New Winter Savings Offer at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii

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August 24, 2016

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii is celebrating its 5th anniversary with a new winter savings offer! Guests can save 35% on a 5+ night consecutive stay in an Ocean View room most nights from January 2 through March 24, 2017. The booking deadline for this offer is February 13, 2017.

It pays to book your 2017 Aulani vacation sooner than later because guests who book their stay between August 23 and October 3, 2016 will receive a free meal at Ulu Cafe per person, per night of their stay.

Offer Details:

Early Booking Offer Window: Aug. 23-Oct. 3, 2016
Broad Booking Window: Oct. 4, 2016-Feb. 13, 2017
Travel Window: Jan. 2-March 24, 2017

Savings based on the non-discounted rate for the same room. The number of rooms allocated for this offer may be limited. Limit 2 rooms per reservation. Excludes suites and 3-bedroom Grand Villas. Additional charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Advance reservations required.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next vacation at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. All of my planning services are FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: Disney

Marvel Releases A Sneak Peek Of Bonus Features From “Captain America: Civil War” Blu-Ray

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2016

“Captain America: Civil War” Blu-Ray release is slated for next month, with it, as usual are a handful of bonus features. Marvel has released some of the video clips included in the disc, to spark the interest of fans. Not that we really need sparking.

The first clip released runs only 30 seconds. Featuring Zemo (Daniel Bruhl) meeting Dr. Broussard (co-Director Joe Russo) for the first time.

Along with the deleted scenes are two clips from the making of documentary.

Here’s a list of all the bonus features

– United We Stand, Divided We Fall
The Making of Captain America: Civil War Part 1 & Part 2

– Captain America: The Road to Civil War
Explore the First Avenger’s fascinating evolution from loyal soldier to seasoned, conflicted hero
who questions authority.

– Iron Man: The Road to Civil War
A look into the development and evolution of one of the most iconic characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

– Gag Reel
Who does love a good gag reel? Watch some hilarious outtakes featuring the lighter side of your favorite Super Heroes.

– Deleted & Extended Scenes
Check out never-before-seen footage that didn’t make the final cut of Captain America: Civil War

– Audio Commentary
Directors Anthony and Joe Russo and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely deliver
scene-by-scene insight and explain the storytelling challenges they faced creating the third
installment of the Captain America franchise.

Open Your Mind: Marvel’s Doctor Strange
Exclusive Sneak Peek – Go behind and beyond the scenes as Doctor Strange makes his journey to the big screen.

“Captain America: Civil War” hits Digital HD, Digital 3D and Disney Movies Anywhere on September 2nd and Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on September 13th.

Disney Parks Halloween Merchandise Now Available

By

Danielle

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August 23, 2016

It looks like Halloween merchandise has been in full swing at the Disney Parks this week. Yesterday we saw the reveal of some fright-tastic new Nightmare Before Christmas apparel and pins. Today the Disney Parks Blog gave a peek at the spooktacular purple, orange and green Disney Parks Halloween merchandise.

This year’s Halloween collection features new looks created by Disney Design Group artists. The artists created a large style guide for the merchandising team to use. The new products have a new stylized feel, but haven’t lost the whimsical touch we’ve come to know and love. There are a few returning favorites like the light up Mickey trick or treat bucket, and pumpkin Mickey candle holder. A new item that has really caught my eye is the Pumpkin Mickey Lumiery. It has the well known pumpkin Mickey face and sworly ears, but with a geometric feel.

Part of this year’s style guide included the character posters pictures above. These ghoulish posters are inspired by the horror moves of the 50s. The posters display characters dressed in costumes themed for lands found at the Disney Parks. The Terror in Tomorrowland with Donald, quacks me up! These designs and posters were used on some of the items available this Halloween.

It looks like there’s some faBOOlously comfy attire available to keep us cozy on a chilly autumn evening. Lots of bright socks, hoodies and hats fill with orange, purple, black and green whimsy! I’m totally eyeing the Black Pumpkin Mickey hoodie and matching socks!

Frightful t-shirts are also available, with character features inspired by the horror movie throw back designs. There is Hallween apparel for all ages available! Other items that will be available this year are Mickey ghost and pumpkin necklaces, car antenna topper, pins, candy and plushes!

Get ready guys and ghouls because with all the ghostly Disney Parks Halloween Merchandise this is going to be a Happy Haunted Halloween!

Celebrate The Disney Vacation Club with DVC 25th Anniversary Magic Bands

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Danielle

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August 23, 2016

Get ready to represent your Disney Vacation Club member pride! Beautiful new DVC 25th Anniversary MagicBands! They come in an assortment of colors and even come packaged in a specialty box.

These were so popular they already sold out once! Limited quantities of a few select colors are now available again and can be purchased at the DVC membership marketplace on DisneyStore.com. These beautiful MagicBands commemorate 25 years of Disney Vacation Club. You can also redeem FastPass+ selections, enter parks, and all the other perks that come with regular Magic Bands. You can find these bands in Red, Blue, or Purple and retail for $32.99. These have a limited release of 2500 per each color. I’m maybe a little jealous I’m not a DVC member right now.

Would you wear this 25th Anniversary Magic Band to show your DVC pride?

Trick or Treat with a Light Up Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Bucket

By

Danielle

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August 23, 2016

Can you believe it’s almost Boo to You time at the Disney Parks? Soon Halloween and Autumn decorations will be filling the parks, as well as spooky surprises and appearances. One of my favorite Disney Halloween items is the Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Bucket that lights up!

As the time for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party draws closer, I start gathering my Disney Halloween goodies to decorate with. For me it’s tradition to decorate for Halloween on the first day of MNSSHP, even though I won’t be there. If I do happen to be there, I usually stock up on lots of spooky finds to decorate with when I get home. The Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Bucket will give you the happiest candy haul ever. Even though you get a treat bag at MNSSHP, carrying this glowing Mickey Jack O’Lantern gives even more glowing fun. The frosted features of Mickey’s pumpkin face light-up in rotating red, green and yellow tones. If you don’t already have your own, these haunting pumpkin buckets also have free shipping on Amazon!

Do you have any Disney Halloween traditions? Which ones are your favorite? I’m always torn between going full Haunted Mansion glamor, or cute and spooky Halloween Mickey!

Renovations at Caribbean Beach Resort Parking Lots

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2016

If you’ll be stay ing at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort in the near future, you’ll want to know that Orlando Theme Park News reports that there will be some parking lot upgrades starting on August 29th.

On Monday, August 29, work will begin on new entrances for the Trinidad South parking lots at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. This particular enhancement aims to improve Guest vehicle access to both parking lots, as it may be slightly more complicated now due to buses blocking the current entrance. New signage will be installed to reflect these changes. This work will have minimal impact on parking availability and is anticipated to be completed by Friday, September 16th.

Did you know you can now book your Disney World or Disneyland Vacation for 2017? If you’re unsure of where to begin planning your Disney Parks 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. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Is Disney Building another DVC Location at Bay Lake Tower?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2016

We’ve been hearing rumors for a while now that there may possibly be another Disney Vacation Club location in the works. The thought is that the new location will be another tower built near the Garden Wing, The Convention Center, or north of Bay Lake Tower, where a hotel pad already sits, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The new tower is also rumored to be similar, but not the same look/design as Bay Lake Tower. Also it it thought that the pricing structure for the studios and villas will be at the higher point of things, similar to the bungalows at the Polynesian.

Though this seems to be strictly in the design/planning phase, it could be as much as 5 years from reality.

Disney has not made any official announcements but hopefully we can learn more about any upcoming DVC additions soon!

Photo: disneyvacationclub.com

The Jungle Book: Blu-Ray Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2016

I saw the newest version of “The Jungle Book” in the theaters, as many of you probably have, and was totally blown away. It quickly shot to the top of my top 5 for favorite movies for the year and quite possibly of all time. So owning the DVD is not so much a luxury as much as it is an imperative.

If you enjoyed the movie as much as I did, I highly suggest owning the Blu-Ray. Not only do you get to watch this instant classic as often as you want (and with the digital download it comes with.. you don’t even need the DVD player!), the bonus features are absolutely awesome!

Jungle Book Reimagined: Jon Favreau, producer Brigham Taylor and visual effects supervisor Robert Legato talk about the process of taking the 1967 animated classic and the Rudyard Kipling book and making a whole new film. Telling the story in the new digital form, from concept to competition.

Here are some progression pictures from the VFX of the film

I Am Mowgli: A behind the scenes look at finding and casting Neel Sethi.

King Louie’s Temple, Layer by Layer: With an introduction to the orchestra of Richard Sherman this short film shows how the segment of ‘I Wanna Be Like You’ came to be.

The disc set also comes with a regular DVD, for those who don’t have a Blu-Ray. You will miss the great bonus features, but you’ll at least get to watch the movie again. Which is always worth it.

Complimentary Mimosas now Offered at California Grill’s Brunch at the Top

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2016

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a delicious Sunday Brunch at the Top that now includes complimentary Mimosas! Reservations for brunch are only available on Sundays from 10:00am until 1:00pm.

Treat yourself to a unique California Grill culinary experience while overlooking the magnificent Magic Kingdom park. Guests can interact with chefs as they artfully prepare dishes in the open show kitchen during this not-quite-breakfast, not-quite-lunch event.

Sate your taste buds with a menu of charcuterie, sushi, inspired salads and seasonal brunch entrees made from the freshest ingredients—there’s something for even the most discriminating palate. Libations include a Bloody Mary bar, cocktails, craft brews and an extensive list of the finest wines from around the world. Cap off your meal with a decadent dessert of macarons or chocolate truffles—it’s the sweetest ending for a brunch you’ll never forget!

California Grill is a Signature Dining restaurant that requires two table service credits. Reservations can be made online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

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

Photo Credit: @WDWToday

Floyd Norman – The Retired Disney Animator Who Kept Showing Up for Work Every Day For 16 Years

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2016

When the fireworks end, and the kiss goodnight plays I don’t know anyone who wants to leave Disney. Even tired and cranky, I still want to stay. Now what if you’ve worked for Disney as an animator most of your adult life, and you’re asked to retire? That’s the story of 81-year-old Floyd Norman. Instead of begrudgingly leaving after the shops have closed on Main Street, he did what we all wish we could do – he stayed.

Norman has worked on some of Disney’s most iconic films: “Sleeping Beauty”, “Mary Poppins”, “Jungle Book”. He worked directly with Walt himself. Norman also crossed over from Disney animation to Pixar. Imagine his disbelief when HR told him it was time to retire.

He told The New York Post he was “so shocked” when Human Resources told him it was time to retire at 65. However, Norman kept showing up for work. The Post reports he’s been showing up to the animator’s offices for over sixteen years without a paycheck or badge.

As luck would have it, Norman’s 20-years-younger wife Adrienne happens to work at Disney as a storybook artist. Apparently, his wife sneaks him into the Burbank building every single day.

Now, Norman has true dedication because most people have a hard time getting up in the morning for a job they actually have. Because Norman has been incredibly devoted to his work, he’s been the subject of a documentary, Floyd Norman: An Animated Life.

It’s about his life as the man who never stopped drawing — and showing up for work. And, btw, when Norman wasn’t sneaking into the Burbank offices, he was writing a book about Walt Disney.

Our friend Krista is having a special event at AMC Disney Springs 24 for a screening and Q&A time with Floyd and the film producer, Micael Fiore!

Spooktacular New The Nightmare Before Christmas Merchandise at Disney Parks

By

Danielle

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August 23, 2016

The hauntingly fun Mickey’s not So Scary Halloween Party at WDW and Mickey’s Halloween Party at DL are on the horizon. That means lots of spooky new merchandise has begun to materialize. Fans of the pop culture obsession The Nightmare Before Christmas will be pleased to find lots of new merchandise.

First up is something that is always a personal favorite of mine, trading pins! I’m a pin trading addict for sure, so having a new line of pins themed in The Nightmare Before Christmas Merchandise is wonderful. There will be new open edition pins and accessories. There will also be an Ear Hat Ornament Mystery pin set.

There’s lots of ladies apparel available, and I’m loving all the purple accents for it. I’m a little bummed to see it’s mostly colder weather attire. These is a fun white tank top with Jack and Sally, if you’re looking for something to wear this fall to the Parks though. The hats and scarves will be great for staying spooky in the winter!

The guys are not forgotten either! There’s a great assortment of Men’s hoodies and shirts including a nice stylized black tee. I love that there is some cute little boys Nightmare Before Christmas Merchandise! The striped shirt with Jack Skellington bow tie, and suspender graphics is just too adorable!

Many of these items are starting to become available at the parks now, with the rest to follow. I’m excited to see all of the fun new The Nightmare Before Christmas Merchandise in person! I’ll have to get myself some pins, and that too cute stripe shirt for my little guy. What are you most excited for?

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney World Souvenir Mug with handles returning

By

Chip

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August 22, 2016

You might remember when we reported last month that Disney removed the handles from their Walt Disney World Resort Souvenir Mugs. Guest were outraged as many families used those handles to carry multiple drinks back to the room at the end of the day.

We are receiving word that due to public outcry the handled mugs will be making a coming back!

There is no official word when these mugs will be coming back, just that they will be returning soon.

Some resorts at Walt Disney World never even sold out of their stock of handled mugs so you might see both mugs available till the handle-less mugs sell out.

If it were me I would offer both mugs to fans as I would love one without a handle for in my car and then a handled mug for when we are at the parks, but that is just me…

So which mug design do you like better? Let us know in the comment box below.