Winter Holiday Sweets Now Available At Select Disney Springs Shops

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October 26, 2016

During a visit to Disney Springs this past weekend, I discovered that some fun Disney Winter Holiday Sweets are already on the shelves. Frosted Winter Holiday Pretzels, Flavored Winter Holiday Chocolate Bars, Green and Red Winter Holiday Mickey Mouse Lollipops, Shortbread Cookies in a Winter Holiday Tin, Winter Holiday Mickey’s Cocoa Tins, and tiny candies in little Winter Holiday Themed Bags are all available for purchase. I am particularly fond of the white chocolate frosted pretzels during the Winter Holiday Season.

The package of 5 chocolate bars makes a festive gift as the bars create a whimsical holiday scene featuring some of your favorite Disney characters. If you purchase them to share with family and friends, you may find it difficult to choose just one. There is the traditional milk chocolate bar and the ever-popular milk chocolate caramel. But how about a taste of Dark Chocolate Peppermint Crunch, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, or Milk Chocolate Marshmallow? Oh my! I may just have to purchase these as a sharing treat for a Winter Holiday party this year.

For whatever reason, young children love lollipops. The red and green Mickey Mouse Lollipops are sure to be a hit for the youngsters in your life. Don’t have youngsters in your life? Then pick up a few to create a Winter Holiday display of your very own.

The Whimsical Winter Holiday Shortbread Cookie Tin is my absolute favorite Disney Find of the weekend. The tin holds adorable Winter Holiday Themed Shortbread Cookies. The best part about this tin is that the base of the tin winds up and plays Winter Holiday music. This decorative display item is sure to be a great conversational piece, a central part of a holiday table display, or a beautiful gift for one of the special people in your life. For me, I love it and I need it in my life!

Even though I live in Central Florida, I adore a cup of hot cocoa on a cool winter’s night. There is something very soothing about relaxing at home with a cup of hot cocoa while watching a Disney Winter Holiday Movie. The Mint Chocolate Cocoa is calling my name!

These Disney Themed Winter Holiday bags come filled with tiny candies. Each bag features some of our favorite Disney Characters all dressed up for their Winter Holiday Celebrations. I used the ones from last year as a Yankee Swap Gift for a Holiday Party I attended and they made the rounds as the favorite item of the evening.

With exactly two months to go until Christmas Day, I was thrilled to discover that the shelves at some Disney Springs shops are featuring Winter Holiday Sweets. While I realize it is only October, these sweets were getting quite a bit of attention, particularly at the Days of Christmas Shop in the Marketplace Neighborhood of Disney Springs. They just hit the shelves a few days ago and the interest is already quite large.

What do you think of these Winter Holiday Sweets? Please leave your comments in the box below.

A Brand New Muppet Babies Show is Coming to Disney Junior!

By

Danielle

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October 26, 2016

I have such fond memories of the Muppet Babies from when I was little. The animated classic aired from 1984 to 1991, and featured adorable versions of beloved characters like Kermit the Frog, Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo.

Now that I have a child of my own, I really enjoy the nostalgia of watching new versions of my childhood favorites with him. So I was very happy to hear that Disney has begun production on a reimagined Muppet Babies series set to debut in early 2018. The show will co-produced by my household’s favorite channel, Disney Junior, along with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media’s (DCPI) Content & Media group, and The Muppets Studio. This time around we will see the baby versions of our favorite muppets in CG animation!

Like the original classic, the show will feature the playroom adventures of Kermit, Piggy, Animal and more!

Nancy Kanter, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide, said:

“We are proud, and a little bit giddy, to begin production on our new version of the much-loved Muppet Babies. Parents will delight in seeing their favorite Muppets in the mixed animation style they remember from the original series, and kids will be introduced to this warm and zany world made just right for the Disney Junior audience.”

The episodes of the show will run with a similar format to most Disney Junior shows, featuring 2 11-minute long stories. We will get to see our favorite little Muppets fly through outer space, and other exciting adventures. The series will be geared towards kids aged 4-7, and will highlight creative and critical thinking. It seems like it will be a great show for pre-schoolers, much like Phineas and Ferb was for older children.

Debbie McClellan, Vice President, The Muppets Studio said:

“Bringing Muppet Babies to Disney Junior is a wonderful opportunity to reach a new generation of viewers and to creatively build on the innovative original series. We hope to engage and delight the nostalgic fans while also entertaining new kids, parents and diverse audiences through heart and humor as only the Muppets can deliver.”

We can’t wait to see what the Muppet Babies get up to when the show debuts in 2018.

Are you excited to relive the nostalgia of the Muppet Babies, or maybe even watch them for the first time?

Enjoy Special Savings at Disneyland Resort this Winter with a New Room Discount

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 26, 2016

Stay in the middle of the magic at Disneyland Resort this winter and enjoy special savings on select Sunday – Thursday nights from January 8 – April 20, 2017. Guests can save up to 25% on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel or up to 10% at Disney’s Paradise Pier. This offer must be booked by March 9, 2017 with travel completed by April 21, 2017.

Booking Window: Oct. 26, 2016 – March 9, 2017
Travel Window: Jan. 8 – April 20, 2017

Savings on premium rooms are available on Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms. Offer excludes select Concierge rooms and suites, except Paradise, Artisan and Regal suites. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks.

Guests can also take advantage of reduced rates for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights this fall from October 23 – December 22, 2016:

Save 20% on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel.
Save 15% on standard rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel.
Save 10% on standard and premium rooms at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

The fall offer must be booked by November 16, 2016 with travel completed by December 23, 2016.

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

Photo Credit: Disney

Disney Springs Has Fun Autumn Halloween Photo-Op Locations

By

Lisette R

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October 26, 2016

As Disney Springs continues to grow, we find new and interesting things to write about and share. Currently, Disney Springs has some fun Autumn Halloween photo-op locations. The giant Mickey Mouse Pumpkin, featured in the picture above, is located just outside the Earl of Sandwich in the Disney Springs’ Marketplace neighborhood.

Also in the Disney Springs Marketplace neighborhood is this fun Autumn Pumpkin photo-op spot. This one is just outside of Once Upon A Toy facing the children’s splash pad area, and just across from the giant Mickey Mouse Pumpkin.

This last photo-op is in the new Town Center Neighborhood of Disney Springs. This bright and colorful photo-op board provides a nice spot to take a photo in order to remember your visit to the newest neighborhood to be developed in Disney Springs.

What do you think of the Halloween photo-ops at Disney Springs? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Disney Imposes New Security Measures after Guest Apprehended Trying to Bring Gun Into Epcot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 26, 2016

In the wake of a guest who tried to bring a gun into Epcot in Monday, Disney has heightened security at the entrance gates for its theme parks.

If you are interested in a Disney Vacation, but don’t know where to start, fill out our form below and let our Certified Disney Travel Specialists help! Our services to you are 100% FREE!

It appears that all guests without bags are now being funneled through the metal detectors, where previously only random guests had been selected. WDW News Today claims they aren’t sure whether or not this is a permanent Security routine, or if it is simply to calm guests after a frightening occurrence at the parks.

Guests with bags still maintain the same routine of having bags/carriers/strollers/coolers inspected prior to entering the park. We’ll keep you posted if more security information becomes available.

What do you think of the new mandatory metal detector screening?

If you would like to visit a Disney Destination, 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.

A New Projection Show Called “Once Upon a Time” Begins on November 4th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 26, 2016

A new nighttime projection show called “Once Upon a Time” will debut at Magic Kingdom on Friday, November 4, 2016. It will replace the current “Celebrate the Magic” projection show, which is ending on November 3rd. Be sure to check the latest times guide at the park or refer to the My Disney Experience app for the most up to date information regarding show times. Guests can expect “Once Upon a Time” to light up Cinderella’s Castle approximately 15 minutes prior to Wishes fireworks.

In this new show, Mrs. Potts from “Beauty and the Beast” shares bedtime stories with Chip, taking them (and all of us) on a magical trip through the most adventurous scenes from favorite Disney films like “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.”

Scenes that are expected to be guest-favorites include a flight with Peter Pan from London to Never Land, the Mad Hatter’s whimsical tea party, and a daring duel between Gaston and Beast. Mrs. Potts and Chip end their bedtime story with a grand finale that includes appearances by characters from even more Disney films.

The show, which was inspired by one of a similar name at Tokyo Disneyland Park, uses projection mapping technology to cover every nook and cranny of Cinderella Castle in vibrant images that appear almost three-dimensional.

Are you excited about the new “Once Upon a Time” projection show at Magic Kingdom or will you miss “Celebrate the Magic”?

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney vacation where you can watch the new “Once Upon a Time” projection show. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money.

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Royal Court Royal Tea is Coming Soon to all Four Disney Cruise Line Ships

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 26, 2016

Royal Court Royal Tea will soon be offered on all four Disney Cruise ships! The royal celebration has been available on the Disney Fantasy for a while now and was most recently added to 4 night cruises onboard the Disney Dream. It will also be offered on 3 night voyages beginning with the Dream’s November 4th sailing. The Disney Wonder will join the party starting November 10th and the Disney Magic will begin offering the tea party December 11th.

Watch the video below for a glimpse into the grand event…

During Royal Court Royal Tea, storytelling meets reality as children ages 3 to 12 are crowned young princesses or dubbed royal knights. Of course, no royal celebration would be complete without a visit from Disney Princesses. Escorted by a Royal Page, the Princesses will visit each table to meet guests and welcome them to the tea party.

Lady Chamomile, the Royal Tea Hostess, and Chef Brule, the Royal Pastry Chef, host the stately celebration, and the pair presents the princesses and knights with some of their most delightful culinary specialties. Young royal guests also receive unique keepsakes and a memorable photograph with their favorite Disney Princesses.

Gifts for Girls – Jewelry box, link bracelet, necklace with charms, a Cinderella doll, autograph book with pen and tiara

Gifts for Boys – Royal Court cinch bag, sword and shield, pins, autograph book and Duffy the Disney Bear plush

The cost for the Royal Court Royal Tea experience is $210 per child and $69 per adult. Reserve a spot at this special event by visiting the Planning Center on disneycruise.com before you set sail. Guests can also stop by Guest Services on the first day of the cruise in order to add their name to the guest list if space is still available.

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

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Family Game Night Fun with the Olaf Operation Game

By

Danielle

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October 25, 2016

If you’ve ever wondered what Olaf was made of, or maybe you’d rather take him apart, well have I found the game for you! The Olaf Operation Game is a cute, and fun Disney themed game that’s sure to make family game night a laugh!

I love having games on hand to play with the whole family, especially around this time of year. Fall starts to bring cooler weather, and lots of precipitation, so it’s great to have fun indoor activities everyone can enjoy. I love the original “Operation” game, but being a Disney Addict I like having Disney themed games whenever I can!

This Olaf themed game is great for Frozen lovers, and haters alike! It’s decorated as Olaf for lovers of the movie. If you are not a fan you get to dissect Olaf, and well that’s kind of cool. If you’re wondering what you’ll be removing since Olaf isn’t likely to have bones or organs, well it’s Snowgies! Yes those lovable little snow creatures from Elsa’s sneezes. The game plays just like the original, but with an icy theme!

Would you play the Olaf Operation Game for your family game nights? I think it would be a refreshingly cool twist on an old favorite!

Stan Lee Delights The Crowd At Special “Doctor Strange” Screening

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 25, 2016

Stan Lee has just proved again why he’s loved by the masses and is now everyone’s Grandpa. Yesterday in Hollywood, the Marvel Legend surprised Marvel Studios’ youngest fans at a screening of “Doctor Strange” at the legendary Hollywood El Capitan Theatre. Everyone celebrated together by wearing Doctor Strange’s most treasured possession, the Cloak of Levitation!

Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange” premieres in U.S. Theaters November 4, 2016 in 3D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D!

This looks like an exciting new adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe! Will you be dressing up in your favorite Marvel costumes and gear to see Doctor Strange on premiere night?

Disney Bowl Cozies Keep Hands Cool with Hot Food!

By

Danielle

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October 25, 2016

I had a fun Disney find today after a not so fun lunch experience. I found these cute Disney Bowl Cozies on Etsy, after a bit of a lunch debacle.

Confession time: I totally burned my hands taking a bowl of pasta out of the microwave today. Then, if that wasn’t embarrassing enough, I dropped the bowl while trying to maneuver a potholder under it. This not being one of my better days, I knew there had to be a better way. This also might not be my first hot bowl accident. So, I finally decided I needed adorable bowl cozies! I was very excited to see Disney inspired ones too! Not only can these keep my fingers safe, but they can also look great on display when not in use.

These are great for managing hot bowls! You just take your hot bowl out of the microwave and slide it in the potholder cozy.
No more hot bowl to deal with, use it for oatmeal, soups, or in my case piping hot pasta. They are also great for keeping your fingers from feeling like you’ve holding hands with Elsa while you enjoy a bowl of ice cream on the couch. Ice cream, warm hands, Once Upon a Time on the couch? YES PLEASE!

Check out all the fun patterns available:

What do you think of these novel Disney Bowl Cozies?

Disney Cruise Line Unveils Itineraries for 2018 Cruises

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 25, 2016

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Disney has released new information regarding 2018 cruises, and we know it makes many advance planners very happy! The public can begin booking on October 27th, 2016, so get ready to see where Disney Cruise Line can take you in 2018. Here is what Disney had to say about the new 2018 itineraries:

Today we unveiled where our ships will be sailing for the first part of 2018, which includes homeports on both coasts. Favorite tropical itineraries in the Bahamas and the Caribbean depart from Florida and Puerto Rico, and a variety of Baja and Mexican Riviera sailings depart from California.

For the first time, we’ll be visiting Bonaire, a popular Caribbean destination located just north of the South American coast. The Dutch Caribbean island is favored for arid climate and sunny weather, and its beautiful waters and reef-lined coast lure water-sport enthusiasts for scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Here’s a closer look at the lineup from January through May …

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San Juan to Southern Caribbean, including Bonaire

From San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Disney Wonder sets sail on three seven-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean. Departing Jan. 14, 21 and 28, each voyage offers a unique itinerary with four destinations and two days at sea. This limited-time engagement includes a combination of calls on Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and St. Kitts.

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San Diego

Our return to San Diego in April and May includes seven Disney Wonder cruises to Baja and the Mexican Riviera, where you can enjoy world-famous beaches and snorkeling. Five-night sailings visit Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico, while two- and three-night cruises call on Ensenada. Friday departures for the two-night cruises offer the ultimate weekend getaway from San Diego.

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Port Canaveral

With three ships in port and cruise lengths spanning three, four and seven nights, you have a full menu of options from Port Canaveral, Florida. Plus, every sailing includes a day at Castaway Cay. The Disney Fantasy continues to sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages, while the Disney Dream embarks on three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay. From Feb. 8 through April 8, the Disney Wonder will alternate similar three-, four- and seven-night itineraries.

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Miami

To kick off 2018, the Disney Magic continues sailing from Miami with four- and five-night voyages to the Bahamas, plus five-night Western Caribbean cruises. You’ll also visit Castaway Cay during every one of these sailings. Other Bahamian ports of call include Nassau and Key West, while a stop in Grand Cayman or Cozumel headlines the Western Caribbean itineraries.

If you would love to go on a Disney Cruise, 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 Cruise line

Disney Springs to Host Christmas Fun this Holiday Season

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 25, 2016

If you love the vibe and feel of the newly redesigned Disney Springs, then wait ’til you see what it has to offer guests this Christmas Season! You can catch the spirit of the season with an incredible mix of seasonal entertainment, shops, cuisine and family fun—November 14 through January 8, 2017.

If you are interested in a Disney Vacation, but don’t know where to start, fill out our form below and let our Certified Disney Travel Specialists help! Our services to you are 100% FREE!

This year’s highlights include:

A nightly tree lighting ceremony at the Once Upon a Toy fountain play area
Elaborate storefront window displays at select shops
Santa’s Chalet! Meet and take a keepsake photo with Santa Claus from November 14 through December 24, 2016; and with Santa Goofy from December 25 through December 30, 2016.
A holiday-themed DJ dance party with games and activities at the Once Upon a Toy fountain play area
Live entertainment, including toy solider and snowflake stilt walkers, pop carolers, acapella groups and more—6:00 PM to 10:00 PM from November 13 through January 8, 2017
Special performances celebrating Kwanza on Waterside Stage in the Marketplace on December 26 and December 27, 2016
Songs and stories in honor of Hanukkah at Waterview Park in The Landing, with evening performances from December 24 through January 1, 2017.
A decked out trail near the Marketplace bus loop with custom-decorated holiday trees—all centered around a different Disney theme
Photo ops with oversized toy sculptures throughout Disney Springs

New! Stroll the Festival of Holiday Trees

Wander through an enchanted wonderland and marvel at a stunning collection of custom-decorated trees. Each one has been designed to capture a popular Disney theme. Begin your walk-through experience near the play fountain outside Once Upon a Toy in the Marketplace. Once there, you’ll spot an alluring pathway—a fun invitation to explore.

Swing by Santa’s Chalet

Experience the ultimate holiday encounter when you meet—and snap a photo with—the jolly man himself.

From November 14 through December 24, 2016, Santa and his helpers will be greeting Guests at their charming cottage across from Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. It’s the perfect spot to grab a cup of rich hot chocolate to savor while you wait for your turn to meet him and relay your gift wish.

Steps to Meet Santa

Check in at the podium.
Receive a pager from one of Santa’s Helpers.
Shop, eat and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Marketplace.
When you receive a message from Santa’s Helpers, return to the podium within 10 minutes.
Take your place in line to meet Santa.

Have a Disney’s Memory Maker Package?

Your photos with Santa are included!

Santa’s Schedule

Noon to 10:00 PM

Santa Claus will be taking a well-deserved break from December 25 through December 30, 2016. During this time, you’ll be able to meet Santa Goofy.

If you would like to visit Walt Disney World this Holiday Season, 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