Test Seat Available for Pandora’s ‘Avatar Flight of Passage’ Attraction

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May 24, 2017

With the recent previews of Pandora – The World of Avatar, there has been a growing concern that some guests may have challenges fitting on the new Avatar Flight of Passage attraction. We are happy to share with you that Disney has revealed a Test Seat that will be available at the entrance of the ride. At today’s Press Event for the Grand Opening of Pandora the World of Avatar, Chip of Chip and Co. got a firsthand look at how guests can try out the seat before entering the attraction.

Also, available at the entrance of the attraction is informational signage for guests utilizing wheelchairs. The attraction signage shows photos of how guests can transfer from a wheelchair to the Link Chair.

Chip had the opportunity to speak with a Disney Marketing representative for more information on these two new attractions:

Here’s a look at other sights at the entrance to the attraction:

Do you like the idea of having a Test Seat available to guests for Avatar Flight of Passage? Let us know in the comment box below.

Interested in a magical Disney vacation? 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.

Enter for Chance to Win an Interactive Banshee from Pandora – The World of Avatar

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2017

In celebration of the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks Blog just announced they will be giving readers the opportunity to win an interactive banshee! Seven lucky winners will be selected. You can enter now for a chance to win one of these banshees.

ENTER HERE and follow the entry instructions to complete an official entry form. Your entry must state your valid email address and full name. If you aren’t one of the seven lucky winners you can purchase your own banshee at The Rookery inside of Windtraders, the primary merchandise location on Pandora – The World of Avatar.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes starts 5/24/17 at 8:20 a.m. ET and ends 5/24/17 at 9:20 a.m. ET. Open only to persons who, upon entering, are not deemed minors in their jurisdiction of primary residence and are legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S. or D.C. Limit 1 entry per person/per email address. For complete details, including full eligibility requirements, odds of winning and limitations, see Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law.

Do you already have a name picked out for your banshee? Let us know in the comment box below.

Interested planning a trip to see Pandora? 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.

Build Your Own Na’vi Necklace in Pandora – The World of Avatar

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2017

When visiting Pandora – The World of Avatar, there are many ways to immerse yourself in the Na’vi culture. You can sample the delicious Pandoran cuisine at Satu’li Canteen, explore the Valley of Mo’ara from the back of a Banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, or bring home souvenirs from the Windtraders shop.

At Windtraders you can take part in the Na’vi culture by building your own windtrader necklace. There are two ways to go about building your necklace, there is a basic package for $19.99 plus tax or you can buy the necklace cord for $4.99 and add to it however you’d like.

The build your own windtrader necklace package (for $19.99 plus tax) includes:

1 Necklace cord
8 Beads
Your choice of 1 crystal or 1 feather

One of our very own Chip & Co. writers, Danielle, built her own necklace with her son during the Annual Passholder preview last week. She chose to buy the cord and added on two beads, taking home a beautiful necklace for only $10. Not only is this a one-of-a-kind souvenir, but an affordable one as well!

There are also two carved charms available, the “Sentiment” and the “Totem” for an additional $6.99 each. If you happen to bond with, and adopt, a Banshee at The Rookery during your journey on Pandora, you may be interested to know that the Sentiment charm is a perfect addition to your Banshee. The unique necklaces make a great personal souvenir or an awesome accessory to personalize your Banshee! How cute is Fury, wearing his sentiment necklace, below?!

Learn more about building your own Na’vi necklace in the video below!

Are you ready to experience everything Pandora has to offer? 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, shannon@mickeytravels.com or follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates, deals, and travel tips!

Zoe Saldana visits Pandora – The World of Avatar On The Eve Of Its Dedication

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2017

This morning Disney hosted a very special dedication ceremony of Pandora – The World of Avatar. As exciting as it was, the fun actually started last night when actress Zoe Saldana stopped by Disney’s Animal Kingdom to celebrate the new land. Saldana and her husband Marco Perego stopped for a quick photo in front of the amazing floating mountains before continuing their exploration of Pandora.

Saldana played one of the lead roles in James Cameron’s Avatar film. Her character, Neytiri, is the daughter of Na’vi clan leaders and their future leader. Saldana will be reprising her role for the next installment of the Avatar movie franchise, currently scheduled for release in 2020.

Ready to see Pandora 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 Credit : Disney Parks Blog

Blizzard Beach Slated To Close For Refurbishment in October

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2017

During the off peak months, Walt Disney World will usually close one of its water parks for routine maintenance and refurbishments. In keeping with this schedule, Disney released news this week that Blizzard Beach will be closed from October 30, 2017 until January 6, 2018 for refurbishments.

Guests hoping to enjoy one of Walt Disney World’s water parks should note that Typhoon Lagoon , will remain open where guests can enjoy its newest attraction Miss Adventure Falls which opened earlier this Spring.

Readers are encouraged to check back regularly with Chip and Co for the latest information on refurbishments and closures. A current refurbishment schedule can be found here.

Planning a visit to Disney World? There are still fantastic Summer and Fall 2017 packages available. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help 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.

Images copyright Disney.

Benicio del Toro Shares His Excitement About Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! In a New Video

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2017

The opening of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is literally just around the corner and who better to take us through this exciting attraction than The Collector himself, Benicio del Toro.

As many of you already know, the new attraction takes place in The Collector’s Tower, a building used to house Taneleer Tivan’s incredible collection of intergalactic oddities including the newly capture Guardians of the Galaxy. Riders join Rocket to help free his friends from The Collectors towering fortress. In Mission: BREAKOUT! just as in the Guardians of the Galaxy film, the role of The Collector is played by esteemed actor Benicio del Toro. Here’s what he had to say about the chance to be involved in this new Disney Parks attraction:

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opens on May 27 at Disney California Adventure park. And for those that haven’t had a chance to see it “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is currently in theaters.

Fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise are encouraged to watch this space for the latest news and updates.

Planning a visit to Disneyland to check out Mission: BREAKOUT? Fill out our form to receiver your FREE quote.

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

Images copyright Disney.

Disney Store Star Wars 40th Anniversary Merchandise arrives today

By

Danielle

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May 23, 2017

The 40th anniversary of the premiere of Star Wars: A New Hope is just around the corner. To celebrate the Disney Store is offering a galactic array of Star Wars 40th Anniversary Merchandise, and fun filled in store events to commemorate the event.

To celebrate the anniversary, toys and collectibles will be available at Disney Stores on Thursday, including a deluxe action Stormtrooper clad Han and Luke figure set, aadorable Tsum Tsums, detailed ornaments, limited-edition lithographs, and more.

Merchandise Available will be:

Han Solo and Luke Skywalker Elite Series Die-Cast Action Figures -$49.95
Lithograph Set (3,300) – $39.95
Limited-Edition Ornament Set (2,700 sets) – $59.95
Limited-Edition Pin Set (1,250) – $79.95
Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Limited-Edition Figurine (1,250 sets) – $249.95
Tsum Tsum Plush Set – $19.95

In-Store Events

Opening Ceremony:
- The opening ceremony is a scheduled ritual that takes place every single day to officially open the Store. Guests will use the force to open the Store.
Star Wars Adventures:
- Guests will share an adventure with BB-8 and Chewbacca as they train with the Resistance. Guests ages 3 and up are invited to participate in the following activities:
  - Defense training against Stormtroopers
  - Millennium Falcon flight training
  - Writing their name in Aurebesh
Art of Drawing R2-D2 & BB-8:
- Art of Drawing encourages Guest to draw. A brief introduction is given to the history of Disney Animation, as well as an explanation of traditional and modern Disney animation.
Story Time: Escape from Jakku and Star Wars A New Hope:
- Story Time brings new and classic Disney stories to life. All stories have interactive elements to involve Guests in the story.
Star Wars Trivia Event:
- All Guests (adults and children) will be presented with a selection of questions to test their Star Wars knowledge. Those who are strong with the Force will receive a set of trading cards or a 40^th Anniversary button. (While supplies last)

Will you be heading to a Disney Store near you for the Star Wars 40th Anniversary Merchandise and Celebration?

A Ghostly Ship From Pirates Of The Caribbean Appears In Sydney Harbor

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 23, 2017

At first glance, you might think this is Jack Sparrow’s Black Pearl from “Pirates of the Caribbean”, but on further inspection, it’s actually Captain Salazar’s ghost ship from the upcoming “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” film, eerily making it’s way through the harbor, past the Opera House and under the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Here’s a capture of the ghost ship

The dead have taken command of the seas… Dead Men Tell No Tales. #PiratesLife #GhostShip pic.twitter.com/Io4vLOZlGC

— WaltDisneyStudiosAU (@DisneyStudiosAU) May 19, 2017

“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” opens May 25th.

Disney Changes H20+ Bath Products in Guest Rooms

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 23, 2017

Guest checking in to a Walt Disney World Resort might notice a change with the H20+ bath products in their guest rooms. Disney recently replaced the H2O+ Blushing Orange products with the Sea Marine and Sea Salt Spa Collection (also gone are the cute little Mickey ears on the top of the bottles). This is the same collection of products that can be found on Disney Cruise Lines.

I noticed the change on a recent trip I took to see the debut of “Happily Ever After” as well as to enjoy a sneak peak of Pandora – The World of Avatar. This was a quick, less than 24 hours, trip so I packed light, planning on taking advantage of the bath products Disney provides guests. One use of the new hair products did not bubble me over with excitement. I just wasn’t quite sure of the aroma. But let’s be real, I was at Disney to see some great new sights, not for the bath products. I think I’ll just have to schedule a longer trip in the near future to do some further “research” on these new items.

What do you think of these new bath products? Let us know in the comment box below.

Ready to do your own “research” on these new products at Walt Disney World? 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.

Front Entrance at Mitsukoshi Department Store in Epcot Now Open

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 23, 2017

For those strolling around the World Showcase in the weeks ahead, you may want to stop by the Mitsukoshi Department Store at Epcot’s Japan Pavilion to see the newly expanded pop-up space. The completion of this area also means that the Main Entrance to this treasure trove of Japanese goodies is once again open to the public.

The store, a favorite with Disney regulars, features and impressive interior space that is filled to the brim with everything from home decor, quirky pop culture items, jewelry, books, clothing and even some authentic Japanese snacks and candies (a favorite with the little ones).

With the new layout, the pop-up shop is much more expansive and less cluttered making it easier to sift through all of the fantastic items on offer in search of that perfect find.

For more information on the delightful items found on offer as well as upcoming in-store events visit Mitsukoshi’s Epcot Facebook page.

The store is open from 11 am daily so be sure to pop by and devote some time to explore this little slice of Japan in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort.

Planning a visit to Disney? There’s still some fantastic Summer an Fall packages available. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help 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.

Disney Music Emporium Offers Signings by Artists and Award Winning Composers at D23 Expo

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 23, 2017

Disney Music Emporium, the online destination for collectible Disney music products, returns to D23 Expo 2017 with a pop-up store on the show floor. Over the three-day Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the Emporium will feature album signings by artists and award-winning composers. Limited quantities of a wide assortment of music products will be available, including new releases from Marvel, Moana, Beauty and the Beast, and Disneyland attraction picture discs, plus lithographs, Crosely turntables, and posters.

Available for the first time will be Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection Robin Hood two-disc set. The Robin Hood Collection features the songs and score from the film on Disc 1, plus previously unreleased demos, and bonus tracks performed by Louis Prima on Disc 2. Also included are extensive liner notes by Disney historian and writer Paula Sigman-Lowery. The CD cover and 20-page booklet feature newly created artwork inspired by Robin Hood from Lorelay Bove, a visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios (Tangled, Winnie the Pooh, Wreck-It Ralph). A limited quantity of lithographs featuring the back cover artwork designed by Bove will be a gift with purchase.

Album signings at the Disney Music Emporium shop include Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer Michael Giacchino (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out, Disney•Pixar’s Up), composer Tyler Bates (Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1), Auli’i Cravalho (voice of Moana), Dove Cameron (Descendants 2, Liv and Maddie), Sofia Carson (Descendants 2), and Lorelay Bove (Visual Development Artist, Walt Disney Animation Studios), plus Hollywood Records artists Jordan Fisher and Temecula Road. Scheduled artists subject to change.

With the purchase of select music products at the Disney Music Emporium (DME) Pavilion, guests will be issued a wristband to secure a space for an album signing.

For album signings held at the DME Pavilion, please visit:

http://waltdisneyrecords.com/d23expo/signings.html

For music products available at the DME Pavilion, please visit:

http://waltdisneyrecords.com/d23expo/products.html

Will you be heading to the D23 Expo this year? Who are you most excited to meet?

Planning a Disney Vacation? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Fill out our form below to receive a FREE, no obligation quote from an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Want more help planning your next Disney trip? I can help! As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I can put together customized itineraries, book your advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation and much much more! And did I mention my services are always FREE? Get in touch at 1.800.454.4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Registration for 2018 Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side is Now Open!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 23, 2017

Runners looking forward to a weekend of galactic fun and fantastic runs, we have good news for you! Registration is now open for the 2018 Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side weekend. Events will be held April 19 – 22, 2018. Runners can now secure not only your race registration but can also pre-book a 2018 Magic Your Way Vacation Package before the release of packages to the general public.

Runs are available for Star Wars fans of every age, including the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side, Star Wars Dark Side Challenge, Star Wars 10K, Star Wars 5K and the runDisney Kids Races.

Here are some event highlights:

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side
Guests can feel the force on this 13.1 mile thrilling adventure.
Sunday, April 22, 2018

Star Wars Dark Side Challenge
The ultimate test of strength and endurance.
Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22

Star Wars 10K
Packed with 6.2 miles of running excitement.
Saturday, April 21, 2018

Star Wars 5K
The entire family can thrill to the excitement of a Star Wars 5K!
Friday, April 20

runDisney Kids Races
There’s fun for runners of every age!
Saturday, April 21

Star Wars fans, be sure to act fast before your favorite event sells out!

Interested in Star Wars Half Marathon Package? Fill out the form below or send an email for a free, no obligation 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.

Photo credit: Disney