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

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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

By

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

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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.

New In-Room Celebrations Available To Decorate Your Resort Room

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

Disney Floral & Gifts has released three new In-Room Celebrations to help make your Walt Disney World vacation even more magical. Each In-Room Celebration is a personalized surprise for your loved one to enjoy right in your own Walt Disney World resort room.

Star Wars Rebel Adventure

Star Wars fans rejoice! Disney is now offering a way to bring the Star Wars fun back to your resort room. Guests can now add the “Star Wars Rebels Adventure In-Room Gifting Experience” to their Walt Disney World vacation package.

This rebel adventure is an interactive role-playing mission that begins in your resort hotel room and continues into Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Your mission begins by walking up to the resort room door and finding an Imperial recruitment banner, letting you know that the Empire has been there! Once inside your room you’ll discover the Rebel Alliance has infiltrated the room and left gear and tech to help you on your secret mission for the Rebellion. More fun awaits as your mission takes you through Hollywood Studios and finally back to your resort room to find a mysterious box waiting for you to open, which holds a rebel medal of honor! – $500

Birthday Celebration

“Mickey’s Birthday Surprise” will bring the birthday celebration into your Walt Disney World resort room. The fun begins with a themed door banner welcoming them inside. Two Mickey balloons and Mickey shaped confetti decorate your room. You’ll also find a Mickey Mouse collapsible tote, birthday Mickey Mouse ear hat, chocolate candy bar cake, and chocolate covered crispy rice treats to make your special day even sweeter. – $99.99

Celebrating Your Love

“Happily Ever After” is the ultimate romantic Disney In-Room Celebration. Your loved one will come back to find the resort room lit by flameless candles and scattered rose petals. A half dozen bouquet of pink roses will be arranged next to a sparkling silver Castle tray that holds two drink flutes, Once Upon a Vine – Enchanted Woods Bubbly, and chocolates. Make a toast at the most magical place on Earth. – $99.99

Some of these In-Room Celebrations can even be added into your Walt Disney Vacation package total, allowing you to pay for these special surprises over time. Contact Disney Floral & Gifts for more information on these and other room decorations.

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 Disney Wonder is the First Cruise Ship to Travel the Panama Canal Locks.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

While the Fantasy headed to dry dock this weekend, all eyes were on the Disney Wonder cruise ship as it became the first large passenger vessel to pass through the new Panama Canal locks.

On April 29th, cruise industry, history was made by the Wonder during a 14 night voyage from Port Canaveral, FL to San Diego, CA. The ship became the first to enter the new Agua Clara Locks before heading south through Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut, finishing it’s journey into the Pacific through the new Cocoli Locks.

With the new locks, and last year’s refurbishment, the Disney Wonder is ready to set sail with both Alaskan and Mexican cruise itineraries through Summer and Fall 2017. With the recently expanded waterways, all four of Disney’s cruise ships are now able to fit through the canal; could this mean more West Coast itineraries in Disney’s future?

Image copyright Disney.

Disney Cruise Line Weekly Military Specials

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2017

If you are looking for a great price on a Disney Cruise, then you have come to the right place! Below are the weekly specials for the military and monthly “lead rates” for all guests.

Special Rates for US Military Personnel

These rates are available through May 7, 2017 and are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing.

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise departing from Port Canaveral, FL aboard the Disney Fantasy
- Sail Date: 5/20/17
- Stateroom Category: 05A
- Rates Starting From: $1722 per person based on double occupancy. Taxes, fees, and port expenses of approximately $96 per person not included.
5-Night Bahamian Cruise departing from Port Canaveral, FL aboard the Disney Dream
- Sail Date: 6/2/17
- Stateroom Category: 05A
- Rates Starting From: $1475 per person based on double occupancy. Taxes, fees, and port expenses of approximately $63 per person not included.
4-Night Bahamian Cruise departing from Port Canaveral, FL aboard the Disney Dream
- Sail Date: 9/7/17
- Stateroom Category: 05A
- Rates Starting From: $1320 per person based on double occupancy. Taxes, fees, and port expenses of approximately $96 per person not included.
4-Night Bahamian Cruise departing from Port Canaveral, FL aboard the Disney Dream
- Sail Date: 5/29/17
- Contact Disney, fill out the form below, or email for pricing and availability
4-Night Bahamian Cruise departing from Port Canaveral, FL aboard the Disney Dream
- Sail Date: 6/11/17
- Contact Disney, fill out the form below, or email for pricing and availability

Remember, to take advantage of these great rates, you must book your cruise by May 7. Ready to get your free, no-obligation quote? Fill out the form below or send an email for a 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.

**Offer applies to new bookings only. Discount based on prevailing rates as quoted on disneycruise.com. Other categories and sail dates may be available. Other categories will be at higher prices. Not combinable with other discounts or offers Special Military rates are available to all active duty and retired U.S. military personnel(or their spouse*), including U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Department of Defense personnel. Active and retired members (or spouse) of the U.S. military must provide valid identification at time of check‐in. This offer is limited to a maximum of 1 stateroom per military member (or spouse), per sailing. Activated members (or spouse) of the U.S. National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve must also show active duty orders (active duty papers must be dated as of January 1st of the previous year to qualify). Exceptions will be made for Military personnel with immediate family members exceeding stateroom capacity. Third and Fourth Guest prices valid with two full fare Guests in the same stateroom. Other stateroom types are available at varying rates. All amounts are per person and subject to change. See Disney Cruise Line brochure for applicable terms and conditions.

Photo Credit: Disney

Disneyland is Serving Up Delicious Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 1, 2017

Looking for the perfect way to show your appreciation to the Disney-loving mom in your life? Disneyland is serving up three special Mother’s Day dining options that are sure to please this May 14th.

Carthay Circle – This Disney California Adventure Park eatery will be serving up a very special dish this Mother’s Day. Dubbed Carthay Benedict this decadent entrée features two poached eggs on grilled petite filet mignon medallions with cornbread, ranchero black beans and poblano chili Hollandaise. Try this delicious offering or tuck into a range of other delicious items during the special Mother’s Day dining service which runs from 11:30am – 3pm.

Storyteller’s Cafe – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be playing host to a Mother’s Day brunch with character. The brunch buffet runs from 7am – 2pm or a lunch/dinner buffet running from 2pm – 1opm. Both meals include salads, charcuterie, hot selections and an amazing array of dessert options. Plus, you’ll be able to get your photos taken with some of your favorite Disney friends. The cost for this exclusive Mother’s Day event is $37 per adult or $22 (ages 3-11) for breakfast or $40 per adult and $24 per child for lunch/dinner.

Steakhouse 55 – Famous for it’s afternoon tea, this Disneyland Hotel eatery will be adding in some special touches exclusively for Mother’s Day. Accompanying the traditional teas, scones and finger sandwiches will be an array of specially themed Mother’s Day desserts. Guests may also opt to add a sherry, mimosa or sparkling wine to their high tea as an extra indulgence. The Classic Tea will set guests back $50, and the Premium Tea which includes sparkling wine, salad and truffles runs $65.

So treat your mother to a special Disney-themed Mother’s Day treat she won’t soon forget. Due to popularity, Advanced Dining Reservations are essential and can be made at Disneyland.com/dine or by calling 714-781-DINE.

Planning a visit to Disneyland? 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 sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at Disney. 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.

America’s first responders can get into Legoland Florida for free all month long.

By

Chip

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May 1, 2017

Now through May 2017, real-life heroes dedicated to keeping our cities safe will receive FREE, single-day theme park admission at LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort. In addition, eligible personnel can purchase tickets for up to four guests at a 50 percent discount.

This promotion is open to active and retired law enforcement, fire-and-rescue and EMT/EMS personnel working in the United States. Eligible positions include:

Fire-and-rescue first responders
Emergency medical services employees (EMT/EMS)
Municipal and county police and sheriff’s officers
Highway patrol officers
Corrections officers
State and federal law enforcement officers
Fish and wildlife field officers
U.S. Forest Service rangers
National Park Service officers
Homeland Security agents
Environmental protection officers

LEGOLAND Water Park admission is available for a $20-per-ticket upgrade. Note that the water park is only open select dates in May.

To receive complimentary and discounted tickets, eligible personnel must visit the LEGOLAND Florida Resort ticket windows on the day of their visit and present their employee ID or professional organization membership card. This offer is not available online, by telephone or through ticket resellers, and is valid through Wednesday, May 31, 2017.

More than 50 rides, shows and attractions inspired by the LEGO and DUPLO^® brands await at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including experiences based on “The LEGO Movie™,” LEGO NINJAGO^®, LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS™, LEGO City, LEGO Technic and LEGO Friends. During May, guests can enjoy LEGO^® Star Wars™ Days on May 6-7 and 13-14 at no additional charge.

For more information about visiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including savings on advance purchase of admission tickets, on-site accommodations, multi-tier annual passes, special events, educational programs, services for guests with disabilities, VIP experiences, military discounts and much more, visit www.LEGOLAND.com/florida, or call (877) 350-5346.

New Information Released About The Banshee Connect Experience at Pandora – The World Of Avatar

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 1, 2017

A unique shopping experience will be available for guests visiting Pandora when it opens on May 27th. Meant to be a tie-in to the new Animal Kingdom attraction “Flight of Passage“, the Banshee Connect experience allows guests to actually purchase and take home their very own mountain banshee.

We originally reported on this new interactive experience last week but we now have new information to share.

When guests enter Windtraders, Pandora’s souvenir shop, they can be matched with their own banshee. These colorful mini-robotic banshees rest on your shoulder and are controlled by a leash. The leash wraps around the guest’s waist and allows the wearer to command the banshee to open its mouth, flap its wings, or even give a tiny howl.

Visitors to Pandora will be able to bond with, and purchase a banshee for $49.95.

Cast members are also quick to politely correct guests. These are not baby banshees. These take-home banshees are in fact scale-models to help conservationists study the creature.

Once you have bonded with your banshee a cast members at Windtraders will have you repeat a banshee pledge to seal the bond. You’ll also get a quick lesson on saying “I See You” in the Na’vi language.

Would you like to adopt your own baby Banshee from #VisitPandora? Well… YOU CAN! Check out how awesome these are! @WDWToday @ElissaAlvey pic.twitter.com/BpNQvwVQTZ

— Theme Park Review (@ThemeParkReview) April 29, 2017

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 Credit: LA Times

Love Tribe, Hybrid Apparel’s New Collection with Disney, Launches on May 6, 2017

By

Danielle

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May 1, 2017

Love Tribe, a new apparel line from Hybrid Apparel, has partnered with Disney for a brand new Disney Princess-themed clothing line for young women. Guests can join Disney’s Austin & Ally star Laura Marano on May 6th at the Macy’s South Coast Plaza for the launch of the new Disney clothing line that is bringing the Disney Princesses to today’s young women.

Love Tribe is a strong, deeply passionate voice in the world of “her fashion.” The clothing gives the “tribe” independence and self-identity, and dedicates itself to being a brand driving positive change and lending a better eye to today’s ‘it’ fashion. Created under the Hybrid Apparel umbrella, Love Tribe utilizes classic Disney Princesses to highlight how each girl is unique in her own way. Love Tribe is built on acceptance, love, and the idea that everyone is different, which is portrayed through the multiple classic Disney Princesses showcased in the apparel line. Their mission is to prove to girls that you can still be bold and be a Princess.

The apparel line features the classic Disney Princesses we’ve all known and loved in modern and fearless fashion. Through trendy slogans such as, “Princess Squad,” and “Happily Ever After Only Exists in Books,” Love Tribe is appealing to today’s young women who watched Disney as kids, but possess a grown-up swag. With this new line, Love Tribe is proving to young women that you can still be a rock star and be considered a princess.

The collection is currently available on the Macy’s Website, and will be launched as part of a special in store event on Saturday, May 6th.

The exclusive launch party event with Disney Star Laura Marano, will be hosted Saturday, May 6, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. PST at the Macy’s South Coast Plaza, 1st floor 3333 Bristol St. Costa Mesa, CA 92626. n Saturday. The event will be featuring a meet-and-greet with the actress, giveaways, and models showcasing the new line.

What do you think of the new Love Tribe clothing line featuring a modern twist on the classic Disney Princesses?

D23 Explores Pandora – The World Of Avatar, Opening This Summer At Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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May 1, 2017

Disney twenty-three will take readers 4.4 light years away to visit the breathtaking Pandora – The World of Avatar. Opening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27, this new land will transport guests into the epic creations first seen in James Cameron’s 2007 blockbuster, Avatar. Readers will set out on a behind-the-scenes look at Pandora with the creative team responsible for this unprecedented project, including Walt Disney Imagineering’s Joe Rohde, Cameron, and Avatar producer Jon Landau. “We didn’t build sets of all this stuff when we made the movie. It was all in a computer,” James Cameron remarked in an exclusive interview with Disney twenty-three. “So, to be able to walk around it in full-scale? It’s unfathomable. We’re literally on Pandora! I’m on Pandora! It was a pinch-me moment to ensure I was really awake and actually in the world we had created.”

In addition to the cover featuring Pandora – The World of Avatar, the summer issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, has a second, spine-tingling cover with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. Javier Bardem and Kaya Scodelario reveal what it was like to join the Pirates crew, as they set sail on an all-new adventure with Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, and Orlando Bloom. Cars newcomer Cristela Alonzo talks about joining the high-octane franchise. And Chris Hemsworth shares what it’s like going head-to-head with Hulk in this fall’s Thor: Ragnarok.

Walt Disney Imagineering’s Steven Davison and Kim Irvine give readers a first look at the triumphant return of Fantasmic! and Disneyland’s Rivers of America; enjoy a tour of Duckburg with the creative team behind the upcoming reimagined DuckTales for Disney XD; and return to the beautiful art of Bambi in honor of its 75th anniversary year, created by Disney Legend Tyrus Wong and other influential Disney artists.

Also included in the summer issue of Disney twenty-three:

A tour of Golden Oak Ranch, one of Disney’s most storied filming locations
Popular Disney myths busted
A celebration of Disney’s most innovative films, attractions, and experiments
A toy-filled edition of “From the Desk of” as we tour John Lasseter’s office at Pixar Animation Studios
Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

Plus, all D23 Gold Members will receive a Na’vi translator card featuring the Shaman of Songs, the character featured on the attraction Na’vi River Journey. This card is a collectible on its own and, when used with the Na’vi language translator device (available at Pandora this summer), will tell the guest how to say the words in the Na’vi language.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-May.

This Loungefly Tinkerbell Purse is Full of Sassy Style

By

Danielle

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May 1, 2017

Every Disney girl loves a little faith, trust and pixie dust, especially when picking out stylish accessories. This Loungefly Tinkerbell Purse is pixie dusted perfection, with a dash of fairy sassiness.

This Tinkerbell tote features Tinkerbell in a tattoo-flash style artwork with banners that include Pixie Dust, Believe, and Fly My Way. The design is printed all over, and includes icons of pixie dust bottles, flowers, compasses, and more. This boutique-quality purse has a brass and black resin metal label with both Disney and Loungefly’s logos. It even includes a detachable coin bag, that matches! There is a strong magnetic snap closure, and the roomy interior is lined with black and white Tinker Bell printed fabric. If the coin purse isn’t enough for all of your valuables, there is coordinating Loungefly Tinkerbell Wallet also.

What do you think of this sassy Loungefly Tinkerbell Tote?