Early Run Disney Registration for Disney Vacation Club Members

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December 9, 2016

Being a Disney Vacation Club Member sure does have its perks, and one of DVC Member favorites is the ability to register early for RunDisney races. Being a DVC member allows you early access to the runDisney registration for all of the races, and Disney has announced the early registration information for members:

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna®

Event Dates: August 31 – September 3, 2017

Location: Disneyland Resort in California

Early Registration Starts: Thursday, December 8, 2016 at noon Eastern Time / 9:00 AM Pacific Time

Early Registration Ends: Monday, December 12, 2016 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time / 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Disneyland Paris – Val d’Europe – Half Marathon Weekend

Event Dates: September 21 – 24, 2017

Location: Disneyland Paris

Race Details: Learn More

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend presented by MISFIT™

Event Dates: November 2 – 5, 2017

Location: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

Early Registration Starts: Thursday, January 12, 2017 at noon Eastern Time / 9:00 AM Pacific Time

Early Registration Ends: Monday, January 16, 2017 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time / 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend

Event Dates: November 9–12, 2017

Location: Disneyland Resort in California

Early Registration Starts: Thursday, January 26, 2017 at noon Eastern Time / 9:00 AM Pacific Time

Early Registration Ends: Monday, January 30, 2017 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time / 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna®

Event Dates: January 3–7, 2018

Location: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

Early Registration Starts: Thursday, February 9, 2017 at noon Eastern Time / 9:00 AM Pacific Time

Early Registration Ends: Monday, February 13, 2017 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time / 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Star Wars™ Half Marathon – The Light Side

Event Dates: January 11–14, 2018

Location: Disneyland Resort in California

Early Registration Starts: Thursday, March 9, 2017 at noon Eastern Time / 9:00 AM Pacific Time

Early Registration Ends: Monday, March 13, 2017 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time / 5:00 PM Pacific Time

runDisney Virtual Running Shorts Series

Event Dates: Summer 2017

Registration Starts: April 11, 2017 at noon Eastern Time / 9:00 AM Pacific Time

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Event Dates: February 22–25, 2018

Location: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

Early Registration Starts: Thursday, April 27, 2017 at noon Eastern Time / 9:00 AM Pacific Time

Early Registration Ends: Monday, May 1, 2017 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time / 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Star Wars™ Half Marathon – The Dark Side

Events Dates: April 19–22, 2018

Location: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

Early Registration Starts: Thursday, May 18, 2017 at noon Eastern Time / 9:00 AM Pacific Time

Early Registration Ends: Monday, May 22, 2017 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time / 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Images of the 2016 Dark Side Medals can be found here.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend presented by PANDORA® Jewelry

Events Dates: May 10–13, 2018

Location: Disneyland Resort in California

Early Registration Starts: Thursday, June 22, 2017 at noon Eastern Time / 9:00 AM Pacific Time

Early Registration Ends: Monday, June 26, 2017 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time / 5:00 PM Pacific Time

If you like to run, or are looking for some support in training for a RunDisney event, check out our You Might be A Disney Addict Race Team Facebook group for Run Disney Runners here!

If you would like to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World to run a Disney race, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I’m an avid Run Disney fan and I have even run races at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World! 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: Run Disney

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Release Dates Announced For China

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 9, 2016

Disney has set a Jan. 6, 2017 release date in China for “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” according to a Disney representative in the country.

The movie, which stars Felicity Jones and Diego Luna, opens Dec. 16 in the U.S. The plot centers on a group of unlikely heroes who band together to steal the plans to the Death Star — the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction.

The cast of Gareth Edwards’ film includes two Chinese stars, Donnie Yen and Wen Jiang, who both feature prominently in the movie’s local poster.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” opened in China on Jan. 9, 2016, and racked up a record-breaking $53 million over its opening weekend. The final gross in the territory was $125 million. The movie grossed $2.1 billion globally.

China is the world’s second-biggest box-office territory, and continues to grow at speed. Theatrical admissions exceeded that of North America for the first time in the first half of this year, increasing by almost 30% to 722.9 million, according to media analyst firm IHS Technology.

“Guardians Of The Galaxy” Vol. 2 Gets In On The Hero Act!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 9, 2016

Marvel studios newly launched Hero Acts is having an awesome give away! If you submit a photo through the Hero Acts website, one winner will receive a trip to the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2” red carpet premiere. All photos must be submitted between now and February 28, 2017.

Additionally, Marvel Studios is tripling each donation from $5 to $15 for every photo posted through this Saturday. They’ll also donate an extra $15 when users share that photo on Facebook or Twitter.

Check out the video for the whole explanation.

Pixar’s Coco and other movie news

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 9, 2016

Pixar’s next original movie, called “Coco”, and it’s the sole novel film for the studio over the next few years. Then production ramps up for Cars 3 (scheduled for release in June 2017) and then “The Incredibles 2” and “Toy Story 4”.

First, the voice cast: Benjamin Bratt and Gael García Bernal will lead “Coco” alongside newcomer Anthony Gonzalez, who will voice the film’s main character, a 12-year-old Mexican boy named Miguel. Character actress Renée Victor also joins the cast as Abuelita, Miguel’s grandmother. However, to understand whom Bratt and Bernal are voicing, it helps to get a little context. What’s “Coco” even about?

“Coco” follows the secret musical ambitions of Miguel, who resides in a lively, loud Mexican village but comes from a family of shoemakers that may be the town’s only music-hating household. For generations, the Riveras have banned music because they believe they’ve been cursed by it; as their family history goes, Miguel’s great-great-grandfather abandoned his wife decades earlier to follow his own dreams of performing, leaving Imelda (Miguel’s great-great-grandmother) to take control as the matriarch of the now-thriving Rivera line and declare music dead to the family forever.

But Miguel harbors a secret desire to seize his musical moment, inspired by his favorite singer of all time, the late Ernesto de la Cruz (Bratt). It’s only after Miguel discovers an amazing link between himself and De la Cruz that he takes action to emulate the famous singer and, in doing so, accidentally enters the Land of the Dead.

In the beautiful underworld, it’s not long until Miguel encounters the souls of his own family — generations’ worth of long-dead but no less vivacious Rivera ancestors, including great-great-grandmother Imelda. Still, given the opportunity to roam around the Land of the Dead, Miguel decides to track down De la Cruz himself. He teams up with another friendly (and skeletal) spirit — a trickster named Hector, voiced by Bernal — to find De la Cruz, earn his family’s blessing to perform, and return to the Land of the Living before time runs out.

“It was important to us from day one that we had an all-Latino cast,” says Unkrich, who with producer Anderson shepherded “Toy Story 3” to become the world’s second highest-grossing animated film. “It focused us, and we ended up with a fantastic mix of people — some from Mexico and some from Los Angeles.”

There’s plenty more “Coco” coming your way to tide you over until the film is released on Nov. 22, 2017.

Adventures by Disney now Offers Private Group Travel

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 8, 2016

Enjoy private group travel with Adventures by Disney to some of the most exciting destinations around the globe. Guests can enjoy an exclusive Adventures by Disney vacation limited to their own small group of family, friends or colleagues along with their very own Adventure Guide.

When you take a Private Group Travel trip, receive all the remarkable benefits of an Adventures by Disney privately guided vacation, including a completely hassle-free experience so that you can focus on making the most of your time. Explore the destination you’ve chosen, treasure your group members anew, take a moment to relax—and simply have fun!

Choose from a variety of delightful itineraries around the globe—and decide on the Private Group Travel vacation that most fits your needs.

Take your pick of any of these exciting destinations:

•Austria, Germany and Czech Republic
•France
•Italy and Switzerland
•Italy and Amalfi Coast
•Norway
•Scotland
•England and France
•Spain
•Greece
•Costa Rica
•Ecuador: Amazon and the Galápagos Islands
•Peru
•China
•Disneyland Resort and Southern California
•Washington D.C. and Philadelphia
•Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos

Private Group Travel pricing depends on the size of your group (with a minimum of 10 people required). The more people you bring on the Adventure, the more each person will save on the price. The price can range anywhere between $3,219 and $6,889 per adult depending upon the destination.

AIRFARE TO AND FROM DESTINATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRIVATE GROUP TRAVEL PRICES. All prices are in U.S. dollars. All prices are subject to change without notice. Child rates available (applicable to Guests under 12 at the time of travel when accompanied by an adult in the same room). Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you are traveling with children, check this trip’s minimum eligibility age and recommended minimum age. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Adventures by Disney vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE!

Photo Credit: Adventures by Disney

Limited Edition Moana and Maui itty bittys Sail in for the Holidays

By

Danielle

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December 8, 2016

Moana has been riding the waves to new heights in the box office, and with good reason! This plucky new Disney heroine is brave, full of heart, determined, and is even friends with the ocean. Now Moana and the Demi God Maui can sail home with you in time for the Holidays as these adorable Limited Edition Moana and Maui itty bittys!

Hallmark itty bittys are cute little plush stylized as your favorite Characters from movies, shows and books. They fit a lot of excitement into an adorably fun sized package! These charming stuffed animals are perfect as gifts, collectibles or toys for your friends and family. They also make great Secret Santa gifts!

itty bittys Moana Stuffed Animal Limited Edition

Independent and determined, Moana sets sail from her island home in the South Pacific to fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. Bring home the adventure as this tiny version of the spirited explorer joins the lineup of Hallmark’s itty bittys® plush characters.

itty bittys Maui Stuffed Animal Limited Edition

With his larger-than-life personality and presence, Maui joins Moana on an action-packed journey. Bring home the adventure as this tiny version of the legendary demigod joins the lineup of Hallmark’s itty bittys® plush characters.

Right now at Hallmark you can even get the limited edition Moana and Maui itty bittys BUY 1 GET 1 50% OFF!

Which new limited edition itty bitty is your favorite?

A Gift fit for a Princess, Disney Princess Funko Pop Vinyl Figures

By

Danielle

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December 8, 2016

Do you have a princess in your life who is all about the Disney Princesses? These adorable Disney Princess Funko Pop Vinyl Figures are a great gift that is both fun, and collectible! With so many Disney Princesses to choose from, it’s easy to find a perfect gift for the princesses in your life.

Cinderella Funko Pop

From Cinderella, Shimmering Dress Cinderella Amazon Exclusive, as a stylized POP vinyl from Funko! This figure has a shiny gloss finish that makes Cinderella’s dress really pop!

Belle Funko Pop

From Beauty & the Beast, Belle, as a stylized POP vinyl from Funko. Stylized collectable stands 3 ¾ inches tall, perfect for any Beauty & the Beast fan.

Rapunzel Funko Pop

From Tangled, Rapunzel, as a stylized POP vinyl from Funko. Stylized collectable stands 3 ¾ inches tall, perfect for any Tangled fan.

Ariel Funko Pop

There’s only one Ariel Little Mermaid, and here she is in vinyl. This 3 3/4″ Disney Ariel Little Mermaid Pop. Vinyl Figure presents one of the most important characters in Disney’s rich pantheon, poised to add some pop culture to your house in a unique stylized form you’ve probably never seen before.

Mulan Funko Pop

She brought honor to her family and now she’ll bring honor to your collection! This Mulan Pop! Vinyl Figure features the young heroine from the Disney animated film with the same name, holding the sword of Shan Yu.

Merida Funko Pop

Let Merida help you be brave. This Brave Merida Disney Pixar Princess Pop. Vinyl Figure features the courageous and fiery young princess from Disney Pixar’s Brave film rendered in the adorable Pop.

Elsa Funko Pop

Freeze! The Elsa Pop Figure is ready to use her icy powers, with a shimmering snowflake in hand.

Pocahontas Funko Pop

From Disney’s Pocahontas, Pocahontas, as a stylized POP vinyl from Funko!

Anna Funko Pop

From Disney’s comedy adventure Frozen, it’s Anna herself! Funko has given Anna the POP! Vinyl treatment! Now you can bring the epic journey to your home or office!

Tina Funko Pop

From Princess & the Frog, Tiana, as a stylized POP vinyl from Funko.

Moana Funko Pop

Our newest Disney Princess has arrived, Moana! The daughter of a Polynesian chief who is ready to set out for adventure with her friend, the Sea.

Which Disney Princess Funko Pop Vinyl Figures would be the perfect for your Disney Princess this Christmas?

Annual Passholders Could Win a Free Trip to China!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 8, 2016

In celebration of Adventures by Disney’s new 14-Day VIP China Theme Parks Guided Group Vacation, Adventures by Disney are offering the chance for two lucky Annual Passholders and a guest to go on this epic guided tour for FREE through The Pass To China Sweepstakes.

The tour, which wil $9,500 per person, offers 14 days/13 nights in China at Shanghai Disney Resort, Disneyland Resort in California and at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The highlights include special access to attractions, behind the scenes tours, VIP guides as well as trips to amazing destinations like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Tianamen Square. Sweepstakes winners will also be treated to a special pre-night Disneyland experience that will include surprise visits at Disneyland Resort, behind the scenes surprises and a very special trip to the Disneyland Dream Suite and Walt’s Private Apartment.

The sweepstakes are open to all Walt Disney World Annual Passholders as well as Disneyland Passholders and one entry will be drawn from each pool. Those interested in entering the sweepstakes should visit passtochina.com . Only one entry per guest per day will be accepted. The sweepstakes will run until February 28, 2017 with winners being drawn on March 1, 2017.

Thinking about a Disney getaway? Fill out our from below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then book your next trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to lend a hand with everything from creating your perfect package to helping you nab 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.

Coca-Cola, LEGOLAND Florida Resort and Select Walmart Stores Team Up to Make the Holidays Merry and Bright for Polk County Kids

By

Chip

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December 8, 2016

Now through Dec. 31, kids go free at LEGOLAND Florida Resort when guests purchase a new, unwrapped toy valued at $5 or more at dozens of participating Walmart locations in Central Florida, then donate the toy at the Winter Haven, Fla., theme park and purchase an adult ticket at the same time. It’s all part of a great promotion that unites Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LEGOLAND, Walmart Stores, Inc., and Toys for Tots in a unique effort to brighten the holidays of deserving children.

In order to receive the Kids Go Free discount, the donated toy must be purchased at participating Walmart stores from Tampa to Daytona Beach, and dropped off in Toys for Tots collection bins at the theme park entrance. Walmart proof of purchase must be presented along with the donated toy to receive the Kids Go Free discount.

In addition, the purchase of an adult ticket is required at the time of the toy donation to receive the free child’s ticket. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions, and adult tickets purchased prior to the toy donation are not eligible to receive the Kids Go Free discount.

The donated toys will benefit kids in Florida’s Polk County, home of LEGOLAND Florida Resort, through the Toys for Tots program. A printable PDF list of all participating Walmart stores is available online at http://bit.ly/2g4dQP8.

The Kids Go Free offer, which is valid through Dec. 31, 2016, entitles guests to one free child’s admission with the purchase of one full-price adult admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Each qualifying toy is eligible for one Kids Go Free discount with purchase of single-day adult admission.

“This promotion is a perfect example of our partnership with our valued customers, Walmart and LEGOLAND Florida Resort,” said Reginald Goins, chief operating officer of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida. “We are proud to be serving the community together during the holiday season.”

Adrian Jones, general manager of LEGOLAND Florida Resort, said it’s a perfect example of parent company’s Merlin Entertainments’ commitment to enriching the communities in which it operates.

“As a vacation destination built for kids, we’re delighted to work with other businesses that share our desire to brighten the spirits of children,” he said.

According to George Overstreet, co-coordinator of Toys for Tots Polk County, the effort is a welcome gesture of goodwill for the region’s youngest members.

“Every child deserves a toy for Christmas,” he said.

Meanwhile, on several dates through Dec. 21, LEGOLAND Model Citizens will greet shoppers at multiple Central Florida Walmart locations, with lots of fun for kids planned at each stop:

Thursday, Dec. 8

10 a.m. to noon: 4444 W. Vine St., Kissimmee
2-4 p.m.: 1471 E. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee

Sunday, Dec. 11

10 a.m. to noon: 5991 S. Goldenrod Road, Orlando
2-4 p.m.: 11250 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando

Tuesday, Dec. 13

1-3 p.m.: 13300 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

Wednesday, Dec. 14

10 a.m. to noon: 3101 W. Princeton St., Orlando

Friday, Dec. 16

10 a.m. to noon: 2140 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico
2-4 p.m.: 11110 Causeway Blvd., Brandon

Tuesday, Dec. 20

1-3 p.m.: 10237 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg

Wednesday, Dec. 21

1-3 p.m.: 28500 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

Photo Editing Added to My Disney Experience iOS App

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 8, 2016

My Disney Experience launched an upgrade on Wednesday night (December 7th) that now gives guests using an iOS device the ability to edit Disney’s PhotoPass photos directly within their My Disney Experience App. This service is available to guests that have purchased digital downloads either individually, as part of a Memory Maker package or Annual Passholders with a Disney PhotoPass benefit.

The upgrade will allow guests to crop photos, add stickers and boarders and apply filters. However, users should note that once alterations have been made to an image, the edits will not be saved in the Disney account. Rather, it is essential that guests save the edited photo to their camera roll if they want to keep the edits they have made. This means that users interested in ordering a photo gift from MyDisneyPhotoPass.com will now need to go through the extra step of uploading the image directly from your device.

As of going to print, no news has been announced as to whether Android devices will receive the same upgrades.

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

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 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.

Magic Kingdom After Hours Event is back now at lower price

By

Chip

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December 8, 2016

Magic Kingdom’s after hours paid event, “Disney After Hours” will make it’s return this January at a new lower price.

It was originally priced at $149 per person but after the low attendance Disney has lowered the cost significantly to $119 plus tax for ages 3and up.

So far there are 7 dates currently on the calendar:

January 20 & 27, February 2, 9 & 16, and March 2 & 9 2017.

Disney After Hours ticket, which is separately priced from a regular Magic Kingdom admission ticket, allows entry into the park at 7 pm to enjoy dining, evening entertainment and fireworks.

As day guests leave at the regularly scheduled closing time, Disney After Hours participants are able to enjoy three more hours of little-to-no-wait access to more than 25 attractions.

Here are five reasons you should consider it for your upcoming vacation.

1. Access to Attractions with little to no wait – More than 25 attractions remain open during Disney After Hours. A limited number of tickets are sold for each event night, meaning significantly shorter – or maybe even no lines!

2. Park Access – While the Event begins after regular park closing, your ticket allows admission earlier. The Disney After Hours ticket allows you in the park at 7 p.m. so you can enjoy the evening parade and fireworks.

3. Meet Characters – both Mickey Mouse and Disney princesses are available for photo ops, usually again with much shorter lines.

4. Amazing photo ops – Have you ever wanted to take that perfect picture of your favorite attraction lit up at night? Smaller crowds may make that possible.

5. Ice cream included – Mickey Premium Bar lovers won’t want to miss out on this part of the night. Beverages are also included.

Here is the current attractions open for Disney After Hours:

Astro Orbiter
The Barnstormer
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Country Bear Jamboree
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Haunted Mansion
‘it’s a small world’
Jungle Cruise
Mad Tea Party
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey’s PhilharMagic? Pirates of the Caribbean
Peter Pan’s Flight
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Princess Fairytale Hall (select princesses)
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Splash Mountain
Tomorrowland Speedway
Town Square Theater (Mickey Mouse)
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

You can call 407-827-7185 to book tickets.

Changes to Disneyland Transportation Options

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 8, 2016

Guests planning to visit Disneyland in 2017 will want to be aware of two newly announced transportation changes at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA.

Disney has stated that Anaheim Gray Line will no longer provide transportation to attractions and/or tours for 2017. All existing bookings for tours and attraction transportation through 2016 will be honored. Please note Disneyland Resort Express, which is run by Anaheim Gray Line, will continue to operate.

There will also be a new option for airport transportation in 2017, the Karmel Shuttle. Karmel Shuttle offers direct service by reservation via shared shuttle to the Anaheim resort area which will also provide service to all of Disneyland’s Good Neighbor Hotels. Karmel Shuttle is a reservation-based transportation provider, so you will need to provide them with your flight information prior to your trip.

What do you think of the new option available to guests?

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.