Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World to Reopen This Week

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December 18, 2017

It’s been just about a year that the Hall of Presidents was closed for a refurbishment. Rumors continued to circulate on when it would be reopened. Today we can confirm the reimagined Hall of Presidents will open tomorrow, Tuesday, December 19. Enhancements to the attraction will bring the story of the American Presidency to life like never before.

The epic theatrical production was envisioned by Walt Disney himself to honor the country by honoring the presidents of the United States. This endeavor began with a single animated figure of President Abraham Lincoln that was developed for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. In 1971, advances in technology made it possible for Imagineers to make Walt Disney’s vision a reality by including every chief executive who ever served the United States of America.

The history of innovation at The Hall of Presidents continues to this day. In addition to updating the show’s content, Imagineers have incorporated the latest in theatrical design and Audio-Animatronics technology. Landmark moments in history come alive on a panoramic 180-degree screen that transports guests across more than 200 years of the American story. High-impact projection, sound, lighting, and other enhancements take guests into rare and indelible moments in history that helped define a nation.

As has been the tradition with every new president since the attraction debuted, an Audio-Animatronics figure of President Donald J. Trump has been added to the show and features the latest advances in technology that enable smoother and more lifelike movements. President Trump personally recorded remarks exclusively for The Hall of Presidents, just as each sitting president has done for the attraction since the early 1990s.

Rich in innovative storytelling and tradition, The Hall of Presidents carries a legacy and passion for American history that has been part of Disney Parks for more than 50 years.

Highlights from the new Hall of Presidents.

Video Credit : Disney

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Disney Officially Announces That A New Cirque du Soleil Show Is In Development for Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2017

Cirque du Soleil

We announced earlier this year that “La Nouba” (pictured), the current Cirque du Soleil show running at Disney Springs will be holding it’s final performance this New Year’s Eve. Since then, there has been much speculation as to what if anything would be going into the performance space located on the West Side of Disney Springs.

Today, Disney made an official announcement that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group are currently working together on an exciting new collaboration. This new original show will be created by Cirque du Soleil and will pay homage to Disney’s rich history of animation.

Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group had this to say about this exciting new collaboration: “We are incredibly inspired by Disney’s immense creative universe. We are convinced that bringing Disney’s magic to life on stage will touch audiences and bring them back to their childhood.”

As of going to print, no official date for the project has been announced. Readers are encouraged to keep following along with Chip and Co. for the latest in Disney and Cirque du Soleil news and updates.

In the meantime, if you’ll be at Disney World before the end of the year, you should definitely consider getting tickets for the gorgeous and thought-provoking “La Nouba” before it goes dark at the end of this year. Purchase tickets online today.

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Disney Officially Announces That A New Cirque du Soleil Show Is In Development for Disney Springs

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Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. 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.

A Contract Extension Keep Bob Iger at the Company Helm Until 2021

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2017

bob iger contract extension

Along with the news of the Disney-Fox deal that come out last week, Disney has also announced that they have extended the contract of Bob Iger,Chairman and Chief Executive, through 2021.

The extension was not a total surprise. It was expected as a way to give the company stability though the integration of Fox’s assets. The deal is likely to face a lengthy review period, and will take 12 to 18 months to close the company said.

Iger is staying “at the request of both 21st Century Fox and the Disney board of directors,” according to Disney.

And he will be well compensated for his extended time with Disney. His annual base salary is expected to increase to $3 million at the beginning of 2018. This is an increase of 20% over his previous contract. After Fox transaction closes, his base salary will rise to $3.5 million. The company has set a target bonus of $20 million for Iger, plus $25 million in stock.

Originally Iger was set to pass on the reigns at the end of June 2016. A two-year extension in 2014 changed that. His contract was extended again in March to run through July 2, 2019, giving Disney additional time to search for a successor.

Iger’s time at Disney has been hugely successful for investors. The company’s overall stock-market value has grown 256% since Iger became CEO. This is more than double the 117% increase in the benchmark Standard & Poor’s 500 index during that span. The current overall stock-mark value is not at $163 billion.

The next head of Disney will certainly have big shoes to fill. And since few inside candidates have emerged through the search, it is thought Disney will be looking outside of the company. Or perhaps the Fox deal will offer a new candidate pool.

This latest extension will give Disney time to find the best possible successor for Iger.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Photo Credit: Disney

‘Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic’ Premieres Tonight

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2017

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to take the Adventures by Disney Yuletide Fantasy Tour at Walt Disney World. Part of the tour took us behind the scenes of the magic that is involved in getting the Parks ready for the holidays. Unfortunately, we weren’t permitted to take pictures while we were on the tour which I was kind of bummed about since I would have loved to share some of the magic. However, with tonight’s Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic show airing on FreeForm tonight, viewers get behind-the-scenes access of the larger-than-life themed Christmas trees, miles of lights, garland, and wreaths that bring the spirit of the season alive for Guests this time of year.

Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, will air tonight at 8 pm EST, as a part of Freeform’s annual “25 Days of Christmas” programming lineup. With special co-hosts Disney Channel’s Descendants star Sofia Carson and “Dancing with the Stars” winner Jordan Fisher, the festive one-hour event will reveal how the holiday magic comes alive at the Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resorts.

“As a longtime friend of Mickey, there’s no place I’d rather spend the holidays than at the Happiest Place on Earth,” Whoopi said. “To see the incredible work that goes into turning the parks into a winter wonderland is truly magical, and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”

Tune in and let us know what you think!

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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.

Image/Source Credit: Disney

Gaze Into The Land of the Dead During a Visit to Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2017

Fans of the Disney•Pixar film Coco are in for a special treat at Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion. If you look into some of the windows at the front of pavilion you will notice that you are joined by Coco’s ancestors greeting you from The Land of the Dead.

Here’s a look at a few tweets shared by one Disney visitor showing this amazing new feature in stunning detail:

Coco ghosts appear in new Epcot Mexico lobby windows. Seen photos 1 & 3. pic.twitter.com/8By3s3NWTn

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 16, 2017

Here are a few more shots of the stunning ghosts and colorful Land of the Dead details added into the windows:

Coco ghosts appear in new lobby windows at Epcot Mexico. Seen photos 1 & 2. pic.twitter.com/x9djWUzwQo

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 16, 2017

This is just one of the Coco-themed touches that have been added to the festivities over at the Mexican Pavilion in the World Showcase. In addition, there is also a Coco-inspired Mariachi Band called El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecelia. The new Mariachi band plays favorites from the Coco film including “Remember Me” and “The World Es Mi Familia.” However, visitors should note that the band will only be there for the holiday period and will wrap up performances on January 6, 2018.

Thinking about a visit to Disney World? Read below to find out how you can get your FREE quote.

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Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. 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.

Image copyright bioreconstruct.

Select Disney World Hotels Eligible for 60-Day FastPasses, Extra Magic Hours

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2017

B Resort Spa exterior Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels

Rumors have been circulating for some time now that select Disney World Hotels would be eligible for a 60-day FastPass window. Today, we can officially confirm that for 2018, Disney is extending some benefits that are currently available to Walt Disney World Resort Guests and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Guests. Each Guest, with a valid theme park admission, staying at one of the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels, which are designated Official WALT DISNEY WORLD Hotels will be extended these benefits. The Disney Spring Resort Area hotels include:

B Resort & Spa
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort
DoubleTree Guest Suites by Hilton Orlando
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Palace
Hilton Orlando Resort Lake Buena Vista
Holiday Inn Orlando
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista

Guests at these Hotels will receive the following benefits:

Access to Extra Magic Hours: Guests with a valid theme park ticket, can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours benefit as each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks opens early or extends later for Guests to enjoy select attractions. This benefit will be available January 1 to December 31, 2018.
60-Day FastPass+ Booking Window: Currently, Guests staying at the Hotels listed are allowed to start booking FastPasses 30 days prior to their arrival date. Beginning January 10, 2018, Guests can utilize a 60-day booking window for FastPass selections. Guests will also be able to link their reservation directly to their My Disney Experience account.

These are definitely some big changes! What do you think about them?

Let’s start planning your next Disney World vacation? 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.

Painting With A View Classes Will Be Offered to DVC Members in 2018

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2017

Painting With A View Classes Will Be Offered to DVC Members in 2018

Disney Vacation Club Members will soon be able to explore your artistic side at Painting with a View painting classes. DVC Members can join an instructor-led painting class at Top of the World Lounge, located at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Classes will begin on January 2, and will be offered on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 am to 11:30 am and Thursday afternoons from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Members will receive instruction from Award-winning artist Marla E. She will show students how to bring the magic of Disney to life using basic art supplies. Different paintings are featured each day—so you can book a Tuesday class and a Thursday class and create 2 different pictures. The price of each class is $50 per person.

During this experience, you can also enjoy:

Refreshments — Tuesday Morning Classes

During morning classes, you can start the day with a light breakfast. Adults ages 21 and older can also enjoy a complimentary alcoholic beverage. Additional alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Refreshments — Thursday Afternoon Classes

During afternoon classes, you can delight in complimentary snacks, water and soda during this event. Adults ages 21 and older can also enjoy one complimentary glass of wine or beer. Additional beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Incredible Views

Top of the World Lounge is one of the most exclusive spaces at Walt Disney World Resort. It offers sweeping views of Magic Kingdom park from the 16th floor of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

A Commemorative Keepsake

At the end of this event, you can take your creation with you—for a fun addition to your home or office!

Members may book up to 180 days in advance by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Full payment is required at the time of booking, with a credit card guarantee. For same-day booking, call the Community Hall at Bay Lake Tower at (407) 824-1347. Same-day availability is not guaranteed. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance to avoid surrendering the full payment.

Important Information

Valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card and photo I.D. required at check-in.
Guests must be at least 12 years of age or older. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying participating parent or guardian.
Guests must be 21 years old with a photo I.D. to consume alcohol.
Pricing and hours are subject to change without notice.
Subject to restrictions and changes without notice.
The Top of the World Lounge and observation area are not part of Membership. Limited access is based upon availability and may be terminated without notice.
The featured painting changes each month.

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Port Orleans French Quarter Now Has Gingerbread Spice Beignets

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2017

Gingerbread Spice Beignets French Quarter

Who isn’t a huge fan of the Beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter?!

But Gingerbread Spice Beignets sound even more amazing and perfect for the holiday season.

As a Winter Special you can now get Gingerbread Spice Beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter. $3.99 for 3 of them or $5.49 for 6 of them – go for 6, I’m pretty sure you’ll regret it if you don’t!

?IMPORTANT PSA?

French Quarter now has Gingerbread Spice Beignets. pic.twitter.com/YsUTDqXtQD

— Monorail?Maelstrom (@MonorailOswald) December 18, 2017

They are a “winter special” so we don’t know how long they’ll be available so make sure you try them before they’re gone.

New Limited Edition Star Wars MagicBands for The Last Jedi

By

Danielle

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December 17, 2017

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is officially here, and so is lots of unique new limited edition merchandise! One Chip and Co fan, John shared with us one of the new Limited Edition Star Wars MagicBands inspired by the Last Jedi.

This new MagicBand is on the beautiful new base color of white, and is a collision of the Light Side and Dark Side of the Force. A burst of blue pops into the picture behind Rey who wields a blue lightsaber, while the other side has red seeping in, and Kylo Ren looking menacingly over his shoulder. This band has a limited edition run of just 4000. There is also a Praetorian Guard MagicBand available too!

Do you like the Light Side versus Dark Side look of these new Star Wars MagicBands?

Special Thanks to John Morris for the share!

Guests Staying at Shades of Green Resort Can Now Make 60 Day Fastpasses

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 17, 2017

Guests Staying at Shades of Green Resort Can Now Make 60 Day Fastpasses

One of the downsides of stay at the Shades of Green resort was that guests were not able to make their Fastpasses until 30 days out from their trip. Well, it has been confirmed by Disney that guests are eligible to make their Fastpasses at 60 days, just like the other Disney resort guests!

The reservations are now able to be linked to My Disney Experience Accounts, which also means that you can now make your Advance Dining Reservations 180 days prior to check in for up to 10 days of your trip.

Previously Shade guests could only make them 180 days out from the desired date like all other non-Disney guests.

Please note: Free MagicBands are not a part of the package!

If you would like to use MagicBands you would need to purchase your own and link it to your account.

Guests Staying at Shades of Green Resort Can Now Make 60 Day Fastpasses

Click here for your free no obligation quote!

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.

Have You Tried the Campfire S’mores Funnel Cake at Disneyland Park?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 17, 2017

Campfire S'mores Funnel Cake Disneyland

There is something so fun about roasting marshmallows and making S’mores!

The Campfire S’mores Funnel Cake takes that marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker goodness and marries it with the awesomeness of funnel cake!

https://twitter.com/DisneylandToday/status/940710363422691330

Located at Stage Door Café in Frontierland at Disneyland Park, this is one treat you’ll want to make sure you try.

Avoid The Lines In Animal Kingdom With Disney’s Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 17, 2017

Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour

Are you ready to enjoy a wild nighttime tour of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park riding attractions and exploring lands with expedited access via FastPass+? Are you wanting to avoid those 3 hour wait times to experience Avatar Flight of Passage? Then the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour might be what you’re looking for!

On this 4-hour group guided tour, you will discover a landscape shimmering with lights and brimming with life at night. Embark on an expedition through the icy peaks of the Himalayas. Ride in an open-air vehicle on the lush African savanna. Journey deep into a bioluminescent rainforest on a riverboat. And see a brilliant fusion of water, sound, and light at a show that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before!

Enjoy all this with expedited access via FastPass+ on this brand new, first-of-its-kind tour where you’ll experience the following attractions and show:

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (44″ height requirement)
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Avatar Flight of Passage (44″ height requirement)
Na’vi River Journey
DINOSAUR (40″height requirement)
The nighttime spectacular Rivers of Light

You’ll also enjoy signature snacks and a specialty beverage (non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage—for Guests 21 and older) along with a souvenir lanyard and other surprises.

Valid admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is required and is not included in the price of the tour. Please check in at the courtyard of DINOSAUR in DinoLand, U.S.A. This tour is currently offered on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays – aside from blockout dates. The Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour only takes place on days when an evening performance of Rivers of Light has been scheduled.

For more information, pricing, and reservations call (407) WDW-PLAY or contact an Authorized Disney Travel Agent.

Know Before You Go:

Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour start time is 4 hours before the nighttime spectacular Rivers of Light and is an outdoor walking tour, so check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. The tour will occur rain or shine unless deemed unsafe.
Please be aware that the tour’s itinerary may change depending on attraction availability and other conditions.
Allergies must be noted at the time of booking.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
No cameras, video equipment or cellphones may be used while visiting backstage areas.
Guests 17 years and under must be accompanied by a paying participating parent or guardian.
Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour must be paid in full at time of booking.
Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour must be canceled at least 48 hours prior to the tour to avoid a fee equal to the price of the tour.
Pricing and information are subject to change.
Late arrivals will not be able to join the tour.
Valid theme park admission is not included.
Annual Passholders, Disney Chase Visa Cardmembers and Disney Vacation Club Members qualify for a 15% discount.
Wheelchair and ECV accessible, however, Guest must be able to transfer to experience most attractions.

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Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2018 discounted packages available. 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.