Disney World Celebrates Early Spring with Mix of Fantastic Offerings

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January 9, 2017

There’s never been a better time to visit Walt Disney World. To celebrate the New Year and the coming of Spring, Disney is highlighting a range of fabulous happenings coming up in the months ahead that guests won’t want to miss. Here’s just a taste of the offerings visitors to the parks can expect in early 2017.

Festival of the Arts – Its just a few short days before Walt Disney World kicks off it’s newest festival. Hailed as a celebration of the Visual, Performing and Culinary Arts, visitors to Epcot can indulge in a wide range of activities including: a Broadway concert series, free seminars, workshops, exhibitions and food booths offering up edible works of art. For more information on the Festival check out are Festival run-down as well as a list of delicious dishes being served. The Festival runs Fridays – Mondays from January 13 – February 20, 2017.

Once Upon a Time – The Magic Kingdom bids adieu to its Celebrate the Magic Castle projection show that precedes Wishes fireworks and makes way for Mrs. Potts (pictured) in a new nightly show Once Upon a Time. The production takes guests through a magical line-up of bedtime stories featuring scenes from Cinderella, Peter Pan, Alice In Wonderland and Winnie the Pooh. It promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Visitors to the Magic Kingdom are advised to consult the Times Guide for night showtimes.

Disney After Hours – Perfect for night owls, Magic Kingdom has announced that they will once again be offering Disney After Hours event nights, giving visitors access to some of the parks most popular attractions and character meet and greets after the sun goes down. Similar to popular holiday events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, guests pay for a ticket that provides them with admission to the park once it has closed to the general public. The cost is $119 per adult and $89 per child (ages 3-9). The following attractions will remain open during the event.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Disney Princess Greetings at Princess Fairytale Hall
Haunted Mansion
“it’s a small world”
Jungle Cruise
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain.

Select complimentary food and beverages will also be handed out throughout the evening. Disney After Hours is slated to run January 20th and 27th as well as February 2nd, 9th and 16th and March 2nd and 9th, 2017. Advanced booking is strongly encouraged and can be done online via your My Disney Experience account.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – Guests planning on visiting a bit later this Spring will not want to miss the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival which is running from March 1 – May 29, 2017. This year’s highlights will include a brand new topiary garden inspired by a vintage Walt Disney World short film as well as the Garden Rocks Dining Packages which will combine dinner and an evening performance. Guests are encouraged to watch this space for details on what is shaping up to be the best Flower & Garden to date!

Miss Adventure Falls – In a year of exciting new attractions, the first one out the gate will be Typhoon Lagoon’s family-style raft attraction Miss Adventure Falls. Slated to open in March of 2017, it will be the longest ride at Disney’s water parks and features an immersive story line featuring the treasure-hunting heroine Captain Mary Oceaneer. Guests embarking on this white water adventure will help Captain Mary find her missing treasure scattered about the attraction.

For more information on this exciting early 2017 line-up please continue to follow along on Chip and Co and visit Walt Disney World at WaltDisneyWorld.com/SpringEarly or by using the hashtag #DisneyEarlySpring on Twitter.

Planning a visit to Disney in 2017? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

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Image copyright Disney.

First look at the all new merchandise for Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts

By

Chip

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January 9, 2017

Disney has shared a first look at the all new merchandise for Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts and I am loving all this FIGMENT! This all-new event will take place for six colorful weekends from January 13th – February 20th. With this being the first event I would imagine many of these items will sell out fast…

Guests attending this year’s inaugural event will find a variety of shirts featuring one of my favorite characters, Figment from Epcot’s Journey Into Imagination attraction.

Disney has also created a shirt for Annual Passholders that includes a small image of Figment on the left sleeve. This shirt will only be sold to Passholders who present a valid Annual Pass. Many times you have to ask the Cast Members at the various locations if they have it available as it usually is not out on display.

Other items will include a large poster of Epcot concept artwork by Herb Ryman along with a tote bag, a coffee mug, and a TERVIS tumbler.

Finally, we have a look at artwork from several artists who will be appearing throughout the festival including Jason Grandt, David Buckley, Jerrod Maruyama, Kristin Tercek, to name a few.

The best place to find original artwork from these and other artists is the Festival Center located in the Odyssey building near the entrance to World Showcase.

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will run Fridays through Mondays.

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Video: New Magic Kingdom Castle Welcome Show starts today

By

Chip

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January 9, 2017

The all new Magic Kingdom Castle Welcome Show starts today! It is replacing the Rope Drop Ceremony that took place at the Magic Kingdom Train station. Guest can now enter the Magic Kingdom 1 hour early, pick up some coffee at Starbucks or go shopping on Main Street before making their way to Cinderella Castle for the stage show.

The show is only a few minutes long, and as you can tell it features many of the Disney Characters you have a chance to meet at the Magic Kingdom.

You can check out the video here:

h/t: wdw news today

Disney World First Timers ‘Must Eat’ Snacks

By

Catie

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January 9, 2017

I recently wrote about some “Must Do’s” For first timers headed to Walt Disney World, and I briefly mentioned how awesome the food at WDW is too, and that you shouldn’t be afraid to try something new when dining in Disney. Well, I decided that there is SO MUCH great food at WDW – and that so much of it falls into that glorious category of SNACKS – that I needed to talk more about it, and ultimately came up with this list of “must eat” snack items you can use as a guide on your first WDW trip:

Dole Whip: This cool treat has an almost cult-like following, and for good reason! It’s sweet, cold, and the perfect refreshing treat on a hot Florida day. Oh – wait – you probably want to know what it actually is, don’t you? Well – it’s basically a creamy pineapple (ice cream-esque) soft serve dessert, served on its own, or float style with pineapple juice. Even if you think you don’t like pineapple, you will like this, trust me! Oh, and you can check out how to make your own at home here.

Giant Cinnamon Roll: There is nothing like a warm, gooey cinnamon roll smothered in frosting – and if the thought of that is making you drool, then you will definitely want to check out the rolls they are serving up over at Gaston’s Tavern in the Magic Kingdom. They are huge and delicious – and big enough to share (if you’re the sharing type – but don’t worry, no one will judge if you want it all to yourself!)

Ice Cream: There are so many places to get delicious ice cream at Walt Disney World that it was impossible to just pick one! There’s the always delicious Mickey Bar (available basically everywhere in WDW) – vanilla ice cream coated in chocolate, and shaped like everyone’s favorite mouse! If a sundae is more your thing, then head over to Ghiradelli in Disney Springs – the smell alone of the house made hot fudge and waffle cones is amazing, and their menu is full of delicious sundaes – my favorite is the Gold Rush sundae (the aforementioned hot fudge and peanut butter sauce join forces for this delicious treat). And if you’re more of the “go big or go home” type – then I recommend the Kitchen Sink over at Beaches & Cream – this over the top treat features multiple kinds of ice cream, every topping ever, and a whole can of whipped cream – served in an actual kitchen sink!

Baked Goods: My favorite places to head for baked goods at WDW are Starring Roles in Hollywood Studios (um…Butterfinger cupcake anyone?), and the Boardwalk Bakery is great too – as they always have something new and different to try.

Caramel Everything: Epcot’s Germany is home to the popular snack spot Karamell Kuche – where they sell tons of amazing items, all featuring their freshly made caramel. Favorites here are the fresh caramel popcorn, as well as the salted caramels, and caramel drizzled cookies.

Mickey Shaped Foods: I am not sure why, but snacks just taste better when they are shaped like Mickey! Cake Pops (with marshmallow ears!), Mickey shaped pretzels, Mickey Krispie treats, Mickey ice cream bars – they are all must-do’s!

Ok so I know this is supposed to be a list for “first timers” – but don’t worry if you have been to WDW and haven’t checked all of these out – there’s always your next visit, and there is ALWAYS time for SNACK FOODS (especially treats that taste this good!) – Bon Appetit!

“Zootopia” Wins For Best Animated Motion Picture At The 2017 Golden Globes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 9, 2017

Disney has just received it’s first big win in this year’s award season, and a very well-deserved one at that. Tonight the extremely warmly-received “Zootopia” won in the category of Best Animated Motion Picture at the Golden Globe Awards, annually given on the entertainment industry’s best and brightest by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

On hand at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles to accept the award were “Zootopia” directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore, alongside producer Clark Spencer. They received the Golden Globe from hilarious presenters Steve Carrell and Kristen Wiig, who riffed on their memories of their first time seeing an animated movie in their introductory speech.

The other four nominees were the French “My Life as a Zucchini”, Universal’s “Sing”, Laika’s “Kubo and the Two Strings”, and of course Disney’s own “Moana”

“Zootopia” is available on DVD, Blu-Ray and is streaming on Netflix.

New Trailer & Poster from Disney’s Live Action Beauty & the Beast

By

Chip

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January 8, 2017

Check out a brand new TV spot that includes a sneak peek of Emma Watson singing “Belle” from Disney’s Live Action Beauty & the Beast!

The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast,” a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, the wardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Directed by Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film, “Beauty and the Beast,” the screenplay is written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos and produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman, p.g.a. and Todd Lieberman, p.g.a. with Jeffrey Silver, Thomas Schumacher and Don Hahn serving as executive producers. Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the animated film, provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as three new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

Disney Find- Gorgeous Rose Gold Twin Mickey Necklace

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Danielle

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January 8, 2017

I’ve been on a serious rose gold kick lately, I’ve been drooling over watches, earrings and bangles all with that beautiful pink hue. I do so love a nice Mickey Necklace too, and I realized I didn’t have any Disney Rose gold so I set off to fix that. I found this gorgeous Rose Gold Twin Mickey Necklace on Amazon, and fell in love.

Mickey’s iconic likeness is formed in shimmering rose gold on this gorgeous necklace. What I love about this necklace is it has a smooth texture and a bejeweled texture that plays off one another. The opposing textures gives it a glitzy look while still maintaining an elegant simplicity that I really love in pendants. Rose Gold is also a very popular look for the autumn months. It’s also a relatively inexpensive piece at only $16.99, so when my jewelry whims change (which we know they will) after a short time, it’ll have gotten it’s worth. If you aren’t feeling the rose gold trend, it’s also offered in a shimmery silver that’s just as stunning.

This piece can also have an alternate meaning as well, to me it symbolizes my son and I, mommy’s little Mickey Mouse always close by. No matter what it’s meaning is to you, as a mom necklace, or just a statement of your Disney love, it’s sure to be a great keepsake.

Of course we know I’m loving the rose gold, but which one would you wear the rose or the white? There is always the option of both for different occasions.

I would totally wear this as an everyday piece, but with a cute dress and heels it could totally work for a more formal look as well. Now I’m going to have to find the perfect rose gold earrings to match! Should I go with studs or dangles? Let me know in the comments which style you think would go best with this Twin Mickey Necklace!

As always stay magical, and happy shopping!

New “Beauty And The Beast” Full Cast Poster Released

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2017

Just two months away from the scheduled release and Disney, in typical fashion, gave us another lovely tease.

They just released the newest “Beauty and the Beast” poster featuring the full cast.

“Beauty and the Beast” live-action will be released in theaters March 17, 2017.

Disney to release streaming device for kids

By

Chip

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January 8, 2017

This week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Disney announced a $99 streaming box that can play movies, tv shows, music, games and more just for kids!

The Disney Kids TV box will be the first device of its kinda to feature kid friendly content and come preloaded with movies, TV shows and games from Disney.

The streaming box from Disney & Snakebyte is currently in its prototype stages with no set release date as of yet; rumor is we might see a 2017 release. The box will retail for $99.

You can get a look at Disney’s new Kid TV below.

Fredison Costa wins Walt Disney World Marathon for 4th straight year

By

Chip

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January 8, 2017

Apparently not even Mother Nature can beat Fredison Costa at the Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna.

The Brazilian runner, who has dominated the 26.2-mile runDisney race in recent years, shrugged off unseasonably cool Florida temperatures early Sunday morning to notch his fourth straight Disney marathon victory and sixth in the last seven years.

This win, however, didn’t come without a fight. In addition to battling the chilly conditions, Costa fought off fellow Brazilian runner Vanilson Neves who pushed Costa for the lead through much of the race which went through Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios before finishing at Epcot.

But with about six miles to go, Neves started to run out of gas and Costa turned on the speed, finishing in 2:23:15. Neves crossed the finish line in 2:30:24 followed by Samuel Fazioli Salem, NH in 2:33:23.

“At Disney, every mile is magical. It’s all this happiness around and that’s what motivates me to come here,’’ Costa, who resides in Orlando and trains at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, said through an interpreter. “The atmosphere is amazing and I have a lot of fun running here…The (weather) affected me a lot at the beginning of the race, especially the wind. But I was able to overcome it and finish strong.’’

Martins won the women’s division for the second time in three years, leaping across the finish line while screaming with joy. She had little trouble outrunning the field, winning in 2:48:05, which was sweet redemption after an injury prevented her from finishing the race last year. Kelsey Wiberley of Fenton, Michigan was second at 2:52:56 and Heather Schulz of Orlando was third in 2:59:13.

“This year I found out my nephew has spinal muscular atrophy and I ran to dedicate this to him. It was my motivation for the year,’’ Martins said through an interpreter, explaining her jubilance and tears at the finish. “I wanted to get the message out on behalf of kids like my nephew who have this kind of condition.’’

The marathon was the final race of the four-day race weekend that included events for runners of all ages and levels. It was also the first of four runDisney race weekends scheduled for this year at Walt Disney World Resort, which hosts runDisney events along with Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris.

2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Packages Available to Book Until January 15

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2017

Ensure your spot in the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend by booking a Magic Your Way Package that includes Race Registration, theme park tickets and a stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. This package is currently available to book for a limited time until Sunday, January 15, 2017.

Registration for the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend races open to the public on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 12:00pm EST. Early registration for Disney Vacation Club members begins Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 12:00pm EST.

The 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will be held January 3 – 7, 2018. Below are the dates and registration fees for each event:

runDisney Kids Races: Thursday, January 4 – Saturday 7, 2018 – 1 mile run $30, kids dash $20
Walt Disney World 5K: Thursday, January 4, 2018 – $80
Walt Disney World 10K: Friday, January 5, 2018 – $120
Walt Disney World Half Marathon: Saturday, January 6, 2018 – $185
Walt Disney World Marathon: Sunday, January 7, 2018 – $185
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge: Saturday, January 6 and Sunday, January 7, 2018 – $355
Dopey Challenge – Thursday, January 4 – Sunday, January 7, 2018 – $550

Packages with Race Registration must be booked by January 15, 2017. Call 407-WDW-IRUN or your travel agent and request package code WD4444. A $200 deposit plus the cost of registration fees is required at the time of booking. Race registrations are non-refundable.

A link with registration details will be emailed to each race participant that is booked under this package. Packages are currently only available for the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend at this time.

Congratulations to everyone that participated in the 2017 Walt Disney World Marathon this weekend!

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to book your 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Package. I ran in the 2016 Walt Disney World Half Marathon and would love to help you accomplish your goal of running in the 2018 Marathon Weekend. All of my planning services are 100% FREE!

Photo Credit: Disney

Preschool card offers free admission to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2017

SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens is now offering Florida residences a preschool card which allows children 5 and under to enter the park free!

The card itself is free and parents need to register the child by June 27,2017 and the card offers unlimited access to the parks until December 31^st, 2017.

When you are ready to enter the park you will need the card, a birth certificate or passport for the child and the parents Florida identification.

Are you ready to head out to one of these amazing park? Contact me today and we can plan out the perfect family vacation!