Shanghai Disney Celebrates Earth Month with The Lion King

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April 23, 2017

Guests of the Shanghai Disney Resort in China were recently treated to a very special performance of the popular Lion King Musical. This performance marked the first-ever Mandarin production of the Broadway musical and was held to kick off the “Celebrate Earth” series at the Shanghai property. The event was held to raise funds for wildlife protection awareness in China and also honored the story about the “Circle of Life.”

This event marks the first Earth Month for newest Disney resort after its opening, and Disney teamed up with the China Wildlife Conservation Association and WildAid, an environmental non-profit, to bring you plenty of fun ways to celebrate and support this great big beautiful world of ours.

Disney’s new Join the Herd wildlife conservation campaign focuses on the protection of elephants and other endangered wild animals, and it all starts with a stunning photography exhibition at Walt Disney Grand Theatre. You can step into the natural habitat of animals that inspired The Lion King’s lovable characters and even make an ivory free pledge on a special wall installed at the theatre.

A “Celebrate Earth” fair will be set up at Disneytown and Shanghai Disneyland, including a host of environmentally-friendly themed games for kids. Everyone is invited to come out and learn how small changes make a big impact on the world around us. Don’t forget to take a stroll around Wishing Star Park during your visit and enjoy all the beauty nature has to offer.

Shanghai Disney Resort continues Disney’s longstanding commitment to engage communities in the protection of wildlife and their habitats. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has been working to protect wildlife, including efforts to reverse the decline of elephants, with more than $2.3 million in support to elephant projects in 25 countries across Asia and Africa.

Let’s get your trip on the books to a 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.

Photo Credit: Disney

Marvel’s ‘Avengers 4’ Won’t Film Back To Back With ‘Avengers: Infinity War,’ May End the Modern MCU

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 23, 2017

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Kevin Feige has been talking lately. Along with the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2” junket, it seems the Marvel‘s movie boss has taken on a string of interviews, taking the opportunity to provide updates on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Including some particularly juicy comments about the ‘Avengers‘ movies and where the Marvel universe as a whole might head at the conclusion of Phase 3. And while that might be the more enticing storyline, let’s begin with the (relatively) smaller piece of news.

In a conversation with Collider, Feige provided a few updates on the production of “Avengers: Infinity War” and let it slide that the studio was no longer looking to shoot it back-to-back with the yet-untitled “Avengers 4.”

“We’re doing them one right after another… It became too complicated to cross-board them like that, and we found ourselves — again, something would always pay the price. We wanted to be able to focus and shoot one movie and then focus and shoot another movie.”

This is a totally understandable approach for Marvel to take. While back-to-back shoots became popular in the early 2000s — with Peter Jackson‘s ‘Lord Of The Rings‘ trilogy and the Wachowski Sisters‘ ‘Matrix‘ sequels both benefiting from the practice — the Marvel universe must be a logistical nightmare compared to those films. “Avengers: Infinity War” will feature anywhere between six and eight bonafide movie stars — not “good actors,” not “interesting talents,” but international stars — and trying to build a shooting schedule around them while also bringing together the disparate storylines introduced after “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” sounds like a real headache. Good on Marvel for bailing on the approach before it became a problem.

The big news, though, is Feige’s comments on the post-“Avengers 4” MCU. Feige spoke about the direction the studio might head after their Phase 3 movies had come to a close, and Feige admitted they may decide to go in another direction entirely:

“We’ve been lucky that [contract expirations] haven’t factored in too much. We’ve had people under contract for certain films, then we’ve had new ideas and new directions like Civil War like we wanted to do, and we’ve been lucky enough to make new contracts. Or Spider-Man: Homecoming, the cast has been awesome in their enthusiasm for the direction and the storylines that we’ve been telling. So it really does, right now, all start with where we wanna take the stories. Certainly as we get to Infinity War there is a sense of a climax if not a conclusion to, by the time we’re at untitled Avengers 4, the 22 movies that will have encompassed the first three phases of the MCU. And what happens after that will be very different. I don’t know if it’s Phase 4, it might be a new thing.”

There you go. Marvel was always going to have a tough time pivoting from its old cast to its new one. It’s been pretty loyal to the original comics, and those fans that do know the original cannon know that some characters still need to be introduced and some get … replaced. How accurate Feige and team decide to be to the material will be an interesting thing to watch unfold.

Four Seasons Resort is Selling Luxury Homes in Disney’s Golden Oak Community

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 23, 2017

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is selling private residences within Disney’s Golden Oak Community. The luxury homes at Walt Disney World have a starting price of $5 million. These are the first single-family homes in the country affiliated with Four Seasons. Residents will be able to use many of the 16-story Four Seasons resort amenities including the golf course, tennis courts and pools. They are also welcome at the resort’s restaurants and select events taking place at the resort. More luxury perks include laundry and dry cleaning services, in-home spa services, and a second kitchen specifically designed for catering purposes is built into each home so that Four Seasons’ catering will have facilities to accommodate any bookings made by the residents.

In addition to the perks associated with the Four Seasons resort comes the perks of owning a home in Golden Oak, which includes use of the Summerhouse club, lounge, fitness center and entertainment rooms. And lets not forget all Disney perks like complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks, special member activities at various Disney locations, and prestige of getting to say you live at Walt Disney World. Keep in mind all this luxury comes with a price. Homeowner association fees will cost almost $25k per year for those living in a Four Seasons residence.

How many of you think being able to live in Walt Disney World would be a Disney dream come true?

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’s Freeform Channel Announces New Drama “Siren” For Summer 2018 Series.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 23, 2017

“Siren,” is the new one-hour drama coming to Disney’s Freeform channel. It takes us inside Bristol Cove—a coastal town known for its legend of once being home to mermaids. When the arrival of a mysterious girl proves this folklore to be true, the battle between man and sea takes a very vicious turn as these predatory beings return to reclaim their right to the ocean.

It’s a very different mermaid story than usual. Freeform seems to be looking for thrilling stories that are complex and scary. The series stars Alex Roe (“The 5th Wave”) as Ben, a bright marine biologist who finds himself drawn to Ryn, a mysterious new girl in town played by Eline Powell (“Game of Thrones”), who is a strange young woman with a deep dark secret. Fola Evans-Akingbola (“An American Exorcism”) stars as Maddie, also a marine biologist who works with Ben, and is highly suspicious of Ryn. Ian Verdun (“Life’s a Drag”) stars as Xander, a deep sea fisherman on a quest to uncover the truth; and Rena Owen (“Star Wars” Episodes II and III) as Helen, the town eccentric who seems to know more about the mermaids than she lets on.

Based on a story by Eric Wald and Dean White who both serve as executive producers. Emily Whitesell (“Finding Carter”) is on board as showrunner and executive producer. Brad Luff, Nate Hopper and RD Robb are also attached as executive producers. The show was originally called “The Deep.”

Two D23 Events Announced to Celebrate Epcot’s 35th Anniversary

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 23, 2017

To commemorate the 35th Anniversary of Epcot at Walt Disney World, the official Disney Fan Club – D23– has announced two special events for October 1st, 2017. Both events will be offered to D23 Gold and D23 Gold Family Members only.

Here are the details on the two events:

Fanniversary

Fanniversary will serve as the kick-off to a month-long celebration honoring the popular Epcot park. This lunch-time event for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will offer three unique presentations to celebrate the magic of Epcot. Included in the presentations will be rare content and stories from Disney pioneers who played a vital role in the development of Epcot. This unique event will take place in the World Showcase Events Pavilion on October 1st.

Attendees of this special event will be offered a boxed lunch while having the chance to look back on Epcot through the years. Of course, a one-of-a-kind gift will be included for all D23 members who attend.

Tickets for this event go on sale Tuesday, May 2nd at 1:00 pm EST. Click here to purchase your tickets.

A Progressive Dinner Celebrating 35 Years of Epcot

During the evening of October 1st, 2017, D23 Gold and Gold Family Members are invited to a special progressive dinner that will take place at various venues in Epcot. Attendees are invited to go behind-the-scenes of the Epcot magic and enjoy a multi-course meal highlighting favorites found throughout Future World and the World Showcase. Guests will be served a four course meal along the way with stops in the General Motors Lounge above Test Track and The Living Seas Salon. Appearances by Disney luminaries and special guests will be offered to all attendees. At the conclusion of the dinner, guests will be treated to a private VIP dessert reception while taking in the sights of IllumiNations. Attendees of the party will then be wowed by an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience at an iconic Epcot attraction. A custom gift created for each attendee is also included.

The event begins at 6 pm on the evening of October 1st and will run about 4 1/2 hours.

Tickets for this event go on sale Wednesday, May 3rd at 1:00 pm EST. Click here to purchase your tickets.

Will you be attending any of these special events? Let us know!

Let’s get your trip to Epcot or any other Disney Destination on the books! 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.

Credit: Disney

Morimoto Asia Celebrating Administrative Professionals Day With A Special Dessert Offer

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 23, 2017

This Wednesday, April 25th Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs wants to help you celebrate Administrative Professionals Day with a special dessert offer.

With a minimum purchase of $35, your table can enjoy a complimentary MM Parfait! A generous helping of vanilla gelato cradles a chocolate creampuff drizzled in hazelnut crunchies, topped with sesame mocha, and garnished with sweet berries in this decadent dessert. Treat yourself during lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 25^th with this hump day special by mentioning that you’re celebrating Administrative Professionals Day.

You more than deserve it for all of your hard work so grab a spoon a dig in!

Want more help planning your trip? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I am here to answer all of your Disney questions. 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.

Top 5 Disney Inspired Frappuccinos we Wish Starbucks Would Make

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Danielle

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April 22, 2017

By now I’m sure we’ve all heard of the infamous Unicorn Frappuccino from Starbucks. I’ll admit it was beautiful to behold, but it got me thinking about other fun inspirations for frappuccinos. There’s even a Pokemon drink, so why not Disney ones? That’s why I put together the Top 5 Disney Inspired Frappuccinos, we here at Chip and Co, would love to see!

I’ll admit it, I totally broke down and had to get a Unicorn Frappuccino the day they came out. As I sipped it’s sweet unicorn essence I couldn’t help but think, why is there no Disney inspired Starbucks drinks? I mean there’s a Starbucks in every Disney park, and even Downtown Disney in California and Disney Springs, so why not have Disney inspired concoctions? So after spending probably way too much time thinking up characters, flavors, and of course colors, I chatted with a few other Disney Addicts, and we narrowed it down. I doodled out drinks inspired by the characters we wanted to see as drinks most, and got to work!

***Note- These are just frappuccinos we would like to see, they aren’t really coming out with them, but it was definetly fun! These are just my little doodles to help illustrate the colors and layers of the drinks, not actual product concepts. Please don’t make the Baristas try to make these haha!

1. Ariel Inspired Frappuccino – The Mermaid

Mermaids are a mythical creature like the unicorn that sparked this frappuccino craze. There’s often debates among friends of who is team mermaid and who is team unicorn. So why not have a mermaid drink inspired by the undersea princess herself, Ariel? I think this drink should have tropical flavors, like a Piña colada. A refreshing citrusy pineapple mix on the top, with a sweet coconut vanilla on the bottom. The drizzle could be cherry, just like the cherry on top of a Piña colada! I think that a candy shaped like a shell on top of the whipped cream would be the perfect finish.

2. Aladdin Inspired Frappuccino – Genie’s 3 Wishes

Since we’re wishing for all these fun Disney inspired drinks, we can’t leave out the wish granter himself, Genie! The Creamy blue, with red drizzle design, topped with gold sprinkles, would be a perfect way for a Frappuccino to Disneybound as Genie. I imagine a creamy blue raspberry for the main drink. I think adding a pomegranate red drizzle would not only go deliciously with raspberry, but would suit Genie well. Some sparkling gold sprinkles on top would be a nice nod to the cuffs that ounce bound genie, and they would melt away in the drink, just like Aladdin’s wish removing them.

3. Belle Inspired Frappuccino – The Enchanted Rose

For Belle’s enchanted rose drink, I knew the colors had to resemble her iconic gold dress. I was a bit torn on the perfect flavors though. The most popular idea was to have it be a bit of a Le Fou’s Brew tasting frappe. That would be fabulous for fan’s of the drink who can’t always get to Walt Disney World. This could be a butterscotch and apple cream drink, with a red marshmallow drizzle. I also thought a butterscotch cream drink with a rose flavored swirl would be yummy, but rose is mostly for the more adventurous taste buds. What do you think the flavor for this one should be?

4. Snow White Inspired Frappuccino – Snow’s Poisoned Apple

The poison apple from Snow White is one of the most popular icons that comes to mind when you think of the original Disney Princess. A drink inspired by the cursed apple from the movie would not only be a Disney inspiration, but would look wicked cool. This tasty potion would of course have to be apple flavored! A yummy caramel or white chocolate flavored drink with a sour apple drizzle would be magical. I opted for red, yellow, and blue sprinkles on top as a nod to the iconic color motif of Snow’s dress.

5. Sleeping Beauty Inspired Frappuccino

Last but not least, the Aurora inspired frappuccino. I will admit the Aurora’s Once Upon a Dream drink definetly resembles the Unicorn Frappe. That’s because while drinking the Unicorn, all I could think about was the scene where the fairies are changing the color of Aurora’s dress. If that drink could change color, why not an Aurora inspired one that changes color too? I would love if this drink had a blue vanilla bottom layer, with a tart cherry top layer, and a white chocolate drizzle colored purple. Add on some colorful sprinkles and sugars on the top, and this drink would totally be once upon a dream.

I really hope you enjoyed our Top 5 Disney Inspired Frappuccinos we Wish Starbucks Would Make! I would love to know what characters, or flavor changes to my ideas you guys would like to see! Do you wish Starbucks would make some Disney inspired drinks too? Also, to the Starbucks Baristas… I’m sorry!

Chris Pratt’s Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2017

Chris Pratt is riding a high right now. Not only is “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2” premiering on May 5th and is getting awesome reviews, he was honored yesterday in Hollywood. Right in front of the El Capitan Theater, Star Lord got his own star on the Hollywood walk of fame. With his wife, Anna Faris, his family, his costars and director James Gunn from Guardians – he had a great event yesterday and we’ve got the pictures to show it.

Chris Pratt’s Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony. — (L-R) Actors Anna Faris, Chris Pratt, Jack Pratt and family at the Chris Pratt

Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Man Dies In Hospital After Riding Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2017

A 54-year-old man passed away in the hospital after riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in February. He had a pre-existing condition which led to his collapse. His death was revealed in Disney’s quarterly report on all ride-related injuries. This report is given to the state by all of the major theme parks in Florida. The victim was not identified.

Covering January through March of 2017, the report lists 11 separate incidents of injury and/or illness that occurred in the Disney World parks. It should be noted that only incidents or illnesses resulting in a hospital stay of 24 hours or more, as well as deaths, are included in this report.

The Orlando Sentinel reported on an email statement by Sherri Blanton, a spokeswoman for District Nine Medical Examiner’s Office, which clarified that the deceased did not appear to be one of their cases. She wrote the man most likely “had an attending physician who agreed to sign out the death certificate due to natural causes.” In situations where patients are under a doctor’s care and no trauma is involved, the medical examiner’s office would not be involved.

Other Disney World incidents included on this quarterly report:

1/16 – Soarin‘: An 89-year-old female with a pre-existing condition felt chest pain and numbness
1/17 – Soarin’: A 46-year-old male felt dizzy and ill, experienced slurred speech.
1/19 – Mission: SPACE: A 69-year-old female felt ill, passed out momentarily.
1/24 – Prince Charming Regal Carousel: A 72-year-old female fell and injured her head.
2/6 – Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid: A 34-year-old male felt disoriented and fell after the ride.
2/9 – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: A 54-year-old male with pre-existing condition collapsed, died in hospital.
2/12 – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: A 69 year-old male with pre-existing condition experienced neck pain.
2/12 – Expedition Everest: A 30-year-old male reported being struck on the head, experienced headache, dizziness.
2/17 – Frozen Ever After: A 74-year-old female fell while boarding a boat and fractured her leg.
3/23 – Pirates of the Caribbean: A 50-year-old male recovering from throat surgery became ill.
3/26 – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: A 61-year-old male felt ill.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected.

Sources: The Orlando Sentinel, The Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Department website

Cars 3 Soundtrack First Listen and Song Available Now

By

Danielle

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April 22, 2017

It’s time to switch gears, put the pedal to the metal, and ride! The first listen of the new Cars 3 Soundtrack has arrived. This new song is titled “Ride” and is performed by ZZ WARD Featuring Gary Clark Jr.

The opening is a toe tapping guitar rhythm that flows into ZZ’s beautiful folksy voice. The song seems to be a perfect track to accompany Cars 3, from the beat right down to the lyrics. The track is available as a digital single now, and will be available to download on Amazon. The guitar rhythms are fantastic combined with a steady percussion that gives this song deep soulful feel. I think the soulful sound will be fitting for the intense story Cars 3 is looking to be.

Check out the song on Disney Music VEVO below!

What do you think about this rocking new song from the Cars 3 Soundtrack? Do you think it’s a good song to rev us all up for the newest PIXAR movie coming out this summer?

2016-2017 Grant Recipients Announced for Disney Conservation Fund

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2017

In celebration of Earth Day, Disney has released details of the 2016 -2017 grants awarded by Disney Conservation Fund to help support initiatives that celebrate the planet and mankind. This year the Fund reached a milestone of helping more than $65 million in support of over 115 projects since its inception in 1995.

This year, the grants awarded totaled over $7 million. Here’s just some of the projects that Disney Conservation Fund is helping to support this year.

Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program- Empowering young people to create community-based solutions to challenges facing communities, animals or the environment.
Meet Me at A Park- set up by the National Recreation and Park Association, this initiative is providing 16 communities with resources to improve local parks.
Butterfly Heroes Program – encourages kids and families to create backyard habitats for wildlife.

As part of Disney’s Reverse the Decline initiative, the Conservation Fund is contributing funding and expertise to actively protect 10 at-risk animals and is providing over 100 conservation grants to support the protection of wildlife and ecosystems. This includes:

Helping Panthera conduct outreach to herders and monasteries to empower local people to support the conservation of the Snow Leopards in China.
Helping San Diego Zoo Global continue its work to protect vaquita porpoises (the most endangered marine animal in the world)
Supporting the World Parrot Trust in identifying and protecting the habitats of Tasman parakeets in Australia.

For further details on the Disney Conservation Funds grant recipients visit their website at www.disney.com/conservation.

Funding for many of the projects outlined above is supplemented by income from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Seas and The Land at Epcot, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club Resorts and select Walt Disney World resorts. So as a visitor to Disney you are an active contributor to all of the excited projects outlined above. One of the many reasons to feel goo this Earth Day.

Looking for other ways to support Disney on Earth Day? Head out to see Born in China, a stunning documentary made possible by Disneynature. The piece follows three animal families – pandas, golden monkeys and snow leopards as they live out their lives in the wilds of China. If you purchase a ticket this Earth Day weekend, Disneynature will make a donation in your honor to the World Wildlife Foundation to benefit pandas and snow leopards.

Planning a trip to Disney? 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 help you find your perfect package and will be on hand to help with things like 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

Enter Disney Descendants 2 and You Sweepstakes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2017

Disney’s Descendants 2 is coming to theaters this summer! And between now until Sept. 3rd you can enter daily for your chance to win a trip to LA for a Descendants 2 transformation with Sofia Carson and Cameron Boyce, which will air on Disney Channel!

Click HERE to enter Disney Descendants 2 and You Sweepstakes.

Click HERE for official rules.

Good luck Descendants fans! Remember… you can’t win if you don’t enter.

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.