Garden Party Returning to The Grand Floridian

By

-

December 12, 2016

On Saturday, December 17, from 7 p.m.-10 p.m, The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is once again offering a wonderful evening of relaxation for guests.

According to Orlando Theme Park News, The Garden Party is returning at the Mary Poppins Garden located outside 1900 Park Fare for the special event. At this special event, guests will be able to enjoy live music, and will have the option of purchasing special cocktails. Tickets and/or Reservations are not needed, and all guests are invited to attend, not just guests of the Grand Floridian.

Will you be checking out this special event?

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.

Sanaa Offering new Fast-Casual Breakfast

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 12, 2016

On the heels of ABC Commissary offering a new Fast Casual Dinner menu at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we hear now that Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is offering new breakfast options for guests as well.

Disney made the announcement today with the following description of the new offering:

Kuamsha means “awakening” in Swahili, and what better way to “awaken” than with a delicious breakfast at Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. A new casual quick service dining experience is available from 7 to 10 a.m., where guests can get made-to-order breakfast while taking in a view of the sweeping savannah.

Offerings include the Boere Breakfast, which features two eggs any style, tomato chutney, Tanzanian hash browns, bacon, Boerewors sausage and a Johnny Cake. The Safari Waffle is topped with seasonal berries and Chai whipped cream. Vegans will love the Fruit Sosatie, with quinoa and dried fruit salad, a hearty breakfast with delicate flavors. Other entrees include a Sunrise Sandwich and kids options. You can also get a press pot of coffee as well as drip coffee, juices and milk.

Once you place your order, you will be given a number to take back to your table where a Cast member will deliver your food once it is ready.

There are also great Grab ‘n’ Go selections as well. Yogurt parfait, fruit plate, boerewors sausage and egg bobotie pie, banana bread with house-made African chocolate-hazelnut spread, African breakfast cereal, assorted pastries and whole fruits.

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

Christmas around the Monorail Resorts at Disney World

By

Chip

-

December 12, 2016

Yesterday we did some resort hopping at the Monorail resorts at Walt Disney World to check out the Christmas Decorations. The Contemporary & Grand Floridian were by the best places to spread the holiday cheer as they both smell wonderful and have some beautiful gingerbread displays you won’t want to miss.

Here is my photo tour of the Monorail resorts for Christmas.

Let’s start with the Contemporary Resort:

img_20161211_114535524_burst000_cover_top

Next stop was the lackluster Polynesian Resort:

img_20161211_124954910_burst000_cover_top

img_20161211_124919429_burst000_cover_top

img_20161211_125044592_burst000_cover_top

Finally here is the beautiful Grand Floridan:

img_20161211_132124410_burst000_cover_top

img_20161211_131819415_burst000_cover_top

img_20161211_131625717_burst000_cover_top

img_20161211_131620343_burst000_cover_top

img_20161211_131604956_burst000_cover_top

img_20161211_131326486_burst000_cover_top

img_20161211_131151126_burst000_cover_top

In case you missed Lisette’s coverage of the Gingerbread Displays check it out here.

Merry Christmas!

Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt At Disney Springs Is Festive Fun For Everyone

By

Lisette R

-

December 12, 2016

Disney Springs is definitely the place to be for the holidays this year with all of the new offerings. One of the new additions this year is a fun holiday hunt through a variety of shops. Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt is festive fun for everyone. Here is my review of this new experience.

The first step on your Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt adventure is to pick up your map guide at any of the participating locations. I stopped by the Disney Springs Welcome Center in the Town Center Neighborhood. I was given a booklet that contains all of the information one would need to complete the hunt.

Your map booklet opens with a poem of instructions. The idea is that Stitch has lost his holiday shopping list. Now that you have found his list, you set off an adventure to find Stitch and the gifts for his Ohana.

The booklet contains a map of all the participating shops. There are twelve shops in the four neighborhoods of Disney Springs. You can either focus solely on the hunt, like I did, and complete it in about an hour and a half, or stop into each of the shops throughout the day on your visit to Disney Springs.

Your journey will take you to such places as Amorette’s Patisserie and The Ganachery. The booklet features a Clue, for each venue, in the form of a cute poem. Some of the participating locations even offer free samples to add to the festive feel of Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt.

Stitch is very sneaky so look carefully. Once you see him, you will notice he is holding a different gift in each shop. Your booklet contains stickers for each of those gifts. You then place the corresponding sticker in the gift box, of your booklet, for that shop.

After you have found Stitch, with the gifts for his Ohana, in each of the twelve locations, you head to one of four redemption centers to obtain your festive gift. The redemption centers are located at the Disney Springs Welcome Center, Once Upon A Toy, Super Hero Headquarters, and the World of Disney Information Desk. Your special gift, for completing Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt, is a festive button. I have to say that this is one of the cutest Disney-themed buttons I have ever seen and I am very pleased with it.

Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt is available through January 8, 2017 and is free for everyone. If you are visiting Disney Springs this holiday season then this hunt is a wonderful way to spend some fun quality time with loved ones. I did the Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt alone, however I will be returning with family members next week. I recommend this festive hunt for all ages. Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt really is fun for everyone.

Will you be adventuring through Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt at Disney Springs this holiday season? Please leave your comments in the box below.

“Rogue One” Red Carpet Premiere Pics!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 12, 2016

The World Premiere Of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" — (L-R front row) Producer Allison Shearmur, actors Mads Mikkelsen, Riz Ahmed, Felicity Jones, Alan Tudyk and Donnie Yen (back row) Walt Disney Studios President Alan Bergman, Screenwriter Chris Weitz, Executive producer John Knoll, director Gareth Edwards, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn, producer Kathleen Kennedy, actor Ben Mendelsohn, Executive producer Jason McGatlin, Composer Michael Giacchino, producer Simon Emanuel and The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Disney)

What better reason to shut down Hollywood Blvd than the red carpet premiere of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”! Especially if you’re going to have a full-scale X-wing there. Check out some of the red carpet pictures!

Felicity Jones (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Tony Revolori (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)

Ben Mendelsohn (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Mads Mikkelsen (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Alan Tudyk (L) and composer Michael Giacchino (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)

Diego Luna (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)

(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

(Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Disney)

More Great Disney Themed Pet Items from Pet Smart

By

Danielle

-

December 11, 2016

Recently Pet Smart debuted a new line of Disney themed pet goods. We already checked out the super cute Mickey and Minnie Dome Pet Beds, but there are many other Disney Themed Pet Items to see!

Introduce your four legged friend to one of the most beloved characters of our time with the Disney by Sentiments Mickey Mouse Collection. The totally cute Disney pet items, are all in Mickey’s classic Red and Black motif, with fun elements like Mickey ears and faces mixed in. There’s a simple cuddler pet bed with a cushion covered in Mickey faces, and comes with a matching bone shaped toy, a convertible cuddler bed that’s a 2 in 1 style, a soft blanket that is a perfect accompaniment to any of the new beds, and a chic double pet bowl. Right now you can get free shipping, with no minimum purchase at PetSmart.com! Offer valid until December 18th.

Disney® Mickey Mouse Cuddler Pet Bed

This high-quality bed is made with premium quality materials and generously filled with poly fibers to provide your furry loved one with lasting comfort and support. It also includes a 9″ toy bone (includes two squeakers) that can also be used as a pillow.

Disney® Mickey Mouse Pants 2-in-1 Honeycomb Pet Cuddler Bed8

The Mickey Mouse Pants 2-in-1 Honeycomb Hut-Cuddler is made with a durable yet flexible foam construction. This one-of-a-kind dog or cat bed transforms from a Dome bed to a pup sofa, providing the ultimate functionality for you and your furry loved one.

Disney® Mickey Mouse Pet Throw Blanket

The Mickey Mouse Pet Throw Blanket can be used alone or as an accessory to a Mickey Mouse dog/cat bed. This fun and functional throw blanket is made with ultra-soft microplush throughout that’s perfect for relaxation time.

Disney® Mickey Mouse Double Diner Pet Bowl

This chic and functional double diner set includes two removable stainless steel bowls, each with an embossed Mickey Mouse head icon on the inside base of the bowl. It’s a great way to showcase that your entire family loves all things Disney!

I know a lot of furry friends that would love these great Disney themed pet items, do you?

Beautiful Personalized Disney Ornaments That Hang Up with Style

By

Danielle

-

December 11, 2016

I love having Disney ornaments for my tree, but I also love changing the color scheme of my tree now ant then. These chic and stylish Personalized Disney Ornaments from GetHungUp on Etsy are perfect to match any color motif.

Made with made clear acrylic with frosted white writing, you can have a unique personalized ornament to hang on any tree. Because these have such a sleek look, you could even hang them around the house when it’s not Christmas time. You can get ones with first names, a last name, dates, or even a cheeky Disney quote. I love the idea of one that says “Best Day Ever” with a wedding date! Check out the darling designs below.

These are so beautiful and romantic that they would also be perfect for Bridal showers too!

Do you like to have personalized Disney ornaments on your Christmas tree?

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Merchandise Shows up at Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

-

December 11, 2016

While browsing the shops in Disney’s Hollywood Studios I stumbled across some of the new Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Merchandise. You can find Rogue One Merch in almost all of the shops now. Many of these photos were from Star Wars Launch Bay but every shop we into had something.

Here are just some of the items I found.

Top DIY Gifts For Disney Lovers

By

Catie

-

December 11, 2016

I don’t know about you, but nothing puts me in the holiday spirit like crafting! Putting on some Christmas music and humming along while I cut and paste under the glow of the lights from the Christmas tree – there’s nothing quite like it! For me, the best part of the season is making things to share with others – and I must say, this year I have come up with some pretty awesome ideas of things to make. Check out my top DIY Holiday gifts for Disney Lovers:

This Goofy Holiday Frame is perfect for gifting to the grandparents and other family (perhaps with a photo of the kids posing with Santa?)

What You’ll Need:
-Regular Paper or cardstock
-Scissors

How To Make It:
-Print out the frame on regular paper
*or use cardstock for a sturdier frame!
-Cut out the frame and the middle white section (where the picture will show through)
*To cut into the middle section, gently pinch the paper and cut a slit to get started
-When you are finished cutting out the frame, tape a photo to the back of it so the picture shows through
Add the frame to your holiday scrapbook or display it somewhere in your home for everyone to see!

Pro Tips:
-Use an Xacto knife to cut foamboard in the shape of the frame too, and glue the frame to it for an even sturdier frame!
-stick some adhesive backed magnets to the frame for easy refrigerator or office display

Edible Gifts: These are my favorite kinds of gifts to give (and receive, too!) – it’s truly a gift that comes from the heart! Whip up one of this Disney-Inspired Recipes to share with your loved ones:

Ghiradelli Hot Fudge – Because who doesn’t want chocolate for Christmas? The smell and taste of this stuff brings back happy memories of devouring sundaes while basking in the sun at WDW
(Recipe Courtesy of Magical Recipes)

Ingredients
4 ounces Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 & 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Instructions
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine chocolate, sugar, water & corn syrup.
Stir continuously until chocolate & butter has melted and sugar is dissolved.
When mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat and continue slightly boiling for 10 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Gift this mouth-watering treat to family and friends in a mason jar tied with a pretty ribbon

Cookies are another great thing to give as a gift – check out these Mickey Snowmen and Gingerbread cookies

Here’s hoping this ideas will help you knock a few items off you “to give” gift list!

First Trailer For Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 11, 2016

Marvel fans re-met this well known character in “Captain America: Civil War”. It was one of the most exciting and anticipated parts of that film. Now, Tom Holland’s Spider-Man has his own film. Check out the trailer:

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” is scheduled to be in theatres on July 7, 2017.

Disney’s Vero Beach Offers new Menu Items with a Focus on Local Seafood

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 11, 2016

Just like Disney’s Parks and their Resorts often do, Disney’s Vero Beach has also undergone a fantastic new renovation/refurbishment that are certainly aimed to improve guest experience.

The resort recently debuted a makeover that includes a new restaurant, market and bar with new menus; the expansive Wind & Waves Grill, with the adjacent Wine & Waves Market. Poolside, you’ll even be able to enjoy the new Wind & Waves Bar.

According to an announcement about the new changes by Disney, the 68-seat Wind & Waves Grill has a casual, beachy feel with classic nautical touches and features on-stage cooking with an oak-fired grill and brick oven. It’s American cuisine with a focus on Florida seafood and locally sourced produce, such as brick-oven-roasted Florida clams in local IPA broth with fennel and garlic, oak-grilled grouper and the restaurant’s signature shrimp with creamy cheese grits. The flatbreads made in the wood-burning oven include versions such as cheeseburger, barbecued chicken and a bacon-lettuce-tomato creation. Kids will love the interactive desserts.

Wind & Waves Market is open daily and offers “grab ‘n’ go” selections as well as freshly prepared dishes from breakfast through dinner. Think hot breakfast sandwiches, yogurt, smoothies, specialty coffees for breakfast, and burgers, hot dogs, deli sandwiches and salads throughout the day – perfect beachside eats. You’ll also find grocery items that formerly were in the Island Grove Packing Company shop. And best of all, Disney’s classic Dole Whip!

Wind & Waves Bar features poolside craft beers, signature cocktails and light snacks.

Best of all, guests can take advantage of their Annual Passholder Discounts, as well as use their Tables in Wonderland card!

What do you think of the new offerings at Disney’s Vero Beach?

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

Disney Springs Offers Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt With Festive Surprise

By

Lisette R

-

December 11, 2016

Did you know that you can win a festive holiday gift for participating in Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt at Disney Springs this holiday season? Pick up your map booklet at a redemption center and head off on an adventure with Stitch. The map will give you the Disney Springs store locations to stop in and find Stitch holding a gift. You then proceed to place the appropriate sticker in each gift box of your map booklet. When you have discovered all of Stitch’s gifts, bring your completed map booklet back to one of four redemption centers to receive your festive surprise.

20161210_195103

This interactive experience is free for all ages. I am heading off now to find Stitch and all of his fun gifts. Stay tuned for a full review of my experience with this fun new hunt, that made its appearance just in time for the 2016 holiday season.

What do you think of Disney Springs offering Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt this holiday season? Please leave your comments in the box below.