Celebrate National Coffee Day with a Look at the New Mugs Coming Soon to Disney Parks

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September 29, 2016

Today is National Coffee Day! In celebration of all things COFFEE Steven Miller from Disney Parks Blog has released a peek at new coffee mugs coming to the parks.

Mugs of all shapes and sized have been created as part of the “Mickey’s Really Swell Coffee” collection. Fun stylized images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse enjoying an afternoon together adorn these mugs. Speaking of our favorite couple, a new wedding collection will be debuting too. This Mr. and Mrs. set will be simple yet elegant, with a hidden Mickey scrollwork design.

A new set of mugs that I’m crushing on is a set of 4 retro inspired ones. The set flaunts geometric patterns dappled with hidden Mickeys!

A few mugs featuring characters that we don’t see represented very often are also making their way to the Disney Parks. The Fairy Godmother gets a Mug starting her in all of her bibbity bobbity glory. Kronk and Humphrey who are underground cult faves will also strut their stuff on new mugs with stylized handles

The double sides mugs with lids being incorporated in as the hats are really fun!

Mugs inspired by the handsome Twenty Eight & Main Collection. One mug is perfect for a run away train ride on the Big Thunder Mountain, while the other mug it fit for a secret society of world travelers.

Look for these new mugs this fall in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Once released, guests may also find select mugs via the free Shop Disney Parks app. No word yet on if they will be available at Disney Parks online shop.

Happy National Coffee Day!

Disney Springs Hosting ‘A Princess Royal Reception’ this October

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 29, 2016

If you’ve ever dreamed of meeting a Disney Princess during a visit toWorld of Disney at Disney Springs, that wish is about to come true during a one-month, limited-time offering set to debut on Saturday, October 1, 2016.

With surprise appearances each day, you could meet Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Tiana or another visiting princess – there are no set times for specific characters, but you’re always sure to receive a royal reception.

I had the chance to talk to Entertainment Show Director Tom Vazzana who shared the background story of the experience: “Cinderella had a wish for her and her fellow royal princesses to have a place to meet new friends. The Fairy Godmother was able to grant her this wish, and now, tucked away in a magical corner of World of Disney is a location befitting Cinderella’s request. A magical ‘royal hall’ was created complete with tapestries and images inspired by classic fairytales.”

With a Disney PhotoPass photographer on hand to capture each interaction, these magical moments will be available for guests to purchase or download as part of their Memory Maker product purchase.

Interested in a royal reception of your own? Visit World of Disney between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily from October 1 – November 1, 2016. Once you check in, a cast member will share the approximate wait time and return instructions; when it’s time for you to return to the queue, you’ll be moments away from meeting a Disney Princess.

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.

Another New Parking Garage is Coming to Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 29, 2016

A third parking garage at Disney Springs has been approved by the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Construction is expected to begin sometime in 2017 with an expected opening date in 2019.

The new garage will accommodate 2000 parking spaces for both guests and cast members. Similar to the Orange and Lime garages, the parking structure will notify guests how many parking spaces are available on each level. The garage will be located near the Casting Center and Speedway parking lots, across from Disney Springs. Guests will be able to access Disney Springs via the pedestrian bridge that spans across Buena Vista Drive.

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!

Professional Golf Tournament to return to Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 29, 2016

If you are a fan of golf, you my have noticed that Disney has not hosted a PGA event since 2012, when their sponsor pulled out. It has been quite some time since the Walt Disney World Resort has hosted a professional golf tournament, but that’s about to change! The Disney Blog tells us that the Four Seasons has become the host of the second annual Diamond Resorts Invitational.

The event, which benefits the Florida Hospital for Children, will take place Jan. 13-15 at Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

The three-round event will be nationally televised on Golf Channel and will feature Champions Tour professionals competing alongside sports and entertainment celebrities for separate purses totaling $1.25 million.

The tournament will feature up to 30 PGA champions players and up to 50 top-tier athletes and celebrities in two distinct competitions. It will be scored similar to the PGA’s Barracuda Championship using a Modified Stableford scoring format that awards points instead of strokes.

You can look forward to seeing celebrities such as Marcus Allen, Roger Clemens, Josh Donaldson, Colt Ford, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Brian McCann, Kevin Millar, Mark Mulder, Blair O’Neal, Alfonso Ribeiro, Jeremy Roenick, Mark Rypien, John Smoltz, Brian Urlacher, Justin Verlander, Larry the Cable Guy and defending champion Mardy Fish in attendance at the tournament.

“We are excited to offer our players a chance to compete alongside some of the most recognizable names in entertainment and sports in this unique ‘Challenge Season’ event,” said PGA TOUR Champions President Greg McLaughlin. “Proceeds from the tournament’s live and silent auctions will benefit Florida Hospital for Children and leave a lasting charitable impact.”

PGA tour champions players will compete for $750,000 over the 54-hole tournament, while the celebrities will play for a $500,000 purse. Threesomes will include one Champions Tour professional and two celebrities.

There has been no announcement yet as to whether or not the public will be admitted to watch the tournament, but if we hear more we’ll be sure to let you know.

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

Disney To Change Bus Service to Typhoon Lagoon

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 29, 2016

Starting on October 2nd, Walt Disney World will unveil changes to the resort bus service taking guests to and from Typhoon Lagoon.

Onsite guests heading to the Typhoon Lagoon will neeed to hop on a bus to Disney Springs and then change to the Typhoon Lagoon shuttle bus service. The shuttle from Disney Springs to the water park will start operating 45 minutes before park opening through until an hour after closing.

Those planning to pay a visit to Typhoon Lagoon during an upcoming Walt Disney World stay should allot extra time to get to and from the water park.

These changes are on the heels of Blizzard Beach which earlier this year altered it’s bus route having guests first board a bus bound for Animal Kingdom and then transfer to a shuttle bus headed for the water park.

Thinking about a trip to Walt Disney World?

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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 resort, to planning out your days at the parks, to helping you nab 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.

The Complete Walt Disney World 2017 Guide Now Available

By

Danielle

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September 28, 2016

“The Complete Walt Disney World 2017” is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the title with the first edition having debuted in 2007. It is the only independent Disney guide to ever be honored by the Walt Disney Company, the title is the winner of Disney’s iParenting Media Award for Outstanding Family Product.

This beautiful book is fun to look at and read. With over 450 color photographs to amaze, and ratings and reviews of nearly 700 attractions, restaurants, shops, and hotels. The book is modular, with each ride or show showcased on a separate page or pages, with an insightful description, honest review, tips, and specs such as hour-by-hour wait times. Every attraction spotlights quirky Fun Finds and Hidden Mickeys, “Easter eggs” that Disney hides in plain sight.

“It’s easy to have with the help of this award-winning full-color guidebook. Filled with the most detailed information ever published about Walt Disney World, this full-color guidebook combines a thorough description of everything Disney has to offer with a cornucopia of advice and insight to help you enjoy it. In other words, it’s a handbook on how to have fun.“

This guidebook goes ABOVE and beyond describing and detailing everything you need to know about visiting the Disney World Parks. I was impressed with not only all of the in depth information, but the gorgeous high quality images within as well. Included within the gorgeous pages of this book you will also find honest reviews and helpful insight. You can find everything from Character Meet n Greets to Attractions, to Events and Performances available throughout the four parks, and Disney Springs.

New things to find in this edition:

New Star Wars Land- The scoop on the new Star Wars Land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including attractions that debuts in 2016, with colorful artists renderings and concept art.
New Toy Story Land– The other new land coming to the Studios, including a colorful map that shows everything that’s planned.
New Frozen Ride– A detailed review of the controversial Frozen Ever After attraction at Epcot, which opened in May 2016.
New Jungle Cruise Bar– A new look at DIsney’s many resort hotels, including everything that’s changed at the revamped Polynesian VIllage Resort, including a full review of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
New Jungle Cruise Restaurant– Coverage of Magic Kingdom’s brand new Skipper Canteen.
New Soarin’ Around the World ride– The updated hang-gliding adventure at Epcot.
New wildlife adventures– The new bird show and evening safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The latest from the revamped Disney Springs– Details about this amazing new shopping and entertainment center that you’ll find only in this book.
The latest on MagicBands and Fastpass+– Exclusive insight and advice on how to take advantage of Disney’s free Fastpass+ service, which lets you book rides and shows weeks in advance.

The Authors of this must have guidebook are Julie Neal, and Mike Neal. Julie Neal is a former Walt Disney World Concierge supervisor and has spent more than 2,500 days at Walt Disney World, not counting her time working there. Mike Neal, is an award-winning graphic designer and photographer. Julie and Mike both live in Orlando.

The Complete Walt Disney World 2017 is available now on Amazon in Paperback or Kindle form!

D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures Exclusive Merchandise Revealed

By

Danielle

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September 28, 2016

D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures, is happening November 19 and 20 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. In anticipation of the event Disney has revealed the exclusive merchandise that will be available for the event! Mickey’s of Glendale will be debuting the exclusive merchandise, pins and collectibles at the event in their pop-up store!

The D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures assortment will include:

Jingle Cruise 12 Days of Christmas Mystery Collection: An “all-gnu” pin collection celebrating the holidays as only the wild Jungle Cruise Skippers can! Each box contains one randomly selected pin. (There are different 12 pins in all.)
Jingle Cruise 4th Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange T-Shirt: Arriving just in time for the third fourth annual celebration! Wear this festive 100% cotton tee to your office party…or save it for next year’s re-gifting!
Jungle Navigation Company T-Shirt: Official 100% cotton company apparel designed and approved by Alberta Falls of the Jungle Navigation Company.
S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) Pins: Detailed replicas of the actual pins worn by generations of elite members of S.E.A.
S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) T-Shirt: Proper—100% cotton—garb for your own legendary explorations and adventures.

Tickets are still available to this amazing adventure, and are open to all members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. To learn more about the event and D23 check out the D23 Website.

Will you be going to the D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures event?

Keep Your Toes Cozy with Disney’s Tsum Tsum Sock Set

By

Danielle

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September 28, 2016

Temperatures are getting cooler, and I love getting to wear quirky and unique socks. Of course loving all things cute as much as I do, I’m in love with this Tsum Tsum sock set from the Disney Store!

Start every day on the right foot with our cutest-ever sock set featuring all your favorite Disney characters in stackably sweet ”Tsum Tsum” style. Five cute cute pairs featuring our favorite stackable friends come in this too adorable for words sock set. There’s princesses, heroes and even the beloved Mickey and Minnie!

Tsum Tsum Sock Set

So snuggle those feetsies in the soft hugs of stackable friends! Which pair is your favorite?

Photo Credit IG: hiphiphooray_aus

Is World of Disney in Disney Springs getting a character Meet & Greet location?

By

Chip

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September 28, 2016

Hey there guys and gals it is I, Anonymouse here serving up some hot steamy Disney Gossip.

Today I wanted to share with you some news I read that talks about that wide open space at World of Disney in Disney Springs that was left by the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

I had the chance to do some browsing in World of Disney a few months ago and notice how there wasn’t a bunch of families laying around all over the floor waiting for their Princess Makeovers. Why is that you ask? It is because Disney gave the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique their own space outside of the store.

You can read about it here.

The rumor going around now is that Disney is going to take that space and turn it into a special Disney Character Meet & Greet Location. I even hear it might be a special Meet & Greet for Chase Visa card members, like the photo spot in Epcot.

I think this sounds like a great idea. I would love to see some characters hanging out at Disney Springs. Who knows maybe the line to see them might be shorter… I can dream can’t I?

As always nothing is official till Disney says it is.

That is all the Disney gossip I have for now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at anonymouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook page.

Military Discounts Now Available at Walt Disney World for 2017

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 28, 2016

It’s a big day for discounts in the Disney-sphere as Walt Disney World has also unveiled Military discounts for 2017 packages.

If you’re looking for park tickets, Disney World is offering active or retired Military members deeply discounted prices for 4-5 day theme park tickets that have Park Hopper or Water Parks Fun and More as an add-on. Here are the sample costs:

4 Day Park Hopper or Water Park Fun and More $209 each.
5 Day Park Hopper or Water Park Fun and More $224 each.
4 Day Park Hopper AND Water Park Fun and More $246 each.
5 Day Park Hopper AND Water Park Fun and More $261 each.

Discounted tickets can be obtained either directly through Disney or via your military installation ticket office.

Good news for those looking to stay on-site as Disney is also offering a Military Discount of 30-40% off Walt Disney World Resort stays. The discounts offered are as follows:

30% off Value Resorts (does not include Little Mermaid Rooms at Art of Animation)
35% off Moderate Resorts and Fort Wilderness Cabins
40% off Deluxe Resorts and Villas (3 bedroom villas and bungalows excluded)

This offer is valid for stays between January 1 – December 19, 2017. Blackout dates are between April 9 – April 23, 2017.

Military Discounts are available to the following members:

Active
Reserve
Coast Guard
National Guard
Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service
Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Retired: Active, Reserve, National Guard, Coast Guard, Commissioned Corps of Public Health Service or Commission Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
100% Service Connected Disabled with the DAVPRM code on their Military Issued ID.

A valid Military ID will be required upon check-in at your Walt Disney World Resort.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Walt Disney World getaway by filling 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 with everything from finding you the best discounts, your perfect resort or 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.

Image copyright Disney.

A New Re-imagined “The Lion King” Movie Coming From Disney and Jon Favreau

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 28, 2016

Walt Disney Studios and Jon Favreau are teaming up for a reimagining of classic film ‘The Lion King‘. This new version of ‘The Lion King’ will feature the famous songs from the animated movie, just like the upcoming live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The project follows the Disney and Favreau groundbreaking hit “The Jungle Book” that debuted in April and has since earned $965.8 million worldwide.

Disney’s successes with the reimagining of its classic animated films like “Maleficent”, “Cinderella”, and “The Jungle Book”, it’s no surprise that “The Lion King” would be on the short list as well. The upcoming “Beauty and the Beast“, starring Emma Watson as Belle, is already one of the most anticipated movies of 2017.. Disney and Favreau are also in development on a sequel to “The Jungle Book”. No release date has been announced for either film.

Time is running out for high school students nationwide to be a part of the 2017 Disney Dreamers Academy

By

Chip

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September 28, 2016

Time is running out for high school students nationwide to be a part of the 2017 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine – the innovative, outside-of-the-classroom, mentoring program is in its 10^th year at Walt Disney World Resort. To be among the 100 selected to participate in this unique experience, high school students around the country must apply at DisneyDreamersAcademy.com by October 31.

Each year, students participate in engaging and immersive workshops related to a variety of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills such as communication techniques, leadership values and networking strategies from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives. Moreover, motivational speakers and celebrities such as syndicated radio and television personality Steve Harvey and ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks connect with students to share their stories and provide insight into how to achieve success and DREAM BIG.

Immersed in the imaginative and magical setting of Walt Disney World Resort, Dreamers go behind the scenes to learn what inspires Disney storytellers, as well as use the theme parks as energetic ‘classrooms,’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish.

“Giving back to our youth – our future – is something I am so passionate about,” said Harvey. “This is a milestone year, where the success and collaboration with Disney continue to pay dividends for the lives of over 900 Disney Dreamer alumni and with the addition of the class of 2017, we will have influenced over 1,000 aspiring young leaders. I encourage all high school students to take the time to apply for the 10^th annual Disney Dreamers Academy because I truly believe that a young person’s dream deserves constant nourishing.”

Applicants must answer essay questions describing their stories, the people who are most influential in their lives and their dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including a strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams.

Selected Dreamers, along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for the event March 9-12, 2017. Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, until Oct. 31, 2016. A distinguished panel of leaders will judge the applications in November and selected students will be announced in December.

For more information regarding applications, visit: DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. Follow the Dreamers on Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy or on Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy.