Walt Disney World Resort Lobbies Removing Online Check-In Lines

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March 29, 2017

In Walt Disney World‘s continuing efforts to improve customer service, guests may notice a few changes during their next visit to a Disney resort. One of the first things you may notice is that online check-in lines are going away and in most resorts, they are already gone.

Our friends at Doctor Disney have shared that online check-in lines are being taken out of the lobbies as a way to try and lessen the amount of time spent for guests upon their arrival at Walt Disney World Resort resorts. The online check-in queue lines are already gone from all Deluxe Resorts and are being taken out of the Moderate and Value Resorts as well. The online and regular check-in lines are being merged together and in some cases, concierge service windows will be included in that line as well.

In my recent visit to Pop Century, I noticed that there was just one line for all guests. A Cast Member was at the front of the line answering questions or attempting to resolve any issues the guests may have. If more assistance is needed the Cast Member member directed guests to the next available desk for check-in or concierge services. I waited in line for a simple question regarding the new opening schedule of Magic Kingdom. I found the Cast Member working the line was able to quickly answer questions and minimize wait times for the majority of guests in line.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is reportedly one of the few that still have an online check-in line, but is expected to soon have that line removed and merged with the general check in line as well.

Do you typically check in at the resort or skip the lobby altogether? Let us know in the comment box below.

Interested in a magical Disney vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help save you time and money planning your next Disney vacation. The best part is my services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (229) 977-3373. Join me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

Disney Cast Member Previews for Pandora: World of Avatar starting May 5th

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 29, 2017

Disney Cast Members will have the opportunity to sign up for a chance to attend a preview of Animal Kingdom’s Pandora- The World of Avatar prior to it’s debut on May 27th. Sign up is April 5th-17th for Full-time and Casual Regular Florida and Hilton Head Cast and guests on their Main Entrance Pass. Temporary/Recurring Cast can also sign up for a chance to attend a preview. However, without a Main Entrance Pass they will only be able to attend the preview themselves. The Cast Member preview dates will be May 5th-6th and May8th-12th. When sign up begins on April 5th Cast Members will be asked to select their day and a 2 hour time block that they would like to experience the preview. Signing up does not guarantee you will attend the preview as space is limited.

Not a Disney Cast Member? You still may be able to see Animal Kingdom’s Pandora- The World of Avatar before May 27th as a soft opening prior to that date is expected. I’m definitely counting down to May 27th. How about you?

Interested in a Magical Disney Vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (770) 800-6500. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

New Featurette From “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 29, 2017

The new Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales film is really right around the corner. The ramping up has begun, and I am happy about that!

Todays fun release is a featurette showing some film scenes, and some behind-the-scenes.

Check it out!

“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” opens May 26th.
Are you as excited as I am?

More Details: ‘Miss Adventure Falls’ at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 29, 2017

If you haven’t heard, Miss Adventure Falls is the brand-new family raft attraction at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.One of the most story-driven attractions ever created for a Disney water park, Miss Adventure Falls tells the tale of Captain Mary Oceaneer, a world famous treasure-hunter and member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A). Years ago, the Captain made it her goal to sail the seven seas and collect treasures to share with the world. One day when Captain Mary was out diving for treasure, a rogue storm struck and carried her ship and precious artifacts all the way to Typhoon Lagoon!

The details you’ll see on your journey to and through this family raft attraction give us a peek into the Captain Mary’s adventures. The entrance of the attraction is composed of items found at the site of the Captain’s shipwreck, including a bird cage, a diving helmet, a vintage Adventurer’s magazine that features Captain Mary on the cover and more.

The queue is filled with treasures. Here, you’ll pass unopened crates of S.E.A. artifacts, crackers for the Captain’s parrot, as well as parrot-shaped footprints, a clue that the Captain’s parrot Duncan is nearby. And if you happen to be at Typhoon Lagoon between now and April 7th you will be one of the lucky guests able to try the new virtual queue line that will be in it’s testing phase at Miss Adventure Falls. Guests will be given a card with a return time attached to a wristband, with this wristband they will have a shorter wait time than a typical stand by line.

On the lift up to the waterslide entrance, you’ll pass the hull of the M.S. Salty IV, which looks to have been snapped in half by the storm. Once inside, Captain Mary’s parrot and trusted diving partner, Duncan, is busy chatting, singing, and always keeping an eye out for more treasure. You can even peek inside to look at Duncan’s unique treasure collection, telescope and more.

With so much to see, I can’t wait to head over to Miss Adventure Falls. It’s definitely going to be my first stop at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

Interested in a Magical Disney Vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (770) 800-6500. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

Wreck-It Ralph Sequel Title, Release Date And Story Announced!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 29, 2017

Wreck-It Ralph is escaping out of his arcade and into the expansive universe of the internet next year when “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2” hits the big screen. Dave Hollis, head of distribution for The Walt Disney Studios, revealed the much-anticipated sequel’s title and told CinemaCon attendees that not only are John C Reilly and Sarah Silverman coming back, Jane Lynch and Jack McBrayer would be returning to the roster.

Also returning are the team behind the original “Wreck-It Ralph,” who won an Oscar® last month for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ billion-dollar-box-office-blockbuster “Zootopia.” Directors Rich Moore (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and Phil Johnston (writer, “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Zootopia,” “Cedar Rapids”), and producer Clark Spencer (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Bolt”) are hard at work on the movie. “To take these characters we love and have them enter the enormous world of the internet has given us so much to explore,” said Moore. “Our production team has been hard at work designing a world that takes something we all think we know – the internet – but shows it in a whole new, imaginative way.”

Added Johnston, “We’re so excited to be working with Ralph, Vanellope von Schweetz, Fix-It Felix and Sergeant Calhoun again, and we have new characters we look forward to unveiling. At the center of this film, as in the first one, is the relationship between Ralph and Vanellope, two once-outcasts, who in each other, found true friendship.”

When “Wreck-It Ralph” opened on Nov. 2, 2012, it turned in the highest opening weekend ever for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film at the time of release. Nominated for an Oscar® and Golden Globe® for best animated feature, “Wreck-It Ralph” won the PGA Award for outstanding producer of an animated theatrical motion picture as well as five Annie Awards, including best animated feature, director, cast and screenplay. The film was named best animated feature by the Broadcast Film Critics Association, earned outstanding achievement in casting for an animated feature by the Casting Society of America, and won the Kids’ Choice Award for favorite animated movie.

“Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2” hits U.S. theaters on March 9, 2018.

Radio Disney Arch on Display at Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

Gwen Stefani has done it. So has Nick Jonas. Now, it’s your turn! Take a walk under the legendary Radio Disney arch on your next visit to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. The “ARDY Arch” has been a staple on the red carpet at the Radio Disney Music Awards since 2014. The arch represents the prestigious “ARDY” which is an award given to artists annually based on fan votes.

Can’t make it to Disney Springs to see the arch for yourself? You can still participate in the fun by voting for your favorite artists until April 9, 2017 on the official RDMA site, accessible here. The live RDMA show will take place on April 29th in Los Angeles, CA, with winners announced via social media in real time. The following day, April 30th, “Disney Channel Presents the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards” will air on the Disney Channel at 7 p.m. so make plans to tune-in.

If you are going to Disney Springs, make sure to share your picture under the “ARDY” with us!

Ready to book your trip to Walt Disney World or any other Disney Destination? Fill out the form below for a FREE, no obligation quote 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. I work with all Disney Destinations around the globe. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Dates and Menus for 2017 Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Announced

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will return to this October for it’s eighth year. This event, held at the Swan and Dolphin Resorts at Walt Disney World, will take place on Friday, October 27th and Saturday, October 28th.

Highlights of the 2017 menu include featured items from the hotel’s signature restaurants: Kobe beef mini burgers with truffle aioli, Applewood smoked bacon and roma tomato chutney from The Fountain; seared Yellowfin Tuna salad from Todd English’s bluezoo; ricotta gnocchi with wild mushrooms, baby spinach and fennel sausage from Il Mulino Trattoria and oven-roasted beef ribeye with mashed potatoes and sauce bordelaise from Shula’s Steakhouse. Returning dishes include the popular dragon sushi roll from Kimonos and fish ‘n’ chips with sea salt and vinegar potato chips from Garden Grove.

Also returning this year will be Carnival Corner and Chinatown, offering specialty cuisine in immersive themed areas, as well as the Sunday Bubbles Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 29. Original dessert offerings will once again be served by World Champion Pastry Chef Laurent Branlard.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic offers guests unlimited tastings at more than 50 stations featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from more than 30 wineries amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. Upgraded ticket options allow guests to enjoy access to a beer garden featuring a wide selection of craft beers and Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine. The event also includes hands-on seminars with the hotel’s chefs and certified beverage experts.

Ready to book your trip to this scrumptious event? Fill out the form below for a FREE, no obligation quote 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. I work with all Disney Destinations around the globe. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Disney Cruise Line Improves Online and Cruise Terminal Check-In Processes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

Disney Cruise Line has just announced exciting enhancements to improve your “My Online Check-in” experience as well as when you check-in at the cruise terminal.

Here are details of the changes we will start to see:

The Youth Activity Registration process will now be a part of My Online Check-In allowing parents/authorized adults to provide more detailed information regarding medical and dietary restrictions involving their child’s meals and program participation
Guests will be able to electronically accept the Cruise Contract Terms and Conditions
A new Port Arrival Form will replace the Online Signature Form and include information and important reminders (Bring proper documentation, check the expiration date on passports and travel visas) Guests are always encouraged to bring a copy of the form with them to the cruise terminal for embarkation
Castaway Club Members who are confirmed on a closed-loop cruise out of Port Canaveral or Miami may select the option of only receiving luggage tags. Clients who make this selection will receive a modified version of the Guest Travel Booklet

We will start to see these changes roll out within the next week.

Ready to book your next Disney Cruise? Fill out the form below for a FREE, no obligation quote 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. I work with all Disney Destinations around the globe. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Breaking News: Security Checkpoints at The Magic Kingdom Moving to TTC and Resorts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

Rumors have been circulating that changes were coming to the location of the security checkpoints at the Magic Kingdom. Today we received confirmation from Disney that is in fact the case. These new security areas and security screening procedures will go into effect on April 3rd, 2017.

Guests taking buses and watercraft will be screened at new checkpoints in front of the park. Guests at the Transportation and Ticket Center will be screened after departing from the parking tram, but before boarding the monorail or ferryboat to the park. Additional screening points are being added before monorail boarding at the Magic Kingdom area resorts.

What do you think about these changes?

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 package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations around the globe. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Disneyland Helps Anaheim Schools by Funding Musical Instruments for 5th Grade Students

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

dissney music fund — Mickey Mouse joins fifth grade students at Stoddard Elementary School in Anaheim as they receive trombones as part of the Anaheim Elementary School District's Music Makers Exploratory Wheel program. The five-year program will provide five sets of instruments to 10 schools in the district. Funding for the program was provided by the Disneyland Resort, Buena Park-based Yamaha Corporation of America and NAMM. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG) Taken in Anaheim at Stoddard Elementary on Tuesday, March 21, 2017.

Children at select Anaheim Elementary schools have a lot to smile about and music is definitely in the air. Disney, along with the help of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and the Yamaha Corporation of America, are funding a new program to help encourage instrumental music in Anaheim schools. American Music Makers Exploratory Wheel includes five years of funding for teachers, plus makes musical instruments available so that Anaheim fifth graders can sample the trombone, flute, trumpet, clarinet, and violin before deciding in sixth grade if they’d like to continue with instrumental music. Disneyland Ambassador Mikey Trujillo and Disneyland Band member Laura Hamlin made the announcement at Stoddard Elementary School with a little help from Mickey Mouse.

Photo Credit: Mark Eades

Interested in a Magical Disney Vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (770) 800-6500. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

Tuskegee Airmen from World War II Honored at Disneyland Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 28, 2017

Disneyland had some very special guests recently, The original members of the Tuskegee Airmen from World War II were honored during a special flag retreat ceremony on Friday, Mar. 24, at Town Square in Disneyland park. Members of the Los Angeles Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., were hosted by SALUTE, a Diversity Resource Group comprised of cast members who enhance the guest and cast experience by providing a perspective of men and women who have served in the military.

The first-ever African-American air squadron was formed in 1941. They were named the Tuskegee Airmen for receiving their pilot training on airfields near Tuskegee, Ala. Their bravery and patriotic spirit has forever earned their place in American history, and Disney was honored to salute them in their daily Town Square tradition.

I love hearing stories honoring our military, both past and present. We thank you.

Interested in a Magical Disney Vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (770) 800-6500. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips

Disney Store Celebrates 30 Years of Magic Today!

By

Danielle

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March 28, 2017

Today, Disney Store celebrates its 30 year anniversary! The Glendale, California store’s historic grand opening was 30 years ago today in 1987! As the Disney Store Celebrates 30 they are Commemorating this Milestone with In-Store Celebrations and Limited Edition Products.

Disney Store has served as a brand beacon for Guests around the world since it’s inception. It has provided an immersive retail destination that delivers the very best in product offerings, unique experiences and unparalleled Guest service. Currently, Disney Store operates 340 stores worldwide and ecommerce sites in 10 countries.

“For 30 years, Disney Store has helped fans and families around the world make Disney magic a part of their daily lives,” said Paul Gainer, executive vice president, Disney Retail. “We have continued to evolve and address not only the needs and interests of Guests, but also the growing slate of Walt Disney Company brands and franchises, including Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. We look forward to the future as we continue to deliver the very best of Disney at retail.”

To commemorate this milestone, a new line-up of limited edition 30th anniversary products will be released today! This line-up features highly-anticipated collectibles and a special anniversary Disney Tsum Tsum set. In-store celebratory events and activities are also planned – including a 30th Anniversary Parade! The parade will take place at 3pm now through April 2. Guests are also invited to hear short, fun stories and facts about Disney Store’s history and younger Guests are encouraged to dance along the store parade route.

Some of the highly anticipated items available as the Disney Store Celebrates 30 include the: Disney Store 30th Anniversary Snowglobe, the Disney Store 30th Anniversary Journal, and Mickey Mouse and Friends Disney Store 30th Anniversary ”Tsum Tsum” Set.

Are you excited to Celebrate 30 Years of Magic with the beloved Disney Store?