Save on ‘Characters in Flight’ at Disney Springs with this Special Offer

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May 3, 2017

Groupon has just released a deal for the “Characters in Flight” tethered balloon ride at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. There is an option for either one or two people for a savings of 42% off:

One Characters in Flight ride for one person $11.50 (Originally $20.00)
One Characters in Flight ride for two people $23.00 (Originally $40.00

The “Characters in Flight” experience allows guests to feel like a real-life Disney character as you float through the sky aboard a hand-painted helium balloon. Guests will enjoy an 8-to-10 minute ride while experiencing breathtaking, 360-degree views of Disney Springs and other iconic area of Walt Disney World. You may even be able to catch a peak of Spaceship Earth during your flight!

Have you taken a ride on “Characters of Flight?” Share your photos with us! Are you ready to take a ride on the Characters of Flight balloon?! Let’s start planning your next visit to Disney Springs at 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.

Ewan McGregor is in talks to star as Christopher Robin in Disney’s Live Action Winnie the Pooh Movie

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 3, 2017

Ewan McGregor is in talks to play the adult Christopher Robin in Disney’s Live Action Winnie the Pooh Movie. In the movie Chistopher Robin has lost his sense of imagination and is a businessman focused on work and success. The studio also is bringing in Oscar-nominated screenwriter Allison Schroeder (Hidden Figures) to take a new pass on the script. Alex Ross Perry wrote the screenplay, with Tom McCarthy working on a later draft.

Milne’s Christopher Robin was inspired by and named after his own son, Christopher Robin Milne. He wrote about the character in two books, Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) and The House at Pooh Corner (1928), and other poems. Disney adapted the tales into several animated projects, including the 1988 series “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” and the 2011 animated film “Winnie the Pooh.”

“The Jungle Book” producer Brigham Taylor is producing the project. And Marc Foster will be directing,

Grab Your Walkman And Turn It Up – “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2” Review Is Here!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 3, 2017

I have been waiting and waiting for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” to come to the theaters. The first ”Guardians of the Galaxy” is at the top of my list as far as Marvel movies go and all I could think was, the sequel better be good! Holy cow, is it ever.

I got the opportunity to watch “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2” at a press screening a couple of days ago. Front row, center baby! I was a bit worried during the opening guardians reintroduction scene, where you re-meet Star Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel). It was such a powerful, fun and excited scene I thought they could never continue this throughout the entire film! But they did and they did it very well.

Directed and written by James Gunn (there is a team of writers credited on IMbD), he has really brought together this cast as a family. There are surprising relationships that develop with all the original guardians and the new ones. Speaking of new guardians they are all lovely additions, and compliment the team: Yondu (Michael Rooker), Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and Nebula (Carrie Gillan). The addition of Kurt Russell , Sylvester Stallone and Elizabeth Debicki plays for good conflict.

It’s incredibly beautiful and colorfully art directed by Ramsay Avery and shot by Henry Braham. The effects are the best I’ve seen for what they do, so far – so hard to describe things with no spoilers!! Don’t let me get started on the soundtrack, I’ve listened to it everyday since I’ve watched the film.

In a nutshell I loved this movie. Go see the film in the theater when you get the chance, because it’s well worth it. Go see this movie before anyone spoils it for you.
Just go see the movie. Then tell us what you thought of it!!

Don’t forget to stick around for the 5 post credit scenes!

Or if you really love Guardians of the Galaxy read my articles from the Press Conference I went to!

Part 1, Music And Mayhem!

Part 2 Music And Mayhem!

First Look – Marvel’s The Defenders Trailer

By

Chip

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May 3, 2017

If you have been keeping up with Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Daredevil, and The Iron Fist on Netflix you are going to love The Defenders.

The Defenders is about four heroes who realize they need to work together as a team to achieve their common goal: saving New York City.

Today the first trailer for Marvel’s The Defenders has showed up online.

Check it out below:

Exclusive Platinum and Gold Disney Cruise Line Offer And Castaway Club Benefit Changes

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 3, 2017

Earlier this month Disney Cruise Line updated their Castaway Club benefits with some changes and new perks for their return cruisers. Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s loyalty program that guests are automatically enrolled in after their first cruise. The Silver level members have completed 1 Disney cruise, Gold members have completed 5, and Platinum level is attained after 10.

CASTAWAY CLUB BENEFIT CHANGES

Previously, only Gold and Platinum level members could make advance bookings a day earlier than the general public. With the new changes, DCL has broken up this privilege into a tier structure. Platinum Castaway members can now book 3 days in advance, Gold members can do this 2 days in advance, and Silver members have the new perk of making advance bookings 1 day before general booking begins.

Another change is that the Gold and Platinum onboard reception, which previously was offered on sailings of 4-nights or longer, will now only be offered on sailings 8-nights or longer. The description of this event changed as well. Before it was described as “a private party where Gold and Platinum Castaway members can meet and mingle with senior ship officers” to “a private reception where Gold and Platinum members will experience special entertainment”.

Disney also stated that all of their Platinum and Gold Castaway Club members will be emailed the following exclusive booking opportunity:

PLATINUM & GOLD CASTAWAY CLUB OFFER

Platinum and Gold Castaway Club Members can take advantage of an exclusive advance booking opportunity through May 15, 2017.

Booking Window: May 2 – 15, 2017
Sailing: July 22, 2017 Disney Fantasy 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Save 20% on prevailing Verandah rates by booking a Verandah Stateroom with Restrictions, Category VGT, for sailing on Disney Fantasy July 22, 2017. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses of approximately $123 per person not included.

Booking Information:
Contact your travel agent or book by calling the Disney Cruise Line Reservation Center. One Guest in stateroom must be a Platinum or Gold Castaway Club member.

Important Details:
Based on double occupancy. Valid for new bookings only. Full, nonrefundable payment and all Guest names required at time of booking. No name changes permitted. Specific stateroom assigned at later time. Rate does not include gratuities or Port Adventures. The number of staterooms allocated is limited. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Rates in U.S. dollars. Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.

Interested in booking a Disney Cruise? 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 shore excursions and spa appointments, 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.

Source/Image Credit : Disney Cruise Line Blog

STK at Disney Springs Is Offering A Mother’s Day Brunch Complete With Complimentary “Mom-osas”

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 3, 2017

Looking for a special treat for Mom this Mother’s Day? STK Orlando, is pleased to be serving up a special Mother’s Day Brunch in their delightful two story Disney Springs location complete with a Live DJ on Sunday, May 14, 2017 from 11 am – 3pm.

Moms can indulge in a range of fantastic menu items including Avocado Toast and King Crab scrambled eggs, the Lil’ BRG with Wagyu Beef or for those with a sweet tooth the indulgent Cinnamon Monkey Bread with cream cheese icing. Check out the full menu here.

As an extra special treat, moms will also receive a complimentary “mom-osa” as well as flowers and a take home gift.

Reservations are expected to fill up quickly so do try and book as early as possible. Bookings can be made by calling (407) 917-7440 or by sending an email to [email protected].

So what are you waiting for? Do something special for your mom this May 14th!

Planning a visit to Disney? 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

This Wooden Disney Door Sign is Perfect for Year Round Decor

By

Danielle

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May 2, 2017

I love having seasonal wreaths or signs on my front door, I feel like it’s just so inviting. Of course it also gives me an excuse to have extra Disney decorations on display too. I’m loving this Wooden Disney Door Sign by ReaganandPeyton on Etsy because it’s perfect for any time of year!

This beautiful wooden sign features a cut out of a Disney castle, with a Mickey Mouse icon on each side. It’s available in any color you would like, and is even personalized with your family’s name. There’s a dash of glitter layered on top, so you get a little bit of pixie dust to complete the magic. This would be a great piece to hang up in between holidays to add a warm welcome to your door all year round. Paired with a Disney Welcome Home door mat, and it would be a match made in Disney!

Would you hang this Wooden Disney Door Sign on your front door for a year round Disney welcome to your home?

Catch a Sneak Peek of ‘Happily Ever After’ in the Magic Kingdom Area

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

By the looks of things, if you are a guest at one of the Disney Resorts in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area for select nights during this week, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the much anticipated new fireworks show, Happily Ever After!

Signs have been spotted at The Contemporary Resort stating “Fireworks Testing Tonight at the Magic Kingdom 11:45 pm to 1:00 am.” Flyers have also been handed out to guests advising, “You have chosen to stay with us during a very special time, as the Magic Kingdom is currently gearing up for an exciting summer season. While we are making preparations for these changes, please be aware that you may experience noise impacts.”

The dates listed for the fireworks test are:

Tuesday, May 2
Sunday, May 7
Tuesday, May 9

As mentioned above, all tests will occur between 11:45 pm and 1 am.

If you are at Disney World right now and lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the new show, Happily Ever After, make sure to share your photos with us! Let’s start planning your trip to the Magic Kingdom to take in Happily Ever After! 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

Disney Springs AMC Will Be Showing AVATAR For A Limited Time

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

In honor of the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar, the AMC Dine-In Theater at Disney Springs will bring back the 2009 film Avatar to the big screen. The film that started it all, will have a limited engagement beginning on Friday, May 5th. The movie will be shown in both standard digital and 3D. It is unknown how long this will be available.

Although the timeline of Pandora – The World of Avatar is set generations after the Avatar movie, seeing the film again will help guests gear up for experiencing this brand new foreign world in Animal Kingdom.

Want more help planning your next Disney trip? 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.

Source/Photo Credit : WDWInfo

Disney Sets More Family-Friendly Path For All It’s Digital Channels

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

On Tuesday Disney announced the Disney Digital Network, which rolls up all of the company’s digital-first content businesses under one roof, including Maker, which had previously operated fairly independently.

Disney Digital Network reaches more than 1 billion followers across platforms, encompassing 300-plus social media channels and editorial brands like Oh My Disney, StarWars.com, and Maker’s Polaris. Company execs unveiled the new strategy and programming plans at their Digital Content NewFronts presentation in New York this week.

In the new Maker network, creators will be “curated” with an eye toward how well they fit into Disney’s overall brand identity, according to Sugerman. It’s worth noting that PewDiePie, who had been Maker’s No. 1 individual partner, is no longer in business with Disney.

“We are definitely looking to identify the influencers and creators who have the greatest appeal to [Disney’s target Gen Z and millennial] audience,” Sugerman said. “We’ll be looking for opportunities to map those influencers to the broader Disney company.”

At the same time, Sugerman added, Disney will encourage the individual digital creators to continue producing their own content – “because that’s what got them where they are. We want to be mindful that we are providing the right support, and find those opportunities to combine them with Star Wars, Marvel and other Disney brands.”

Disney Co/Op, the in-house branded-content agency, will offer marketers the ability to pair Disney and Maker “digital storytellers” with brands looking to create custom campaigns. The Disney Co/Op also leverages partnerships with social platforms including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Disney says it is actively pairing the digital content creation and programming capabilities of Disney Digital Network with The Walt Disney Company’s broadcast and cable assets across ABC, Disney Channel, and others, so that advertising partners can reach vast audiences across all media platforms.

“We have one unified, integrated digital media network for advertisers that brings everything together – with creators and influencers, in a more impactful way,” said Sugerman.

Organizationally, the Disney Digital Network portfolio is structured around six primary editorial brands:
• Oh My Disney, digital destination for a daily dose of Disney, capturing the zeitgeist through a Disney lens.
• Disney Style, exploring the intersection of Disney stories and characters with what’s trending in fashion, nail art, hairstyles and cosmetics.
• Disney Family, aiming to bring parents and kids together through Disney crafts and DIY projects, recipes, and activities featuring Mouse House characters and stories.
• Babble, parenting community site where contributors share their experiences and give readers a forum to bond and learn.
• Polaris from Maker, featuring original content from a community of gaming personalities including talk shows, animation, and games-to-life content.
• StarWars.com and the Star Wars app, the digital destinations for all things related to the galaxy far, far away. The network programs content for Star Wars fans of all ages across social and digital platforms.

The new slate of original digital shows that will be available across Disney Digital Network starting this year includes:

• “Science and Star Wars”: Series that explores, explains, and demonstrates parallels between the Lucasfilm sci-fi epic and real-world scientific breakthroughs the saga has inspired. The IBM-sponsored series, hosted by Anthony Carboni, will feature IBM researchers, science experts, guest stars, and IBM’s Watson artificial-intelligence platform. It will run exclusively on Facebook through the Facebook Anthology branded-content program.
• “Oh My Disney Show,” Season 2: Comedy, news, trends, and sketches combine in this always-on show built for Disney fans’ social feeds.
• “Club Mickey Mouse”: Variety show celebrating the original show of yesteryear rebooted with a diverse cast of young creators (and, of course, everyone’s favorite mouse). Sponsored by HP and to stream on Facebook exclusively through Facebook Anthology.
• “Disney IRL”: Oh My Disney brings iconic animated Disney characters and moments to real life, by surprising people on location and viewers at home.
• “COIN”: Animated action-comedy on Maker’s Polaris with a game-inspired aesthetic that follows a team of misfits tasked to save their world. Brought together by time traveling robot Crohnobot, Donovan (a gruff plumber quick to anger), Kid Victory (a master of weaponry), and the Sisters Vicious (twin masters of illusion who hate each other) must defeat super-villain Gamovah and retrieve the coin of Chorder before it’s too late.
• “Disney Design Challenge”: Young designers are invited to push the boundaries of their art form to create beautiful, innovative, and memorable works inspired by Disney films. In the first season, students in the fashion design program at Otis College of Art and Design create clothing lines inspired by Disney’s “Frozen.”
• “Disney Magical Starts”: A show for the parents who want to spend more time creating experiences with their kids, but don’t know where to start. In the show, parents and their kids provide ideas and tips for events ranging from the holidays to back-to-school

The Disney Digital Network also includes more than 300 social channels for all of Disney’s stories, characters, and brands, ranging from Mickey Mouse to the Muppets.

Disney To Bring Back The ‘Mickey Mouse Club’ As A Facebook Show

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

Disney is creating a new series called “Club Mickey Mouse,” which is a remixed version of the classic variety show “Mickey Mouse Club” that aired on-and-off between 1955 and 1966. But instead of airing on TV like its predecessor, “Club Mickey Mouse” will be a Facebook exclusive series.

“That’s the beauty,” Josh Mattinson, vice president of digital ad sales for Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, told CNBC. “We’re not bound to one format. We’re not bound to one length… . You don’t have those same lines when you’re not producing 11s and 22s [referring to 11-minutes and 22-minute standard length TV series]. What makes sense for a consumer? How long would you spend looking at something?”

“Branded content is a priority for Facebook,” Rita Ferro, president of advertising sales for Disney, told CNBC. “We’re going to be working with them on a bunch of things.”

“Club Mickey Mouse” is one of nine programs created in partnership with Facebook Anthology, a program of advertising partnerships between the platform, media companies and brands.

“It’s really a partnership with Facebook where we come to the market together,” Ferro said.

No cast has been named for “Club Mickey Mouse,” but the company will draw from Maker Studios, its in-house multi-channel network and talent company. The original “Mickey Mouse Club” was notable for launching the careers of Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Kerri Russell, among others.

Over 700 Employees Bring Pandora: The World of Avatar to Life

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

Most of the attention surrounding Disney’s newest land, Pandora: The World of Avatar, has centered around the two hotly anticipated rides, Avatar: Flight of Passage and the Na’vi River Journey or other amazing sights like the floating islands, new eateries or the bio-luminescent rainforest that comes to life at night. But did you know that over 700 Disney cast members are also readying themselves for the opening of Pandora: The World of Avatar in just a few short weeks?

In an article released today by the Orlando Sentinel, they revealed that the Pandora cast members are currently undergoing extensive training and will be split into three camps as they interact with guests.

According to Matt Beiler, a producer with Disney Imagineers, “Each group understands their role and can tell you a little more about Pandora. We’re teaching them culture, the language, the flora and fauna.” To prepare for these new roles, cast members were schooled in Na’vi history, have learned the basics of the Na’vi language as well as developed an understanding of the Na’vi way of life. For instance, cast members will be able to great guests using the Na’vi word for “Hello” and other common phrases from the Avatar film including “I see you.”

These new Pandora cast member groups outlined in the Orlando Sentinel article are as follows:

Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) – Cast members under this umbrella will assume the role of an ACE employee. ACE is a tourism company from earth that provides exclusive vacations to Pandora. You’ll find them at Satu’li Canteen, Wind Traders and on the Na’vi River Journey.
Pandora Conservation Initiative (PCI) – This group will largely be based at Flight of Passage as well as Wind Traders.
Ex-pats – These cast members will play the role of residents of earth who loved Pandora so much they decided to stay. You’ll find them at Pongu Pongu and doing face painting. Their costumes will be the most colorful.

There are a broad mix of roles that fall into these camps from food and beverage employees to ride attendants and also highly technical roles to cover the new ride mechanics .

It was also revealed that most of the 700 employees that will be working in Pandora come from different parts of Disney World. This is in addition to the over 800 employees that were involved in Pandora’s construction.

You’ll be able to see these cast members hard at work when Pandora: The World of Avatar officially opens its doors at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27th.

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