CONFIRMED: Changes to 2018 Disney Dining Plans including Specialty Drinks

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June 20, 2017

As we previously reported, rumors were swirling that alcoholic and other specialty beverages such as smoothies and milkshakes were going to be available with this year’s Dining Plans. Today, per the Walt Disney World website, we can officially confirm that those drinks will be an option to order with your meal. It also appears that dining plan rates have slightly increased.

Beverage Changes

Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy the following beverage options with their Dining Plan meal:

Artisan milkshakes
Fresh Smoothies
Premium hot chocolate
Soda, coffee, or tea

Guests 21 and over will be able to chose the following to enjoy with their Dining Plan Meal:

Beer or cider
Wine or Sangria
Mixed drinks and specialty cocktails such as a Rum and Coke

These specialty beverages will be available with quick service and table service meals.

Price Changes

Per the Disney website, prices for 2018 Disney Dining Plans have had a slight price increase. As of right now, we know what the new prices will be for adults on the dining plan.

2018 2017

Quick Service $52.49 $48.19

Disney Dining $75.49 $69.35

Disney Deluxe $116.24 $106.68

These prices are per adult/per day.

2018 2017

Quick Service $21.75 $20.18

Disney Dining $25.76 $24.22

Disney Deluxe $37.62 $40.00

These prices are per child/per day.

Are you a Dining Plan fan? Let us know!

Let’s start planning your 2018 Walt Disney World Vacation! CLICK HERE or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Disney

Some Of Our Favorite Disney World Treats

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 20, 2017

Disney Snacks

A day visiting the Walt Disney World parks would not be complete without a snack break! While Disney allows you to bring in your own snacks, nothing truly compares to the delicious treats available throughout the Parks. I love walking down Main Street a soaking in all the amazing smells. Have a look at these four Disney favorites, and my personal pick…good news, they all qualify as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Mickey Pretzel – Pictured above, the Mickey Pretzel has become an iconic Disney snack. I mean really, Mickey-shaped food just tastes better! I never visit Walt Disney World without enjoying one of these pretzels in front of the castle, they are large and make for an incredibly satisfying snack.

Disney Snacks

Dole Whip – No Disney trip is complete without enjoying a refreshing Dole Whip. A welcome frozen treat on a hot summer day, the Dole Whip has somewhat of a cult following among the Disney Community. This delicious soft serve snack can also be enjoyed as a float, with Dole pineapple juice!

Disney Snacks

Churro – In case you aren’t familiar with what a churro is…let me introduce you to this mouthwatering treat. A churro is a long strip of sweet dough, fried, and rolled in cinnamon and sugar. Don’t forget to hunt down a churro cart on your next vacation.

Disney Snacks

Mickey Ice Cream Bar – An ice cream bar is a classic summer vacation treat that kids have been enjoying for generations. At Disney World this long time favorite takes on a MAGICAL form, in the shape of Mickey Mouse. The vanilla ice cream bar with a milk chocolate coating, is simple yet satisfying. My kids devour multiple ice cream bars on every visit!

Disney Snacks

Warm Cinnamon Roll – I had to add this ooey gooey deliciousness to the list! You can find this not-so-little beauty at Gaston’s Tavern, in Fantasyland, at Magic Kingdom. There is so much I love about this snack, the size makes it perfect for splitting, and the fact that it counts as a snack credit really makes it a great deal!

There are so many wonderful snack options throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, we are barely touching the surface here, but I highly recommend trying these iconic options on your next trip to Disney! Do you have a favorite Disney snack? Share with us in the comments below!

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Ready to start Planning your 2018 Disney Vacation? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote from one of our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can save you money and time planning your MAGICAL vacation! My planning services are always 100% FREE! Contact me today for your FREE, no obligation quote, [email protected] or follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates, deals, and travel tips!

Images Credit: Disney

Descendants 2 Giveaway: Win a Trip to LA and a Descendants 2 Transformation!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 19, 2017

Best Western and the Disney Channel are giving one grand prize winner a trip to LA for YOU and up to three guests for an exclusive Descendants 2 transformation with Sofia Carson and Cameron Boyce! The lucky winner’s transformation will also air on the Disney Channel!

If you don’t win the grand prize, 50 lucky people will receive a $100 Best Western Gift Card!

Here are some additional details:

All entrants must be 6 to 18 years old at time of entry or the legal guardian/parent/grandparent of eligible child
There are two ways to enter:
- CLICK HERE for the online entry form
- or, you can text “YOU” to 3476399
You can enter one time per day
All entries must be received by September 3, 2017

For more information and official rules, CLICK HERE.

What are you doing this summer? Why not visit a Disney Destination! Click here or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Disney

Talking Skull Returns to “Pirates Of The Caribbean” After 11 Years

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 19, 2017

After an 11 year hiatus the Talking Skull that used to warn guests that “Dead Men Tell No Tales” has returned to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Enjoy this video of the Talking Skull shared by BigFat Panda:

The Talking Skull is actually used for the Pirates of the Caribbean photo capture that was added this week. Guests can enjoy this photo as a part of Memory Maker or can be purchased separately through Disney’s PhotoPass service. Memory Maker is a great way to enjoy unlimited digital Disney PhotoPass photos captured at hundreds of locations throughout Walt Disney World including select attractions, dining locations, character meet and greets and family photos. The photos are conveniently connected to your online Disney account.

Memory Maker can be purchased for $169 if purchased three or more days in advance of your trip or $199 if purchased after this time.

Click here for a FREE, no obligation quote!

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

As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help save you time and money planning your next Disney vacation. The best part is my services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (229) 977-3773. Join me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

New Disney Dooney & Bourke Designs and an Update to a Classic for the Summer

By

Danielle

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June 19, 2017

Disney Dooney & Bourke bags have been a guest favorite for many years. In recent times each new season has brought us delightful new Disney Dooney & Bourke designs.

I remember when I got my first Disney Dooney eight years ago! It was part of the whimsical sketch collection, and I have cherished it ever since. Recently Disney updated the classic Sketch collection called “A Walk in the Park”. This new design was drawn in a coloring book style, and has many icons and characters from Disney Parks. Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Tink and Donald Duck dance across the artistic prints. Other great nods from the Disney Parks include Big Al’s guitar from the Country Bear Jamboree, a Hitchhiking Ghost from the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise boats, and more! The collection is already available and comes in a Tote, a Zip Satchel, and a Crossbody Wallet.

The new “Walk in the Park” collection is also featured on a MagicBand 2. This retail MagicBand 2 is a limited release that comes presented in a specially designed box.

For a while the Disney Dooneys have been releasing in just a few different silhouettes. Fans of Dooney & Bourke handbags will enjoy the option of several new silhouettes being offered at Disney Parks this year. Some of these silhouettes were included with the monochromatic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction collection. These new silhouettes included are a Crossbody Bag with over-sized leather tassel and letter carrier bag with the same large tassel.

Of course what we’ve all been waiting for, is a preview of the two new collections coming this summer. The first is a continuation of the “Dream Big, Princess” collection with handbags inspired by Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” I love the all over design of a single image of Tiana, with a floral print that matches the flower on her dress decorating the rest of the bag.

The second handbag, is part of a new Haunted Mansion inspired collection. A Madame Leota-themed collection that has the infamous psychic we all know and love, and a beautiful deep purple hue.

The new handbags will launch on July 22 at the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs. A launch party will also be part of the release and guests will also have the opportunity to meet Ian Ray, Creative Director for Dooney & Bourke from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. These collections will also be released at Disneyland Resort on the same day.

What do you think of these New Disney Dooney & Bourke designs, and updates?

Walt Disney’s Palm Springs Home Sells for $865,000

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 19, 2017

A home that Walt Disney built back in 1962 as a retirement home for him and his wife Lillian, recently went on the market where it was just bought by new owners for $865,000.

The property pictured above, remained in the Disney family until about two years ago when it was sold . The new owners made the home a vacation property rental dubbed “Walt’s Technicolor Dreamhouse” with weekly rental costs running in the thousands before putting it on the market last year.

The four bedroom home is about 2,443 sq ft. and sits on a quarter of an acre lot. It boasts 180 degree mountain views, glass walls and a swimming pool. The owners also added a bit of Disney magic to the property with colorful interiors, Disney quotes and pictures of Walt and Mickey stenciled onto the walls. It is also reported that much of the furniture and aspects of the home’s interior remain much as they did when Walt and his wife spent their later years there.

For a closer look at the house check out this article in the Orange County Register.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Thinking about a visit to Disney? There are still fantastic 2017 packages to be had and 2018 packages go on sale tomorrow, June 20th! Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining reservations and sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at the parks. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Mercury News

Cars 3 Races to the Top and Takes First Place at the Box Office

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 19, 2017

Pixar’s Cars 3 raced into first place at the box office this weekend bringing in $53.7 million. Lightning McQueen and his crew grab the top spot from Wonder Woman which has had the lead at the box office for the past two weeks.

This should come as no surprise to Cars fans that have been anxiously awaiting the release of the latest installment in the franchise. However, it’s been a slow summer at the box office and it is significantly less than the $153.1 million that Pixar’s Finding Dory brought in when it debuted last summer.

Pixar’s Cars 3 is now playing in theaters nationwide.

Have you seen Cars 3 yet? Share a review of the movie below.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote today!

Find these tips helpful and would like some more to make your Disney vacation the most magical and stress-free ever? Click the link above and fill out the form or send an email 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 1.770.800.6500, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far Far Away Slated to Return to Hollywood Studios in Early July

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 19, 2017

As we reported earlier in the week, performances of the Star Wars- themed show A Galaxy Far, Far Away have currently been suspended at Hollywood Studios due to refurbishment. The work being done pertains to replacing the existing stage with mobile stages which can be moved in and out of position providing nighttime guests with a larger area from which to view the evening Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks display.

The construction was intended to finish up earlier this month with performances slated to resume on June 16th but due to complications with the mobile stage concept, the show is expected to remain closed until early July according to reports at WDW Magic. The new opening date being suggested is July 2nd.

Watch this space for the latest updates regarding A Galaxy Far Far Away, a stage show perfect for Star Wars fans and featuring Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, BB-8, Darth Maul and more as they recreate some of your favorite scenes from Star Wars films both young and old.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Thinking about a visit to Disney? There are still fantastic 2017 packages to be had and 2018 packages go on sale tomorrow, June 20th! Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining reservations and sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at the parks. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Images copyright Disney.

Experience ‘Kraken Unleashed’ Sea World Orlando

By

Lisette R

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June 19, 2017

Sea World is about to unleash the newest virtual reality concept in the form of a Roller Coaster. If you are looking for something new to experience this summer, Sea World Orlando may have exactly what you are looking for. Head over to experience ‘Kraken Unleashed,’ opening to the public June 16, 2017.

We were fortunate enough to receive an invitation to the ‘Kraken Unleashed’ Media Event. We were handed a media lanyard and from there we headed towards ‘Kraken Unleashed.’ The signs for this newly imagined coaster are up around the park to direct you to the correct location.

If you are not a signs kind of person, then you cannot miss ‘Kraken Unleashed.’ Disguised as a Roller Coaster, this new virtual reality experience visually dominates the park. As you approach, take notice of the giant tentacle hinting at what you might expect from this new ride.

Brian Morrow-Vice President of Theme Park Experience Design, spoke with us about the design of ‘Kraken Unleashed’. The virtual reality is built-in to the harness on the ride, so nothing to carry. There is a blue box between every two rows of seats to track the speed and keep the experience on track. There will be a new “Spot Saver” option for this ride ONLY. It will be a virtual quick queue with your time to return to ride without standing in line. Prepare to go “underwater” in a submarine to discover prehistoric creatures. Sea World actually developed some fictional sea creatures of their own; look for the fluffy white sea crab for example.

Televisions are placed strategically placed along the queue, that explain how to prepare for the ride once seated. Every seat has the virtual reality headset option in a basket in front of the seat. If a person is sensitive to this option, they can ride in any seat, in any row, and just not put on the headset. The headsets are cleaned with sanitizing wipes after each use to prepare for the next ride. We are fond of the fact that the safety bars come down over our shoulders and we discovered that with the virtual reality headset on, you feel like you are actually moving along through the sea, amongst sea creatures rather than actually riding on a roller coaster.

Kraken originally opened in June of 2000. The design team wanted to do something special with this older, already quite popular, roller coaster. We highly recommend a visit to Sea World Orlando as this new ride experience is sure to please your adventurous side. If you are looking for the newest theme park thriller, ‘Kraken Unleashed’ is a must-ride, first-of-its-kind, virtual reality coaster experience. You do not want to miss this one!

What do you think of ‘Kraken Unleashed?” Please leave your comments in the box below.

Disney Releases Cars 3 Updates to Popular Disney Games and Mobile Apps!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 19, 2017

Attention Disney gaming fans!! In celebration of Disney•Pixar’s Cars 3 release, and the movie taking the #1 spot in the US box office, Disney has announced new Cars 3 updates to many of its games and apps! The gaming updates follow a successful release of two all-new games across multiple gaming systems, by Disney, last week:

Cars 3: Driven to Win – Released on PlayStation 3 & 4, Xbox One and Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, and Wii U.

Cars 3: Lightning League – Released on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Take a look and see if your favorite Disney game/app will be receiving the Cars 3 update:

Color by Disney – The Color by Disney app will feature four new Cars 3 inspired coloring pages. The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google play, its free to download and offers in-app paid subscription packages.

Disney Jigsaw Puzzles! – For $8.99 you can now grab a Cars 3 puzzle pack featuring 60 new scenes straight from the movie! Download the app for free, with the option of in-app purchases, on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Disney Story Central! – Out now, you and your little ones can read SIX new Cars books inspired by the new movie. You can download Disney Story Central for free on the Apple App Store, Amazon Appstore, and Google Play. The app also offers paid subscriptions.

Pixar Stickers – Available now for $1.99, Disney•Pixar fans can add The Pixar Stickers: Cars 3 pack to their mobile keyboard, through the App Store for iMessage.

Disney Emoji Blitz – Disney Emoji Blitz will feature an update including Cars 3 characters with new “abilities” Lightning McQueen – will be able to obliterate emojis and create lightning clouds, out-race Miss Fritter alongside Cruz Ramirez, clearing emojis in her path, or zip through them in the training simulator with Jackson Storm. The app is available to download for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Club Penguin Island – With the new Cars 3 updates in the app, players will be able to dress their penguins in Cars 3 outfits, and will feature Cars 3 tubes and decor. The Club Penguin Island’s Cars 3 Event will be live June 22 until July 6. The app is available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app also offers an option to purchase a $4.99 monthly recurring membership subscription, or you can try it with a seven-day free trial.
Disney Crossy Road! – Disney Crossy Road app will feature the Thunder Hollow track from the new film, where you will be able to race more than 30 Cars characters including Lightning McQueen, Cruz Ramirez, and Mater, be on the lookout for hidden figures! The app updates will be available in early July, with free download on the Apple App Store, Amazon Appstore, Google Play, and Windows Store.

My kids love to color the pages in their Color and Play coloring books, then use the app to magically bring their pictures to life! They will no doubt be excited to hear about the Cars 3 update! Do you play any of the games receiving a Cars 3 update?

Click here for your FREE, no obligation quote!

Ready to start Planning your 2018 Disney Vacation? Disney will be releasing their 2018 pricing June 20th! Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote from one of our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can save you money and time planning your MAGICAL vacation! My planning services are always 100% FREE! Contact me today for your FREE, no obligation quote, [email protected] or follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates, deals, and travel tips!

Images Credit: Disney

Simplehuman & Disney unveil its special edition Lightning McQueen and Jackson Storm step cans.

By

Chip

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June 19, 2017

Hot on the heels of Disney•Pixar’s PIXAR’s Cars 3 movie release, simplehuman, a leader in luxury housewares designs and innovation, unveiled its special edition Lightning McQueen trashcans. Sporting his unmistakable expression and signature bold red hue, the 45 and 10 litre step cans reflect simplehuman’s clean aesthetic and superior design, offering fans of the Cars films sophisticated and useful keepsakes, and added incentive to take out the trash.

Like Lightning McQueen, simplehuman step cans are engineered for extreme wear and tear, withstanding over 150,000 steps, or, more than 20 steps a day for 20 years.

Other features include:

Stainless steel liner rim flips up for quick and easy liner changes, then closes over the liner to hold it tightly in place and keep it hidden from sight.
Custom fit liners pockets are built into the can, dispensing liners one-by-one from inside for a faster liner change.

The Lightning McQueen cans are the first release from the Disney Collection by simplehuman. With the rising popularity of Lightning’s nemesis, Jackson Storm, the company also introduced a 10L semi-round can that reflects its characteristics.

“I’ve always admired Disney, and am eager to give its most beloved characters the simplehuman treatment,” said Frank Yang, founder and CEO of simplehuman. “Everything Disney does is thoughtful, and with meticulous attention to detail; ideals that are integral to every product we design at simplehuman.”

The 45L Lightning McQueen step can and both 10L Lightning McQueen cans are available for purchase on Amazon, and retail for $150 and $50, respectively.

For more information and to purchase the special edition Lightning McQueen and Jackson Storm step cans, please visit the simplehuman website.

New Marvel Hero Elite Performance Wear Available at Kohls

By

Danielle

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June 19, 2017

Marvel Hero Elite Performance Wear is a collection of boys’, men’s and Her Universe juniors’ active wear apparel that is inspired by iconic Super Heroes from the Marvel Universe.This new performance wear collection only available now only at Kohl’s stores nationwide and Kohls.com! Spider-Man is also included in anticipation of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Homecoming film release, in theaters July 7.

The boys collection features comfy favorites, with an heroic edge. Lots of Spider-Man designs are available in this collection, from more cartoony, to the sleeker movie looks.

Marvel Hero Elite Series Spidey triangle shorts, $24
Marvel Hero Elite Series Captain America shield tee, $20

Marvel Hero Elite Series Spider-Man active tee, $22
Marvel Hero Elite Series metallic spider muscle tee, $22
Marvel Hero Elite Series Spider-Man muscle tee, $22

Marvel Hero Elite Series Spider-Man raglan tee, $22
Marvel Hero Elite Series Spidey embossed tee, $22
Marvel Hero Elite Series Spider-Man hero tee, $22

The men’s collection features some heroes we don’t see often on the Disney Marvel side of things, including Deadpool and Punisher. The men’s collection offers performance tees and hoodies.

Marvel Hero Elite Series Captain America shield tee, $25
Marvel Hero Elite Series Deadpool tee, $25
Marvel Hero Elite Series Punisher skull tee, $25

Marvel Hero Elite Series Spider-Man hoodie, $50
Marvel Hero Elite Series Captain America hoodie, $50

The ladies junior’s collection by Her Universe is definetly the most exciting of the collections. We see lots of Captain America styles, mixed with some clever Spider-Man designs. The Her Universe collection offers everything from lightweight tanks, to sports bras and sweats!

Marvel Hero Elite Captain America by Her Universe shield star tank top, $28
Marvel Hero Elite Captain America by Her Universe captain to the core tee, $28
Marvel Hero Elite Captain America by Her Universe training to carry the shield tank top and sports bra, $36
Marvel Hero Elite Captain America by Her Universe cold-shoulder sweatshirt, $36

Marvel Hero Elite Spider-Man by Her Universe strappy side tank top, $28
Marvel Hero Elite Spider-Man by Her Universe spin class now tank top and sports bra, $36
Marvel Hero Elite Spider-Man by Her Universe radioactive tee, $40
Marvel Hero Elite Spider-Man by Her Universe cardigan, $40

Marvel Hero Elite Spider-Man by Her Universe web sports bra, $26
Marvel Hero Elite Spider-Man by Her Universe capri leggings, $36
Marvel Hero Elite Spider-Man by Her Universe capri leggings, $36

Marvel Hero Elite Captain America by Her Universe captain in training cold-shoulder sweatshirt, $36
Marvel Hero Elite Captain America by Her Universe star bodysuit, $28
Marvel Hero Elite Captain America by Her Universe stars sports bra, $26

Marvel Hero Elite Captain America by Her Universe America star capri leggings, $36
Marvel Hero Elite Captain America by Her Universe captain stripe sweatpants, $30
Marvel Hero Elite Captain America by Her Universe Captain America leggings, $36

The Captain America Stars leggings are probably my fave from the set!

What do you think of the new Marvel Hero Elite Performance Wear series from Kohls and Kohls.com?