take place from 9/5/17 and run until 9/26/17. Garden View Tea Room will be closed from 8/28/17 – 9/1/17. Afternoon Tea and Perfectly Princess Tea Party will be cancelled for those dates as a result.
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 6/28/18.
Pop Century – Room updates are being carried out until 5/7/18. Noise may also be heard along the waterfront as Disney installs its new Skyliner gondola transporation system.
Wilderness Lodge – The Trout Pass Pool Bar is being converted to Salon by the Springs and is slated to re-open later this Fall.
Yacht Club – Work is currently being carried out in the Convention Center until 2/1/18. Captains Grille is also closed until 9/20/17 and has been temporarily relocated to Ariel’s. Ale and Compass Lounge also remains closed during the refurbishment.

Refurbishment

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Source: Disney

Neil Patrick Harris and Family Enjoy a Day at Disneyland Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 29, 2017

Neil Patrick Harris, star of How I Met Your Mother and long-time Disney supporter was spotted at Disneyland Resort this past weekend with his husband David Burka and two children.

Harris is regularly seen in and around the parks whether it’s on a family vacation, hosting the Disney Christmas special or returning as a guest narrator for Epcot’s Candlelight Processional.

Check out the Instagram post that Harris shared of his West Coast Disney visit:

Watching my family have experiences they will remember forever makes me love @disneyland and #disneycaliforniaadventure even more than I thought possible. Their commitment to quality entertainment is inspired and their dedication to creative ingenuity is inspiring. Thanks to all who work at this magical place. #grateful

A post shared by Neil Patrick Harris (@nph) on Aug 27, 2017 at 12:27pm PDT

Guests visiting Walt Disney World this holiday season may also get a chance to see Harris in person as he will be returning as to narrate Candlelight Processional from December 18th – 21st, 2017.

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Image copyright Disney

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Opening Weekend Experiences

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 29, 2017

EPCOT International

It’s almost here! The 22nd Annual EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival opens tomorrow, celebrating 35 years of EPCOT with 35 delicious marketplaces. This year’s festival is the biggest ever put on with celebrity chefs, culinary workshops, live music and special tasting experiences spread throughout the park. You’ll have 75 days to experience everything with the festival ending on November 13th.

With so much to see and taste we wanted to put together a list of the “don’t miss” experiences. When you first arrive make sure you stop by the Festival Center to pick up a schedule and a complimentary festival passport. You’ll need these to help navigate the festival.

Global Marketplaces

This year 35 global marketplaces will include five new marketplaces to help celebrate 35 years of Epcot –they include Active Eats (sweet avocado crema with strawberries, cake and tortilla streusel), Coastal Eats (lump crab cake with slaw and avocado lemongrass cream), Flavors from Fire and Light Lab (smoked corned beef with crispy potatoes, pickled onions and Blonde Ale Beer fondue), all expanding into the park’s Future World area. The Almond Orchard (cauliflower risotto with pulled chicken, artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese), hosted by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, is the fifth new marketplace located along the World Showcase promenade. You might consider a Tasting Sampler voucher ($65) for eight food or beverage items (some exclusions may apply). Plus you get a limited-release Epcot Food & Wine Festival trading pin. EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Opening Weekend Experiences

Celebrity sightings

Start your day Sunday, Sept. 3, with Chef Shaun O’Neale (winner of FOX TV’s “MasterChef”) first up for “What’s Cookin’ With . . .” held on select Friday and Sunday mornings in the Festival Center ($129). A cooking demo, breakfast and time for Q&A is all part of the fun. Look for returning favorites such as Alex Guarnaschelli, Buddy Valastro, Geoffrey Zakarian, Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine and more (schedule at epcotfoodfestival.com; reservations 407-939-3378).

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Opening Weekend Experiences

Eat To The Beat Concert Series

Every evening during the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival you can enjoy live music on the outdoor stage at America Gardens Theatre three times nightly. The first artist scheduled is Delta Rae, a folk rock band from North Carolina, Aug. 31-Sept. 1 (“Bottom of the River”).

Culinary Demos

Every day in the Festival Center (2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12:15 and 2:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday) you can meet a chef and hear stories and tips while they create a dish that everyone gets to taste ($17). Reservations recommended at epcotfoodfestival.com or by calling 407-939-3378.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Opening Weekend Experiences

Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!

Chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros show you the ropes ($49) with hands-on experiences. Opening day, it’s Chef Emily Ellyn mixing up fun with Cask & Crew Whiskey, and you get to play bartender and mix your own cocktail. (Mondays through Thursdays, additional hosts and topics are at epcotfoodfestival.com.)

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak

Kids will enjoy this fun filled scavenger hunt that takes you all over World Showcase. It’s a great way to get kiddos involved in the culinary adventure.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Opening Weekend Experiences

Looking ahead, some of our favorite celeb chefs are coming up: Sept. 15, Stuart O’Keeffe; Sept. 17, Jet Tila; Sept. 29, Graham Elliott. And there are five Party for the Senses grand tasting events this year (Sept. 23, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21 and Nov. 11), an extravaganza of food, beverages and themed live entertainment.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Opening Weekend Experiences

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival begins August 31 and runs through November 13 for a total of 75 days. Back to Basics series, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Festival Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission. Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can book some events at epcotfoodfestival.com and call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) for all others.

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

Disney Cruise Line Releases Full List of Super Heroes Appearing During Marvel Day at Sea

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 29, 2017

Marvel Day at Sea aboard select Disney Cruise Line sailings is your opportunity to get up close and personal with your favorite super hero and even a few villains! Marvel Day at Sea is guaranteed to be the largest gathering for Marvel characters on the high seas. Let’s take a closer look at the Marvel characters who will be joining in the fun along with the exclusive activities planned for these unique sailings.

Today, I’m thrilled to reveal that Black Widow and Hawkeye will also join this epic event. They are assembling with nearly a dozen others from the Marvel Universe, including Black Panther and Loki who will make their very first appearance as part of a Disney vacation experience. Since Black Panther and Loki will be joining us all the way from the remote Kingdom of Wakanda and faraway realm of Asgard, the opportunity to see these two icons is extra special.

The event also marks the first official appearance of Iron Man, Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Rounding out the roster of Marvel Super Heroes that will be onboard are Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor and Doctor Strange.

Throughout this day long celebration, you will have the opportunity to see some of these legendary characters from the Marvel Universe up close and in person …

If you’re booked on a Marvel Day at Sea cruise, you will be able to sign up for a designated time to meet Spider-Man, Iron Man and, for the first time, Black Panther during the sailing.
In addition, you’ll have the chance for heroic encounters with Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Doctor Strange, Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot and Loki.
Kids can train with some of their favorite Super Heroes in Marvel’s Avengers Academy.
During the action-packed deck show spectacular, more than a dozen of your favorite Marvel Super Heroes will come together for an epic finale.

Just some of your own heroic encounters may include sharing a salute with Captain America, joining forces with Black Widow, taking a selfie with Star-Lord, getting up close with Groot, coming face-to-face with Thor or catching Loki lurking around the ship. With all of these Super Heroes and a formidable Villain aboard, your adventure is sure to be epic!

The event premieres on select 7- and 8-night Bahamian and Canada cruises from New York this fall, and returns on select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018.

Want to start planning your Marvel Day at Sea Cruise or receive more information on a Disney Cruise? CLICK HERE 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 Cruise Line Releases Full List of Super Heroes Appearing During Marvel Day at Sea

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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: Disney

Even More Halloween Alex and Ani Bracelets Have Materialized

By

Danielle

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August 29, 2017

Halloween Alex and Ani Bracelets

Good and haunting news Alex and Ani fans! Even more Halloween Alex and Ani Bracelets have begun to make their appearance at the Magic Kingdom! Best of all, yet another one has a glow in the dark charm!

Even More Halloween Alex and Ani Bracelets Have Materialized

Three new spooky baubles are now haunting the Disney Parks! There first two are matching Mickey and Minnie charms showing off their Halloween attire. Each of these charms has a gothic looking frame. The Mickey has a deep vibrant background, and the Minnie a deep purple. These complimenting bracelets come in both the silver and gold tone versions.

Even More Halloween Alex and Ani Bracelets Have Materialized

The third, and by far my favorite of the new Halloween bangles, including the Halloween party one is the Mickey icon with bats. This simple, but spooky bracelet has a Mickey ears icon, with flying bat cutouts. The bat cutouts reveal a spooky surprise, they glow in the dark! This is a fabulous jewelry piece for Disney style fans obsessed with Halloween.

These are currently not available online, or through the Shop Disney Parks app. For even more details, and to find out how to order check out the Disney Fashionista!

Which of these haunting new Halloween Alex and Ani Bracelets is your favorite? Of course we know the Mickey bats one is my favorite!

This Loungefly Disney Villains Duffel is a Wickedly Stylish Accessory

By

Danielle

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August 29, 2017

Disney Villains Duffel

Are you looking for a wickedly stylish bag to show off your villainous side this spring? If you love the Dooney & Bourke Villains bags, but they aren’t in the budget, this Disney Villains Duffel by Loungefly is a perfect alternative.

Show off your dark side with this printed Disney duffel bag featuring your favorite Villains. This devious bag is a nice size to carry all your essentials, and then what ever else you want or “need”. It has dual carry handles to use as an arm bag, or a detachable strap to wear as a crossbody. Maleficent, Ursula, Cruella, and the Queen of Hearts will be sure to keep you fashion forward where ever you go.

Would you show off your villainous side with this Disney Villains Duffel?

Search for Kidney Goes Viral Thanks to Guest at Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 29, 2017

Robert Leibowitz, was at the Magic Kingdom on August 22 to celebrate his 60th birthday with his family including five children. He also has chronic kidney disease from a kidney infection he had when he was 12 years old.

Leibowitz is in desperate need of a kidney and receives dialysis three times a week. He is on the donor list but also has a rare blood type that makes finding a donor that much harder. He decided to take his need for a kidney to Disney World by posting “In need of a kidney – O positive – Call 917-597-2651” on his t-shirt.

In comes Rocio Sandoval. She was also at the Magic Kingdom on August 22 and saw Lebowitz walking around with the shirt in the photo. She decided to take action and post the following post on her Facebook page. She was under the impression at first that the kidney needed was for Lebowitz’s son who was in a wheelchair.

Sandoval soon found out that the kidney was actually needed for Lebowitz himself when she contacted to tell him her post had been shared over 80,000 times!

We hope Lebowitz finds that kidney he so desperately needs!

Let’s start planning your visit Disney World or any other 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!

Search for Kidney Goes Viral Thanks to Guest at Disney World

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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.

Tina Fey Checks Out Disneyland and Meets Her Biggest Fan Groot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 29, 2017

Tina Fey

Tina Fey, our favorite Russian prison guard from Muppets Most Wanted, recently visited Disneyland with her family to check out the new Guardians of the Galaxy: MISSION Breakout! attraction at Disney California Adventure Park. One of Tina’s “biggest” fans, Groot, came out to greet her with a very profound “I am Groot”.

Tina Fey Checks Out Disneyland and Meets Her Biggest Fan Groot

Earlier this year, Tina was spotted on the other side of the country vacationing with her family at Walt Disney World Resort. The awesome photo above was taken as Tina braved one of her favorite attractions, Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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

These New Star Wars Nail Wraps from JamBerry Are Out of This World!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 29, 2017

JamBerry has really outdone themselves this time! Today, they released a limited edition Star Wars collection that are out of this world amazing!

The wraps in this collection come with either a matte, metallic, sparkle, glossy, or even glow-in-the-dark finish.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the magical designs:

If you are not familiar with JamBerry, they make the cutest wraps to make your nails look amazing with little effort. They often feature other Disney-themed wraps as well.

If you would like try out these amazing wraps or any other of Jamberry’s awesome designs, CLICK HERE to purchase them from my preferred Jamberry Consultant, Jodi!

Let’s start planning your next trip to a Disney Destination to show off your new JamBerry nails! CLICK HERE 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!

These New Star Wars Nail Wraps from JamBerry Are Out of This World!

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.

New Bengal Rice Plate from Bengal Barbecue in Disneyland Park

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 29, 2017

Bengal Barbecue

Is it just me, or does Disneyland have the most amazing food selections? Bengal Barbecue is a quick service restaurant in Adventureland at Disneyland Park. The quick service location specializes in delicious sweet & spicy beef and chicken skewers. New to the menu is their Bengal Rice Plate – your choice of two regular skewers served on a bed of Jasmine Rice, with a side of Citrus-Miso Slaw.

https://twitter.com/DisneylandToday/status/902319900475174913

The Bengal Rice Plate is available for $15.99. Pair it with Bengal Barbecue’s Jungle Julep, a tropical slush with a mixture of grape, orange, pineapple, and lemon, for a wildly delicious meal!

Bengal Barbecue

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Ready to start planning your 2018 Disneyland vacation? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote from one of our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

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!

Walt Disney World Union Employees in Wage Negotiations with Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 29, 2017

Disney

Wage negotiations have begun between Disney and its 38,000 employees represented by Service Trades Council Union. The employees seeking an increase in wage live in Central Florida and work on the Walt Disney World Resort full-time or part-time, seasonal student employees and interns are not included in the ongoing negotiations. Disney has proposed a 2.5% increase in wages, while Cast Members represented by the union are pushing to raise their average salary from $11.28 to $15.71.

38,000 employees is a large chunk of the Central Florida community, and Disney understands this significance. “Our starting Cast Members currently earn nearly $2 more an hour than Florida’s minimum wage for entry level jobs,” Disney said in a statement. “We will continue to negotiate in good faith with the union to reach a fair and reasonable agreement.”

If Disney and the Service Trades Council Union fail to agree on an increase in wages before October 24th, other benefits in the contract will open for discussion.

Disney

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Ready to start planning your 2018 Disney vacation? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote from one of our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

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: Orlando Sentinel

Disney World to Develop Budget-friendly Shopping Complex Called “Flamingo Crossings”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 29, 2017

Walt Disney World

Back in 2007, Disney purchased a large parcel of land just past the western entrance of the park and was set to call it “Flamingo Crossings.” Plans to develop the land were set aside due to the recession hitting right around that same time.

Two hotels, SpringHill Suites by Marriott and TownePlace Suites, opened in 2016 and were the only development on the land. Well, that is all about to change. Disney just announced at the ICSC Florida Conference and Deal Making they will finally begin construction on the land with a budget-friendly shopping complex.

The 237,000 square feet complex will be similar to Disney Springs but will house more budget-friendly retail shops and fast-casual dining options. Development by Disney on the land will take place in three different phases with the first phase to be started as early as next year. Disney will likely offer land leases and lease building shells to tenants.

Here is a map of the new project:

Disney World to Develop Budget-friendly Shopping Complex Called "Flamingo Crossings" — Image Credit: Inside the Magic

In addition to the two hotels already in place, there are five hotels set to be added in upcoming years. With the off-property hotels and now value-friendly complex about to be built, Disney is hoping to make the Flamingo Crossing area a destination for budget-conscious guests.

Let’s start planning your visit Disney World or any other 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!

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.