Geyser Point Bar & Grill Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Review

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February 19, 2017

Geyser Point Bar & Grill opened at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge on February 13th. We made it a point to get over there to check out the food and the views. Here is our review of Geyser Point Bar & Grill now open at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill offers a centrally located full bar with bar seating as well as tables and chairs seating. This open air lounge is covered but open on all side; thus providing a beautiful wide open feel to the space.

If you are lucky enough to grab a table on the waterside section of Geyser Point Bar & Grill, you will be treated to magnificent views of Bay Lake! Just a few steps away is the walkway to the marina area and the construction of the all-new Copper Creek Cabins set to open sometime later this year.

On the back side of Geyser Point Bar & Grill you can see that there is still a lot of refurbishment taking place for the new Boulder Ridge themed area. As you walk along you will notice the walkway is reminiscent of an old railway track. The purpose of Reunion Station has not been released by Disney to date. However, we do suspect that this will be the new children’s activity area as the former Cub’s Den is now closed.

Directly adjacent is the walk-up counter service. Now that Roaring Fork and Trout Pass Pool Bar now closed for refurbishment, this location is currently the only option for quick service at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

The map of the grounds is on display along the walkway as you head from the main building towards Geyser Point Bar & Grill. There are little red stickers covering the areas that are not open yet.

The Geyser Point Bar & Grill offers a full counter service menu, beer, wine, and specialty drinks in a relaxed setting with a server. We love this new concept as you are actually getting a full-service experience for counter service prices!

We only tried one cocktail on this first visit. The Pina Colava is a frozen drink made with Bacardi Raspberry Run blended with Pina Colada Mix and Raspberry Puree. This cocktail, while it can be found at other Walt Disney World venues, is very good and we highly recommend it. Another visit is in order to try some other offerings.

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For the entrees, we had the Bison Burger, the Grilled Portobello Salad, and the Children’s Cheeseburger meal. The Bison Burger was quite good and paired well with the Tillamook Cheddar, Sweet Onion Straws, and Marionberry Barbecue Sauce. The Grilled Portobello Salad was a magnificent combination of Multi Grains, Portobello Mushrooms, Zucchini, Roasted Red Peppers, and Tomatoes topped with an amazing Goat Cheese Dressing. The little one in our group chose the Children’s Cheeseburger Meal. The Cheeseburger was just the right size and our little one loved the Waffle Fries.

The desserts on offer are the Chocolate Brownie Mousse and the Seasonal Pie. The Chocolate Brownie Mousse is very rich with a beautiful presentation of Gourmet Popcorn and Meringue that kind of looks like elephant ears. The Chocolate Mousse is as you would expect however, the brownie on the bottom is quite dense and this was our favorite part of this sweet dessert. The Seasonal Pie was delicious and we will definitely order this again. The thinly sliced apples and cranberries are not overly sweet and the pie crust was simply perfect. These desserts are a giant step above other counter service dessert options as they feel, and taste, more like a full-service specialty dessert.

Manager Yinet, along with our Server Liz and our new friend Maria made our first experience at Geyser Point Bar & Grill magical. Yinet checked on us a number of times and brought us our desserts. She then returned to get our feedback on the desserts and to ask if we had any suggestions for improvement. The only suggestion we could think of was to make the Seasonal Pie with a a-la-mode option. Liz was wonderful and checked on us periodically while Maria was a lovely young lady that we struck up a conversation with; thus enhancing our overall experience.

Here is a walk-through video we did of Geyser Point Bar & Grill:

Geyser Point Bar & Grill is located on the grounds of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge where the beach area existed formerly. Breakfast is served from 7:00am-11:00am and lunch/dinner is served from 11:00am. Hours of operation are 7:00am-12:00am daily.

Overall we really enjoyed the food, atmosphere and views at Geyser Point Bar & Grill. We strongly suspect that this gem of a place will soon be very busy as word gets out about the quality of the food, the views, the variety of adult beverages, and the atmosphere itself. While we were not there late enough, you can view the Electric Water Pageant, that meanders around Bay Lake nightly, from this space. You may even catch a glimpse of some fireworks. There is also a fire pit at the entrance that they will light each evening right around the time of the fireworks. We highly recommend a visit to this wonderful new food venue. Geyser Point Bar & Grill has just become our absolute favorite quick service resort dining location.

The Incredible Black and Gold Minnie Ears We can’t Get Enough of!

By

Danielle

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February 18, 2017

On my most recent trip to Walt Disney World, I fell absolutely head over ears for a new pair of Minnie Mouse ears. Now every time I wear these sequined and rhinestone studded Black and Gold Minnie Ears, they get all the attention!

Lately it seems anytime I wear these beauties in a merchandise video, or product photo they steal the show! Even when I posted a pic of myself on social media with the castle, the ears got all the adoration. Now, I’m always being asked “Where did you get those ears?!” They are actually all over the gift shops of Walt Disney World! You can get them at pretty much any gift shop that sells ears for $27.99. They aren’t currently available on DisneyStore.com yet, but you can find them on the Shop Disney Parks app.

I have to say my favorite part about them isn’t even how gorgeous I think they are, it’s the comfort! They don’t squeeze behind the ears quite as tightly as the usual ears do, so I wore them all day with no issues at all! The bow is super plushy, and I think that gives part of the glamorous appeal!

Another pair of my favorite ears is currently available on the DisneyStore.com website right now though! The Minnie Mouse Ear Headband is so alluring and elegant to me!

Minnie Mouse Ear Headband – Lace Veil
Minnie Mouse Ear Headband - Lace Veil

These ears are also absolutely sensational. These ears are decorated with stunning floral lace, layered velour and lace bow, and even completed with a sheer veil that’s truly one-of-a-kind.Perfect for a dapper day outing, a villainous outfit, or just for those of us like me who also like things a little vampy.

So are you also as in love with these Black and Gold Minnie Ears as I am?

All New Disney Sweats Pants for Guys From Hot Topic

By

Danielle

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February 18, 2017

Usually with Disney items kids, and ladies have all the luck! Not this time guys, it’s all about you! Hot Topic has released a whole line of Disney Sweat Pants just for you!

I was shocked at how many amazing pairs were available! There’s everything from the classics to modern favorite available in comfy guys pajama pants. Each pair features a logo design on the left leg, hip pockets and an elastic drawstring waist. With out further adieu let’s meet the pants!

They look so comfy I think I want a pair for myself! Best of all there’s even a 20% off sale going on at Hot Topic this weekend! What do you think about this new line of Disney Sweats Pants for Guys From Hot Topic?

Universal Orlando Resorts raises ticket prices

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 18, 2017

Recently we brought you the news of Walt Disney World ticket price increase, well now it’s Universal Orlando Resorts turn!

Single park tickets for one day will now start at $110.00, the tickets that include park to park will now start at $165.00. Children’s ticket will be $5.00 less than adults. Peak season adult tickets will now be $124.00 for one day and $179.00 for two days.

Annual passes for Universal will still begin at $260.00 (these tickets will have block out dates) and go up from there.

You will save $20.00 if you purchase your tickets online.

Volcano bay single day tickets have not been announced as of yet however the three-day park tickets which include Volcano bay will be priced from $220.00 – $275.00. The price difference depends on if you chose park to park or single park tickets. If you haven’t read about Volcano bay yet, please do so here.

Universal will also be offer 2-5 day ticket bundles; some will include park to park and some will include Volcano bay.

Are you surprised by the price increase? Comment below.

Exclusive new photos from Disney’s Live Action Beauty and the Beast

By

Chip

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February 18, 2017

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.

Here is an exclusive look at new photos from Disney’s Live Action Beauty and the Beast:

“Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017

“Tangled: The Series” Gets A Season Two Greenlight Before The First Season Debut

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 18, 2017

Disney Channel has made an early commitment to a second season before the first season of the animated “Tangled: The Series” even premieres, with Chris Sonnenburg as executive producer and supervising director. A production of Disney Television Animation, the series is based on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ acclaimed feature film.

“Tangled: The Series” reunites Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, who reprise their roles as Rapunzel and Eugene (formerly known as Flynn Rider), respectively, as well as the music team of Disney legend and Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. The story takes place between the events of the 2010 feature film and the start of the 2012 short film, “Tangled Ever After.” With a visually vibrant animation style, the series follows Rapunzel on her adventures as she acquaints herself with her parents, her kingdom of Corona and its people.

Marsh said, “‘Tangled’ is my all-time favorite Disney animated film! And with the blessing of the filmmakers, executive producer Chris Sonnenburg has crafted a terrific new series that embraces the rich characters, the brilliant storytelling and the memorable music of the original. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi have effortlessly reprised their roles as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, and the legendary songwriters Alan Menken and Glenn Slater have graced the series with a host of memorable songs. This promises to be an absolute treat for kids and families around the world.”

A line of role-play products, dolls and playsets inspired by “Tangled: The Series” will debut at New York Toy Fair this Saturday, February 18, and will be available later this fall, including new apparel and accessories. Disney Publishing will debut print and e-book titles including an original middle grade series by Leila Howland. Walt Disney Records recently released the single “Wind in My Hair” performed by Mandy Moore and will debut “Life After Happily Ever After,” performed by Moore, Zachary Levi and Clancy Brown, on March 10. A DVD of the TV movie “Tangled Before Ever After” and four animated shorts will be released by Walt Disney Studios on April 11.

“Tangled: The Series” was developed by Chris Sonnenburg and Shane Prigmore, with Sonnenburg serving as executive producer and supervising director. Benjamin Balistreri is supervising producer. Kevin Kliesch serves as score composer. The series is produced by Disney Television Animation.

“Moana” Sneak Peek Blu-Ray Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 18, 2017

This last Wednesday I was invited to the screening of some of the bonus features that would be seen on the Blu-ray release of “Moana” coming out in March. The screening was in the newly refurbished animation building across the street from the main Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA. I’ve seen the iconic giant sorcerers hat from the freeway for years, but this was the first time I had the opportunity to go inside. The Roy E. Disney Animation Building, is the name of the structure and it’s lovely. I’m hoping they continue previewing Blu-Ray bonus features in this theater, because seeing it on the big screen is gorgeous.

We were greeting by concept art from the film and everyone got a pretty black ‘stone’ necklace that we put on immediately. After a music and dance performance, producer Osnat Shurer introduced herself and the first clip to watch, called “Things You Didn’t Know About…” A fun, rapid fire Q&A with Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Auli’i Cravalho (Moana) and directors Ron Clements and Don Hall.

One the directors, Ron, joined Osnat after the first clip to introduce the next bonus feature. A beautiful 30 minute documentary – “Voice Of The Island”. It was explained during the press conference that the team behind the making of “Moana” went to the Pacific Islands many times to get to know the people and their culture so they can be true to the telling of the story. What they didn’t include when explaining that is the cameras were rolling the whole time and documented their visits and interviewed all these people and learned so much about the beauty that is the culture of the Pacific. Let’s just say, I should’ve brought Kleenex.

The (what we thought was…) last sneak peek was all about the music of “Moana” titled “They Know The Way – Making The Music Of Moana”. This short featured Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina – The brains and talent behind all the Moana music. It was fun to see a behind the scenes look at these three super talented musicians doing their craft. And to watch the bromance blossom was fun and heart warming.

After a brief Q&A touching upon how excited they were when they got the news for the Oscar nominations (they were in Stockholm) and an inside look at the writing of my favorite song ‘Shiny’ (it was the last segment filmed, recorded and was influenced by Bowie) we got an exclusive look at a short animated film called “Gone Fishing”. This little nugget of fun featured Auli’i and The Rock as their characters Moana and Maui. It was short and sweet and yes, included on the blu-ray.

The afternoon concluded with some nibbles and music. The whole experience was wonderful and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it. To anyone who saw “Moana” in the theater and loved it, or even if you missed it, find the Blu-ray! The film is an instant classic and the bonus features are well worth owning it. Mark your calendars for March 7th!

Here’s a few more pictures of the art in the lobby (Sorry about the quality, I was on my phone!)

“Painting With a View” Art Class Offered at Top of the World Lounge for DVC Members

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 18, 2017

Disney Vacation Club Members and their special guests are invited to attend an instructor-led painting class at Top of the World Lounge, located at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Classes will be held every Thursday beginning March 2 through May 25, 2017 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Price is $50 per person, plus tax.

Put paint to canvas as you recreate a classic Disney picture. Award-winning artist Marla E will show you how to bring the magic of Disney to life using basic art supplies. During this experience, you can also enjoy:

Refreshments: Delight in complimentary snacks, water and soda during this event. Adults ages 21 and older can also enjoy one complimentary glass of wine or beer. Additional beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Incredible Views: Top of the World Lounge is one of the most exclusive spaces at Walt Disney World Resort. It offers sweeping views of Magic Kingdom park from the 16th floor of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

A Commemorative Keepsake: At the end of this event, you can take your creation with you—for a fun addition to your home or office!

Reservations

Call Member Services at (800) 800-9800† to book up to 90 days in advance. Full payment is required at the time of booking, with a credit card guarantee. For same-day booking, call the Community Hall at Bay Lake Tower at (407) 824-1347. Same-day availability is not guaranteed.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance to avoid surrendering the full payment. To cancel, call Member Services at (800) 800-9800.†

Important Information

Valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card and photo I.D. required at check-in.
Guests must be at least 12 years of age or older. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying participating parent or guardian.
Guests must be 21 years old with a photo I.D. to consume alcohol.
Pricing and hours are subject to change without notice.
Subject to restrictions and changes without notice.
The Top of the World Lounge and observation area are not part of Membership. Limited access is based upon availability and may be terminated without notice.

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

James Earl Jones and Donald Glover Join Disney’s The Lion King

By

Chip

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February 17, 2017

Acclaimed actors James Earl Jones and Donald Glover have joined the voice cast of Disney and director Jon Favreau’s live-action reimagining of The Lion King. Donald Glover will voice adult Simba, while James Earl Jones will reprise the role of Mufasa, which he made famous in the 1994 animated film.

The Lion King follows in the footsteps of Disney’s contemporary re-envisioning of some of its most beloved classics with films likeMaleficent, Cinderella, and the upcoming Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson and debuting in theaters on March 17. In addition, Disney recently collaborated with Favreau on the Oscar-nominated smash hit The Jungle Book.

For The Lion King, Disney and Favreau will build on the groundbreaking technology used in The Jungle Book to bring the story of Simba to photorealistic life. The film’s release date has not been announced.

Build Some Disney Fairy Tale Romance with Beauty and the Beast LEGO BrickHeadz

By

Danielle

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February 17, 2017

New for spring 2017, LEGO BrickHeadz sets bring you a brand new way to collect and create Disney magic! Just in time for the new live action film, Beauty and the Beast LEGO BrickHeadz have arrived!

LEGO BrickHeadz set featuring Belle

The Buildable LEGO BrickHeadz set featuring Belle has colorful and authentic detailing from the classic Disney animation Beauty and the Beast. You can completly build the famous princess yourself, and it even comes with a detachable rose, and a display baseplate.

LEGO BrickHeadz set featuring Beast

The buildable LEGO BrickHeadz set featuring Beast has colorful and authentic detailing from the classic Disney animation Beauty and the Beast. It depicts Beast dressed in his dressy attire from the ballroom scene, and also includes a collector’s baseplate.

Each LEGO BrickHeadz figure comes with its own buildable collector’s baseplate that features the series number and BrickHeadz icon.

Would you enjoy building these Beauty and the Beast LEGO BrickHeadz sets?

New Mickey Mouse and Friends Limited Edition Easter MagicBand 2

By

Danielle

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February 17, 2017

The newest MagicBand 2 style has arrived, and it sure is egg-citing! The new Limited Edition Easter MagicBand 2 is brightly colored with Mickey Mouse and Friends!

Mickey Mouse and Friends Limited Edition Easter MagicBand 2

Mickey and his friends have hatched up a great way for you to enjoy a Happy Easter 2017. With a simple touch of this limited edition MagicBand 2, you can redeem FastPass+ selections, enter parks, charge purchases to your room, and more! Many limited edition MagicBands make special lights and sounds at the touch point, I’m hoping these do too!

I think the new Limited Edition Easter Mickey and Friends MagicBand 2 is egg-cellent, what about you?

Legendary Performer Angela Lansbury Joins the Cast of “Mary Poppins Returns”

By

Chip

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February 17, 2017

Angela Lansbury has joined the cast of “Mary Poppins Returns,” the all-new sequel to Disney’s 1964 film “Mary Poppins” currently filming at Shepperton Studios. She will feature as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from PL Travers’ series of Mary Poppins children’s books. The film is scheduled for release December 25, 2018.

A five-time Tony Award® winner and the recipient of an honorary Academy Award®, three Academy Award nominations and bestowed with numerous other accolades, Angela Lansbury’s career encompasses more than 70 years. She is a beloved member of the Disney family and starred in “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” and voiced Mrs. Potts in the animated classic “Beauty and the Beast.” Her roles in film, television and theater range from “Gaslight,” “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Manchurian Candidate” and “Death on the Nile” to “Murder, She Wrote,” “Mame,” “Blithe Spirit,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” and “Gypsy.”

Directed and produced by Rob Marshall (“Into the Woods,” “Chicago”), “Mary Poppins Returns” stars Emily Blunt (“The Girl on the Train,” “Into the Woods”), Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”), Ben Whishaw (“Spectre”), Emily Mortimer (“Hugo”) and Julie Walters (“Harry Potter” films) with Colin Firth (“The King’s Speech”) and Meryl Streep (“Florence Foster Jenkins”). The film, which introduces three new Banks children, played by Pixie Davies (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”), Nathanael Saleh (“Game of Thrones”) and newcomer Joel Dawson, also features Dick Van Dyke.

The film is set in 1930s depression-era London (the time period of the original novels) and is drawn from the wealth of material in PL Travers’ additional seven books. In the story, Michael (Whishaw) and Jane (Mortimer) are now grown up, with Michael, his three children and their housekeeper, Ellen (Walters), living on Cherry Tree Lane. After Michael suffers a personal loss, the enigmatic nanny Mary Poppins (Blunt) re-enters the lives of the Banks family, and, along with the optimistic street lamplighter Jack (Miranda), uses her unique magical skills to help the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives. Mary Poppins also introduces the children to a new assortment of colorful and whimsical characters, including her eccentric cousin, Topsy (Streep).

The film is produced by Marshall, John DeLuca (“Chicago”) and Marc Platt (“La La Land”). The screenplay is by David Magee (“Life of Pi”) based on The Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers with Marc Shaiman (“Hairspray”) and Scott Wittman (“Hairspray”) writing all new songs and Shaiman composing an original score.