Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe to Close on August 1st

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June 9, 2017

The Disney rumor mill has been abuzz with speculation that Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe located at Disney’s Springs West End near Cirque du Soliel was facing closure. It looks like this news is now official according to a piece recently published by the Orlando Sentinel.

The Cafe, operated by Chicago-based Levy Restaurants will close its doors on August 1st and Levy Restaurants has already filed the layoff notice for 193 of the restaurant’s employees. However, in a report by the Orlando Business Journal it would seem that Levy Restaurants which also manages Paddlefish at Disney Springs as well the Amway Center in Downtown Orlando has offered transfers for employees that are being laid off to one of these other locations.

According to the article above, Levy Restaurants cited the end of a lease with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts as the reason for the closure. However, it also coincides with a recent announcement that the new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill will be opening in 2018 at Town Center in Disney Springs.

The Bar & Grill promises a laid back California atmosphere. The menu will be designed to highlight Puck’s much-loved dishes with an emphasis on Mediterranean flavors, modern takes on classic comfort food as well as extensive cocktail, wine and beer offerings.

A staple of Disney’s downtown shopping district for the better part of 20 years, the Grand Cafe was extremely popular with discerning Disney diners and featured a sushi bar, cafe, dining room and express offerings.

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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.

Make Summer Vacation Breakfast Magical with a Mickey Mouse Toaster

By

Danielle

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June 9, 2017

Now that school is out for summer vacation, I’ve been looking for ways to make the mornings more fun. I can’t make Mickey waffles every morning, so I decided to think of other ideas. Why not add some magic to the regular ol’ bacon and eggs with some toast from a Mickey Mouse Toaster!

Add a pop of color to your kitchen with this colorful two slice Mickey Mouse toaster that leaves a Mickey icon imprint on your toast as it browns. It has self-centering bread guides and adjustable browning controls too. Mickey Mouse toast can be a varied and fun way to add a little Disney magic to breakfast. Mickey toast with eggs, a breakfast sandwich, or even Mickey toast with jelly or Nutella on top! For extra fun a Mickey Egg Ring will cook up a Mickey shaped sunny side up egg!

Would you cook up a fun Disney magic breakfast with a Mickey toaster?

Disney Files Patent to Enhance Animatronic Experiences

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2017

Reports have surfaced that Disney has filed a patent to “have amusement-park rides sense when an occupant is in a seat.” By doing so, Disney is hoping to synchronize the sounds heard in the ride with the movement of the animotronics’ mouths so the rider will be able to see the mouths of the animatronics’ move in-sync with the words and music of the attraction.

The Dis did some research and found the exact patent that was filed with the United States Patent Office. “System for controlling robotic characters to enhance photographic results” is the name of the patent filed. With this patent Disney is hoping to enhance the animatronics’ interactions with it’s guests with robotic heads. Disney is hoping to have animatronics’ that will blink and smile and eve posts for guests’ photos. They are also hoping to expand this technology to shows and parades.

For now, that is about all the information that can be pulled from the patent. We will let you know when Disney releases additional information on these exciting upgrades.

Would you be excited to see these changes to your favorite Disney ride? The only downside I can see is that your favorite ride(s) might be closed for refurbishment for a period of time.

Let’s start planning your next Disney 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 around the globe. 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 Opportunities at Pandora – The World of Avatar

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2017

Pandora – The World of Avatar might just be one of the most visually appealing parts in all of Walt Disney World. The daytime is amazing and after the sun goes down it can simply be described as magical. This scenery makes the perfect backdrop for some amazing pictures!

When you’re not trekking among mountains, drifting down a Pandoran river deep into the bioluminescent rainforest, or soaring on the back of a banshee, you’ll find the striking beauty of Pandora offers many locations to take photos of your interplanetary travel.

Disney PhotoPass Service photographers are placed in the best locations in Pandora – The World of Avatar to capture your entire group’s adventure into this exotic world.

These photographers are also able to capture a number of Magic Shots and Animated Magic Shots featuring some of your favorite Pandoran inhabitants. Check them out below!

When you visit a PhotoPass photographer in front of the floating mountains during daylight hours, you’ll have the opportunity to include a banshee in your photo.

In the evening, PhotoPass photographers can capture a woodsprite floating into your photos in both a Magic Shot and Animated Magic Shot:

Have you taken any of these shots yet? If so, share them with us!

Let’s start planning your expedition to Pandora – The World of Avatar! Click here 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 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Disney

Second Day In A Row : Evacuations For Both Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2017

*****UPDATE***** 3:2o PM Eastern We are seeing that both Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey are back up and running again. No official word yet as to the cause of today’s evacuation.

Pandora is experiencing a second day of evacuations of its Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey attractions. We reported yesterday on two separate incidents of Disney asking all guests to exit both rides and their respective queues. Reedy Creek Fire and Rescue responded with what has been reported from a Disney spokesperson as a “precautionary response to a fire alarm sensor activating”.

Today (only 2 weeks after Pandora opened) brings about the 3rd round of evacuations to what we can only assume is due to the same issue.

Emergency evacuation! Waited 2:30 minutes! Help us @DisneyStudios #avatar #flightofpassage pic.twitter.com/j5x7dJMtyH

— Dr Nick Campitelli (@runnerdoctor) June 9, 2017

@WaltDisneyWorld you know I love you, but I just waited 3+ hours in Flight of Passage line, was evacuated and no compensation or fastpass??

— Adrianne (@AdriWDWBound) June 9, 2017

Many guests have taken to Twitter to express their frustration. We are also seeing no FastPasses are being issued to guests due to the issue.

https://twitter.com/AKSimpson123/status/873189353157165058

Waited over 2 hours for Flight of Passage only to be evacuated in the last room. So upset.

— John Zack (@Startedwmouse) June 9, 2017

Big evacuation at Flight of Passage #visitpandora everyone out of the building for emercency #disneyworld pic.twitter.com/SFPgC0FmVN

— PixieDust.be (@Pixiedust_be) June 9, 2017

We will keep you updated as we hear more.

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Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click here or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services are FREE? Get in touch toll-free at 1-800-454-4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Disney World to Extend Mobile Ordering to Include Quick Service Restaurants at the Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2017

With the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar three weeks ago, Disney unveiled an easier and more convenient way for guests to order food at Satu’li Canteen, Pandora’s Quick Service eatery.

The new service allows guests to pre-order food using the My Disney Experience App on your tablet or smartphone. Visitors pay for their food in advance and alert the restaurant when you are in the vicinity. Guests can then avoid the long lines and head straight to a pick-up window where your food will be waiting for you.

Since this new service was first unveiled earlier this Spring, Disney announced that the goal was to eventually extend it beyond Pandora to other locations throughout Walt Disney World’s four theme parks. This is in keeping with the news trickling in today that guests to the Magic Kingdom will soon be able to use the Mobile Order system at the following quick service dining locations:

Columbia Harbour House (Liberty Square)
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (Tomorrowland)
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe (Frontierland)
Pinocchio Village Haus (Fantasyland)

Here’s a quick look at how Disney World’s new Mobile Order system works:

Those heading to Disney World should note that the service is currently only available to guests paying out of pocket. Those on one of the Disney Dining Plans must wait in the regular lines.

In addition to the locations listed above, Mobile Ordering is also currently available at Pizzafari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus expected to follow suit shortly.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Thinking about a Disney vacation? There are still some fantastic 2017 packages to be had! Click here or send an email for your FREE no obligation 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.

NWSL Sweepstakes For Tickets to Championship Game and Walt Disney World Vacation

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2017

The National Women’s Soccer League is offering a chance to win their MVP Championship Weekend Experience as part of their “Kickin’ It to Florida Championship Weekend Sweepstakes”. One lucky fan and three friends or family members will win a MVP Championship Weekend Experience in Orlando, FL with a 3-night stay at Walt Disney World. Plus, 10 additional fans will each win a National Women’s Soccer League prize pack.

Click Here to Enter

The Grand Prize Includes :

Trip to 4 to Orlando, Florida
Tickets to the NWSL Championship Games at Orlando City Stadium
3-Night stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel
Walt Disney World Park Tickets
NWSL Gear

10 Runner Up Winners will receive a NWSL Swag Bag including a team jersey and soccer ball

Rules:

Sweepstakes ends August 7, 2017
Entrants can enter one time during the sweepstakes period
Sponsor will contact winners on or about August 14, 2017

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click here or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services are FREE? Get in touch toll-free at 1-800-454-4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Helpful Hints on Making The Most of Your Time in European Ports on a Disney Cruise

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2017

This summer the Disney Magic will be continuing its tour through Europe with destinations in the Mediterranean, Iceland, the Baltic, and the British Isles. This week the Disney Magic is making its first voyage through the Norwegian fjords of the season.

It’s with that in mind that I wanted to share some helpful hints for planning your European cruise.

Arrive at your destination one day ahead of when you want to start your vacation. Your body clock will need to be re-set and sightseeing while jet-lagged is no fun.
Disney offers a limited numbers of stroller to use while in port. They are free with a deposit but they go fast!
Be aware that many European shops are closed on Sundays and museums have been known to be closed on Mondays. Make sure to plan accordingly when choosing your port adventures.
This might not apply to all families but sometimes its better to leave the kiddos on the Disney Cruise ship in their children’s program while the adults sightsee. Many tours might be more enjoyable for the adult tourists and sometimes it’s nice to have some time alone too.

I wanted to share this video from the Disney Moms Panel too. It gives a great overview on how to make the most of your time in European ports.

Remember we are still offering our special on-board credit offer of up to $200 to our Chip and Co fans until June 19th! Click here to find out more!

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click here or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services are FREE? Get in touch toll-free at 1-800-454-4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Source Credit : Disney Parks Blog

Second Exit Location For Pandora-The World of Avatar

By

Lisette R

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June 9, 2017

Something we have wondered about Pandora-The World of Avatar is, “Where is the second exit?” We discovered the answer to that question, during a recent visit.

As you exit Satu’li Canteen, turn towards the left. When you reach the top of the walkway, you will see the signs pointing left towards Africa, and right towards Discovery Island. If you turn towards Discovery Island, you will head to the main entrance/exit near Tiffins. The evening we visited, we were required to turn left towards Africa.

This second exit takes you along a wooden walkway, and under a bridge, where you exit near The Lion King in Africa. While this exit will take you quite a bit longer, it is an interesting walk, especially at night with the bioluminescent features Pandora-The World of Avatar is becoming famous for.

Have you visited Pandora-The World of Avatar yet? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Treat Dad to the Top Ten Burgers at Walt Disney World this Father’s Day

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2017

Father’s Day is a little over a week away. Do you know how your going to celebrate the main man in your life? I’m here with a solution. Today I have the ten best burgers on Walt Disney World property (in no particular order). Take a look and try and figure out which one your Dad will enjoy the most.

Southern Burger, D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs – $12.99

A D-Luxe Burger made with Signature Blend Beef (brisket, angus, chuck and short rib) topped with a fried green tomato, pimento, lettuce, grilled onion and bacon. Make sure to try one of D-Luxe’s artisanal gelato shakes.

Grilled Wagyu Beef Burger, The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – $23.00

This lunch time special is made of gruyère cheese, pastrami, heirloom tomato, avocado, fried egg, toasted brioche, cognac-mustard aïoli and is served with hand-cut steak.

Vegetarian Falafel Burger, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – $14.00

Is your Dad a vegetarian? No worries! This meat-free burger is made with a crispy chick pea falafel patty on a brioche bun with arugula, gourmet tomato, tzatziki sauce, and red pepper aïoli.

Island-style Beef Burger, Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – $20.00

Hope on the monorail to try this fresh-pressed beef burger with char siu pork belly, soft-poached egg, mustard greens, spicy mayonnaise, and pickled onions served on a pineapple brioche bun with house-made pickle and french fries.

Southwest Burger, ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – $14.99
This dinner special comes with a premium patty topped with pepper jack cheese, guacamole, bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheddar jalapeno poppers, served with steak fries.

Wagyu Beef Burger ‘Oscar’ at Le Cellier Steakhouse in Epcot
This burger is part of the prix-fixe lunch menu, and is topped with Maine lobster, Blue Crab and Bernaise and is served with truffle fries, choice of appetizer and dessert.

Bison Cheeseburger, Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – $13.49

This amazing Bison burger is topped with Tillamook cheddar, sweet onion straws, lettuce, tomato and Marion Berry barbecue sauce.

Smokehouse Burger, ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk

Make sure you grab a handful of napkins for this burger! It features a grilled angus beef patty topped with smoked Tillamook cheddar, chipotle aïoli, onion straws and smoked bacon, served on an onion bun.

Patty Melt, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort – $16.00

Angus Beef Burger served with Sautéed Onions, Swiss, and Garlic-Peppercorn Dressing on Rye Bread with choice of French Fries or Fruit. Don’t forget to add on a The Kitchen Sink for dessert!

Lobster ‘Thermidor’ Burger, Grand Floridian Café at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The ultimate surf and turf is a 7-oz artisanal burger patty and lobster-parmesan thermidor sauce on a seared brioche bun and served with Cafe’s signature seasoned french fries.

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click here or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services are FREE? Get in touch toll-free at 1-800-454-4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Source Credit : Disney

Cristela Alonzo Voice of Cruz Ramirez in Cars 3 Surprises Guests at Disney California Adventure

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2017

Visitors to Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort were in for a special treat this week as the voice behind Cars 3′s newest character Cruz Ramirez was on hand at the Radiator Springs Racers attraction in Cars Land to put guest through their paces with some high-speed Pixar trivia.

Check out this video of Cristela Alonzo offering up a playful challenge to a few lucky theme park guests:

Cruz Ramirez, the latest in a long line-up of lovable Cars characters, is a race tech who helps Lightning McQueen train for the Florida 500. She is sure to win over audiences with her spunky attitude making esteemed voice actor and comic Alonzo the perfect fit for this role.

Be sure to race on over to your nearest theater for the opening of Cars 3 on Friday, June 16 and to keep following along with Chip and Co for the latest in Disney•Pixar news and updates.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Thinking about a Disney vacation? There are still some fantastic 2017 packages to be had! Click here or send an email for your FREE no obligation 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.

Big Thunder Trail has Reopened at Disneyland Park

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 8, 2017

After closing in early 2016, Disneyland’s Big Thunder Trail reopened today, in Anaheim California’s Disneyland Park. The trail is located behind Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain and connects Frontierland and Fantasyland.

(please be patient while tweet loads)

So amazing to see Big Thunder Trail open again! ✨🚂🏜🛤#Disneyland #BigThunderTrail #BTMRR

💙https://t.co/rvMjiZiyyw pic.twitter.com/QFHY1VaYub

— Dizzy Bears (@TheDizzyBears) June 8, 2017

The reopening of the path has produced lots of excitement among the Disney community, as the trail is home to the entrance to the future Star Wars Land. With the path reopening, guests are getting somewhat of a sneak peek at the future Star Wars Land, which is set to open some time in 2019.

Big Thunder Trail now open! Can confirm that jumping fish animatronic is still there #disneyland @DisneylandToday pic.twitter.com/SpuG4CVxlu

— Kevin Quon (@KevinQuon7) June 8, 2017

While the pathway features new rock formations, in preparation for the future opening of Star Wars Land, we can confirm, thanks to @KevinQuon7, that some of the original decor, such as the animatronic jumping fish, is still there.

Hopefully the reopening of the Big Thunder Trail will ease crowd congestion in the Disneyland park. Along with the reopening of the trail, the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America are both set to return later this Summer.

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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!

Image Credit: @TheDisneyBears and @KevinQuon7