Universal announces opening date for Volcano Bay!

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January 25, 2017

Have you heard about Universal Studios Orlando new water theme park, Volcano Bay? Well earlier today it was announced the park will be opening its doors at the end of May!!!

Universal will be hosting special events starting May 22nd, and then Volcano Bay will have its grand opening celebration on May 25th.

Volcano Bay will be Pacific Island themed with four different themed areas and the park will combine thrill rides with lazy rivers and have something for the whole family. The different areas are The Volcano, Wave Village, River Village and Rainforest Village.

A TapuTapu wristband will be given to each park goer when they enter the park which will allow them to virtually wait in-line for an attraction while enjoying another one. There will be many “tap to play” experiences which will trigger super fun special effects around Volcano bay.

Make sure you add extra time to your visit to Universal Studios so you can enjoy this new and exciting water park! Contact me today to start planning this amazing family vacation!

Mary Tyler Moore Dies At 80

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 25, 2017

Mary Tyler Moore, the television icon who charmed America with her talent and charisma died in a Connecticut hospital, she was 80. Her longtime rep, Mara Buxbaum, issued a statement “Today, beloved icon, Mary Tyler Moore, passed away at the age of 80 in the company of friends and her loving husband of over 33 years, Dr. S. Robert Levine. A groundbreaking actress, producer, and passionate advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Mary will be remembered as a fearless visionary who turned the world on with her smile.”

Mary became famous after starring on the “The Dick Van Dyke Show” from 1961 to 1966. She then pioneered her way to 7 successful seasons on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” from 1970 to 1977, this despited skeptics who viewed her show as destined to fail.

In 1986 she was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, starred in well over 10 films and wrote 2 memoirs. She married 3 times, once forming power couple status when she married TV exec Grant Tinker in 1962. Her only son, Richard, from her first marriage to Richard Meeker died from an accidental gunshot in 1980.

Although she isn’t technically a Disney personality, she was represented in the Academy of Television courtyard Hall Of Fame in Hollywood Studios.

Her passing is felt by all and we will all miss her.

Disneyland Unveils All-New Fine Dining Restaurant Experience

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 25, 2017

Disneyland is already home to the exclusive Club 33, and now you can add another extravagant fine dining experience to the list. 21 Royal is a new Restaurant open in New Orleans Square, located above Pirates of the Caribbean, in Disneyland where each evening a private party of 12 guests can dine together, and only 12 guests. This fine dining experience for up to 12 guests comes at a price tag of $15,000 (including Park admission, taxes, valet and gratuity) though it isn’t listed on their website, and you must call for information regarding reservations. Also According to the Restaurant’s website, 21 Royal is decorated in the Empire style made popular in 19th century New Orleans.

The description of the evening’s experience is as follows:

When you host your special evening at 21 Royal, you add your own chapter to the residence’s storied history and carry forth the spirit of Walt and Lillian’s enduring vision of an exceptionally enchanted experience.

On the evening of your 21 Royal experience, your guests will arrive at the majestic Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where they will be greeted by the hotel’s valets. Once your entire party has assembled, they will be given a VIP escort to the site of the evening’s festivities.

Legendary Disney service is on display from the moment your guests are welcomed by the 21 Royal staff. First, signature cocktails are served by professional butlers in the salon, then everyone is invited out to the patio for a casual reception. You and your guests will also have time to explore the different rooms—and discover some of their more magical features.

Then it’s time for dinner. You and your guests take your seats around a lavish table covered in white linens, fresh flowers and set with gold-plated dinnerware and fine crystal. This is when the evening’s adventure really begins—as a fascinating tale unfolds told through fine food and drink.

In true Disney fashion, you can end your evening with a grand finale—dessert on the private balcony, where you and your guests are treated to a spectacular view of the Rivers of America, and on certain nights, prime viewing of the park’s nighttime entertainment.

Information about reservations can be found by calling the 21 Royal Concierge at(714) 300-7749

What do you think? A perfect place to hold a small gathering with your closest friends? If you book, can we tag along?

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: 21royaldisneyland.com

Paddlefish Announces Official Opening Date

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 25, 2017

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The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. Paddlefish in Disney Springs officially announced on Twitter today they have set February 4th, 2017 as their opening date!

Guests who were loyal fans of Fulton’s Crab House can now enjoy instead, the newly re-imagined and ne-named boat/restaurant Paddlefish at Disney Springs.

You’ll have to tell us what you think once you’ve tried it!

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.

Disneyland Park Celebrates Annual Passholders with AP Days Beginning February 10

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 25, 2017

Disneyland is celebrating Annual Passholders and the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade with AP Days at Disneyland Park from February 10 to March 9, 2017. Guests can enjoy exclusive Annual Passholder experiences, merchandise, special offerings and parade-themed menu items during the limited-time event.

Event Details

Disneyland Park, California
February 10 to March 9, 2017
Daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM (AP Welcome Center at Tomorrowland Starcade)
Daily after 4:00 PM (Main Street Opera House)
Passholders must present a valid Annual Passport to receive benefits

AP Welcome Center – Starcade in Tomorrowland

Get the details on daily events, benefits, merchandise and more at the Tomorrowland Starcade, official headquarters for Annual Passholders.

Highlights include

Meet and greets with special retro Characters
Family-friendly activities, including parade-themed paper crafts and an AP Adventure activity
Complimentary AP Days goodies, including Disneyland Resort recipe cards from yesteryear and a button series featuring new Main Street Electrical Parade artwork each week
Exclusive AP Days merchandise, including t-shirts, lanyards, pins, tumblers and more
AP Days guide map
Parade-themed photo opportunity
Lounge, phone-charging area and more

Additional AP Experiences – Opera House

Head over to the Main Street Opera House for screenings of historical parade videos after 4:00 PM daily—you’ll leave with an unforgettable feeling of nostalgia!

Exclusive AP Offerings

Satisfy snack attacks by purchasing an AP-exclusive refillable popcorn bucket featuring one of 2 distinctive parade or park designs. Plus, Passholders will receive $1 refills now through April 16—bon appétit!

Limited-Time Secret AP Menu Items

Hungry for the good old days? For a limited-time, Passholders can refuel with parade-themed menu items at select quick-service restaurants across the park. Stop by the AP Welcome Center to see what’s on the menu or visit each eatery for a surprise blast from the past!

Participating locations include:

Carnation Café
Galactic Grill
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
Main Street Refreshment Corner
Plaza Inn

If you’re a Disneyland Annual Passholder then be sure to take advantage of the great offerings during AP Days from February 10 through March 9, 2017. Offerings are subject to availability and cancellation or change without notice.

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

Is Pandora: The World of AVATAR opening at the end of May?

By

Anonymouse

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January 25, 2017

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

So I read some interesting Disney Gossip this morning focusing on the Pandora: The World of AVATAR grand opening… So it seems Disney is hosting a special media event at Walt Disney World starting on May 21st. Usually these type of media events highlight new rides or attractions that Disney wants to create a buzz on social media before they officially open to the general public.

Word on the street is that Disney will be taking about:

Details went public late last year with a Discover Disney ticket discount open to Florida residents and offering 3 and 4 day tickets at a reduced rate. The tickets can be used between January 4th and June 9th, 2017 with one notable exception. There are blackout dates at Animal Kingdom between May 27th and June 9th which would make perfect sense were Disney to be showcasing the opening of Pandora during this period.

How exciting! I would love to see Pandora: The World of AVATAR open before Memorial Day, not to mention that would be a great time of year for all the extra Animal Kingdom traffic to stick around for Rivers of Light.

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.

Concept Art Released for Disneyland Paris 25th Anniversary Celebration Parade

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 25, 2017

Disneyland Paris will be celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary very soon and we have a sneak peek into some concept art for their special 25th Anniversary Parade called ‘Stars on Parade’. The photo above depicts the Frozen-themed float that will be featured alongside many others in the new parade.

The Parade will be very similar to the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Walt Disney World in Florida, and will also feature a steampunk-themed metal Dragon/Maleficent as its centerpiece as well. Disneyland Paris themselves describe the parade:

“In Disney Stars on Parade, we follow Mickey and Friends on a journey of discovery to the land of imagination” explains Emmanuel Lenormand, the Show Director. “We started with the words that are most frequently used by our guests when they talk about Disneyland Paris. This helped us to create a story with eight chapters, and as many emotions. We then associated these emotions with major Disney and Pixar animated films that have proved a huge hit with the public”.

Featuring many Disney Characters and artists, the new Parade incorporates stunning, unique floats with vibrant colours and movements to surprise and delight our guests.

Discover the Magic– Disney Stars on Parade opens with Tinker Bell, who escapes from the pages of an enormous storybook. This is followed by an amazing float featuring Mickey and Friends dressed as explorers of the future… “A future in which technology retains a magical aspect” according to Olivier Dusautoir, the Set Designer.

Discover Friendship – The second highlight pays a dazzling tribute to children’s games. Buzz Lightyear’s rocket pulls an oversized truck in which Andy has placed all his toys in carefree disarray. The heroes of Toy Story celebrate true friendship and take us to infinity and beyond!

Discover Adventure – Who better than Simba and Nala or Baloo and Mowgli to embody the spirit of adventure? A high rock overlooks the exuberant jungle flora, while the percussion and shimmering colours release the wild instincts of an exotic world where, fortunately, it takes very little to be happy.

Discover Imagination – From one rock to another, this one is in the shape of a skull and serves as the throne of Captain Hook. Peter Pan is close by, at the helm of a ship suspended beneath an immense, dreamlike moon. “After all, Disneyland Paris is – quite literally – the Land of Imagination!”, Emmanuel Lenormand reminds us.

Discover A New World – A large turtle swims above a majestic float, covered with coral. The heroes of Finding Nemo and Finding Dory remind us of their philosophy: “Just keep swimming!” and leave guests starry-eyed. Sea stars, of course.

Discover Enchantment – Water is followed by fire, in hot pursuit. Like Sleeping Beauty, the story of Disney Stars on Parade would not be complete without an epic battle starring Prince Phillip and the three fairies against an evil dragon, described by Olivier Dusautoir as “mechanical, made entirely of copper with visible mechanisms, as if it has been taken straight out of Jules Verne’s imagination”. Faced with a fire-breathing monster, will good win out?

Discover Romance – Fortunately in fairy tales, good… and love always triumph in the end. Contrasting beautifully with the impressive floats that precede them, Rapunzel, Cinderella and Snow White with their respective Prince Charmings make their entrance on three graceful carriages. A romantic moment which will melt the hearts of little girls… of all ages.

Discover Wonder – The great Disney storybook will close with a flourish with the two heroines of Frozen, on the balcony of an ice castle, accompanied by a few friends who are particularly popular with guests…

Like Elsa’s silvery blue cape floating in her wake, a sense of wonder fills the air and remains long after the last float of Disney Stars on Parade has passed by.

With a pinch of adventure, imagination, friendship and romance, the new Disney Parade, Disney Stars on Parade is now more than ever the highlight of the Disneyland® Paris 25th Anniversary celebrations. This Parade will dazzle guests throughout this exceptional year.”

What do you think if the new 25th Anniversary Celebration Parade?

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.

photos: Disney

TeePublic $14 T-Shirt Sale is on for January!

By

Chip

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January 25, 2017

Great news the TeePublic Site Wide sale is on now!

Now through Sunday January 29th our friends at Tee Public is having their $14 T-Shirt Sale!

All T-Shirts on the Chip and Co Store are included in this sale or you can pick up some of the hot designs from other Disney Designers.

January TeePublic Sale:

Wednesday, January 25th through Sunday, January 29th!

Deal Details:

T-Shirts – $14
Mens V-Neck – $18
Tanks – $18
Zip Up Hoodie – $38
Hoodies – $35
Crew necks – $30
BaseBall Tees – $17
LongSleeve Tees – $15
Scoop Neck – $21
Infant Onsie – $15
Kids Tees – $14
Prints and Canvas 25% Off

Just click here to check out all of the fun Disney or non Disney designs, or click here to check out some of our Disney Addict inspired designs.

Blizzard Beach To Close This Weekend Due to Cold Weather

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 25, 2017

The name Blizzard Beach just became a little more apt this week with the news that Dinsey’s water park will be closing her gates this weekend: January 27 – January 29, 2017 due to a cold front that is predicted to be moving through the Orlando Area.

Temperatures this weekend are expected to plummet at Walt Disney World with highs in the mid’ 60’s and lows in the mid 40’s. These are definitely not the best days to grab your swimwear and head out for a day splashing and sliding. With this in mind, guests logging into their My Disney Experience Accounts will see that there are no park hours available for Blizzard Beach over the weekend.

It should be noted that Typhoon Lagoon is already closed to the general public this weekend due to refurbishment. However both Fantasia Gardens and Winterland Summerland miniature golf courses which are also located in the vicinity will remain open to guests during normal operating hours.

Watch this space for any further information regarding weekend closures.

Thinking about planning a visit to Walt Disney World? Fill out our form to receive your FREE quote.

Do you find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I love sharing tips and tricks with my clients to help them get the most out of their time at the parks. I can also help you find your perfect package, make dining and Fastpass reservations and monitor for discounts so that you can save even after you’ve booked. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. You’d pay the same as if you were to book directly with Disney. Get in touch at 1-800-801-4025 at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook to find out more.

Why YOU Should Plan An “Adults Only” Disney Trip NOW!

By

Catie

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January 25, 2017

Walt Disney World is an amazing place to bring your kids and family – they will marvel in all the magic, and memories will be made to be cherished for years to come! But believe it or not – WDW isn’t JUST for kids – it also has SO MUCH to offer adult travelers, too!

Read on to learn why you should leave the little ones at home and book an “Adults Only” Disney World Trip:

Deluxe Accommodations: Disney World is home to some truly amazing Resort Hotels – and in case you didn’t already know – they come in 3 styles – Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. The Value Resorts are great for when the whole gang is coming along – family friendly décor, pools, dining and play areas and activities – but when you travel with adults, you are free to kick it up a notch and stay someplace a bit nicer. Bigger rooms, comfier beds, room service/concierge on call, more dining and shopping options – the Deluxe Resorts are the perfect backdrop for your adults only getaway

The “World” Of Dining: Disney World offers up a huge variety of dining options – from snack carts to counter service to all kinds of sit down restaurants – they serve it all, and as adult travelers, you’re free to explore it! There are some truly delicious steaks waiting to be had at Yachtsman Steakhouse, fresh sushi served with an amazing view of the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks at California Grill, and authentic Irish grub with nightly music and dancing at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs (a personal favorite of mine and my husband’s!). The point I am trying to make here is – without the little ones, your palette can be expanded beyond the world of PB&J and chicken nuggets – and what parent wouldn’t take advantage of that (I know I would!)

Saying “Cheers” To Us: You have probably heard of the “Drink around the World” challenge – where you explore the drinks of each country in the Epcot World Showcase, which is a great adults only activity (when done right and responsibly, of course!). Epcot may be the most well-known place to grab a drink at Disney, but there are TONS of other spots that offer up some unique adult beverages too. Jiko – The Cooking Place is a restaurant at WDW’s Animal Kingdom Lodge that offers up a large selection of South African wines – a wine list so great that it has won several awards over the years, including being named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Restaurants in the US. Raglan Road has a huge bar with an even huger menu – plenty of beers, wines, whiskeys, and signature mixed drinks to choose from. There are bars and restaurants all over Disney World that offer a variety of “adult beverages” – and without the kids in tow, you can sit back, sip, relax, and enjoy!

See And Do It All (OR Take It Slow!): We know that the more people you travel with, the longer it takes to get things done – and that is even more true of kids – while I love mine, he doesn’t exactly help speed things along, and I think most parents can agree with that statement, too! When you head to Disney World as a couple, you and your significant other can do it all – all the rides, shows, and attractions – and be able to get more done than you would have been able to with the whole family along for the trip. Or – on the flip side – you can simply stroll down Main Street USA and take it slow – stop and window shop, enjoy an ice cream cone, watch the parade, or simply sit on a bench and people watch – the point is, it’s up to YOU – you aren’t trying to please the kids, so you can take the time to really enjoy your favorite things about WDW – whatever they may be! You can even have a Disney Date Night – a rare thing for busy parents!

Hopefully these ideas have inspired you to book an “adults only” trip to Disney World – as there really is a TON for adults to do there

Oh – and while the “adult” themed activities at Disney World are great and I highly recommend trying them all – I also wouldn’t judge if you wanted to dine with characters or wait in line to get your picture taken with Mickey – after all – aren’t we all just kids at heart?

Stay at a Disneyland On-site Resort this Spring and Save Up To 25%

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 24, 2017

What better way to ring in your 2017 than with a visit to Disneyland Resort in central California. Not only will you be able to enjoy two fantastic theme parks: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure but those opting to stay at one of Disneyland’s 3 on site hotels will receive a savings of up to 25% off of their resort stay. The offer covers stays at the moderately priced Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, at the legendary Disneyland Hotel and even the Grand Dame, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa meaning there’s bound to be a package for all tastes and budgets.

For more information about each of these Disneyland on-site resorts, check out this article.

In addition to the advantage of having both theme parks and Downtown Disney at your doorstep, on-site guests also receive some extra special perks including Extra Magic Hour, an early morning admission option available on select mornings. Other perks include character wake-up calls, merchandise delivery to your hotel and the ability to charge meals an purchases (from the theme parks) to your room!

This special offer is available on select Sunday through Thursday night stays between January 8 – April 2017. Book before March 9, 2017 to qualify for the offer. The discount excludes Concierge rooms and suites and is not valid on previously booked rooms. Advanced reservations are required. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited so guests are encouraged to book early to ensure availability. There is also a limit of 2 rooms per reservation with a maximum of 5 guests per room.

For more information on this fantastic offer please visit Disneyland.com.

Want to start planning your Disneyland getaway? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Do you find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I love sharing tips and tricks with my clients to help them get the most out of their time at the parks. I can also help you find your perfect package, make dining and Fastpass reservations and monitor for discounts so that you can save even after you’ve booked. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. You’d pay the same as if you were to book directly with Disney. Get in touch at 1-800-801-4025 at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook to find out more.

Image copyright Disney.

Book a Personal Shopping Session with a Fashion Advisor at Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 24, 2017

Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort is now offering a Personal Shopping Service with fashion expert Melanie Pace. Personal Shopping Sessions are $250 per hour and including the following:

Personalized, one-on-one consultation with a proven fashion advisor
Fashion recommendations to suit your unique style for everyday wear or a special occasion
Beauty advice including make-up and skincare tips
Special access to Disney Springs retailers

Melanie is a distinguished fashion advisor, on-air style expert and wardrobe stylist who has been featured in outlets including “Women’s Health,” “Shape Magazine,” and “E! News.” She has partnered with major brands such as Amazon, Lilly Pulitzer and Jimmy Choo and is now accepting appointments for new clients at Disney Springs. Her dynamic, accessible style and the ability to create looks within any budget set her services apart from others within the industry.

Small group experiences can also be arranged if you’d like to bring along some friends while you shop. “Disney Springs Style Sessions” are booked on a first come, first-served basis during normal Disney Springs operating hours. Visit www.melaniepace.com or call 321-377-1337 to book an appointment today.

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!