Celebrate at Magic Kingdom with Extra Magic Hours Events for DVC Members

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January 2, 2017

Disney Vacation Club Members have some exciting new special events to look forward to this year. If you missed out on the free DVC preview of After Hours last year, this year you have more chances to participate in the event.

On February 24th and March 3, 2017, DVC Members and their guests will be able to enjoy an evening of enchantment, entertainment and more as the park becomes your playground.

Time: 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM; Members and their guests can enter the park as early as 8:00 PM
Location: Magic Kingdom park
Complimentary Parking: Available beginning at 7:30 PM at Magic Kingdom park

An event reservation is required. Members with Disney Resort hotel reservations during the event can book as early as Thursday, December 1, 2016. Event reservations open to all Members on Tuesday, December 6, 2016.

Event highlights include:

Access to select attractions throughout the park
Exhilarating entertainment
Appearances from some favorite Disney Characters
A DJ dance party
Light refreshments

There is some fine print you should be aware of before you call DVC to book:

Valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card and photo ID required at check-in.
Complimentary admission to the after-hours event at Magic Kingdom park is valid for the duration of the event, which begins at 10:00 PM. Members and their guests can enter the park as early as 8:00 PM. If you wish to enter Magic Kingdom park before the event, valid theme park admission is required.
Offer is non-transferable, subject to availability, change or termination without notice.
Party size limits apply:
- For Members with a reservation at a Disney Resort hotel, party size is limited to the Member and up to the number of guests listed on their Disney Resort hotel reservation.
- For Members without a reservation at a Disney Resort hotel, party size is limited to the Member and up to 5 guests.
Attendees under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian.
This is an open-air facility; experience is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.
Reservations are required. Unfortunately, walk-ins will not be permitted.
We request that Members cancel at least 48 hours in advance. Event may be canceled at the discretion of Disney Vacation Club due to inclement weather and Members will be notified via resort communication

If you would like to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

Photo: Disney

Figment Scavenger Hunt to Be Offered During Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 2, 2017

As we officially enter 2017, more details are starting to be revealed about the exciting activities on offer during Epcot’s first Festival of the Arts which will be taking place from January 13th – February 20, 2017. Figment fans will be delighted to know that among these offerings will be Figment’s Brush With the Masters Scavenger Hunt.

Few details have been released but Disney-insiders are speculating that it will be similar to Remy’s Hide and Go Squeak Scavenger Hunt at the Food and Wine Festival which led guests around the World Showcase and to many of the food booths in search of the culinary rat. Disney’s official description of Figment’s event reads as follows: “Can you find Figment? Slip into sleuth mode while searching for clues that lead to the elusive little dragon—leave no painting in the World Showcase unturned!”

The Festival of the Arts is certainly shaping up to be yet another fantastic Epcot festival. Just before Christmas, Disney released an amazing list of leading Broadway artists that would be performing as part of the festivities.

Check out this article for further details.

Thinking about heading to Epcot for the Festival of the Arts? Why not fill out our form below to receive your FREE Disney vacation 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 with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Disney.

Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge to Host Wine Dinner on January 19th

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 2, 2017

Wilderness Lodge’s much-loved Signature Restaurant Artist Point will be playing host to an evening of spectacular cuisine and delicious Oregon wines on January 19, 2017.

The multi-course meal will be hosted by Mary Joli from Willamette Valley Vineyards and will feature seasonal eats with a wine pairing for each course. Other notable culinary talents attending the event will be none other than Artist Point’s own Chef Michael Gonsalves, Chef John Clark from Walt Disney World Catering Company as well as Chef Amanda Lauder from The Ganachery at Disney Springs.

A pre-dinner reception will take place at 6:30pm, with dinner being held from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. The cost to attend is $175.00 per person and includes taxes and gratuities.

Guests looking to book should contact one of the following Disney representatives:

Gary Lee: [email protected] or at 407.538.7192

Waleska Perez-Roasado: [email protected] or at 407.353.3224

Viviana Altesor: [email protected] or at 407.701.3133.

The perfect start to the new year, don’t miss your chance to enjoy this exclusive culinary event. Spaces are limited so guests are encouraged to book early.

Planning a trip to Disney in 2017? Then 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 with everything from finding your perfect resort to helping you nab the best discounts. I’ll also share tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at the parks. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Disney.

That’s No Moon Rising, it’s a Death Star Bluetooth Speaker!

By

Danielle

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January 1, 2017

Although I know I should walk the path of the Jedi, I have to admit the Dark Side has some pretty cool gadgets. This Star Wars Death Star Bluetooth Speaker by ThinkGeek sure does make the Dark Side look fun too.

Star Wars Death Star Bluetooth Speaker

Meet the iHome Death Star Bluetooth Speaker. When you’re not using it, it’s a lovely c. 4 1/2″ diameter Death Star on an acrylic stand. When you are using it, it’s a wireless speaker with one-touch connectivity to your Bluetooth device. Oh, and did we mention it also lights up? Yup. It can also play music from devices with a standard 3.5mm audio out jack (if it has a standard headphone jack, you’re good). Unfortunately, this model doesn’t include Concave Dish Composite Beam Superlaser, but you know, them’s the breaks.

Would you rock out to your favorite Mos Eisley Cantina band with the Death Star Speaker?

Disney-Pixar wins lawsuit over Cars ripoff in China

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 1, 2017

In July of 2015 the Blue MTV movie studio in China released an animated cartoon, “The Autobots”. Disney and Pixar sued the studio for the similarities to their hit movies, “Cars” and “Cars 2” and recently won a settlement of 1.35 million yuan or $195,000.00 USD.

A Shanghai judge said they characters of K1 and K2 in The Autobots too closely resembled Lightening McQueen and Francesco Bernoulli in Cars and Cars 2. The judge also said that Blue MTV copied parts of the film and that the title, posters and characters were to similar to Disney/Pixar’s Cars and Cars 2.

What do you think does Autobots (which is actually from Transformers) look like Pixar’s Cars?

Let us know in the comment box below.

Help make Leia an official Disney Princess

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 1, 2017

Princess Leia was a true Disney Princess. After the sad loss of Carrie Fisher there is a petition for Disney to forgo the rule that all Princesses must be animated and present Princess Leia as a full Disney princess.

The petition is also requesting that there is a full ceremony inducting Leia as a princess to celebrate the memory of Carrie Fisher. So far there is almost 16,000 signatures.

Do you feel like Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) should be recognized as a Disney Princess?

If you do please follow this link and sign the petition.

17 Things to Look Forward to at The Walt Disney World Resort in 2017

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 1, 2017

If you are planning on visiting Walt Disney World this year, then you’ll want to know about the amazing new attractions/rides/adventures that await you in 2017!

1- “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” Fireworks returns at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – This “out of this world” fireworks spectacular just returned two weeks ago to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This amazing show uses the latest projection effects, lighting, lasers and pyrotechnics to light up the sky, Star Wars style. The nightly show puts guests in the middle of the action as they gaze upon Tatooine’s famous twin suns, fight through an army of Trade Federation battle droids, navigate a swirling asteroid field, rocket down the Death Star’s narrow trench and deliver a heroic final blow to Starkiller Base.

2- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story– Inspired Additions to Star Wars Launch Bay – New items have recently been added to Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including a Shoretrooper Blaster, Director Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle, a Death Star model, a U-wing gunship and more.

3- MagicBand 2 Rolls Out – MagicBand 2, the next iteration of bands that offer the same helpful functions as the original bands, have just made their way to select Disney Parks merchandise locations and the Shop Disney Parks app.

4- Exclusive New Star Wars Tour Starts January 2 – This seven-hour experience is led by a Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide. Guests can experience Star Tours – the Adventures Continue; get an insider’s tour and meet characters at Star Wars Launch Bay; screen “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi” and enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items at Backlot Express. The tour wraps at the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which also includes reserved viewing for the show. Younglings ages 4-12 on the Guided Tour package can also train in the way of The Force in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.

5- Disney After Hours Events Return January-March – Disney After Hours event nights will return to Magic Kingdom Park on January 20 and 27; February 2, 9 and 16; and March 2 and 9, 2017. Experience an event that takes place three hours after the park closes and is only open to a limited number of guests (which means much shorter lines) at 25 attractions, character greetings and more.

6- More Yummy Eateries To Debut at Disney Springs – Literally dozens of shopping and dining locations made their debut at Disney Springs in 2016 – and even more are set to open in 2017! Be on the lookout for news and opening dates for Planet Hollywood Observatory, Paddlefish, The Polite Pig, The Edison and Wine Bar George in the new year.

7- Milestone Races for runDisney – This year’s Walt Disney World Half Marathon will mark the 20th year for the race weekend’s 10K, and to celebrate, they’ve made Donald Duck their mascot. Also in anticipation for the release of “Beauty & The Beast” this spring, runDisney has themed this year’s Princess Half Marathon after the film.

8- First-Ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts Starts January 13 – Epcot will start off the year with a bang, offering a brand new art festival for guests to experience. This new offering will run weekends between January 13-February 20, and will showcase visual, culinary and performing arts.

9- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Begins March 1 – This year’s spring festival will begin March 1 and run through May 29. Festival “firsts” this year will include brand-new topiaries of Belle and Figment, two new outdoor kitchens (bringing the total to 15) offering up tasty snacks, a “Cars” interactive play garden for kids in honor of the upcoming film June 2017 release of the Disney•Pixar sequel, “Cars 3.”

10- New Garden Rocks Dining Packages Will Debut At Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – Dining packages will be available on select days at a number of Epcot restaurants, combining dinner and reserved seating for a performance.

11- New Family Raft Ride at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Guests at Typhoon Lagoon can enjoy a new family-style raft attraction this spring. Planned to be one of the longest Disney water park attractions (2 minutes), guests will be immersed in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer. Legend holds that this treasure hunter roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts, until she was marooned at Typhoon Lagoon. Guests will gently ascend in treasure rafts, only to plunge into a whitewater adventure where they just may encounter some of Mary’s legendary treasure.

12- Boulder Ridge Cove, Geyser Point Bar & Grill Opening in Summer 2017 – Scheduled to open at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in summer 2017, Boulder Ridge Cove pool will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool in what appears to have been an abandoned rock quarry. Geyser Point Bar & Grill, a new quick-service eatery, will be located in the heart of the feature pool area of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

13- Pandora – The World of AVATAR Will Open in Summer 2017 – This new land will open its doors at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in summer 2017, and will include attractions AVATAR Flight of Passage and the Na’vi River Journey, the Satu’li Canteen restaurant, Pongu Pongu drink location and Windtraders merchandise shop. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for coverage of future milestones.

14- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Returns for A Record 75 Days – This year’s festival will kick off on August 31 and run through November 13.

15- Epcot’s 35th Anniversary – The second theme park to be built at the Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot, will mark its 35th anniversary on October 1, 2017.

16- More Updates on Star Wars-Inspired Land – Disney’s Animal Kingdom isn’t the only theme park enjoying an expansion. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also adding a Star Wars-inspired land, which is currently under construction at the park. Measuring 14-acres, the new land will transport guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life.

17- Return of Holiday Favorites – Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog in 2017 for vacation planning information useful during the holidays, with updates on next year’s Candlelight Processional narrators, the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to Magic Kingdom Park and “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and more.

Which of the above are you looking forward to most in 2017?

If you would like to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, 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 Parks Blog

Celebrate the New Year with a Look at 2017 Disney Parks Merchandise

By

Danielle

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January 1, 2017

To ring in the New Year, Disney Parks Blog has given a sneak peek at some of the excited new 2017 Disney Parks Merchandise coming soon!

To celebrate the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade to the Magic Kingdom, guests can look forward to all new shirt designs. These designs will feature stylized renditions of all your favorite lighted floats.

Another exciting item will be the return of Disney Park Icons Alex and Ani bracelets! These will replace the existing Park Icon bangles with newly updated designs.

There’s always room for one more… pair of socks! New “streeeetch-y” socks inspired by the Haunted Mansion will be making their debut soon.

A few new stackable and huggable friends will be making their way into wilderness lovers hearts!

Be on the look out for gorgeous new mini tea sets, inspired by Disney Parks locations. These tea sets are highly detailed, and feature elements from popular attractions.

Don’t worry, our furry friends are not forgotten with the 2017 Disney Parks Merchandise! An all new line of Disney Tails pet merchandise will be on it’s way to add some Disney magic to our loving pets’ lives.

Ever wish you could change the look of your Minnie Mouse ear headbands? Well now you can! These fun ears feature a detachable bow so you can change the look at your fancy.

Vintage lovers are in for a treat in 2017! Epcot 35th Anniversary merchandise, and a delightful Orange Bird Dress will be available to bring back nostalgia.

Of course we can’t forget the Opening of Pandora in Animal Kingdom is set for 2017! To commemorate the event three special pins will be released for the debut!

What do you think of the new goodies coming soon for the Disney Parks in 2017?

Disney set to receive $50 Million Dollar Claim for the death of Carrie Fisher

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Disney News

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December 31, 2016

According to the Insurance Insider Disney took out a $50 Million Dollar accidental insurance policy on Carrie Fisher in case she was unable to fulfill her 3 film obligations in the new Star Wars movies.

Since her death just a few days ago and even though Disney is already done filming her parts for Episode VIII, she was slated to have a major role in Episode IX, so Disney’s insurance is set to payout.

This is the biggest ever single personal accident claim payout.

No word on what Disney plans on doing with the money.

Top 5 Favorite Disney Puzzles For a Cozy Winter Night In

By

Danielle

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December 31, 2016

One of my favorite traditions over winter break with my whole family (Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents etc) is putting together a puzzle. We each add pieces to it, and it is simply just a great family bonding experience. Being such a big Disney fan, you know I’d have to find some Disney Puzzles! Here is my top 5 favorites.

5. Classic Disney 5-in-1 Multipack Jigsaw Puzzle Set

You can collect and piece together your favorite Disney characters with this set! The Classic Disney Puzzle Multipack set includes 5 jigsaw puzzles, two 300 piece puzzles, two 500 piece puzzles and a 700 piece puzzle. The puzzles measure 11″x15″ (300) 14″x18″ (500) and 24″x18″ (700) when assembled.

4. Disneyland 60th Diamond Anniversary Celebration 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Of course I can’t leave out a chance to celebrate the Disneyland 60th anniversary! Although I wasn’t able to go myself, I have loved all the “Diamond” themed merchandise, including this 1000 piece puzzle.

3. Thomas Kinkade Tangled Rapunzel Puzzle

Thomas Kinkade is one of the most famous painters of Disney Fine art pieces. This 750 piece beauty, is of one of his enchanting Tangled paintings. I love the reflections of the floating lanterns on the floral surrounded water.

2. Disney Stained Art Jigsaw Puzzle

This is one of the most magnificent Disney puzzles I’ve ever seen. It features tons of popular Disney favorites as stained glass mosaics. This puzzle is an absolute masterpiece when finished, but I do forewarn it’s a tough one to do.

1. Ravensburger Disney Panoramic 1000 Piece Puzzle

Last but not least, the Ravensburger Disney Panoramic 1000 Piece Puzzle. It’s a wonderfully colored and detailed image of all your favorite Disney characters, in one 1000 piece panoramic puzzle! Ravensburger makes each jigsaw piece unique with handcrafted tools, which creates a high quality masterpiece.

So there you have my favorite Disney puzzles for a cozy winter night in! Which Disney Puzzles are your favorite? Did I leave out one you love?

Magic Kingdom Under a Phased Closure Due to High Crowd Levels

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 31, 2016

Visitors to Magic Kingdom are reporting that Disney is closing its doors to some guests this afternoon in a measure designed to keep crowds at a manageable level. This marks the first capacity closing of the holiday season.

As of an hour ago the park was at a Phase B closing. This means that Magic Kingdom is closed to guests with one day tickets, and that there is no re-entering or crossing over from another park unless one of the following conditions apply:

Guests are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort including the Four Seasons Resort, Swan, Dolphin or Shades of Green. This also includes Hotel Plaza Boulevard guests arriving by bus as well as residents of Golden Oak and their guests.
WDW Premier Passport, Annual and Premium Passholders
Guests with Memory Maker
Guests with Dining Reservations or tickets to other onsite bookable event.

At this time, it is reported that guests with 1-day Magic Kingdom Park entry will be able to use their ticket to visit one of Walt Disney World’s other 3 theme parks.

Learn more about Park Closures at our sister-site DisneyAddicts.

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

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on-hand to help you with everything from booking 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.

Travel Weekly Names Disney as the Best Vacation Experience

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 31, 2016

Travel Weekly recently unveiled its winners for the trade publication’s latest Readers Choice Awards and it’s really no surprise that Disney made the list – not once, not twice, but three times!

Readers named Adventures by Disney® as the best tour operator in the “adventure” category, Disney Cruise Line as the best “family experience” cruise line and Walt Disney World Resort as the best “theme park.”

The winners, ranging from hotels to tour operators and airlines to cruise lines in a total of 78 categories, represent the finest in travel and Disney is honored to be among them.

Whether you’re looking to explore faraway lands with Adventures by Disney, sail the high seas with Disney Cruise Line or discover the magic of Walt Disney World Resort, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

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

Photo Credit: Disney