Tune into America’s Funniest Home Videos to learn about how you can Win a Disney Vacation for Four

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October 1, 2016

Disney Parks Blog announced today that viewers will have the chance to win one of the most exciting Vacation packages we’ve seen in a while!

This season, YOU can have a chance to win a vacation package for four people, consisting of a Bahamian cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line, a Costa Rican vacation with Adventures by Disney, and a vacation to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i. “How?” you may ask…By submitting your hilarious home videos to “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (go to AFV.com for full contest rules).

“America’s Funniest Home Videos,” the show that invented the viral video, is returning to ABC for its 27th season on Oct. 2. And this season, the show’s $100,000 winners will compete for the chance to win a breathtaking series of worldwide trips from Disney Vacations.

Check it out!

Do you have a funny video to enter?

If you 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.

Disney World enhances discounts for Annual Passholders and DVC Members

By

Chip

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October 1, 2016

We have great news! What I thought was just going to be for Annual Passholders, Disney has also extended the offer to Disney Vacation Club Members as well in celebration of the Magic Kingdom’s 45th Anniversary!

Here are the details:

Effective October 1 2016, increased discounts are in effect for both Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

A 10% discount at Disney operated Walt Disney World Table Service restaurants (excluding Victoria and Alberts)
A 20% discount at Disney operated Walt Disney World shops, including purchases made on the Shop Disney Parks app

Through September 2017, a 20% discount is available for Annual Passhodlers at the following Walt Disney World table and quick service restaurants.

Lottawatta Lodge, Blizzard Beach
Disney Food Trucks, Disney Springs
D-Luxe Burger, Disney Springs
Flame Tree Barbecue, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Tiffins, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The Mara, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Jiko, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Sanaa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Beach Club Marketplace, Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Boardwalk Bakery, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
Boardwalk Pizza, Window Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
ESPN Sports Club, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
Flying Fish, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
Contempo Café, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The Wave Disney’s, Contemporary Resort
Trail’s End Restaurant, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Gasparilla Island Grill, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Citricos, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Grand Floridian Café, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Narcoossee’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
ABC, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Backlot Express, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood & Vine, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Olivia’s Café, Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Capt. Cook’s, Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Kona Café, Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Boatwright’s Dining Hall, Riverside Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
The Turf Club Bar & Grill, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Roaring Fork, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Artist Point, Disney’s Wildnerness Lodge
Whispering Canyon Café, Disney’s Wildnerness Lodge
Cape May Café, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Captain’s Grille, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Electric Umbrella, Epcot
Liberty Inn, Epcot
The Garden Grill, Epcot
Biergarten Restaurant, Epcot
Coral Reef Restaurant, Epcot
Rose & Crown Dining Room, Epcot
ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Peco’s Bills, Magic Kingdom
Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen, Magic Kingdom
Leaning Palms, Typhoon Lagoon

Isn’t that great news? I am glad they increased the discount for us Passholders!

Maker Studios #GoRogue To Kick Off Global Fan Contest

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 30, 2016

Creators from the Maker Studios platform joined forces today to celebrate the launch of the new “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” product line and officially kick off a global fan content contest. Beginning today, creators across gaming, lifestyle, comedy and family channels will post #GoRogue videos calling out Star Wars fans to get creative and share their own ‘Rogue Stories’ as part of the fan contest celebrating the anticipated new movie.

“Fans play a special part in Star Wars storytelling, posting thousands of videos online every day. This contest is a tribute to all the creativity and passion that fuels Star Wars fandom across generations,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.

Starting today, eligible fans can enter the contest by uploading their short video stories or skits set in a galaxy far, far away. A panel of judges, including “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” director Gareth Edwards, will choose the winning video. Winners will be invited to an advance screening of “Rogue One” at Lucasfilm in San Francisco to see their story on the big screen.

Teen and adult fans can find out more and enter the Go Rogue contest at StarWars.com/GoRogue. In the U.S. and parts of Canada, kids ages 8-12 can participate at Disney.com/MyRogueStory, where they also will find a video tutorial and tips to create their own stories.

More than a dozen Maker Studios creators, with a collective reach of 35M+ followers and 360M+ monthly YouTube views, will upload #GoRogue videos including: an adventure through Action Movie Kid’s bedroom where toys come to life, an imaginative unboxing with Chris Pirillo and other Star Wars super fans, and a ‘rogue’ family tale with MyFroggyStuff—all available now.

“As a Star Wars super fan, it’s a huge honor to be part of an initiative that celebrates fandom in a truly creative and unique way,” said Chris Pirillo, a creator on the Maker Studios network. “I’m thrilled to participate in this amazing program, to ‘go rogue’ and make my own place in the galaxy with other super fans.”

Some of the participating Maker Studios creators from around the globe include:

Action Movie Kid
Blame Society
BrickQueen & BrickTitan
CharismaStar
Chris Pirillo
EvanTubeHD
FreeDadVideos
KidCity
KidToyTesters
Konas2002
Luzu
MyFroggyStuff
Novelas
Strawburry17
ToyCollectorFun
Working with Lemons

For further inspiration, entrants can view the Go Rogue series of fan-made animated shorts on the Star Wars YouTube, created in collaboration with creative network Tongal to reveal the new line of “Rogue One” toys throughout the past month. To date, the series has garnered more than 10M views from fans around the world.

The new “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” product line is available beginning today at retailers globally, including mass retailers, Disney Store locations and disneystore.com.

Join the global #GoRogue conversation on social.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular Opens This Weekend

By

Lisette R

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September 30, 2016

SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular opens this weekend on October 1, 2016. Bring the family for a fun-filled day, or weekend, of trick-or-treating, a Spooktacular Dance Party, Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween show, animal encounters, and sea-themed arts and crafts. You can also pay a small fee to reserve a Spooktacular Brunch, a meet and greet with Cookie Monster, and reserved seating for the Countdown to Halloween Show.

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular will take place every weekend October 1-30 from 12:00pm to park close. Halloween Spooktacular, like all special events at SeaWorld, is included with your park admission.

Spooktacular Highlights include:

Waves of Trick-or-Treat Fun~Children can, but are not required to, wear costumes while trick-or-treating for ghoulish goodies. Each trick-or-treat station is fashioned with a sea-theme where children will receive a variety of candy favorites such as Tootsie Roll and SunRype Fruit to Go.

Penelope’s Garden Party~This dynamic “underwater” environment comes to life each weekend with a DJ, bubbles floating overhead, animal interactions, crafts, and whimsical sea-themed characters.

Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween~Join Sesame Street friends including The Count, Elmo, and Abby as they celebrate a Spooktacular Halloween. Your job, as a member of the audience, is to help The Count get into the spirit of Halloween. Become part of this stage show by dancing and singing along with the characters of Sesame Street.

Spooktacular Dance Party~Join Princess Penelope and her under-the-sea friends for a Spooktacular Dance Party. Clouds of bubbles fill the night sky as guests line-dance the evening away. The party kicks off one hour before park closing at the Village Square in the front of the park.

Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com to book the following Spectacular Spooky Add-Ons:

Dine With Shamu Halloween Spooktacular Brunch~Celebrate with an immersive and memorable brunch experience at Dine With Shamu. Enjoy great food at your reserved table that brings you up close to majestic killer whales. Guests will receive a family photo and cookie decorating kit as part of this Halloween event. Prices start at $28 plus tax for adults and $16 plus tax for children. Pass Members receive a 10% discount.

Meet and Greet with Cookie Monster at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular~For just $19 per person, you can meet Cookie Monster during SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular. The SeaFire Grill will host this event and guests can enjoy the Cookie Monster’s favorite treat: a cookie! Your meet-and-greet also includes a printed photo. Pass Members receive a 10% discount.

Reserved Seating: Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween~Enjoy reserved seating for the showtime of your choice. Priced at $19 per person, you are guaranteed a seat for the showtime that best suits your needs.

Best Way to Play:

The best way for families to experience SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is with a SeaWorld Annual Pass. Enjoy 12 months of unlimited admission with no blockout dates and free parking starting at $14 a month with EZPay. For details visit www.seaworldorlando.com

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration:

Just around the corner, waves of holiday spirit splash over the park during SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. This event will run Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 25 through December 11 and daily from December 16 through December 31. Guests can make holiday memories by enjoying live shows, festive shopping and delicious food. Stay tuned for all-new holiday news and returning favorites soon.

Will you be visiting SeaWorld for their Halloween Spooktacular this year? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Nurse Themed Mickey Ears for The Nurses that Love Disney

By

Danielle

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September 30, 2016

One of the professions I respect and adore the most, is Nursing. I think that nurses are true super heroes, and I love finding ways to show how appreciated they are. When I saw these Nurse Themed Mickey Ears by MaddysCloset2013 on Etsy, I knew several people who they would be perfect for.

Some of my favorite people in this world are nurses. My amazing Aunt Suzanne, The fabulous Disney Fashionista Michelle, my son’s Fairy Godmother Pam, and even my young cousin Jesika are all heroes in the field to me. I can also see any of them wearing these ears, and rocking them! The ears are also very sparkly, and we know how much I love glitter! The designs are embroidered on which not only gives you a dimensional look, but is also very durable. I think these would be a fabulous gift for a new nurse. Imagine how perfect they would be for someone passing his or her exams, or graduating! The designer also offers customization based on fabric and thread colors she has available as well.

If you love these, but are looking for something different you can check out her other Ear designs below:

Queen of Hearts (My personal favorite!)
Engagement
Zootopia (Warning, these are incredibly cute)
Mermaid

If you’re a nurse looking to show off your nurse pride on your next Disney trip, or looking to show your appreciation for your favorite nurse, be sure to check these out! You can get your embroidered Nurse Themed Mickey ears here!

A New Disney Visa Photo Spot is Coming to Imagination Pavilion at Epcot

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 30, 2016

It looks as though a new Disney Visa Photo Spot is coming to the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot on October 17th, 2016. The character meet & greet location is exclusive to Chase Disney Visa credit card holders and will be at the former location of Figment’s Place. The current cardmember location at Innoventions West at Epcot is now closed as they move to this new location.

Thanks to @Disneyman2021 for a sneak peak of the new location!

New Disney Visa character spot location in the Imagination Pavilion! @WDWNT pic.twitter.com/1sc6mcQr7l

— Gabriel Gillman (@Ghgillman21) September 30, 2016

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

Credit: https://twitter.com/Disneyman2021

Disney to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the Magic Kingdom with special cupcake & hot dog!

By

Chip

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September 30, 2016

In honor of the 45th Anniversary of the Magic Kingdom Disney will be sharing a special cupcake, hot dog, and possibly a special discount at the parks starting tomorrow!

The cupcake will be available at Main Street Bakery starting on October 1st. Looks yummy!

Also make sure to stop by and get a Celebration Dog from Casey’s Corner, topped with potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, fried onion straws and a chipotle-ranch drizzle.

In case you missed it, here is some of the special merchandise available for the 45th Anniversary of the Magic Kingdom too!

Are you going to be at the parks tomorrow?

Changes to be made to Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party starting October 1st

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 30, 2016

We mentioned a while back that the Wishes Dessert Party was making some changes and adding an additional viewing area in the Plaza Garden. Now we hear from Disney Food Blog that The two viewing areas will be available to be booked separately, with different costs for the different viewing locations.

The first package is for the Tomorrowland Terrace viewing area. Guests will enjoy their dessert buffet at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, and will remain there to view the fireworks. The price is $79 per adult and $47 for children ages 3 to 9 and separate admission to Magic Kingdom is also required. Reservations are available online, or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

The second package option is the Plaza Garden viewing option, where guests will also enjoy their desserts at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, but will then be escorted to the Plaza Garden viewing area for the fireworks. This viewing area is the location where the Wishes VIP Fastpass viewing used to be. Disney states that there is no seating in this viewing area like there is for the Tomorrowland Terrace viewing package, and that guests will be standing for the fireworks portion of the party. The price is $59 per adult and $35 for children ages 3 to 9 (and again, separate admission to Magic Kingdom is required). Reservations for this experience are also available via its own webpage, or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

If you 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.

photo: Disney

Is the Disney World Annual Passholder Discount jumping to 20% starting tomorrow?

By

Chip

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September 30, 2016

I am hearing word that the Disney World Annual Passholder discount will be jumping from 10% to 20% on October 1st, 2016 just in time for the Magic Kingdom’s 45th Anniversary.

This will put us Disney World Passholders in line with the Disneyland counterparts who have stayed at 20%.

Disney has not released much information on the Magic Kingdom’s 45th Anniversary yet. All we know can be found in this article.

As always till you see something official treat this as gossip for now.

Disney Springs La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil to be featured on Dancing with the Stars

By

Chip

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September 30, 2016

One of the biggest shows “Dancing with the Stars” has ever put on will unfold on the ballroom floor as the 11 remaining celebrities perform big spectacle dances for Cirque du Soleil® night, on “Dancing with the Stars,” live, MONDAY, OCTOBER 3 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT), on the ABC Television Network. Each couple will perform a dance inspired by a Cirque du Soleil show, while Cirque du Soleil acrobats, aerialists, dancers and fire stick performers perform alongside them. Get ready to witness a night of pure magical entertainment as the couples dance to such Cirque du Soleil shows as KÀ, Zumanity, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities, PARAMOUR, Michael Jackson ONE, “O”, The BeatlesLOVE, Mystère and La Nouba.

Each Couple Will Dance to the Following Cirque du Soleil Shows (in alphabetical order):

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds & Allison Holker – The Beatles LOVE
Marilu Henner & Derek Hough – KÀ
Laurie Hernandez & Valentin Chmerkovskiy – Michael Jackson ONE
James Hinchcliffe & Sharna Burgess – PARAMOUR
Calvin Johnson Jr. & Lindsay Arnold – KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities
Terra Jolé & Sasha Farber – “O”
Jana Kramer & Gleb Savchenko – The Beatles LOVE
Ryan Lochte & Cheryl Burke – ”O”
Maureen McCormick & Artem Chigvintsev – Mystère
Amber Rose & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Zumanity
Vanilla Ice (Robert Van Winkle) & Witney Carson – La Nouba

No couples will be eliminated on this episode.

“Episode 2304A” – The third elimination of the season will take place on “Dancing with the Stars: The Results,” live, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), on the ABC Television Network. DNCE will perform their new single, “Body Moves,” and there will be an all-male dance number in which the male pros of “Dancing with the Stars” perform to the song, “Ain’t No Sunshine.” In addition, Derek Hough will choreograph and dance to a special number. Never-before-seen footage, backstage conversations, additional judges’ reactions and a recap of the amazing performances from the first ever Cirque du Soleil night will also be shown.

At the end of the night, the third elimination of the season, based on combined viewer and judges’ scores from October 3, will take place.

Hosted by two-time Emmy-winning host Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews (sports host and “Dancing with the Stars” season 10 finalist), “Dancing with the Stars” is the hit series in which celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which are judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts, including head judge, Len Goodman, dancers/choreographers Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Julianne Hough.

For week four, viewers may cast their votes for their favorite couples via phone on Monday night during and up to 60 minutes after the end of the “Dancing with the Stars” broadcast in each time zone. Online voting at www.ABC.com and on Facebook at https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ is open for 24 hours, beginning from the start of each episode on the East Coast at 8:00 p.m. EDT/5:00 p.m. PDT and closing at 8:00 p.m. EDT/5:00 p.m. PDT on Tuesday evenings.

“Dancing with the Stars” is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Rob Wade, Ashley Edens-Shaffer and Joe Sungkur are executive producers. Phil Heyes directs. “Dancing with the Stars” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG, L parental guideline.

First Look at the Disney Collection by Ethan Allen

By

Chip

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September 30, 2016

We have been talking for months about the all new Disney Collection from Ethan Allen and yesterday we were able to finally get a sneak peek at some of the designs available! From sheets to chairs they have something for everyone!

You haven’t even heard the best news yet… Ethan Allen is having a presale of some of the new merchandise!!!

How exciting! I know if I wasn’t strapped for cash paying for a Disney wedding that red Mickey Couch and chair would be coming home with me.

Here is a look at some of the items available, for more information check out this write up the Disney Fashionista did on her blog!

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So which piece do you like the best? Let me know in the comment box below.

Disney Cruise Line Announces 2017 Sail Dates for Halloween on the High Seas & Very Merrytime Cruises

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 30, 2016

Disney Cruise Line offers a fun way for guests to celebrate Halloween and Christmas season on the high seas. Sail dates for special holiday cruises in 2017 are now available in addition to 2016 dates.

Halloween on the High Seas

Thrills and chills await at every turn during Halloween on the High Seas, thanks to not-so-scary parties, eerie entertainment and bewitching décor – including an evolving Halloween tree that transforms throughout the cruise.

2017 Sail Dates

Disney Magic: September 27, 2017 – October 28, 2017
Disney Wonder: September 15, 2017 – October 27, 2017
Disney Dream: September 4, 2017 – October 30, 2017
Disney Fantasy: September 2, 2017 – October 28, 2017

2016 Sail Dates

Disney Magic: October 2, 2016 – October 29, 2016
Disney Dream: September 2, 2016 – October 31, 2016
Disney Fantasy: September 3, 2016 – October 29, 2016

Very Merrytime Cruises

Delight in seasonal magic at sea with a jolly fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and decor with Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises.

2017 Sail Dates

Disney Magic: November 11, 2017 – December 24, 2017
Disney Wonder: November 10, 2017 – December 22, 2017
Disney Dream: November 10, 2017 – December 22, 2017
Disney Fantasy: November 11, 2017 – December 23, 2017

2016 Sail Dates

Disney Magic: November 5, 2016 – December 23, 2016
Disney Wonder: November 10, 2016 – December 23, 2016
Disney Dream: November 7, 2016 – December 22, 2016
Disney Fantasy: November 19, 2016 – December 24, 2016

Halloween on the High Seas and Very MerryTime Cruises with Disney Cruise Line can be booked online, by calling (800) 370-8046 or by contacting our friends over at MickeyTravels, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

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

Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line