Florida has another Record Breaking Year in Tourism

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February 17, 2017

Even with the traumatic year the state had in 2016, Florida still managed to maintain a record breaking year when it comes to the amount of tourists it saw enter and vacation in the state.

The Orlando Sentinel states that 112.8 million visitors came to Florida in 2016, marking the 6th year in a row it has broken the previous year’s attendance record! In 2015, 106.6 million travelers visited the sunshine state.

Visit Florida tracks the tourist numbers and they take into account not only domestic visitors, but international visitors as well. 98 Million of the 112.8 million visitors in 2016 were domestic visitors, while international visitors totaled 14.8 million.

We’re not surprised that Florida’s tourism numbers continue to rise. Central Florida is, of course, our personal favorite destination; seeing as it’s home to Walt Disney World. The combination of theme parks, beaches, and beautiful weather year round tend to make Florida a very desirable vacation destination for those that seek to experience the beauty of the state.

If you’d like to visit Florida, let me help you plan a trip to Walt Disney World! Contact me today to take advantage of my free vacation planning services! Together we can help make magical memories that you and your family will never forget! [email protected]

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

Get ready to meet BB-8 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

By

Chip

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February 16, 2017

We have great news! Disney is adding more Star Wars fun to Walt Disney World! BB-8 will be greeting guests at the Star Wars Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios this spring.

BB-8 will appear in addition to Kylo Ren and Chewbacca, two characters from the Star Wars galaxy who guests regularly encounter at Star Wars Launch Bay. In addition to character greetings, the location also offers guests the chance to explore galleries full of treasured memorabilia and authentic replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, including some from the latest film in the franchise, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Star Wars Launch Bay is just one experience that has debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the delight of Star Wars fans over the past two years: “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” daytime show features characters from around the Star Wars galaxy; while the guest-favorite “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” nighttime spectacular lights up the park each night. Guests age 4-12 can also become Jedi recruits and put their skills to the test in an unforgettable battle against villains like Darth Vader or the Seventh Sister Inquisitor. And just a few months ago, the park’s Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction began offering guests randomized destinations, making different planetary destinations possible for every galactic journey.

Exciting New Enhancements Coming to Disney’s Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach Resorts

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 16, 2017

Guests can expect big changes at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort over the next two years. New guest experiences and dining options will be featured at both moderate resorts.

The expansion at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will include a new 15-story tower that will add 500 rooms, featuring suites and concierge level services. The resort will also refurbish its current resort rooms and transform its landscape with floating gardens and an island oasis that connects the resort through a series of bridges.

The new tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort’s centerpiece lake, will allow guests to experience something truly unique, rooftop dining with panoramic views of popular nighttime fireworks from nearby Disney theme parks.

Also during this exciting time, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be reimagined with new additions to the resort’s current marketplace, Centertown, including new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. This centralized location will offer the resort’s guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining.

At Walt Disney World Resort, the magical memories of guests start at one of the 27-themed resorts each and every day, which is why they will always continue to “move forward” and “create new experiences” that are integral to the overall resort experience!

We can’t wait to share more with you as these projects come to life!

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 Parks Blog

Dad & Daughter Epic Beauty and the Beast Photos

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 16, 2017

This must have been the year for epic Dad/Daughter Valentine’s. You’ve probably seen the Dads at ballet class that was all over the internet – this is more Disney-esc. Photographer and father of two Josh Ross transformed his 3-year-old daughter Nellee into Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” for a fun themed photo shoot.

“Anything Disney is so magical and amazing,” Rossi told The Huffington Post. “I loved the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ movie when I was a kid because of the love they both shared.”

The dad has a tradition of organizing photo shoots for Nellee for holidays, birthdays and other special occasions. In the past, she has dressed up as Wonder Woman and Little Red Riding Hood.

Nellee has been excitedly awaiting the new live action version of the movie, so Rossi decided Belle would be the perfect character for a shoot around Valentine’s Day. The whole process took about a month. While on vacation in Europe, Rossi took photos to serve as the backgrounds, including a shot of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, which was reportedly the inspiration for the famous castle in Disneyland. Costume designer Ella Dynae made custom dresses for Nellee.

Here is the Behind-the-scenes video Ross released on Monday

BB BTS final from Josh Rossi on Vimeo.

On Valentine’s Day, the dad presented Nellee with the finished product and gave her a special print of one of their photos. “She loved the print I gave her so much!” said Rossi. “She kept jumping up and down and kept smiling. She also couldn’t stop looking at the full series of images. Right after I gave her the print this morning, she started singing the songs from the movie.”

Rossi said he loves having the opportunity to create something with his daughter based around a story they both love.

“As parents, usually we are just playing games our kids like,” he said. “This time we play a game we both truly love ― which is taking magical pictures together.”

He added, “My wife loves it too. She booked all of the locations in Europe for me and got the costumes and whatever else we needed. It’s sort of a family event.”

The dad hopes other fathers will appreciate the project as well. Said Rossi, “I honestly hope that dads will get inspired to spend more time with their daughters and find something they can do together to connect.”

All photos by Josh Ross

Doc McStuffins coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 16, 2017

Disney Junior fans have something new to look forward to as Doc McStuffins comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Starting Sunday February 19th Doc McStuffins from the popular Disney Junior TV series will begin appearing just outside the veterinarian clinic inside Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Meet and greets with Doc are scheduled from 10:00am to 12:45pm, and 1:55pm to 4:30pm daily.

Rafiki from “The Lion King” will continue to appear at Planet Watch. However, Chip and Dale will be leaving to make room for this adorable Disney Junior favorite.

Doc McStuffins will continue to appear at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Animation Courtyard and for breakfast at Hollywood and Vine. And you can continue to see everyone’s favorite chipmunks at “Chip and Dale’s Harvest Feast” at The Garden Grill in Epcot.

I know this new meet and greet location will bring lots of smiles to Doc McStuffins fans of all ages.

Dick Van Dyke’s Character Revealed For “Mary Poppins Returns”

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 16, 2017

As we reported late last year, Dick Van Dyke is joining Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, Lin Manuel Miranda and many others in the new production of Mary Poppins Returns. Van Dyke’s character has been revealed!

Van Dyke will play Mr. Dawes Jr., the chairman of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank and son of Van Dyke’s character in the original “Mary Poppins.”

How fun is that?!

Looking forward to this release.

It’s scheduled to premiere December 2018.

Muppets Performing At The Hollywood Bowl In September

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 16, 2017

It’s time to play the music! It’s time to light the lights, it’s time to meet the Muppets! Who are taking over the Hollywood Bowl at the end of this coming summer as the stars of the celebratory season-ending fireworks finale.

From Friday September 8th through Sunday September 10th, Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo, and “the rest of the zany Muppet gang” will perform their most popular songs and routines– including the rock ‘n roll stylings of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. And of course, in infamous Miss Piggy.

Tickets for “Fireworks Finale: The Muppets Take the Bowl” aren’t on sale just yet to non-subscribers, but be sure to watch the official Hollywood Bowl website for on sale dates and more information.

Disney Finds Female Director For Live-Action Mulan

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 16, 2017

Niki Caro, who broke through with the 2002 Maori family drama “Whale Rider”, will direct Disney’s live-action “Mulan”

Female directed tent-poles films are still rare, Caro will be the second woman at the studio to direct a movie budgeted at over $100 million. (Ava DuVernay is the first, with “A Wrinkle in Time” also a Disney film.) Disney also considered other women for its woman-warrior project, including “Wonder Woman”director Patty Jenkins and Michelle MacLaren ( “Game of Thrones)

Disney and producers Chris Bender, Jason Reed and Jake Weiner are taking pains to assure fans that “Mulan” will be culturally authentic. In addition to extensive conversations with Chinese cultural consultants and working closely with Disney’s own China-based team, the studio is bringing on Hong Kong-based super-producer Bill Kong as executive producer. Kong produced the most successful Chinese films to cross over including — “ Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, for which he received an Oscar nomination.

Last fall, controversy briefly arose when reports surfaced that the original spec that Disney purchased, written by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin, featured non-Chinese characters, including a white male lead. Disney quickly responded that Mulan and all primary characters in its movie, which has been rewritten by Jurassic World’s Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, will remain Chinese. The studio is focusing its casting search in main land China for the main roles, including the legendary woman warrior herself.

You Could Win a Walt Disney World Vacation Package with Joffrey’s “Coffee to Castle Sweepstakes”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 16, 2017

Enter Joffrey’s “Coffee to Castle Sweepstakes” for a chance to win a 5 day/4 night vacation for four guests to Walt Disney World Resort. The grand prize package includes hotel, airfare, theme park tickets and a $50 Joffrey’s Beverage Card to be used at Joffrey’s kiosks throughout the Resort.

The “Coffee to Castle Sweepstakes” is sponsored by Joffrey’s Coffe & Tea Co. It began on February 15 and ends on March 15, 2017. No purchase is necessary to enter or win and it is open to legal residents of the United States. There is a limit of one (1) entry per person during the sweepstakes period. Click here for a list of official rules.

Joffrey’s is the Official Specialty Coffee of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Vacation Club. A coupon code worth a 20% savings on any purchase of Disney Parks and Resorts specialty coffee collection will be emailed upon sweepstakes entry and is valid until May 15, 2017.

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://www.joffreys.com/coffeetocastlesweepstakes

The Roseshire Luxury Disney Roses Collaboration is Simply Magical

By

Danielle

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February 16, 2017

In December Roseshire, the source of some of the world’s most marvelous roses, launched an awe inspiring luxury rose collection with Disney. The first Roseshire Luxury Disney Roses Collaboration of 2017, is a breathtaking Frozen inspired collection.

The Frozen Collection highlights Elsa, as well as another character from the movie that’s hiding somewhere on the box! I’m betting on Olaf, but I haven’t found the hidden character yet. This collection is a wondrous way to spread a little winter magic for winter Birthdays, Anniversaries, or even a simple just because! The box is an icy dream with Elsa’s magical powers encasing the extraordinary white roses within the designs of delicate snowflakes.

A fabulous new Luxury Disney Roses collaboration will be released each month. February brought out the romance with a lovely “Magic Hearts” collection. That collection featured Mickey & Minnie Mouse with a stream of red & black hearts signifying deep love & happiness. The roses were a velvety red, that looked simply enchanting. Speaking of enchanting, next month’s collection will be Beauty and the Beast! Just in time for the new movie release. I haven’t seen the upcoming collection yet, but I’m hoping for a rich mix of gorgeous deep red and captivating golden yellow roses.

Recently I received the very gorgeous Valentine’s themed collection, “Magic Hearts”. It was utterly breath taking. The packaging is superb, and not only looks beautiful, it also keeps the roses in tact and healthy. The colors of the roses were deeply pigmented, and the petals were not only velvety soft, but also thick and held tightly to the stem. Usually one of my biggest upsets when I get roses mailed to me, is that the petals are falling off before I get them in the vase. There was no worry with that on these. The stems are hearty, mostly de-thorned (there was a few stray thorns, but nothing that would have pricked me.) a vibrant green and pre-trimmed.

Within in the gorgeous boxing, was a customer care card that was on thick metallic cardstock, and a delightfully elegant black envelope with a gold wax seal. Not like the generic press on sticker seals, but a legit wax pressed seal. Inside the envelope I found a beautiful card that coordinated with the packaging perfectly.

Finally when I was taking the roses out of the box, MANY hours after they had been delivered, I was even more impressed with how easily it was to arrange them. I simply had to uncap the water vials and slide them into the vase the way I took them out of the box. With the pre-trimmed stems I didn’t have to cut or remove any leaves, and they tiered into the vase PERFECTLY.

I stuck the card into one of the inserts in the box to keep a little bit of the Disney magic with the roses. My only wish is that they offered an add on of vases that matched the packaging and theme of the month. The box is incredible, and so beautiful I can’t bring myself to get rid of it. However, I wish there was a way to showcase that same magic once the roses left their happy Disney home.

What do you think of the extraordinary Roseshire Luxury Disney Roses Collaboration?

Star Wars Force Friday II Blasting Into Stores September 1, 2017

By

Danielle

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February 16, 2017

Disney and Lucasfilm announced today; Star Wars Force Friday II! This will be a global fan event celebrating the launch of new products inspired by the highly anticipated “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”.

Force Friday II will see the launch of new toys, collectibles, books, apparel and more! These exciting new products will go on sale beginning at 12:01 a.m. on September 1, 2017, with stores around the world opening for a weekend-long celebration of all things Star Wars.

“The first Star Wars Force Friday event was truly unique, uniting fans across five continents in an unprecedented global live unboxing event ahead of thousands of midnight openings at retail,” says Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “We’re excited to confirm that Star Wars Force Friday is back for ‘The Last Jedi’. Plans for this year’s world-wide event are top secret but expect something befitting the excitement around the next episode of the Star Wars saga.”

Star Wars fans around the globe embraced Force Friday in 2015, with hundreds of thousands turning up to stores at midnight to be the first to get their hands on merchandise from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Toys from the new line were revealed via a global live-stream unboxing event that unfolded over 18 hours, 15 different cities and 12 countries, attracting millions of views on YouTube. Fans took to social media to share their experiences with nearly 3 billion Twitter impressions about the events, using #ForceFriday.

Jill Wilfert, Vice President of global licensing and entertainment from The LEGO Group comments, “It was so much fun to be a part of Star Wars Force Friday, and we can’t wait for fans to join this year’s celebration as we reveal new ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ products during Force Friday II – a global event that will connect fans and families, and allow them to build, create and share their experiences with others.”

Details of how fans can participate will be revealed closer to the event but the world-wide launch will tap new technology and Star Wars mythology to create a unique experience for fans. Just like 2015, products for “The Last Jedi” will be kept under wraps until Force Friday II to preserve surprises for fans. As well as introducing new characters from the movie in toy form, the line will build on the success of products like Sphero’s BB-8, introducing more innovative technology to bring the characters and stories from the film to life in unique ways.

“Toys play a unique role in the Star Wars universe, and we’re proud to have been part of that incredible legacy for the past forty years. The new line for ‘The Last Jedi’ is our most innovative yet, and we’re excited to unveil it on Force Friday II,” said Samantha Lomow, Senior Vice President at Hasbro.

Also being revealed today is a first look at packaging for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” products which feature leading heroes: Poe Dameron, Rey and Finn. The trio will be featured on Star Wars packaging beginning September 1, 2017.

Fans can follow the conversation on social media using #ForceFridayII.

Animal Kingdom at Night – Theme Park Hours Extended

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 16, 2017

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is alive with magic at night and guests will now have even more time to experience it. The recent opening of Rivers of Light has extended operating hours and once Pandora – World of Avatar opens on May 27th the park will remain open even later. Disney has updated its theme park hours through July 31st but the late nights at Animal Kingdom should continue beyond that date.

Below is the posted closing time at Animal Kingdom through July 31, 2017:

Currently – March 11: Closing 8:00pm
March 12 – April 1: Closing at 9:00pm
April 2 – 22: Closing at 9:30pm
April 23 – 29: Closing at 8:30pm
April 30 – May 26: Closing at 9:00pm
May 27 – 29: Closing at 11:00pm
May 30 – July 31: Closing at 10:00pm

Are you excited to experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park even later at nighttime?

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!