Animal Kingdom’s Birds Spread Their Wings in New Bird Show

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February 14, 2017

Fans of “Flights of Wonder” or Disney’s opening ceremony will be pleased to know that the delightful birds that call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home will be making additional appearances at the parks throughout the day.

Yesterday, Walt Disney World debuted new bird-themed showcases taking place at stages in both Africa and DinoLand U.S.A which are meant to provide guests with insights into the interactive relationship between the birds and their trainers.

These mini-performances are great for those looking for a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. The DinoLand performances which also place an emphasis a connection between birds and dinosaurs take place daily at 3:30pm and 4:30pm. The performances in Africa take place on the central stage in Harambe Market and unlike the DinoLand performances are not on a set schedule.

To accommodate these outreach performances, “Flights of Wonder” has had slight alterations made to its schedule with performances now taking place at 11:30am, 1:30pm and 2:30pm daily.

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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 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.

Copyright Disney.

Disney’s Maker Studios Drops PewDiePie From Its Roster

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 14, 2017

Disney owned Maker Studios dropped PewDiePie from its roster on Monday. The Swedish YouTube star who’s actual name is Felix Kjellberg was released after he published videos with anti-semitic jokes. The separation was first reported by the Wall Street Journal Monday evening, and has since been confirmed by Maker, with a spokesperson sending the following statement:

“Although Felix has created a following by being provocative and irreverent, he clearly went too far in this case and the resulting videos are inappropriate. Maker Studios has made the decision to end our affiliation with him going forward.”

Kjellberg has some of the most popular channels on YouTube, and has amassed close to 14.7 billion video views on his main channel alone. The Journal reported Monday that he had uploaded multiple videos with anti-semitic jokes and remarks last month.

In one of those videos, Kjellberg had paid two people in India through a crowd-sourcing platform for holding up a sign that read “death to all Jews.” Google responded by removing advertising from the video in question, but Kjellberg defended it as a joke in another video uploaded a week later. Both videos, as well as a subsequent video with controversial remarks, have since been removed from his channel.

Kjellberg responded to the controversy around his recent videos Sunday with a post on Tumblr saying that his videos should be understood as entertainment, and not political commentary.

“With regards to the aforementioned video featuring two men holding up a “death to all jews” sign, he wrote: “I was trying to show how crazy the modern world is, specifically some of the services available online. I picked something that seemed absurd to me—That people on (the crowd-sourcing platform) Fiverr would say anything for 5 dollars.” He added: “Though this was not my intention, I understand that these jokes were ultimately offensive.”

A First Look at the New Pandora: World of Avatar Commercials

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 14, 2017

With just four months to go until the gates of Pandora open at Animal Kingdom, Disney is starting to air television spots to promote the new VisitPandora.com website which launched with the announcement last week of the official opening date.

Here’s your first glimpse of the 15 second spot:

Pandora- The World of Avatar is set to open on May 27, 2017 and will magically transport guests to the spectacular world of the Na’vi where visitors will find floating mountains and bio luminescent plants. There are two main attractions that will open in this new land at Animal Kingdom: The first is the Na’ve River Journey where guests will board boats that will send them on a journey down a sacred river that is hidden within a bio luminescent rain forest. Here they will have an encounter with a Na’vi Shaman, a figure who is reported to have a deep connection with the life-force in Pandora. The second attraction will be Avatar: Flight of Passage where visitors climb aboard their very own Banshees for a dramatic aerial adventure over the world of Pandora.

Readers are encouraged to check back for the latest Pandora news and updates.

Thinking about a trip to Disney? 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 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.

Image copyright Disney.

Sweet Valentine’s Day Treats at Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 14, 2017

If you plan on visiting Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort for Valentine’s Day then be sure to keep an eye out for these sweet treats for your sweetie:

Amorette’s Patisserie: The new Enchanted Rose Cake was inspired by “Beauty and the Beast” and while it’s as beautiful as Belle, it’s just as complex, too. This decadent dome features layers of lemon chiffon cake, white chocolate mousse, raspberry pâté de fruit jelly and Italian buttercream. It’s a masterpiece, just like the film!

D-Luxe Burger: The newest seasonal milkshake at D-Luxe Burger is a liquid take on the chocolate-covered strawberry. This perfectly blended beverage is a creamy, dreamy delight. (You could share it with your better half … but after one sip, you may not want to!)

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC: Indulge in a mindful menu of vegan and gluten-free treats at Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC. This fan favorite is a heart shaped mini jelly filled doughnut.

The Ganachery: If love is a fairy-tale, then these champagne-flavored chocolates are the happy ending we all dream of. Created in honor of the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, these new chocolates celebrate true love. My favorite touch? The Cinderella coach stamped (in edible chocolate) on each melt-in-your-mouth morsel.

Sprinkles Cupcakes: The Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cupcake is a limited-time temptation that pairs Belgian dark chocolate cake with luscious raspberry frosting and chocolate chips. If one cupcake simply isn’t enough, design your own box or select from one of their carefully curated “sweetheart” dozens.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

New Chefs and Menu at Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 14, 2017

An almost-all new menu is available at Jiko-The Cooking Place, a signature dining restaurant located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The culinary team at the popular restaurant features Chef Daniel Sicilia and new Pastry Chef Michael Craig. Chef Sicilia took the helm in the kitchen about six months ago and has put a unique twist on classic dishes while also adding new items to the menu.

Jiko means “cooking place” in Swahili, and the restaurant’s menu pays homage to the African theme in a beautiful dining room inspired by Disney’s “The Lion King.” Wood-burning ovens scent the dining room with crisp flatbreads like the Mozambican chicken with sweet plaintains, Cape gooseberries, cashews and coconut mayonnaise.

There are plenty of unusual names and ingredients in the subtly spiced dishes, but servers are happy to help you navigate the adventurous menu.

Guests will always find a filet on the menu, but the sides that accompany are seasonal and ever changing. Ditto the bone-in short rib. A version of maize-crusted fish in tomato-butter sauce has always been on the menu, but now Chef Daniel is using perch from Lake Victoria in Africa. Durham Ranch elk loin and Mrouzia-style lamb tagine are new dishes, and buttery-sweet scallops are paired with Berkshire pork belly.

A guest favorite is “Taste of Africa,” all made in-house with pappadam, sesame fatir and flax seed naan, served with a variety of dips including hummus, green chermoula, goat butter and mango chutney. A brand-new starter is Manti Dumplings, filled with boar, bison and elk and served with spicy tomato sauce and saffron yogurt. And Chef Daniel’s charcuterie is always evolving, made in-house with whatever meats they are sourcing for the kitchen.

For sweet endings, the new Kilimanjaro is a favorite of chocolate fans with Tanzanian chocolate mousse, pistachio financier, pink peppercorn meringue, cacao nib crunch and pineapple flavored with ras el hanout, a Moroccan spice blend. There’s a strawberry shortcake with local berries and sweet potato cheesecake with sweet apple chutney. Chef Michael is tweaking all the desserts, paired nicelt with teas and after-dinner drinks.

Jiko has the largest offering of South African wines anywhere in the United States, with more than 125 of South Africa’s boutique wineries showcasing their vintages at the restaurant, and was awarded Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.

Reservations can be made online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

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

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Sneak Peek of new Merchandise for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

By

Chip

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February 14, 2017

Today, we have a sneak peek of the new products for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival that returns to Walt Disney World Resort from March 1st to May 29th 2017.

This year, guests will find new artwork from Disney Design Group including stylized images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and pastel-colored, geometric patterns featuring Figment.

New merchandise will include apparel, headware, home décor, and souvenirs. Disney plans on releasing five Dooney & Bourke handbags including, by popular demand, a larger sized Weekender bag. A ShellieMay plush bear dressed in gardening attire and three Figment-inspired garden decorations will also be offered.

For Disney pin collectors, look for a limited release logo pin along with several limited edition pins. The four-pin, limited edition pin set features Disney characters such as Orange Bird or Judy Hopps from Disney’s “Zootopia.”

Annual Passholders will find several unique products such as apparel for women and men; a TERVIS wine goblet; a collectible coin; and a limited edition pin. For the first time, Disney is introducing a limited release logo pin created only for Passholders. In order to purchase these items, Passholders must present a valid Annual Pass at time of purchase.

Finally, we are thrilled to announce the return of the Egg-stravaganza to Epcot. From March 1 to May 29 (or while supplies last), search for special hidden “eggs” themed to Disney characters and record your discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed map to represent that location.

Maps and stickers can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax. To participate, visit Pin Central – Future World, Disney Traders at the entrance to World Showcase, or World Traveler at International Gateway.

For guests at Disneyland Resort, stay tuned for details about the Egg-stravaganza returning later this spring.

Look for these items and more at the Festival Center located in Future World between Mission: SPACE and Universe of Energy. The location will have expanded operating hours during opening week, Wednesday, March 1 to Sunday, March 5. During the remaining weeks of the Festival, the center will be open Friday through Sunday. Guests may also find additional products in select merchandise locations throughout Epcot.

For more information on the Festival, check out epcotinspring.com.

Source

‘Florida Resident Early 2017 Offer’ Now Available for Florida Residents

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 14, 2017

A new package offer has been released for Florida residents for Early 2017:

Florida Residents can experience must-do attractions and entertainment and stay in the middle of the magic at a select Walt Disney World hotel OR nearby at a select Walt Disney World® Area hotel Feb. 10-June 5, 2017 when they book by June 2, 2017.

Accommodations available at:

Select Disney Resort hotels
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World
Disney Springs ™ Resort Area Hotels
Walt Disney World Good Neighbor ® Hotels.

3-Day and 4-Day Discover Disney Tickets for Florida Residents available with the option to upgrade to include Park Hopper® or Water Park Fun & More Options.

Don’t forget the fine print from our friends at Disney:

The 3-Day and 4-Day Discover Disney Tickets are not valid for visits to more than one theme park on the same day; Valid admission February 10 – June 9, 2017. Not valid May 27 – June 9, 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

The Discover Disney Ticket is for Florida Residents only. All adults who will use Florida resident tickets will need to show proof of Florida residency at a theme park ticket window, or at any Guest Relations location, prior to first use. Tickets cannot be purchased for non-Florida resident friends and family. Tickets and options are only valid during regularly scheduled operating hours and exclude activities/events priced separately. Tickets may be used on non-consecutive days. Everyone in the room must be on the same package and ticket options. Package and package components are nontransferable.

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

Guardians of the Galaxy Baby Groot Action Hero Vignette Model

By

Danielle

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February 13, 2017

I was so gutted in Guardians of the Galaxy when I thought Groot was gone! Then in the end Baby Groot appeared to make me smile once more. This Guardians of the Galaxy Baby Groot Action Hero Vignette Model, is a perfect freeze frame of that happy moment.

That adorable baby Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy stands 7-inches tall in his white plant pot. Nicely detailed and movie-accurate, including the color and texture, this pre-painted Guardians of the Galaxy Baby Groot Action Hero Vignette Model Kit “plugs and displays” easily into a dynamic pose on his diorama base. Ages 14 and up.

Are you a fan of Baby Groot too?

Cars catch on fire in Disneyland Parking structure several victims being treated for smoke inhalation

By

Chip

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February 13, 2017

Earlier today several cars in Disneyland’s Mickey and Friends parking structure caught fire according to the Anaheim Police Department.

AFR on car fire with multiple vehicles at Mickey & Friends structure. No injuries. Structure evacuated. @AnaheimFire pic.twitter.com/tLSD8g1qgZ

— Anaheim PD (@AnaheimPD) February 14, 2017

The fire started around 5pm and emergency personnel were called out to heavy black smoke coming from the structure.

The parking structure was immediately evacuated and according to Anaheim police just moments ago 5-7 people are being treated for smoke inhalation.

UPDATE: Fire is out. Units clearing the structure of smoke. Receiving reports of 5-7 victims of smoke inhalation. Medics treating now

— Anaheim PD (@AnaheimPD) February 14, 2017

No other details have been released yet.

Photo courtesy of Anaheim Police Department via Twitter

2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Registration Opens February 14th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 13, 2017

Registration for the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon opens on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 12pm EST. The runDisney event will be held Thursday, January 4 through Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Walt Disney World Resort. The following information will help ensure a successful registration:

Create an active.com profile prior to registration opening.

Be ready to register at 12pm EST/9am PST. Follow runDisney.com and the social media channels for the registration link.

Once you’re in the queue, you have 15 minutes to complete the registration process. After 15 minutes, your spot is no longer guaranteed.

If you receive an “on hold” message, this means the queue is currently full. Continue to check back.

Have everyone if your party register only for themselves for a faster registration process.

Below are the events throughout the weekend:

runDisney Kids Races – Friday, January 5 – Saturday, January 6, 2018
Walt Disney World 5K – Thursday, January 4, 2018
Walt Disney World 10K – Friday, January 5, 2018
Walt Disney World Half Marathon – Saturday, January 6, 2018
25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon – Sunday, January 7, 2018
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – Saturday, January 6 – Sunday 7, 2018
5th Anniversary Dopey Challenge – Thursday, January 4 – Sunday, January 7, 2018

Best of luck to those who plan on registering for the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend!

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

Survey Emailed to Select Guests who Experienced Soft Opening of Rivers of Light Show

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 13, 2017

Disney has emailed a survey to select Guests that attended this weekends’ soft opening of Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom. The survey includes questions regarding the overall experience at the highly anticipated nighttime spectacular. It specifically asks the following:

Did you attend the Rivers of Light show?
Did you use a FastPass+ for the Rivers of Light show?
Approximately what time did you arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the day you experienced Rivers of Light?
Rate your overall experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Rate your overall experience with Rivers of Light.
What did you enjoy most about the show?
What did you enjoy least about the show?
How likely would you recommend the show to a friend?
How likely are you to attend another Rivers of Light show?
Rate the overall Cast Member experience for Rivers of Light.
Rate the visual effects, performance music and quality of the show.
How would you rate the length of the show?
Did you experience the pre-show inside the theater?
How would you rate the Rivers of Light pre-show?
Did you wait in the queue line prior to entering the theater?
Rate the ease of entering the theater.
Rate the ease of exiting the theater.
Did congestion and crowding make it difficult to move from area to another?
Rate your overall satisfaction with your seat location.
Select the location where you sat in the theater for Rivers of Light.
Rate your overall experience with the ability to see the stage and hear the show.
Did you have a stroller prior to attending the show?
Which parks, if any, did you visit on the same day that you attended Rivers of Light?
Including you, how many people were in your party that attended Rivers of Light?
Which of the following describes you: Cast Member, DVC member, Annual Passholder, Disney Rewards Visa cardmember, D23 Member of none of the above?

The Rivers of Light show officially opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on February 17th. Click here to a sneak peek! If you attended this weekend’s soft opening of the show, what did you think?

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

Enchanting Ravensburger Disney Panoramic 1000 Piece Puzzle

By

Danielle

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February 13, 2017

I really enjoy doing puzzles for a family night, especially when it’s chilly outside. There’s something so comforting about gathering around the table with warm cups of cocoa and piecing together a beautiful piece of art. This Ravensburger Disney Panoramic 1000 Piece Puzzle is a fantastic choice to challenge the whole family.

The Ravensburger Disney Panoramic 1000 Piece Puzzle is a wonderfully colored and detailed image of all your favorite Disney characters, in one 1000 piece panoramic puzzle! Ravensburger makes each jigsaw piece unique with handcrafted tools, which creates a high quality masterpiece. The panoramic style of it makes for a different shape, and the colors are vibrant like the characters displayed. Lots of classic favorites are showcased among golden pillars while fireworks boom in the sky. You’ll find so many beloved characters from Mickey, to Simba, to Princesses and even Villains! Truly a great recipe for a fun family night in.

Would your family enjoy a fun family night with a Disney Panoramic 1000 Piece Puzzle?