Select Walt Disney World Resorts to Host Special New Year’s Events

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December 23, 2016

When most people think about ringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World it conjures up images of late nights at the theme parks or a romantic meal at one of Disney’s Signature restaurants. But did you know that many of Disney’s on-site resorts will be offering delightful ways to celebrate the start of 2017? Here’s a lists of the activities that we know about so far.

All Star Movies – Head on over to the Fantasia Pool between 5pm – 12am for a this New Year’s Eve Bash.

All Star Music- Will play host to a New Year’s Eve Party at the Fantasia pool from 8 pm – 12 am. They will also be offering a Table Service Brunch on January 1st from 9:30am – 2pm at the Intermission Food Court with prices ranging from $21.99 for adults to $11.99 for children.

All Star Sports – Will be holding a New Year’s Eve Party at the Calypso Pool starting at 8pm – 12am.

Animal Kingdom Lodge – The Lodge’s Cultural Representatives will be on hand to help you ring in the New Year’s African Style with a resort bash starting in the main lobby at 8:15pm and running until 12:15am.

Boardwalk Inn – The Village Green will come to life with an Atlantic City-style New Year’s Eve Bash running from 8pm – 1am.

Caribbean Beach Resort – Those looking to ring in the New Year at Caribbean Beach should head over to the Old Port Royal Courtyard from 7pm for their New Year’s Eve Party with a bit of Caribbean flair.

Contemporary Resort – Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Bash will kick off starting at 9pm. Held at the Courtyard behind the Contemporary Tower this event will feature a campfire, selfie booths and more!

Coronado Springs Resort – Conjuring up the festive spirit of the American Southwest, El Centro will host its own New Year’s Celebration from 9pm – 12am on New Year’s Eve.

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds– This rustic resort will ring in the New Year with a Beach Party bash starting at 6pm and running til the wee hours of the morning on New Year’s Eve. So head on over to Clementine’s Beach to take part in the fun.

Saratoga Springs Resort – The DVC Courtyard will spring to life with a New Year’s Eve Pajama Party starting at 8pm. Word has it that this special offering will also include a character meet and greet at 10:00pm. Turn up and see what Disney character you might get to rub shoulders with.

This is just a flavor of the many special one-off activities that Disney will be hosting for guests spending their New Year’s on property. Readers are encouraged to watch this space as we will continue to update as and when new revelries are announced.

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New Behind-The-Scenes Videos From “Rogue One”

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 23, 2016

Disney and LucasFilms just released a new behind-the-scenes look at filming in some of the amazing locations from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” including Jordan, the Maldives and Iceland is now available.

Also here is a new behind-the-scenes look at K-2SO

Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Packages at Disneyland Park now Available

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 23, 2016

The Main Street Electrical Parade returns to Disneyland Park after a 20-year hiatus beginning January 20 through June 18, 2017. In order to secure a prime viewing location, guests may want to consider reserving a Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Package.

There are two dining packages available to choose from:

Blue Bayou Restaurant

This dinner-and-entertainment package includes a 3-course prix fixe meal at the world-famous Blue Bayou Restaurant plus admission to a preferred viewing area for the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade.

You’ll dine on an “outdoor” patio under a perpetual twilight sky that’s actually inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Glowing lanterns and winking fireflies add a romantic mood to the bayou setting, as boats filled with Guests glide by.

The dining package includes:
•3-course dinner (starter, entrée and dessert)
•Admission to the preferred viewing area for a designated performance of the Main Street Electrical Parade that night

You may reserve this dining package online or by phone up to 60 days in advance. Tables for this dining package are available starting at 4:00 PM and space is limited. Book online or call (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463 between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM Pacific Time daily. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Tax and gratuity are not included in the package price. Valid Disneyland Park admission is required and not included with the price of this dining package. Please note that the viewing area is separate from the restaurant locations.

Aladdin’s Oasis

Have more time for fun with this convenient all-in-one meal and parade package. Simply reserve your Grab & Go meal in advance and pick it up at Aladdin’s Oasis at Disneyland Park. Meal pick-up times vary based on Main Street Electrical Parade schedule and may be reserved as early as 12:00 noon.

Guests may choose from 3 different entrees and will receive a voucher for a preferred viewing area for a designated performance of the Main Street Electrical Parade that night. Enjoy your meal at one of the tables at Aladdin’s Oasis or take it with you as you explore Disneyland Park.

Book online or call (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463 between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Theme park admission is required for On-the-Go Dining Packages. Subject to availability; meal package price does not include tax.

A credit card is required at the time of booking to confirm the reservation. Reservations must be cancelled by the day prior in order to avoid a $10 per person cancellation fee.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: Disney

New Tsum Tsum City Box Sets Might be Coming Soon!

By

Danielle

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December 23, 2016

The Disney Store UK website has released a look at next month’s Tsum Tsum releases. Not only do they have the Aristocats collection up, but they also have a collection of Tsum Tsum City Box Sets! This new collection is set to debut on the first Tsum Tsum Tuesday of January too!

Quite often the extra sneak peeks released on the Disney Store UK website, end up being released in the US also. The City Collections coming out are London, Paris, New York, Chicago, There are 2 sets named after the State of Hawaii, and one set named after the Country of Italy. The American themed Tsum Tsum Box Sets are listed as online only in the UK, so my guess is we will be getting those in our US stores, and the UK in store ones will be our online sets.

The sets have adorable details that represent cultural elements from the city or country the hail from. Most of the sets are Mickey and Minnie, but Italy does have Donald, and one of the Hawaii sets includes Stitch and Angel (AWWEE!!). There is no official word on if we will be getting these in the US, but my personal bet is we will at least be getting the Chicago, Hawaii and New York themed plush sets!

Do you hope we get the new Tsum Tsum City Box Sets in the US Disney Stores? They are set to debut in the UK on January 3rd!

Holiday Entertainment at Magic Kingdom the Week of Christmas

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 23, 2016

The last Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the holiday season was held at Magic Kingdom last night. This means that most of the special Christmas entertainment available during the party can now be enjoyed by all Magic Kingdom guests with regular park admission!

Below is the holiday entertainment schedule at Magic Kingdom for the remainder of 2016:

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: December 23 – 31 at 12pm and 3:30pm

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas: December 23 – 31 between 3:40pm and 9:30pm

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration: December 23 – 29 at 7:15pm, 8:15pm, 10:15pm and 11:15pm. December 30 – 31 at 6:50pm, 9pm and 10pm

Voiceplay: December 23 – 28 at 3:10pm, 4:10pm, 5:15pm and 6pm

Holiday Wishes: December 23 – 29 at 9pm

Holiday Wishes New Year’s Celebration: December 30 and 31 at 7:30pm

Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks: December 30 and 31 at 11:50pm

If you’re at Walt Disney World Resort between now and New Year’s Eve then be sure to make time to enjoy the Christmas entertainment at Magic Kingdom!

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Disney Announces a Casting Call for Live Action “Mulan”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 22, 2016

Ever since the news of the live-action “Mulan” broke, there has been excitement in waiting to see who would be cast. The wait still continues, to a point.

A casting call was just announced, and it definitely seems to be taking a step towards a diverse ensemble. Not only is Disney actively seeking to cast Chinese actors, they are also searching for actors who can speak both English and Mandarin Chinese.

In the character breakdown, Mulan is listed as “18-20 years old to play 18; must be able to speak fluent English and Mandarin Chinese.” She’s also listed as having “a power of speed and coordination and sheer force” that help her excel in the army.

The casting call also lists the description for the role of Chen, who seems to be written quite differently than his character in the film. (In the animated movie, Shang was Mulan’s captain; in the live-action version, Chen will be a rival cadet who is used to being the best in his class.) Disney is also seeking a bilingual actor for this role, writing, that they’re looking for an actor who is “in his 20s, must be able to speak fluent English and Mandarin Chinese; strapping, cocky, and handsome.”

The casting call also notes that martial arts training is a plus for both roles. “Mulan” will hit theaters on November 2, 2017.

“Remember…Dreams Come True” Fireworks Return to Disneyland Park on February 3

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 22, 2016

The fireworks spectacular “Remember…Dreams Come True” returns to Disneyland Park beginning February 3, 2017 for regular weekend performances. The display was initially presented in 2005 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Disneyland and continued until November, 2014.

“Remember… Dreams Come True” was created as an homage to the lands and attractions of Disneyland. It features Tinker Bell’s flight, brilliant fireworks, soaring music, dazzling special effects and an amazing journey through the various lands of Disneyland. Archival audio tracks, favorite songs and familiar phrases from some of the park’s most popular attractions, past and present are featured.

The Main Street Electrical Parade will also return to Disneyland Park on January 20, 2017. Are you excited that two beloved shows are coming home again?

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Coast Guard Searches for man who goes overboard on Independence of the Seas

By

Chip

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December 22, 2016

A unidentified 22 year old man reportedly fell overboard while on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Sea ship on Thursday December 22nd, 2016.

Royal Caribbean reported the incident to the US Coast Guard and deployed 2 lifeboats to search for the passenger. The Coast Guard took over the investigation early Thursday morning and the ship resumed it’s sailing back to port.

The cruise ship was returning from a five night trip, which included Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

B Hotels & Resorts Celebrates New Year New Savings

By

Chip

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December 22, 2016

B Hotels & Resorts, a national lifestyle hotel brand, is now extending a limited-time offer to kick-off the New Year at the B Hotels and Resorts’ prime travel destinations, sunny Florida and Georgia.

This season, reserve yourself a memorable resort getaway (or give one away as a holiday gift) from December 21, 2016 through January 30, 2017 for up to 30% off your next resort vacation or staycation now through April 30, 2017.

FLORIDA

B Resort & Spa at Disney Springs Lake Buena Vista is situated within Disney Resort in easy walking distance to Disney Springs shops, restaurants and entertainment, and a brief ride away from the Walt Disney World® Parks, to which the hotel offers complimentary shuttle transportation. The resort offers stylish guest rooms and suites with views of the area’s lakes, theme parks and evening fireworks celebrations. For additional rejuvenation, the full-service B Indulged® AVEDA, a lifestyle spa offers a customizable menu of services including massages and skin care treatments, hair salon and nail boutique. Onsite dining venues include the signature restaurant American Kitchen, Pool Bar & Grill and the grab’n go The Pickup.

B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale, South Florida’s most iconic beachside resort recently debuted its all-encompassing renovation including guestrooms and suites as well as new services and amenities. Guests are treated to two outdoor infinity edge swimming pools, a 24-hour state-of-the-art B Active® Fitness Center, B Indulged® Spa Suites and over 14,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space. As a full-service resort, B Ocean offers signature food and beverage concepts including Naked Crab, Salty Siren, The Clipper grab-n-go, and its world-famous Wreck Bar, where the bar hosts the Mermaid Show, a live underwater aquatic performance every Friday and Saturday night.

Banana Bay Resort & Marina Marathon, Florida Keys is situated within a lush landscape and offers a modern twist of island-style newly remodeled guestrooms. Resort facilities include a large heated pool, poolside tiki bar, tennis court, horse-shoe pits, private marina, boat launching ramp, access to water sport activities, and more. This resort is perfect for a romantic escape, an intimate destination wedding, or for a small group retreat.

GEORGIA

B Historic Savannah is situated amidst the largest National Historic Landmark District in the U.S. and is the ideal destination for those looking for true southern tradition and an authentic experience. Guests can venture just steps away to must-see museums, churches, mansions, monuments and forts of the Revolutionary & Civil War eras as well as fine dining, shops and more. The newly renovated property includes destination-inspired guestrooms and suites, a saltwater non-chlorine interior pool, B Active® fitness center, a spa suite. The signature restaurant and bar, Kitchen 320, presents creative farm to table dishes and is one of the most highly desired restaurants in the Historic district of Savannah.

Take advantage by using promo code PROQ117 at http://bhotelsandresorts.com/celebrate2017

To read my review when we stayed here earlier this year check it out here.

Runner’s World and runDisney Officially Unveil New Digital Runner’s Guide for 2017

By

Chip

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December 22, 2016

As part of its continuing collaboration with Runner’s World, runDisney is officially launching a digital event guide designed by Runner’s World for 2017, helping to customize the running experience for runDisney runners like never before.

The new digital guides will be available at all eight runDisney races in 2017, starting with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna in early January, a designated Runner’s World VIP program event. The online guide will include pre- and post-race versions, allowing runners to personalize their experience from start to finish.

The pre-race version offers logistical information and a full weekend itinerary, as well as expert running tips and videos from Runner’s World editors on topics such as race day preparation, training and nutrition. The post-race version will provide runners with their individual race finish times, overall and age group rankings, and provide links to download their race photos.

Additional benefits of runDisney’s collaboration with Runner’s World include complimentary issues of Runner’s World magazine as part of a “Welcome Runners” trial subscription for all Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend participants.* Runner’s World is also set to take part in a Speaker Series during the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, discussing running topics that will be open to all race participants.

“These digital event guides are among the most sophisticated in the industry, providing runners with the kind of personalized information rarely seen in the running world,’’ said Faron Kelley, vice president of Disney Sports. “This new enhancement is part of runDisney’s continuing commitment to create a running experience unparalleled in the industry.’’

The Runner’s World VIP program is returning to the 2017 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna for the fifth straight year. The program is an exclusive opportunity to be coached by Runner’s World’s director of training and four-time Olympic Trials qualifier Budd Coates. Plus participants will receive advice from the magazine’s experts and editors, such as “The Mayor of Running’’, Bart Yasso, on training, nutrition, and injury prevention.

“We’re excited to join runDisney again this year for the Walt Disney Marathon Weekend,” says Runner’s World Editor in Chief David Willey. “We’re looking forward to customizing the race experience for all runners with the new digital event guides–something that’s new to the race industry and leverages Runner’s World’s digital expertise. It’s also fantastic to see the Runner’s World VIP program returning to Marathon Weekend r. This one of a kind program allows our editors and readers to train together and then run together on race weekend.”

The exclusive Runner’s World VIP program at the Walt Disney Marathon Weekend includes:

A membership in a 16 week (20 weeks for beginners) training plan designed by Coach Budd, who has coached thousands of elites, celebs, and everyday runners
Access to a customized Runner’s World VIP training plan on TrainingPeaks, an interactive training log, where runners can log their totals, watch their progress, and receive nightly email reminders about the next day’s training
Pre-race course strategy session at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with the Runner’s World experts and editors
Welcome Party with Runner’s World editors to celebrate the program’s fifth year at Walt Disney
World Marathon Weekend (included with Dopey Challenge only)
Entry to the Race Retreat on Saturday and Sunday (Marathon package includes access on Sunday only) and other VIP exclusives

For more information visit RunDisney.com, Runnersworld.com.

Disney Plans To Produce Shows For Snapchat

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 22, 2016

For some time it has been known that Social Media platforms Facebook and Twitter are becoming more appealing toward older users while newer platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have become more popular with the under 34 age groups. Staying with the always growing (and changing) industry, Disney has decided to focus on how to best use those platforms to entertain the next generation of fans with its content.

Fans of popular shows from ABC and Freeform will soon find some additional content rolling out on Snapchat. Starting in January with a recap show built around “The Bachelor” reality TV show, Disney will begin to produce exclusive content for the social platform.

“Earlier this year, we worked closely with Snap on a very successful The Oscars Live Story and we look forward to building on that relationship and providing Snapchat’s mobile-centric users with a unique, immersive experience around our shows and brands,” said a statement provided by Disney-ABC Television’s John Frelinghuysen.

Disney is getting big benefit here that other media companies are not, they get to control and sell all advertising for the shows it runs on Snapchat. For Snapchat’s part, it is planning an initial public offering next year and has been expanding its content offerings via partnerships with many media companies.

Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is now Open

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 22, 2016

Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa reopened on December 21st after undergoing refurbishment since October. The casual dining restaurant is open 24 hours and serves a hot breakfast daily from 6:30am to 11:00am, lunch and dinner from 11:00am to 11:30pm and a late night menu from 11:30pm until 6:30am.

Beaches Pool Bar & Grill and the Courtyard Pool Bar will return to their regular operating hours. Mizner’s Lounge, the upstairs bar located behind the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, will reopen on December 22nd from 1:00pm to midnight.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: Disney