Walls Are Down As PizzeRizzo Prepares For November 18th Opening

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November 16, 2016

Many of us have been eagerly anticipating the opening of PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We have been following the refurbishment progress and wondering what the completed look will be. We are happy to report that the walls are down as PizzeRizzo prepares to open on November 18, 2016.

PizzeRizzo has two outdoor seating areas. Each outdoor seating area has plenty of celing fans to circulate the air. The ceiling fans will come in quite handy during those warm summer months. However, with a November opening date, these outdoor areas are sure to be popular with guests as we are currently experiencing beautiful weather in central Florida. The ground level outdoor patio also has a prep area set up for utensils and napkins at one end of the space.

Indoor seating is also available. We can see booth seating on one end where the arcade games used to be when this space was Toy Story Pizza Planet. The stairs lead up to the second level and we look forward to seeing that space when they open later this week. Between the outdoor seating, and the indoor seating, this space can comfortably hold many more people than it could in its former state.

The menu is posted in the window and lists Pizza, Meatball Sub, Antipasto Salad, Desserts and Kid’s Meals. The full menu is posted indoors above the cash registers. I was never a fan of the Toy Story Pizza Planet Pizza. The menu looks quite similar and I am hopeful the pizza will be of a better quality.

As we would expect, Muppet-style humor dominates the decorative elements on the exterior of the building.

The exterior of PizzeRizzo is quite pretty at night with all of the lights. Looks like they are quite prepared for a crowd as they have already set up a queue just outside the front door. I expect this area will certainly have a lot of people passing through here this coming weekend.

Now that the walls are down, and PizzeRizzo adds the final touches, we look forward to its opening this Friday, November 18th. Stay tuned here for our upcoming PizzeRizzo Review.

Sneak Peek of “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” Stage Show from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

A new stage show called “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” takes place at Magic Kingdom on select nights this holiday season during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Mickey invites his Disney pals to join in the joyous performance that includes more than a dozen Christmas carols and holiday illuminations. Showtimes are at 7:40pm, 9:25pm, 10:30pm and 12:00am.

Below is a sneak peek of the new stage show exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party offered on select nights through December 22, 2016.

Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto are dropping by dressed in their Christmas best. Peter Pan is flying in from Never Land, Alice and the White Rabbit are hurrying over from Wonderland and Woody and Jessie from Toy Story are galloping in for this holiday ho ho hoedown. Plus, Snow White and Dopey, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket and many more surprise guests will be stopping by.

Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is required in order to enjoy “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” stage show on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage.

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

Gingerbread Christmas Displays To Appear at Walt Disney World Soon

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

One of the highlights for most Walt Disney World holiday-goers is checking out the amazing gingerbread creations on offer at a handful of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. Guests visiting over the next week will be pleased to know that these awe-inspiring edible creations are starting to make an appearance.

Here’s where you’ll find them.

Gingerbread Holiday Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Found in the Grand Canyon Concourse on the fourth floor of the Contemporary is this Mary Blair-inspired Frozen-themed work of art. You’ll see Elsa, Anna and Olaf nestled among the sugary snowflakes, chocolate trees and gingerbread shingles that making up this holiday delight.

Life-sized Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – When guests think about Disney’s amazing gingerbread creations, the artistry on offer over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Created using a a traditional Austrian gingerbread recipe this 16 ft. creation is functional as well and hosts a lovely little seasonal shop where guests can feast on lovely holiday delicacies including gingerbread shingles (thankfully not taken from the house itself.) The house will be officially open for business starting on November 23rd. There are also gingerbread making demonstrations taking place at the resort Monday-Saturdays. Lisette was able to get some great photos, video and information about this display already. Check out her article here.

Gingerbread Carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort – 96 lbs of flour, 100 lbs of icing and 36 lbs of honey went into making this charming creation. A favorite with families at the Yacht and Beach Club, the carousel is also host to 17 hidden Mickeys. See if you can find them all.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, will also play host this year to a Gingerbread Academy. Visitors, working under the tutelage of one of Disney’s expert gingerbread craftsman, will receive a kit and will be guided through the process of creating their own edible works of art. The cost to attend this event is $125 for up to four guests. Those who worry about the logistics of taking their gingerbread houses home with them at the end of their stay can instead opt to create gingerbread ornaments at a cost of $8.95 per decoration (all proceeds from the ornaments will go to Give Kids the World) or work alongside one of Disney’s esteemed pastry chefs to decorate holiday cupcakes which will set guests back $10.95 per person. Hot chocolate or cider will be available to all participants.

For those not planning on visiting the resorts, there’s also opportunities to see a few gingerbread houses at the theme parks. Over at Epcot’s American Pavilion, guests will also be able to view a gingerbread re-creation of the U.S. Capitol Building as well as the Lincoln Memorial starting on November 25th.

Guests visiting Animal Kingdom will want to book their dining reservations at Tusker House if only to witness the amazing 3 ft. gingerbread replication of an African Marketplace that is reportedly covered in 25lbs of dark chocolate.

It is certainly true that no place does Christmas quite like Disney. Its not too late to plan your destination Christmas. Fill out our form below to get your FREE quote and check out some of these delightful creations for yourself

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 form finding your perfect package to helping you plan just the right activities to make your holiday stay at Disney truly magical. 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.

Pop it Like it’s Galactic with the Star Wars R2-D2 Popcorn Popper

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Danielle

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November 15, 2016

With all the fun ways out there to pop your popcorn now we have a Droid to help us pop! The R2-D2 Popcorn Popper is the light side alternative to the Death Star Popcorn Popper!

R2-D2 is a Droid of many talents, but who knew he went as far as making delicious popcorn in minutes? Simply put in the desired amount of margarine or butter (room temperature is best), and it melts from the heat produced during the popping process. The internal heater cooks the kernels using hot air and the popcorn is funneled through R2’s dome. Perfect for putting your feet up and munching on while watching everyone’s favorite inter-galactic sci-fi movie saga…

Which popcorn Popper is your style, the R2-D2 Popcorn Popper or the Death Star Popcorn Popper?

Disney’s “Moana” Blue Carpet World Premiere

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2016

Filmmakers, voice talent and special guests walked down the blue carpet for the World Premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana.” The movie introduces adventurous teenager Moana, whose connection to the ocean ignites a journey of a lifetime. The world premiere was part of the lineup for AFI Fest 2016 presented by Audi.

Here are some pictures from the ‘blue’ carpet premiere.

(L-R) Co- Director Ron Clements, actors Alan Tudyk, Rachel House, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn, actors Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i Cravalho, Nicole Scherzinger, co-director John Musker, actor Temuera Morrison, Producer Osnat Shurer, Songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, Executive producer John Lasseter and Screenwriter Jared Bush — (L-R) Co- Director Ron Clements, actors Alan Tudyk, Rachel House, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn, actors Dwayne Johnson, Auli’i Cravalho, Nicole Scherzinger, co-director John Musker, actor Temuera Morrison, Producer Osnat Shurer, Songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, Executive producer John Lasseter and Screenwriter Jared Bush

(All Photos by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Here’s an extra special peek into Auli’i dress she wore at the premiere.

“Moana” is in U.S. theaters November 23, 2016.

Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” Enchants The Box Office Once Again

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2016

You just can’t keep a good Doctor down. After weeks in the theaters, Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” is still number one, with a box office intake of 43M this past weekend alone.

On the international front, Doctor Strange is in its third weekend and has now earned $339.6M with big help from China’s $83.5M contribution. That brings the world wide gross to $492.6M. Looks like a finish in the top 10 films of the year is on the horizon too

Doctor Strange is currently tracking to finish with a larger total than Thor: The Dark World, Ant-Man, and even Guardians of the Galaxy. Which, I’m sure is a pleasant surprise for early nay-sayers.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film and I’m glad it’s doing well. At this pace we should probably be expecting a sequel in the next few years.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D Review

By

Chip

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November 15, 2016

Just in time for Christmas… Star Wars the Force Awakens 3D Collectors edition is out today and I was lucky enough to get a review copy from Disney! This 3DCollectors Edition comes jammed packed with Star Wars goodness.

Here is what you will find inside:

3D COLLECTOR’S EDITION BONUS FEATURES:

Audio Commentary with J.J. Abrams – Enter the mind of visionary director J.J. Abrams as he reveals the creative and complex choices made while developing the first film in the new Star Wars trilogy.
Foley: A Sonic Tale – Foley artists, consisting of old pros and new talent, unite to bring the world of Star Wars: The Force Awakens alive through the matching of sound to action.
Sounds of the Resistance – Hear how the epic sound design of Star Wars: The Force Awakens moves the Star Wars legacy forward.
Deleted Scenes – View never-before-shared scenes that didn’t make the film’s final cut.
Dressing the Galaxy – Costume designer Michael Kaplan reveals how the costumes of the original Star Wars movies were re-envisioned for a new generation.
The Scavenger and the Stormtrooper: A Conversation with Daisy Ridley and John Boyega – The two new stars share the thrill of working together on the adventure of a lifetime and becoming part of the Star Wars legacy.
Inside the Armory – Take a fascinating tour through the design and creation of the weaponry in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Classic Bonus Features – These offerings from the April release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens include the complete story behind the making of the film, an unforgettable cast table read, insights from legendary composer John Williams, and deleted scenes, as well as features that dig deeper into the creation of new characters such as BB-8, the design of the climactic lightsaber battle between Rey and Kylo Ren, the film’s remarkable digital artistry, and the Star Wars: Force for Change global aid initiative.

I was literally blown away by all the bonus content available, many of it released on itunes or as Target exclusives! I am a huge commentary junkie and to be able to hear the behind the scenes info with J.J. Abrams himself was probably my favorite part of the the bonus content. A close second would have to be the deleted scenes that didn’t make it in the theatrical movie.

I am kinda glad I didn’t pick up the Star Wars Force Awakens Bluray when it came out earlier this year as the 3D Collectors Edition is chock full of Star Wars goodies, not to mention 3D is how the Force Awakens is meant to be seen.

I give Star Wars the Force Awakens 3D Collectors edition 4.5 out of 5 stars, my only complaint was this should have been released in April when the original bluray was released. Still I highly recommend picking this up just in time for Christmas, this is perfect for a stocking stuffer for the scruffy looking nerf herder in your life.

Don’t forget Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, premieres December 16, 2016.

The Topi Tsum Tsum Collection is a Cute New Way to Stack

By

Danielle

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November 15, 2016

A new line of Tsum Tsum Creative toys from Topi, brings cute new additions to our favorite stackable characters. No matter how young or old, the Tsum Tsum characters continue to delight and entertain all over the world.

Topi is developing low price range creative toys for the Topi Tsum Tsum Collection. Three adorable collections they have created are the Tsum Tsum Tumblers, Tsum Tsum Spin Cars, and the Tsum Tsum Magnetic Key Holders.

I’m loving the simplistic cuteness of the Spin Cars, when looking at the posters of them my son got super excited! They look just like the small vinyl Tsum Tsum toys, but have little wheels! There is currently 3 collections, and they feature characters from the beloved classics, to the modern Pixar pals! They have a suggested retail of $9.00

The tumblers are tiny cuties that come in blind boxes! Part of the fun is the mystery of which one you will get, the other part is that they roll! Yes, roll! They are round and ball like so they wobble, and you guessed it, tumble!

Finally there is the magnetic key holders, which are cute Tsum Tsums, that magnetize to stack! Of course they have a key ring to attach to your keys like the name says as well.

The Topi Tsum Tsum Collection looks like a fun new variety coming to the Tsum Tsum universe, what do you think? For more information you can check out their Facebook Page.

Save up to 40% with the Disney Store Magical Friday Sale

By

Danielle

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November 15, 2016

Each year the Disney Store rings in the Holiday shopping season with it’s own twist on Black Friday! The Disney Store’s alternative to Black Friday is, Magical Friday! But the Disney Store Magical Friday Sale doesn’t last just one day, it has already begun!

You can save up to 40% off Toys, Tees and more at the Disney Store, and Disney Store online, now through November 27th! You can score lots of great goodies to check off your Christmas wishlists for all of the Disney lovers in your life.

This gorgeous Mickey and Minnie Mouse Holiday Fleece Throw is part of the Holiday Sale! You can share the Magic with loved ones while snuggling through the season under this furry fleece reversible throw blanket with plaid backing and wintry Mickey and Minnie embroidered appliqué!

Holiday Plush like this Pluto Holiday Plush are even included!

Right now you can even get the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Holiday 2016 Snowglobe for only $10.00, with any $25.00 or more purchase too!

The Magical Friday Sale has gifts ranging from under $10, to $10-$25 to fit anyone’s Holiday budget! The great thing is the Disney Store usually adds, and changes things for the sale through out the event! Happy Shopping!

Disney Springs Offers Guests an Abundance of Holiday Experiences this Holiday Season

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2016

If you’ll be at Walt Disney world this Holiday Season, there is so much to enjoy this year during the Holiday Celebration at Disney Springs:

During the celebration — now through Jan. 8, 2017 — Disney Springs puts a big red bow around the season of cheer with three extra special events:

Stitch’s Holiday Gift A fun scavenger hunt will allow guests to explore all four neighborhoods of Disney Springs. Guests pick up their Holiday Hunt booklet at any participating location, then explore Disney Springs in search of a unique Stitch icon at each participating location. Once complete, guests redeem the booklet at a redemption location to receive a free “completer” button.
The Festival of Toys. The Once Upon a Toy Fountain area comes alive with a holiday dance party, deluxe hot chocolate for sale, pin trading and a nightly tree lighting ceremony inviting a select family to turn on the holiday lights.
Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail. This immersive and enchanting walk-through experience features 15 custom decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme. Custom music and a light snowfall completes the Christmassy scene.

Holiday Shopper’s Paradise

Talk about shopping, Disney Springs will be the address for shoppers at holiday time – from name-brand retailers to unique boutiques stocking that special trinket for under the tree to everything in between.

Some of the most recognizable names in retailing have opened their doors in Town Center, newest neighborhood of Disney Springs. These include Anthropologie, Lucky Brand, Kate Spade New York, Under Armour Brand House, Tommy Bahama and Sephora – plus brands unique to Central Florida including UNIQLO, Melissa Shoes and UNOde50.

In Marketplace, guests can shop for seasonal offerings at Disney’s Days of Christmas, Art of Disney, World of Disney, Wonderful World of Memories, Marketplace Fun Finds, and Marketplace Co-Op.

At Art of Disney, shoppers can find sketch artists doing holiday artwork. Goofy’s Candy Co. for the holidays is a yummy wonderland of chocolate-dipped candy canes, Olaf caramel apples, Mickey Santa Krispy Treat, miniature fruit cakes and a Mickey Santa Cupcake.

Disney Springs also unwraps a special, hard-to-find present found on every shopper’s wish list: convenient, close-in and complimentary parking.

With the proximity of two “smart” garages where open parking spaces are readily identified, Disney Springs guests are spared the holiday angst of jockeying up and down rows of parked cars for the elusive slot. Disney Springs also is connected to Disney resort hotels by complimentary motorcoach or watercraft service. After 4pm, transportation is available from all four Theme Parks to Disney Springs.

Holiday Feasting at Disney Springs

When the holiday hungries strike, there is no need to pack back into the car. Great dining options abound at every corner of Disney Springs, whether it’s grab-and-go (food trucks at West Side), casual sit-down (Earl of Sandwich, Paradiso 37, Wolfgang Puck Cafe) or a memorable dining experience at venues such as STK and Morimoto Asia. At select locations such as The BOATHOUSE, Raglan Road, T-Rex Café, Rainforest Cafe and Splitsville, entertainment becomes an extra added attraction to holiday feasting.

Frontera Cocina, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, D-Luxe Burger, Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine are new Town Center dining discoveries holiday shoppers will find. Also new for 2016: a holiday cocktails and craft beer in Marketplace.

Byways and stages filled with holiday entertainment

Between great shopping and dining, Disney Springs treats guests to a sleighful of holiday entertainment.

At Marketplace, Living Statues (World of Disney/Poutine Courtyard)
At Marketplace, The Festival of Toys
At Marketplace, Carolers (near Disney’s Days of Christmas and Santa’s Chalet).
At Waterview Park (The Landing), Hanukkah-inspired troupe Kalinka 24-30
At Waterside Stage (Marketplace), DJ Holiday Dance Party
At Waterside Stage, UHURU celebrating Kwanza Dec. 26-27
At Marketplace, Toy Soldier stilt walkers

Best News of All

That would be the Jolly Old Man himself. Direct from the North Pole, Santa Claus invites the young and young-at-heart to share their Christmas wishes at Santa’s Chalet (Marketplace) Nov. 11-Dec. 24 (Noon-10:00 p.m.) and Black Friday Nov. 25 (8 a.m.-10:00 p.m.). Santa Goofy joins the fun Dec. 25-Dec. 30 (Noon-10:00 p.m.).

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

The Grove Resort & Spa Hosting Walt Disney World Giveaway

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2016

Grove Resort and Spa Logo — The Grove Resort & Spa is a new, all-suite hotel destination opening February 2017 in Orlando, just five minutes west of Walt Disney World. This 106-acre resort sits lakefront on a portion of Central Florida's conservation grounds. The Grove will feature all-suite accommodations with one, two and three bedroom layouts, as well as four swimming pools, multiple dining and drink venues, water sports, a spa, game room, event facilities, and an on-site water park. (PRNewsFoto/The Grove Resort & Spa)

Everyone loves a Disney Giveaway, so we’re excited to tell you about a fabulous giveaway being hosted by The Grove Resort & Spa in Orlando:

Kicking off November 10, 2016 and running through February 16, 2017, The Great Grove Giveaway will award one grand prize winner with a Disney vacation valued at nearly $5,000; the prize pack – to be announced on The Grove’s February 16th opening day – will include the following:

Five days/four nights in a three-bedroom suite at The Grove Resort & Spa (sleeps 6-8)
Four three-day Disney Park Hopper passes
$1000 in spending allowance that can be used across the resort property
One complimentary treatment at The Grove’s Escape Spa
One complimentary watersport experience at the on-site Lake Austin Pier
Welcome amenity for children 12 and under

Two additional winners, selected in December 2016 and January 2017, will enjoy a getaway that includes the following, valued at nearly $2,500:

Four days/three nights in a two-bedroom suite at The Grove Resort & Spa (sleeps 4-6)
Four two-day Disney Park Hopper passes
One complimentary treatment at The Grove’s Escape Spa
One complimentary watersport experience at the on-site Lake Austin Pier
Welcome amenity for children 12 and under

The Grove Resort & Spa also introduces a limited-time promotion that grants to 40% off guest accommodations booked during the pre-opening window, specifically now through December 31, 2016, for travel between February 16, 2017 and June 15, 2017. With rates starting at $167 per night, guests can enjoy the following savings:

Stay seven nights or more and save 40% off the best available rate
Stay five nights and save 30% off the best available rate
Stay four nights and save 25% off the best available rate

Guests of The Grove Resort & Spa will enjoy spacious residential-style accommodations with one, two, and three bedroom layouts with full kitchens, washer/dryers, and screened outdoor balconies that showcase the resort’s natural marsh, wooded landscape. A packed line-up of on-site activities and amenities include multiple restaurants and bars; the large-scale grab-and-go Alfresco Market with ice cream, gelato, fresh Boar’s Head deli meats, a barista bar, and grocery items; Surfari Water Park with a dual rider surf simulator, a lazy river, and an interactive water play structure with multiple slides; four swimming pools; The Grove’s Lake Austin Pier with a selection of watersports, paddle boats, and fishing; Hoopla, a children’s game room; and the intimate Escape Spa.

The Grove will offer convenient access to the area’s top attractions, such as Magic Kingdom® Park, Animal Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, SeaWorld Orlando®, Universal Orlando®, shopping, dining, and entertainment at Disney Springs, as well as LEGOLAND® Florida (Winter Haven). Luxury shopping is also located nearby, with stores that include Gucci, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, and more.

For more information, terms, and conditions about The Great Grove Giveaway and special pre-opening offer, please visit www.groveresortorlando.com. The enter The Great Grove Giveaway sweepstakes, please visit www.groveresortorlando.com/sweepstakes.

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.

New MagicBand Packaging to Debut

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2016

Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel will have their complimentary MagicBands delivered to their homes in new packaging as of November 11, 2016. In response to Guests’ requests, the new packaging is fully recyclable and printed on recycled paper.

No more searching for those luggage tags because they will now be located inside a clearly marked sleeve on the side of the package. The luggage tag straps can be found inside the gray MagicBand holder. The same collateral information on how to wear the MagicBand, how to use it in the parks and resorts and RFID technology will also be included.

The new MagicBand package supports The Walt Disney Company’s environment initiatives while at the same time improving upon the guest experience. It’s a win-win!

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