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New Doughnut Sundae at Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

By
Chip
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MK

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An all new treat is showing up at the Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in the Magic Kingdom!

The Doughnut Sundae is a glazed doughnut with cinnamon-apple topping, with one scoop of hand made ice cream on top then loaded with whipped cream, chocolate & peanut butter chips, hot fudge, milk chocolate ears and finally a cherry!

Not bad for $5.99.

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Be sure to get there early as they have been selling out of doughnuts.

Of course if they are sold out you could always get the Mickey Pants Sundae!

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If you see these 2 Disney Addicts at the park be sure to tell them hi!

Thanks William & Laura for the yummy food photos.

Carthay Circle’s World of Color Package Offers Excellent Food and Preferred Viewing

By
Lisette R
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World of Color, at Disney’s California Adventure, is a must-see show for anyone who visits the Disneyland Resort in California.  Viewing space for this show is limited.  You can rush over to the FastPass kiosk, at park opening to obtain a color-coded viewing pass, or book a World of Color dining package at one of three restaurants.  The restaurant choices are Carthay Circle Restaurant, Wine Country Trattoria, or Ariel’s Grotto Restaurant.  We decided to go with Carthay Circle’s World of Color Package as it offered excellent food and Preferred Viewing.

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We did some research and learned that World of Color FastPasses are distributed in color-coded segments.  Your color segment defines your viewing area for the show.  As this was our first visit to the Disneyland Resort, we decided to book a World of Color Dining Package.  Since we wanted to see the first show at 9:00pm, with the best possible view, we booked a Carthay Circle lunch package.  Carthay Circle offers a 3 Course Lunch Package that includes a Starter, an Entree, and a Dessert.  At $43 per person for lunch, the price was a bit steep. I am here to tell you that the quality of the food, and the World of Color Show, were worth every penny of that cost!

Upon our arrival to Carthay Circle, we were greeted by Minnie Mouse. She was the Celebrity who was available to take photos with us and we were very pleased by this.  There is a bar area and cozy seating areas on the first floor.

We were escorted up a beautiful staircase to the second floor.  The ceiling, in the central room, was spectacular.  We loved the multitudes of pictures featuring Walt Disney and stars from Disney movies.  The lighting was quite dim, which was perfect for a relaxing lunch.

 

We were a party of 3 and as it was a cold and rainy day, we all chose the Parsnip and Pear Soup accented with Roasted Chestnuts.  The ingredients listed included Roasted Goose.  I have to admit that Roasted Goose gave me a moment of pause.  However, when I tasted the soup it was very flavorful and truly delicious. I was surprised to discover that Goose does not taste like chicken.

For our entrees we ordered the Sesame and Ginger Crusted King Salmon, Grilled Angus Tri-Tip, and Soba Noodle Salad & Tangerine-Sesame Grilled Chicken.  The King Salmon was the best I have ever tasted.  Combined with the Coconut Red Rice, the flavor combination was magnificent.  The Angus Tri-Tips were cooked to perfection.  The Blue Cheese Risotto did not have a lot of flavor and could have used some sort of spice to interest the taste palate. The Soba Noodle Salad is served cold and is absolutely delicious.  The combination of cucumbers,edamame, macadamia nuts and mint really gave this salad its wow factor.

We had the Holiday Ginger Caramel Monkey Bread and the Cordillera Chocolate Mousse for dessert.  The presentation of each plate was wonderful.  Both desserts were very good.  I liked that they were not overly sweet while offereing the perfect ending to an amazing meal.

Our Cast Member Servers were Melynda and Jacob.  They were very professional and patient with our questions.  Each of them was attentive to our needs and their efforts on our behalf made for a wonderful overall experience at Carthay Circle Restaurant.  We will definitely ask for them on our next visit.

As part of our World of Color Preferred Viewing Package we were placed center on the second level viewing area.  We had one level of people below, and in front of us.  FastPass color-coded segments along the walkway above the 3 tiers. The only words to describe World of Color-Season of Light are that this show is visually stunning!  I recorded each segment and tried to get some pictures in between the songs.  PIctures cannot do justice to the actual show as there is water, music, lights, and color more beautiful than I had imagined from the pictures I had seen prior to seeing the show in person. The location alone was worth the cost of lunch.  The bonus was that the food was fabulous.  You will get a little bit wet from the water mist during the show, but that is par for the course and totally worth it.  A lot of water is needed to project the images and if your belly is full with the lovely warm soup from Carthay Circle, and you have a jacket, then you have everything you need.

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If you want to know if the cost of a dining package is worth it to have the preferred viewing for World of Color, I whole-heartedly answer, Yes!  With three restaurants to choose from, offering a variety of food, pricing, and meal times there really is something on offer for everyone.  Carthay Circle’s World of Color Package provides an amazing meal along with one of the best possible viewing locations for the World of Color Show.  I recommend this for anyone and I will certainly be choosing this package again on my next visit to the Disneyland Resort.

What do you think of the World of Color Preferred Viewing Dining Packages?  Please leave your comments in the box below.

Disney Finds – Disney Classic Mickey Mouse Toaster

By
Chip
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Toaster

This Disney Classic Mickey Mouse ToasterDisney Finds - Disney Classic Mickey Mouse Toaster is perfect for the weekends, I mean who wouldn’t want Mickey Mouse Imprint on their toast? I have seen lots of people talk about this toaster in the Disney Addict group and actually found it on AmazonDisney Finds - Disney Classic Mickey Mouse Toaster!

For $19 you can have your very own Mickey Head on your toast!

To learn more just click one of the links above to order yours today.

Sneak Peek at the Newly Re-imagined Disney Wedding Pavilion

By
Chip
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WDW

Disney Wedding

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons shared with us a sneak peek at their all newly reimagined Disney’s Wedding Pavilion!

They posted a live video on Friday but for some reason it has been removed. I will keep looking.

Nestled on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon on its own private island, Disney’s Wedding Pavilion is the perfect place to bring to life the fairy tale wedding of your dreams.

To learn more check out their website.

Disney World adding security measures to prevent theft

By
Chip
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Disney has started to add security devices to merchandise and anti-theft alarms to entrances and exits at Walt Disney World.

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We were at Mouse Gears in Epcot last night and noticed the new security devices and a newly installed alarm system on the doors facing Test Track. (Nothing on the side facing Club Cool)

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Having spoke with a cast member these new security devices are going to start heading out property wide in an attempt to prevent shoplifting which unfortunately happens at Walt Disney World.

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No word on which stores would get these new alarm systems but I would imagine all the bigger stores in each theme park would be the first, then eventually going out to some of the resorts and smaller shops as needed.

 

Disney’s Bob Iger took a $1 Million Pay Cut Last Year

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Bob Iger Pay Cut

Bob Iger Pay Cut

According to documents filed by The Walt Disney Company, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Disney CEO Bob Iger took a $1 million pay cut last year.  The decrease is being attributed to a decline in company growth.

To be clear, Bob Iger’s base salary of $2.5 million a year remains untouched.  However Iger receives this figure as well as stocks and options.  It is his bonus that was decreased down to $20 million for the year. Bringing his overall package down to $43.9 million compared to the $44.9 million he made last year.

Disney still praised Iger for showing “the exceptional success of the Company’s relaunch of the Star Wars franchise and the historic and successful opening of Shanghai Disney Resort.” Also noted was the success of movies such as “The Jungle Book”, “Zootopia”, Pixar’s “Finding Dory” and Marvel’s “Captain America Civil War.”

This is the second time Iger has been in the news in as many months.  In December, we reported that Iger would be a part of Donald Trumps Advisory Group for economic growth strategies which will meet for the first time in February.

Planning a 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 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.

 

 

 

 

Fans gather at Hollywood Studios to celebrate the life of Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher

By
Chip
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HS

Tonight in Hollywood Studios several hundred fans gathered to celebrate the life of Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher with a lightsaber salute. This fan based event was created for the fans by the fans.

Here are some of the pictures and video from the event.

Please be patient as tweets load.

Lightsaber photos from fans paying tribute

Live video from the event thanks to Chip and Co fan Jenn!

Click here if you are having troubles watching the video.

It’s a Snack, it’s a Princess, It’s a Belle Inspired Cupcake Tank

By
Danielle
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Belle Inspired Cupcake Tank

I think designs that stylize objects into characters are just too cute. One of my favorite items I love to see transformed are CUPCAKES! There is just something so comforting about a delicious cupcake. This Belle Inspired Cupcake Tank by PagingTom combines the love of Disney characters, and cupcakes!

Belle Tank

Disney cupcakes, are one of my favorite food groups, so it’s not surprise I love seeing designs of Disney inspired ones. Of course when you throw glitter into the mix, I can’t help but love it! As soon as I saw it, I knew this would be the perfect shirt to wear to go see the new Live Action Beauty and the Beast movie. Even though it’s shown on a tank top, you can also get it as a regular shirt too. Of course there are other yummy Disney inspired cupcake shirts to drool over below too!

Would you show off your Disney sweet side with this Belle Inspired Cupcake Tank?

2017 Disney Military Rates and Tickets

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney has released the pricing and information for the 2017 Military Salute tickets for Eligible Military Members.

 New this year you can choose between a Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket OR a Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket! The Park Hopper Option is included, so you can come and go as you please at all 4 theme parks each day of your ticket!

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Purchase now through December 15, 2017 and receive admission for 5 days, for just $224 plus tax, during the periods of January 1 through April 8, 2017 and April 24 through December 19, 2017. Or purchase now through December 16, 2017 and receive admission for 4 days, for just $209 plus tax, during the same period. And if you’re looking for a little extra magic, add the Water Park Fun & More Option for just $37 more plus tax.

In addition, Military Guests can purchase the Memory Maker product for a discounted price—$84 from January 1, 2017 through December 19, 2017.

You can visit Disney’s Site here for more information, and to read the fine print.

If you would like to visit a Disney destination, but are unsure of where to begin, 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.

Goofy’s Kitchen Offers Abundant Food and Awesome Character Interactions

By
Lisette R
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During a recent visit to the Disneyland Resort, I booked a dining reservation for breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen.  Disney buffets that feature character interactions are always a fun way to enjoy a meal.  I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Goofy’s Kitchen offers an abundance of food and the most awesome character interactions I have ever experienced at a Character Buffet.

Do you like breakfast foods at a breakfast buffet?  The choices are plentiful at Goofy’s Kitchen.  You can find the standard Bacon and Scrambled Eggs along with 2 types of Sausages, Chicken Sopes, Breakfast Potatoes and Eggs Benedict.  If you enjoy an Omelet you can ask the Chef at the Omelet Station to add meats, vegetables, and cheeses to design your own freshly made Omelet. And what would breakfast at Disneyland Resort be without Mickey-Shaped Waffles and Pancakes?

Not a fan of breakfast foods?  Never fear! You can have Pizza for breakfast instead.  Besides the typical Cheese Pizza, you can also try Peanut Butter & Jelly Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, or Macaroni & Cheese Pizza.

Feeling like you need some lighter options?  Try the Soup & Salad Bar.  There are great options to top your Salad, a Hot Soup choice, and a variety of Smoked Salmon, sliced Ham, and sliced Turkey.

Are you a “Gotta Have Dessert!” kind of person like me?  If you are then Goofy’s Kitchen will not disappoint your sweet tooth.  From Jell-o and Cocoa-Krispie Treats, to Pumpkin Pie, Banana Bread, Cookies, Root Beer Bundt Cake, and Worms in Dirt you have more choices than you could possibly sample.  I recommend the Creme Brulee, Monkey Bread, and Chocolate Cake Pops.

If you have young children, who are picky eaters, then you can rest assured that the staple foods Chicken Nuggets, Hot Dogs, and Macaroni & Cheese are on the buffet as well.

Fruit and Yogurt always makes for a nice combination at any time of day.  The Strawberries and Raspberries were wonderful.

What do you think of Ice Cream for breakfast?  Goofy’s Kitchen has the best Ice Cream Station I have seen with regards to Disney Buffet Restaurants.  There is the popular soft-serve ice cream but the toppings are so plentiful that you could not possibly fit it all in one bowl!

The awesome Character Interactions were also among the best I have experienced.  The characters actually spend time interacting with each person at your table. They did not seem rushed as I have experienced at other Character Buffets in the past.

Do you have a favorite Character Interaction?  Ours was hands-down Chip.  He spent quite a bit of time with us and had us laughing out loud.  When asked if we could take a picture of him by himself he promptly pretended to fix the fur on top of his head and then quickly turned with a fun pose.  When I dropped my phone, and caught it before it landed on the table, Chip literally fell to the floor and rolled around back and forth.  How do these amazing characters do this without even a sound?

If you are looking for a fun and fabulous place to eat on your next trip to the Disneyland Resort, then you must try Goofy’s Kitchen located in the Disneyland Hotel.  The abundant food choices are fantastic and there truly is something for everyone on offer at this Buffet.  The awesome Character Interactions will have you laughing and you are sure to leave Goofy’s Kitchen smiling and feeling like your time and money has been well-spent.

Will you be planning a meal at Goofy’s Kitchen on your next visit to the Disneyland Resort?  Please leave your comments in the box below.

 

 

 

Florida: Mission Everglades is educating through an interactive experience

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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In December Florida: Mission Everglades opened and has been educating people by combining learning, with themed environments and native animals at Zoo Miami. The planning and design was done by Main Street Design through interpretive planning and designing expertise.

“It’s about storytelling, not facts and figures,” says Carol Kruse, Director of Zoo Miami, referring to the newly opened Florida: Mission Everglades. “Main Street Design understood immediately that the strength of the storytelling makes a connection to and develops empathy within our guests.”

Opened in December 2016, Florida: Mission Everglades is an interactive zone at Zoo Miami, centered around Florida’s Everglades ecosystem. Through architecture, design and experience, Florida: Mission Everglades gently asks guests to consider what choices they can make in their lives to help protect and preserve this rich, natural habitat.

“For a long time, the Everglades was a missing piece of the zoo’s master plan,” explains Kruse. “We wanted to tell the story of the Everglades habitat and animals, which are practically in our backyard.”

Main Street Design provided interpretive planning and design throughout the 4.5-acre, $33 million project that features multiple touchstone experiences, including:

Lostman’s River Boat Ride:Guests board a boat and float through Everglades habitats providing up-close access to native plants and animals.

Panther Tracking Experience:Utilizing GPS tracking technology used by Florida Fish & Wildlife, and “gamification” techniques, guests see how real panthers move around in the wild.

River Otter and Crocodile Play Zones:By way of clear acrylic tunnels incorporated into the exhibits, guests can crawl alongside real crocodiles and slide through an otter sanctuary, while the creatures play and splash nearby.

Thunderstorm Wet Play Area:Designed as a play area for toddlers, a periodic, simulated thunderstorm splashes water below while reminding guests of the importance of rain and fresh water to the Everglades ecosystem.

“This is museum-quality, interpretive content within a fun, themed environment,” said Michael Mercadante, President of Main Street Design. “As museums and zoos embrace themed entertainment, we are able to leverage our experience in all these markets for our clients.” Main Street Design has over 25 years of experience designing for zoos, aquariums, museums, theme parks and attractions. Mercadante himself has served in leadership roles within the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

For Florida: Mission Everglades, Main Street Design worked with Zoo Miami staff, Miami-Dade County, and the Zoo Miami Foundation to help balance the educational goals of the Foundation and the operational needs of the County. This kind of collaborative process involving multiple interests and stakeholders is familiar to Main Street Design. “In many ways the process parallels the design and implementation of major theme park IP (Intellectual Property) projects,” said Tevere MacFadyen, Principal of Interpretive Development at Main Street Design. “Our approach is holistic and detailed. We are in the business of authenticity.”

Rapunzel Grows Her Hair Back In “Tangled” Before Ever After Sequel

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Before Rapunzel returns to the screen in the new Disney Channel series Tangled: The Series, she’ll first star in a full-length film that will re-introduce the kingdom to her band of characters. Tangled: Before Ever After is a bona fide Disney Channel Original Movie, and it marks the first time an animated DCOM will launch a series on the network.

Below, is an exclusive trailer for the series, which takes a few significant departures from the 2010 movie that introduced Rapunzel, the erstwhile Flynn Rider, Maximus, and more. Art style aside, Tangled: Before Ever After leans into what happened after Rapunzel’s hair is sliced off and her happy ending with Eugene begins — before, it seems, the other short film Tangled Ever After, which premiered in theaters in 2012.

Check out the trailer below, which features reprise performances by Mandy Moore (Rapunzel) and Zachary Levi (Eugene) as well as Broadway star Eden Espinosa as a new central character, Cassandra, a tough handmaiden who becomes Rapunzel’s confidante.

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