Disney Channel Orders Third Season of “Elena Of Avalor”

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February 15, 2017

It was announced yesterday that the Disney Channel has placed a third season order for “Elena of Avalor”. Nancy Kanter, EVP Content & Creative Strategy for Disney Channels Worldwide and GM, Disney Junior Worldwide made the announcement. Episodes from the second season are slated to premiere this fall on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

After premiering in July 2016, the animated series about a daring teenage ruler quickly became TV’s No. 1 series for Girls 2-11, and has been honored with a National Hispanic Media Coalition Award and an Annie nomination. Elena also ranks No. 1 in its timeslot with Kids in the UK, Spain and Portugal.

Offscreen, Elena’s adventures have inspired a line of dolls from Disney store and Hasbro which recently reached one million dolls sold, and the No. 1 costume at Disney Store for Halloween and holiday. New goodies include the Palace of Avalor playset from Hasbro, and dolls and roleplay items from Jakks Pacific, which will will debut at Toy Fair in New York.

Elena can also be found making character appearances at Disney Parks & Resorts, in print and e-book titles (Disney Publishing), on multiple DVD releases like the recent Elena and the Secret of Avalor (Walt Disney Studios), and sharing Avalor’s music on an original soundtrack album (Walt Disney Records).

Elena of Avalor stars Aimee Carrero as the voice of Elena; Jenna Ortega as Princess Isabel; Chris Parnell, Yvette Nicole Brown and Carlos Alazraqui as the jaquins Migs, Luna and Skylar, respectively; Emiliano Díez as Francisco; Julia Vera as Luisa; Christian Lanz as Chancellor Esteban; Jillian Rose Reed as Naomi; Joseph Haro as Mateo; Jorge Diaz as Gabe; Keith Ferguson as Zuzo; and Joe Nunez as Armando. The recurring guest voice cast includes: Constance Marie, Lou Diamond Phillips, Rich Sommer, Justina Machado and Jaime Camil.

Planet Hollywood Observatory Dine Amongst the Stars Media Event and Review

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Lisette R

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February 15, 2017

Planet Hollywood Observatory Disney Springs opened its doors for business on January 27, 2017. The team at Planet Hollywood Observatory hosted a media event this week and we were fortunate enough to receive an invitation. Here is our review of the Planet Hollywood Observatory Dine Amongst the Stars media event.

Our contact person, Lauren, notified us to check in at the upstairs hostess stand. This worked perfectly. The hostess told us that they were waiting for a few more people to arrive for the Dine Amongst the Stars event and we were welcome to walk around the restaurant and take pictures.

The shadow boxes displayed on the walls throughout are great fun to see. Each shadow box contains actual costumes and props from some well-known movies. We enjoyed them all but R2-D2 was probably our favorite find.

We were seated on the second floor with excellent views overlooking the first floor and straight across to the massive video wall.

For drinks we had Pluto’s Tea which is a non-alcoholic drink that contains fresh lemon & lime juices, Monin Peach Tea, Iced Tea and a blinking glow cube for a fun effect. The Cosmic Colada contains Malibu coconut rum, Jim Beam Kentucky Fire and coconut puree. There was a toasted coconut garnish on top that provided good presentation. The Moonwalk is visually appealing and is served in a large cocktail glass. This drink contains SKYY Infusions blood orange vodka, SKYY Infusions pineapple vodka, orange & pineapple juices, Sprite and grenadine. All three were very good with the Cosmic Colada being our Chip and Company personal favorite. The combination of the Malibu coconut rum and the Jim Beam Kentucky Fire was delicious and definitely added a bit of heat to our cheeks.

The Planet Hollywood Observatory started the meal portion of the Dine Amongst the Stars media event with three appetizers. The High Roller Sampler is visually appealing and offers five different appetizers in a smaller portion size. It contained the famous Chicken Crunch, Texas Tostados, Buffalo Wings, Five Cheese Dip and Peri-Peri Shrimp. The Hummus Trio consisted of roasted red pepper and black bean hummus, edamame hummus, and roasted garlic hummus. This was served with toasted herb flatbread. The famous Chicken Crunch appetizer arrived in a cute rooster-shaped serving platter. All three of the appetizers were good. We recommend all of them with our Chip and Company personal favorite being the Hummus Trio.

Our table ordered five different entrees, as there were five of us seated at the table. The Sesame Ginger Salmon with house-made cilantro rice & green bean blend was quite good. While the sauce for the salmon was just okay, the salmon was cooked perfectly with a bit of crunch around the edges; thus adding to the texture and flavor. The house-made cilantro rice is excellent and was a favorite on this plate. The vegetables had a bit of crunch to them and we were pleased by this as they were not overcooked. The Bacon Mac-N-Cheese Burger and the Morgan’s Veggie Burger are huge portions and definitely provide a sharable option for families. The Bacon Mac-N-Cheese provides a lot of flavor within the burger itself and the Mac-N-Cheese adds a bit of cheesy flavor that puts this burger over the top as Guy Fieri’s famous recipe. The Veggie Burger was made fresh with a variety of beans, oats, artichokes, roasted red pepper, and garlic. It is not disguised as a typical burger. This burger is a fall-apart delicious option for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The triple fries are an interesting concept. However, we are not very much into fries and we found them to be over-seasoned and very salty. We will just ask to replace the fries with a different side on our next visit because the entrees were well-received. The Citrus Kale Salad is magnificent and tasted very fresh. The combination of the fresh vegetables, citrus fruits, cranberries, sunflower seeds and agave dressing were very tasty. The BBQ Ribs were plentiful with a good flavor. Our new friend Robb gave them a thumbs up.

The most anticipated part of any good meal is dessert! We were given the Brownie Sundae Martini for the table and the option to choose one SuperNova Shake. The Brownie Martini Sundae had moist and chewy chunks of freshly baked brownies. This dessert option would be perfect with scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice cream as opposed to the soft-serve ice cream that was in it. The brownie chunks were excellent. Now on to these much-anticipated SuperNova Shakes. There are three of them: Cosmic Cotton Candy, Strawberry Big Bang, and Chocolate Comet. They are rich and creamy and you must use the thick straw to drink them. The toppings are truly out of this world. The Cosmic Cotton Candy is topped with pink and blue cotton candy, jelly beans, white chocolate pretzels,sprinkles and a very large lollipop. Cotton Candy is definitely the strongest flavor in this milkshake. The Strawberry Big Bang is topped with an entire piece of vanilla cake, a lollipop, sprinkles and white chocolate chips. Calling all chocolate lovers! The Chocolate Comet will certainly allow you to achieve your desire for chocolate. This chocolate milkshake is served with double chocolate brownie frosting, chocolate candies, brownies, Kit-Kat candy and a cookie straw. SuperNova Shakes should be shared as they are very large and pretty much impossible for one person to drink on their own.

The Planet Hollywood Observatory Team were absolutely fabulous. They treated us very well and were quite entertaining while maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism. Executive Chef Andy made it a point to come to each table, introduce himself, and ask how we enjoyed our meals. Mark Ehril, General Manager of Planet Hollywood Observatory, was very attentive and made it a point to introduce himself to us. He told us to be sure and let him know if he could be of any assistance. Lauren Painter was our contact person for the Dine Amongst the Stars media event. She was very easy to speak with and genuinely wanted to know what we thought of the food, the team, and the atmosphere.

The Team of Planet Hollywood Observatory treated us like VIP. We had a seating area that was still in the thick of the action while being someone separate from the rest of the hustle and bustle of the restaurant. They even presented us with a fabulous parting gift of a Planet Hollywood Observatory bag, hat, and water bottle.

Overall, the Dine Amongst the Stars media event was an evening of good food, interactive music, and wonderful people. If you are looking for an enjoyable meal during your next visit to the Disney Springs area then we recommend the reimagined Planet Hollywood Observatory. The menu is extensive and offers something for every flavor palate. Even if you are not planning to have a meal here you must stop in for an appetizer and a SuperNova Shake!

You can see our video recap of the evening here:

#PlanetHollywoodObservatory #PHOutofthisWorld

Which menu item are you most excited about trying on your next visit to Planet Hollywood Observatory Disney Springs? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Is Disney Working on a new Gondola Transportation System?

By

Anonymouse

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February 15, 2017

Hey there ladies and gents it is I Anonymouse back with some Disney World Gossip!

Today’s gossip is about the transportation at Walt Disney World. I kinda have a love hate relationship with the bus, boat and monorail system at Disney World. When it is running and not over crowded it is great, when it is breaking down especially with me on it or we are packed in like sardines I am not really a fan.

Well over on WDW Magic they are talking about a new permit filled at Walt Disney World for a Gondola Transportation System. Why move around on the ground when you can fly high in the sky between Hollywood Studios, Art of Animations Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort and Epcot?

These gondolas could hit large groups of people, can run on solar power, wouldn’t interfere with ground traffic and is pretty cheap to implement. Honestly who would’nt want to see Disney World from high up? Imagine timing it so off in the distance you see Illuminations or whatever Hollywood Studios is running that day.

There is no official word from Disney as of yet and I read on another site it is a go with a completion date of 2019. This is one of those rumors that we have to wait and see. Till then cross your fingers!

Let us know what you think in the comment box below.

As always nothing is official till Disney says it is.

That is all the Disney gossip I have for now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at anonymouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook page.

Photo credit wdwmagic

New Concierge Staterooms Coming to Disney Magic and Disney Wonder

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 15, 2017

Ten staterooms aboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will be converted from Category 4 Staterooms into Category V Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs. This will complement existing suite accommodations on Disney Cruise Line and provide Guests with connecting concierge stateroom options.

The furnishings and amenities will be upgraded by Oct. 1, 2017 on the Disney Wonder and Oct. 2, 2017, on the Disney Magic.

Stateroom numbers affected by this change are: 8024, 8044, 8050, 8076, 8082, 8084, 8524, 8544, 8550, 8584. Online Deck Plans are being updated to reflect these changes.

Clients with existing reservations in these staterooms may enjoy the upgraded stateroom amenities once onboard. However, in order to protect the concierge category, previously booked Clients sailing at the category 4 rate are not eligible for pre-cruise or onboard concierge service, including access to the concierge lounge.

Concierge-level staterooms include upgraded amenities, pre-arrival services, shipboard services and exclusive access to dedicated areas on the ship, including the Concierge Lounge.

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

Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Freeform And Marvel Announce Additional Cast For “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 14, 2017

Freeform and Marvel announced six new cast members who will become series regulars for its highly anticipated series, “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger,” a live-action adaptation of the popular Marvel comic.

Andrea Roth (“Rescue Me,” “Blue Bloods”) will portray Melissa Bowen, Tandy’s mom, who is the eternal optimist despite the struggles to adapt to her new existence. While complex and emotionally composed, her love for her daughter burns bright. Tyrone’s mother, Adina Johnson, will be played by Gloria Reuben (“ER,” “Mr. Robot”). Mrs. Johnson invests every aspect of her being into giving her son the life she believes he deserves. But she props up and protects Tyrone so much she almost forgets to love him. Miles Mussenden (“Bloodline,” “Queen Sugar”) will star as Tyrone’s father, Michael Johnson, who trudges through his desk job to keep his family safe and happy. Mr. Johnson is a working-class father does what he can to ensure his son will grow up to be a great man. Liam will be played by Carl Lundstedt (“Grey’s Anatomy, “Conviction”), a salt-of-the-earth townie who operates as Tandy’s partner in crime while moonlighting as her boyfriend. But underneath his rough-around-the-edges appearance, Liam has big dreams. Portrayed by James Saito (“Life of Pi,” “The Devil’s Advocate”), Dr. Bernard Sanjo has been an emotional cornerstone in Tyrone’s life; they have a most unusual relationship. J.D. Evermore (“True Detective,” “The Walking Dead”) will take the part of Detective Connors, who is a contradiction of a man embracing an intimidating persona that overcompensates for a secret he keeps close to the vest.

“We are incredibly excited to be underway on our first Marvel project with such a talented group of actors that really enhance the world that our ‘Cloak & Dagger’ live in,” said Karey Burke, executive vice president, Programming & Development, Freeform.

Executive producer and showrunner, Joe Pokaski said “It’s been important to us from day one that ‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’ is about character and emotion above all. We’re so excited to have assembled a murderers’ row of talented actors who can execute on that, and then some.”

“We’re thrilled to fill out the rest of the talented cast on ‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’ and join with Olivia Holt and Aubrey Joseph to make a show that fans, new and old, will enjoy,” said Jeph Loeb, head of Marvel Television and executive producer.

“Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger” is a coming-of-age series based on the beloved comic characters. Tandy Bowen (Olivia Holt) and Tyrone Johnson (Aubrey Joseph,) come from starkly different backgrounds, each growing up with a secret they never dared share with another soul. The series is co-produced by Marvel Television and ABC Signature Studios. Joe Pokaski (“Underground,” “Heroes”) will serve as showrunner and executive producer; Jeph Loeb (“Marvel’s Luke Cage,” “Marvel’s Iron Fist”), Marvel’s head of Television, and Jim Chory (“Marvel’s Luke Cage,” “Marvel’s Iron Fist”) will also serve as executive producers. Gina Prince-Bythewood (“Love & Basketball”) is set to direct the first episode.

Team Thor 2 – The Sequel You’ve Been Waiting For!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 14, 2017

Picking up where the first ‘Team Thor‘ left off, Thor is still living among the mortals and is showing to be not such a great roommate.

This is just a taste of some of the awesome special features that will be released on the upcoming blu-ray of “Doctor Strange”. Can’t wait!

In case you missed the first one you can watch it here.

If it Involves Disney Count Me In Disney Vacation Tank Top

By

Danielle

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February 14, 2017

Sometimes there’s a clothing or accessory item that says exactly how I feel so perfectly. This “If it Involves Disney Count Me In” Disney Vacation Tank Top by rachelwalter on Etsy, is totally one of those items!

A perfect tank top for any Disney Addict! This racer back tank is digitally printed with black, hot pink and yellow eco-friendy ink with a high quality, garment digital printer. Text reads “If it involves Monorails, Dole Whips and Mickey ears count me in?” and is decorated with a dole whip and Minnie head icons, of course! This simple design is a fun way to show your love for the most magical place on earth!

Would you wear this “If it Involves Disney Count Me In” Disney Vacation Tank Top to show off your Disney love?

Protest Planned Tonight in effort to Implore Iger to resign from Trump Advisory Council

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 14, 2017

If you’ll be in Orlando this evening, you may be witness to what the Orlando Weekly is referring to as a “press conference and protest rally” at Walt Disney World, being organized by Organize Florida, to launch a national campaign demanding that Bob Iger leave Trump’s “Strategic and Policy Forum” and renounce his policies. The campaign even has a hashtag with a play on a popular Disney Song: #DisneyLetHimGo.

The rally will take place at the intersection of Apopka-Vineland Road and Hotel Plaza Boulevard at 4:30 p.m and include Orlando community members, faith leaders, immigrant organizations, students, Disney employees and labor unions.

We hope this rally doesn’t negatively affect any Disney Guests transportation routes or any aspect of their magical vacation at all.

Thanks again to Orlando Weekly for the heads up!

photo: Google Maps

Dishes at Four Walt Disney World Restaurants Receive the 2017 Golden Fork Awards

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 14, 2017

Orlando Family Magazine has awarded the Gold Rush: 2017 Golden Fork Awards to 20 of the best dishes in the Greater Orlando area. The winners were chosen based on top-notch food, service and ambiance.

Dishes at four Walt Disney World Resort restaurants made the list. The restaurants include Art Smith’s Homecoming Florida Kitchen, Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe, Morimoto Asia and Todd English’s bluezoo.

Have you tried any of the following unforgettable meals on their menu?

Fried Chicken & Doughnuts
Art Smith’s Homecoming Florida Kitchen – Disney Springs

Given that celebrity chef Art Smith is a Florida native and proud Southerner, it’s no surprise that his signature eatery at Disney Springs taps deeply into both cultures. Our favorite is this sweet-and-savory gourmet dish, featuring two huge pieces of Smith’s mouthwatering fried chicken. Paired with house-made sugar doughnuts and creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a taste worth going back for.

Other standouts: It’s hard to go wrong with anything here, but we also can’t get enough of other main plates such as Art’s Famous Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, and Braised Short Ribs.

Extra bite: If you don’t have time for a full meal, hit the bar for small plates and some house-made moonshine.

Braised Lamb Osso Bucco
Wolfgang Puck Grand Café – Disney Springs

The famous chef shows his mastery of Milanese cooking with this standout at the Grand Café’s Dining Room. Eschewing the traditional use of veal in this dish, Puck serves juicy lamb offset by mascarpone polenta, root vegetables and fresh parmesan cheese for a complete meal that you won’t soon forget.

Other standouts: The Dining Room’s Crispy Pork Schnitzel is recommended for a new take on a classic, while the Florida Gulf Catch of the Day hooks us every time.

Extra bite: Between the Dining Room, Sushi Bar, main café and Express options, Puck’s Orlando eatery offers flavors for every taste and price range.

Morimoto “Buri-Bop”
Morimoto Asia – Disney Springs

Made famous by Iron Chef America, Masaharu Morimoto saved his most impressive restaurant to date for our own Disney Springs. Served in a hot clay pot, this attention-grabber is a Korean-style yellowtail rice bowl that’s finished with egg yolk, and the whole thing is freshly prepared tableside for added entertainment value.

Other standouts: Some of our other Asian fusion favorites include the Mongolian Filet Mignon, the Morimoto Spare Ribs, and the Duck Ramen.

Extra bite: Fans of architecture will find as much to love about Morimoto Asia as foodies, thanks to the Design Built Award of Merit from the American Institute of Architects.

Miso Glazed Mero
Todd English’s bluezoo – Swan and Dolphin Resort

Cooked to perfection, this Asian-inspired dish dreamed up by celebrity chef—and restaurant namesake— Todd English has all the components of a winner. Shiitake-ginger rice pairs sublimely with the Mero (aka Hawaiian sea bass), and black garlic and sticky soy sauce ties it all together. Plus, the servers are always happy to give suggestions for the perfect complement from their wine menu.

Other standouts: It’s not the sort of thing you’d expect a seafood restaurant to excel at, but the Chicken and Waffles gives a gourmet makeover to the comfort-food classic.

Extra bite: The restaurant was designed by renowned architect Jeffrey Beers, resulting in an interior that’s as artistic as the dishes being served.

Other standout dishes in the Greater Orlando area include:

Braised Creekstone Farms Beef Short Rib at Emeril’s Orlando – Universal CityWalk
Pollo Di Angelo at Trevi’s – Omni Orlando Resort
Duck Breast at K Restaurant – College Park
Grouper at Two Chefs Seafood Oyster Bar – Downtown Orlando
Steak Frites at The Ravenous Pig – Winter Park
Spicy Check Louisiana Creole at Chatham’s Place – Dr. Phillips
Yellowfin Tuna at blu on the Avenue – Winter Park
Port Havana 38 at Norman’s at the Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes – Williamsburg
Dine Like a Bohemian at The Boheme Restaurant – Downtown Orlando
Cioppino at The Osprey Tavern – Baldwin Park
Spaghetti alle Vongole at Francesco’s Ristorante – Maitland
Provencal Bouillabaisse at Urbain 40 – Dr. Phillips
Route 528 at RusTeak – College Park/Ocoee
Charman’s Reserve Delmonico at Luma on Park – Winter Park
Shrimp & Saffron Fettuccine at NOVA Scratch – Ivanhoe Village
Char-Grilled Berksire Pork Chop at The Chef’s Table at the Edgewater – Winter Garden

Do you agree with the Gold Rush: 2017 Golden Fork Award picks for the 20 best dishes in Greater Orlando?

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.orlandofamilymagazine.com/family-fun/out-and-about/gold-rush-2017-golden-fork-awards/

Soft and Cuddly Mickey and Minnie Plush Toy Pair

By

Danielle

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February 14, 2017

Awe, I know I’m a grown-up, but Oh boy! I love plush toys! This adorable Mickey and Minnie Plush Toy Pair is just the cutest thing!

This snugly set of plushiess is Mickey and Minnie Mouse Mickey wearing their winter finest. They look like they are ready for a hike on a snowy day, or hitting the ski slopes! Of course after a long day of snowy fun they’ll want to snuggle up with you for a cup of hot cocoa! This set comes with both Mickey and Minnie as a set, and ready to play in a winter wonderland.

Do you know someone who would love this Mickey and Minnie Plush Toy Pair?

New Limited-Time Beauty and The Beast Experiences at Disneyland Park

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 14, 2017

The beloved tale of “Beauty and the Beast” will be brought to life at Disneyland Park with special experiences in Fantasyland. The opening dates for these limited-time offerings is yet to be announced so stay tuned!

Red Rose Taverne

This dining location at the northwest edge of Fantasyland will magically transform from Village Haus Restaurant into a lively French taverne, with delicious quick-service meals perfect for all ages! Adorned with beautiful murals depicting favorite scenes from Disney’s animated feature, “Beauty and the Beast,” and draped with inviting curtains, each room of Red Rose Taverne tells a different chapter of the tale as old as time.

The menu will transform as well, featuring some of your favorite tastes with a French taverne-inspired twist, as well as new signature beverages. We’ll have details to share on these delicious additions soon – and yes, you will be able to try our own version of the Grey Stuff. (I hear it’s delicious!)

Royal Reception

This special merchandise location adjacent to Red Rose Taverne offers keepsakes, apparel and collectibles inspired by both the animated Disney feature as well as the new, live-action film, “Beauty and the Beast,” in theaters March 17.

That Gaston

We all know Gaston loves a taverne, so don’t be surprised if you find him preening around Fantasyland. Stop him and ask him to flex his biceps – he loves that.

Maurice’s Treats

The celebration continues in nearby Fantasy Faire, where each twist on the menu at Maurice’s Treats will be presented with … well … a twist! And those of you who have been clamoring for a dipping sauce to go along with your tasty twist will be pleased to know that marinara, strawberry and even Grey Stuff dipping sauces will soon be available.

The Royal Theatre Presents “Beauty and the Beast”

Be sure to drop by the Royal Theatre in Fantasy Faire as Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones present their take on “Beauty and the Beast” in this daily favorite.

“Beauty and the Beast” Sneak Peek

Don’t forget about the 8 minute sneak peek of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” running February 10 – March 26, 2017 at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure 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!

Photo: Disney

Additional ‘Rivers of Light’ Showings this Weekend

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 14, 2017

If you’ll be at Walt Disney World this weekend, it looks like you’ll have 2 additional opportunities to catch Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. One additional showing has been scheduled for each Saturday and Sunday, according to the My Disney Experience website.

Saturday and Sunday both list available FastPass options at 6:35pm as well as 7:50pm. I did try to see if it would allow me to select both times, but once I selected the 7:50 choice, it replaced my 6:35. So you’ll have to pick just one showing if you want a FastPass.

Let us know what you think of the new 15 minute nighttime Rivers of Light show if you attend!

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.