Pixar reveals Easter eggs hidden in Inside Out, Brave, more

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January 18, 2017

Most Disney-Pixar fans have been noticing Easter eggs in their favorite movies for years, making fans wonder if all of Pixar’s beloved characters exist in the same universe. (Granted, it is pretty tough to miss Boo handing Sully a plush version of Nemo in “Monsters, Inc.”)

But for those hidden nods to other films that are a bit more difficult to spot, Disney recently released a mind-bending video on the official Toy Story Facebook page, revealing where exactly you can see hidden Easter eggs in favorites like “Inside Out” and “Ratatouille”.

For starters, did you have any idea that Riley from “Inside Out” makes a cameo in “Finding Dory”? Or how about the fact that “The Good Dinosaur‘s” Forrest Woodbush is in “Inside Out”? Or that Sully from “Monsters, Inc.” is etched into a piece of wood owned by Merida in “Brave”?

Watch the video for yourself below to catch all of the references you may not have noticed in your previous 500 viewings of your favorite Pixar flicks.

Permits Filed for Caribbean Beach Expansion

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

It has been a rumor now for quite some time that Disney is going to start building Disney Vacation Club properties at a Moderate Resort, and many speculated Caribbean Beach would be the most likely location for this project. We speculated back in September that some changes would be coming when height test balloons were spotted at the resort. Height test balloons are used to simulate where peaks and tops of planned buildings would be, so that imagineers could visualize whether or not a project would need to be altered or would interfere with the overall aesthetic of the view for the location.

We hear now from WDW Magic that permits have been filed for an expansion at Caribbean Beach resort. The permit appears to be for 7 new buildings, with one large multi-level building. The area where the expansion is proposed is where the Barbados Village is located right now; and assumption is that the current village will be demolished for this new project, whatever it may be. Work is set to begin in 2017 with planned timeframe of sometime in 2019 for completion.

There is no official word from Disney as of yet, and we can only speculate that this may be part of the new DVC expansion, but we could be wrong, too. Don’t get your hopes up just yet for a moderate DVC location. If we learn more we will be sure to share it with you!

What do you think is going to be constructed at Caribbean Beach with the new permits?

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.

“Beauty and the Beast”s Emma Watson Reveals She Was Once Offered the Part of Cinderella for 2015 Live-Action Film

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

Watson reveals she was originally offered the part of Cinderella in Kenneth Branagh’s 2015 live-action remake of the Disney movie but turned it down before eventually taking on her upcoming role as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast”

“I didn’t know they were going to make Beauty and the Beast at the time I turned down Cinderella,” said Watson, (Downton Abbey’s Lily James ended up starring in the movie.) “But when they offered me Belle, I just felt the character resonated with me so much more than Cinderella did.”

The actress, 26, said Belle’s strength as a woman makes her a good “role model” for young girls. “She remains curious, compassionate and open-minded. And that’s the kind of woman I would want to embody as a role model, given the choice,” she said. “There’s this kind of outsider quality that Belle had and the fact she had this really empowering defiance of what was expected of her. In a strange way, she challenges the status quo of the place she lives in, and I found that really inspiring.”

“She manages to keep her integrity and have a completely independent point of view,” she continued. “She’s not easily swayed by other people’s perspective — not swayed by fear-mongering or scapegoating.”

And while Belle’s core personality traits remain the same in the upcoming live-action remake, Watson still wanted to make a few changes to modernize the beloved character.
“In the animated movie, it’s her father who is the inventor, and we actually co-opted that for Belle,” Watson previously said. “I was like, ‘Well, there was never very much information or detail at the beginning of the story as to why Belle didn’t fit in, other than she liked books. Also, what is she doing with her time?’ So, we created a backstory for her, which was that she had invented a kind of washing machine, so that, instead of doing laundry, she could sit and use that time to read instead. So, yeah, we made Belle an inventor.”
Beauty and the Beast hits theaters March 17, 2017.

Maple Popcorn Now on the Menu at Magic Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

A huge shout out to Tim Corless over at WDW News Today for making us salivate over the announcement that Magic Kingdom (taking their lead from Tokyo Disneyland) is now serving Maple Popcorn!

This new addition to Disney World’s popcorn line-up is the perfect marriage between sweet and savory and can be found at Magic Kingdom’s Westward Ho over in Frontierland. Visitors can enjoy a single serving for $5.25 or get a refillable popcorn bucket for $11.00 with subsequent refills only costing a dollar. For those on one of Disney’s Dining Plans, the single serving version is available using your Snack Credits.

No news yet as to whether Disney plans to unveil this tasty snack at other locations across Walt Disney World. Watch this space and we’ll keep you posted.

Planning a trip to Disney? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you find your perfect package, make sure your getting the best discounts, nab those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations and share tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at Disney World. 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 Tom Corless @ WDW News Today.

Disneyland to Offer Tickets to Guests in the Event Main Street Electrical Parade Debut is Cancelled

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

Tomorrow night marks the return of The Main Street Electrical Parade to its original home, Disneyland. This is an event guests of the Disneyland resort in California have anxiously been waiting for since the announcement was made in 2016. Many guests have made plans months in advance to be at Disneyland on January 19th to view the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade.

However it seems Mother Nature may have other plans in mind, with forecasts of rain and storms for tomorrow evening during the return of MSEP. Due to the nature of the parade, heavy rains will inevitably ensure that the parade for the evening will be cancelled.

Should the Parade be cancelled due to the weather, Disney will be offering guests who are present at the event a Free One Day Park Ticket as compensation. Guests will be given more information about their complimentary return ticket at the event.

Inside the Magic has provided us with some details regarding the event Disneyland will be offering to celebrate the Homecoming of the Main Street Electrical Parade:

The Main Street Electrical parade preview includes:

Admission to the park from 7:30pm-midnight
Viewing of the parade
Collectible event credential
Red carpet welcome
Access to many park attractions
70’s Dance Party in Tomorrowland
Special PhotoPass locations and complimentary downloads of the photos
Complimentary parking at the Mickey & Friends parking structure after 6pm

Tickets for the event are $95 and can be purchased by calling (714) 781-4636

Do you plan on being there to see the return of The Main Street Electrical 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.

Portobello’s in Disney Springs offering Happy Hour Special

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Chip

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January 18, 2017

An all new Happy Hour Special is taking place at Portobello’s in Disney Springs!

The new Contenta Ora or Happy Hour will be taking place on Monday through Friday from 3:00-5:00 p.m and Monday – Thursday from 9:30-11:00 p.m. and will feature wine & pizza.

According to the flyer if you hold on to your receipt and bring it back in before March 31, 2017 you will receive a 20% discount off of your next meal.

You don’t need to make a reservation for the Contenta Ora but if you would like to book a group or private dining, please contact the group sales director for Portobello at (407) 828-8996 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, visit www.levyrestaurants.com.

DVC Membership Extras Available at Epcot International Festival of the Arts

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

If you’re a DVC Member and plan on attending the Epcot International Festival of the Arts then don’t forget to take advantage of your “Membership Extras”. Disney Vacation Club Members can enjoy a 15 percent discount off the cost of each workshop that is normally priced at $39 plus tax. Contact Member Services at 1-800-800-9800 to make discounted reservations.

Show your membership card and a valid ID for a 20% discount on commemorative festival merchandise at select Disney owned-and-operated Walt Disney World shops. This discount was previously only 10% but has doubled for 2017 as part of the Membership Magic Ever After DVC 25th anniversary celebration.

Members can also enjoy a 10% discount on the following restaurants located at Epcot: Akershus, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Rose & Crown Dining Room and The Garden Grill. Dining discounts are off the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages, excluding tax and gratuity. Valid for the Member and up to 4 guests.

Relax and unwind at the Member Lounge located in the Imagination! Pavilion at Epcot. Complimentary soft drinks, snacks and charging stations are available between the hours of 10am to 6pm.

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts takes place Fridays through Mondays until February 20, 2017. New Disney Vacation Club purchasers after April 4, 2016 must purchase directly from Disney to have have access to Membership Extras.

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

Photo Credit: Disney

Escape the Cold to Seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels in The Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

The cold weather gets old really quickly, why not escape this cold weather and head down to Walt Disney World? The seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels has an exciting offer going on now; when you book a vacation before April 16^th you will enjoy a special rate to experience Disney World with a discount.

These rates are available for stays through April 16, 2017 and let you experience such special events as the first-ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts and the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. It also is a wonderful time to take in the many new offerings in the Walt Disney World Resort, including the many exceptional new venues at the dramatically transformed Disney Springs area, formerly known as the Downtown Disney Area. Inspired by Florida’s charming towns and natural beauty, the vibrant new waterfront Disney Springs offers a high-quality diverse mix of shops, an impressive variety of new upscale and casual dining options, and outstanding live entertainment options, with more than 150 establishments across its four outdoor neighborhoods.

The special rates also provide the opportunity to take in such exciting new offerings at the Walt Disney World Resort as Star Wars Launch Bay and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot; Kilimanjaro Safaris for a full day to night experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park; and Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire stage show at Magic Kingdom Park.

In addition to the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels having an ideal location with an easy walk to the significantly expanded Disney Springs^,these seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels also provide shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks, two water parks, and at night to the Disney Springs area.

Plus, as a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “Disney Springs Passport” booklet that features exclusive discounts and specials from Disney Springs merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining. Among the coupons featured in the booklet are discounts and special offers at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, House of Blues Restaurant, Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, STK Orlando, and Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea.

The Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels’ “‘Escape The Cold’ Rates” for stays through April 16, 2017, are:

B Resort& Spa – rates from $104 per room, per night (which is 30% off)
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – rates from $89 per room, per night.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista— rates from $139 per suite, per night
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – rates from $116 per room, per night
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – rates from $116 per room, per night
Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area– rates from $129 per room, per night
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area– rates from $77 per room, per night.

Visiting provides the opportunity to take in such special events as:

2017 Epcot® International Festival of the Arts– weekends (Fridays-Mondays) between January 13-February 20, 2017 at Epcot®
NFL Pro Bowl Activities & Events– January 25-28, 2017 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
NFL Pro Bowl Game– January 29, 2017 at Camping World Stadium (in Orlando)
Atlanta Braves Springs Training– February 25-March 29, 2017 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
2017 Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival– March 1-May 29, 2017 at Epcot®
Garden Rocks Concert Series– Fridays-Mondays March 1-May 29, 2017 at Epcot®

Note that Theme Park admission may be required, and some events require a separately priced ticket.

Other benefits of staying at one of the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels include:

The ability to purchase Disney Theme Park admissions at each hotel
Advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World®Resort golf courses
Disney Merchandise store located in each hotel
The ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort.

The reimagined Disney Springs area overflows with the sights, sounds and flavors that come together in a beautiful outdoor environment with a charming waterfront setting. Set amid beautiful open-air promenades and bubbling springs, this vibrant destination features four distinct outdoor neighborhoods: The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side.

Among the many new offerings that are open at Disney Springs are such outstanding retail tenants as Kate Spade New York, Vera Bradley, Tommy Bahama, PANDORA Jewelry, Under Armour Brand House, ALEX AND ANI, Sephora, UGG, and TROPHY ROOM.

In addition, Disney Springs features such new specialty dining locations as Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, renowned Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, Amorette’s Patisserie, STK Orlando, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., D-Luxe Burger, Morimoto Asia Street Food, Sprinkles (cupcake bakery), The Daily Poutine, and YeSake.

Among the other appealing offerings which opened during the past year are the Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, The Ganachery chocolate shop, Vivoli Il Gelato (serving Italian gelato like its sister shop in Florence, Italy), Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (which specializes in gluten-free and vegan baked goods), and Exposition Park (the home to Disney-owned food trucks, with delicious offerings from each of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks).

Plus, there are two new parking garages with a total of 6,000 spaces, and the new Village Causeway, which provides guests another path of travel through the area. In addition, a pedestrian bridge from the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels to the Disney Springs area is now available, making it even easier for guests.

Among the many other offerings open at Disney Springs are:

World of Disney store, AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24, The Art of Disney, The LEGO Store, Build-A-Dino® by Build-A-Bear Workshop, Disney Design-A-Tee, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, Once Upon a Toy, Orlando Harley-Davidson (apparel and accessories), Pearl Factory, Starbucks at Disney Springs Marketplace, and Shop for Ireland.

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels include:

B Resort & Spa —the stylish resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged^® AVEDA Spa, and features American Kitchen Bar & Grill
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel– the 18-story, 325-room resort overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World® Resort, and offers two restaurants, a lounge, and wireless internet
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista —the luxurious and recently renovated resort hotel features 229 spacious suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney Springs Resort Area
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace (formerly known as the Buena Vista Palace) –situated on 27 lush acres just steps from the Disney Springs Area, the 27-story hotel is nearing completion of an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation, and features a Character Breakfast every Sunday
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista –the closest hotel to Disney Springs, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including Benihana Steakhouse), and 24-hour fitness center
Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area— offers the ideal setting to stay, meet and play, featuring modern Florida décor and complimentary Wi-Fi
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area —featuring Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 guest rooms, six dining options, and the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water features.

With nearly 30 food and beverage outlets and restaurants, over 3,700 rooms and an array of amenities, the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of the Disney Springs area, these properties are within walking distance of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Reopens with a New Artisanal Menu

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa recently reopened with a new menu. The casual dining restaurant features a sandwich and salad bar, a pizza and hot sandwich station along with a coffee and dessert station. The menu includes elevated flavors, artisanal ingredients and great attention to detail.

Sandwich Bar

Each sandwich is assembled per order at the Sandwich Bar and includes fresh, perfectly crusty bread baked in house daily. Guests can enjoy fresh, high-quality ingredients including Tillamook Cheddar on the smoked ham sandwich, Florida orange vinaigrette on the roasted turkey, thick slices of Mozzarella on the grilled vegetable sandwich and roast beef with horseradish. Each sandwich is served with house-made chips.

Salad Bar

Create your own salad at the salad bar and top it off with flank steak or marinated chicken. At breakfast, the salad bar becomes a yogurt bar that allows guests to build parfaits with toppings such as fresh fruits, granola and bananas in a decadent caramel sauce.

Pizza and Hot Sandwiches

Pizzas are served on dough made in-house daily. Choose from sausage and Mozzarella, fire-roasted tomatoes with basil pesto and a three-cheese blend, or the chicken and mushroom. For hot sandwiches indulge in the artisanal burger, featuring 7 ounces of a signature beef blend, bacon and Cheddar cheese on a freshly-baked Brioche bun. Other options include a Mahi Mahi “Ruben,” featuring house-made cabbage slaw on marble Rye bread, or the chicken and Brie, a delicious twist on Cordon Bleu – with ham, spinach, raspberry mustard on a Brioche bun.

Coffee and Dessert

Don’t forget to enjoy specialty coffees and delicious baked goods and pastries at the coffee and dessert station. Sweet treats include Coconut Pot de Crème, Almond Fruit Tart, Chocolate Mousse Pie, Mickey Brownie, Minnie Mouse Cupcake and assorted cookies.

Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is open 24 hours. The restaurant serves hot breakfast daily until 11:00am and made to order grill items until 11:30pm. Sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, soups, salads grab ‘n’ go items, desserts, beer and wine are available.

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

Photo Credit: Disney

Season of the Force Star Wars Celebration Awakens Disneyland Paris

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

Season of the Force: Star Wars in Disneyland Paris is taking place at Walt Disney Studios® Park from January 14 through March 26, 2017. The limited-time magic is part of the 25th anniversary celebration taking place at Disneyland Paris this March.

New! Star Wars: A Galactic Celebration

Discover the power of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in the most spectacular show in the galaxy. Feel your spine tingle as you relive the Star Wars saga’s most meteoric moments in this never-seen-before nighttime phenomenon fully charged with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, music and live Star Wars Characters.

New! Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away*

The Force is strong with this show. Trust your senses and feel the energy of this action-packed show, where live Star Wars Characters and special effects bring dazzling displays of the Force to life before your very eyes. *Available until 30th September 2017 – dates subject to change.

New! First Order March*

Behold the power of the First Order. Hold your breath and witness the wicked wonder of Captain Phasma leading a battalion of stormtroopers through an almighty demonstration of galactic power. *Available until 30th September 2017 – dates subject to change.

New! Stormtroopers Patrol*

Are you the rebel they’re looking for? You better keep a cool head, have your papers ready and get your story straight because stormtroopers are patrolling the streets and they’re on the hunt for rebels. *Available until 30th September 2017 – dates subject to change.

Jedi Training Academy

Young Padawan, a Jedi you will become. The Jedi Training Academy is ready to welcome aspiring Padawans aged 7 to 12 to learn to use the Force from a true Jedi Master. But beware, Darth Vader and his stormtroopers are lurking. Will your kids be ready in time?

Jedi Training Academy will be closed from November 3rd 2016 to January 11th 2017, then from May 5th 2017 to June 30th 2017 and then after September 3rd 2017.

#FaceTheForce

Share your Disneyland® Paris Season of the Force photos with #FaceTheForce and @disneylandparis on Twitter and Instagram! You could be projected onto the big screen in Walt Disney Studios® Park.

Say Chewie! And remember to use #FaceTheForce.

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

Photo Credit: http://www.disneylandparis.com and Disney Parks Blog

These Mickey Mouse Minimalist Headphones Are Perfect

By

Danielle

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January 17, 2017

These Mickey Mouse Minimalist Headphones from Cotton On are giving me life right now! They are incredibly adorable, and well, just perfect. They are Mickey, but not cartoony at all, I’m in love!

These too cute for words headphones come from Cotton On, an Australian retail chain that has stores throughout the United States. It is known for its fashion forward clothing for young men, women, and children and giving back with their philanthropic foundation. The head phones are simple, but sturdy and come in gold, or black. They are on the smaller side, and come from the brand’s Mickey and Friends kids collection, but are still able to fit young adults. They have some of the cutest Disney Licensed products I have seen though, very sophisticated touches, and not overly cartoonish.

They have all kinds of fun Disney accessories in this minimalist Mickey style, including Mickey ear notebooks! They also come in black and gold, and match the headphones perfectly!

What do you think of these show stopping Mickey Mouse Minimalist Headphones?

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Leaving Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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January 17, 2017

The Atlanta Braves are in contract negotiations with Sarasota County Florida to build a new spring-training facility in the city of North Port which is just south east of Sarasota.

Presently the Braves hold their spring training at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports in Walt Disney World and according to the contract could move to the new location as early as 2019.

According to a post by Tom Harmer a Sarasota County Administrator on their website:

“There’s still a lot of work to do to finalize the terms, agreements and approvals necessary, but this announcement is a major step forward in the efforts to bring the Braves to our area.”

No official word has been released by Disney as of yet but the Braves spokeswoman Beth Marshall confirmed the announcement to the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution saying: “We have entered into exclusive negotiations with plans of it being our spring training home.”

Makes you wonder if the Braves do leave will Disney try to bring another team to take their place?

ESPN Wide World of Sports has been the home of the Braves Spring Training since 1997.

Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

For more visit the AJC website.