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

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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

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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

Mother’s Day Special at Disney Springs’ Paddlefish

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Chip

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May 2, 2017

If you will be at Disney World of Mother’s Day Paddlefish in Disney Springs will be hosting a special meal just for moms…

They will be serving lobster ravioli with fresh Maine lobster, lavender, sage, brown butter, tomatoes, concasse and white asparagus with a suggested wine pairing of Textbook chardonnay to celebrate mother’s this year.

Also, mothers who visit Paddlefish on Mother’s Day will receive a complimentary carnation.

The pricing for this special is $48 per person for the entree. The suggested wine pairing is $15 per glass.

So if you will be in Disney Springs this Mother’s Day why don’t you treat Mom to a special meal at this wonderful restaurant.

Happy Mother’s Day!

The Disney Store Celebrates Star Wars Day On May the 4th!

By

Danielle

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May 2, 2017

If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Star Wars Day, the Disney Store has a lot of galactic fun planned! Feel the Force as the Disney Store Celebrates Star Wars Day this year with lots of new merchandise and fun activities.

The fun kicked off Monday for four days ending May 4th, with Star Wars favorites starting at $10. You’ll be able to find select toys, pjs, accessories and more on sale for this special 4 day event.

Here’s a list of the Force-filled festivities:

Star Wars Opening Ceremony

Tap into the Force to help with store openings! One lucky guest will be selected to use the Force to help awaken the magic!

Star Wars Adventures

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.

The Art of Drawing: R2-D2 and BB-8

Learn to draw Star Wars‘s greatest astromechs, R2-D2 and BB-8!

Story Time: Escape from Jakku

Experience a special Star Wars story, featuring interactive elements.

Disney Store is also hosting special offers and new releases on merchandise for Star Wars Day:

An exclusive BB-8 pin will be released on Star Wars Day, available for $8 with any purchase (regular price is $14.95).
Star Wars T-shirts for the family: Princess Leia tee for women, Darth Vader tee for men, R2-D2 tee for girls, and a Yoda tee for boys.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Droid Gift Pack Elite Series Die Cast Action Figure Set
Star Wars Legion 6” Special Edition Vinyl R2-D2 Helmet

Be sure to use the store locator to find a participating Disney Store and times!

Disney Has Updated Its Online Maps to Include Pandora – The World Of Avatar

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

In preparation for the May 27th opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar, Disney has just updated the “My Disney Experience” app and website to include the interactive map of Pandora.

This new land will be located to the West of the main entrance of Animal Kingdom. Guests will be able to enter Pandora by Tiffins with an exit located in Africa next to Festival of the Lion King.

This updated map shows Pandora’s two new attractions, Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. Windtraders, the Satu’li Canteen, and the refreshment kiosk Pongu Pongu are also displayed.

You can view the full online version of the map at HERE.

Ready to plan your trip to see Pandora – The World of Avatar? 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.

Magic Kingdom Guidemap Now Featuring “Happily Ever After” Fireworks

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

Shortly after stepping into Disney’s Magic Kingdom park guests will notice something new. The guidemaps at Magic Kingdom will now feature a new look with a “Happily Ever After” theme on the cover.

The change comes in celebration of Magic Kingdom’s newest and most spectacular fireworks show, “Happily Ever After” which debuted May 12th. Like many guests, I do love the convenience of the My Disney Experience app on my smartphone while at Disney. However, nothing can take the place of having a good old fashioned paper guidemap while making your way through the parks.

I’ve been to Walt Disney World too many times to count and I still get a guidemap every visit. How about you?

Thinking about a Magical Disney Vacation? As a contributor to Chip and Co. and an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I’d love to help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Send me a message or email me at [email protected] and let’s start planning today. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney tips and tricks.

Funding Approved for 1.4 Billion Expansion at Hong Kong Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council has approved plans for the government to co-finance the $1.4 billion (HK$10.9 billion) expansion of the Hong Kong Disneyland theme park.

The expansion was proposed in November of last year, but came under scrutiny from lawmakers who challenged it in finance committee and other council sessions. After months of delays it was finally approved by a vote of 30 to 24. Lawmakers became hostile to the spending plans due to the park’s losses last year and publicity about Disney continuing to receive management fees despite the facility’s poor performance. In March, Disney offered to equally split the cost of the expansion, despite being the minority owner. It also offered to waive variable management fees for two financial years.

Hong Kong Disneyland will be bringing Arendelle to life in a Frozen themed area as part of the expansion. A Marvel themed area is also part of the plan. Hong Kong Disneyland recently opened the Iron Man Experience and later this year it will launch a Marvel Super Hero Summer event.

Seeing all these expansion plans definitely makes me want to check out the Disney Parks all over the globe. How many Disney parks have you visited?

Photos courtesy of Hong Kong Disneyland

Thinking about a Magical Disney Vacation? As a contributor to Chip and Co. and an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I’d love to help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Send me a message or email me at [email protected] and let’s start planning today. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney tips and tricks.

Disney Springs Offering A Free Yoga Session Called “Yoga By The Springs”

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

Guests wanting to enjoy a relaxing morning of yoga and shopping can head to Disney Springs on May 9th for a free yoga session called Yoga by the Springs.

This small group yoga session will be lead by instructor Kimberly Vogler from 9:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. near the heart of the springs. The session will be located between D-Luxe Burger and the Disney Springs Welcome Center.

Early morning shopping at certain retailers will also be available. Fit2Run, The Runner’s Superstore, Origins, SANUK, SuperDry and Under Armour Brand House will be open starting at 9 a.m.

D-Luxe Burger will also be open early with select healthy snacks for purchase.

The Yoga by the Springs event is free but sign-ups will be booked on a first come, first served basis.

Call (407) 934-1179 to make a reservation. Space is limited and guests must be 18 years or older to participate. Participants must also provide their own yoga mats.

Yoga, shopping, and snacks, sounds like a great way to start your day!

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.

The runDisney Virtual Running Shorts Series is now open for registration.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

Great news for runDisney fans, registration has opened for the runDisney Virtual Running Shorts Series! Have you always wanted to participate in a runDisney event, but haven’t been able to make it to Walt Disney World or Disneyland for race day? Well, you’re in luck! The Virtual Running Shorts Series allows runners to take part in a runDisney race without leaving town. Runners can register for the virtual race series, which includes three 5Ks, at www.rundisney.com.

Pluto is the honorary host for the series, which invites everyone – human and canine – to join a summer of magical runs throughout the neighborhood, on a treadmill or at the local park.

The Virtual Running Shorts Series kicks off in June with the first of three 5Ks. Runners must complete the 3.1 miles within the specific month to receive a uniquely designed medal –the Pluto Dog Tag medal in June, the Pluto Dog Bowl medal in July and the Pluto Dog House medal in August.

Runners that complete the challenge of combing all three of the 5Ks within the scheduled dates will earn the Virtual Running Shorts Series medal featuring Mickey’s favorite pal Pluto, in addition to all three 5K medals. The celebratory charity for the series is Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, who is celebrating 80 years of saving pets in Central Florida.

Images copyright: Disney

Thinking about booking a Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can save you money and time planning your MAGICAL vacation! My planning services are always 100% FREE! Contact me today for your FREE, no obligation quote, [email protected] or follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates, deals, and travel tips!

Specials for Mom at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World for Mother’s Day

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Mom on Mother’s Day? I have the answer for you. A gift from Disney Springs or even better…a visit to Disney Springs for a delicious meal! (Trust me: As a mother, the last thing I want to do is be cooking on Mother’s Day and I’m sure your mom feels the same way too!) With everything from massages to free chocolates to a discounted ride on the famous Amphicars, there is something for every mom.

Mother’s Day is May 14th, but at Disney Springs, you can start pampering her now with special promotions and limited-time offerings already underway at many retailers. And if your mom prefers her “thank you” in the form of a delicious meal, select restaurants are serving up special menus on her big day.

Below are some highlights of the Mother’s Day Specials at Disney Springs and then you will see a full listing of all specials in the graphic at the bottom:

Senses – A Disney Spa: For the first time at Disney Springs, guests can enjoy their choice of chair massages, Disney-inspired nail wraps by Jamberry, nail polish applications, up-dos, or even eye shadow art at Marketplace Co-Op. With prices starting at $25 plus tax and services offered on a first come, first served basis, the Spa staff will be onsite from May 4-14, 2017.

Disney Floral & Gifts: Back by popular demand, the talented Disney floral team will be coming back to Marketplace Co-Op from May 1 – May 16, 2017 to offer a variety of flower arrangements and custom baskets, perfect for mom.

Mother’s Day Brunch at STK: My mouth waters every time I look at the all-new brunch menu from STK Orlando. Whether your mom fancies Cinnamon Monkey Bread, Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs, Shrimp & Grits, or the Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes, pictured, she’s bound to find something to suit her palate. Brunch is offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Mother’s Day, moms receive a complimentary “MOMosa” and a special takeaway treat.

An Amphicar Tour at The BOATHOUSE: For families that have been waiting for the right “special occasion” to take a ride in a fully-restored vintage amphicar, now is the time. Make a reservation between May 12-15, 2017 and save $25 off the regular price, plus get a free family photo to commemorate the experience!

Special Promotions and Limited-time Offerings: Gemstone sets for $149 + tax at Luxury of Time by Diamonds International; free chocolates from See’s Candies with the purchase of UGG slippers or a robe; specialty “MOM cupcake box from Sprinkles Cupcakes … this is just a sampling of the many delights waiting for mom at Disney Springs:

With all those choices, what will you be getting your mom for Mother’s Day? I know I would like one of each! It’s not too late to plan your trip to Walt Disney World to celebrate Mom this year! 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.

The 22nd Annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Will Offer More Dates and More Marketplaces

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

August 31st marks the opening day of the 22nd annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. There is more time to savor and sip this year as the festival will be running 13 more days than last year, concluding on November 13th.

In honor of EPCOT’s 35th birthday this year, the festival will have a grand total of 35 Marketplaces for guests to explore. This record number of booths, up from a little over two dozen last year, will span across World Showcase and into Future World.

EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival has more to offer than just strolling through the park and sampling new and creative dishes. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on culinary workshops and demonstrations at the Festival Center, dine at the Party for the Senses event, see favorite celebrity chefs, and enjoy musical artists playing nightly at the Eat to the Beat Concerts. Disney will be releasing the schedule for these events this summer. So stay tuned!

Chefs are currently hard at work creating new dishes for the Marketplaces. Each dish perfectly paired with a wine, beer or cider. Some of the new dishes that will be available is the new crispy chicken with griddled cornbread and red-eye gravy for the Farm Fresh Marketplace and the spicy Korma Chicken with cucumber-tomato salad, almonds, cashews and warm naan bread from the India Marketplace. These recipes will also be available in the 2017 cookbook.

Other exciting dishes include the charcuterie in a cone from the Spain Marketplace and pistachio cardamom cake with a dollop of chocolate coconut mousse at the India Marketplace.

Kids will enjoy themselves with the return of the popular Ratatouille-inspired scavenger hunt and also culinary demos and dishes geared towards kids’ palates.

The festival will also host specialty dining and pairing events, in addition to Party for the Senses, at World Showcase restaurants. The resorts will also get in on the fun with events such as Brunch with a Twist at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is easily one of the most popular and most anticipated events at Disney World. With more food and more fun, this year’s Food & Wine Festival is sure to be amazing.

Interested in going to this year’s Food & Wine Festival? 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.

Source/Photo Credit : Disney Parks Blog

Caribbean Beach Resort Gift Card Offer Update

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

With the recent release of Walt Disney World’s Free Dining offer, many future Caribbean Beach Resort guests have been questioning whether switching to the Free Dining offer would eliminate the earlier gift card offer. This week Disney has confirmed that guests who meet the qualification requirements for the $75 per night gift card offer at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (traveling May 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018 with a reservation booked prior to March 20, 2017) and modify their reservation to take advantage of any special offer, including Free Dine, will continue to be eligible for the gift card.

This certainly is good news. The challenging news is that some guests have reported difficulty in finding availability within the Free Dining offer dates. As a travel agent who is regularly looking at the reservation site, I would encourage you to periodically check for changes in availability at the resort. As guests alter their plans, it is common to see changes in availability in the time following the announcement of Free Dining or any offer. Remember, Free Dining offers must be booked by July 7.

Were you able to secure a Free Dining offer? Let us know in the comment box below.

Does planning a Disney vacation seem a little overwhelming to time consuming? Let me help! 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) 977-3373. Join me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.