Enjoy Dinner at the Farm with Disney Chefs at the 4th Annual Field to Feast Event

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March 1, 2017

Head out to a local farm with Disney chefs on March 25 for the 4th annual Field to Feast dinner at Long & Scott Farms in Mt. Dora, Florida. It’s a chance to be up close with award-winning Walt Disney World chefs, enjoy live music and farm tours as well as wine, cocktail and craft beer pairings by Master Sommelier George Miliotes.

Guests may arrive anytime after 4:30pm to check in and enjoy a glass of wine, beer or signature cocktail. Culinary stations will begin service at 5pm and conclude at 8pm. Tours of the farms are available throughout the evening.

All proceeds benefit the Kids Cafe Program of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, an after-school meal service program that provides food to needy children in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties.

Creative local cuisine will be featured from nine of Disney’s best chefs:

Chef Dennis Thompson – California Grill
Chef Daniel Sicilia – Jiko—The Cooking Place
Chef Michael Gonsalves – Artist Point
Chef David Njoroge – Tiffins
Chef Dom Filoni – Cítricos
Chef Michael Deardorff – Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Chef Leonard Thomson – Park Event Operations and Premium Events
Pastry Chef Michael Craig – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Bakery
Chef Chocolatier – Amanda Lauder, The Ganachery.

Master Sommelier George Miliotes, from the soon-to-open Bar George at Disney Springs, is pairing beverages with each dish. There’s also live music and tours of the farm on the back of a tractor.

All guests must be 21 or over. The event takes place outdoors so please dress with the weather in mind and select footwear that will be comfortable on soft ground. Parking is available at the farm a short walk from the event site.

Field to Feast is presented by Edible Orlando magazine with Walt Disney World Resort as a major sponsor. Tickets are $175 per person and can be purchased online here. Tables in Wonderland members are eligible for a special rate of 2 tickets for $300. Members can click here and enter the password F2F17TIW in order to purchase these specially-priced tickets.

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: http://www.edibleorlando.com/field-to-feast-2017/

2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Amazing Topiaries

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

The amazing topiaries are always the highlight of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Show. Chip and Co is at opening day of this year’s festival and providing a first look at these amazing topiaries. The 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Show is featuring nearly 100 world-renowned Disney-themed topiaries that are truly spectacular.

Here are some photos of the beautiful displays.

Stay tuned all week for the latest Flower and Garden Festival news and updates.

Will you have the opportunity to see these amazing topiaries this year? Let me know in the comment box below.

Interested in a magical Disney vacation? 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) 977-3373. Join me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

First Look at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival Menus

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

March is here and Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival is in full bloom. Here is a look at all the amazing culinary options available this year.

La Isla Fresca

Primavera Kitchen

The Berry Basket

Hanami

Urban Farm Eats

Fleur De Lys

Cider House

Northern Bloom

Bauernmarket

Block and Hans

The Smokehouse

Jardin de Fiestas

Pineapple Promenade

Lotus House

Taste of Marrakesh

Florida Fresh

The choices are endless and Disney certainly lives up to food lovers expectations, as always.

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.

“Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2” Newest Poster And Trailer Released

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

A brand new trailer for the latest Guardians movie premiered on Jimmy Kimmel last night. Along with the trailer, and a new poster came out as well.

The trailer gives us a closer look at the new costumes and baby Groot. Of course, we also get to listen to a little bit of the old school mix tape soundtrack! The poster really has an 80’s futuristic sci-fi kind of glam to it too!

Thanks Chris Pratt!!

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2” comes out May 5th. Are you excited to see the newest installment of Marvel’s best heroes in the galaxy?

2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Limited Edition Merchandise

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

With the start of the 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival comes plenty of special edition merchandise. Chip is at the Festival today and sent us some photos of the special merchandise!

Take a look at merchandise that is available specially for Annual Passholders:

Be sure to check out the festival center and special festival shop kiosks in order to find the specialty Passholder items for the festival.

There is also other amazing merchandise available for all guests too, and we are in love with it ALL. Take a look:

What do you think of the new merchandise? I know I need those Minnie Ears for my collection! What would you choose first?

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.

An Exclusive Peek at the Flower and Garden Festival Park Maps

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

It’s the first of March and you knowwhat that means – the first day of Epcot’s amazing International Flower and Garden Festival! We here at Chip and Co are at the opening day to bring you the best of the Fest. Let’s start with a first look at the new Epcot park maps created for the occasion.

A look at the front cover:

Here’s a glimpse of the full layout:

Full layout from the inside including the Epcot Map:

A close-up of the map with new Flower and Garden waypoints:

Here’ the Flower and Garden Festival highlights.

A complete guide to the Festival:

And a quick look at the Times Guide:

Stay tuned all week for the latest Flower and Garden Festival news and updates.

How long before you head over to Flower and Garden and get a map of your own? Let us know when you’ll be visiting in the comments below.

Would like to attend the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival but haven’t booked? Don’t worry there’s still plenty of great packages available. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

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 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Images copyright Disney.

Disney Sweetens the Compensation Plan Offered to Caribbean Beach Resort Guests

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

Disney has sweetened the compensation plan offered to guests who will be impacted by the renovations at the Caribbean Beach Resort. The renovations, which are scheduled to begin on May 1, have caused many guests (and travel agents!) a great bit of angst and confusion.

The confusion mainly comes into play with the changing compensation Walt Disney World has offered to guests with reservations at the Caribbean Beach Resort. The offers have gone from nothing offered to a $75.00 per night room credit and then the room night credit was quickly replaced with a $25 Disney card for each night of stay.

We were happy to see that Disney sweetened the compensation offer this week. Guests at the Caribbean Beach Resort will receive, upon check-in, a $75.00 Disney gift card per room per night of stay. Guests with upcoming reservations received a letter outlining the new plan. In reading over the letter though, something was notably missing. Travel agents were notified of this update but were also made aware of another significant offering. Walt Disney World is also offering to move guests to a different Disney Resort hotel without any additional charges. Included in this offer are the following resorts:

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

As a travel agent with clients impacted by the renovations, I jumped on the option to move them to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. As you can imagine Guest Services is inundated with questions right now concerning the Caribbean Beach Resort. However, a little patience on hold (okay, two hours of patience) and I was able to make the change for my clients. Now these families will be enjoying a stay at a Disney Deluxe Villa resort for the price of a Moderate. Not a bad trade! The option to move to one of these hotels is subject to availability. Guests who want to move to any other Deluxe Resort will be charged the appropriate room upgrade. Please note the $75 per room per night Disney Gift Card will not be offered to Guests who move to another hotel.

Here is the latest update guests with reservations at the resort received:

Thank you for choosing the Walt Disney World Resort as your vacation destination!

The future of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is being reimagined. While we recognize this will cause a degree of disruption to your stay, we are making every effort to ensure that your visit to Walt Disney World is magical.

As shared previously, please be aware that Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters at Old Port Royale, Banana Cabana Pool Bar and Calypso Trading Post will be closed for refurbishment during your visit.

There will be a variety of dining options available to you for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Centertown, a dining location, will serve a Caribbean-style buffet for breakfast and a la carte dinner offerings.

• A selection of grab-and-go meals will be conveniently available for purchase throughout the day in three new island markets located in the Aruba, Jamaica and Martinique regions of the Resort.

• In-room dining will remain available. The menu includes pizza, sandwiches and pasta.

• Disney dining plans will be accepted for these offerings.

• Dining locations will make every effort to assist you with your dietary needs.

Additionally, you will still be able to make a splash at our feature pool—Fuentes del Morro Pool—or at one of our leisure pools during your stay.

Please note that noise will be heard while our Resort is being reimagined, but noise should not be heard from your Guest room between dusk and 9:00am daily.

As a thank you for your continued patronage, you will be receiving a $75 Disney Gift Card per room for each night of your stay upon check-in at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. If you were previously offered a $25 Disney Gift Card per room for each night of your stay, this will replace that offer. This gift card can be used at participating Walt Disney World Resort Food & Beverage and Merchandise locations. For complete terms and conditions please visit DisneyGiftCard.com.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your original booking agent.

For reservations made through Disney Reservation Center or disneyworld.com, please call 407-939-1822 between the hours of 7:00am-11:00pm (ET).
For reservations made through Disney Vacation Club Member Services, please call 800-800-9800 or 407-566-3800 between the hours of 9:00am-7:30pm (ET) Monday through Friday or 9:00am- 5:30pm (ET) Saturday and Sunday.
If you booked your vacation through a travel agent, please contact your travel agent directly.

Should you have any questions or concerns once you arrive, General Manager Sheryl Koenes and her team at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be happy to assist you. We look forward to hosting you as our Guest and wish you a truly magical stay!

Although the announcement of renovations at the Caribbean Beach Resort has caused some challenges and confusion, without a doubt the new refurbishment will be amazing and enhance the overall experience of staying at this resort.

What do you think of the latest compensation offer for Caribbean Beach Resort guests? Let me know in the comment box below.

Interested in a magical Disney vacation? 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) 977-3373. Join me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

Perfectly Cute Drinks with Stackable Tsum Tsum Pitcher Set

By

Danielle

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March 1, 2017

What better way to enjoy a beautiful afternoon than with Tsum Tsum friends! Sip with stackable style with the Tsum Tsum Pitcher Set!

Share the fun on a sunny afternoon, or a snowy day indoors while you sip and serve cool beverages with this drink ware set featuring beloved characters from the ”Tsum Tsum” collection. Decorated with a fun screen art trim, you’ll be ready for a cheers with your favorite Disney friends. Best of all, these stackable cups fit right inside the pitcher for easy storing and traveling!

What do you think of this adorable Tsum Tsum Pitcher Set?

Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule for March 2017

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

In order to keep their rides running smoothly and safely, Disneyland often needs to close rides in order to perform maintenance on them, or even to give them a new look. As much as we don’t like it when our favorite rides aren’t running, it’s necessary to keep all the guests safe while on the rides. That being said, here is a list of rides and attractions at the Disneyland Resort undergoing refurbishment during March 2017:

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes- Closed until Summer 2017
Disneyland Railroad – Closed until Summer 2017
Disneyland Railroad – Mickey’s Toontown – Closed until Summer 2017
Disneyland Railroad – New Orleans Square – Closed until Summer 2017
Disneyland Railroad – Tomorrowland – Closed until Summer 2017
Fantasmic! – Closed until Summer 2017
Mark Twain Riverboat – Closed until Summer 2017
Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island – Closed until Summer 2017
Sailing Ship Columbia – Closed until Summer 2017
Pirates of the Caribbean – Closed Feb 3- March 15, 2017
Matterhorn Bobsleds – Closed Feb 6 – TBA
Autopia – Closed Mar 20-22, 2017

Disney California Adventure Park

Grizzly River Run- Closed Jan 9- Mar 22, 2017
Mickey’s Fun Wheel- Closed Feb 6 – Mar 5, 2017
World of Color – Closed Feb 21- Mar 5, 2017

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa – January 2017 – Fall 2017:

General Resort Refurbishments
Guests may see and hear construction as we make improvements to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. To minimize any disruptions, activities that may create noise will not start earlier than 9:00 AM.

Room refurbishments will occur from January 2017 through fall 2017.
The pools and poolside cabanas will be closed for refurbishment from January 2017 to spring 2017. The pools and waterslides at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will be available, and poolside cabanas at Disneyland Hotel will be available for reservations.
The Great Hall lobby will be refurbished and access will be limited beginning June 2017 through early August 2017. Some Guest rooms will not be available during this time.
The Craftsman’s Club concierge lounge will be temporarily relocated from early August 2017 through early October 2017.

If you would like to go to Disneyland, or to Walt Disney World to celebrate the 45th Anniversary, but are unsure of where to begin planning your Disney vacation, 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.

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts Will Return to Epcot in Early 2018

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

The 2017 Epcot festivals have begun and as we get ready to celebrate the start of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this week, we want to share some exciting news……….The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will be returning to Epcot in early 2018! Experience the ultimate cultural celebration as food, art, and entertainment come together again in 2018. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

Did you enjoy The 2017 Epcot International Festival of the Arts? Let us know if you will be going again next year.

Interested in heading to the Disney festivals? 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 World Refurbishment Schedule for March 2017

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 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 March 2017 or will be during the months ahead:

Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Railroad: Closed through March 2, 2017
Hall of Presidents: Closed through June 29, 2017
Roy O. Disney and Minnie Mouse Park Bench: Removed until March 2017

Hollywood Studios

The Dark Room & Cover Story – Closed through March 23, 2017

Epcot

None

Animal Kingdom

None

Disney Springs

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

Blizzard Beach

None

Typhoon Lagoon

Annual Refurbishment – Closed through March 11, 2017

Golf Courses/Miniature Golf

None

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Caribbean Beach Resort

Trinidad South Village Pool: Closed through March 16, 2017.

General Resort Refurbishments: Trinidad South Region through March 16, 2017. Due to several refurbishment projects, Guests may see and hear construction in progress specifically around the pirate-themed rooms in the Trinidad South region of the Resort. Any work most likely to cause a noise impact will not begin until 9:00 a.m.

Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters at Old Port Royale, Cabana Pool Bar and Calypso Trading Post: Closing 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.

Click here for an update on how guests at Caribbean Beach Resort during this period may be eligible for a $75 Disney Gift Card.

Pop Century Resort

Room refurbishments through May 7, 2018. Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable during this time. All work will be attempted to begin after 9:00am to minimize disruptions.

Yacht Club Resort

Room Refurbishments began in January 2017. During this time, Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. To minimize any disruptions, we will attempt to limit work to 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Captain’s Grille is closing May 15 – September 30, 2017. During refurbishments, the Captain’s Grille is relocating to the oceanic-themed Ariel’s.

Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center

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

BoardWalk Inn & Villas

Exterior Maintenance and Painting through April 2017. All work with the highest potential for noise will be limited between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Luna Park Slide closed through March 3, 2017

Community Hall Pool closed through March 1, 2017.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Sandcastle Pool closed through March 3, 2017. The leisure pools located at Old Turtle Pond, South Point and Miller’s Road will remain available.

Exterior maintenance and painting after 9:00am daily through July 27, 2017.

Port Orleans Riverside

Alligator Bayou North Pool closed through April 7, 2017.

Coronado Springs

Hard Goods Refurbishment began in November 2016. Guests may see or hear construction taking place, or encounter alternative paths of travel throughout the Resort hotel. All work with the most potential for noise will be limited each day between 9:00am and 5:00pm in order to minimize any possible disruptions.

Wilderness Lodge & Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney Wilderness Lodge

Due to extensive refurbishment projects, Guests will very likely see and hear construction work in various areas throughout their stay. To minimize disruptions, work will be attempted to begin after 9:00 a.m.
At this time, many popular areas will remained closed – including the Hidden Springs Pool (the leisure pool at Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), marina, playground and more. In addition, certain pathways, like our nature trail, will be unavailable, and surrounding views may be altered. However, the recently renovated Silver Creek Springs Pool will remain open and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom park will continue to be offered.

Cub’s Den (Children’s Activity Center): Unavailable through Summer 2017.

Roaring Fork and Trout Pass Pool Bar: During this time the latest addition, Geyser Point Pool Bar & Grill will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Territory Lounge will also offer a continental-style breakfast featuring gourmet coffees, pastries and a yogurt parfait.

Contact me to start planning your Walt Disney World adventure. I’m a Travel Agent with MickeyTravels, along with a writer for Chip and Company, and would love to help book and plan your next magical vacation. Email [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to get started!

Animal Kingdom To Offer Special Earth Day Activities in April

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

With Earth Day just around the corner (April 22, 2017), Disney’s Animal Kingdom them park is starting to unveil plans for an Earth Day weekend celebration which will be held at the park from April 21st – 23rd.

The event will offer guests exclusive educational encounters throughout the park during a celebration dubbed “Party for the Planet” which will be presented by Disneynature.

More details will be released as Earth Day approaches but if last year’s celebration was anything to go by, it is an event that you won’t want to miss. 2016’s festivities included special feedings and training experiences with some of animals, the opportunity to meet esteemed Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde and special PhotoPass photo ops with Earth-day themed props.

Here’s a video Disney created for last year’s festivities:

So what are you waiting for? Clear your calendars and plan on paying a visit to Animal Kingdom for Earth Day 2017.

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

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 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Images copyright Disney.