Put On Your Ballroom Dancing Shoes “Beauty And The Beast” Movie Review Is Here!

By

-

March 14, 2017

I had the wonderful opportunity to watch a screening of the new live-action “Beauty and the Beast” on the Disney lot- and it’s just as magical as I hoped it would be!

It’s the first musical adaptation from animation to live-action that Disney has done. It’s not a shot for shot remake and there are additions that were not in the original film, which I enjoyed. It delves deeper into the backstory of both Belle and the beast, which explains a lot of who they are and why they act the way they do.

Beautifully directed by Bill Condon, who also directed “Dreamgirls” and wrote “Chicago”, so he knows his way around a musical. There are a couple of musical numbers from the original film that in the live-action world came off as a little clunky. There are also some new songs, written by Alan Menkin that are strikingly memorable and quite possibly should have been in the original.

The casting of the actors is spot on. Emma Watson’s Belle is the best casting ever. I honestly can’t think of any other actress who would have been better or even comparable. Dan Steven’s Beast is so much more gentle and funny than I remember. Luke Evan’s Gaston – I had to ask my friend who I watched it with if Gaston was that horrifyingly awful in the original, because now my most recent memory of Gaston is from the parks, and he’s just playful – Evans is a true villain in this. Josh Gad as Le Fou, steals the show, fun and funny but also the conscience of the mob.

The effects for the Beast, Lumiere, Cogsworth and all the servants in the castle is amazing. Visual effects (VFX) producers Steve Gaub and VFX Supervisors Kyle McCulloch and Kelly Port did a remarkable job and if they aren’t nominated for something at years end, I will be genuinely surprised.

I don’t think I need to tell any of you to go out and watch “Beauty and the Beast” I’m sure you will be lining up to see it, which you should. If you’re thinking of waiting for the video to come out, you might regret it. This is a definite must see in the theater. Date night or friend night, make a night of it and go watch “Beauty and the Beast” Wide release March 17th

Are you going to see Beauty and the Beast when it comes out this week? Let us know in the comment box below.

Disney’s Water Parks Close Due to Cooler Weather

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

March 14, 2017

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday this week due to the forecast of cold weather. High temperatures are expected to be in the mid 60’s with lows in the 40’s. Both Water Parks are currently scheduled to open on Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, when temperatures are expected to return to the 70’s.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort reopened on Sunday, March 12 after being closed for annual refurbishment. The new four person raft attraction called Miss Adventure Falls debuted on Sunday as well. It’s the longest ride in the history of the Disney water parks!

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney adventure. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: Disney

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland with These Fun Facts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

March 14, 2017

The original Pirates of the Caribbean attraction celebrates its 50th anniversary at Disneyland on March 18, 2017. The adventure has thrilled hundreds of millions of guests from the around the world since its debut in 1967. Click here for more information on how Disneyland Park plans to celebrate the special occasion this weekend.

Below are some fun facts associated with one of Walt Disney’s greatest entertainment achievements – Pirates of the Caribbean:

Pirates of the Caribbean was the last Disneyland attraction personally supervised by Walt Disney. It was designed by WED Enterprises (now called Walt Disney Imagineering).

The attraction originally was envisioned as a New Orleans-themed Blue Bayou Mart featuring a Pirate Wax Museum, housed in a 70-foot deep basement. The basement now serves as the grotto section of the attraction.

Pirates of the Caribbean was loosely inspired by such Hollywood films as “Captain Blood,” “The Sea Hawk” and “The Buccaneer,” plus Disney’s “Treasure Island,” “Kidnapped” and “Swiss Family Robinson.”

It cost $15 million to build New Orleans Square, the home for Pirates of the Caribbean. This is equal to the amount the United States paid for the real New Orleans in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.

The attraction façade was partly inspired by the Cabildo building in Jackson Square in New Orleans that served as the seat of the Spanish colonial government in 1799. It is also noted for being the site where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803.

Guests ride through the attraction in a 1,838-foot canal.

Approximately 120 animated characters (human characters plus nine different types of animated animals) appear in the Audio-Animatronics cast of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Several original designers and Imagineers for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction have since become Disney Legends, an honorary title bestowed on individuals by The Walt Disney Company.

Disney Imagineer X Atencio, who wrote the attraction’s memorable tune, “Yo-Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” is the voice of the Jolly Roger skull and crossbones, seen just before guests plunge down the waterfalls.

In the lyrics of the song, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” the phrase “Yo Ho” is uttered 18 times.

Guests ride through the attraction for approximately 15 minutes, on one of the longest rides at Disneyland Resort.

Approximately 400 million guests have ridden Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Park since its opening in 1967.

In 1997, Pirates of the Caribbean won the Thea Classic Award from the Themed Entertainment Association. The Thea Classic Award is given to an outstanding “compelling place and experience” which has been in operation for a minimum of 20 years.

The Blue Bayou restaurant in New Orleans Square allows diners to observe passing boats traveling through a bayou, which is the first scene of the attraction. This table service restaurant continues to be the only dining establishment that looks into a dark ride attraction at Disneyland Resort.

The concept of Pirates of the Caribbean has come full circle with the attraction initially inspiring the successful film franchise and then the films (starting with the release of “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” in 2003) inspiring exciting additions to the attraction.

Both Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa from the blockbuster films appear in the attraction and the ghostly image of Davy Jones appears on a waterfall.

Guests can spot Captain Jack Sparrow at three different points during their journey.

Approximately 400,000 pieces of gold coins and set pieces were added to the attraction during a lengthy refurbishment in 2006 when some of the film characters were added to the story.

The Aztec pirate chest used in the film “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” appears in the Treasure Room as the last thing guests see in that scene.

In 2016, Treasure Cove opened at Shanghai Disney Resort, marking the first land at any Disney theme park inspired by the adventure and swashbuckling fun of pirates. The anchor of that land is the latest iteration of the classic attraction, known there by the name Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. It has won industry awards including Outstanding Achievement – Attraction from the Themed Entertainment Association and a Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project. Additionally, an original story about Captain Jack Sparrow opened as “Eye of the Storm – Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular,” also in Treasure Cove.

The fifth Pirates of the Caribbean film called “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” will be released in May 2017. Click here for the latest trailer.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney adventure. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Source: http://disneylandnews.com/

Handmade Mouse Ears That are Cute and Unique

By

Danielle

-

March 13, 2017

I enjoy handmade mouse ears because I love having something that’s different from what everyone else wears. I especially love when extra embellishments are added like flowers, sequins or doubled up bows. Of course I’m loving all of the fun designs by HandmadeMouseEars on Etsy!

Regina is a 19 year old student, and of course loves Disney! She’s been making her own mouse ears for about a year and a half, and draws inspiration from different Disney characters and films. Her ears are made with fabric that covers not only the ears, but the headband as well! The ears are edged in shimmering beads, and finished off with bows or flowers, depending on the theme! I love the two-color bows, they offer a lot of depth and vibrancy to the ears! Check out some of my favorite designs below.

Which of these handmade mouse ears are your favorite?

Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Park Celebrates 50 Years This Weekend

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

March 13, 2017

Pirates of the Caribbean and Blue Bayou Restaurant at Disneyland Park will celebrate their 50 year anniversary on Saturday, March 18. Pirate themed entertainment by the likes of Bootstrappers and Lucky the Pirate will be offered throughout New Orleans Square on March 17 and March 18. Limited-edition anniversary merchandise such as pirate speak collectible cards will also be available while supplies last.

According to our friends over at WDW News Today, special pirate-themed grub will be offered beginning Thursday, March 16 at the following restaurants:

French Market Restaurant

March 16th-July 16th Only: Buccaneer Pulled Pork Sandwich – Jerk-spiced pork, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, pineapple Caribbean-style slaw and fried yucca – TBA
Jolly Roger Punch – Spiced tropical juices with hints of pineapple, orange, and mango – $3.59
Pirate Stein collectible mug – $12.99

Mint Julep Bar

March 16th-19th: Caribbean Breakfast Burrito (Also available in vegetarian form) Until 11am – scrambled eggs, andouille sausage, rice, sweet potatoes, and black beans with sour cream – $8.49
Lost Treasure Beignets – shimmering lemon beignets – 3 for $4.49, 6 for $7.49
Jolly Roger Punch – Spiced tropical juices with hints of pineapple, orange, and mango – $3.59
Pirate Stein collectible mug – $12.99

Harbour Galley

Calypso Caribbean Chicken Stew – Caribbean spiced chicken stewed with onions carrots, celery, potatoes, and yucca – $10.99
Jolly Roger Punch – Spiced tropical juices with hints of pineapple, orange, and mango – $3.59
Pirate Stein collectible mug – $12.99

Royal Street Verandah

March 16th-19th: Caribbean Breakfast Burrito (Also available in vegetarian form) Until 11am – scrambled eggs, andouille sausage, rice, sweet potatoes, and black beans with sour cream – $8.49
Calypso Caribbean Chicken Stew – Caribbean spiced chicken stewed with onions carrots, celery, potatoes, and yucca – $10.99
Jolly Roger Punch – Spiced tropical juices with hints of pineapple, orange, and mango – $3.59
Pirate Stein collectible mug – $12.99

Cafe Orleans

Steak Sandwich – served open face with white cheddar cheese sauce, bacon jam, arugula, and cherry tomatoes, and sweet potato waffle cut fries – $21.00
Lost Treasure Beignets – Shimmering lemon flavored beignets with vanilla anglaise and fruit couli – $9.00

Blue Bayou restaurant

March 16th-26th Only: Fruits De Mer – Pan seared snapper, sautéed shrimp, scallops, and a hush puppy served on a bed of spinach, with spicy shrimp sauce and remoulade – $44.00
Gold doubloons presented with the check
50th anniversary button

Pirates of the Caribbean opened at Disneyland Park on March 18, 1967. It is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular attractions ever created for a theme park. Thanks to the many highly detailed scenes, lavish special effects and memorable characters, the attraction earned rave reviews and has remained a beloved classic, even spawning the blockbuster film series starring Johnny Depp.

Happy 50th anniversary to Pirates of the Caribbean and Blue Bayou Restaurant at Disneyland Park!

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney adventure. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Credit: http://wdwnt.com

‘Celebration at the Top’ at the Contemporary Being Extended

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

March 13, 2017

Guests at Walt Disney World who want to enjoy a fine meal followed by VIP viewing of Wishes from atop the Contemporary Resort can currently book the Celebration at the Top Dining experience, announced last month. This experience was set to end on March 26th, but we hear from Orlando Weekly that the special dining experience has been extended through September 24th, 2017.

The event is held in the Sonoma Room and Napa Room at the California Grill, and Culinary offerings include:

Canapés, sushi and small plates inspired by the California Grill menu
Libations from the complimentary bar offering California wines, beers, and cordials.

guests are invited to enjoy the fireworks show from the observation deck, followed by sweet treats back inside after the show.

Cost is $99 per person (not including gratuity and tax), and the event is currently held on Sundays only. You can learn more about this special dining experience here.

Also, don’t forget that after May 11th, the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular will be saying farewell, and the Happily Ever After Nighttime Spectacular will be taking its place beginning May 12th!

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.

photo: Disney

Memory Maker Offers Fun Extras for Beauty and the Beast Fans

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

March 13, 2017

One thing a lot of guests don’t realize when booking their PhotoPass Memory Maker package is that included in the cost are a wide ranges of stock images that are accessible to you for personal uses like printing and scrapbooking. Fans of Beauty and the Beast will be delighted to know that several of these feature some of the key scenes and characters from this classic fairy tale.

Here’s a mini look at just some of the images on offer

0

Memory Maker costs $149 if purchased in advance and $169 if purchased while at Walt Disney World. In addition to stock photos, PhotoPass photographers will be on hand to take your picture in front of Disney’s fantastic vistas, at select meet and greets and during several character dining experiences. You’ll also receive a fantastic array of ride photos and videos to capture all of the Disney action. As part of this package a random assortment of park stock images will show up in the download section of your online PhotoPass library. In addition, visitors wanting a more comprehensive selection of these stock images can order from the PhotoPass Store a Walt Disney World Gallery Disk that holds more than 600 photographs from around Walt Disney World Resort. The cost to purchases this disk is $29.95.

The stock images can also be purchased separately for those that want to remember their time at Disney but who didn’t purchase a Memory Maker package.

Images copyright Disney.

Hong Kong Disneyland to Host ‘Disney Friends Springtime Carnival’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

March 13, 2017

If you love getting to meet with characters at Disney Parks, then you will not want to miss the Hong Kong Disneyland Springtime Carnival, where there will be over 100 characters in various forms, out celebrating with guests from March 16th-May 28th of this year.

Hong Kong Disneyland has released information on what we can expect at the Disney Friends Springtime Carnival this Spring:

All new Springtime Processional celebrates colorful new season

Over 30 Disney Friends garbed in spring colors, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale will be joined by almost 50 dancers in the high-energy and fun-filled Disney Friends Springtime Processional. The park will also present Disney Friends of the Month, during which many Disney characters will make their debut in the park. Fantasy Gardens will also have a makeover and become the Disney Friends Springtime Garden, featuring Winnie the Pooh, Bambi and other Disney Friends in all of the garden’s whimsical corners. Likewise, more than 80 character-themed eggs featuring many new faces can be discovered in the park, bringing even more springtime surprises to guests.

A season full of dazzling merchandise

To mark the arrival of the eagerly anticipated live-action “Beauty and the Beast” movie, a host of themed activities will be introduced during the spring. Little princesses can put on the newly designed Belle princess dresses and meet both Belle and the Beast in the park, while a new collection of themed merchandise will also be available. The new PANDORA “Beauty and the Beast” collection will surely be must-haves for guests this season.

From the Duffy & Friends Springtime Afternoon Tea in Main Street Corner Cafe Hosted by Coca-Cola® to the sweet treats at Market House Bakery, an enticing feast of 55 seasonal sweet and savory delicacies and beverages inspired by Disney characters will be served in the park and resort hotels. Meanwhile, Disney’s Hollywood Hotel will be hosting an all-new “Chef Mickey Family Sunday” Dinner Buffet and Cupcake Activity, where young guests and their families can enjoy a Sunday dinner buffet and take part in a fun cupcake decorating activity with Chef Mickey. In addition, parks stores will be filled with a dazzling range of seasonal mementoes, with 130 all-new items for guests to purchase. Hotel rooms can even be decorated with Springtime Egg-stravaganza decorations to celebrate the splendor of spring.

Magic Access Member “Bring a Friend” Offer

From now to July 14, 2017, Magic Access Members can bring a friend to join in the “Disney Friends Springtime Carnival” for a special admission price of HK$389 per guest (a saving of HK$200) with the Magic Access Member “Bring a Friend” Offer.

What do you think of this new celebration at Hong Kong Disneyland?

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.

Wishes Album A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams

By

Danielle

-

March 13, 2017

As excited as I am that Walt Disney World is debuting a brand new Fire Works show, I will still always love and cherish Wishes! If you’ll miss Wishes as much as I will, you might want to check out the Wishes Album!

“Wishes”, Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom Fireworks Display opened on October 9, 2003 and has been thrilling guests nightly ever since. Bursting with color, sound and emotion, “Wishes” is the biggest fireworks spectacular ever presented at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. This CD is dedicated to “Wishes”. “Wishes” will be replaced by “Happily Ever After” in May. Happily Ever After is sure to be every bit as beautiful and magical as Wishes, but my nostalgia will still always love Wishes. Many of us have lots of Disney memories made under those beautiful lights in the sky, so this Wishes Album will be a fantastic way of keeping those memories alive. The Wishes Album is available as a CD or Digital Album!

What are your favorites Wishes memories?

Video: Britney Spears at Planet Hollywood Observatory in Disney Springs

By

Chip

-

March 13, 2017

In case you missed it Britney Spears was with her family at Planet Hollywood Observatory in Disney Springs this morning.

She was on hand for the Grand Opening Red Carpet event with Planet Hollywood CEO and founder Robert Earl.

Here are some videos and photos from the event:

(Please be patient while tweets load)

ICYMI: @britneyspears at Planet Hollywood @DisneySprings #PlanetHollywoodObservatory #DisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/Y9qAlw4acu

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) March 13, 2017

Vídeo : Britney Spears & Her Family today in Planet Hollywood Orlando . ❤?? pic.twitter.com/pojhl2EeLR

— Fernando Gamboa (@LuisBlackout) March 13, 2017

Britney and Jamie Lynn with Planet Hollywood CEO and founder Robert Earl @britneyspears @MyNews13 #planethollywood pic.twitter.com/2v7pVphjMw

— Allison Walker (@AllisonWalkerTV) March 13, 2017

Britney Spears just strolled by, performing at Planet Hollywood Disney Springs #disneysprings #britneyspears pic.twitter.com/25LwbXtJp8

— Mike Belobradic (@MikeBelobradic) March 13, 2017

Did you see her today in Disney Springs?

Let us know in the comment box below.

All Aboard! The Walt Disney Railroad has Reopened

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

March 13, 2017

Exciting news coming out of Walt Disney World today. The Walt Disney World Railroad is officially back up and running! It was announced back in October that The Railroad would be closing for refurbishments on January 9th, 2017. It was scheduled to reopen on February 17th, 2017 but refurbishments ran a bit longer than planned.

I know I sure missed being able to take a ride on The Railroad during my last vacation. I can’t wait to see what updates have been completed. How excited are you to be able to take a ride again on this Disney icon?

Here’s the Tweet letting us know that The Railroad was back up and running:

All aboard! The Walt Disney World Railroad is once again welcoming passengers on a trip around #MagicKingdom! Choo choo! ? pic.twitter.com/B3vQ7FLB79

— WDW Today (@WDWToday) March 13, 2017

You can find the March Walt Disney World Refurb Schedule here.

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. 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

Britney Spears to Visit Planet Hollywood Observatory today!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

March 13, 2017

Britney Spears stopping by Disney Springs today to join the celebration of the Planet Hollywood Observatory’s opening.

Chip and Co. received an invitation to today’s red carpet event featuring the Former Mouseketeer and pop superstar Britney Spears. Spears will have a meet-and-greet with fans at the recently reimagined Orlando flagship location.

Today’s festivities began at noon.