Disney Cruise Line Earns Top Marks in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Cruise Line Rankings

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November 16, 2016

It has been another phenomenal year for Disney Cruise Line as U.S. News and World Report recently announced that Disney is at the top of the class when it comes to delivering a high quality family cruising experience. Disney Cruise Line was awarded a coveted Gold Badge in the best Cruise Line for Families and Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean categories.

There’s a lot of celebrating to be done as this marks the 4th consecutive year that DCL has been recognized by U.S. News as one of the top cruise lines in the industry. U.S News and World Report started their ranking system back in 2013. Rankings are based on a range of factors including reputation among travelers, itinerary offerings, and ship quality.

See the official announcement at U.S. News and World Report by following this link.

In addition to the distinction given by U.S. News and World Report, Disney Cruise Line also received top honors in the 2016 Cruise Critic US Editors’ Pick Awards as well as the 2016 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Considering a Disney Cruise? 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 sailing and stateroom to organizing your port adventures and days at sea. 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.

Mickey Mouse 6 Piece Ornament Set to Start your Disney Tree

By

Danielle

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November 16, 2016

I’m finally setting up my Christmas tree today! It’s a Disney tree now, but it wasn’t always, I remember how daunting it seemed to buy all new ornaments for my tree. This cute Mickey Mouse 6 Piece Ornament Set is perfect for those of us starting out with a new Disney tree, or looking to add some extra touches to our existing one.

This 6 Piece Ornament Set Features Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto. The sensational 6 is ready to trim the tree, in 2.5 inch figurines. They also have bases, so can kept on display if you like all year round! I do so love dual purpose decorations. The best part is this set is only $34.99 with free Prime Shipping on Amazon. That’s less than six dollars an ornament! Usually Disney ornaments this size run around $7-14 dollars!

So if you’re starting out with a new Disney tree, or looking to add some extra cheer to your existing one, this Mickey Mouse 6 Piece Ornament Set, is a jingle all the way hit.

Special Aulani Discount offer for Disney Chase Visa Cardmembers

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

If you are a Disney Chase Visa Cardholder, then you won’t want to miss this extra special Aulani offer just for you!

Aulani guests who book between November 16, 2016 – Jaunary 10, 2017 for travel dates April 13, 2017-June12, 2017 will received 23 fantastic benefits. Guests can enjoy one Character breakfast per Guest, per stay, at the Makahiki buffet when you book now with your Disney Visa card!

There are also room discounts available for 4 consecutive night stays:

Ocean, Partial Ocean and Poolside rooms receive 25% off, and Standard and Island Garden view rooms will get 20% off.

For guests booking a 5 consecutive night stay there is a 30% discount for Ocean, Partial Ocean and Poolside rooms, and a 25% discount for Standard and Island Garden rooms.

If you would like more information about visiting Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa, 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.

Disney Parks Recognized with Industry Thea Awards

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts was recently announced as the recipient of multiple Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). TEA is an international non-profit association that represents the world’s leading creators, developers, designers and producers of compelling places and experiences. The prestigious TEA Thea Award is considered one of the attractions industry’s greatest honors and will be formally awarded to recipients on April 22, 2017 at the 23rd annual Thea Awards Gala in Anaheim.

“These awards are a testament to our talented Cast Members, who continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation as we bring treasured Disney stories and characters to life in our Parks and Resorts around the world,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Less than six months since opening day, Shanghai Disneyland is now the recipient of the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement – Theme Park, as well as two exceptional new park experiences, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure and Camp Discovery.

In addition, Disney Parks’ Ghost Post was recognized with a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in a new Connected Immersion category. This limited-time Haunted Mansion-themed subscription service was released in March of this year, putting guests in the middle of a new adventure with the legendary attraction’s 999 happy haunts that could even follow you home for a truly one-of-a-kind, customized experience.

Congratulations to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts on your recognition for continued innovation and story telling.

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

Photo Credit: Disney

Star Wars Rogue One 360 Video Experience Available Online!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

Verizon and ILMxLAB have debuted an exciting short 360 experience, Rogue One: Recon. This immersive experience is connected to Rogue One. It lets viewers experience Star Wars from the perspective of an everyday Rebel X-wing pilot in space, culminating with a fight in an unexpected battle against the evil Empire. Rogue One: Recon A Star Wars 360 Experience is presented by Verizon and created by ILMxLAB. You can find it online on Verizon’s Facebook page.

It is also available exclusively in Samsung Gear VR Headsets in 1400 Verizon stores.

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY is in U.S. theaters December 16, 2016!

Finding Dory DVD Blu Ray Review, A Swimmingly Fun Adventure

By

Danielle

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November 16, 2016

For months, my little one has cooed and squealed the word “DORY” at almost every blue fish he has seen! We were thrilled to have the opportunity to do this Finding Dory DVD Blu Ray Review! So much so that when it arrived Monday night, my son had the envelope open and the DVD in the player before I had even set the groceries down when we got home.

Normally I like to set up some themed snacks, and decorations, but this time around my little guy was not waiting on that. When we went to see the movie back this summer, we had to leave before the end of the showing, and he’s been eagerly awaiting to watch the rest ever since.

There are 2 shorts on this DVD, both in which I loved thoroughly. Piper, which showed before Finding Dory at the theaters as well, and Marine Life Interviews. Piper is a moving tale of courage, that as with most Pixar shorts, brought a tear to my eye. Not to mention the little star of the short, was completly adorable. The second short, is done a bit documentary style, and features residents of the Marine Life Institute reminiscing about Dory. It was definetly on the more humorous side, where Piper was on the heart string pulling side.

My son doesn’t usually sit still during a full movie, but for Finding Dory, it was all eyes on the screen. The underwater world was even more vivid, and lifelike than in the Original Finding Nemo movie, which I have to admit is impressive. I wasn’t sure if this could be pulled off into a sequel, but I was wrong. This story is a completly organic continuation of the first, and a direction that it only made sense to head in. New characters have been introduced flawlessly, and two characters who weren’t supposed to be in the spotlight completly shined. Those characters are of course Becky and Gerald, although small parts, they were big hits. I also love how they managed to work in the otters, because I love me some otter cuteness!

Of course this DVD Blu Ray came packed with bonus features:

Marine Life Interviews– MLI residents remember our favorite blue tang.
Piper Short Film– A sandpiper hatchling digs for food in the sand and encounters scary waves.
Animation & Acting– A look at the art of creating a deep and profound connection between an audience and a fish.
The Octopus that Nearly Broke Pixar– Unravel the challenges and rewards of bringing to life Pixar’s crankiest, most technically challenging character ever.
Deep in the Kelp– See how far the crew went to make Dory’s world believable
Deleted Scenes
Creature Features– The cast of “Finding Dory” share cool facts about the creatures they voice in the film.
Skating & Sketching with Jason Deamer– “Finding Dory” character art director Jason Deamer talks about how he got to Pixar, how he draws the characters in the film, and how falling off a skateboard teaches you lessons you can use in art and life.
Dory’s Theme– A spirited discussion among the composer, music editor and director of “Finding Dory” about the musical elements that shape Dory’s quirky and joyful theme.
Rough Day on the Reef– Sometimes computers make mistakes. Here you’ll see some of the funny, creepy and just plain bizarre footage the crew encountered while making “Finding Dory.”
Commentary– Director Andrew Stanton, co-director Angus MacLane and producer Lindsey Collins deliver their personal perspective on “Finding Dory.”

No Pixar movie is complete with out “Easter Eggs”, and it was fun trying to spot and find them! Here’s a few you can find, if you haven’t seen them yet.

NOSTALGIC WHEELS – The truck that is featured late in the movie features a logo from the 1986 short “Luxo, Jr.” produced by Pixar and directed by John Lasseter. The short’s success helped launch the studio, and the image of the desk lamp appears in Pixar’s iconic logo today.
The license plate on the truck sports A113, which is reminiscent of the CalArts classroom for first-year graphic design and character animation where many of the artists and animators at Pixar began to build their craft.
Sets Art Director Don Shank’s name can be seen in the truck’s grill.
TAG IT – The tags donned by the lazy sea lions snoozing outside the Marine Life Institute together bear the iconic A113. While Rudder’s tag reads A1, Fluke’s says 13.
FIELD TRIP – Riley from 2015’s “Inside Out” appears in a group of kids touring the Marine Life Institute. She is clearly featured in a frame with Dory.
MAP IT – The registration number for the zodiac boat that picks up Dory in the bay outside the Marine Life Institute is PA1200, which represents Pixar’s address: 1200 Park Avenue.

Be sure to check out the bonus clip of Dory’s origin below, it was really fascinating to us!

This was a truly enjoyable and entertaining film for our family, and has splashed it’s way to the top of our Pixar Favorites list! I honestly didn’t think anything was going to bump Cars from my son’s number 1 list, but Finding Dory did! The Finding Dory DVD Blu Ray is available now, in time for the Holidays!

Frozen, A Musical Spectacular Makes Its Disney Wonder Debut

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

Guests aboard the Disney Wonder on November 13th got a first look at Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Frozen, A Musical Spectacular“, a production guaranteed to set a new standard for amazing at-sea entertainment.

The show uses stunning state-of-the-art technology and magical scenery to transport guests to Arendelle including icy blasts that Queen Elsa shoots into the audience. During the big number “Let it Go” video projections and snow flurries are incorporated to make the song so immersive that you are sure to get goose bumps.

Guests will also enjoy the clever puppetry that went into the creation of everyone’s favorite carrot-loving reindeer Sven as well as the lovable snowman Olaf who performs his over-the-top musical number “In Summer.”

Eager to find out more? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at ‘Frozen, A Musical Spectacular’ one of Disney Cruise Line’s most delightful and ambitious productions to-date.

The Disney Wonder is one of four ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and makes stops in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal and Mexico.

Did you know that Disney Cruise Lines currently has itineraries available to book through until May of 2018? So what are you waiting for? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking your next cruise with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, not only will I help you find your perfect cruise but I’ll also be on hand to assist with everything from finding booking your Port Adventures to sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at sea. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Wine Bar George Officially Breaks Ground at Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

Wine enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Wine Bar George officially broke ground with construction to begin in The Landing area of Disney Springs.

The 210-seat wine bar is the creation of George Miliotes, one of only 230 Master Sommeliers in the world and will feature both Old and New World wines from esteemed vineyards spanning the globe. The 600 square foot, 2 story building will be built in the same area as other notable watering holes, The Boathouse and Raglan Road.

In addition to one of the finest selections of wines in the Sunshine State the bar will also feature a food menu with small plates designed to perfectly compliment the wines on offer.

We hope you are as excited about this new addition to Disney Springs as we are. Watch this space for further news on Wine Bar George in the weeks and months ahead.

Planning a trip to Disney? Fill out our form below 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 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.

Images copyright Disney.

New Disney Magical World 2 Available Now on the Nintendo 3DS

By

Danielle

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November 16, 2016

A fun new game, Disney Magical World 2, is available for the Nintendo 3DS, that’s perfect for the Holiday season. Players get to live their dream life in Disney Magical World 2 alongside fan-favorite Disney characters!

Explore the magical world of Disney by living a dream life with some of your favorite Disney characters. This game allows players to adventure with Elsa and Olaf in the kingdom of Frozen, dance with Disney princesses, soar with Mickey through dream events and more, all while unraveling a ghostly mystery

You can visit six different Disney-themed worlds from classics like Disney Frozen, Disney The Little Mermaid, and Walt Disney Lilo & Stitch. You can harvest a field with Winnie the Pooh, fish with Donald Duck, mine with the Seven Dwarves, explore ghost-filled dungeons for treasures, and more! On your journey, you’ll discover the magical town of Castleton, where you’ll live amongst classic Disney characters. Shop with Daisy, Minnie, and others to build and buy hundreds of Disney-themed items. You can customize amazing outfits and even decorate your dream home and Café. Ready to make a memory? Then dance at the Enchanted Ball or throw a Café Party with your new Disney friends!

If you’re looking for a fun Disney game for your family this Holiday season, Disney Magical World 2 perfect for letting their imaginations explore! Disney Magical World 2 is available at a suggested retail price of $39.99 on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

T-Rex Cafe at Disney Springs to Offer Breakfast with Santa Including World of Disney Early Entry

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

A prehistoric take on the traditional Breakfast with Santa, T-Rex Cafe at Disney Springs will be offering diners a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus with a holiday breakfast package that also includes Early Shopping at World of Disney.

Guests will have an opportunity to explore the world’s largest Disney character store without the crowds as the dining package includes 1 hour of exclusive shopping at World of Disney before it opens to the public at 10am.

T-Rex Cafe will also be serving up a delectable breakfast buffet with the following items on offer:

Scrambled Eggs
Breakfast potatoes
Breakfast link sausage
Crispy bacon
Tonga Toast
Fresh fruit with Yoghurt
Kids French Toast sticks
Kids mini pancakes
Cereals
Donuts and muffins

Two Action Stations:

Omelet
Waffles

Beverages: Milk, orange juice, apple juice, tea, coffee etc.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at T-Rex Cafe during this time to meet with guests and to pose for photos.

Breakfast with Santa will be offered on December 17,18, 22, and 23rd. Guests must choose between one of three time slots: 8:00am 8:15, or 8:30. The cost for breakfast is $32.00 per adult, and $20.50 for children 9 and under. Children 3 and under are free. Those purchasing tickets will receive an exclusive T-Rex Retail Discount of $10 off a $50 purchase. (To be used at Breakfast with Santa event only).

Tickets can be purchased online through T-Rex. Follow this link to book. Payment is required at the time of booking. The Disney Dining Plan is not accepted for this offer. Groups of 15 or more are advised to contact the T-Rex Group Sales Manager at 407.828.6375.

There’s still time to plan your Christmas visit to Walt Disney World. 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 there to assist with everything from finding your perfect package, to helping you secure those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass Reservations. I ‘ll also work with you group to add in lovely holiday touches that will make your destination Christmas truly magical. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook to find out more.

Image copyright Disney.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration’ Cast and Airing Dates

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

If you visited the Disney Resorts recently you may have seen, or even been part of, the Disney Holiday Specials’ filming. Disney now gives us more information on when you can view these new specials on ABC this holiday season:

Disney kicks off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The shows will be presented on Disney|ABC Television Group platforms, including ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, the ABC and Disney Channel apps and VOD, among other branded digital platforms. The holiday specials will include performances by some of the world’s most popular recording artists, celebrity hosts, Disney character appearances and heartwarming wish-come-true moments for three lucky families from across the country.

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,” will air THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” will air FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST), on Disney Channel. “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air SUNDAY DECEMBER 25 (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

Previously announced performers include Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, Kelly Clarkson, Sofia Carson, Jordan Fisher, Forever in Your Mind, China Anne McClain, Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce and Booboo Stewart.

The holiday specials are a collaboration by Disney Parks, Disney|ABC Television Group and IMG.

The multi-platform programming schedule is:

THANKSGIVING – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on the ABC Television Network (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST) and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough as they host the magical two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments.

Musical performances include:

Boyz II Men, joined by JoJo, will sing a holiday favorite from the steps of Cinderella Castle
Alessia Cara will sing “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s animated feature film, “Moana” (in theaters November 23) for the very first time on broadcast television.
Kelly Clarkson will perform “Underneath the Tree” and “Stronger.”
Flo Rida performs two of his smash hits.
From Disney’s Hollywood Studios, OneRepublic performs one of their hit songs.
Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks will perform “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Ugly Christmas Sweater” and “Marshmallow World,” all from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).

Additional performances to be announced.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

“Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on Disney Channel (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST) and on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PST. The special will be available on-demand and will be featured in encore presentations on Disney Channel through Tuesday, December 20.

Musical performances include:

“Jolly to the Core,” performed by Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart.
“Silent Night,” performed by Hollywood Records and Republic Records recording artist Sofia Carson.
Kelly Clarkson performing a song from her 2013 holiday album “Wrapped in Red.”
“Descendants 2” star China Anne McClain performing “This Christmas.”
Forever In Your Mind performing “Celebrate.”
Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks perform a holiday duet from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).

CHRISTMAS – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

“The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air on the ABC Television Network (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST; airtimes vary, check listings) and on the ABC and Disney Channel apps. This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrate the joy of the holiday season as hosts Julianne and Derek Hough take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Musical performances include:

Alessia Cara will perform a holiday favorite.
Sofia Carson performs “Silent Night” featuring an alternate musical arrangement from her performance on Disney Channel and also hosts from backstage.
Kelly Clarkson performing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
In front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World, Gavin DeGraw sings a Christmas classic.
“The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” performed by Jordan Fisher who will also make his Broadway debut in “Hamilton” on November 22.
OneRepublic performs from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).

Additional performances to be announced.

Will you be watching the Wonderful World of Disney Specials when they air?

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

Mickey Celebrates his Birthday Around the World at Disney Resorts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

If you’ve been following along during Mickey’s recent world wide adventures to celebrate his birthday, then you’ll want to know that the big day is officially this coming Friday. Mickey will be turning 88 years old, and will be celebrating at each of the Disney resorts worldwide!

This Friday, Disney Parks around the world will celebrate Mickey Mouse’s birthday, and we want you to join in the fun! Take a look at what’s in store for you at each resort.

At the Disneyland Resort, you can sing “Happy Birthday” to Mickey in a special pre-parade moment before enjoying “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade on Main Street, U.S.A. Over at Walt Disney World Resort, you can join some of your favorite characters for a special birthday-themed edition of the “Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!” Street Party. Commemorative “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons will also be available at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

If you’re at Shanghai Disney Resort this Friday, celebrate Mickey’s birthday along Mickey Avenue with a special Grand-Marshal pre-parade. You can even visit Disneyland Paris for a birthday sing-along, a special photo booth at ImagiNations and commemorative stickers. At Hong Kong Disneyland, you just might find commemorative birthday stickers and pins and the chance to share a magical moment with Mickey.

And to celebrate no matter where you are in the world, keep an eye out for Mickey’s new music video highlighting his trip around the world to the new hit song “What We Got,” premiering this Friday on ABC’s Good Morning America.

Use the hashtag #HappyBirthdayMickey on Twitter to show us how you joined in the celebration!

What will you do to celebrate the Big Guy’s Birthday?

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.