Aerial Photos Show Progress of Toy Story and Star Wars Lands in Hollywood Studios

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February 26, 2017

Progress is definitely being made in the new Toy Story and Star War Lands at Hollywood Studios. NearMap has provided some fascinating satellite imagery of the development of each of these lands.

For Toy Story and Star Wars fans the opening dates for each of these areas cannot get here soon enough, so it is exciting to get a glimpse at some of the construction updates. Toy Story Land is expected to open sometime in 2018 followed by Star Wars Land in 2019.

If you look closely at the development of the Toy Story Land you can see the layout of Slinky Dog, a brand new family roller coaster, as well as the Alien Swirling monsters attraction. This 11-acre area is located adjacent to Toy Story Mania and will offer an oversized perspective of Andy’s backyard including gigantic building blocks and game pieces as well as your favorite Toy Story characters.

At 14 acres, the new Star Wars Land will be the largest land at Walt Disney World. It is located in the southwest corner of Hollywood Studios and will offer two new signature attractions including one that will allow you to take control of the Millennium Falcon.

Which land are you most excited to see open? Le 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.

Springy New Magic Kingdom Hub Grass Inspired Candle Melts

By

Danielle

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February 25, 2017

After a long day, sometimes I really wish I was chilling on the hub grass at Magic Kingdom staring at the beautiful castle. Since I can’t be there every day, I can at least come home and light one of these Hub Grass Inspired Candle Melts or candles to whisk me away to my happy place.

Grab your favorite park treat, and imagine relaxing on the Hub Grass, while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. These melts and candles surround you in scents of fresh cut grass with hints of those Main Street sweet treats like cotton candy! My stress just melted by 50% just thinking about it!

Of course there is more than just hub grass to enjoy at Disney, so they offer a whole variety of Disney inspired deliciousness to enjoy as well!

Wax Melts
Hub Grass Inspired Candle
Mickey Ice Cream Candles
Stitch’s Hawaiian Juice Candle (inspired by POG juice!)
Dole Whip Candle (Can you really think of Disney treats, and not also think DOLE WHIPS!?)
Main Street Bakery Candle (Another scent that also enchants me)
Churros Candle (YESSSSS!)
Buttered Popcorn Candle (mmm popcorn, even I can’t resist popcorn)
Enchanted Rose
Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar
Caramel Apple
Haunted Mansion
Grand Floridian
Mickey Waffles
Coral Reef
Pirates of the Caribean
Soaring
Wilderness Lodge
Le Fou’s Brew (My Personal Favorite!)
Beach Club
Mousy Macaroons

What do you think of these Hub Grass Inspired Candle Melts and candles?

2nd MagicBand Patent Infrigement Lawsuit Filed Against Disney

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 25, 2017

According to Law360 a second patent infringement suit was filed against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts on February 24. The lawsuit accusing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts of stealing patented technology for use in its MagicBand products that monitor park attendance and purchases made by guests.

The sons of the now-deceased inventor of the patent allege in the lawsuit that Disney’s MagicBand portable electronic devices use their father’s patented system of wirelessly connecting devices. They are seeking an injunction and damages in an amount to be determined at trial and nothing less than a reasonable royalty. The brothers inherited the rights to their father’s Communication and Proximity Authorization Systems patent that was issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in December 2002.

The suit claims that Disney’s MagicBands use the patented wireless communication technology used to track guests and to give guests access to services around the Disney theme parks. The claim also mentions that the MagicBands communication with other short- and long-range device readers within the Walt Disney World Resort, to receive predetermined services, like access to park rides. Those services can be activated through authorization codes, which is also described in the patent.

Disney faced its first infringement suit over the MagicBands in April 2015. In that lawsuit filed by InCom Corp. it was alleged that they had developed three patents since 2008 for attendance tracking and that MagicBands use that technology.

They claimed Disney infringed on its patents that use a radio frequency identification, or RFID, to recognize guests and keep track of their attendance. Prior to InCom’s inventions, there was no suitable product using RFID to keep track of people’s whereabouts, it stated InCom’s complaint. Walt Disney and InCom reached a confidential agreement which ended the suit in August.

What are your thoughts on the MagicBands lawsuits?

Source: Law360

Interested in heading to a Disney Destination? 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.

Enchanting New Le Creuset Beauty and the Beast Soup Pot

By

Danielle

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February 25, 2017

I have to admit that when I first saw this incredible new collaboration between Disney and Le Creuset, I was awestruck. The limited edition Le Creuset Beauty and the Beast Soup Pot is not only new, it marks the first pairing between Le Creuset and Disney ever!

Created in honor of Disney’s live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, this vibrant blue-enameled chef’s oven by Le Creuset casts an enchanting spell over the kitchen. Featuring an iconic red rose design and a golden knob engraved with “Be Our Guest,” this special-edition piece is available in limited quantities.

I am a total fan girl of Le Creuset cookware, it’s my absolute favorite brands to use. This soup pot is absolutely spell-binding, it’s gorgeous, and a high quality kitchen item. This beauty is online now at the Williams-Sonomoa website, and March 7th at Le Creuset Signature Stores.

In honor of this signature pairing, Le Creuset has showcases some delicious Beauty and the Beast inspired recipes too!

Are you in love with the enahcnting Le Creuset Beauty and the Beast Soup Pot too?

Animal Kingdom’s Africa FastPass+ Kiosk to Be Moved

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 25, 2017

This is a big year of changes for Animal Kingdom with the recent opening of the Rivers of Light nighttime water pageant and the announcement of an opening date for the hotly anticipated Pandora: The World of Avatar on May 27th.

With all of these changes, Animal Kingdom park will be introducing new guidemaps to the parks tomorrow (February 26, 2017). One of the changes that visitors may notice is that the location of the FastPass+ kiosk in Africa is being moved to a different location. Originally the kiosk was located near the Dawa Bar in the Harambe Market but is now being moved near the standby queue of Kilimanjaro Safaris. The other FastPass+ locations in the parks (near Kali River Rapids or on Discovery Island near the Island Mercantile shop) will remain the same.

Guest should note that they can also make new FastPass+ reservations or modify reservations using the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone.

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.

Enchanting Complete Beauty and the Beast Build-A-Bear Set

By

Danielle

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February 25, 2017

I really love the Beauty and the Beast Build a Bear collection. In fact, I always love Disney and Build-A-Bear collections, I think it’s such a fun keepsake. The complete Beauty and the Beast Build-A-Bear set is now available on Amazon too!

This magical set includes two cuddly 16” Build a Bear UNSTUFFED bears with their complete outfits. This set is inspired by Disney’s new Live Action movie Beauty and the Beast. The Belle-inspired bear has soft light brown glittery fur and friendly embroidered facial features. She comes with yellow ball gown, wig and yellow heels. The ball gown has ruffled accents and its skirts are overlaid with shimmering tulle with golden embroidery. The lush brown wig is perfect for this beauty, and the satiny yellow heels add the finishing touch so she’s all ready for the ball! The Beast has rich brown fur with stuffed fabric horns and a charming expression. He comes with his 2 Piece Ballgown costume outfit, with royal blue coloring and golden accents. The satiny enchanted rose will fit perfectly on his or Belle’s wrist. Each Bear comes UNSTUFFED so you can enjoy bringing them to life yourself. Each bear has an authentic BAB patch on their right hand. Each bear has commemorative Disney designs on the soles of their feet.

Are you also enchanted by the Beauty and the Beast Build-A-Bear collection?

Fantasmic! Dining Package Now Available For Breakfast

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 25, 2017

Visitors to Disney’s Hollywood Studios wanting to secure a VIP viewing spot for Fantasmic!, the amazing evening spectacular featuring much-loved Disney characters, pyrotechnics and water projections, will be pleased to know that Disney has extended its popular Fantasmic! Dining Package to include breakfast bookings at Hollywood & Vine.

Here’s your first look at how this appears on My Disney Experience:

During breakfast, Hollywood & Vine offers a Disney Junior Play ‘n’ Dine character meal where your tiny tots can rub shoulders with some of their favorite Disney friends including Handy Manny, Princess Sofia, Doc McStuffins and Jake. This breakfast buffet features classic American cuisine including: pastries, omelets, fresh fruit and the much-loved Mickey Waffles. At the end of the meal each guest will receive a VIP voucher good for admission to a special dining package seating area for the 1st showing of Fantasmic! on that evening.

As of going to print, it would appear that the cost for the dining package will remain the same as the lunch option at Hollywood and Vine with costs running $52 per adult and $32 per child.

Here at Chip and Co, we were able to find availability for this new offering as early as February 28th. However we expect this package to be wildly popular so booking well in advance is strongly encouraged.

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.

A New Breakfast Menu Comes to Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 25, 2017

Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel has some surprises in store for breakfast lovers. The Hollywood inspired restaurant is serving up a new breakfast menu that won’t disappoint. It’s hard to select a favorite, but let’s start with the Eggs Benedict.

There are three versions of this morning favorite, Classic with Canadian Bacon, Serrano ham and asparagus on a cornmeal biscuits with blood orange hollandaise, and smoked salmon with hollandaise and caviar on an english muffin. Oatmeal fans have two types of steel-cut Oat Porridge to try – choose from sweet toppings (Muscovado sugar syrup, dried fruit, almonds and coconut) or savory (sautéed spinach, Cheddar cheese, a sunny-side up egg and scallions).

For traditional breakfast enthusiasts , The American features two eggs any style, thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, pork sausage or country ham, shredded potato cake and toast. The Continental Breakfast features an assortment of pastries and cereals and a three-egg omelet with your choice of fillings.

Sweet dishes include a new German Apple Pancake with Lingonberry jam and Stuffed Brioche French Toast with crème Anglaise, fresh macerated berries and Chantilly crème. And chicken and waffles with sweet whipped butter topped with maple syrup.

And for those who enjoy a cocktail with breakfast, new signature breakfast cocktails include the Steakhouse 55 Ultimate Bloody Mary, Morning Mule, Irish Coffee, Mango Bellini and a Blood Orange Mimosa.

Non-alcoholic beverages are also available, such as the cool lime or mixed berry refreshers, and assorted juices including orange, grapefruit, cranberry, apple and tomato. For those looking for a bit of caffeine, Joffrey’s Coffee, full-leaf tea, hot chocolate and espresso drinks are offered. Steakhouse 55 is open daily for breakfast from 7-11 a.m. at the Disneyland Hotel. For reservations, visit Disneyland.com/dining or call 714-781-DINE.

What do you think of the new breakfast offerings at Steakhouse 55? Comment and share below.

Interested in a Magical Disneyland 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.

More Details Emerge on Disney’s Caribbean Beach Renovation

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 25, 2017

As you’ve probably heard by now, Disney’s Caribbean Beach is undergoing a major renovation starting on May 1st. And if you’re a travel agent like me, you may be helping your clients minimize the impacts this will have on their already booked and planned vacations at the resort, seeing as Disney dropped this bomb quite suddenly on unsuspecting guests.

When the news first broke, Disney was not allowing any compensation to guests; but then they started offering $75 off per night for the inconvenience, but that perk has now ended too, if you haven’t already taken advantage of it. The current compensation to guests staying at Caribbean Beach during the renovation is $25 per night in Disney gift Cards, gifted to them at check-in. They were also allowing guests booked at CaribbeanBeach to relocate to another moderate resort for the same price, provided there was availability in the room category they booked, but we’re not sure if that deal is being offered anymore either, so you would need to call Disney or your Travel Agent to get more details on that.

We do hear from our friends at WDW Magic what some of the more specific changes and disruptions at the resort will be: Martinique and Barbados sections of the resort will be “unavailable” starting in May. Also beginning in May 2017, Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters at Old Port Royale and Banana Cabana Pool Bar will also be closed. There will be Coco Cola freestyle machines located throughout the resorts for guests to refill their Dining Plan mugs, and there will also be grab n go food available in the Aruba, Jamaica and Martinique areas of the resort. Pizza delivery will also remain available to guests in their rooms. Trinidad Island will also see a new quick service location open this summer that will also contain a Guest Services window in the evenings.

A new quick service location will open near Trinidad island this summer, featuring a walk-up quick service window as well as Guest services assistance in the evenings.

Guests will however be happy to know that the pools at the resort will remain unchanged during the renovation.

We know that this is a huge inconvenience to guests, but we have faith that it will all be worth it after the long 2 year renovation is complete, especially the planned central location of waterfront shopping and dining called Centertown, which guests will find much more accessible than the current dining and shopping area, located at one side of the resort.

What do you think of the new changes at Caribbean Beach?

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.

Perfectly Beautiful and Colorful Springtime Minnie Mouse Ears

By

Danielle

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February 24, 2017

I do so love Mouse Ears, especially in bright colors with whimsical patterns. These Springtime Minnie Mouse Ears from MouseBands on Etsy, are just perfectly adorable with their bright colors and bold Disney patterns.

MouseBands designer Jennifer started creating fun and unique mouse ears for her Disney trip, and fell in love doing them. She decided to keep going, and now we benefit, by getting to see her gorgeous creations for ourselves. She uses fantastic fabrics paired with bows that I must say are ON POINT! Of course she doesn’t just have springtime colors, I just happen to be crushing on those specifically right now. In addition to the bright colors, the designer also has Star Wars, and other favorite Disney character designs… Even Tsum Tsums. They are comfy and lightweight like the originals too! If you love mouse ear headbands as much as I do, and are looking for a poppy new pair for your next trip be sure to also check out her designs below!

I can’t decide which ones I want most, the maybe Paisley or the Chevron! Which Springtime Minnie Mouse Ears are your favorite?

2017 Flower and Garden Outdoor Kitchen Passports Now Available Online

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 24, 2017

You know its getting close to Flower and Garden Festival time (March 1- May 29) when Disney officially releases copies of the outdoor kitchen passports. A big thank you to our friends over at Blog Mickey for being the first to post this year’s version online.

Check out the contents below in our gallery (photo credit Blog Mickey) our you can visit Blog Mickey’s original article here.

Readers are encouraged to watch this space for the latest Flower & Garden Festival information.

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.

Disney’s Beauty & the Beast Live Action Enchanted Rose Jewelry Box Toy

By

Danielle

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February 24, 2017

The upcoming release of the new Live Action Beauty and the Beast movie has been a roar of excitement. On top of seeing some of our most beloved characters come to life, we’re also seeing beautiful item recreations. The Live Action Enchanted Rose Jewelry Box Toy is just one of many delightful pieces jumping right off the silver screen.

Beauty and the Beast Live Action Enchanted Rose Jewelry Box Toy

The Enchanted Rose counts down how much time is left to break the spell, until the fate of the Beast and his enchanted staff are sealed. Can true love blossom before the last petal falls? The Enchanted Rose Jewelry Box gives your little one an extra-special place to store their treasures. Experience the beauty & magic over and over again as the enchanted rose opens, closes and lights up. The music of the iconic song “Beauty and the Beast” also plays. A collectible gold “feather” ring is also included.

I’m not going to lie, I may be a grown up, but I would still totally love this for my nightstand to keep my rings in at night! After all part of being a Disney Addict is staying young at heart, right?

Do you know a princess who would love this Beauty and the Beast Live Action Enchanted Rose Jewelry Box Toy? (Besides me of course, hee hee!)