Getting Involved in the Animal Enrichment Program at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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May 31, 2017

Buying or making toys for your pet is a normal part of being a pet owner. It makes them happy and keeps them healthy and engaged. Did you know that Disney’s Animal Kingdom does the same thing for their animals? Animal Kingdom guests visiting Rafiki’s Planet Watch are getting to be apart of this very important day-to-day animal care.

Animal enrichment is a way to encourage and stimulate natural behaviors in animals through sight, smell, taste, touch and interaction. Some of these natural behaviors include the rhino’s love of wallowing in mud pools and small mammals natural tendencies to dig and climb. Preserving, encouraging, and challenging the natural instincts of the animals is the main goal of Disney’s enrichment program.

The Science Operations Team will be on hand with recycled and re-purposed materials to make enrichment items that will be given to small mammals and birds inside the Animal Kingdom. Guests at the Wildlife Express station are invited to create items like a puzzle square that keepers can hide seeds in, a colorful hanging decoration for birds and mammals to shred or a small paper-stuffed tube for animals like rabbits to enjoy.

Will you be making an enrichment item on your next visit to Animal Kingdom?

Sarah with MickeyTravels

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote from one of our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

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 : Disney Parks Blog

Vivoli il Gelato at Disney Springs Releases Summer Menu Including Special Treat for 2017 Grads

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 31, 2017

Just in time to help Disney travelers combat the Summer heat, Vivoli il Gelato, at The Landing in Disney Springs has released a mouth watering menu of handcrafted Italian gelati and sorbetti with a special treat thrown in for 2017 graduates.

Graduates hitting Disney’s downtown shopping district will not want to miss a chance to tuck into a special sundae available throughout June dubbed the “Cap & Gown.” This carefully crafted offering includes: Peanut Butter Gelato, Pistachio Gelato and Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato topped with Hazelnuts, Chocolate Sauce and Whipped Cream. Its the perfect indulgence after your last year of school -you’ve earned it.

If that wasn’t enough to entice you into Vivoli il Gelato, then the refreshing Summer menu definitely will. Highlights include:

The Melon Attack which features Cantelope Sorbetto, Watermelon Sorbetto and Vanilla Gelato topped with watermelon sauce and whipped cream.
The Peaches and Cream Sundae which features two scoops of Peach Sorbetto, and a scoop of Crema Gelato topped with Caramel Sauce, Graham Cracker Crumbles and whipped cream.
Lemon Cookie Sundae featuring Lemon Sorbet, Coconut Gelato, and Biscotti Gelato topped with Graham Cracker Crumbles with White Chocolate Sauce and Whipped Cream

T/his is a scoop you definitely will not want to miss. So next time you’re in the Disney Springs area be sure to stop by for a refreshing and delicious t/aste of gelato heaven.

/For more information regarding Vivoli check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vivoliorlando/ and be sure to keep following along with Chip and Co for the latest in delicious Summer offers.7

Melissa with Mickey Travels

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 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.

Win a Walt Disney World Vacation from Ryan Seacrest!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 31, 2017

Enter to win a Walt Disney World Vacation for a family of four at The Four Seasons Resort – Orlando at Walt Disney World with Ryan Seacrest’s Florida Family Flyaway Sweepstakes!

One family of four (up to two adults and two children) will win the following grand prize:

Five nights’ occupancy (up to two adults and two children) accommodations in a Park View Suite at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort including daily breakfast for four, two complimentary rounds of golf Tranquilo Golf Club, two 50-minute spa treatments, complimentary valet parking and one dinner for four at Capa Steakhouse.
Four two-day multi-park tickets to the Orlando theme park of the winner’s choice and one $1,000 American Express gift card
Round-trip coach class air transportation for four from the major commercial airport to the winner’s home to Orlando, FL and a six-day SUV rental.

For more details, complete rules, and to enter; click here.

Looking for a more guaranteed way to book your next trip to Walt Disney World or any other Disney Destination? Fill out the form below form below 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 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Photo Credit: OnAir with Ryan Seacrest

Disney Channel’s “Andy Mack” Gets Second Season

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 31, 2017

Over its first seven original episodes, Disney Channel‘s “Andy Mack” has grown a substantial audience and it quickly got ordered a second season. “Andi Mack,” is a contemporary comedic series about a 13 year-old girl’s typical – and not so typical – life with her family and friends. Production will resume in Salt Lake City in July.

The series ranks as the #1 TV series of 2017 to-date among Girls 6-11, Girls 9-14 and Girls 6-14.

“Andi Mack” was created and is executive produced by Terri Minsky (“Lizzie McGuire”). Michelle Manning (“The Breakfast Club,” Disney Channel Original Movies “Adventures in Babysitting” and “Teen Beach 2”) is also an executive producer. Phil Baker (Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie”) is co-executive producer.

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “There is not another series out right now – on any platform – that speaks to our core demographic with the authenticity and insight that Terri and her creative team have captured with ‘Andi Mack.’ This series and these characters are well on their way to becoming this generation’s ‘Lizzie McGuire.'”

As “Andi Mack” increasingly engages viewers and prepares for an imminent debut on Disney Channels around the world, several programming events are scheduled including “Back-to-Back ‘Andi Mack'” on Friday May 26 (5:00–9:00 p.m. EDT). Then, four weeks of new episodes each Friday will culminate with Andi convinced that her parents Bex and Bowie are destined to be together. Meanwhile, Jonah Beck and Amber reach a pivotal moment in their relationship.

Nearing 40 million views on seven digital platforms, linear TV and social media, the series stands apart from the pack as one of TV’s continuous ratings growth leaders, recently hitting a ratings high (May 19) in Total Viewers, marking its fifth consecutive week of growth and a 34% ratings increase from its premiere telecast. It also exceeded its high mark among Kids 6-11, Girls 6-11 and Girls 6-14 (May 12).

“Andi Mack” stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Andi Mack, Lilan Bowden as Bex Mack, Lauren Tom as Celia Mack, Joshua Rush as Cyrus Goodman, Sofia Wylie as Buffy Driscoll and Asher Angel as Jonah Beck. Recurring cast members are Stoney Westmoreland as Henry “HAM” Mack, Emily Skinner as Amber and Trent Garrett as Bowie Quinn.

Pandora – The World of Avatar Collection Available on the Disney Store Online

By

Danielle

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May 31, 2017

The new Pandora expansion in Animal Kingdom has been a popular draw since it’s grand opening last weekend! With this new expansion has come gorgeous new merchandise! Select items from the World of Avatar Collection is available now on the Disney Store website!

Vibrantly colored t-shirts, toys, accessories and collectibles are now available, so those of us who have not been able to visit the mysterious moon “Pandora”.

There are many stylized t-shirts in this collection, each of them have a bit of a Na’vi feel mixed with modern Earth elements. In addition to the regular shirts, there are limited edition tees, in adults and kids styles, that are currently buy one get one 40% off.

Pandora – The World of Avatar 2017 Tee for Adults – Limited Release

Pandora – The World of Avatar 2017 Tee for Kids – Limited Release

The pins from the new Pandora merchandise are some of my favorite items.

If anyone in your family is loving the banshees, but not ready to commit to adopting one, be sure to check out some of the fun banshee toys.

Pandora – The World of Avatar Wingflap Banshee

Pandora – The World of Avatar Wingflap Great Leonopteryx

My son actually had a great time playing with these Wing Flap Toys inspired by the movie, They are also great for little ones who might be to young to enjoy an interactive Banshee pet.

You can see all of these and the rest of the World of Avatar Collections at the Disney Store website now!

Disney’s Best Bites for the Month of May 2017

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 31, 2017

If you aren’t hungry yet, you will be after reading this! You might even want to plan an impromptu trip to Walt Disney World to try each of these new food options that premiered this month. From sweet to savory, these Best Bites from May offer something for everyone.

New out-of-this-world menu items have premiered at at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Hollywood Studios, including new burgers featuring a signature blend of beef. The Drive-In BBQ Burger has house-made barbecue sauce, bacon, cheddar, crispy-fried jalapeño and onion straws on a brioche bun. Vegetarians will love the new Falafel Burger with a crispy chickpea falafel patty, arugula, tomato, Tatziki sauce and red pepper aioli on a brioche bun.

Hear ye, hear ye! A new pasta dish is on the menu at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot! You’ll feel like royalty enjoying the Fylt Pasta; four-cheese stuffed pasta with white wine-cream sauce, roasted vegetables, chive oil and balsamic glaze.

After a year-long hiatus, Surf and Turf has returned to the menu at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! The dish pairs a six-ounce lobster tail with a six-ounce sirloin served with Yukon gold rustic mashed potatoes and roasted spring vegetables.

New specialty candy-inspired beverages are now available at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! Relax with the Gummy Oasis, which features gummy bears lounging in a delicious frozen pool of frozen cotton candy lemonade. The Watermelon Crush features Nerds candy mixed into frozen watermelon and cherry lemonade. These drinks are also available in alcoholic versions for adults.

A new Specialty Hot Dog will debut June 4 at Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom Park! The Buffalo Chicken Dog features an all-beef hot dog loaded with shredded buffalo chicken, garlic-ranch dressing and celery.

Pizza lovers, rejoice – Frusta has landed at Cool Ship in Magic Kingdom. Pizza Frusta is a folded pizza-like snack that is easy to eat on-the-go! Choose from tomato and cheese or pepperoni and sausage.

Have you tried the new open-faced BLT Sandwiches at The Smiling Crocodile at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Each sandwich is one snack entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan. Choose from turkey, salmon or pimento-cheese on toasted ciabatta with lettuce, tomato, and thick-cut smoked, house-roasted bacon.

These looking nothing short of delicious! I need to pl;an a trip now to try one of each! How about you?

Ready to book your trip to Walt Disney World or any other Disney Destination? Fill out the form below form below 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 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Disney

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Walt Disney World Opens July 17

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 31, 2017

The newest Disney Vacation Club Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, is set to welcome the first guests on July 17. This new resort is located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and will offer five accommodation options including Deluxe Studios, 1- and 2-Bedroom Villas, 3-Bedroom Grand Villas and waterfront Cascade Cabins. The Grand Villa offers lodging for the whole family with the ability to accommodate up to 12 guests.

Here’s a quick look at all that Copper Creek Villas & Cabins will offer when it opens this summer.

Have you ever stayed at a DVC property? Let us know in the comment box below.

Interested in a magical Disney vacation? Fill out the form below to receive your 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.

SeaWorld and Bubble Legendary present Pop a live performance

By

Chip

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May 31, 2017

A brand-new show has opened at SeaWorld Orlando and it will blow park guests away. In a first of its kind collaboration SeaWorld and Bubble Legendary present Pop, a live performance that takes inspiration from bubbles found in the sea and brings them to life in an amazing artistic display that is distinctly SeaWorld. The world-renowned bubble legend, Fan Yang brings his unique talent to the stage for each live performance. Beautifully choreographed to a custom musical score, each show takes a child’s imagination and explores new ways to create, celebrate and manipulate bubbles of all shapes and sizes. The result is a larger than life performance that delights guests all ages.

“I looked to the sea and found amazing inspiration. The bubbles found naturally in our oceans, trails of bubbles left by swimming penguins and bubbles created by dolphins and whales all came to mind,” shared Fan Yang, Founder of Bubble Legendary and the show’s star performer, “I’m so proud of this collaboration with SeaWorld and I hope every guest who attends Pop will love it as much as I do.”

During each performance, Fan Yang’s fascinating bubble artistry is enhanced with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and lasers. The set features 23-foot tall screens which flank the stage.

“The screens give us the opportunity to combine technology and imagery with the live performance on stage,” says Steve Welch, Creative Director at SeaWorld, “Through video of sea animals and the oceans, the screens help immerse guests in a world filled with bubbles. As the show unfolds, the screens also provide up-close views of the performance, enabling every guest to feel like they are sitting in the front row.”

Each show also surprises two members of the audience, as they are “bubblized” into the heart of a life-size bubble on stage. The show culminates with a wave of light, lasers and sound while surrounding the entire theater in a seemingly endless sea of bubbles.

Pop performs two to four times a day at SeaWorld’s Nautilus Theater through September 4, 2017. The show does not perform on Thursdays. Like all shows at SeaWorld Orlando, Pop is included with park admission and reserved seating options can be purchased online or at the park.

Pop marks the official kick-off of an exciting summer at SeaWorld. What’s next is now as the park continues to unveil a full line-up of new attractions and excitement. Later this month, Kraken Unleashed: Virtual Reality Experience, a new one-of-a-kind virtual adventure on SeaWorld’s Kraken roller coaster will open. The all-new Electric Ocean nighttime spectacular will also debut, transforming the park after dark into an exotic underwater world that lights up the night, complete with a fireworks finale.

The best way to experience all that SeaWorld has to offer this summer is with a multi-park ticket. Guests can buy early and save big by purchasing admission in advance online. Two-park tickets are only $54.99 per park to either SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter andInstagram for the latest park details and information.

Pongu Pongu Offers Fabulous Night Blossom Frozen Non-Alcoholic Beverage

By

Lisette R

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May 31, 2017

As we all know Pandora-The World of Avatar opened this past weekend to huge crowds and long waits. This lovely drink, pictured above, just spoke to us so we got in line to see what the fuss was all about. The Pongu Pongu refreshment stand offers this fabulous Night Blossom Frozen non-alcoholic beverage.

When we arrived at Pongu Pongu we waited about 15 minutes to place our order. In comparison to the 2 hour wait to get into Windtraders, we were pretty lucky in that respect!

You can use 1 snack credit to get the basic Night Blossom in a disposable cup, or it will cost you $5.99. You can also choose to add the Glowing Unadelta Seed Pod at a cost of $8.99. If you wish to purchase the entire package, to include souvenir acrylic mug, Glowing Unadelta Seed Pod and the Night Blossom beverage, the cost will be $14.99. The cup is acrylic and features Pandoran etchings.

Here is our short video of the Night Blossom:

The Night Blossom is made with frozen limeade, apple and desert pear flavors. Add the passion fruit Boba Pearls and you have a fun and fabulous frozen specialty beverage without the alcohol that has become so common in many of the new specialty drinks around the Walt Disney World Resort. The Night Blossom Frozen beverage is delicious, although quite sweet, and we recommend asking for a cup of ice water as well.

What do you think of the Night Blossom? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Disney Seeks Feedback on The Music of Pixar Live! Opening Weekend Performances

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 31, 2017

Even though only a few days have gone by since The Music of Pixar Live! A Symphony of Characters opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney is already looking to gauge audiences reactions to this new symphonic concert via the distribution of an email survey.

The Music of Pixar Live!, for those that haven’t heard, is a new production that runs daily and in tandem with Beauty and the Beast at Hollywood Studio’s Theater of the Stars. The performance features a symphony orchestra that takes visitors through amazing renditions of the scores and popular tunes of much-loved Disney •Pixar films including: Finding Nemo, Cars, Monsters, Inc. Toy Story and Up. As the symphony plays, giant screens play scenes from the films. Some of the characters from the films also make an appearance on stage making The Music of Pixar Live! part orchestral concert, part stage show. The production is currently being slated as a limited time offer expected to run until the end of Summer.

The audience feedback survey (like the one pictured above) is currently being distributed to previous attendees via email. During the process guests are asked a series of questions relating to many facets of the experience from comfort of the amphitheater, music quality, character appearances, run time, merchandising and the value of the The Music of Pixar Live! dining package. Participants are also asked about their level of engagement in the Arts outside of Disney as well as other basic questions concerning demographics.

Disney has not released any word yet regarding the future of this concert so it can only be assumed that these email surveys will help inform the process. We here at Chip and Co wonder with the Arts-focused questions whether Disney may be considering it as part of 2018’s Festival of the Arts if it doesn’t make the cut as a permanent Hollywood Studios fixture.

For more information on The Music of Pixar Live! A Symphony of Characters check out this article More information on the dining plan can be found here.

Have you already seen The Music of Pixar Live? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Thinking about a visit to Disney? There are still fantastic Summer and Fall 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 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.

Unexplained Avengers “Hatch” and Other Strange Events Happening At Disney California Adventure

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 30, 2017

Somehow through the frenzy of media coverage at the opening of Disneyland’s newest attraction “Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission : Breakout!“, something big was missed. Thursday night during the celebration a mysterious hatch appeared. The Avengers “A” adorning the top of it. This unaccounted for Avenger’s hatch is located just outside the gates of the Collector’s Fortress. With no official word from Disney on where it came from or what its purpose is.

One hint that this is something bigger than mere decoration comes from a tweet by Ryan Penagos, Marvel Digital Media’s Vice President and Executive Editor:

There's something Mighty hidden next to Guardians of the Galaxy #MissionBreakout. What could it mean? #staytuned #itsallconnected #HeroUp pic.twitter.com/P2vTv4miNy

— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) May 28, 2017

The Story Gets Stranger

That same night reports of workers in orange hazmat suits were seen going in an out of a tent in the same area as the hatch. Two security guards with Avengers logos on their black uniforms were stationed outside the tent to keep people away. The Avenger’s black jeep that Black Widow patrols through the park, was seen behind the building too. Many tie these events to Disney’s attempt to go viral with this scene. Unfortunately none of numerous media outlets picked up on it that evening.

Take a look at this video that was taken during the media event:

So What Does This All Mean?

Officially we don’t know yet. But we can make some pretty good assumptions. There have been many rumors floating around that the new attraction “Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission : Breakout!” could be a gateway to a Marvel expansion at Disney California Adventure. Space-wise there is a parking lot directly behind the new Guardians attraction that could be used. Also, in 2015 Disney did purchase an additional 14.7 acres of property not far from the new attraction. Could this be the real reason why?

At this point its all speculation. But, Bob Chapek, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman, was definitely hinting at something Thursday night when he stated, “This is a momentous occasion, but it’s just the beginning of what will become an even bigger superhero presence at Disney California Adventure. With the strong partnership between Marvel and Walt Disney Imagineering, we’re very excited with what’s to come. And it is sure to please Marvel fans hungry for more magic at Disney parks.”

Is anyone else thinking we’ll hear something interesting at the D23 Expo this year?

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote from one of our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

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/Image Credit : Slashfilm

Hollywood Actress Rebel Wilson Standing By Claims She’s Related to Walt Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 30, 2017

In a very strange string of events, various news sources are confirming that Hollywood Actress and Comedian Rebel Wilson is standing by claims that she is the niece of Walt Disney.

Wilson is currently involved in a lawsuit with the publishers of Woman’s Day magazine where she is suing them for defamation of character regarding articles they wrote claiming that Wilson wasn’t being honest about about many aspects of her identify and her rise to fame including age, real name and stories from her childhood.

In court on Monday, Wilson maintained her belief that Walt Disney was her uncle by marriage with Wilson’s family being related to Lillian Bounds, Walt Disney’s wife. Wilson went on to argued the the connection was proven through a Family Tree drafted up by her grandmother and that she is proud to have the connection with Walt Disney and his family . To support her claim, Wilson highlighted that she is a member of the esteemed Club 33 and has been a regular visitor to the parks since her childhood.

However, the defense attorney argued that a genealogist was able to prove that there is no connection between Walt or Lillian Disney and Rebel’s family.

It will be interesting to see how this story pans out in the weeks ahead and whether Rebel Wilson will be able to provide proof of a connection with Walt and family. Watch the space for the latest news and updates regarding this story.

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 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 Disney.