EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival – By The Numbers

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August 1, 2017

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival - By The Numbers

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival begins in less than a month! To get everyone ready we thought we would bring you the 22nd Annual Food and Wine Festival “by the numbers”, 75 days of delicious fun to celebrate, 22 festival years and 35 years of Epcot.

Walt Disney World Resort guests are invited to join the fun when the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival turns 22 from Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017. On Oct. 1, Epcot will celebrate its 35^th anniversary, and this year’s festival will feature, for the first time, 35 global dine-around marketplaces. Guests will discover delicious ethnic and specialty cuisine, refreshing new beverages and more concerts and musical acts than ever.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival - By The Numbers

The record 75-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park will include five new Future World marketplaces featuring fresh culinary concepts to pair with select wines, beers, cocktails and other beverages. ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” will broadcast from the festival for the third year and will again showcase dishes inspired by “The Chew” show hosts. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world.

Here are some fun facts about the 22^nd festival celebration.

Now 75 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days
At the 2017 festival, 35 global marketplaces will include five new marketplaces to help celebrate 35 years of Epcot –they include Active Eats, Coastal Eats, Flavors from Fire and Light Lab, all expanding into the park’s Future World area. The Almond Orchard, hosted by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, is the fifth new marketplace located along the World Showcase promenade

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival - By The Numbers

Producers of ABC’s “The Chew” will tape 5 episodes of the show before 5 festival guest audiences numbering in the hundreds for each show Oct. 4-6 against a backdrop of the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival - By The Numbers

The 22^nd festival will feature 39 new marketplace dishes and 65 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders
This year, more than 50 domestic and international wines will be offered at global marketplaces
More than 50 wineries and more than 35 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces
The new “Disney Food and Wine Festivals Coast to Coast Cookbook” by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 50 irresistible recipes, 26 recipes from the Epcot festival global marketplaces and 24 from Disney’s California Adventure
5 Party for the Senses grand tastings will take place at World Showplace during the festival run. In all, the festival will feature 177 premium events ranging from Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings to “What’s Cookin’ With” and additional festival events in World Showcase pavilions and Walt Disney World resorts
Guest chefs and Disney chefs numbering 197 will present culinary demonstrations and will cook for festival events
Celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from 11 countries and 23 U.S. states will participate in the festival at culinary demos, book signings, and special tasting events and dinners
379 culinary demos, beverage and interactive seminars will take place during the 75-day festival. That’s equal to more than 6,360 hours of scheduled seminars at the Festival Center. These include the fun-filled Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! interactive events, plus more
During Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak festival scavenger hunt, guests can help Remy scour the park for the ingredients to make his signature dish, ratatouille. Along the way, they’ll find 15 Remy statuettes hidden throughout World Showcase and the global marketplaces. Guests can purchase their map and stickers at select merchandise locations, then take their completed maps to Disney Traders at the entrance to World Showcase or World Traveler at International Gateway to choose a new surprise, compliments of Chef Remy

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival - By The Numbers

225 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed;11 musical acts will appear for the first time at this year’s festival featuring entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues
The Festival Passport (previously called the Marketplace Discovery Passport) was introduced in 2010 for the 15^th annual festival; today, the complimentary passport will feature pages with all 35 festival marketplaces and other outdoor food and beverage locations with special festival offerings such as Refreshment Cool Post, Fife & Drum Tavern and Refreshment Port
More than 1,200 fireworks will explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nightime spectacular
100,000-plus desserts, including Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts (new at Hawaii) and Sweet Olive Oil Cake with Powdered Sugar and Lemon Curd (new at Spain), are expected to be served
In 1997, during the festival’s second year, festival planners introduced the first Grand Tasting culinary extravaganza; in 2002, the event was renamed and moved to World Showplace as Party for the Senses, now featuring dozens of food and beverage stations and, in 2017, confirmed seating for all guests plus new and different themed entertainment and surprises for each event

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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.

Image Credit : Disney

Video Shows Track Being Completed for Toy Story Land’s Slinky Dog Dash

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 1, 2017

Toy Story Land

Construction is really coming along at the new Toy Story Land slated to open at Hollywood Studios in the Summer of 2018. This new area inspired by the Disney•Pixar Toy Story franchise will feature two new attractions one of which is an exciting new family coaster called the Slinky Dog Dash named after Andy’s cherished slinky dog toy.

Disney shared exciting footage today of the track actually being completed on the Slinky Dog Dash, giving fans a wonderful taste of what’s in store for visitors next Summer. Check it out:

Toy Story Land will be designed to make guests feel like they have been shrunken down to the size of one of Andy’s toys. In keeping with this playful theme, the Slinky Dog Dash will have fun details added to give riders the feel that they are dashing around on a coaster that Andy build using his Mega Coaster Play Kit. You may even be joined by some of his other favorite toys!

Keep following along with Chip and Co for the latest in Toy Story Land news and updates.

Video Shows Track Being Completed for Toy Story Land's Slinky Dog Dash

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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

Retro Inspired Epcot 35th Anniversary Merchandise Coming this Fall

By

Danielle

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August 1, 2017

Epcot 35th Anniversary Merchandise

Epcot will be celebrating it’s 35th Anniversary this October! To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Disney will be launching a beautiful line of retro inspired Epcot 35th Anniversary merchandise.

Retro Inspired Epcot 35th Anniversary Merchandise Coming this Fall

This collection captures the spirit of Epcot’s beginning. The theme comes from the phrase “We’ve just begun to dream.” Eric Caszatt, the Creative Manager with the Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Creative Group told Disney Parks Blog’s Steven Miller:

“Many of the artists on my team are long-time Epcot fans,” explained Eric. “We wanted the art to have a distinct vintage feeling, and take its cues from artwork, logos, signage, and in-park graphics found in the early 1980s. We also referenced actual merchandise released during the first few years of operation. Many products then did not incorporate Disney characters into the artwork with the exception of Figment from the Journey Into Imagination attraction. I’m excited to see several products being released this fall can trace their heritage back to those original items.”

Retro Inspired Epcot 35th Anniversary Merchandise Coming this Fall

One of the most prevalent throw backs to the original Epcot is the color pallet of the five colors that were highly featured on opening year products of Epcot: purple, pink, red, orange, and gold. The artwork of the anniversary collection used these same colors with muted tones, to really get the vintage vibe. Some of the products will even have “EPCOT Center” in their designs. Other products will have the EPCOT Center logo.

Don’t worry Figment fans, the collection features quite a few items featuring out favorite host of the imagination. There’s even a gorgeous backpack that is sure to be perfect for exploring the parks with.

You can look for the Epcot 35th Anniversary Merchandise collection to be released in late September in select locations in Epcot. Like with many other collections, some of the items will also be available on the Shop Disney Parks App as well.

Other exclusive products have been created for the anniversary day of October 1st as well so be on the look out!

Pamphlets Advertising Disney Skyliner Being Distributed To Select Resorts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 1, 2017

Pamphlets Advertising Disney Skyliner Being Distributed To Select Resorts

A new promotional pamphlet is being distributed to resort guest rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. It announces that these resorts will be the new recipients of the gondola transportation system called “Disney Skyliner“.

It goes on to ask for guests’s understanding as the work continues in order to make this new transportation system a reality.

Pamphlets Advertising Disney Skyliner Being Distributed To Select Resorts

The Disney Skyliner was announced at this year’s D23 Expo. It will give guests easier access between these resorts, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and the future Disney Vacation Club property Disney Riviera Resort.

This pamphlet seems to be Disney’s way of advertising the future transportation project. Although it gives us no new information, it does show us that Disney is one step closer to getting this project completed.

Will the new gondola system entice you to stay at one of these resorts?

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.

Celebrate National Watermelon Day At Disney Spings

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 31, 2017

Celebrate National Watermelon Day At Disney Spings

August 3rd is National Watermelon Day! To celebrate, many of Disney Spring’s best restaurants are highlighting watermelon in many creative forms. Take a look at what they have come up with:

Celebrate the juicy freshness of summer’s most refreshing snack in it’s best form – a delicious cocktail. At Morimoto Asia, located in Disney Springs guests can enjoy the Watermelon Soyokaze, just one of the seasonal summer cocktails at the restaurant. This bright blend of spirits includes Cruzan Rum, fresh watermelon juice, lime juice Midori and a splash of cranberry juice served on ice.

Celebrate National Watermelon Day At Disney Spings

At Vivoli il Gelato, cool off with a traditional watermelon sorbetto. This traditional Italian snack is made with three simple ingredients: watermelon, water and sugar. Blend and put into an ice cream machine to create a cool summer time snack.

Celebrate National Watermelon Day At Disney Spings

Brighten your cocktail with the Summer Affair at STK Orlando. Guests can enjoy fresh watermelon, Botanist Gin, lime, tonic and fresh mint in this sexy cocktail.

At Art Smith’s Homecomin Kitchen, enjoy the Summer Salad – watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, crispy jam, feta cheese, shaved red onion and candied pecans over spinach and missed greens tossed in house-made green goddess dressing and drizzled with balsamic glaze.

The hard part is deciding which one to try first! Happy Watermelon Day!

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.

Walt Disney World Best Bites July 2017

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 31, 2017

July has come and gone but it gave us some very delicious new foods to try at Walt Disney World. Let’s take a closer look at all of the new options that became available in July!

The Satu’li Sampler Platter available at Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – The World of Avatar, gives guests a chance to try all 48 possible combinations of the Satu’li Create-Your-Own Bowl. The platter serves four people and comes with all four bases (Quinoa & Vegetable Salad, Rice & Grains, Red & Sweet Potato Hash, Kale & Romaine Salad and Crunchy Slaw with Bursting Boba Pearls). Guests may choose up to four proteins; Wood Fired Chopped Chicken, Spicy Fried Tofu, Sustainable Fish and Sliced Chargrilled Roast Beef. Guests also receive three sauces (Black Bean, Green Onion Vinaigrette, and Creamy Herb). The platter also comes with four fountain drinks. If you have a family with varying tastes then this might be the perfect meal choice.

The Harambe Fruit Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is now serving corn-on-the-cob. But this isn’t your standard summer side dish. The corn is flame-grilled on-site, butter-dipped and with curry flavor. Yum!

PizzeRizzo is now offering every kiddos favorite dish. Mac & Cheese is the newest option added to the Kid’s Meal.

I have good news! More dates have been added for the Frozen-Ever-After Dessert Party at Epcot. You can make your reservation here.

Additional Dates:

August 7
August 19
August 23
August 26
September 7
September 14
September 20
October 12

This last one is a little bit of a mystery. Disney has released a Secret Supper Menu at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. It’s available now so I know where I’m heading soon! To add to the fun, secret menu items will also be offered at World Premiere Food Court at All Star Movies Resort after August 13.

Shhhhh! It’s our little secret.

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

Star Wars x STATE Collaboration Launching August 1st

By

Danielle

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July 31, 2017

In an attempt to restore peace in the galaxy, Star Wars and STATE have teamed up for a friendship themed product launch is stylishly epic. The Star Wars x STATE Collaboration launches on August 1st, 2017! This collaboration will be available exclusively at statebags.com for back to school.

When Star Wars went looking for the optimal brand collaboration, they wanted to partner with a brand the had a purposeful mission. With that in mind, STATE was the perfect fit. The message of Star Wars is that of the fight for good. Because of that, it only made sense that they chose to partner with a brand whose mission is to help those in need.

This collaboration features an assortment of Star Wars themed backpacks that are perfect for back to school. The bags are elegantly designed with themes of the Star Wars galaxy. They give off the Star Wars vibe with out being overly cartoonish with character faces, and vivid logos. Instead the styles are sleek and sophisticated with elements that blend in seamlessly.

From the Imperial Storm Trooper line up print that looks almost like a houndstooth pattern, to the chic C-3p0 metallic backpack, the STATE x Star Wars Collaboration is sure to keep you as stylish as a Jedi Knight this back to school season.

Check out the Star Wars x STATE Collaboration at statebags.com August 1st to get the backpacks you’ve been looking for.

Why You Should Book Your Walt Disney World Vacation with a MickeyTravels Agent

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 31, 2017

Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation can be a hard and daunting task. I am here to tell you it doesn’t have to be….when you book your visit with a MickeyTravels agent like me! I will be there every step of the way to plan you a magical and stress-free visit with Mickey. And, if you are looking to get the best rate possible, I am here for you! I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best price available by Disney and my services are absolutely FREE and my rates are EXACTLY the same as if you booked with Disney directly.

Let’s take a look at the other services I offer for my clients:

Tip and Tricks: As an experienced Disney-goer and graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge, I am your personal Disney expert! I know the ins and outs to make your trip the most magical and stress-free. Regardless if you are traveling solo, with your kids, or a large party, I will share my knowledge with you to make sure your time is time and money is maximized.
Advanced Dining Reservations: Unfamiliar with all the different restaurants on property? Hate to wake up early to get those hard-to-find reservations? I can help with that all! We will work together to decide the best reservations for you and your travel party and you get to sleep in the morning your 180-day Advanced Dining Reservation window opens. Booking within the 180-day window? I have a few resources to help nab those Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, etc. reservations!
FastPass+ Planning: I know the parks inside and out to plan your FastPasses and maximize your time. You also can sleep in when it comes time to make these selections as I will gladly make them for you after we decide on the best ones for you and your travel party.
Custom Itineraries: Not sure what day to visit each park and make your dining reservations? I will use park hours, Extra Magic Hours, parade and show times to create you an itinerary to maximize your time at the parks.
On-Call: Have a question while you are on your vacation? Something not going as smoothly as it should? I am just a phone call away for all of my Disney Guests.
Free Quotes and Services: As I previously mentioned, all of my services are absolutely FREE! I will work with you to get your the perfect quote for your trip and your trip will cost the same as booking with Disney directly.
Pixie Dust: Every guest who books with me receives some extra “Pixie Dust” for their trip!

Did I mention that I offer all of this for FREE?!

Let’s start planning your Walt Disney World vacation! CLICK HERE , fill out the form below, or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote from me!

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.

Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for August 2017

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 31, 2017

The following is a comprehensive list of attractions, resorts and restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort that are currently undergoing refurbishment during the month of July 2017 or will be occurring in the months ahead:

Magic Kingdom

• Hall of Presidents: Closed through Fall of 2017

• Liberty Square Riverboat: Closed August 1 – 10, 2017

• Splash Mountain: Closed August 28 – November 16, 2017

• Monorail: The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment through July 26, 2017 and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form or transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.

Hollywood Studios

The Great Movie Ride: Closing Permanently. The last day of operation will be August 13, 2017.

Epcot

Mission: SPACE: Closed through August 13, 2017

Advanced Training Lab: Closed June 5, 2017 to TBD

Coral Reef Restaurant: Closed August 27 to August 30, 2017
Ellen’s Energy Adventure: The last day of operation will be August 13, 2017.

Animal Kingdom

None

Disney Springs

Portobello Country Italian Trattoria: Closed April 23 – Fall 2017. Will reopen as Terralina Crafted Italian

Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe including The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe and The Express at Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe: Closing Permanently on August 2, 2017

Disney Quest: Permanently closed on July 3, 2017 to make room for The NBA Experience.

La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil: Final performance 12/31/2017

Blizzard Beach

Annual Closure: October 29, 2017 to January 6, 2018

Typhoon Lagoon

Annual Refurbishment: January 7, 2018 – TBD

Golf Courses/Miniature Golf

None

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Art of Animation

Disney Skyliner Construction:
Will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am.
- Ongoing until further notice

Boardwalk Inn and Villas

Currently undergoing some refurbishment projects across the Resort (resort is fully operational). It is possible that construction may be seen or heard, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00am. Ongoing until further notice.

Caribbean Beach Resort

Major Refurbishment Projects occurring until 2019.
- Several villages unavailable
- Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters at Old Port Royale, Cabana Pool Bar and Calypso Trading Post: Closed May 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. There will be a variety of dining options available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Centertown will serve breakfast and dinner and a selection of grab-and-go meals will be conveniently available for purchase in three island markets located in the Aruba, Jamaica and Martinique regions of the Resort. Additionally, in-room dining will remain available. Any work most likely to cause a noise impact will not begin until 9:00 a.m.
- Disney Skyliner Construction: Will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am. Ongoing until further notice.

Coronado Springs

Hard Goods Refurbishment: Through 2017. During this time, amenities including dining and merchandise locations, pools, La Vida Health Club with the spa and salon, and recreation activities such as beach volleyball, Iguana Arcade, Movies Under the Stars and more, will remain available. Please note that noise will be heard while our Resort is undergoing refurbishments, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms prior to 9:00am daily.

Dolphin Hotel

Room Renovations: Through the end of 2017

Hotel Lobby Renovation: Through Fall 2017. Will remain open during during renovation

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Room Refurbishments: Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. During this time, the Resort will be in full operation with all amenities available including dining and merchandise locations, pools, and recreation actives.

Pop Century

Room Refurbishments: Through May 7, 2018. During this time, Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. To minimize disruptions, an attempt will be made to limit all work until after 9:00am daily.
Disney Skyliner: Will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am. Ongoing utnil further notice.

Yacht Club Resort

Captain’s Grille: Closed through September 30, 2017. During refurbishments, the Captain’s Grille is relocating to the oceanic-themed Ariel’s.

Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center

Expansion work: Through February 1, 2018. During this time, Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. To minimize any disruptions, an attempt will be made to limit work to 9:00 a.m – 9:00 p.m.

Let’s start planning your next stay at Walt Disney World or any other Disney Destination! 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.

Minnie Van Service Now Powered by Lyft App at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 31, 2017

Certainly one of the most talked about additions to Walt Disney World has been the recent launch of the the Minnie Van transportation system. This new service launched earlier this month is designed to take guests anywhere on Disney property. Beginning today guests can utilize the Lyft app from their smartphones to secure transportation arrangements.

Lyft is a ride sharing service utilized through an app on your phone (available for both iOS and Android phones). When guests open the Lyft app from anywhere in the Walt Disney World Resort the Minnie Van Service is unlocked. The Lyft app will allow guests to request a ride from their smartphone and pay directly through the app.

The Minnie Van Transportation program is still in the infancy stage of operation. The pilot program is only offered to guests of Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. We would expect this service will be rolled out to other resorts in the near future.

Here are a few highlights of this new transportation system:

Currently the service fee to utilize the service is a flat $20 fee per one-way trip.
This service accommodates up to six guests and provides two versatile car seats.
Hours of operation is 6:30am – 12:30am.
The Minnie Van service will be driven by Disney cast members on park property only.
One of the greatest benefit so the Minnie Van service is the ability to have direct transportation between resorts. Current transportation offerings at Walt Disney World only offer direct trips to parks and to Disney Springs.

Do you plan to try out this service on your next trip to Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comment box below.

Interested in planning a Disney vacation? Fill out the form below for a FREE quote.

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) 977-3773. Join me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

Source Credit: Disney
Photo Credit: Lyft Blog

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offering Discounted Fall Rates

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 31, 2017

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offering Discounted Fall Rates

Is your family still looking for some great deals for a Walt Disney World vacation this Fall season? Then look no further! The seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are offering special “Fall Into The Magic” rates for stays from August 7 through October 9, 2017.

There is still time to make plans to experience the special events being conducted at the Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida this summer and fall, such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot, Eat to the Beat Concert Series at Epcot, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park, and Disney Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It also is a great time to see the incredible all-new Pandora – The World of Avatar, which just opened in May at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and to experience the significantly expanded Disney Springs.

A great way to experience these events and new offerings is by taking advantage of the special “Fall into the Magic” room rates that are being offered by the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels for stays from August 7-October 9, 2017. In addition to the outstanding special events, the special hotel rates provide the opportunity to take in such exciting new offerings at the Walt Disney World Resort as Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot; Kilimanjaro Safarisand the nighttime spectacular Rivers of Light for a full day to night experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park; and also new this summer Happily Ever After, the largest projection and fireworks show in Magic Kingdom Park history.

The immersive, awe-inspiring Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom features truly stunning floating mountains, cascading waterfalls, and a lush rainforest complete with glowing fauna and flora. Impressively, this sprawling new land makes you feel as if you are transferred light-years away to Pandora. Among the offerings are Avatar Flight of Passage, an exhilarating 3D ride that takes you on an expedition on the back of a powerful winged mountain banshee to see the beauty and grandeur of Pandora. Also not to be missed is the family-friendly Na’vi River Journey, a scenic boat ride down a mysterious river, through caves, and lighted by a bioluminescent forest.

Plus, you can experience the many unique venues at the dramatically transformed Disney Springs area, formerly known as the Downtown Disney Area. Inspired by Florida’s charming towns and natural beauty, and boasting a picturesque waterfront setting, the vibrant Disney Springs offers a high-quality diverse mix of shops, an impressive variety of new upscale and casual dining options, and outstanding live entertainment options, currently with 130 establishments.

Set amid beautiful open-air promenades and bubbling springs, Disney Springs features four distinct outdoor neighborhoods: The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side. Among the many new offerings that are open at Disney Springs are such dining options as Planet Hollywood Observatory, Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, Paddlefish (situated on an iconic paddleboat), renowned Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Morimoto Asia, and STK Orlando. Among the many other offerings open at Disney Springs are: World of Disney store, AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24, The Art of Disney, The LEGO Store, Build-A-Dino by Build-A-Bear Workshop, Disney Design-A-Tee, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, and Once Upon a Toy.

Featuring an ideal location in the Walt Disney World Resort, the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are within an easy walk to Disney Springs and also provide shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks, two water parks, and at night to the Disney Springs area.

Plus, as a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “2017 Disney Springs Passport” booklet that features exclusive discounts and specials from Disney Springs merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining. Among the coupons featured in the booklet are discounts and special offers at House of Blues Restaurant, Rainforest Café at Disney SpringsMarketplace, T-REX^TM, Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, American Threads, and Sephora.

The Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels’ “Fall into the Magic” room rates for stays August 7-October 9, 2017 are:

B Resort & Spa – Disney Springs Resort Area – rates from $79 per room, per night
Best Western Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area – weekday rates from $65 per room, per night
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs Area — rates from $99 per suite, per night
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs Resort Area – rates from $99 per room, per night
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Resort Area – rates from $79 per room, per night
Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area – rates from $75 per room, per night
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista — Disney Springs Resort Area – rates from $72 per room, per night.

For additional information, visit DisneySpringsHotels.com . The special rates are available for stays August 7-October 9, 2017, based on availability. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include the Resort Services Fee or daily parking fee (if applicable), taxes or gratuities. The offer is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or for groups.

Visiting also provides the opportunity to take in such special events as:

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom Park, from August 25-November 1, 2017
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, from August 31-November 13, 2017 at Epcot
Eat to the Beat Concert Series, from August 31-November 13, 2017 at Epcot
Disney Night of Joy, on September 8 and 9, 2017 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Note that some events require a separately priced ticket.

Other benefits of staying at one of the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels include:

The ability to purchase Disney Theme Park admissions at each hotel
Advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World Resort golf courses
Disney Merchandise store located in each hotel
The ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels (DisneySpringsHotels.com) includes:

B Resort & Spa – Disney Springs Resort Area — the stylish resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged AVEDA Spa, and features American Kitchen Bar & Grill
Best Western Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area – the 18-story, 325-room resort overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World Resort, and offers two restaurants, a lounge, and wireless internet
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs Area — the luxurious and recently renovated resort hotel features 229 spacious suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney Springs Resort Area
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs Area – the 27-acre, newly renovated hotel features a beautifully redesigned pool area with four pools, seven restaurants and lounges, spa, and a Character Breakfast every Sunday
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area — the closest hotel to Disney Springs, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including BenihanaSteakhouse), and 24-hour fitness center
Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area — offers the ideal setting to stay and play, featuring modern Florida décor, a beach entry swimming pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi in all guest rooms and public areas.
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista — Disney Springs Resort Area — featuring Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 guest rooms, six dining options, and the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water features.

Interested in booking one of these amazing Disney Springs Resort Hotels as a Walt Disney World vacation package? Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote from one of the Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at Mickey Travels.

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offering Discounted Fall Rates

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’s Yacht Club Resort has a New Shopping Location

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 31, 2017

A new merchandise location has opened on the merchandise side of The Market Ale & Compass at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This new option allows guests a one-stop shop to purchase their snacks, beverages, and merchandise.

Popular styles from labels such as Lilly Pulitzer and Tommy Bahama can be found in the shop as well as other sundries and souvenirs. We hear there are even some great MagicBand options for sell too!

Let us know if you swing by this shop and share with us what you bought!

Let’s book your next stay at Disney’s Yacht Club or another Disney Resort! 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.

Credit: Disney