Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Tote Bag

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September 13, 2016

Are you looking for ways to spooky up your Disney wardrobe? If so the Bradford Exchange’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Tote Bag will definetly add that ghoulish touch for Halloween.

Whether there’s a full moon out or not, it’s always fun to be joined by the delightfully creepy characters of Halloween Town. You’ll find plenty to love with this spook-tacular tote bag. Crafted of twill in midnight black, this tote bag displays striking portraits of all your favorite characters from this beloved film. All of your favorites Oogie Boogie, Zero, Lock, Shock, Barrel, and of course, Jack and Sally, are showcased. Jack and Sally meet in silhouette against the moon on the infamous hill in the movie. A dream-come-true organizational tote bag.

On the outside of the bag you’ll find two large, lined exterior pockets. Inside the bag, you’ll find a luxuriously lined interior with a large center zip pocket. The center pocket has enough room to hold a laptop. As well as an inside zippered pocket and two accessory pockets. Unlike many shopper totes, it has a zippered closure at the top for extra security. Shiny silver-toned hardware includes a metallic Jack Skellington charm for added ghoulishly good looking style. Scary demand is expected, so get yours here!

Happy Hauntings!

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort returns Nov. 10th through Jan. 8th 2017

By

Chip

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September 13, 2016

Every holiday season, the Disneyland Resort is a magical place to make memories with family and friends. This year, those memories will be brimming with Disney music and stories from the new holiday-themed “World of Color—Season of Light,” while the new “Festival of Holidays” will inspire guests to discover holiday celebrations from many cultures. With those additions, plus the debut of Princess Elena of Avalor, all is merry and bright for Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Nov. 10, 2016-Jan. 8, 2017.

Along with what’s new, guests return year after year to experience beloved Holiday traditions, from snowfall on Main Street U.S.A., to glistening décor, Disney-themed treats and holiday entertainment. Guests will find Santa Claus in a fun, new location at Disney California Adventure Park this year and, at Disneyland Park, they will enjoy the one-of-a-kind transformations that create “it’s a small world” Holiday, Jingle Cruise and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

At Disney California Adventure Park

The all-new nighttime spectacular, “World of Color – Season of Light” celebrates the warm and heartfelt spirit of the holidays, with powerful water fountains telling the story. “World of Color – Season of Light” will take guests through a sparkling winter fantasy, combining classic holiday songs with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films to create an experience filled with magic.
The new “Festival of Holidays” celebrates time-honored traditions and heartwarming experiences inspired by holiday festivals around the world. Guests at the “Festival of Holidays” will enjoy delicious internationally inspired food and beverages at 14 themed festival marketplaces, and participate in diverse cultural holiday celebrations, including the popular Disney ¡Viva Navidad! The global sounds of special guest musical groups will ring throughout the festival, and the young and young-at-heart will celebrate with some of their favorite Disney characters.
Princess Elena, from the Disney Channel series “Elena of Avalor,” will make her Disneyland Resort debut as part of the “Festival of Holidays.” She is the first Disney Princess inspired by diverse Latin American cultures. After Holidays at the Disneyland Resort conclude Jan. 8, Princess Elena will remain at Disney California Adventure to continue visiting with guests.
Three Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes) returns as the finale of “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” in the “Festival of Holidays.” The special four-day celebration of Three Kings Day will run 5-8, 2016, in Paradise Garden. Treats for this holiday will include traditional Rosca de Reyes bread.
Santa Claus, with a sleigh full of mischievous elves, appears at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, where guests of all ages will join the festive fun with a series of holiday-themed activities along the trail.
The residents of Cars Land also decorate for the holidays, beginning with a whimsical “snowcar” that greets guests on the road to Radiator Springs. Each address along Route 66–Flo’s V-8 Café, Fillmore’s, Cozy Cone Motel, Luigi’s Casa della Tires and more–features holiday décor that reflects the personality of the “Cars” character who lives there.
“a bug’s land” transforms for the holidays, too, as Flik and his bug friends deck their land with oversized lights and ornaments.
A dazzling, 50-foot Christmas tree adorns Carthay Circle along Buena Vista Street. The tree and surrounding buildings, inspired by Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney arrived in the 1920s, are decorated with vintage-style ornaments.

At Disneyland Park

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle returns for the first time since 2014, with magical nighttime snowfall moments that conclude with “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks and its stirring snowfall finale.
Guests will be enchanted by the soaring Christmas tree in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. It’s 60 feet tall and filled with nearly 1,800 ornaments. This festive backdrop is a popular location for holiday photos.
Disney characters celebrate the season in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a daily procession with floats, music, marching “tin soldiers” and holiday cheer. Santa, who makes a jolly appearance in the parade, also will be found welcoming guests at his special location in Critter Country.
Disneyland guests definitely will want to experience the popular seasonal transformations of these park attractions:
- “it’s a small world” becomes “it’s a small world” Holiday with children around the world enjoying the distinctive holiday traditions of their countries.
- Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday, with Jack Skellington and his friends from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” causing a collision between Christmas and Halloween.
- Jungle Cruise is transformed into Jingle Cruise, as the jungle skippers gather jettisoned holiday gifts and decorations to brighten the rugged landscapes surrounding their riverboats.

The Downtown Disney shopping, dining and entertainment district and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort join in the holiday festivities with twinkling lights and ornaments, holiday displays, special entertainment and holiday dining with themed menus.

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Is there an opening date set for ‘The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History’?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 13, 2016

According to WDW News Today, there seems to be a possibility that the new Muppet- themed show that will take place in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom will open on October 2nd, 2016. The announcement has not been officially made by Disney, and the information comes from internal documents, so the date could be completely changed at any time; but we think it’s a good base to start with, don’t you?

Are you looking forward to this new Muppets experience?

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.

Photo: Disney

Disney’s Dole Whip Cup vs Citrus Swirl – Which is better?

By

Lisette R

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September 13, 2016

Many of us have heard of, seen pictures of, or tasted the Dole Whip. Did you know that there is also a Citrus Swirl?

Here is my side-by-side comparison of how the Pineapple Dole Whip holds up against the Citrus Swirl.

The easiest place to find both the Pineapple Dole Whip Cup and the Citrus Swirl Cup is in Adventureland. While you can find the Pineapple Dole Whip at other venues around the Walt Disney World Resort, you can try both of these treats within a minute’s walk of one another, in the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Let’s begin with the ever-popular Pineapple Dole Whip. This delectable treat is a frozen, light, and creamy pineapple soft serve. However, do not confuse this with the soft serve ice cream many of us are familiar with at our local ice cream stands. You can purchase a Pineapple Dole Whip at the Aloha Isle Refreshments open-air stand, located beside the Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland, for $4.19. This treat does count as 1 snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Now let’s take a look at the Citrus Swirl. This refreshing treat is a dense frozen-swirled vanilla soft serve ice cream and orange slushy. You can purchase a Citrus Swirl at the Sunshine Tree Terrace kiosk, located across from the Swiss Family Treehouse in Adventureland, for $3.79. This treat also counts as 1 snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

The Pineapple Dole Whip wins hands-down for flavor and texture. The flavor is consistent with pineapple and is very light and creamy. Definitely an excellent option while enjoying a day of central Florida heat at the Magic Kingdom. The texture is smooth and creamy with exactness and no surprises. The Citrus Swirl has a very sour taste from the orange slushy swirl. My first bite of the orange slushy swirl reminded of Johnson’s Baby Aspirin back when I was very young; not a flavor I am fond of at all! I then began mixing the orange slushy with the vanilla ice cream swirl and even the vanilla did not cut the sour taste of the orange slushy. I am one of those people who will choose the Beverly, at Epcot’s Club Cool Sampling Station, over anything else for its bitter flavor. The Citrus Swirl is more of a strong sour taste so if your flavor palate prefers sour, above all else, then the Citrus Swirl is for you. The texture is thicker, and heavier, than the Pineapple Dole Whip Cup while still offering a certain level of smoothness.

However, the Citrus Swirl wins for quantity and price. Unlike the Pineapple Dole Whip, with its entire center filled with nothing but air (see photo above), the Citrus Swirl is thicker, more substantial, and does not have air in the middle due to its dense texture. At $3.79, as compared to the $4.19 Pineapple Dole Whip, the Citrus Swirl gives you more bang for the buck if that is your primary goal. Of course, if you are on the Disney Dining Plan, then the pricing consideration will not really matter.

All-in-all, the Pineapple Dole Whip will remain a favorite treat as it is certainly conducive to my preferred taste palate. I do recommend that you try the Citrus Swirl, at least once, so you can do your own side-by-side comparison.

How does the Pineapple Dole Whip and the Citrus Swirl rate in your own side-by-side comparison?

Please leave your comments in the box below.

Main Street Confectionary Undergoing Counter-Service Sweets Display Case Refurbishment

By

Lisette R

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September 13, 2016

If you have ever walked down Main Street U.S.A at the Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom, then you are familiar with the sweet smells permeating the area around the Main Street Confectionary. One of the busiest locations in this store is the counter service treat display case. Currently, the Main Street Confectionary is undergoing a counter-service display case refurbishment.

For the next 6-8 weeks, the Main Street Confectionary will be undergoing a refurbishment of their counter-service sweets display case. The popular hand-made sweets, temptingly displayed in a glass-enclosed display case, is now hidden behind a temporary wall. The choices for hand-made sweets are quite limited to Rice Krispie Treats, Cookies, and Candy Apples wrapped in heavy clear plastic wrap.

With Autumn fast-approaching, many guests are seeking out some fun seasonal treats. There is still enough choices for purchasing a fun treat. However, the ambiance is just not there now. I mean, who doesn’t love peering into that glass case to see what is available, and taking more than a minute to decide what you actually want since there are so many amazing choices? While the absence of the display case is missed, I am looking forward to seeing what Disney does with the space. I am intrigued about what will be in this space once the refurbishment is complete.

What is your favorite treat of choice at the Main Street Confectionary? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Package to be Replaced with a Festival of Fantasy Dining Package

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 12, 2016

With the final run of the Main Street Electrical Parade coming on October 9th, we hear from WDW News Today that Disney will not be doing away with the dining package associated with the parade. Instead, starting October 10th, Disney will be offering the same Dining Package at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and offering VIP seating for the Festival of Fantasy Parade at 3pm instead.

The lunch at Tony’s Town Square is a prix fixe meal priced at$45 per adult and $17 per child, plus tax and gratuity (one dining plan table service credit). Guests are given a voucher to enter a special viewing area after their lunch.

This package can be booked beginning September 13th, 2016. You can learn more, and book your package here at that time.

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.

Photo: Disney

Disney Legend Floyd Norman: An Animated Life Documentary Review

By

Lisette R

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September 12, 2016

Did you know that Disney Legend Floyd Norman has a documentary movie currently showing in select theaters around the country? Floyd Norman: An Animated Life, is a documentary directed by Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey. Floyd Norman has worked on such Disney movies as The Jungle Book, Mary Poppins, Toy Story 2, and Sleeping Beauty to name a few. I was fortunate enough to attend a premiere screening, at the Walt Disney World Resort’s AMC Disney Springs Theaters, of the documentary followed by a meet-and-greet with Floyd Norman himself!

Floyd Norman is 81 years old but you would never know it. This awesome Disney Legend is full of life and creativity. When he was a young man, he worked with Walt Disney on many of his movies. After Walt Disney’s death in 1966, Floyd Norman left the Walt Disney Company to pursue other adventures. He returned to the Walt Disney Company in the 1990’s and was retired by the company when he turned 65. He began showing up to work at Disney Publishing Worldwide, where his wife Adrienne works. Adrienne created a new word, “Floydering,” to describe Floyd loitering around the offices answering questions and offering suggestions even though he was not on the Disney payroll. He did this for 16 years before being re-employed by the Disney Company.

Floyd Norman is the first African-American Animator to be employed by the Walt Disney Company in 1956. He has worked for the Disney Company, Hanna-Barbera, and Pixar. To add to his accolades, he also became the first African-American Animator to be named a Disney Legend, by Roy Disney, in 2007.

What an honor it was to meet a true Disney Legend. Floyd Norman is currently working on a Disney movie due to be released sometime next year. He told me that we must learn as much as we can in our lifetimes as our knowledge is what builds our legacy. Animation has changed drastically over the past 60 years. As an artist, Floyd Norman has had to adjust his knowledge-base many times throughout his career.

Floyd Norman’s career story is nothing short of amazing. The documentary starts out a bit slow as the foundation of Floyd Norman’s career is built. However, as the pace picks up and gains momentum, you will laugh, cry, and be surprised. If you are interested in learning something new about Disney history, then Floyd Norman: An Animated Life is a must-see documentary.

Are you planning to see the Floyd Norman: An Animated Life documentary? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Add Excitement with the Disney Vacation Countdown Wreath

By

Danielle

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September 12, 2016

In the many years of my Disney vacationing, I’ve seen all kinds of fun and unique countdowns. I have to say I’ve never seen a Disney Vacation Countdown Wreath before though! SparkleForYourCastle on Etsy brings this creation to life, with lots of Disney flair.

This wreath is packed with so many details, that you would miss by just looking at the wreath. The designer will customise this wreath for you, and there are so many different ways to do it! This wreath is filled with things you will need for your Disney vacation: camera, autograph book, Disney ticket, and more. It is also filled with items you must have while on vacation: you must choose a hat once you are in the park, purchase a balloon, and of course decide between all the iconic Disney snacks! You can choose different snacks, and even colors for the ear hat that adorns the top! You’ll find that Mickey’s head icon on the sign is made with chalkboard paint, so you and your family can enjoy changing the date as you count down to your trip!

You can find this amazingly unique countdown wreath here!

What a fun idea to celebrate the anticipation of a Disney Vacation! How do you like to countdown to your Disney vacations?

All New Disney Kingdoms Series Launching This October – ENCHANTED TIKI ROOM

By

Chip

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September 12, 2016

The world famous attraction comes to Marvel Comics for an all-new adventure! Today, Marvel Entertainment and the minds at Walt Disney Imagineering are proud to present your first look inside ENCHANTED TIKI ROOM #1, the newest Disney Kingdoms limited series launching October 5^th! Pack your sunscreen and catch the boat, because creators Jon Adams and Horacio Domingues are taking you on a tropical Disney Kingdoms vacation.

Welcome to the Enchanted Tiki Room, a place of legend…of fantasy…and mystery! Here, on an isolated and mysterious island, almost anything can happen. And often does! Inside the island’s Enchanted Tiki Room – an astonishing cast of birds, plants and ancient Tiki gods spring to life. As the next boat arrives carrying new visitors, what stories will unfold, what mysteries will be revealed and how are they all connected?

Launching under the Disney Kingdoms banner, Enchanted Tiki Room has been created in close partnership with the designers, producers and creative directors at Walt Disney Imagineering. Joining other critically-acclaimed hits like The Haunted Mansion, Figment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and more – Disney Kingdoms titles present exciting new adventures that expand upon the beloved lands, attractions and characters of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Your journey is about to begin, so grab your flip-flops, pop open your beach chair and uncover the mystery and the magic on October 5^th with ENCHANTED TIKI ROOM #1! Plus, look for the ENCHANTED TIKI ROOM #1 POSTER, available at your local comic shops on October 12^th (AUG161041)!

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Marvel Television and ABC have released first look of Ghost Rider from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D

By

Chip

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September 12, 2016

Marvel Television and ABC have released a first look at Ghost Rider from the Season 4 of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Now you can see see what Robbie Reyes will look like when he embraces his Ghost Rider alter-ego.

Ghost Rider joins the cast of Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD Season 4 premiering Tuesday September 20th on ABC.

Epcot Gears Up for 21st Annual International Food And Wine Festival

By

Lisette R

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September 12, 2016

Epcot is gearing up for their 21st annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This event is scheduled to begin this Wednesday, September 14th.

For many of us, this is an event that is highly anticipated. Currently, some of the Food & Wine Festival areas are enclosed behind green-walled fencing areas, some typical walkways are not passable as the areas are closed for festival preparations, and the kiosks are in place although closed up for the time being.

The American Gardens Theater is being set up for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series and we are eagerly anticipating seeing what the entrance to Epcot will look like this year.

Many of the areas for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are enclosed within green fencing. Some spaces have additional green plants blocking any chance of viewing the spaces. If you happen to ride the monorail from Magic Kingdom, you can get a pretty good view of one of the larger enclosed spaces located near Club Cool.

The kiosks around the World Showcase represent a variety of countries. Each kiosk will have food, wine, and other alcoholic beverage options available for purchase. While all of the kiosks are currently closed up, we are looking forward to seeing them open when the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins on this Wednesday, September 14th. Plan to challenge your taste palate’s during this year’s festival.

The American Gardens Theater is also being decorated and spruced up for the coming Eat To The Beat Concert Series. Showtimes will be daily at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm. Be sure to check your events guide for additional live performances scheduled to take place around the World Showcase.

Are you planning to attend the 21st annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Top 6 Disney Springs Dining Spots

By

Catie

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September 12, 2016

Dining at Disney World is a true foodie’s dream come true –there’s always something new and delicious to try, and one of my favorite places to eat while at WDW is Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney!). Check out my picks for Top 6 Disney Springs Dining Spots:

Sit Down Restaurants:

The Boathouse: This new restaurant is perfect for seafood lovers as well as boat enthusiasts, too – while you dine at this waterfront spot you can check out the vintage boats from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s on display. And the menu is ever-changing to allow the chefs to take advantage of the freshest seafood available! Steak, lobster, oysters, calamari, and fish tacos are all on the menu plus a TON of other options too

Wolfgang Puck Café: While this is not a “new to Disney Springs” restaurant, it is certainly a mainstay and an institution in my book! The sign has the quote “Live, Love, Eat” on it – and those are really embodied within the restaurant itself, where you can tell the innovative food is prepared with care and the freshest ingredients. Sushi lovers will really enjoy the offerings, as will pizza lovers – they serve up pies topped with Italian meats, barbeque chicken, and more. The best thing on this menu for me though is a toss-up between the bacon wrapped meatloaf and the roasted chicken entrees

Raglan Road: You can’t ever go wrong with a traditional Irish Pub – and this one delivers nothing but fantastic food in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Live Irish music and dancers keep you entertained as you wait for your food and drinks – plenty of beers, wines and cocktails to choose from here! The menu is full of amazing dishes – bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes), shepherd’s pie, Guinness beef stew, and so much more. I have eaten here several times, and it is just the best – a true gem!

Quick note about the above restaurants: As with any sit down meal at Disney, you’ll want to do your best to make an ADR (or Advance Dining Reservation) for them in advance to ensure that you are able to partake in these amazing dining spots!

Quick Meals:
Earl Of Sandwich: There are few things better than the smell of freshly baked bread – which the Earl is baking up daily for his mouth-wateringly delicious sandwiches – Holiday Turkey (featuring stuffing and cranberry sauce!), Caprese, buffalo chicken, and tuna melt to name a few. Oh – and don’t forget to grab a brownie sandwich for dessert as they are filled with frosting (and who doesn’t need a frosting sandwich in their life?). One of the best parts of this spot is it’s pretty reasonable price wise, and usually pretty speedy too

Food Trucks: Assorted food trucks park on the West Side of Disney Springs starting around lunch time daily, and while it’s not always the same trucks each day, you can be sure you will find some amazing meal options either way. The Namaste Café truck offers up freshly made naan, samosas, butter chicken, and tandoori shrimp; while Fantasy Fare serves classic dishes like corn dogs, chicken strips, and buffalo chicken and waffles. The great thing about grabbing a bite here is the variety – there’s something for everyone, and always something new and unique to try (for those adventurous eaters out there!)

Snack Attack:
Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop: You can smell the house made hot fudge and freshly baked waffle cones as you approach this dessert spot, and it’s enough to lure you right in (well, it is for me at least!). The menu is full of delicious ice cream sundaes and assorted lattes and other coffee beverages as well (including the classic Ghiradelli hot chocolate!). You can also purchase assorted packaged chocolates to bring home with you (and if they don’t make it all the way home, that’s ok too, I don’t judge)

Check out the official Disney Springs Dining Site Here for the most up to date list of offerings so you can plan which ones you’ll eat at next time you’re in Disney!

I would love to know which Disney Springs Dining Spots Top YOUR list, too!