Art in August to Begin at Disney Springs

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August 3, 2016

In case you missed it, you should know that last month, Disney announced their Disney Springs Grand Opening Summer Celebration. The summer-long celebration is to honor the newly renovated and re-imagined Disney Springs; the former Downtown Disney. With plenty of new shops and restaurants to check out, Disney Springs is quickly becoming one of the most exciting attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort for guests. In keeping with their plan to celebrate all summer long, Disney has announced that August will be the month of Art:

“Art in August” kicks off this Thursday, August 4, 2016, at Disney Springs Marketplace. With tents set up throughout the promenade, guests can expect to find Disney artists like Don “Ducky” Williams, handmade treasures including jewelry from Jortra and stationary from Boiled Books, and unique keepsakes such as the latest Precious Moments Dolls from doll designer Linda Rick.

Every weekend (Thursday through Sunday) in August, new artisans will be featured. Painters like Greg MCCullough, Darren Wilson, William Silvers, Joe Kaminski and Jasmine Becket-Griffith will sit alongside niche craftsman who sell items that include giftable plants (Petal Pushers), Handmade Soaps and Beauty Products (Rinse) and decorative house and garden flags (Swaying in the Breeze). Guests can expect to find jewelry made from recycled beads at Magic Ink and decorative Italian masks from Annalisa Masks. Pop Gallery, the eclectic art haven on the West Side, will have a booth featuring unique pieces, as will Name Works. And on select dates, these diverse artists will be joined by photographer Carlos Cuba, Precious Moments figurine sculptor Hiko Maeda, and game designer Quynh Kimball. Whether you prefer your art “fine” or simply “fun,” there’s something for everyone!

Click here to see the full schedule of Art in August events. Keep your eyes peeled, as there is the possibility that additional artists may get added to the lineup 😉

Will you be checking out the beautiful art in Disney Springs this month?

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.

Photos: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Announces New Star Wars Rebels Interactive Adventure

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 3, 2016

If you enjoy a great scavenger hunt, or are even a fan of the Agent P Mission at Epcot, then you’ll be excited to hear that Disney announced that Disney Floral and Lucasfilm are partnering up to offer guests a chance to join the rebellion with a new interactive quest!

Disney announced these details on their blog:

Top Secret Mission Detail #1: The Mission

The Star Wars Rebels Interactive Adventure takes you from your resort room “barracks” on an interactive role-playing mission to the Star Tours Attraction. You’ll go “under cover” as an Imperial Security Officer, complete with rank bar, cap, satchel, and diversion tattoos. The Empire is always watching, so make sure they don’t identify you as the Rebel Spy!

Top Secret Mission Detail #2: The Tech

The adventure features unique technology exclusive to this experience. Through an augmented reality app on your smartphone, Ezra Bridger leads you on a mission to thwart the Empire. By scanning targets or “wayfinders” featured around your resort room and Star Tours, Ezra leads you to hidden information and gear needed to complete your mission.

The rebel tech on your phone allows you to experience the adventure again and again, even after returning home from the Disney Parks!

Top Secret Mission Detail #3: The Gear

With equipment to help on your adventure, the mission includes a disguise and your data card to transmit information to the rebels at Star Tours. Other collectibles include a Jedi holocron, lightsaber, Rebel journal, 4 Empire recruitment posters, and an Empire door banner.

Have multiple rebels in your party? You can add-on elements of this adventure for everyone to experience!

Top Secret Mission Detail #4: The Reward

Once you’ve completed your mission, you’ll be rewarded like any true hero with a Medal of Bravery. Presented in a rebel lock box wrapped with a Phoenix symbol, this medal can only be recovered upon completion of your mission. Like the one seen in the film Star Wars: A New Hope, the medal’s design features a lanyard, which can be personalized, to identify your victory.

Are you brave enough to answer the call and thwart the Empire’s efforts? Then enlist today by visiting the Disney Floral and Gifts at Walt Disney World, (407-WDW-GIFT) or Disney Floral and Gifts at Disneyland (714-781-GIFT). Delivery to Disney resorts begins August 15th.

I don’t know about you, but I think this interactive adventure is going to be a blast!

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.

photos: Disney Parks Blog

Universal Studios Orlando is now hiring over 2,500 new employees at $10 a hour!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2016

If you have ever had a dream of working for Universal Studios in Orlando now is your chance, not only are they currently hiring over 2,500 new employees but they are also keeping to their word of increasing pay to $10.00 an hour!

Universal Studios Orlando is hiring full time, part time, and seasonal team members. They are looking for team members to fill positions such as Culinary, Food Services, Security, Custodial, Parking & Transportation, Warehouse, and more.

In a press release on Monday Universal representative said;

“The increase is part of Universal Orlando’s ongoing effort to provide the best possible work environment for its team members. Base rates will continue to be reviewed moving forward,”

In a memo last month Universal let employees know they will be giving more complimentary tickets for friends and family with no blackout dates and complimentary entrance to Wet ‘n Wild.

Complimentary tickets to Universal and Wet ‘n Wild, no blackout dates, higher pay and a job?

If you are interested in applying for a position at Universal Studios Orlando, click here.

Original World of Color & Fantasy in the Sky coming back and Paint the Night Parade departing

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2016

We have some good news and bad news today from Disneyland & California Adventure.

According to the Disney Parks Blog they are going to be bringing back the original World of Color back to California Adventure beginning September 6th, with all the great sequences of Disney animation and music you remember, from WALL-E and Eve zipping through the cosmos to Pocahontas exploring just around the river-bend.

Over at the Disneyland park, you’ll once again be able to enjoy the timeless soundtrack of Disney’s “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks spectacular when it lights up the sky over Sleeping Beauty Castle Friday through Sunday evenings starting September 9th. Versions of “Fantasy in the Sky” date back to 1958, when Walt Disney envisioned the show as a spectacular “kiss goodnight” for his Disneyland guests.

That is it for the good news, now it is time for the bad news…

According to the Disneyland Today twitter account they have confirmed that the Paint the Night Parade in Disneyland will come to an end on September 5th, along with Disneyland Forever fireworks.

The Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration is coming to an end on September 5th so this seemed like a good time to make changes at Disneyland and California Adventure.

Ok I think that is it for today. There has been so much news at Disneyland it is really hard to keep up. Just check out this page for all the info.

Fun Disney Vacation Glitter Tank Tops to Make you Sparkle

By

Danielle

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August 2, 2016

I can’t keep calm I’m at Disney! Is totally how I always feel when ever I step foot on property. Check out these delightful Bella racerback Glitter Tank Tops from SarahsScribbles1. They are the perfect way to show off how you feel on your next trip!

This one of kind Disney inspired shirt will probably have people stopping you all over the parks asking where you got that shirt! Bella tank tops are a lightweight material which are perfect for those warm sunny days in the Disney parks. I love this style because they have a flowy shape that is also flattering on any body type. This tank top comes in black, if you are also interested in a Mommy & Me twist, there’s an option for girls shirts as well!

Now we just need to find the perfect accessories. What would you style with this unique and sparkly Disney Tank? I know I can’t wait to get mine!

D23 Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Beauty & the Beast

By

Chip

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August 2, 2016

This year, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast—the first animated film ever to be nominated for an Academy Award^® for Best Picture—celebrates its 25th anniversary, and Disney twenty-three is giving fans a spectacular look at the film from its inception to its timeless legacy. The issue features interviews with Paige O’Hara (Belle), Robby Benson (Beast), Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts), David Ogden Stiers (Cogsworth), Richard White (Gaston), composer Alan Menken, screenwriter Linda Woolverton, producer Don Hahn, and many more, as well as stories about how the film has been equally successful in Disney theme parks and on stage. Plus, readers will learn more about the live-action adaptation of the film, coming to theaters in 2017.

The issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also features a Fall TV Preview, which includes interviews with ABC’s Once Upon a Time creators Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz; the producers and stars of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; and Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (who created Phineas and Ferb), who reveal details about their new Disney XD show,Milo Murphy’s Law. Plus, Hayley Atwell of Agent Carter and Cinderella gives fans a preview of her new ABC show, Conviction, and shares with readers her favorite Disneyland attractions.

Also included in the fall publication of Disney twenty-three is an exclusive interview with Benedict Cumberbatch about his upcoming Marvel film Doctor Strange; a look at how Disney Theatrical Group creates spectacular shows for Broadway and beyond; a peek at the creation of Disney’s newest princess, Elena of Avalor; and a story focusing on the timeless artwork of Dumbo to toast the film’s 75th anniversary. The issue also includes regular columns such as Ask Dave, From the Vault, A Walk with Walt, and a special “From the Desk of” to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

The celebration of Beauty and the Beast’s 25th anniversary continues on September 5, when D23 Members—and Disney fans—are invited to join the festivities as the club kicks off its annual Fanniversaryevent. D23 will be holding member screenings of the groundbreaking film around the country, Gold Members will receive special “selfie kits” with the fall publication, and D23.com will offer fans exclusive features, new videos, printables, recipes, and much more. Fans are invited to “be our guest” for this 25-day event, and to use the hashtag #D23Fanniversary on social media to join the conversation. More details will be available in the coming weeks at D23.com/D23Fanniversary.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in late August.

Lovely and Colorful Cartoon Mickey Mouse Car Seat Covers

By

Danielle

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August 2, 2016

There really is no such thing as too much Mickey Mouse for me! I already have Mickey Car Seat covers, but I can always use more to swap out with! These Mickey Mouse Car Seat Covers look really soft and plush too!

What I love about these covers, is that you get a set that will do the entire front, and back seat of the car! You get 2 Front Seat Saddle Covers, 2 Front Seat Back Covers, 1 Rear Seat Three-person Saddle Cover, 1 Rear Seat Three-person Back Cover and 4 Neckrest Covers! How great is that? Plush Mickey Mouse Car Seat Covers for everything! The design has the back of Mickey, with him extending an arm to hold up a red flower. There are four different color options to choose from, lavender, pink, red, or black. I’m a purple fan soooo I think we know which choice I’m looking at. Get yours here!

Would you redecorate your car with these soft and luxurious Mickey Mouse Car Seat Covers?

Brand New Attraction Coming to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon in Spring 2017

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2016

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will feature a brand new attraction in spring 2017 called Miss Fortune Falls.

Miss Fortune Falls will be a family-style raft attraction that takes Guests on a splashing journey through the fabled Captain Mary Oceanear’s past. Legend has it that Captain Oceanear, a treasure-hunting heroine, travelled across the sea collecting unique artifacts before she became stranded at Typhoon Lagoon many years ago by a rogue storm.

Onboard treasure rafts, Guests will ascend to the top of the attraction before plunging into a white-water adventure where they will be able to spot some of the treasures Captain Oceanear gathered from around the world.

With a ride time of two minutes, Miss Fortune Falls will be among the lengthiest attractions at both Disney Water Parks.

Stay tuned for more details about this exciting new addition to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

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

Photo Credit: Disney

2017 Disneyland Resort Vacation Packages are now Available to Book

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2016

Great News! 2017 Disneyland vacation packages are now available to book up to 499 days prior to your checkout date, which is currently through December 14, 2017. A $200 deposit is required at the time of booking with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to check in.

Disneyland Resort Hotel Vacation Package

Make the most of your Disneyland® Resort vacation with a stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Whether you choose to indulge in the luxury of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, surround yourself with the fantasy and magic of the Disneyland Hotel, or soak up the laid-back beach atmosphere of Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel, you’ll find a whole world of Disney wonder, both inside and out.Everyone in the room must be booked on the same package and ticket options.

When you purchase a vacation package from the Walt Disney Travel Company, your package will include:

Accommodations at one of the 3 Disneyland Resort Hotels

Disneyland Hotel
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Souvenir Ticket with Magic Morning

Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Souvenir multi-day ticket admits Guests to one or both Disneyland Resort Theme Parks for the number of days listed on the ticket.

Disneyland Resort 1 Park Per Day Souvenir multi-day ticket entitles a Guest admittance to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park for the number of days listed on the ticket. Ticket is not valid for visits to both theme parks on the same day.

Disneyland Resort Park Tickets of 3 days and above include one Magic Morning admission for early entry into a designated theme park.

All Disneyland Resort Park multi-day tickets expire 13 days after first use or January 13, 2018, whichever occurs first.

Extra Magic Hour Early Admission

Registered Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests can make the most of one Extra Magic Hour early admission into selected attractions at a designated theme park.

Hotel Benefits

Complimentary fitness center access
Recreational Facilities
Located footsteps away from Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
Exclusive Disney California Adventure Park entrance

Disney Attraction Photo Memory

Take home a Disney Photo memory! Receive a 5″x7″ Disney’s PhotoPass photo taken at your choice of Disney Park attraction. (One product per vacation package.)

$10 ESPN Zone Game Card

Receive one $10 ESPN Zone Game Card (one per vacation package) for use in the ESPN Zone Sports Arena, a spectacular 10,000-square-foot sports arcade in the Downtown Disney District that offers the ultimate sports viewing, dining and entertainment experience.

Magical Extras Savings Card

Sprinkle some extra pixie dust on your vacation, courtesy of a special card offering savings and values or 10% off at many participating dining and merchandise locations throughout Downtown Disney District (valid for 2017 arrivals only)!

Collectible Pin, Lanyard and Luggage Tag

Each person included in your package receives these exclusive Walt Disney Travel Company items. Pins and luggage tags may vary.

Customize your trip

When you book your vacation package, you can include these convenient options:

Air and Ground Transportation
Disney Character Dining
Southern California Attractions and Tours

Disneyland Good Neighbor Packages

Enjoy accommodations at a conveniently located and Disney approved Good Neighbor Hotel. Good Neighbor Hotels offer quality accommodations and are located near the Disneyland Resort. With 39 different hotels to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your travel and budget needs.The Good Neighbor Package includes many of the same features as the Disneyland Resort Hotel package and a few may even offer complimentary breakfast and shuttle service to the parks.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your 2017 Disneyland Resort vacation. It costs nothing extra to book through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as MickeyTravels and it could even help save you both time and money!

Three New Dooney & Bourke Collections Premiering on Shop Disney Parks App

By

Danielle

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August 2, 2016

Disney Parks Blog has announced that three New Dooney & Bourke collections will be premiering on the popular Shop Disney Parks app. In August 2016 you will find 3 new collections, based on favorite Disney movies on the app.

Usually the Disney Dooney & Bourke collections focus on Disney icons, Mickey & Minnie, the Parks & Attractions, Marathons or Events. What sets these apart to me, is they are based on classic Disney Movies. Dumbo, Beauty & the Beast, and my all time favorite Alice in Wonderland.

On August 15 you can look forward to seeing the very anticipated Beauty & the Beast collection. Many have been excited for this bag since seeing the Disney Parks Blog Unboxed video in early June. You’ll be able to snag this pattern in a shopper tote, a letter carrier, and a wristlet.

August 22 will delight your curiosity with three handbags inspired by Walt Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland”. The collection will be called “Tea Time,” which I think it quite appropriate. This collection includes a wristlet, a letter carrier, and a shopper tote.

To celebrate Walt Disney’s “Dumbo” 75th anniversary three handbags inspired by the Iconic classic will debut on August 29 via the app. The collection includes a shopper tote, a letter carrier, and a wristlet. Look for an anniversary-themed hangtag on select styles. This film has been a long time inspiration for the Disney Parks with attractions such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant, so it seems perfect to mark this milestone anniversary with a new purse collection.

No word yet if the New Dooney & Bourke collections will eventually make their way to the Disney Online Store, but we can hope!

Disneyland Resort Dining Reservations Can Now be Made Using the App

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2016

The most recent update to the Disneyland app now allows guests to make Disneyland Resort dining reservations at the touch of a button. Use the app to reserve a table at a restaurant before your next visit or check availability while you’re in the park.

Guests can also review their upcoming reservations and cancel them if and when plans change. This new feature is sure to make guests happy when planning their next Disneyland vacation.

Unlike the recent change for the Disney World app where you can get directions no news if this feature is coming to the Disneyland app.

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

New Bounce Back Offer at Walt Disney World Includes Free Dining During Select 2017 Travel Dates

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2016

If you’re currently staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel then be sure to check inside your welcome packet for a brand new bounce back offer. Book a 2017 Walt Disney World vacation with a $200 deposit before your check out date and receive the Disney Dining Plan FREE during select travel dates!

Booking Dates: August 1 – October 31, 2016

Valid Travel Dates:

May 30 – June 6, 2017
June 30 – July 5, 2017
August 11 – September 9, 2017
December 8 – 20, 2017

Blackout Dates:

June 7 – 29, 2017
July 6 – August 10, 2017
September 10 – December 7, 2017

Excluded Resorts:

Disney’s Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms
3 Bedroom Villas
Grand Floridian and Bay Lake Villas
All-Star Movies Resort
Port Orleans French Quarter
Port Orleans Riverside (12/8 – 12/20)
Fort Wilderness Campsites

New reservations must include a minimum 3 night stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel with at least a 2 day Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More Ticket. Guests can book the same number of rooms under this offer as there are adults on the current reservation, up to 3 rooms. Stays at a value resort qualify for the Quick Service Dining Plan and stays at a moderate or deluxe resort qualify for the Disney Dining Plan. Booking deadline is 10/31/16 (even though the brochure states 9/30/16).

But wait…there’s another bounce back offer still available for select 2016 travel dates! Guests currently staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel between now and August 15th can enjoy room savings up to 30% when they book their next 2016 vacation before checking out.

Booking Dates: Must be booked by August 15, 2016

Valid Travel Dates:

July 6 – September 1, 2016
September 5 – October 1, 2016
December 9 – 22, 2016

Room Savings:

Deluxe Resorts & Deluxe Villas – 30% Savings
Moderate Resorts & Wilderness Cabins – 25% Savings
Value Resorts – 20% Savings

Mention MickeyTravels and Laura Bourget when booking these bounce back offers and you’ll be able to enjoy both savings and FREE planning services on your next Walt Disney World vacation. Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to learn more about other special offers currently available.