D23 Expo 2017 Official Mobile App Has Been Released

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July 7, 2017

D23 Expo 2017 Official Mobile App Has Been Released

Are you going to D23 Expo 2017 next week? If so you want to make sure you are prepared! The Expo has so many presentations and entertainment scheduled that you want to make sure you put together a good strategy for seeing it all. Have no fear, I have a solution! The D23 Expo Official Mobile App became available overnight in the app store and it will help you navigate all the entertainment, presentations, shopping, photo opportunities, and magic that Disney has in store. The app is available for download in both the Google Play and iTunes app stores.

Here are some of the helpful features of the app….

Maps will help you navigate your way through D23 Expo 2017 and find everything you need from stages and stores to photo spots and more.
See the full schedule of presentations and entertainment, and get up-to-the-minute information on StagePass availability.
Personalize a schedule that keeps you on track to see and do everything you’re dreaming about, find out who’s available for autograph sessions and where to find them, and learn about special guests.
Locate exclusive D23 Expo and Disney products.
Updates will be made throughout D23 Expo 2017.

Make sure you stay tuned next weekend. Chip and Co will be reporting from D23 Expo 2017, confirming all of those exciting rumors we have have been hinting at!

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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.

Delight Your Sugar Tooth This Month at Walt Disney World Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 7, 2017

Walt Disney World is the perfect place to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth! Disney Parks Blog is giving us a taste of some specialty treats offered in this month.

Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs is the perfect spot to indulge in tasty treats to go and enjoy a Joffrey’s coffee offerings. This month Amorette’s Patisserie is featuring Sunday Coffee, Crème Brûlée, an Exotic Fruit Parfait with layers of coconut, raspberries and passion fruit and a Blueberry Lemonade pastry, with blueberry mousse, coconut dacquoise, white glacage, fresh blueberries and coconut.

Another Disney Springs favorite is Sprinkles Cupcakes. In July you can enjoy a lemon-blueberry cupcake, which features a lemon cake bursting with wild blueberries and a lemon-cream cheese frosting. If ice cream is more your thing then be sure to look for Sprinkles’ crème brûlée ice cream or Moscow Mule Mocktail featuring vanilla bean ice cream and a ginger-lime mule mix.

If your plans include a visit to Epcot, be sure to make a pit stop at Taste Track to try three new sundae offerings. Choose from Berry Explosion, Chocolaty Churro or Apple Pie. Available until Labor Day, each over the top sundae is layered with soft-serve vanilla ice cream, house-made whipped cream and over-the-top treats!

Trying to watch your figure while at Walt Disney World? Enjoy a fruit and yogurt parfait at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor inside the Magic Kingdom Park. This parfait features layers of vanilla yogurt, fresh berries and granola.

We can always count on the Disney’s Contemporary Resort pastry chefs to whip up delightful creations. This month’s specialty includes a vanilla cupcake with blueberry filling and a cinnamon-blueberry buttercream frosting, topped with sprinkles and white chocolate shavings. These masterpieces are available until July 29 and can be found in the grab-n-go section of Contempo Café.

Which tasty treat gets your mouth watering? Let us know in the comment box below.

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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.

A New Table-Service Restaurant Is Coming To Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 7, 2017

A New Table-Service Restaurant Is Coming To Disney's Yacht Club Resort

A brand new table service dining location is coming to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort called The Ale & Compass Restaurant. Replacing Captain’s Grille, this casual restaurant will have a gastropub ambiance with New England-inspired comfort foods. The surroundings are described as being inspired by the cozy warmth of a lighthouse with an on-stage hearth oven as the focal point. We haven’t heard yet what exactly will be on the menu but we do know that it will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Ale & Compass Restaurant will also be on the Disney Dining Plan.

A New Table-Service Restaurant Is Coming To Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Another exciting addition is the expansion of the lobby lounge to 58 seats. It will also get a new interior and a new menu featuring classic cocktails and light bites. Both the Ale & Compass Lounge and Restaurant are expected to debut in October 2017.

A New Table-Service Restaurant Is Coming To Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Both of these additions are preceded by the opening of The Market at Ale & Compass. This quick-service location offers 28 seats for guests to dine on an array of menu offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of the options include sticky buns, grilled paninis, spinach and feta pastries, and a veggie sandwich with roasted broccoli and garlic, kale, almond, golden raisins and cheese on a whole-grain baguette.

The Market at Ale & Compass also offers a grab ‘n go section with sandwiches, salads, and kid friendly items. For thirsty guests, a Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine, beer and wine, and a specialty drinking station that offers both specialty coffees and smoothies will complete their meal. A small merchandise area will be part of this space but it is still under refurbishment and expected to open later this month.

What do you think? Will you be trying out the new Ale & Compass Restaurant when it opens? Stay tuned to Chip and Co as we will update everyone once we hear more on the menu.

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

Video Tour of the New Circle D Ranch, Home to the Disneyland Resort Horses

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 7, 2017

Last month Disneyland Resort celebrated the opening of the Circle D Ranch. This 5.5 acre ranch is the permanent home to the “Happiest Horses on Earth.” The Circle D Ranch includes a spacious barn, outdoor arena, round training pens and large turnout areas where the horses can play.

In the video below, join Circle D Stage Manager Jennifer Gable on a virtual tour of this equine oasis and meet some Mickey’s favorite horses.

Don’t you just love how each of the horses have their own Disney name tags on their stalls and above their harnesses?

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Interested in planning a Disney vacation? Fill out the form below for a FREE quote.

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.

Cool Off This Summer With New Offerings at Shanghai Disney Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 7, 2017

Shanghai Disney

If you’re looking for a place to cool off this summer, Shanghai Disney Resort is the place to be! Fresh off their one year anniversary celebration, Shanghai Disney is kicking off summer with some wet and wild fun. Now through September 3rd, you can enjoy a brand new castle show, a pre-parade with Duffy and ShellieMay, some surprising additions to a few of your favorite shows, and more.

Shanghai Disney

During the new Summer Blast Castle Show Mickey and friends will journey through scenes from some of the latest Disney movies, like Zootopia, Finding Dory, and Moana. Guests will dance and sing-along during this new 15 minute show, and enjoy the summer twist as you are playfully sprayed with water by beloved Disney characters! Summer Blast isn’t the only way to beat the heat at Shanghai Disney this summer, a few of the classic shows have been re-imagined with water features for the season, including:

Bai Ling Story Time – Little Mermaid
The Swabbies Cool-Off
A Pirate’s Life in Summer

Throughout the summer season Mickey’s Storybook Express parade will be led by Duffy and ShellieMay in Duffy’s Splashing Pre-Parade. The pre-parade will follow the regular park parade route and features dancers with hand-held wands that will sprinkle guests with water, to keep cool.

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A post shared by Yi Gao (@gaoyi_91)

Along with the new summer shows, Shanghai Disney Resort has released some seasonal drinks. Along with Dory’s Deep Blue Sea Cooler, pictured above, you can also try Stitch’s Aloha Colada, Nick’s Wilde Fruit Cooler, Donald’s Castle Float, and Gusteau’s Chocolate Gateau Milkshake. Pair any of the drinks with the park’s new Adventure Isle corn dogs, for a satisfying meal.

Shanghai Disney

In between all the entertainment and refreshments, be sure to pick up some of the new themed merchandise to remember your summer vacation!

Cool Off This Summer With New Offerings at Shanghai Disney Resort

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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!

Image Credit: Disney Parks Blog & @gaoyi_91

Cirque du Soleil Purchases Blue Man Group

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2017

Blue Man Group

Cirque du Soliel has just announced that they have purchased Blue Man Productions. Blue Man Productions is the parent company of the popular and unique Blue Man Group show. The move is designed to help expand the presence of both companies.

Currently, Blue Man Group has five permanent shows across the United States including one at Universal CityWalk in Orlando. The other cities are Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, and New York. Their iconic show has been operating for almost 30 years now and an estimated 35 million viewers.

Cirque du Soleil has a much higher presence by operating in over 50 countries across the globe including one at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. The Cirque show at Disney Springs, La Nouba, will be making it’s final performance on New Years Eve of this year. Cirque was originally founded in 1984 and La Nouba has been a fixture at Disney Springs for the past 19 years.

Both shows offer different experiences and it sounds like they will both stay that way. Daniel Lamarre, Cirque’s chief executive, was quoted as saying, “The Blue Man Group will keep its autonomy. We’re not going to mix the Cirque du Soleil brand with the brand of the Blue Man Group.”

Paint the town blue! #CirqueduSoleil is happy to welcome @bluemangroup to the team. Find out more: https://t.co/z30uoxIAox pic.twitter.com/I8CKyv1CW1

— Cirque du Soleil (@Cirque) July 6, 2017

With this news, it is certain that the Blue Man Group will be expanding outside the borders of the United States. Lamarre said, “We saw the potential for a marketing and distributing powerhouse like Cirque du Soleil to be able to distribute Blue Man Group and make their brand better known internationally.”

The question now remains what will be the future of Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group in Orlando? Since both shows will remain their separate identities, there is likely to be no change to Blue Man Group at City Walk. With La Nouba’s final performance right around the corner and no replacement show yet named, it will be interesting to see if Cirque will want to keep a double presence in Orlando by bringing in another show.

Let’s start planning your visit to Walt Disney World or any other Disney Destination! CLICK HERE or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Cirque du Soleil Purchases Blue Man Group

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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.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Will Be Coming to Home Video In 4K UltraHD

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2017

Guardians Vol 2 Home Video

Guardians of the Galaxy writer and director James Gunn revealed on Facebook this week that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. will be the first movie by Disney to be released in 4K UltraHD when it hits stores later this Summer.

4K Ultra HD means a much clearer picture with at least 8 million active pixels making it even higher than the average resolution at movie theaters. Gunn states that this new format is “the best way you can see this movie at home – with more definition and the most vibrant colors possible on your home screen, and with the brightest brights and the blackest blacks. A being composed of light truly appears to be a being composed of light! This version is a roiling cinematic river of beauty and I’ve taken hundreds of hours personally making it look the best it can.”

Gunn also announced that the movie will also be released in 3D and teased that both versions will include additional content that will be unveiled in the weeks ahead.

No definitive date has been set for home release though various sources are reporting that the movie will hit the shelves in late August.

For the latest Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 news and updates keep following along with Chip and Co.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Will Be Coming to Home Video In 4K UltraHD

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

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

Image copyright Disney

DVC Members Can Take Advantage of Special Ticket & Annual Pass Offer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2017

Disney Vacation Club logo

Walt Disney World just released a great ticket offer and annual pass discount for Disney Vacation Club members. Both the annual pass discount and ticket offer must be purchased by January 3, 2018.

Annual Pass Offer

Beginning today DVC members can enjoy a 25% discount on the Disney Platinum Plus Annual Pass. This pass is priced at $559 and includes the following great benefits:

One year of admission to all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks (during normal operating hours)
The ability to go from park to park on the same day—with NO blockout dates
Theme park parking
Admission to 2 fantastic Disney water parks1, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex2 and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
Disney PhotoPass downloads
Special offers for stays at Disney Resort hotels
Discounts on dining, merchandise, recreation and tours are also included

DVC members looking to renew their passes can take an advantage of a free extra month offer. Renew your annual pass by October 1, 2017, and you will receive a 13 month pass. Remember, you can renew your pass up to 60 days in advance of the expiration date.

Walt Disney World Ticket Offer

DVC Members can purchase a 7-day ticket for the price of a 5-day ticket. The pricing for these tickets starts at $370 person.

Important Ticket Offer Information

Ticket must be first used by December 31, 2018.
Tickets are valid for admission beginning July 6, 2017 and must be used within 6 months of first use or by June 30, 2019, whichever occurs first.
Offer valid for the Disney Vacation Club Members and up to 7 family members (must live in the same household).
All tickets and options are nontransferable and exclude activities/events separately priced.
Multi-day tickets are valid for one Walt Disney World theme park per day for each day of the ticket.

Disney Vacation Club Members have three ways you can take advantage of these offers:

Online: Sign in to your account to purchase online
By Phone: Call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800
On-site: Visit any Walt Disney World theme park or Guest Relations location

Click here for more details on both of these offers.

Click here for a FREE, no obligation quote!

Interested in planning a Disney vacation? Fill out the form below for a FREE quote.

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.

STK Orlando in Disney Springs Adds Children’s Menu

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2017

One of my favorite restaurants at Disney Springs, STK Orlando, has just become more family-friendly with the addition of a children’s menu.

The upscale steakhouse in Disney Springs features an innovative menu, in-house DJ, and a stunning outdoor patio. Adult guests can dine on everything from oysters and seafood to amazing hand cut steaks. Now, children will be able to enjoy house-made chicken fingers, crispy mahi fingers, and the always popular mac and cheese.

Here is the complete children’s menu:

Make sure to finish your meal with one of STK Orlando’s sweet treats. My favorites are the mini ice cream cone sampler and orange dream cheesecake!

In addition to the children’s menu, Disney Springs recently added a brunch menu as well.

Let’s start planning your visit to Walt Disney World or any other Disney Destination! CLICK HERE or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

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.

Fantasmic! Dining Packages Now Open for Booking at Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 6, 2017

Disneylang Fantasmic! Dining

As we reported a few weeks ago, Disneyland will be welcoming back Fantasmic! which will begin wowing crowds once again starting on July 17th and will even be throwing in a new scene or two!

We area also pleased to let you know that Fantasmic! Dining Packages are returning and can be booked starting today. Guests can choose from one of these three amazing locations:

Blue Bayou- For a truly unique dining experience head to the Blue Bayou for amazing New Orleans Style Cuisine in a restaurant that shares its space with the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. You can even watch guests sail past while you dine. Dinner service starts at 4pm and the cost to dine here as part of the package is $65 for adults and $25 for children (3 -9). Costs do not include taxes or gratuities.

Hungry Bear Restaurant – Perfect for families on the move, the Hungry Bear Restaurant is offering an On-The-Go Fantasmic! offer that includes your choice of entree (from a special Fantasmic! Dining Package menu) as well as an admission ticket to the reserved viewing area. Meals can be picked up from 3pm and the cost is $29.99 per adult and $19.99 for children.

River Belle Terrace – Is there anything more romantic than looking out onto the Rivers of American while dining on an amazing 3-course meal? How about being able to watch Fantasmic! from the same location. The price to dine here as part of the Fantasmic! dining package is $45.00 per adult and $25.00 per child (ages 3 – 9) tax and gratuity not included. And for an extra $15 guest can pay for the premium option to watch the 8:00pm Fantasmic! show right from the comfort of your own table.

Guests should note that valid Disneyland Park admission is required and not included with the price of this dining package. This is a wildly popular dining package and spaces are expected to fill up quickly. Guests are encouraged to book well in advance. Bookings can be made online or by calling (714) 781-DINE.

For more information on the Fantasmic! Dining Package visit Disneyland.com.

Fantasmic! Dining Packages Now Open for Booking at Disneyland

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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

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

Image copyright Disney

Disney Twenty-Three Magazine Features Photos Of 40 Legends In Disney Settings

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 6, 2017

Disney Twenty-Three Magazine Features Photos Of 40 Legends In Disney Settings

Disney twenty-three magazine will be releasing a stand-alone issue in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Disney Legends award, created to honor those who have significantly contributed to the Disney legacy. This special magazine issue will feature all 267 award honorees. It will also spotlight the 10 new Legends who will be inducted at D23 Expo 2017 next week.

Since 1987, the award has been given to individuals who have worked with and for Disney in front of the camera and behind the scenes, from the shining stars of the silver and small screen to the creative minds behind its films, attractions, music, and entertainment.

For the issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Disney twenty-three Photo Editor Ty Popko photographed 40 Legends in Disney settings: from Walt Disney’s Office Suite and the Walt Disney Archives to Walt Disney World Resort and the Good Morning America studios. Featured Legends include Tim Allen, Hayley Mills, Paige O’Hara, Regis Philbin, Anika Noni Rose, Lea Salonga, Richard Sherman, and Dick Van Dyke. Kurt Russell, also photographed for this issue, gives a first-person account of his time working for Walt himself and the many Disney adventures he has had over the years.

Disney Twenty-Three Magazine Features Photos Of 40 Legends In Disney Settings

Plus, Disney animator Eric Goldberg crafted a piece of artwork exclusively for this issue featuring more than 30 Disney Legends, including Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Angela Lansbury, and Robin Williams, at a fabulous “Legend-ary” party. As a bonus, D23 Gold Members attending D23 Expo 2017 will be able to receive a complimentary print of the artwork at the event.

Also included in the fall issue of Disney twenty-three:
• A Disney Legends-themed Ask Dave with Disney Legend Dave Smith
• Photographs from Disney Legends Awards ceremonies through the years
• A tribute to Annette Funicello by Richard Sherman

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The new issue will begin arriving in late July.

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.

These Lilo and Stitch Mouse Ears are Perfect for Summer

By

Danielle

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July 6, 2017

Lilo and Stitch Mouse Ears

There are certain Disney character that embody the seasons for me, Lilo and Stitch are definetly my Summer Disney muses. These Lilo and Stitch Mouse Ears from Closetgeeksite on Etsy are totally calling my name for a summer Disney trip!

These Lilo and Stitch Mouse Ears are Perfect for Summer

These Lilo and Stitch inspired ears are handmade and come in several styles! They feature Lilo and Stich inspired fabrics, and are complimented with a coordinating bow! I really love the Lilo dress bow! The bow and ears are attached to a comfy satin headband that is suitable for both adults and children. There are three different prints available, as well as three different bow designs, and you can mix and match them as you please! If there’s something I love, it’s being able to customize and make something more unique. You could even have group ears for your Ohana using the different mix and match designs! You can get your own pair of handmade Lilo and Stitch ears here!

Would you wear these mix and match Lilo and Stitch Mouse Ears for your next Disney trip?