Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Available for Sale on April 5th

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March 1, 2017

Disney Vacation Club Membership in Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will be available for sale at $176 a point beginning April 5, 2017. Current DVC Members can add onto their existing Membership starting March 8, 2017. The resort is currently in the finishing stages of construction and is scheduled to open on July 17, 2017. This will be the 14th Disney Vacation Club development and the second at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, conveniently located just a water-taxi ride away from Magic Kingdom Park.

Accommodations

Deluxe Studio – A bright and welcoming space that can accommodate up to 4 Guests.

One-Bedroom Villa – An inviting environment with separate living and sleeping areas that can accommodate up to 4 Guests.

2-Bedroom Villa – Spacious layout is brimming with playful touches and accommodate up to 8 Guests.

3-Bedroom Grand Villa – Ideal for extended-family getaways and can accommodate up to 12 Guests.

2 – Bedroom Cabin – Escape to one of 26 private and luxurious waterfront Cabins. Sleeping up to eight and featuring two bedrooms, two baths and large dining and living room spaces, the cabins’ floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed wooden beams and interior-exterior stone-hearth fireplace bring the beauty of the outdoors in, offering plenty of room for families. There is a fully equipped, open-style kitchen and a stacked washer and dryer. After an exciting day at the nearby theme parks, guests can return to their porch to take in the fresh air and relax in the built-in hot tub, and for some, enjoy the Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake and firework views from the Magic Kingdom.

Please note: floor plans and furnishings are subject to change.

Awaken your spirit of discovery at a destination inspired by the storied railway past of the Pacific Northwest. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins is the perfect place to embrace the simple joys of nature and reconnect with each other.

Take a look at this video for sneak peek of Disney’s Copper Creek Villas and Cabins:

While staying at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, guests will have shared-access to all of the amenities and activities available just steps away at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

The recently opened Geyser Point Bar & Grill offers picturesque views of Bay Lake, as well as explorer-worthy feasts and trails-end spirits in an open-air lounge. The unique menu highlights an array of flavors from bison burgers with Tillamook cheddar and a house-smoked salmon BLT with lemon-caper mayonnaise to innovative small plates, craft beers and signature cocktails in the lounge. Roaring Fork, the resort’s original quick-service restaurant, will reopen later this year with a refreshed look and expanded outdoor seating.

Later this summer, guests will enjoy the laid-back relaxation of the new Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, part of Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This modern-day swimmin’ hole set within a spectacular backdrop features a zero-depth entry point.

Those in search of extra pampering will want to stop by the all-new Salon by the Springs for pool-side manicures, pedicures and hair services. Additionally, a brand-new sports court, BBQ pavilions and a refurbished fire pit and movie area also join the lineup of resort amenities all slated to open in the summer.

Whether it’s an afternoon packed with recreational fun or a night spent relaxing by the main lobby’s 82-foot-tall layered stone fireplace, you and your family will find that this wilderness retreat is a magical backdrop for the timeless vacation tales you’ll continue to tell, year after year.

More information about the new Copper Creek Villas & Cabins can be found here. They look stunning and I look forward to staying there sometime…how about you?

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney adventure, including a stay at Disney’s Copper Creek Villas & Cabins. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com

Master Sommelier George Miliotes of Wine Bar George to Host Wine Pairing Dinner at Four Seasons Orlando

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

Master Sommolier George Miliotes, part of the opening team at Disney’s award-winning California Grill and soon to be proprietor of Wine Bar George, slated to open in Disney Springs later this year, will be hosting a Master Sommelier Dinner on the terrace of Ravello restaurant located at the luxurious Four Seasons Orlando on March 9, 2017 at 6:30pm.

Miliotes is one of only 230 certified Master Sommeliers in the world making this special wine pairing evening one that guests won’t soon forget. On offer will be a Five-Course Menu with wines perfectly matched to bring out this symphony of delightful flavors.

Here’s a taste of what will be on offer:

First Course : Veal liver mousse, apple marmellata and balsamic gelatin. Antinori Vermentino

Second Course: Red trout and roe, fingerling potato, green bean, quail egg and pickled vinaigrette. Princip Fruilano or Ceretto Arnies “Blange”

Third Course: Bucatini pasta “paglia e fieno,” gorgonzola dolce, walnut, kale and sage brown butter. Medici Ermite Lambrusco (dry sparkling red)

Fourth Course: Barbera wine-braised short rib, Acquerello rice “budino,” golden raisin and red mustard. Poderi Elia Barbara di Asti DOCG

Fifth Course: Strawberry citrus granita, candied orange and warm biscotti. Perlina Moscato

The cost to attend this memorable evening is $175 per person and reservations can be made by calling 407.313.6161.

Readers should also watch this space for more fantastic details about Miliote’s Wine Bar George, a 210 seat wine bar that will be a welcome addition to Disney Spring’s already jam-packed culinary line up. The Wine Bar, modeled after a winemaker’s home estate will be serving up over 100 wines at with a range of varietals, vintages and prices. On offer will also be a food menu offering small plates designed to perfectly complement the wines on offer.

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

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Images copyright Disney.

“Beauty And The Beast” To Feature Disney’s First Openly Gay Character

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

In transforming the classic Disney animated film “Beauty and the Beast” to live-action, they are doing more than developing a strong visual style that will make a statement. Revealed exclusively to British gay lifestyle magazine Attitude, the character of LeFou – Gaston’s sidekick, played by Josh Gad – will be openly gay.

It’s a first for the studio to feature an openly gay character in a fairytale film. While Disney has hinted at a few gay characters in the past, such as Oaken in “Frozen,” it’s all been relegated to subtext. LeFou’s sexuality will be prominent, according to director Bill Condon. “LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston,” reveals Condon to Attitude.

“He’s confused about what he wants. It’s somebody who’s just realizing that he has these feelings. And Josh makes something really subtle and delicious out of it. And that’s what has its payoff at the end, which I don’t want to give away. But it is a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie.”

Josh Gad, of course, famously voiced Olaf the lovable snowman in “Frozen” for Disney, has now embraced an opportunity to embody what will soon be another legendary performance.

Iger For President In 2020?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

Disney CEO Bob Iger already runs the world’s most successful media company. But could these credentials carry him to the Oval Office?

Sources say Iger has told friends he is considering their nudges that he make a run for president in 2020 as a Democrat. There’s a hitch. Any political future would hinge on Iger, 66, finding a Disney successor, of course. (Complicating matters, in February, he told financial analysts he would be “open” to remaining as CEO after his contract ends in June 2018.)

Iger told THR in June that “a lot of people — a lot — have urged me to seek political office” but denied he would consider a run for California governor or senator, positions that historically have served as stepping stones to the White House. However, Iger didn’t specifically address the prospect of a White House run at the time.

Sources add that he has since consulted with former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg about making the leap from the board room to high office (Bloomberg served as mayor of the nation’s largest city from 2002-12 despite no prior public service).

Iger has plenty of friends in high places within the Democratic party. Former Vice President Al Gore told THR in January that he counts fellow Apple board member Iger among his closest Hollywood friends. A number of politically plugged-in industryites say they would welcome an Iger-led Democratic ticket. Others point out that President Trump has paved the way for a businessman who has never held public office to become the leader of the free world.

Could you see Iger running for president in 2020?

Enjoy Dinner at the Farm with Disney Chefs at the 4th Annual Field to Feast Event

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

Head out to a local farm with Disney chefs on March 25 for the 4th annual Field to Feast dinner at Long & Scott Farms in Mt. Dora, Florida. It’s a chance to be up close with award-winning Walt Disney World chefs, enjoy live music and farm tours as well as wine, cocktail and craft beer pairings by Master Sommelier George Miliotes.

Guests may arrive anytime after 4:30pm to check in and enjoy a glass of wine, beer or signature cocktail. Culinary stations will begin service at 5pm and conclude at 8pm. Tours of the farms are available throughout the evening.

All proceeds benefit the Kids Cafe Program of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, an after-school meal service program that provides food to needy children in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties.

Creative local cuisine will be featured from nine of Disney’s best chefs:

Chef Dennis Thompson – California Grill
Chef Daniel Sicilia – Jiko—The Cooking Place
Chef Michael Gonsalves – Artist Point
Chef David Njoroge – Tiffins
Chef Dom Filoni – Cítricos
Chef Michael Deardorff – Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Chef Leonard Thomson – Park Event Operations and Premium Events
Pastry Chef Michael Craig – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Bakery
Chef Chocolatier – Amanda Lauder, The Ganachery.

Master Sommelier George Miliotes, from the soon-to-open Bar George at Disney Springs, is pairing beverages with each dish. There’s also live music and tours of the farm on the back of a tractor.

All guests must be 21 or over. The event takes place outdoors so please dress with the weather in mind and select footwear that will be comfortable on soft ground. Parking is available at the farm a short walk from the event site.

Field to Feast is presented by Edible Orlando magazine with Walt Disney World Resort as a major sponsor. Tickets are $175 per person and can be purchased online here. Tables in Wonderland members are eligible for a special rate of 2 tickets for $300. Members can click here and enter the password F2F17TIW in order to purchase these specially-priced tickets.

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

Photo Credit: http://www.edibleorlando.com/field-to-feast-2017/

2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Amazing Topiaries

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

The amazing topiaries are always the highlight of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Show. Chip and Co is at opening day of this year’s festival and providing a first look at these amazing topiaries. The 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Show is featuring nearly 100 world-renowned Disney-themed topiaries that are truly spectacular.

Here are some photos of the beautiful displays.

Stay tuned all week for the latest Flower and Garden Festival news and updates.

Will you have the opportunity to see these amazing topiaries this year? Let me 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.

First Look at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival Menus

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

March is here and Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival is in full bloom. Here is a look at all the amazing culinary options available this year.

La Isla Fresca

Primavera Kitchen

The Berry Basket

Hanami

Urban Farm Eats

Fleur De Lys

Cider House

Northern Bloom

Bauernmarket

Block and Hans

The Smokehouse

Jardin de Fiestas

Pineapple Promenade

Lotus House

Taste of Marrakesh

Florida Fresh

The choices are endless and Disney certainly lives up to food lovers expectations, as always.

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.

“Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2” Newest Poster And Trailer Released

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

A brand new trailer for the latest Guardians movie premiered on Jimmy Kimmel last night. Along with the trailer, and a new poster came out as well.

The trailer gives us a closer look at the new costumes and baby Groot. Of course, we also get to listen to a little bit of the old school mix tape soundtrack! The poster really has an 80’s futuristic sci-fi kind of glam to it too!

Thanks Chris Pratt!!

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2” comes out May 5th. Are you excited to see the newest installment of Marvel’s best heroes in the galaxy?

2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Limited Edition Merchandise

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

With the start of the 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival comes plenty of special edition merchandise. Chip is at the Festival today and sent us some photos of the special merchandise!

Take a look at merchandise that is available specially for Annual Passholders:

Be sure to check out the festival center and special festival shop kiosks in order to find the specialty Passholder items for the festival.

There is also other amazing merchandise available for all guests too, and we are in love with it ALL. Take a look:

What do you think of the new merchandise? I know I need those Minnie Ears for my collection! What would you choose first?

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.

An Exclusive Peek at the Flower and Garden Festival Park Maps

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

It’s the first of March and you knowwhat that means – the first day of Epcot’s amazing International Flower and Garden Festival! We here at Chip and Co are at the opening day to bring you the best of the Fest. Let’s start with a first look at the new Epcot park maps created for the occasion.

A look at the front cover:

Here’s a glimpse of the full layout:

Full layout from the inside including the Epcot Map:

A close-up of the map with new Flower and Garden waypoints:

Here’ the Flower and Garden Festival highlights.

A complete guide to the Festival:

And a quick look at the Times Guide:

Stay tuned all week for the latest Flower and Garden Festival news and updates.

How long before you head over to Flower and Garden and get a map of your own? Let us know when you’ll be visiting in the comments below.

Would like to attend the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival but haven’t booked? Don’t worry there’s still plenty of great packages available. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Images copyright Disney.

Disney Sweetens the Compensation Plan Offered to Caribbean Beach Resort Guests

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2017

Disney has sweetened the compensation plan offered to guests who will be impacted by the renovations at the Caribbean Beach Resort. The renovations, which are scheduled to begin on May 1, have caused many guests (and travel agents!) a great bit of angst and confusion.

The confusion mainly comes into play with the changing compensation Walt Disney World has offered to guests with reservations at the Caribbean Beach Resort. The offers have gone from nothing offered to a $75.00 per night room credit and then the room night credit was quickly replaced with a $25 Disney card for each night of stay.

We were happy to see that Disney sweetened the compensation offer this week. Guests at the Caribbean Beach Resort will receive, upon check-in, a $75.00 Disney gift card per room per night of stay. Guests with upcoming reservations received a letter outlining the new plan. In reading over the letter though, something was notably missing. Travel agents were notified of this update but were also made aware of another significant offering. Walt Disney World is also offering to move guests to a different Disney Resort hotel without any additional charges. Included in this offer are the following resorts:

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

As a travel agent with clients impacted by the renovations, I jumped on the option to move them to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. As you can imagine Guest Services is inundated with questions right now concerning the Caribbean Beach Resort. However, a little patience on hold (okay, two hours of patience) and I was able to make the change for my clients. Now these families will be enjoying a stay at a Disney Deluxe Villa resort for the price of a Moderate. Not a bad trade! The option to move to one of these hotels is subject to availability. Guests who want to move to any other Deluxe Resort will be charged the appropriate room upgrade. Please note the $75 per room per night Disney Gift Card will not be offered to Guests who move to another hotel.

Here is the latest update guests with reservations at the resort received:

Thank you for choosing the Walt Disney World Resort as your vacation destination!

The future of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is being reimagined. While we recognize this will cause a degree of disruption to your stay, we are making every effort to ensure that your visit to Walt Disney World is magical.

As shared previously, please be aware that Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters at Old Port Royale, Banana Cabana Pool Bar and Calypso Trading Post will be closed for refurbishment during your visit.

There will be a variety of dining options available to you for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Centertown, a dining location, will serve a Caribbean-style buffet for breakfast and a la carte dinner offerings.

• A selection of grab-and-go meals will be conveniently available for purchase throughout the day in three new island markets located in the Aruba, Jamaica and Martinique regions of the Resort.

• In-room dining will remain available. The menu includes pizza, sandwiches and pasta.

• Disney dining plans will be accepted for these offerings.

• Dining locations will make every effort to assist you with your dietary needs.

Additionally, you will still be able to make a splash at our feature pool—Fuentes del Morro Pool—or at one of our leisure pools during your stay.

Please note that noise will be heard while our Resort is being reimagined, but noise should not be heard from your Guest room between dusk and 9:00am daily.

As a thank you for your continued patronage, you will be receiving a $75 Disney Gift Card per room for each night of your stay upon check-in at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. If you were previously offered a $25 Disney Gift Card per room for each night of your stay, this will replace that offer. This gift card can be used at participating Walt Disney World Resort Food & Beverage and Merchandise locations. For complete terms and conditions please visit DisneyGiftCard.com.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your original booking agent.

For reservations made through Disney Reservation Center or disneyworld.com, please call 407-939-1822 between the hours of 7:00am-11:00pm (ET).
For reservations made through Disney Vacation Club Member Services, please call 800-800-9800 or 407-566-3800 between the hours of 9:00am-7:30pm (ET) Monday through Friday or 9:00am- 5:30pm (ET) Saturday and Sunday.
If you booked your vacation through a travel agent, please contact your travel agent directly.

Should you have any questions or concerns once you arrive, General Manager Sheryl Koenes and her team at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be happy to assist you. We look forward to hosting you as our Guest and wish you a truly magical stay!

Although the announcement of renovations at the Caribbean Beach Resort has caused some challenges and confusion, without a doubt the new refurbishment will be amazing and enhance the overall experience of staying at this resort.

What do you think of the latest compensation offer for Caribbean Beach Resort guests? Let me 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.

Perfectly Cute Drinks with Stackable Tsum Tsum Pitcher Set

By

Danielle

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March 1, 2017

What better way to enjoy a beautiful afternoon than with Tsum Tsum friends! Sip with stackable style with the Tsum Tsum Pitcher Set!

Share the fun on a sunny afternoon, or a snowy day indoors while you sip and serve cool beverages with this drink ware set featuring beloved characters from the ”Tsum Tsum” collection. Decorated with a fun screen art trim, you’ll be ready for a cheers with your favorite Disney friends. Best of all, these stackable cups fit right inside the pitcher for easy storing and traveling!

What do you think of this adorable Tsum Tsum Pitcher Set?