FIRST LOOK: Part of Grand Avenue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Opened Today

By

-

September 29, 2017

FIRST LOOK: Part of Grand Avenue at Disney's Hollywood Studios Opened Today

A section of Disney’s Grand Avenue opened today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Chip and Co. was there to see it for the first time. Let’s take a look!

FIRST LOOK: Part of Grand Avenue at Disney's Hollywood Studios Opened Today

Themed after the industrial era in downtown Los Angeles.

FIRST LOOK: Part of Grand Avenue at Disney's Hollywood Studios Opened Today

Detailed storefronts to go with the industrial theme.

FIRST LOOK: Part of Grand Avenue at Disney's Hollywood Studios Opened Today

We even get a peek at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

FIRST LOOK: Part of Grand Avenue at Disney's Hollywood Studios Opened Today

Take a look at the video below to get a glimpse of Grand Avenue at Hollywood Studios.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote today!

Find these tips helpful and would like some more to make your Disney vacation the most magical and stress-free ever? Click the link above and fill out the form or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote 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 and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations around the globe. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.770.800.6500, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Disney Vacation Club Members Gather for a ‘Liberty Feast’ This Thanksgiving

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 29, 2017

Disney Vacation Club Members Gather for a ‘Liberty Feast’ This Thanksgiving

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is hosting Thanksgiving Dinner for Disney Vacation Club members. Booking begins Oct. 10 (and continues through Nov. 17 or until all spaces are full, whichever comes first).

Taking place on Nov. 23 from 3-5 p.m. in the resort’s Fantasia Ballroom, this year’s celebration will include a Colonial-inspired “Liberty Feast,” non-alcoholic beverages (with alcoholic beverages available at a cash bar to those ages 21 or older with valid ID), live entertainment (including characters, with photos available at an on-site print studio) and a variety of themed activities (including special activities for kids).

Presented as part of Membership Magic Ever After, these special “Culinary Magic” holiday dinners customize table settings to meet the individual needs of each traveling party (with tables available for as many as 16 guests), eliminating a common dining challenge for families of varying sizes.

The cost is $70.60 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $39.95 plus tax and gratuity for kids ages 3-9 (guests ages 17 or younger must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian).

Here are a few notes to keep in mind before calling Member Services to book your reservation:

Credit card payment is due in full at the time of booking, and any cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance of the event to avoid surrendering full payment. Remember to note any food allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of booking. This special event isn’t part of the Disney Dining Plan and isn’t eligible for the 10 percent Disney Vacation Club Member discount. Please allow ample travel time to reach the resort, and remember to bring your Disney Vacation Club Membership Card, which you’ll need to present at check-in.

When giving thanks, don’t forget to be thankful for turkey legs in Disney Parks, the culinary gift that keeps on giving all year long. (Just making sure you were still reading this.)

Disney Vacation Club Members Gather for a ‘Liberty Feast’ This Thanksgiving

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.

First Look at BaseLine Tap House Opening Today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 29, 2017

First Look at BaseLine Tap House Opening Today at Disney's Hollywood Studios

BaseLine Tap House opens today in the new Grand Avenue area of Hollywood Studios. Specializing in California brews and wine BaseLine Tap House is sure to please. Let’s take a look.

First Look at BaseLine Tap House Opening Today at Disney's Hollywood Studios

BaseLine Tap House offers spacious outdoor seating and will be a great place to take a break and relax at Hollywood Studios. Please note BaseLine Tap House does not participate in the dining plans.

Check out our video to see more!

Who is ready to head over to BaseLine for a cold drink?

UPDATE: Thank you to Chris Holland for sharing some of his great photos of the Baseline Tap house Opening Day!

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote today!

Find these tips helpful and would like some more to make your Disney vacation the most magical and stress-free ever? Click the link above and fill out the form or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote 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 and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations around the globe. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.770.800.6500, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Chris Holland

Five Ways to Celebrate National Coffee Day at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 29, 2017

Disney World

Java lovers: today is your day! It’s National Coffee Day! What better way to celebrate one of the most exciting days of the year than at Disney World? Here are the top five ways to celebrate. Number one is also a a way to save on your beloved drink:

1. Brace yourself – Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. kiosks throughout Walt Disney World Resort are offering hot (16 oz.) or iced (24 oz.) coffee for $1 all day on Sept. 29! Here’s a full list of Joffery’s locations. And while you’re at it, you might want to pick up one of their famous, larger-than-life donuts. The pink frosted is a personal favorite.

2. For the connoisseurs out there, did you know Walt Disney World Resort signature restaurants offer Joffrey’s coffee served by French Press? You won’t want to miss this service style for one of the most aromatic and flavorful ways to enjoy your favorite cup.

3. If nitro cold brew coffee is more your speed, head to Tea Traders Café at Disney Springs. It’s made with nitrogen which makes the coffee extra creamy and delicious. It is also one of many perfect backdrops for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse inspired coffee art as Tom shared with Disney Parks Blog readers last month.

Disney World

4. If you’re like me and have a major sweet tooth, the Mission to S’mores Latte, available hot or iced, at Revive in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park is where you will want to blast off to. Bring on the chocolate and marshmallow goodness!

5. Finally, perhaps the best way to end your day of touring all of the delectable coffee offerings throughout the resort is with a specialty coffee cocktail. The Joffrey’s kiosk near the UK Pavilion at Epcot offers a Kahlúa-tini, iced coffee topped with Kahlúa, Grey Goose Vodka, and rich and creamy half & half. Cheers!

And if you want to take that delightful cup of joe home with you and celebrate National Coffee Day all year long, be sure to check out the Disney Parks & Resorts Specialty Coffee Collection brewed to order by Joffrey’s. You won’t want to miss Artifact Blend, the newest addition to the collection, inspired by Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

How are you celebrating National Coffee Day this year?

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

Five Ways to Celebrate National Coffee Day at Walt Disney 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.

Credit: Disney

Yummy Turtle Cupcake at Landscape of Flavors in Disney’s Art of Animation

By

Chip

-

September 29, 2017

Walking through Disney’s Art of Animation Resort yesterday I stopped into the Landscape of Flavors Food Court for a quick treat. While trying to decide what sweet snack I wanted to try I stumbled across this House-Made Turtle Cupcake.

For only $5.99 you can take this yummy treat back to your room and devour it like we did.

I totally forgot to take a photo of the cupcake as I was eating it but let me tell you it was wonderful. I love sweet & salty treats!

If you are needing something sweet maybe after a meal or like us before bed grab one of these from the Art of Animation Food Court – Landscape of Flavors.

Hollywood Studios Baseline Taphouse Menu released

By

Chip

-

September 29, 2017

The Baseline Taphouse in Hollywood Studios is opening soon and we have a sneak peek at their all-new lounge menu. The Baseline Taphouse is part of the all new Grand Avenue area right next to Sci-Fi Dine in.

(I will post screenshots of the menu below if you are having issues)

The Mood

The industrial buzz of modern-day Downtown Los Angeles is bottled in the re-imagined Grand Avenue area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Among the bustling office and warehouse exteriors is a charming little brick building fizzing with character. The interior aesthetics pay homage to the Figueroa Printing Company—a mom-and-pop print house that once enjoyed a flourishing partnership with Disney Studios. If you’d prefer the terrace, step outside and shade yourself under a picturesque tree canopy.

The Food

A flavor-forward menu of small bites and dreamy flights is the perfect way to savor the afternoon or cap an evening. The crowning glory of BaseLine Tap House’s offerings are—without a doubt—its broad selection of California craft ales, lagers and cider. Don’t let that deter you from trying the variety of California wines on tap or specialty cocktails! There’s plenty of gourmet non-alcoholic lemonade and soda to go around, too. Soak up these sensational suds with a Bavarian pretzel slathered in mustard and beer-cheese fondue, spiced almonds or a charcuterie board highlighting delicious California cheeses.

Here is a look at their menu:

Hollywood Studios Baseline Taphouse Menu released

Snacks & Small Plates

Bavarian Pretzel

with Beer Cheese Fondue and Spicy Mustard

$9.00

California Cheese and Charcuterie

Toma Farmstead Cheese, Point Reyes Original Blue Cheese, Laura Chenel’s Sonoma Goat Cheese, Chorizo and Calabrese Salami, Cornichons, Grapes and Toasted Baguettes

$10.00

Spiced Almonds

House-made Sweet and Spicy Toasted Almonds

$6.00

Specialty Non-Alcoholic

Blue Sky® Black Cherry Soda on Tap

Cocktails on Tap

Negroni

Hendrick’s Gin, Campari and Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth

$11.25

California Sunset

Absolut Berri Açaí Vodka, Southern Comfort, Orange Juice, Sweet-and-Sour with a float of Pomegranate Juice

$11.25

Menu items and prices are subject to change without notice.

* Consuming raw or undercooked meats, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

Steak and Egg Burger and Chili Cheese Fries From Art of Animation

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 29, 2017

Art of Animation

Landscape of Flavors is the quick service dining restaurant at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The restaurant serves a wide array of American cuisine, including six different burgers from their ‘burger shop.’ One of the burgers featured on the menu is this delicious “Steak” and Egg Burger, made up of an Angus burger, cheddar cheese, bacon, and topped with a fried egg, this incredibly satisfying burger is just $14.29 and comes with your choice of two sides. Burger Shop sides include, coleslaw, french fries, house-made potato chips, and caesar salad.

Steak and Egg Burger and Chili Cheese Fries From Art of Animation

If you’re looking for a more hearty side…or in my case, a snack, The Burger Shop at Landscape of Flavors also includes a Chili-Cheese Fries for Two on the menu. For $8.99 you can enjoy a large plate of fries, generously topped with melted cheese and hot chili. Split it with a friend, or indulge in the goodness yourself! I promise I won’t tell!

I just love Disney food, will you be trying either of these tasty dishes during your next trip?

Burger

Click here for your FREE, no obligation quote!

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!

Celebrate Halloween at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 28, 2017

Aulani

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse have taken their happy haunts to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. The Halloween season has been in full swing at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida, with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and with Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim California. Now, guests visiting Disney’s Hawaiian resort next month can partake in a variety of spooky seasonal offerings.

The Halloween festivities will take place the last week of October, lets take a look at the activities that will be available for guests on property:

Ohana Pumpkin Carving Contest – taking place October 24th & 25th, families will select a pumpkin to carve, the pumpkins will then be displayed in the Pau Hana Community Hall. Resort guests will vote on their favorite carvings, and winners will be awarded October 26th during Ohana Movie Night. -reservations are recommended
Keiki Pumpkin Decorating – On October 29th & 30th Aulani’s youngest guests may choose a mini pumkin from the Pau Hana Pumpkin Patch and decorate it.
Halloween Aloha-Style Dance Party – October 31st, join your Disney friends on the Halawai Lawn for a spooky dance party. Guests can dress up and enjoy crafts, games, and face painting.
Aulani Resort Trick-Or-Treating: Also on October 31st, guests can trick-or-treat throughout the resort. Pick up a “treasure map” at the Halawai Lawn to locate the candy.

There is so much Halloween fun to be had across all the Disney destinations! Will you be enjoying any of the festivities this year?

Aulani

Click here for your FREE, no obligation quote!

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 and Image: Disney Parks Blog

The Renovations are Complete at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 28, 2017

The Renovations are Complete at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort have completed the largest transformation in the resort’s history: a $140 million, a three-year project which included a redesign of all guest rooms, complete transformation of the Dolphin Resort lobby and renovation of all meeting space.

“This is both a huge accomplishment for our team and a significant moment for our guests,” said Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort General Manager Fred Sawyers. “With the transformation now complete, our guests can enjoy a stylish new look, new amenities, the latest in technology, an operation with more than a quarter-century of excellence in serving guests and a prime location at Walt Disney World Resort, all in one property.”

The Renovations are Complete at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

The completion of the project also means the resort returns to operating at full capacity just in time for the openings of Toy Story Land (2018) and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (2019) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which is within walking distance of the resort.

The resort celebrated the milestone with a special ceremony on Thursday.

The Renovations are Complete at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

Overall, the redesign included:

Guest rooms:

All 2,267 guest rooms were completely transformed to a new look which reflects the resort’s water-themed architecture. Noted interior design and architecture firm Garcia Stromberg/GS4 Studios designed the rooms, drawing inspiration from the resort’s original designer, the renowned late Michael Graves. The new rooms offer guests a relaxing oasis featuring hues of white, blue and gray, sleek multi-functional furniture and all new bathrooms featuring vanities with backlit mirrors on iridescent glass tiles
Technology upgrades include the addition of more outlets and USB ports for charging devices and new high-definition TVs. The resort will also soon introduce new interactive TV software, allowing guests the ability to check out from their room and cast their own video streaming services from their personal tablets and mobile devices to their in-room TV.

Public Space:

The new Dolphin Resort lobby, designed by ICRAVE, features a contemporary look with a new geometric ceiling, enhanced lighting and more than double the amount of guest seating. The centerpiece of the new lobby is a grand chandelier stretching 20 feet from the ceiling with nearly 1,000 strands and about 10,000 individual crystals suspended above the Dolphin fountain

The Renovations are Complete at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

For the first time since its opening, the resort has built a completely new dining venue. Located in the Dolphin lobby, “fuel” offers high-quality quick service and grab-and-go food and drink options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast options include pastries from world-champion pastry chef Laurent Branlard, muffins, breakfast sandwiches and wraps and a variety of coffee, tea, and espresso options. Lunch and dinner options include sandwiches and salads. Those with a sweet tooth will find Branlard’s signature desserts and chocolates as well as frozen yogurt and a wide assortment of candy

fuel

Phins, a new bar centrally located in the Dolphin lobby and seating up to 150 guests, offers wines, beers, and cocktails along with appetizers perfect for sharing. Signature offerings include the resort’s own craft brew Phins & Feathers, wine on tap and creative cocktails. On Sunday mornings, Phins offers brunch-themed beverages including a variety of bloody marys and sparkling options

The Renovations are Complete at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts Phins Phins

Phins

Coming soon will be new private poolside cabanas furnished with lounge seating, tables, fans, refrigerators and television for rental. Each cabana will include full food and beverage service

Meeting Space

A new 2,800-square-foot meeting and event space, Lake View, offers scenic outdoor views of the resort’s private lake and picturesque Dolphin Resort
All of the resort’s 332,000 square feet of meeting space has been transformed with an updated appearance
New technology includes electronic reader boards throughout the meeting space and the latest in high-density Wi-Fi offering high-speed, uninterrupted internet to groups as large as 15,000 people

fuel

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Redesign By the Numbers:

$140 million – cost in dollars of the entire project
3 – length in years of the project
6 – phases of room renovations to keep the resort open to guests throughout the project
2 – new food & beverage venues introduced: the grab-and-go Fuel and bar Phins
2,267 – number of guest rooms redesigned and upgraded
86 – number of meeting rooms redesigned or added
9,890 – total number of individual crystals in new Dolphin lobby chandelier
6 – number of new pool cabanas at the resort

Let’s start planning your visit to Disney World! There are still great rooms and discounts available! 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!

The Renovations are Complete at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

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.

Credit: Disney

Serve up Deviously Delicious Drinks with the Disney Villains Mini Glass Set

By

Danielle

-

September 28, 2017

Disney Villains Mini Glass Set

I’m a huge fan of seasonal theme nights, and dinner parties, especially around Halloween time. So I’m always looking for the perfect additions that decorate and compliment the themes I choose. This Disney Villains Mini Glass Set would be perfect for a Villain theme night!

The Disney Villains Set is a 4-Pack lets you say cheers with Ursula, Cruella, Maleficent and the Evil Queen. This set includes four mini glasses. The glasses each represent a different villain character. Each mini glass holds approximately 1.5-ounces of liquid. Express your love for Disney with this awesome Mini Glass Set! There’s also a Nightmare Before Christmas glass set if that’s more your style for a spooky evening!

Would you use this Disney Villains Mini Glass Set all the time, or just for special occasions?

Art of Coloring: The Nightmare Before Christmas Coloring Book

By

Danielle

-

September 28, 2017

This is Halloween, this is Halloween, okay it’s almost Halloween, but it will feel like it with the Art of Coloring: The Nightmare Before Christmas Coloring Book, that is perfect for this season.

Tender Lumplings everywhere, and fans of all ages will enjoy these stunning pen-and-ink illustrations of beautiful landscapes, elaborate patterns, and memorable characters from Disney’s hit stop-motion animation feature Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Like the previous Art of Coloring Books, this one will also have the lay flat book block on the back, and 100 images of fantastic and ghoulish delights.

I’m probably most excited for this one out of all of the Disney Art of Coloring books released so far. Which one has been your favorite? If you haven’t seen all the ones available yet, you can check them out below.

The Art of Coloring: The Nightmare Before Christmas Coloring Book is available on Amazon.

Step into the Season with The Nightmare Before Christmas Socks

By

Danielle

-

September 28, 2017

Step into the Season with The Nightmare Before Christmas Socks

Boys and girls of every age, wouldn’t you like to see something strange? No, okay well then how about some adorable The Nightmare Before Christmas Socks then? They’re a frightfully fun way to keep your toes cozy for the Halloween season.

Scream! This is Halloween! As sweet as Jack & Sally, this sock pack of five has us asking, what’s this? What’s this??? The ankle style socks all vary in design, but the message is clear – The Pumpkin King + Sally + your feet = simply meant to be. Of course with a little Oogie Boogie thrown in too!

Check out The Nightmare Before Christmas Socks on Amazon with free Prime Shipping!

Happy Hauntings!