Video – Disneyland Haunted Mansion Holiday Overlay

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September 27, 2017

Video - Disneyland Haunted Mansion Holiday Overlay

Now through early January 2018, the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland will be transformed into the Haunted Mansion Holiday with jack o’ lanterns and wreaths, terrifying toys and kooky characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. It’s a creep-tastic classic you won’t want to miss!

Explore the estate at its eeriest with tons of frightfully festive touches—courtesy of Jack Skellington!

Video - Disneyland Haunted Mansion Holiday Overlay

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.

Oscar Martinez, Longest-Tenured Cast Member at Disneyland, Announces Retirement

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Oscar Martinez

Oscar Martinez, the longest tenured cast member at the Disneyland Resort, has announced that he will be retiring today after 60 and a half years! He has become a Disneyland institution bringing smiles to guests throughout the years since 1956.

Oscar began his Disney career in the Fantasyland quick-service locations and eventually made his way up to the Carnation Cafe on Main Street, USA where he has spent the last 50 years. He has been greeting guests coming into the Cafe and posing for photos for all who want to meet him. Oscar even has his famous breakfast potatoes named after him on the menu.

Just after his 60th anniversary, Oscar was presented with an award created just for him at Walt Disney Imagineering. Learn more about Oscar and his award in this video!

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

Hauntingly Gorgeous Haunted Mansion Minnie Ears

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Danielle

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September 27, 2017

Haunted Mansion Minnie Ears

It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with the Haunted Mansion ride at Disney. I have lots of accessories and apparel items, but I realized I have no Haunted Mansion ears! So obviously I had to search for the perfect pair, and I have to admit these gorgeous Haunted Mansion Minnie Ears made me say WOW!

These Haunted Mansion Ears are 3D printed in your color choice, with am accent of purple and black flowers or a bow. One ear features the tight rope walker, a personal favorite of mine from the ride. The other ear features a detailed image from the iconic Haunted Mansion wallpaper. Mouse Shoppe Designs also offers other great ear choices for the Halloween season too!

If you aren’t looking for a Halloween set check out some of these too!

Would you wear these hauntingly beautiful Haunted Mansion Minnie Ears?

New Episode of “Science and Star Wars” Released Discussing Future Helper Droids

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

The second episode of the new digital series Science and Star Wars has been released by Disney and Lucasfilm, which explores how close real-world science has come to our favorite Star Wars technology. The newest episode answers the question: Are helper droids like R2D2 and BB8 in our not-so-distant future?

WATCH: Star Wars Engineers Construct Real-Life Helper Droid In “Science and Star Wars”

This ‘droid’ episode features:

Robonaut – a robot astronaut: Meet a droid whose purpose will be to one day command spaceships with no humans on board.
Star Wars droid builders construct a droid: Michael McMaster, Mike Senna, two of the real-life engineers who help Disney and Lucasfilm build and maintain the droids from the film, create a smart robot who answers Star Wars trivia intelligently.

Over the course the next eight episodes, the series will continue to explore science fantasy, science fact, and the gray area in between. Fans can catch this and future episodes exclusively on the Star Wars official Facebook page.

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.

Animal Kingdom Sumatran Tiger Cubs Announced As Brother and Sister

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Sumatran Tiger Cubs

Last month I brought you the exciting news that Sohni the Sumatran Tiger at Animal Kingdom gave birth to two adorable tiger cubs. Disney has announced that Sohni is the proud Momma of both a boy cub and a girl cub. How perfect right? They both weigh in around 12 pounds and are growing fast.

The last time we checked in on them they were brand new to the world. Now their eyes are open and are beginning to learn how to walk on their own. Awww! Disney’s team of animal care experts continuously monitor their progress. They have reported that Sohni and babies are bonding well and mom feeds and grooms them throughout the day.

Animal Kingdom Sumatran Tiger Cubs Announced As Brother and Sister

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums oversaw the Species Survival Plan that the tigers were bred through. They ensure responsible breeding and diverse populations of threatened and endangered species. Did you know that there are fewer than 500 Sumatran tigers in the wild today? Habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade all significantly threaten their existence.

Animal Kingdom visitors can help support Disney’s efforts to reverse the decline of tigers and other animals by taking part in Connect to Protect. This mobile adventure allows guests to participate in conservation “missions” with a digital scientist while exploring Pandora – The World of Avatar and helping protect the habitats of at-risk animals here on Earth. Every mission completed goes towards unlocking large contributions from Disney Parks. So far the first of ten $100,000 contributions from Disney Parks has been unlocked. This first donation is helping protect habitats for elephants in Kenya, but guests can still choose to support gorillas, migratory birds, butterflies and other species.

The tiger cubs will remain backstage for the next few months before guests will be able to see them on Maharajah Jungle Trek but stay tuned to Chip and Co for the latest updates.

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

Port Canaveral Suffers $2.9 Million in Damages From Hurricane Irma

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Port Canaveral

Hurricane Irma stormed into Central Florida just a few weeks ago and the tallies for damage caused by the storm to Port Canaveral are starting to come in. It is estimated that the damages are about 2.9 million. This number is actually less than the damages caused by last year’s Hurricane Matthew, which was not as strong as Irma. The damages caused by Hurricane Matthew came in right around 3.2 million.

The 2.9 million in damages is made up of a few different factors:

$1.5 million will go towards repairing the eastbound lanes of State Road 528
Another portion of the $2.9 million will be dedicated to repairing Terminal 8 at Port Canaveral. Terminal 8 is the terminal that Disney Cruise Line utilizes and had some minor damages prior to the storm hitting. These damages are described as “mostly superficial.”
$400,000 of the $2.9 million is from lost revenue due to canceled cruises. Two Disney Cruises and one Royal Caribbean had to cancel their scheduled sailings due to the storm.

Port Canaveral was officially open and fully functional a few days after Irma passed through.

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

Port Canaveral Suffers $2.9 Million in Damages From Hurricane Irma

As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Image Credit: Disney

Disney Bringing Experiences Directly From the Parks Into New Shop Disney Stores

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Yesterday, we reported that traditional Disney Stores and the online Disney Store are being completely reimagined in an effort to offer Guests more magical experiences. In addition to the store and website changing their names to “Shop Disney,” stores will now feature interactive experiences. Merchandise on the online store will be expanded to offer even more Pixar, Star Wars, Disney, and Marvel selections and even items directly from the Parks.

Well, today we are learning there will be even more magic to be had in store. Guests will be able to watch a live stream of Disney Parks parades. That means you can be in the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland without even leaving your local “Shop Disney” store! Also coming to these new stores will be nightly digital fireworks. The fireworks show will be displayed on the store’s giant storefront LED screen. Disney hopes these touches will bring even more storytelling magic to their stores. It’s also a way for people that don’t live near a Disney Park or who are homesick for their Disney Park to experience magic whenever the mood strikes.

Disney released the following statement: “We are a storytelling company and our vision was to create a retail space that reflected our heritage. Our stores are destinations and gathering places for fans of our iconic brands, and are often their closest physical Disney touch point so creating an authentic brand experience is key.”

Currently, there are three prototype stores open around the world. There are two right here in the United States with one being in Century City, California and another Northridge, California. Internationally, there is a location open in Nagoya, Japan. Another prototype store is scheduled to open in Miami, Florida tomorrow, September 28. Another store is scheduled to open in Munich later this year.

To read more about Shop Disney, please CLICK HERE.

Let’s start planning your visit to a 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!

Disney Bringing Experiences Directly From the Parks Into New Shop Disney Stores

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/Image Credit: Disney

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival’s Must-Try Food and Drink Options!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival's Must-Try Food and Drink Options!

Want the inside scoop on the delicious must-have food and drink options at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?

Check out the video below where Epcot culinary director, than Chef Gregg Hannon, and Chelsea Florig, festival manager, spill all the yummy details!

The Festival ends November 13th, so make sure to check out all the delicious offerings and be sure to let us know your must-try recommendations!

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival's Must-Try Food and Drink Options!

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.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for October 2017

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Disney Closures

In order to keep rides running smoothly and safely and resorts looking their best, Disney World often needs to close areas 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. Here is a list of the rides, attractions, and resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort undergoing refurbishment in October 2017 and beyond:

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.
Cinderella’s Royal Table – Will be closed February 28 – March 2, 2018

Water Parks

Typhoon Lagoon – Annual Refurbishment is scheduled from January 7, 2018 – TBD.
Blizzard Beach – Annual Refurbishment is scheduled from October 29, 2017 – January 6, 2018

Disney Transportation & Road Closures:

ESPN’s Wide World of Sports – Intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise impacts can be expected along Osceola Parkway / Victory Way until further notice.

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 refurbishment. Construction can be heard during daytime hours.
Caribbean Beach Resort – 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 until fall 2018. Alternative dining options are available.
Contemporary Resort – Chef Mickey Chef Mickey’s will be relocating to the Convention Center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort beginning November 28 through sometime in December 2017. The dining and character experience will remain the same.
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.
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 June 28, 2018.
Pop Century – Room updates are being carried out through summer 2018. Noise may also be heard along the waterfront as Disney installs its new Skyliner gondola transportation system.
Port Orleans French Quarter – Room refurbishments will take place early January 2018 through spring 2018.
Yacht Club – Work is currently being carried out at the Convention Center until February 1, 2018. Captains Grille has been temporarily relocated to Ariel’s.

Ready to start planning a Disney vacation? Click here for a FREE, no obligation quote or 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.

Behind the Scenes Look at the ‘Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade’ Waltzers

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 27, 2017

Behind the Scenes Look at the ‘Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade’ Waltzers

If you have been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, then you know exactly who we are talking about when we say the “Dead Waltzers.” For MNSSHP newbies, you can see these frightful dancing machines as part of the “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” as they waltz right down Main Street.

This fun parade is a guest favorite at the Halloween parties. It features Disney characters in Halloween costumes, entire parade units devoted to Disney Villains, candy and sweets and of course, the Haunted Mansion.

The Haunted Mansion unit in the parade is inspired by some guest-favorites found inside the attraction: the mansion’s creepy Butlers have turned into Gravediggers, the Hitchhiking Ghosts have finally found a ride, and the couples waltzing in the Haunted Mansion’s Ballroom Scene have taken their act on the road, literally, as the Dead Waltzers.

Disney Parks Blog recently spoke with Choreographer Larry Kornfehl to learn what it takes to become a Dead Waltzer in the parade. According to Larry, a Dead Waltzer is a coveted position that requires a lot of skill and even a little creativity, as each waltzing couple is asked to come up with a haunting storyline on who their character was in life and how they met their tragic end.

“As a couple, we ask them to create something of a story – did one of them fall off a cliff? Did one of them get electrocuted?” Larry said. “We like to have a lot of fun with it and some of the stories they come up with – oh my gosh – they’re very creative.”

Check out the video for a look inside the Dead Waltzer experience.

There is still time to experience this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Upcoming party dates are September 29; October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 and 31; and November 1.

Ready to start planning a Disney vacation? Click here for a FREE, no obligation quote or 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.

New Figment POP! Vinyl Figure Releasing for Epcot’s 35th Anniversary

By

Danielle

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September 27, 2017

Figment POP! Vinyl Figure

There has been lots of great peeks at the new special edition merchandise items coming to the Epcot 35th Anniversary Celebration. None have been as exciting to me as the Figment POP! Vinyl Figure though!

This vibrantly colored Funko Figment will debut on October 1st with the rest of the Epcot 35th Anniversary Collection. Figment will retail for $19.99 and be available at MouseGears and ImageWorks!

I can already say as a Funko POP! Lover I need this in my life! Is the new Figment POP! Vinyl Figure a must have for your collection?

Source: Inside the Magic

Availability Left On Select Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Sailings

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 26, 2017

Very Merrytime Sailings

Did you know that Disney Cruise Line has special holiday sailings for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve? Starting early November, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to each ship during Very Merrytime Cruises, with traditional “turkey day” fanfare, Christmas feasts, “snow flurries” and New Year’s Eve galas. But the best part might just be relaxing on deck instead of shoveling snow.

During these voyages through the new year, special stem-to-stern holiday events include:

“Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic” in the atrium lobby on the first night of the cruise, where Disney characters lead holiday carols and the lighting of the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
“Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball” in the atrium lobby, where Disney cruisers welcome the guests of honor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, with a grand celebration featuring Broadway-style entertainment, favorite Disney characters and classic holiday tunes. This evening of enchantment is made complete when a special pair of royal sisters joins the party and causes a flurry of “frozen” fun as a magical snowfall overtakes the atrium.
Dickens-inspired carolers carrying the spirit of the holidays throughout the ship while singing holiday classics, sometimes with the help of favorite Disney friends. At the end of the cruise, children will have the opportunity to join the carolers onstage for a special farewell show.
Family holiday activities including building gingerbread houses and meeting Santa Claus.
Youth holiday crafts such as decorating stockings and gingerbread men cookies, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.
“Deck the Deck Holiday Party,” a tropical celebration with Disney friends leading games such as hula hooping and limbo under oversized candy canes, along with dances for the whole family like the “Yuletide Slide” and a conga line around the pool.
A special holiday edition of the cheerful farewell celebration on the final night of the cruise, with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in an engaging musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.

Availability Left On Select Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Sailings

On Thanksgiving Day, guests will enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving Day feast and visits from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire. Also during the special Thanksgiving voyages, NFL football games will be broadcast live on the ships’ outdoor, jumbo LED screens – Funnel Vision – located near the family pool.

Availability Left On Select Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Sailings

Christmas morning at the atrium lobby tree Santa Claus and his helpers will have a surprise for all the kids, and guests will delight in a special musical performance from the children. A traditional Christmas Dinner will be served that night in the dining rooms.

Christmas services will be held on Christmas Day with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Hanukkah services will be held each day, Dec. 12 to Dec. 20.

Special holiday décor adorns each ship from bow to stern, anchored by a three-deck-tall tree in the atrium lobby. The 20’ tall tree is uniquely decorated to complement the existing colors and overall theme of the lobby, including a custom star that is as unique as the ship. All together, the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Dream have 402 garlands totaling 3,768’, 126 wreaths ranging from 24” to 60” and 130 trees ranging from 24” to 8’.

Availability Left On Select Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Sailings

When the ships stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, during the holidays, the celebration continues with “snow flurries,” a decked-out Christmas tree, Disney character meet-and-greets and holiday island music.

For an extra sprinkle of holiday joy, special amenities are available for stateroom delivery. Purchased in advance of sailing, these include holiday-themed gift packages and treat baskets and even mini Christmas trees decorated with ornaments, red berries, mini carnations and a bow topper. Plus, during the holiday cruises, the Disney Cruise Line holiday merchandise collection and ever-popular Disney Cruise Line ornaments will be available in the gift shops.

Availability Left On Select Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Sailings

To ring in 2018, voyages during the holiday include a special New Year’s Eve party, complete with music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes and a midnight countdown.

Disney Cruise Line still has Merrytime Voyages available. Contact your travel agent for more details.

Disney Magic – departing Nov. 11 to Dec. 24

sails four-, five-, seven- and eight-night Bahamian cruises
five- night Eastern Caribbean cruises
five-night Western Caribbean cruise

Disney Wonder – departing from Nov. 10 to Dec. 22

sails seven-night Western Caribbean cruises
seven-night Bahamian cruises

Disney Dream – departing from Nov. 10 to Dec. 22

sails three- and four-night Bahamian cruises

Disney Fantasy – departing from Nov. 11 to Dec. 23

sails seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises

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.