Disney Springs to Host Christmas Fun this Holiday Season

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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

The List of Celebrity Narrators for the 2016 Candlelight Processional has been Updated

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 25, 2016

The celebrity list of narrators for the 2016 Candlelight Processional has recently been updated and includes the following special guests:

Steven Curtis Chapman – November 25 to 27, 2016
Neil Patrick Harris – November 28 to December 1, 2016
Whoopi Goldberg – December 2 to 3, 2016
Edward James Olmos – December 4 to 6, 2016
Robby Benson – December 10 to 12, 2016
Meredith Vieira – December 13 to 15, 2016
Jim Caviezel – December 16 to 18, 2016
Joe Morton – December 19 to 21, 2016
Ming-Na Wen – December 22 to 24, 2016
Jodi Benson – December 25 to 27, 2016
Cal Ripken, Jr. – December 28 to 30, 2016

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your magical Disney vacation this holiday season. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money. Be sure to fill in the form below to request a travel quote!

The Candlelight Processional is an annual holiday tradition that takes place at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot. A celebrity narrator retells the story of Christmas accompanied by a 50 piece orchestra and a magnificent choir. The shows take place 3 times a day at 5:00pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm from November 25 to December 30, 2016.

Although Epcot admission is required, no tickets are required to enjoy the show. The best way to secure a seat is to reserve a Candlelight Processional Dining Package.

Make the holiday season even more magical with the “Gift of Magic Room Offer”. Guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most night December 15 – 23, 2016 and January 1 – April 8, 2017 when booked by December 21st.

Photo Credit: Disney

Two New Downtown Disney Shopping Experiences Coming This Fall

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Danielle

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October 25, 2016

Disney Springs in Walt Disney World has certainly gotten it’s fair share of new stores over the past year. Now Downtown Disney at Disneyland will also see some fresh new shopping experiences. Pandora and Sammy Duvall’s Curl Surf will be making their way as the new Downtown Disney shopping experiences this fall.

Downtown Disney District in Disneyland will soon offer a new shopping destination for fine jewelry. Famous for its elegance and style, PANDORA will offer beautiful, hand-finished jewelry in sterling silver and 14k gold with genuine gemstones, cultured pearls, Murano glass and cubic zirconia stones. Disney Pandora charms are a fabulous memento to remember a Disney vacation with.

Sammy Duvall’s Curl Surf, will also open late fall 2016. Curl Surf highlights the surfer life, with its culture and fashions.The store will feature top surf brands, including Hurley, Roxy, Billabong, Nixon, Duvin and Quicksilver, footwear by TOMS, Reef and Vans, and a large selection of Oakley, Ray-Ban and Nixon watches. This is a great place for surfer and beach apparel.

It’s exciting to see more shopping experiences coming to Downtown Disney in Disneyland! There is also the promise of more to come!

photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Kali River Rapids Closing in January for Annual Refurbishment

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 25, 2016

Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom will be closed for its annual refurbishment from January 3 through January 29, 2017. For the latest in attraction closures, be sure to check our refurbishment schedule here.

Kali River Rapids is a whitewater rapids attraction that features gurgling geysers, jetting water and a dramatic splashdown where you will most certainly get wet.

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

Photo Credit: http://wdwnews.com

Update: Gun incident from Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 25, 2016

Yesterday we reported that there was a female guest who tried to bring a gun into Animal Kingdom, and it appears that the initial information that went out was incorrect.

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!

We now hear from the Orlando Sentinel that it was instead a male guest who tried to bring the gun into Epcot, not Animal Kingdom. Apparently the story got misconstrued by Cast Members as the gossip started to make its way around after the event.

61 year old Michael Langston of Abita Springs, La. faces a charge of carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, according to his arrest report. He was booked into the Orange County Jail Monday afternoon. Apparently he had the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard .380 Automatic under his jacket, and security noticed and brought him to the metal detectors, where he was then forced to disclose he had the gun on his person. Sheriffs claim the man was not planning on disclosing he had the weapon on him until he realized he was about to get caught, and he was planning on bringing the loaded firearm into the park.

Guns are strictly prohibited on Disney property, even for those with lawful concealed-carry permits.

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.

photo: Disney

The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Officially Renamed Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 25, 2016

The existing Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge have officially been renamed Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge as of today, October 25, 2016. The new name will help distinguish the resort from the new waterside Disney Vacation Club development called Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge that is currently under construction at the resort.

Recalling the 1860’s railroad hotels of the American West, Boulder Ridge Villas offer the comforts of home amid the rustic beauty of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Dine on traditional Pacific Northwest cuisine, explore trails through lush meadows and delight in the enchanting Silver Creek Springs Pool. Just a breezy boat ride to Magic Kingdom park, this Resort hotel celebrates the ethos of traditional craftsmanship and the great outdoors.

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

A Frozen Holiday Wish May Be Returning to Disney World as Early as November 2nd.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 25, 2016

Disney may soon be announcing that Elsa, Anna and friends will be returning to Disney World to celebrate the holidays in the much-loved A Frozen Holiday Wish starting in just a few short weeks. A November 2nd start date for this seasonal castle-lighting event began cropping up on disneyworld.com yesterday but has since been taken down. This typically means that an official announcement is just around the corner!

A highlight of the holidays at Walt Disney World, this 10 minute show featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff uses gorgeous projections and stunning lighting to transform Cinderella’s Castle into Elsa’s dazzling wintry ice palace.

This castle lighting ceremony is expected to run throughout the Season with performances at 6:30 pm. No news yet as to whether there will be a 2nd 8:00pm performance during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Please check back for further details on A Frozen Holiday Wish as well as other holiday-themed news and updates.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World this Christmas? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Need some help planning your Christmas visit to the Mouse? Why not work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels I can help you celebrate the holidays in style and will be on hand to help with everything from finding your perfect resort to adding lots of Christmas touches like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party! Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Dwayne Johnson Sings in New “Moana” Clip Reveal

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

With the release date of Moana drawing near, everyone including the film’s stars are getting excited. “Moana’s” Dwayne Johnson (voice of Maui) just revealed a brand new clip from the Disney animated film exclusively on his Instagram page.

The clip features the debut of Maui’s song, “You’re Welcome,” written by Tony Award Winner & Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. To celebrate, Dwayne Johnson will also be revealing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from his recording session with Miranda as part of his first ever Instagram Story.

The beautifully animated film MOANA will be in theaters November 23!

Are you excited to see Disney’s latest animated film? Do you think it will be as big as Frozen?

George Lucas Not Involved in ‘Indiana Jones 5’ Story According To Writer David Koepp

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

“Indiana Jones” is one of the most prolific movie franchises in history. Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford and George Lucas developed an iconic character, so when the announcement came out earlier this year that an Indy 5 is in the works, starring Ford and directed by Spielberg, many fans sat up straight.

Disney and LucasFilm announced that screenwriter David Koepp, who has worked with Spielberg on “Jurassic Park”, “War of The Worlds” and “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” will be penning the newest installment. In a recent interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, Koepp mentioned some things about the project.

Koepp said he’s hard at work on writing the script for Indiana Jones 5, but one big question that loomed over the film was whether Lucas would be involved. The way the franchise worked in that past was that Lucas would come up with the idea for the movie and Spielberg would execute it. When Indy 5 was announced, Lucas’ name was nowhere to be found. Spielberg subsequently said Lucas would serve as an executive producer on the film, but in speaking with Koepp, the screenwriter revealed that Lucas is not involved in the story of Indiana Jones 5: “He’s not, to my knowledge. I’ve had no contact with him.”

There is no confirmation as to the story and what Indy will be looking for, but this is an interesting development. Lucas has been with the Jones camp from it’s inception. I for one, being a huge Indy fan, am looking forward to more news and any new developments whatever they may be.

Chris Pine Joins The Cast Of The Anticipated “A Wrinkle In Time” Film

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

A Wrinkle In Time

Chris Pine has been cast as Mr. Murray in the Ava DuVernay directed adaptation of “A Wrinkle in Time” for Disney. Pine will play the father of Meg (Storm Reid). Mr. Murray is a physicist who researches five-dimentional means of travel between planets via means of a mysterious project called a tesseract.

Pine is best known for playing Captain Kirk in the new “Star Trek” reboot, but he is no stranger to the Disney camp. Pine was also in “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement”, “Into The Woods” and “The Finest Hours”.

Already announced for the cast are Ophah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling. Frozen co-writer Jennifer Lee wrote the script off the book by Madeleine L’Engle.

A Wrinkle In Time does not yet have a release date, but filming is expected to start filming before the end of this year.

Disney Pumpkin Carving Templates

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

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If you’re anything like me, you love having a Disney-themed pumpkin on your front porch for all the world to enjoy on Halloween night. And if you’re in the market for some great Disney templates, then you’ll be happy to hear that Disney Parks Blog authors Simone Miranda and Mike Britton (and their team) just shared three awesome Disney inspired pumpkin-carving templates for you to try!

Each varies in level of difficulty, from an easy Skeleton Mickey, to a moderate Princess Anna, to a complex Dr. Facilier. For templates on each of these designs, click here. And for step-by-step instructions, click here.

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You can view some more templates and DIY activities from last year here>> and here>>.

Will you be giving these templates a try this Halloween?

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.

photos: Disney Parks Blog

Guest Apprehended trying to Bring Firearm into Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

We should all be thankful for the added security at the entrance to Disney’s theme parks, especially after WDW News Today reports that a female guest was apprehended after reportedly trying to bring a gun into Animal Kingdom. The gun was found during the bag screening process at the entrance, before the metal detectors.

The gun was confiscated, and eyewitnesses claim the woman was handcuffed and escorted off property by police. No word on whether or not she was actually arrested, but we will keep you posted as we know more.

If you would like to visit a Disney Destination, but are unsure of where to begin planning your Disney vacation, 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.