First Look: 2017 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Merchandise

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August 10, 2017

First Look: 2017 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Merchandise

Just three more weeks until the 22nd EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World! The unprecedented 75-day run will begin on August 31 and continue until November 13, 2017. To get everyone ready for the fun, we have the more than 75 items that the Disney Parks Merchandise team has put together to celebrate the event!

First Look: 2017 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Merchandise

“Each year we look forward to designing artwork for [Epcot International Food & Wine Festival],” explained Creative Manager Doug Strayer. “The art includes nods to Epcot’s 35th Anniversary on October 1, and beloved characters like Figment and Remy. As cast members, we love this event as much as our guests. It’s fun for us to see guests at Epcot wearing the artwork we created.”

First Look: 2017 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Merchandise

Figment is getting his time to shine, being featured on several new items. I am loving those ears!

First Look: 2017 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Merchandise

The Passport collection gives a nod to Epcot’s heritage. Look closely and you can spot stamps containing World Showcase marketing artwork from 1982.

First Look: 2017 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Merchandise

Returning again this year is the “Brew Around the World” collection, but with a new design by Susan Foy. Check out the stainless steel growler and the baseball cap with a bottle opener! Also new this year is an “Eat to the Beat” concert T-shirt with a World Showcase-inspired guitar graphic.

First Look: 2017 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Merchandise

Did someone say Dooney & Bourke? I’m loving these Figment and World Showcase graphics on their handbags set to release during the event!

First Look: 2017 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Merchandise

Annual Passholders will be able to pick up a specially designed Dooney & Bourke handbag along with several other Passholder Exclusive products such as pins, salt and pepper shakers, and accessories.

First Look: 2017 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Merchandise

Looks like Remy needs our help again this year with with Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt! Guests will make their way through World Showcase and Future World to 15 different spots to find Remy and his special ingredients needed for his signature dish.

All of the above merchandise will be available at the Festival Center located adjacent to Mission: SPACE, and at select merchandise locations throughout Epcot. Select items will also be offered on Shop Disney Parks app and the online store.

First Look: 2017 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Merchandise

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click here or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

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

Food & Wine’s Ratatouille-themed Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt Is Back Again This Year

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2017

A highlight for families during the Food & Wine Festival each year has to be the delightful Ratatouille-themed Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt which takes guests on a fun-filled adventure around Epcot’s World Showcase in search of everyone’s favorite rat- Remy.

We here at Chip and Co are pleased to announce that Hide & Squeak will be making a return again in 2017 and to share this sneak peak of what the maps and stickers look like for this years scavenger hunt.

For those interested in taking part in the culinary fun, you can buy a map and sticker package for $8.99 (plus tax) at the following Epcot locations:

Disney Traders
Pin Central
Port of Entry
Festival Cnter
World Traveler @ the International Gateway

Guests can then pick a starting point and make your way around the World Showcase in search of Remy. The premise is that you are helping Remy gather ingredients for one of his signature dishes. You will find him hidden at various spots throughout the World Showcase. Sometimes he’s easy to spot, other times he can be a tricky bugger so moms and dads will definitely want to help out. Guests should look for him in every country listed on the map. You need to figure out what ingredient are represented and put the corresponding ingredient sticker next to each country that you find Remy in.

So what do you get other than chance to explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival? There’s a prize of course! The map can be turned into Port of Entry. In return you’ll receive your choice of one of six limited edition release pins which will be copies of the stickers you used in your quest.

Guests who participated in last year’s Hide & Squeak should note that Epcot switches the locations up every year so its definitely worth doing again!

This is just one of the many fantastic offerings you’ll get to enjoy at this year’s Food & Wine Festival. Keep checking back with Chip for the latest in Food & Wine news and updates.

Have you heard that Remy will soon be getting his own ride at Epcot? Check out this article.

Thinking about a visit to this year’s Food & Wine Festival? There are still fantastic packages to be had. Simply fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Thinking about a visit to Disney? There are still great 2017 packages to be had and 2018 packages are now on sale! Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote!

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

Image copyright Disney.

2017 Disney World Annual Passholder Holiday Room Discounts Now Available

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2017

2017 Disney World Annual Passholder Holiday Room Discounts Now Available

The holiday season will be here before you know it, and Disney has just released holiday room discounts to their Annual Passholders. Discounts on resort rooms, merchandise, and dining are just a few of the many perks of being a passholder.

MNSSHP Magic Kingdom

Booking Dates – August 14th – December 24th, 2017

Travel Dates – October 8th – December 24th, 2017 *

Depending on the dates of travel and resort selection passholders can save up to 30% on their resort room. Passholders can book up to 3 rooms and one adult must show proof of annual pass at check-in. If booking more than one room there does not need to be a passholder in each room.

There are a few room/resort exclusions. Offer excludes 3-bedroom villas, campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid standard rooms, Bay Lake tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. As always with Disney promotions, availability is limited!

*All room rates will be standard on November 22nd-24th for Thanksgiving.

Are you ready to grab your Annual Pass and head to Disney World to celebrate the holidays?

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote today!

Find these tips helpful and would like some more to make your Disney vacation the most magical and stress-free ever? Click the link above and fill out the form 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 1.770.800.6500, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook

Paddlefish Restaurant Hosting Special Rooftop Wine Dinner

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 9, 2017

Paddlefish Restaurant Hosting Special Rooftop Wine Dinner

What could be better than delicious wine with amazing views! Thursday August 24th, Paddlefish at Disney Springs is hosting a special Rooftop Wine Dinner. This event will showcase a four course tasting menu highlighting old world wines paired with new world cuisine including grilled shrimp, tuna crudo and surf & turf.

The event will be held on their third deck rooftop at 6:30 pm and the cost is $100 per person. Click here to purchase tickets or call 407-934-2628

Menu Includes:

RECEPTION
Grilled shrimp and lemongrass skewers, Thai glazed Louisiana broiler claws
Wine pairing: Contratto Extra Brut

FIRST COURSE
Yellow-fin tuna crudo, avocado mousse, miso soy glaze, sriracha emulsion
Wine pairing: Gramona Gessami Blanco

SECOND COURSE
Plant City sweet corn bisque, king crab, toasted bread center, chive oil
Wine pairing: Monte Carbonare Soave

THIRD COURSE
Surf & turf, marinated lamb loin with char-grilled octopus, warm Nueske bacon marmalade, harissa demi glace, mint gremolata
Wine pairing: Mocali Brunello di Montalcino

FOURTH COURSE
White chocolate and passionfruit mousse, ginger florentine cookie
Wine pairing: Poire Prisonniere

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click here or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

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.

Disney Addicts are Loving the New Rose Gold Minnie Ears

By

Danielle

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August 9, 2017

Rose Gold Minnie Ears

Disney Parks recently released new Rose Gold Minnie Ears, and Disney lovers everywhere are going crazy for them! They’ve already been soaring across social media, and Disney style lovers just can’t get enough.

They are currently available at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Parks. These ears are covered in sequins, in a classic style with a shimmery bow. Sequined Minnie ears headbands are always a fun fashion accessory for your visit to the Disney Parks. They are also one of my favorite souvenirs to collect! Sadly they aren’t available on the Parks Merchandise Shop at the Disney Store yet. However if you really can’t wait to get your hands on a pair, there are some available on Etsy.

What do you think of the beautiful new Rose Gold Minnie Ears everyone is loving?

Photo Credit: Styledbymagic

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Hollywood Studios to Take Brief Hiatus This Holiday Season

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 9, 2017

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks

With “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” returning for a second year to Hollywood Studios, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” will be taking a brief hiatus from November 9 to December 14. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will begin at 8 pm.

If you plan on visiting Hollywood Studios after December 14, you are in luck! Guests visiting Hollywood Studios from December 15 to December 31 will be treated to both shows nightly. “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” will begin at 6:30 pm and “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will be shown at 9 or 10 pm.

Will you be at Hollywood Studios this Holiday Season?

Let’s start planning your Holiday Trip to Disney World! CLICK HERE or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney and my services are 100% FREE!

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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. 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.

New Narrator Announced for Relaunched Mission: SPACE! at Epcot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 9, 2017

Mission: SPACE! at Epcot has been undergoing an extensive refurbishment for a few months now. We had already learned that new missions will be introduced to make the ride more family-friendly and accessible to smaller children. Well today we are learning that the narrator for the ride’s “pre-launch” portion has also been changed. This portion of the ride will now feature Gina Torres filling the place of Gary Sinise.

Torres is a actress who’s acting credit reads as Westworld, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and Xena: Warrior Princess. Most recently, Torres portrayed the role as Jessica Pearson in Suits on the USA Network.

Mission: SPACE! is scheduled to reopen this Sunday, August 13.

Will you be one of the first to check out the newly redesigned ride?

Let’s start planning your trip to Epcot! CLICK HERE or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney and my services are 100% FREE!

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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. 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.

Cool Off With a Refreshing “Pandoran Sunrise” From Pongu Pongu at Pandora – The World of Avatar

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 9, 2017

Disney guests of all ages visiting Pandora – The World of Avatar can enjoy this fruity non-alcoholic specialty drink from Pongu Pongu. Made with a blend of tropical juices and powerade melon this one of a kind drink is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

You can even get it served up this popular Navi flute souvenir cup.

Garnished with a hearty chunk of pineapple, the “Pandoran Sunrise” is priced at $4.49 and for those who are on a dining plan a snack credit can be used.

Have you tried the “Pandoran Sunrise” yet?

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote today!

Find these tips helpful and would like some more to make your Disney vacation the most magical and stress-free ever? Click the link above and fill out the form 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 1.770.800.6500, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook

Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley Grace Cover of Current Issue of Entertainment Weekly

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 9, 2017

Excitement over the latest Star Wars installment The Last Jedi, is starting to reach fever pitch with this week’s edition of Entertainment Weekly. The magazine is offering two versions its Fall Movie Preview cover. The first (pictured above) features Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker.

The second cover features Daisy Ridley in the role of Rey.

The issue is also jam-packed with information on the upcoming Star Wars film, which is heading to theaters on December 15th. The feature story gets its inspiration from the dual covers and explores the relationships between Luke and Rey.

This coveted Fall Preview issue marks just the beginning of Entertainment Weekly’s commitment to Star Wars coverage. Over the next eight installments, Entertainment Weekly will continue to focus on many facets of the production. Keep following along as EW will next shift its focus to Finn as well as the introduction of the a new character Rose.

Tomorrow: Entertainment Weekly online will also release details regarding Carrie Fisher’s final appearance as Leia Organa. For more information please visit the Entertainment Weekly website.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Thinking about a visit to Disney? There are still great 2017 packages to be had and 2018 packages are now on sale! Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote!

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

The Walt Disney Company’s 3rd Quarter Earnings Report

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 9, 2017

Yesterday The Walt Disney Company reported their quarterly earnings for its third fiscal quarter ending on July 1, 2017. They also made a big announcement about their move away from Netflix and into their own streaming services.

Although impressive earnings were reported, Disney still showed disappointing revenues. We have the breakdown below:

Cable Networks – revenues for the quarter decreased 3% to $4.1 billion and operating income decreased 23% to $1.5 billion.

Lower operating income was due to a decline at ESPN showing higher programming costs and lower advertising revenue, as well as severance and contract termination costs.

Parks and Resorts – revenues for the quarter increased 12% to $4.9 billion.

Domestic Parks: Increased costs were essentially offset by increases in guest spending and volumes.
- Higher costs were primarily due to labor and other cost inflation, increased operations support costs, new guest offerings and the dry-dock of the Disney Fantasy in the current quarter.
- Costs for new guest offerings were driven by the launch of the expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, including the related marketing costs.
- Guest spending growth was due to increases in average ticket prices for sailings on the cruise ships and admission to the theme parks, as well as higher average daily hotel room rates and food and beverage spending.
- Higher volumes were due to attendance growth, partially offset by a decrease in occupied room nights and lower passenger cruise days due to the dry-dock of the Disney Fantasy.
- The decrease in occupied room nights was due to refurbishments and conversions to vacation club units
International Parks: Showed operating income growth
- Due to increases at Shanghai Disney Resort and Disneyland Paris
  - Shanghai Disney Resort reflected a full quarter of operations in the current year compared to the prior-year quarter, which included pre-opening costs
  - Higher operating income at Disneyland Paris was due to increases in guest spending and attendance, partially offset by higher costs for new guest offerings, including the 25th Anniversary celebration.

Studio Entertainment – revenues for the quarter decreased 16% to $2.4 billion

Lower operating income was due to decreased theatrical and home entertainment distribution results, partially offset by growth in TV/SVOD distribution and lower film cost impairments
- The decrease in theatrical distribution results was due to the performance of our releases in the current quarter compared to the prior-year quarter.
- Significant releases in the current quarter included Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Cars 3, while the prior-year quarter included Captain America: Civil War, The Jungle Book, Finding Dory and Alice Through the Looking Glass.
- The decrease in home entertainment results was due to lower unit sales driven by the performance of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in the prior-year quarter compared to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in the current quarter
- Higher TV/SVOD distribution results were primarily due to an increase in domestic rates, international growth and the timing of domestic title availabilities.

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click here or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

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

Hollywood Studios Extends Hours on Popular Attractions This Weekend

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 9, 2017

The curtain will close for the final time on the Great Movie Ride this Sunday. In anticipation of heavy crowds this weekend for guests looking to take a ride one last time, Hollywood Studios has extended the hours and showtimes on popular attractions.

Guests of the park on Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13 will see these changes:

The first For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-a-Long show will begin at 9:30 am instead of the usual 10:30 am
The first Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular show will begin at 10:45 am instead of the usual 12:00 pm
One Man’s Dream will be open from park open to close instead of the usual 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner will open at 9:00 am and even serve breakfast on Saturday, August 12 only

As of now, the scheduled park hours for the entire park are 9:00 am to 9:30 pm on both Saturday and Sunday with Extra Magic Hours available for Disney World Resort guests from 8:00 a to 9:00 am on Sunday.

The closing of the Great Movie ride was confirmed by Disney at last month’s D23 Expo. It will be replaced by a brand new Mickey and Minnie-themed ride.

Will you be saying goodbye to the Great Movie Ride this weekend?

It’s not too late to plan your vacation trip to ride the Great Movie Ride one more time! CLICK HERE or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney and my services are 100% FREE!

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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. 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.

Exciting Summer With Disneyland’s New And Returning Favorites

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 9, 2017

Exciting Summer With Disneyland's New And Returning Favorites

Have you seen all of the amazing things happening at Disneyland this summer? Both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park have new and returning favorites to excite the entire family. But you better hurry, some of the fun is only available for a limited time!

Exciting Summer With Disneyland's New And Returning Favorites

“Fantasmic!”

I don’t know about you but I have been missing Fantasmic! The 25 year old Disneyland park nighttime spectacular is back and better than ever. It now has uses new mist screens along with state of the art projection technology to create brighter and more vibrant visuals then ever before.

Exciting Summer With Disneyland's New And Returning Favorites

Main Street Electrical Parade

Only a few more days left until the Main Street Electrical Parade says good bye to the place where it all began. It’s limited run ends on August 20th!

Exciting Summer With Disneyland's New And Returning Favorites

Summer of Heroes

It’s time to Hero Up at Disney California Adventure park with special, limited-time experiences available through September 10th. All of your favorite super heroes are assembling here like Thor, Black Widow, Spiderman, and Captain America. You can also enjoy heroic treats like Groot Bread and Gamma-sized donuts.

Exciting Summer With Disneyland's New And Returning Favorites

Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America Attractions

The beloved Disneyland park favorites have returned! The Disneyland Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes are now open once again for guests to climb aboard.

Exciting Summer With Disneyland's New And Returning Favorites

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Did you get the call for help? Rocket needs some assistance freeing his buddies from the grasp of the mysterious Collector! This ultimate breakout is even better when it’s set to the beat of some great tunes.

Disney MaxPass

Disney MaxPass is a new digital tool that gives guests unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads during the day. It also allows guests to conveniently book FastPass times through the Disneyland App. Take a look at the video above to see how it works!

Which of these amazing Summer experiences are you excited to try? Let us know in the comments below!

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click here or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

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