Dates and Menus for 2017 Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Announced

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March 28, 2017

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will return to this October for it’s eighth year. This event, held at the Swan and Dolphin Resorts at Walt Disney World, will take place on Friday, October 27th and Saturday, October 28th.

Highlights of the 2017 menu include featured items from the hotel’s signature restaurants: Kobe beef mini burgers with truffle aioli, Applewood smoked bacon and roma tomato chutney from The Fountain; seared Yellowfin Tuna salad from Todd English’s bluezoo; ricotta gnocchi with wild mushrooms, baby spinach and fennel sausage from Il Mulino Trattoria and oven-roasted beef ribeye with mashed potatoes and sauce bordelaise from Shula’s Steakhouse. Returning dishes include the popular dragon sushi roll from Kimonos and fish ‘n’ chips with sea salt and vinegar potato chips from Garden Grove.

Also returning this year will be Carnival Corner and Chinatown, offering specialty cuisine in immersive themed areas, as well as the Sunday Bubbles Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 29. Original dessert offerings will once again be served by World Champion Pastry Chef Laurent Branlard.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic offers guests unlimited tastings at more than 50 stations featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from more than 30 wineries amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. Upgraded ticket options allow guests to enjoy access to a beer garden featuring a wide selection of craft beers and Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine. The event also includes hands-on seminars with the hotel’s chefs and certified beverage experts.

Ready to book your trip to this scrumptious event? 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.

Disney Cruise Line Improves Online and Cruise Terminal Check-In Processes

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

Disney Cruise Line has just announced exciting enhancements to improve your “My Online Check-in” experience as well as when you check-in at the cruise terminal.

Here are details of the changes we will start to see:

The Youth Activity Registration process will now be a part of My Online Check-In allowing parents/authorized adults to provide more detailed information regarding medical and dietary restrictions involving their child’s meals and program participation
Guests will be able to electronically accept the Cruise Contract Terms and Conditions
A new Port Arrival Form will replace the Online Signature Form and include information and important reminders (Bring proper documentation, check the expiration date on passports and travel visas) Guests are always encouraged to bring a copy of the form with them to the cruise terminal for embarkation
Castaway Club Members who are confirmed on a closed-loop cruise out of Port Canaveral or Miami may select the option of only receiving luggage tags. Clients who make this selection will receive a modified version of the Guest Travel Booklet

We will start to see these changes roll out within the next week.

Ready to book your next Disney Cruise? 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.

Breaking News: Security Checkpoints at The Magic Kingdom Moving to TTC and Resorts

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

Rumors have been circulating that changes were coming to the location of the security checkpoints at the Magic Kingdom. Today we received confirmation from Disney that is in fact the case. These new security areas and security screening procedures will go into effect on April 3rd, 2017.

Guests taking buses and watercraft will be screened at new checkpoints in front of the park. Guests at the Transportation and Ticket Center will be screened after departing from the parking tram, but before boarding the monorail or ferryboat to the park. Additional screening points are being added before monorail boarding at the Magic Kingdom area resorts.

What do you think about these changes?

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

Disneyland Helps Anaheim Schools by Funding Musical Instruments for 5th Grade Students

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

dissney music fund — Mickey Mouse joins fifth grade students at Stoddard Elementary School in Anaheim as they receive trombones as part of the Anaheim Elementary School District's Music Makers Exploratory Wheel program. The five-year program will provide five sets of instruments to 10 schools in the district. Funding for the program was provided by the Disneyland Resort, Buena Park-based Yamaha Corporation of America and NAMM. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG) Taken in Anaheim at Stoddard Elementary on Tuesday, March 21, 2017.

Children at select Anaheim Elementary schools have a lot to smile about and music is definitely in the air. Disney, along with the help of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and the Yamaha Corporation of America, are funding a new program to help encourage instrumental music in Anaheim schools. American Music Makers Exploratory Wheel includes five years of funding for teachers, plus makes musical instruments available so that Anaheim fifth graders can sample the trombone, flute, trumpet, clarinet, and violin before deciding in sixth grade if they’d like to continue with instrumental music. Disneyland Ambassador Mikey Trujillo and Disneyland Band member Laura Hamlin made the announcement at Stoddard Elementary School with a little help from Mickey Mouse.

Photo Credit: Mark Eades

Interested in a Magical Disney Vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (770) 800-6500. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

Tuskegee Airmen from World War II Honored at Disneyland Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

Disneyland had some very special guests recently, The original members of the Tuskegee Airmen from World War II were honored during a special flag retreat ceremony on Friday, Mar. 24, at Town Square in Disneyland park. Members of the Los Angeles Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., were hosted by SALUTE, a Diversity Resource Group comprised of cast members who enhance the guest and cast experience by providing a perspective of men and women who have served in the military.

The first-ever African-American air squadron was formed in 1941. They were named the Tuskegee Airmen for receiving their pilot training on airfields near Tuskegee, Ala. Their bravery and patriotic spirit has forever earned their place in American history, and Disney was honored to salute them in their daily Town Square tradition.

I love hearing stories honoring our military, both past and present. We thank you.

Interested in a Magical Disney Vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (770) 800-6500. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips

Disney Store Celebrates 30 Years of Magic Today!

By

Danielle

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March 28, 2017

Today, Disney Store celebrates its 30 year anniversary! The Glendale, California store’s historic grand opening was 30 years ago today in 1987! As the Disney Store Celebrates 30 they are Commemorating this Milestone with In-Store Celebrations and Limited Edition Products.

Disney Store has served as a brand beacon for Guests around the world since it’s inception. It has provided an immersive retail destination that delivers the very best in product offerings, unique experiences and unparalleled Guest service. Currently, Disney Store operates 340 stores worldwide and ecommerce sites in 10 countries.

“For 30 years, Disney Store has helped fans and families around the world make Disney magic a part of their daily lives,” said Paul Gainer, executive vice president, Disney Retail. “We have continued to evolve and address not only the needs and interests of Guests, but also the growing slate of Walt Disney Company brands and franchises, including Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. We look forward to the future as we continue to deliver the very best of Disney at retail.”

To commemorate this milestone, a new line-up of limited edition 30th anniversary products will be released today! This line-up features highly-anticipated collectibles and a special anniversary Disney Tsum Tsum set. In-store celebratory events and activities are also planned – including a 30th Anniversary Parade! The parade will take place at 3pm now through April 2. Guests are also invited to hear short, fun stories and facts about Disney Store’s history and younger Guests are encouraged to dance along the store parade route.

Some of the highly anticipated items available as the Disney Store Celebrates 30 include the: Disney Store 30th Anniversary Snowglobe, the Disney Store 30th Anniversary Journal, and Mickey Mouse and Friends Disney Store 30th Anniversary ”Tsum Tsum” Set.

Are you excited to Celebrate 30 Years of Magic with the beloved Disney Store?

Disney Water Parks Testing New Virtual Queue System for Certain Rides

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Closed Due To Cold Weather

The lines for rides at Disney’s Parks can sometimes be longer than what we wish for, and that can even happen at Disney’s two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. To alleviate guests spending their time waiting, instead of out playing, we hear from WDW Magic that Disney is apparently testing out a virtual queue system for certain rides at the water parks. The virtual queue waiting system is not like FastPass selection where you can choose your return time in advance, but more like a pager wait system, where you are notified when it is indeed your time to return to the queue.

This system is set to begin April 7th, and is said to be included for Typhoon Lagoon’s Miss Adventure Falls as well as Slush Gusher, Summit Plummet, and Downhill Double Dipper at Blizzard Beach.

What do you think of a new virtual queue system at the water parks? Have you ever been there and wished there was a FastPass of some sort?

If you would like to visit a Disney destination, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

Raglan Road at Disney Springs Named One of the Top 100 Hot Spots in America for 2017

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

OpenTable has named Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant at Disney Springs one of the top 100 hot spots in America for 2017. And it’s no surprise, with amazing food, a long list of brews, and nightly entertainment Raglan Road has earned this spot.

At Disney’s Raglan Road, you can indulge in an award-winning menu crafted by one of Ireland’s most beloved culinary wizards. Master Chef Kevin Dundon has brilliantly reimagined traditional Celtic favorites like shepherd’s pie, fish & chips and bangers and mash. And now Raglan Road also offers a lovely Irish-inspired brunch every Saturday and Sunday—from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM!

Take a seat at one of 4 imported bars (some of which have been sliding glasses for 130 years) as you imbibe the ambience of Raglan Road’s interior—shipped lock, stock and beer barrel from Ireland. After chewing up the scenery, soak up some suds as you choose from Irish, European and American beers, including local and craft varieties.

Showcasing Irish tunes, popular ballads and pub classics from eclectic house bands—along with spectacular jigs and energetic reels performed by our award-winning dancers. Live entertainment is 7 nights a week, times may vary. Raglan Road is fun for the whole family. During each performance, kids are invited to come on stage and join the dancers. They can even receive a signed certificate of achievement, just by participating.

Next time you are in Disney Springs visit Raglan Road you will not be disappointed. You won’t need the luck of the Irish to enjoy Raglan Road but reservations are highly recommended so make one today by calling 407-939-DINE.

Interested in a Magical Disney Vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (770) 800-6500. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

Family Dies in Plane Crash Heading Home From Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

A family returning from a spring break vacation at Disney World was killed in a small plane crash Saturday, after the wings suddenly came off mid flight. The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. when the plane was flying from Kissimmee, Florida to the family’s Jackson, Tennesee home.

The crash happened over Hayden, Alabama. The family was identified as 14-year-old Jillian Celeste Crenshaw, 16-year-old Jacob Addison Crenshaw, 45-year-old Joseph Connell Crenshaw and 43-year-old Jennifer Dawn Crenshaw. Joseph Crenshaw was the plane’s pilot at the time of the crash. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the Crenshaw family.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family.

Fantastic Beauty and the Beast Live Action Enchanted Tea Set Playset

By

Danielle

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March 28, 2017

Who else is excited for the new Live Action Beauty and the Beast Movie? I know I seriously can not wait! With all the buzz and excitement, new collectibles, toys and other merchandise continues to pop up every day. I love the realistic twist they gave Mrs. Potts and Chip, so even though I’m not a kid… I think I need this Beauty and the Beast Live Action Enchanted Tea Set Play Set.

Once the human servants of a magnificent castle, these enchanted friends are the beasts faithful companions. They fondly remember the Prince in his youth and what it was to be human, hoping that one day the spell will be broken. Mrs. Potts, the doting housekeeper who was transformed into a teapot, cares deeply for all who inhabit the castle – especially her fun-loving son chip, the teacup, who is always on the move by way of his saucer. These two are not your average cup of tea! Be our guest at an enchanted tea party for two, inspired by the new live action Beauty and the Beast movie. Mrs. Potts’ eyes blink when the tea is poured, and Chip even wobbles on his saucer.

What do you think of this too cute for words Beauty and the Beast Live Action Enchanted Tea Set Play Set?

Tangled Before Ever After Coming to DVD April 11th!

By

Danielle

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March 28, 2017

If you ever wondered what happened after Tangled, and before the short Tangled Ever After, your wait is over! Tangled Before Ever After continues the adventures after tangled on DVD. You can catch Tangled Before Ever After on DVD April 11th!

Synopsis: After all those years stuck in a tower, everyone’s favorite “barefoot princess” (Mandy Moore) yearns to make up for lost time. With the help of her true love Eugene (Zachary Levi), pals Pascal and Maximus and daring new friend Cassandra, Rapunzel postpones her wedding and royal duties to defy danger and boldly explore life beyond Corona’s walls. Sparkling with fun, adventure and music from the legendary Alan Menken, Tangled Before Ever After is a magical movie event!!
Voice Cast:

Mandy Moore (“This Is Us”) as Rapunzel
Zachary Levi (“Chuck”) as Eugene, formerly known as Flynn Rider
Eden Espinosa (Broadway’s “Wicked”) as Cassandra
Julie Bowen (“Modern Family”) as Rapunzel’s mother, Queen Arianna
Clancy Brown (“Sofia the First”) as Rapunzel’s father, King Frederic.

Executive Producer: Chris Sonnenburg (Disney’s “Enchanted”)
Bonus: 4 Tangled Short Cuts

Checkmate
Prison Bake
Make Me Smile
Hare Peace

What do you think about Rapunzel, the Effervescent Barefoot Princess with Magical Blonde Hair, returning in An All-New Disney Channel Original Movie?

Details on Na’vi River Journey at Pandora-World of Avatar

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

Walt Disney World has released more details on one of the ride attractions opening at Pandora-World of Avatar, Na’vi River Journey.

During this journey, you will float through the sacred bioluminescent rain forest in search of the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. Guests will glide down a gentle, mysterious river and feel a sense of wonder as the full beauty of Pandora reveals itself. The Na’vi River is located within the Valley of Mo’ara and offers explorers an experience that has yet to be seen and heard to believe!

You will start your expedition by climbing aboard a reed boat and drifting downstream. After you coast through a series of caves, and pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures of the rain forest, you will find yourself face-to-face with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs.

The journey comes to a conclusion as the Shaman demonstrates her deep connection to the life force of Pandora– and sends positive energy into the forest through the power of her music!

Pandora-World of Avatar is located at Walt Disney World in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. FastPasses for Na’vi River Journey are now available in anticipation of the official opening of Pandora-World of Avatar on may 27th, 2017.

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