U.S. Navy Blue Angels Will be Flying Over Magic Kingdom This Week at Walt Disney World

By

-

April 3, 2017

There will be extra magic in the sky at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park this Thursday morning as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly over Main Street U.S.A. The Blue Angels are set to make two passes above Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort on April 6 between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m.

In 2015, thousands of guests cheered as the Blue Angels performed similar flyovers at Magic Kingdom. Then, Six F/A-18 Hornet jets roared down Main Street U.S.A. at more than 250 miles an hour on a first pass before finishing with a stunning Delta Break over Cinderella Castle.

If you are in Walt Disney World this week you won’t want to miss this!

Good Morning.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 to keep up on all things Disney.

Disney Releases Heavy Metal Covers Compilation

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 3, 2017

When you think about a covers album of classic Disney tunes, the last thing that probably comes to your mind is METAL but that exactly what’s happened with Metal Disney- a heavy metal compilation that recently made its stateside debut (March 31, 2017.) The album features an impressive team of heavy metal veterans who provide unique renditions of much-loved songs like The Little Mermaid’s “Under the Sea” and “It’s a Small World”

Dubbed “D-Metal Stars” the band members assembled for this project include: Obsession vocalist Mike Vescera, Rudy Sarzo (who formerly worked with Ozzie Osbourne), on bass, Obsession guitarist John Bruno and BJ Zampa of Dokken on drums.

Here’s a quick listen for those interested:

The album features 11 tracks with the complete playlist as follows:

Track 1: Introduction
Track 2: Mickey March Mouse
Track 3: I See the Light
Track 4: A Whole New World
Track 5: It’s a Small World
Track 6: Beauty and the Beast
Track 7: Under the Sea
Track 8: Go the Distance
Track 9: Can You Feel the Love Tonight
Track 10: Disney Medley
Track 11: When You Wish Upon a Star

The album can be found on both Spotify and iTunes where it’s currently selling for $8.99. So if you’re looking to add some unconventional tunes to your Disney playlist go and check it out. If you find yourselves a fan, you can also stop by the band’s Facebook page.

Give a listen and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Planning a visit to Disney? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Need a Hand Planning Your Next Visit to the Mouse? 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 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.

Candy Free Disney Easter Basket Fillers from Hasbro

By

Danielle

-

April 3, 2017

Are you are looking to add some fun into your Easter baskets, with out all the sugary sweets? Hasbro has the solution with miniature versions of your favorite princesses and characters from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Moana, and Frozen.

Hasbro has lots of tiny treats, that while sweet, are candy free that make great candy free Disney Easter basket fillers! Check out a few ideas that would make any princess hippity hop with bouncy joy!

Disney Beauty and the Beast Enchanted Rose Collection

To undo the spell and return himself and his castle to their former state, Disney’s Beast must learn to love another and earn her love in return before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose. The Disney Beauty and the Beast Enchanted Rose Collection set includes Disney’s Belle, Beast, the enchanted rose, and more! All elements are inspired by the live-action movie, Beauty and the Beast. Princesses, collectors, and fans of the timeless classic will love reenacting unforgettable movie moments and creating their own magical stories.

Disney Frozen Little Kingdom Toddler Collection

The Disney Frozen Little Kingdom Toddler Collection Pack features the favorite characters from Disney’s Frozen, reimagined as toddlers! Kids will love acting out new storylines with ELSA, ANNA, KRIS TOFF, OLA F, and SVEN as if they met when they were young. Your little dreamer will have so much fun mixing-and-matching SNAP-IN pieces and outfits (additional SNAP-IN pieces and removable outfits are included with other Little Kingdom dolls, sold separately). Includes five dolls, SNAP-IN pieces, and a sled with block of ice.
Disney Princess Little Kingdom Floating Cutie Ariel, Snow White, and Rapunzel

Kids will have oceans of fun creating aquatic adventure with the Disney Princess Little Kingdom Floating Cutie assortment. Each princess comes with a floatie in an iconic shape to their story such as Ariel and her flounder-shaped floatie, Snow White and her apple-shaped floatie, and Rapunzel with her sun-shaped floatie. Place each doll in their floatie in the water and collect all three to make a float train! The fun continues on land by accessorizing their outfits with the included Snap-ins pieces. Each doll sold separately.

Disney Princess Disney Princess Moana Small Figure Playset

Get ready to set sail across the ocean with this adventure-seeking team of friends in the Disney Princess Disney Princess Moana Small Figure Playset! Kids can imagine Moana as a toddler while acting out a variety of scenes from Disney’s Moana. Moana comes with Pua and Hei Hei, for lots of fun sailing on the sea!

What do you think of these fun candy free Disney Easter basket fillers for a twist on the usual sweets and treats?

Enter The Movie Collection Giveaway to Win a Set of 5 Marvel Movies

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 3, 2017

Guardians of the Galaxy returns to movie theaters on May 5th and to celebrate Disney Movie Rewards has begun its Movie Collection Giveaway. Round one of the four round sweepstakes will give give two lucky winners will receive a set of 5 Marvel movies. Enter now through May 30th.

To enter click HERE.

Click HERE for official rules

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. For the latest Disney news follow me on Facebook.

Five Restaurants in Disney Springs are The Travel Channel’s 10 Best New Restaurants at Walt Disney World!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 3, 2017

The Travel Channel has just released their Top 10 Best New Restaurants at Walt Disney World and 5 of them are from the lovely Disney Springs Area!

Having dined at many of these restaurants I believe their list is spot on.

Here is the current Top 10 list:

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin‘
Located in the Disney Springs Landing area, this restaurant is known for farm-to-table specialties featuring fresh Florida flavors whipped up by celebrity chefs. Specialities include Church Lady Deviled Eggs, Thigh High Chicken Biscuits, Shrimp & Grits and Art’s Famous Fried Chicken.
California Grill – All new at the California Grill is the Celebration at the Top of the World.
California Grill is a fine dining restaurant located at the Contemporary Resort. This restaurant specializes in Pacific Coast cuisine and panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon. Rotating specialities include handmade Sonoma goat cheese ravioli, Florida swordfish and oak-fired filet of beef.
Planet Hollywood Observatory
You can enjoy live entertainment and rare Hollywood memorabilia while dining at this Disney Springs Restaurant. A recently revamped menu includes an exclusive selection of burgers and sandwiches created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri. Plus, anticipate an assortment of shareable starters, upscale choices like a NY strip steak and the return of the World-Famous Chicken Crunch.
Frontera Cocina
You will enjoy authentic Mexican dishes in an upbeat atmosphere headed up by celebrity Chef Rick Bayless at this Disney Springs location. Be sure to start your visit with a serving of the ever-popular chips and salsa served with smoky chipotle and herby salsa verde.
Paddlefish
Anchored on Lake Buena Vista, this fine dining restaurant at Disney Springs offers delicious seafood and savory steaks. Guest favorites include Florida stone crab and eclectic dishes like lobster guacamole—made right before your eyes.
Trattoria al Forno
This Boardwalk resort casual restaurant is known for taking guests on a tour of Italy with a tempting array of regional specialties and crowd-pleasing classics. This restaurant is now offering an all new breakfast called the Bon Voyage Character Breakfast.
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
This brand new restaurant is nestled along beautiful Bay Lake at the Wilderness Lodge. This restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. For lunch or dinner, heartier menu highlights include the bison burger with Tillamook cheddar, a house-smoked salmon BLT with lemon-caper mayonnaise and grilled Portobello salad with zucchini, roasted red peppers, tomato, multi-grain and goat cheese.
The Edison
The Edison will be opening in late spring at Disney Springs.
Tiffins
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park offers fine dining featuring an expedition of international cuisine at this restaurant inspired by exploration and adventure.
Jungle Cruise Skipper Canteen
One of Magic Kingdom’s newest restaurants Jungle Cruise Skipper Canteen features bold, flavorful cuisine of Asia, South America, and Africa with the help of daring riverboat pilots

How many of these new Walt Disney World Restaurants have you had a chance to dine at?

Tell us your favorite in the comment box below.

Be One With The Force! Star Wars Rogue One Blu-Ray Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 3, 2017

I have been anticipating the release of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” since I saw it in the theater. I knew from the first viewing that this is a title I have to own. So when it came in the mail to review… I did a little dance.

Let me tell you, it’s worth going out to buy the Star Wars: Rogue One Blu-Ray. Not just because you’ll own an awesome movie, but also the Bonus Features. There are so many of them, they needed to put it on a separate disc.

Here’s what you’ll get

The Stories:

A long behind the scenes film consisting of 10 separate featurettes. They can be watched all together of one at a time.

A Rogue Idea:

John Knoll, Executive Producer and Visual Effects Supervisor, came up with the idea for “Rogue One” years ago. He pitched the idea to Kathleen Kennedy, when he found out they were going to start doing stand-alone Star Wars films. After she let him know they were interested, it snowballed, and several people began to get involved.

Jyn: The Rebel:

Felicity Jones taking the role of Jyn Erso. She and her other cast members discuss the emotional and physical hurtles she went through to develop Jyn into a well rounded character.

Cassian: The Spy:

Diego Luna as Cassian. He explains the character does not have super powers, but is just a man who believes in a cause. His fellow cast members also talk about what a stand-up guy he is.

K-2SO: The Droid:

This droid was in the original pitch, as the ‘anti-C3PO’. When that didn’t seem to work, they went back to Ralph McQuarrie’s original sketches to come up with the look. And Alan Tudyk taking over the personality and believability of the character.

Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills:

Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen two big, powerful Chinese actors take on the parts of the sage and the heavy. There are some interesting facts that come out in this featurette when it comes to their choices for their characters.

Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot and The Revolutionary:

Riz Ahmed embraced the character of Bodhi, the rebel you root for. Forrest Whitaker tackles the role of a known character. The choices both of these actors make for their characters is really very interesting.

The Empire:

This short delves into the complexity of the various shades of good and bad in the Empire. Galen Erso (Mads Mikklesen) and the choices that he had to make as a father and the lines being blurred. Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) and how black and white his evil is. Tarkin (Guy Henry) and how daunting it was to play this iconic character. And the choices the filmmakers made by revealing Vader later in the film.

Vision of Hope: The Look of Rogue One:

The recreation and enhancement of Ralph McQuarrie’s original design when it comes to the look of “Rogue One”. This chapter delves into the importance of keeping true to the look of “A New Hope” since these films chronologically happen back to back.

The Princess and The Governor:

SPOILER ALERT! The C.G. process the visual effects team went through to recreate Governor Tarkin and Princess Leia.

Epilogue – The Story Continues:

Once the film is completed, it’s got to have a premiere! This shows the red carpet at the El Capitan theater in Hollywood. This also shows how much the Star Wars franchise has effected people and how joyous everyone is about the diversity of the cast.

Rogue Connections:

This is totally entertaining for any Star Wars fans. This featurette covers most of the connections between “Rogue One” and all the other Star Wars films – Like the appearance of the imperial probe droid, some of the names of characters and lines that are repeated throughout all the films. I have a very bad feeling about this…

Run, don’t walk – run to get the Star Wars: Rogue One Blu-Ray. If you have any love for Star Wars, this has to be in your collection.

How excited are you about this release?

Disney’s Live-Action Remake of The Lion King Could Get More Regal

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 3, 2017

Queen Bee (Beyonce) is on Jon Favreau’s wish list to join the cast of Disney’s live-action remake of “The Lion King”.

If her royalness decides to be a part of the already stellar cast, she would play the role of Nala.

Presently cast is Donald Glover as Simba and James Earl Jones is reprising his role as Simba’s father, Mufasa. Jon Favreau is directing with Jeff Nathanson writing. The film is being fast-tracked, even as Favreau begins development on his sequel to the recent hit “The Jungle Book.”

Have you seen the 15 Upcoming Disney Live Action Remakes list?

Check it out and be sure to let us know what you think of the news in the comment box below.

Photo credit Variety.

Trattoria al forno’s New Bon Voyage Character Breakfast Review

By

Lisette R

-

April 3, 2017

We were excited to discover that Disney would soon host an all-new Character Breakfast. The Bon Voyage Character Breakfast opened on April 2nd at the Trattoria al forno Restaurant on the Walt Disney World Boardwalk and we were there to experience it. Here is our Review of the new Bon Voyage Breakfast.

As you enter Trattoria al forno, you are greeted by a host/hostess, and maybe a little glowing friend or two, at the check-in podium. You give your name to confirm your reservation. You are then invited to sit down in one of the comfy chairs while you wait for your table to be ready. There is also a merchandise area to the right as you enter. If you have little ones with you be prepared for these adorable items available for purchase.

With the exception of wine glasses on the tables, the interior of the restaurant looks exactly the same as it does for dinner. We love the open-air kitchen and the comfortable seating at the tables.

You are given a Bon Voyage Adventure Journal when you arrive at your table. You answer each statement by listing some of your favorite items to take with you on your journey through Walt Disney World. This journal is a really nice touch and added to the overall theming of the experience.

Like most guests attending a Character Breakfast, we were very excited to meet some of our favorite characters from The Little Mermaid and Tangled. The Bon Voyage Character Breakfast did not disappoint. Can you say Flynn Rider? We were told that each table gets 60 seconds per character so be sure to have your cameras ready as these four are true to their Characters.

The Characters will sign autographs per your request however, you are given a card with all four signatures and told that this is what you receive for the autographs. This card makes a nice souvenir from your Bon Voyage Breakfast. We did not see families with autograph books, possibly because of our 10:35 rervation and we were one of the last parties seated, but we did witness one family have the characters sign a large wooden letter. You are also given a Dream Card to draw a picture of your greatest Dream so Rapunzel and Ariel can ask about your Dream when they visit your table.

The menu has some amazing choices. You start with a Variety of Pastries, Orange Juice, and Coffee. Then choose either a Fruit Salad or a Berry, Yogurt and Granola Parfait. Choose other beverages and an entrée thereafter. There is not a specific allergy-friendly menu, however you should list any allergies in your party during booking. Upon arrival to the restaurant, your Server, along with the Chef, will work with you on adjusting menu selections to meet your dietary needs.

The Parfait starter features an edible Sebastian the Crab garnish cookie on top of plain yogurt, fresh berries, cane syrup, and granola. This selection was incredibly delicious and a great flavor combination. The skillet containing a Variety of Pastries will make it hard to choose which one, or two, to try. We really liked the Tangled Sun Symbol pastry and the Fruit-filled Clamshell pastry. The Fruit Salad was what you would expect from a fresh fruit combination, with the exception of Prince Eric’s Sword food pick and King Triton’s edible Crown garnish cookie.

We did not order any Kids Meals off the children’s menu as our little one was too old to order from that menu. However, the choices look fantastic and true to the theming of the meal!

We were told, however, that the little one in our party could order the Little Mermaid Punch. She asked for the Pascal Glow Clip and when her drink arrived she had received one of each! Don’t you just love the little touches of Disney Magic?

Now for the Bon Voyage Character Breakfast entrees. We ordered the Royale Breakfast and the Tower of Pancakes. The Royale Breakfast contains Oak-grilled Steak, Cheesy-Egg Torte topped with Fonduta (fondue cheese sauce) and asparagus, Roasted Potatoes and Crispy Onions. This plate of food was delicious. The steak was ordered cooked to medium and it was amazing. The Roasted Potatoes were flavorful and not over-cooked. The Cheesy-Egg Torte was an absolute dream of flavor and texture. The Tower of Pancakes and Bacon, with Strawberries on the side, was very good. The pancakes were fluffy, stacked perfectly, and topped with a powdered sugar Tangled Sun Symbol.

A lot of work goes into creating, developing, and scheduling a character breakfast. The team at Trattoria al forno’s Bon Voyage Character Breakfast really stand out as a group of team players. Brandon is one of the managers and he checked on us and asked if there was anything he could bring us. Our little one asked about the Little Mermaid Punch and he said he would take care of that for her. He did not say he would get our Server, he said he would take of it, and he did. That is great customer service right there. Jessica is another Manager who was friendly and easy to talk to. She came over to speak with us about our experience and noted our feedback about the experience as this was opening day of the Bon Voyage Character Breakfast. Our Server, Kam-Len, is absolutely fabulous. She was attentive and sweet, even when one of us had a moment of frustration about how quickly things were moving along. Kam-Len’s training shined through and her personality is a wonderful fit for the team.

Our opening-day Bon Voyage Character Breakfast adventure, at Trattoria al forno, was overall a great time. The character interactions were very good. We love when Cast Members truly relate to their characters as this provides a more lively and interactive experience. The food was delicious, beautifully themed and each food item had its own fantastic presentation as you can see from the food pictures. The Bon Voyage Adventure Journal provides a nice addition to the theming and we love the Pascal Glow Clip. If you can get a reservation, this Character Breakfast is worth doing.

The Bon Voyage Character Breakfast does accept the Disney Dining Plan and will cost you 1 Table Service Credit. You can book through the My Disney Experience App or call the dining line at 407-WDW-DINE. Reservations are difficult to get at this point as they are booked almost solid until September. Keep trying as people’s plans do change.

Here is our video inside Trattoria al forno during the Bon Voyage Breakfast Character birthday celebration song:

Have you made your dining reservation for the Bon Voyage Character Breakfast yet? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Sleepy Hollow’s Breakfast Waffle Sandwich Will Fill You Up For A Magic Kingdom Tour Day

By

Lisette R

-

April 3, 2017

Walt Disney World’s Quick Service location, Sleepy Hollow, has created another fun Specialty Waffle. This time they have created a Breakfast Sandwich. The Sleepy Hollow’s Breakfast Waffle Sandwich is sure to fill you up for a busy touring day through the Magic Kingdom.

The Breakfast Waffle Sandwich a Cheese Omelet, Sliced Ham and Sliced Tomato on a Fresh Waffle. This protein-packed hearty sandwich is sure to leave your tummy full for a morning tour of the Magic Kingdom.

The Breakfast Waffle Sandwich, while not an option as a snack credit, can be counted as your entrée under the Disney Dining Plan. If you are not a breakfast person, there are certainly lots of other options that can be used under the Disney Dining Plan. One important word of note here is that this new Waffle Sandwich is only available daily until 12:00pm.

What do you think of this new Breakfast Waffle Sandwich available at Sleepy Hollow Inn? Please leave your comments in the box below.

CONFIRMED: Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland Extended

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 2, 2017

As we recently reported, Disneyland was hinting about extending the dates of the Main Street Electrical Parade. Today, we can confirm that news is true!

Due to popular demand, the parade will continue to delight guests at Disneyland through August 20th, 2017. The parade has been lighting up Disneyland since it made it’s return this past January. This limited-time engagement was scheduled to end in June but now it will last a few more months so more guests can experience it’s magic!

A classic Disney Parks nighttime parade, the Main Street Electrical Parade began at Disneyland park in 1972 and ended its initial run in 1996. It returned to the Disneyland Resort as Disney’s Electrical Parade, bringing magical Disney stories to Disney California Adventure park from 2001 until 2010, when it crossed the country to begin its run at Walt Disney World Resort.

Have you seen the iconic parade in Disneyland or do you have plans to this summer?

Ready to book your next trip to Disneyland to see the Main Street Electrical Parade one more time? Fill out the form below 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.

Magic Kingdom Security Changes Taking Shape To Begin April 3rd

By

Lisette R

-

April 2, 2017

We have been hearing about Security Checkpoints facing changes for some time now. There have been subtle changes around the entrance to the Magic Kingdom and at the Transportation and Ticket Center. This weekend we noticed that the Magic Kingdom Security changes are really taking shape to begin tomorrow, Monday, April 3rd.

There are now two tents set up near the bus loop. You can see them to the right of the Ferryboat exit walkway. You pass under these tents as you leave the bus loop and head to the Magic Kingdom entrance where the Security Checkpoints are currently located. There will be Security Checkpoints for Resort boats and monorails as well. We are unsure where specifically those checkpoints will be located; whether those guests will be screened prior to boarding the boat, or upon debarkation along the docks at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom.

The walkway to and from Disney’s Contemporary Resort does not have any visible changes. There is one tent to the right as you exit the walkway to the Magic Kingdom but nothing along the walkway itself. Based on pending changes, visitors walking from Disney’s Contemporary Resort should expect a Security Checkpoint somewhere along the walkway, or just before the Magic Kingdom entrance.

The more obvious changes appear to be at the Transportation and Ticket Center. You now pass through the covered structures to a loading zone, for the Trams, in an open area across from the original drop-off/pick-up points for the Villains and Heroes Lots.

We are so glad to see that the point at which guests used to cross to go towards the Heroes parking lot is now blocked. There was never really a cross walk there. This point of entrance must have been difficult for Disney Security and Cast Members to monitor. We have passed through that point ourselves and there would often be a Cast Member directing foot traffic through that spot to keep people safe. Guests can often become careless in their rush to get to the Magic Kingdom and in the past we have seen them push strollers quickly through to beat the tram!

The transition to a safer Magic Kingdom is not likely to be easy as people do not like change. Guests must be patient as Disney and its Security Team work out any kinks to the new Security Checkpoints. We at Chip and Company appreciate all that Disney is doing to ensure our safety. Remember to say “Thank You” and follow all directions given by the Security Team Members because they are doing their jobs to keep us safe and those two words can go a long way during a stressful day at work don’t you agree?

What do you think of the pending Security changes to the Magic Kingdom? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Star Wars Rogue One: As Told By LEGO

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 2, 2017

Hot on the heels of it’s premiere episode “Moana, as told by LEGO”, Disney and LEGO comes out with episode number 2! Friday, they debuted “Rogue One: As Told By LEGO”. The charming stop-motion animation video tackles the Lucasfilm narrative of The Battle of Scarif – in just under three minutes. Jyn Erso and her team of Rebels attempt to steal the plans to destroy the Death Star.

This Star Wars-themed episode goes inside the imagination of young Billy, who uses a “briefcase” as the Imperial base on the tropical planet of Scarif to recreate the Star Wars world in his bedroom and bring to life his own epic stories.

“As Told By LEGO” is a spinoff of the popular “As Told By Emoji” franchise (125+ MM lifetime views), which continues Disney’s commitment to storytelling innovation with creative retellings of some of Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm’s most iconic stories.