Relax and Unwind in the Chase Lounge at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival

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September 22, 2016

Returning again to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival is the popular Chase Lounge. This cozy little spot in the American Pavilion is a great way to cool off, get recharged, sample a free coke beverage and more. All you need to do is flash your Chase Visa to get in! There is a bit of a wait but I have found if you go while a Eat to the Beat show is in the lines are a little shorter…

Also if you get here first thing you can get wrist bands for a special seating section at Eat to the Beat, these go really fast so I would make sure to get back here as soon as the World Showcase opens.

Here are some of the photos from the Lounge:

Recharge Station

Chase debit and credit cardmembers, including Disney Visa Cardmembers, will receive exclusive access to the Chase Lounge at the Festival. The Lounge, located on the third floor of the American Adventure Pavilion within Epcot World Showcase, will offer cardmembers an inviting place to relax, enjoy complimentary, non-alcoholic refreshments, and access charging stations, among other amenities.

It will open daily during the Festival from 11 a.m. until Park close.

For more information about the Festival, visit www.chase.com/epcotfoodandwine.

Are More Changes coming for Disney Annual Passholders?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 22, 2016

Annual Passholders may be facing an upcoming round of changes if recent surveys being circulated by Disney are anything to go by. Both Passholders at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California are starting to worry that their 12 month passes will look more like 10 month passes if Disney has their way.

The focal point of the Passholder surveys centers around gauging whether or not those with annual passes would consider paying full-price for park admission during a two month annual pass blackout period that would coincide with the opening of key attractions such as the hotly anticipated Star Wars, Avatar and Toy Story offerings currently under construction.

The surveys ask whether guests would pay for park admission on-top of their annual pass, would upgrade to a pass offering them premium admission that would encompass these blackout dates or whether Passholders would instead be content waiting it out until after the blackout dates have passed in order to enjoy Disney’s newest attractions.

Though the survey’s aren’t a definite indication that changes will be made to the Annual Pass system, it certainly points to the fact that Disney is starting to think about strategies to capitalize on the upcoming expansions. The mere suggestion of extensive blackout dates has both the Disneyland Annual Passport holders and Walt Disney World’s passholders ( many of whom are already paying between $800 – $1000) up in arms.

Those thinking about purchasing or renewing their annual passes are encouraged to watch this space for further details.

Thinking about at Disney vacation? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working 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, planning your days at the parks and nabbing those hard to get dining 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.

“Queen Of Katwe” Los Angeles Premiere

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 21, 2016

U.S. "Premiere Of Queen Of Katwe" In Hollywood — (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Earlier this week El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Blvd hosted the premiere of Disney’s “Queen of Katwe”. Stars David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o, Madina Nalwanga, director Mira Nair and the real life stars were welcomed by hundreds of fans lined up along Hollywood Blvd. Inside the theater, the film was enthusiastically received by a packed house. “Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and opens in U.S. theaters in limited release on September 23 expanding wide September 30, 2016.

Check out these red carpet pictures!

HOLLYWOOD, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: (L-R) Executive Vice President of Production, The Walt Disney Studios, Tendo Nagenda, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, Sean Bailey, chaperone Mark Mugwana, Chess Coach and Director of Sports Outreach in Uganda, Robert Katende, Ugandan national chess champion Phiona Mutesi, Director Mira Nair, actors Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Kabanza and David Oyelowo, screenwriter William Wheeler and composer Alex Heffes (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) — HOLLYWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: (L-R) Executive Vice President of Production, The Walt Disney Studios, Tendo Nagenda, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, Sean Bailey, chaperone Mark Mugwana, Chess Coach and Director of Sports Outreach in Uganda, Robert Katende, Ugandan national chess champion Phiona Mutesi, Director Mira Nair, actors Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Kabanza and David Oyelowo, screenwriter William Wheeler and composer Alex Heffes (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

What a Treat! Disney Store Halloween Costumes on Sale!

By

Danielle

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September 21, 2016

What could be better than getting to dress as your favorite Disney character for Halloween? How about sale on those Disney Store Halloween Costumes? Right now the Disney Store is having a 25% off sale!

Your little one will jump for joy at the chance to dress up as their favorite character. Transforms your Star Wars fan into the mysterious Kylo Ren, or let young imaginations can run wild as the brave Merida. The Disney Store costumes are incredibly detailed, with vibrant colors and quality fabrics. Here are some of our favorites on sale now!

Rapunzel Costume for Kids

Captain Hook Costume for Kids

Aurora Costume for Kids

Stormtrooper Costume for Kids – Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Plus many many more!

Which Disney character does your little one want to be for Halloween this year?

Is the Writer’s Stop in Hollywood Studios closing?

By

Anonymouse

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September 21, 2016

Hey there guys and gals it is I, Anonymouse! I am back with some sad but inevitable Disney Gossip.

Word on the street is that Disney is going to be closing the Writer’s Stop in Hollywood Studios. You might remember back in March we reported that it was going to remain open along side all the construction in the back-lot area. It looks like now the Writer’s Stop days are numbered. I am hearing that it will be closing as early as this week. I hear September 25th or 26th.

No word on what will be happening to the building or if those delicious Carrot Cake Cookies will be available elsewhere.

Honestly I did not expect that shop to remain open that much longer. It is tucked away back behind Sci-Fi Dine-In and not many people knew about the delicious coffee, yummy treats, and the comfy chairs you could relax in.

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.

Disney Visa Cardholder Perks Change for 2017 Disney Cruise Line Sailings

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 21, 2016

It appears that the $50 on-board credit available to Disney Visa Cardholders may no longer be offered on 2017 Disney Cruise Line sailings. The $50 beverage credit is a current perk for guests who book their entire Disney Cruise with a Disney Visa and is available on sailings through December 30, 2016. The offer must be requested at the time of booking with the code DCC and cannot be combined with any other offers.

Below is the list of 2017 Disney Cruise Line perks available to Disney Visa Cardholders on sailings after January 1, 2017:

10% Off Select Disney Cruise Line Digital Photo Packages
Receive 10% off non-discounted 10-photo, 15-photo, 20-photo and all-inclusive digital photo packages. Not valid for purchases on photo books, retail items, printed photos, or folio packages.

10% Off Select Merchandise Aboard Disney Cruise Line
Receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more aboard Disney Cruise Line ships. Discount is not valid on previous purchases or on purchases of Port Adventures (Excursions), photos and photo packages, trunk shows, fine jewelry and timepieces, Disney Gift Cards, tobacco, alcohol, Add-a-Dollar (Wildlife Conservation Fund), postage stamps, original or consignment art, select limited editions, select specialty items, purchase-with-purchase offers, newspapers/periodicals, videos, DVDs, CDs, sundries, kitchen production/prepared foods, digital/video/disposable cameras, film, consumer electronics, National branded fragrances, treatments and cosmetics, select collectibles, handmade items, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Pirate League packages, themed experiences (e.g., Royal Court, Royal Tea), shipping or taxes, or on phone, email, online or mail order purchases, or at merchandise locations located at Disney Castaway Cay.

10% Off a Castaway Cay Getaway Package
Receive 10% off a Castaway Cay Getaway Package and enjoy snorkeling, bicycle rental, float or inner-tube rental on Castaway Cay, our private island! Not valid for any other Port Adventures (Excursions) or Castaway Cay activities and amenities.

20% Off Select Onboard Massages or Facial Treatments
Receive 20% off a non-discounted massage or facial treatment service aboard Disney Cruise Line ships on port days only.

Be sure to enter your Disney Visa Card as your form of payment for all onboard purchases in order to take advantage of the new Disney Cruise Line perks for sailings on or after January 1, 2017. Your “Key to the World” card will indicate that you are a Disney Visa Cardmember and eligible for the onboard perks mentioned above. Please mention these offers to ensure that you receive the savings. Cardmember perks cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts, including Cast Member, Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club, Florida resident, etc.

Contact me, Laura Bourget, to start planning your Disney Cruise Line Adventure. I am a Travel Agent with MickeyTravels along with a Writer for Chip and Company and would love to help plan your next Disney vacation. Email [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to get started!

Credit: http://disneycruiselineblog.com

Disney’s “Queen Of Katwe” Hosts A Live Periscope Q & A

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 21, 2016

After a screening of the new film “Queen of Katwe”, Disney hosted the cast – David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o and Madina Nalwanga and director Mira Nair for a discussion of the film moderated by Dave Karger. They responded to questions from fans in 33 theaters around the U.S. The event was live on Periscope and Twitter @DisneyStudios, bringing the live conversation to fans across the globe.

Disney is the first movie studio to work closely with Twitter to experiment with a new way to create high quality, produced live video on Periscope.

<> on September 19, 2016 in Century City, California.

Phiona Mutesi and Robert Katende, upon whose life the film is based, were also in attendance as special guests.

“Queen of Katwe,” which is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of Kampala, Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, opens in U.S. theaters in limited release on September 23, expanding wide September 30, 2016.

Watch a LIVE Q&A with the cast of #QueenOfKatwe featuring @Lupita_Nyongo, David Oyelowo, and Director Mira Nair! https://t.co/XatEZZIkCV

— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) September 20, 2016

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic returns for its seventh year with largest-ever event

By

Chip

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September 21, 2016

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will celebrate its seventh year October 28 – 29 at the Epcot Resort Area resort with its largest event to date featuring 50 food and wine stations, 10 seminars and opportunities to meet the award-winning chefs behind featured culinary masterpieces.

With more food and drink stations spreading out among more space than ever before, guests will delight in numerous opportunities to sip and savor along the resort’s causeway, alongside the resort’s private lake, and for the first time, on the resort’s private beach all weekend while enjoying live entertainment.

Delectable culinary offerings headline the two-night event, featuring cuisine from the resort’s own award-winning restaurants: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula’s Steak House Todd English’s bluezoo, Kimonos and more, with wine and spirits samplings from around the globe.

“Each year we seek to give our guests something new and exciting to experience and taste.” said the resort’s Director of Food & Beverage Tony Porcellini. “This year, we’ll be able to offer them more food, more drink and more fun than ever before.”

What’s New
Making its festival debut this year is an immersive area, which will transport guests’ palates to the streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown with décor and dishes inspired by the famous neighborhood.

Two new dishes were created by resort’s award-winning culinary team will be featured in the area: crispy duck with cucumber, scallion, hoisin sauce and a steamed bun as well as Shanghai dumplings, handmade with pork, rice wine, ginger and scallion, served with soy sauce and chili oil sauce.

Also new for 2016 is the Sunday Bubbles Brunch with J Vineyards and Winery at Il Mulino New York Trattoria, featuring a lavish menu of traditional and unconventional dishes like various cured meats and imported cheeses along with an array of sushi and trattoria-inspired entrees.

Featured Food
Friday and Saturday nights, feature menus full of new and unique dishes sure to please the palate, including spinach and potato agnolotti with pork, tomato cream grilled radicchio and ricotta salata; smoked beef brisket with white cheddar beignet and concord grape and smoked bacon remoulade; and seared striped bass with fall artichokes, nicoise olives and Spanish caper emulsion.

Favorite dishes from past years also return, such as the shrimp cocktail steamroller, Thai chicken salad with organic greens, green papaya tamarind and ginger dressing as well as the dragon sushi roll with crispy shrimp, tuna and avocado.

The resort’s World Champion Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard, provides a sweeter side to the evening with decadent desserts like the all-chocolate choux and caramel sea salt éclair with vanilla whipped cream and comfit gingered pears. The Sundae Action Station returns allowing guests to choose their own toppings like chocolate cake and caramelized banana.

Seminars and Upgrades
Two new hands-on educational seminars, taught by members of the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team, are being added to this year’s seminar offerings. The Craft Cocktails seminar educates guests on the origins of traditional cocktails and how to make them, and More than Malbec introduces the world of popular Argentinian wines, with tastings and tips for pairing. Popular returning seminar topics include wine blending, Italian wines, champagne, beer, tequila, pasta making, sushi and sake and wine and cheese pairing. All seminars require separate tickets, and space is limited.

As an upgraded ticket option, guests can experience a beer garden, featuring a variety of local and seasonal brews from around the world, alongside Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine made by the resort’s culinary experts.

Award-Winning Chefs
To add to the event’s appeal, guests can enjoy a meet and greet with celebrity chef Todd English, the namesake of the resort’s Todd English’s bluezoo restaurant. Guests can also meet the world’s only two-time World Champion Pastry Chef and the resort’s very own executive pastry chef, Laurent Branlard. Barbeque fans shouldn’t miss the Cib’s Smoke House station for signature barbeque dishes from the resort’s Executive Chef Robert Ciborowski.

With 17 restaurants and lounges, a distinguished culinary and beverage team and unmatched customer service, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort continually receives national recognition for its food and beverage program. The culinary team has had the honor of presenting multiple dinners at the distinguished James Beard House. The resort boasts more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections, including organic and rare vintages. The resort’s restaurants are annual winners of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence including Shula’s Steak House, a five-time recipient of the exclusive Best of Award of Excellence.

Tickets to the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic are available as part of a resort package or individually. For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500.

Calendar Listing Information
What: Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

Info: The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort returns October 28 – 29, showcasing a vast array of food and beverage options, informative seminars conducted by members of the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team and an appearance by celebrity chef Todd English.
The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic consists of 10 food and beverage seminars, live entertainment, a beer garden and more than 50 food and beverage stations, featuring appetizing selections from the resort’s signature restaurants: Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino New York Trattoria and Todd English’s bluezoo, as well as wines, beers and cocktails from around the world.

When: Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, 2016
5:30–9 p.m. (for seminar schedule, check www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com)

Where: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Causeway
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
407-934-4000

Tickets
Information: – Overnight packages, available for one or two nights, including room accommodations and two tickets to the outdoor festival (seminar tickets and beer garden tickets may be added for an additional fee) are available starting at $392

Advance purchase unlimited food and beverage samples are $105 per person; beer garden upgrade is $130 per person including taxes
Interactive seminars start at $50 per person, per class including taxes
Sunday Bubbles Brunch with J Vineyards and Winery is $75 per person

For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500

Sanaa to begin serving Breakfast

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 21, 2016

According to WDW News Today, Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has begun serving breakfast! The breakfast will be called Kuamsha, which means “to awaken with” in Swahili.

There will be Grab n Go items; which are perfect for taking along as you make your way to the parks for the morning, and there will also be counter-service options; if you choose to sit down and eat.

Grab ‘N’ Go Menu

Choice of freshly baked muffins, pastries, and croissants
Warm ceylon cinnamon rolls
Banana Bread with house made chocolate hazelnut spread
African breakfast cereal with brown sugar and raisins
Boerewors sausage and egg bobotie pie
Yogurt parfaits
Whole Fruit
Assorted cereal
Coffee and hot tea
Juice and milk

Casual Dining – Quick Service Menu

Savannah Platter – Two farm fresh eggs any sale, tomato chutney, Tanzanian hash browns and bacon
Bore Breakfast – Two farm fresh eggs any style, tomato chutney, Tanzanian hash browns, Boerewors sausage and bacon
Safari Waffle – Waffle topped with seasonal berries and chai whipped cream
Sunrise Sandwich – Egg, ham, and cheddar cheese served on a croissant
Fruit Sosatie – With Quinoa and dried fruit salad
Kids Explorer Platter – One farm fresh egg any style, hash browns, and bacon
Kids Mickey Waffle – Two Mickey waffles and bacon

What do you think of this new breakfast option? Does it make staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge a little more convenient?

Contact me today to book your Disney Vacation and 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. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Stitch’s Great Escape to Run on Seasonal Schedule with Permanent Closure Suggested

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 21, 2016

Here at Chip and Co, we reported back in August that Stitch’s Great Escape was rumored to be closing as part of Disney World’s $3.5 billion renovation to make room for a Wreck It Ralph attraction. It looks like these changes are further along than many thought as Disney has released information suggesting that in a month’s time this Tomorrowland attraction will be moving to a seasonal schedule.

The ride is set to be closing on October 2nd, 2016 but will re-open November 19th -26th and December 17,2016 – January 2, 2017 to accommodate the influx of holiday visitors. What happens to the ride after that remains a bit uncertain, though a seasonal closure would suggested to many that the attraction is winding down to make way for other offerings.

Considered by many to be Disney World’s most unflattering attraction, the closure of Stitch’s Great Escape will be a welcome change for many a Magic Kingdom visitor left disappointed by this lackluster tribute to everyone’s favorite little blue alien.

Readers are encouraged to watch this space for any further developments.

Planning your trip to Disney World? 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.

Royal Court Royal Tea Experience now Available on Disney Dream

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 21, 2016

The popular Royal Court Royal Tea is now available on the Disney Dream in addition to the Disney Fantasy. The whimsical teatime experience featuring Disney Characters and Princesses will be offered on all 4-night sailings at 3 p.m. on the Day at Sea beginning September 19th. The event will also be available on all 3-night sailings on Nassau port days at 3 p.m. beginning November 4th. Royal Court Royal Tea on the Disney Dream will be held at the Royal Palace.

The Royal Treatment

Lady Chamomile, Chef Brule and some popular Disney princesses welcome you to a dining celebration in your honor. Dine in an idyllic storybook setting adorned with sparkling chandeliers and fanciful icons—like glass slippers, apples, roses and tiaras—as the Royal Tea Hostess and Royal Pastry Chef regale you with stories, dance, sing and encourage you to join in the fun. Feel like royalty—and delight in a very special meet-and-greet with some favorite Disney princesses!

A Regal Feast

The fanciful menu includes a selection of herbal teas and 2 delicious courses—one sweet and one savory. For Guests with dietary restrictions, this unique dining event can accommodate most dietary needs. Advance notice may be required. Please indicate any special dietary need at time of reservation booking.

Happily Ever After

Every child receives a distinguished assortment of gifts as a keepsake of their teatime experience.

Gifts for Girls – Jewelry box, link bracelet and necklace with charms, My Disney Girl doll, pen and autograph, tiara and French rose
Gifts for Boys – Backpack, sword and shield, pin and Duffy the Disney Bear

Reservations

The cost for Royal Court Royal Tea is $210 for children and $69 for adults. This special experience is designed for children ages 3 to 12 and their parents. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and solo adults are not eligible for this event. Cancellations must be made at least 3 days prior to the reservation in order to avoid being charged 100% of the per person cost.

Guests of the Disney Fantasy will have the option to book this experience once on-board the ship. The option to book online within the cruise activity booking window will be available soon.

It’s a fantasy-come-true for little ones!

Contact me, Laura Bourget, to start planning your Disney Cruise Line adventure. I am a Travel Agent with MickeyTravels along with a Writer for Chip and Company and would love to help book and plan your next magical vacation. Email [email protected] or visit my Facebook here to get started.

Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Hollywood Studios Rumored to Be Hosting Special Star Wars Night to Celebrate Rogue One Premiere

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 21, 2016

The Disney and Star Wars rumor mills are abuzz with speculation that Disney’s Hollywood Studios will soon be announcing plans to celebrate the première of the next Star Wars movie Rogue One opening in theaters in December.

WDWMAGIC has reported that the event will be titled “Star Wars Galactic Nights” and will follow in the footsteps of last year’s Star Wars The Force Awakens opening night party. If that is indeed the case then the event would be hard-ticketed and would include admission to the feature film (previously screened at AMC Disney Springs 24.)

Last year’s event included an early evening movie première followed by a private after-hours party at Hollywood Studios that ran until 2am. Activities on offer at the park included late-night access to Star Wars Launch Bay and Star Tours. There was also a DJ Dance Party and a late night Star Wars Fireworks display. Guests were also encouraged to dress up as their favorite Star Wars characters from films both old and new. The cost for The Force Awakens première event was $94 for 2D, $98 for 3D and $100 for 3D ETX.

Disney has not released official word as of yet regarding this year’s event, dates or pricing. Readers are encouraged to watch this space for further details.

Thinking about a Walt Disney World visit to enjoy all the amazing Star Wars themed attractions? 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.

Image copyright Disney.