Disney Parks Prepares for Most ‘Magical Christmas Celebration’ Airing on Christmas Day

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December 15, 2016

Following a festive kick-off to the holidays that began Thanksgiving Day with two new broadcast specials, Disney Parks will close out 2016 with its most cherished seasonal tradition of all – the annual Christmas Day spectacular. “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” airs Sunday, December 25, 2016, on the ABC Television Network (10a.m. – 12 p.m. ET; airtimes vary; check local listings) and on the ABC and the Disney Channel apps.

Ushering in its 33rd year are the dynamic brother-sister duo from “Dancing with the Stars,” Julianne Hough and Derek Hough, who will present the two-hour ABC special from the Walt Disney World Resort. The season’s most eagerly awaited celebration culminates with the fan-favorite Christmas parade delivered by Disneyland correspondent, Good Morning America’s Jesse Palmer from the action-packed parade lines alongside other exciting celebrity guests.

Beyond offering an all-star performance lineup featuring the biggest names in music and entertainment, the joyous program will provide viewers with a necessary holiday reminder: the importance of family togetherness. Following the inspirational stories of the families introduced in the Thanksgiving Day special, the telecast will feature heartwarming moments between loved ones, reinforcing the notion that Christmas is all about friends and family coming together.

Taking viewers on a magical ride down Main Street U.S.A. and beyond, the Christmas Day festivities will be bigger and brighter than ever before. A complete list of musical performances is included below.

Alessia Cara performs a “A Holly Jolly Christmas” from Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort
Mariah Carey performs one of the biggest selling holiday songs of all time, “All I Want for Christmas is You” from the Disneyland Resort
Sofia Carson delivers a new arrangement of “Silent Night” from her Disney Channel performance and also hosts from backstage at Walt Disney World Resort
Kelly Clarkson performs “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” in front of Cinderella Castle at the Walt Disney World Resort
Gavin DeGraw sings “Merry Christmas Baby” in front of Cinderella Castle at the Walt Disney World Resort
Jordan Fisher performs “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” from Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort
OneRepublic performs “Kids” from Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort
Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks deliver in front of Cinderella Castle at the Walt Disney World Resort solo and duet performances from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out now

In keeping with the spirit of the season, Disney Parks around the world are festively cast with spectacular experiences and special castle lighting moments, making them the perfect destinations for families celebrating the holidays and for the beloved ABC special.

All four parks of the Walt Disney World Resort get in the holiday spirit with new shows, thrilling spectaculars and beloved characters to create lasting memories. At Magic Kingdom Park, in addition to exciting new entertainment for the special-ticket “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party,” Cinderella Castle transforms into a shimmering ice palace as Queen Elsa leads “A Frozen Holiday Wish” nightly. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, an all-new “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” sends beloved Disney characters on a mission to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. At Epcot, in addition to global entertainment, guests can explore what the holidays taste like around the world. For its first-ever full holiday celebration, Disney Springs is wrapped in festive décor and entertainment, while dozens of new stores have laid the welcome mat out for holiday shoppers. An all-new nightly spectacle, “Starbright Holidays,” fills the skies above Disney Springs with 300 show drones performing an amazing aerial ballet set to holiday music.
At Disney California Adventure Park in the Disneyland Resort, a new “Festival of Holidays” treats guests to music, dance, food and heartwarming holiday traditions. The popular World of Color nighttime water spectacular is also transformed into “World of Color – Season of Light” with holiday music and treasured Disney animation. Among a sleigh-full of holiday events and activities at Disneyland Park is “A Christmas Fantasy,” a daily parade of floats, music, tin soldiers and holiday cheer. In addition, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle creates magical snowfall moments along Main Street, U.S.A.

The 33rd annual Christmas celebration airs nationwide on December 25 at 10 a.m. EST and 9 a.m. CST, MST and PST on the ABC Television Network. The show will also be available on the ABC and the Disney Channel apps.

To stay updated on the Christmas Day telecast on social media, follow along with the #DisneyChristmasCelebration hashtag.

Restaurantosaurus at Animal Kingdom to Offer a Limited-Time Breakfast Option

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 15, 2016

Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will offer a limited-time breakfast option from Monday, December 19th until Saturday, December 31st. The quick service restaurant is located in DinoLand U.S.A. and will serve breakfast beginning 30 minutes after the park opens until 10:30am.

Mickey waffle platters with an assortment of toppings as well as breakfast cereals, yogurt parfaits and fruit cups will be available. Toppings include warm syrup, cinnamon apples, cherries, banana foster, caramel, chocolate sauce, whipped butter, walnuts, chocolate chips, strawberry topping, whipped cream and sprinkles.

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!

Credit: http://www.orlandoparksnews.com

Don’t Make These 4 Rookie Mistakes at Walt Disney World

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Catie

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December 15, 2016

I have been lucky enough to travel to Walt Disney World many MANY times during my life, and throughout those trips I have done and seen it all – rode all the rides, eaten all the foods, and seen all the shows. I have also made some mistakes along the way, and trust me when I say, there are certain situations you will want to avoid for sure!

When you’re heading to Disney World, do NOT make these 4 rookie mistakes:

Wearing Flip Flops: Yes, it’s hot out, and your feet want to be free – but wearing flip flops (or any other unsupportive/flimsy footwear) is a BIG no no at Disney World – you will be walking a LOT – and you will want to make sure your feet stay happy! I recommend newer (but broken in) sneakers, and cotton socks. May not be the cutest or coolest choice, but your feet will be a lot better off for sure!

Leaving Your Days Up To Chance: Not doing any planning for your WDW vacation days is a big mistake – as there are a lot of things you can take care of before you even arrive – which will save you a TON of time. The first is making Fastpass+ Reservations – which is a way to essentially “pre-book” a spot on certain rides/attractions – which is something you will really want to do as sometimes lines for the more popular rides can boast a 2 hour wait or more! And you can also pre-book some or all of your sit down meals using the Disney Advance Dining Reservation system (a must do, as most sit down restaurants have few to NO walk up tables available on any given night) – learn more about ADR’s here. Now I’m not saying you need to plan out every minute of every day (in fact, I do NOT recommend that!) but at least planning which Parks to do on which days, and utilizing the Fastpass and ADR programs too – these are things that will help you get a lot more enjoyment out of your trip

Not Packing For The Parks: Being prepared is important, and there are some items you you will DEFINITELY want to bring along as you head out to the Parks. Sunscreen, a refillable water bottle (or 2!), snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks, etc are good choices that won’t easily melt), ponchos for everyone (they are available at the dollar store!), ziploc baggies in assorted sizes (for stashing valuables during “wet” rides and rainstorms), and extra socks are things that I always pack for WDW. It may be a pain to lug a bag full of this stuff along with you all day, but they are all things that are necessities, and at the end of the day you will be very glad you brought it all along

Trying To Do It All: When you’re in the planning stages of your WDW vacation, it’s easy to say “Oh yeah, we can do 3 or 4 Parks in one day, no problem!” – but the reality is that most of the time, that is just NOT a good idea. Dragging yourself and your family from park to park to park means a LOT of time spent in line waiting for buses/boats/monorails, plus long rides on said transportation – and that’s no fun for anyone, really! You’re better off sticking to 1 Park a day and taking the time to really enjoy all the theming and magical details that go into every ride, attraction and Park at WDW

Mistakes in planning or execution can cost you time, money, and fun. I have been there and made ALL of these errors (and many more too if we’re being honest!) – so learn from my mistakes and avoid the above situations – it will help make your time at Disney World MUCH more magical!

Is Magic Band 2.0 on its way to Annual Passholders?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 15, 2016

Since the announcement of the Magic Band 2.o at the D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures back in November, Annual Passholders have been waiting very anxiously to receive their new 2.0 Magic Bands. Rumor was that Magic Band 2.0 would start being shipped out to new and returning Annual Passholders in December (but I know when I ordered mine the first week of December, it came as an old style magic band), and regular guests were to start getting them after AP’s.

It seems the time is here, and according to Magic Band Collectors, the new bands are to begin shipping out to AP’s now! It appears Cast Members were sent an email stating that the new magic bands will start shipping to Annual Passholders today, even though the website still shows the old magic band style. It’s been said that the graphics for the site simply have not been updated yet.

Since we don’t have official announcement from Disney yet, I would say proceed with caution if you have your heart set on receiving a new band with your AP order this month, and maybe postpone your order until Disney makes an Official announcement to AP’s.

However, if you do order it today, please let us know which Magic Band you get!!

If you would like to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, 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.

Photo: @Blog_Mickey on Twitter

H/T: Blog Mickey Website

KIDZ BOP Named Official Music Partner of LEGOLAND Florida Resort

By

Chip

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December 15, 2016

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and KIDZ BOP, the No. 1 music brand for kids, today announced a multi-year alliance that will make KIDZ BOP the official music partner for the popular Central Florida theme park. The partnership announcement coincides with the launch of the eagerly anticipated LEGO® NINJAGO® World, an exciting new theme park land set to open Jan. 12, 2017, where kids will “become the ninja” in their very own martial arts adventure inspired by the long-running LEGO franchise.

To celebrate the Florida park’s expansion, The KIDZ BOP Kids recently recorded an original version of the high-energy LEGO NINJAGO [NIN-JAH-GO] theme song, “The Weekend Whip.” In its music video, The KIDZ BOP Kids are joined by brother-and-sister ninjas Kai and Nya [NEE-AH] while demonstrating five “signature” ninja hand moves guests can use to defeat villains and capture the high score on LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, a groundbreaking attraction featuring technology never seen outside a LEGOLAND theme park. The video will debut Friday, Dec. 30, and play in-park at LEGO NINJAGO World.

KIDZ BOP music and imagery will be seen and heard throughout the Winter Haven, Fla., resort to entertain guests during their stay, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration for the multi-day vacation destination and music brand:

LEGOLAND Florida Resort will name its main performance venue “The KIDZ BOP Theater,” where The KIDZ BOP Kids will perform annually, along with other kid-friendly talent.
As the resort’s official music partner, KIDZ BOP will write and produce an original theme song for the Florida site, to be titled “Built for Kids.”
KIDZ BOP recently shot a music video and national TV commercial for their latest album, KIDZ BOP 34, on location at a LEGOLAND theme park.
A “Kids Go Free” coupon for a free child’s admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort will be included in all physical copies of the album.
The partnership also will be supported by extensive social media activations, including a sweepstakes in which one lucky fan will win a trip to LEGOLAND Florida Resort to see The KIDZ BOP Kids perform.

“As the premier vacation destination built for kids, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is thrilled to join with the talented team at KIDZ BOP to deliver memorable musical experiences for our guests both inside the theme park and beyond,” said Rex Jackson, vice president of marketing and sales for LEGOLAND Florida Resort. “We look forward to showcasing KIDZ BOP in many creative ways together.”

“This partnership is the beginning of a tremendous collaboration that will bring KIDZ BOP to life in a completely new and meaningful entertainment experience,” said Victor Zaraya, president of KIDZ BOP. “We’re honored and thrilled to be working with LEGOLAND Florida Resort in this way and think that the next couple years are going to be a lot of fun for kids and families.”

The LEGOLAND partnership follows a milestone year for KIDZ BOP that included the brand’s 15th birthday, the debut of its first-ever fashion collection with children’s clothing brand Crazy 8, and its third annual “Life Of The Party” tour. The KIDZ BOP Kids have been named Billboard Magazine’s “#1 Kids’ Artist” for the seventh consecutive year, and KIDZ BOP 31 was the best-selling children’s album of 2016.

Ring In The New Year At SeaWorld Orlando

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Lisette R

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December 15, 2016

Families and friends can ring in the New Year at SeaWorld Orlando on December 31 as vibrant fireworks fill the night sky and festive entertainment can be enjoyed throughout the park until 12:30 a.m., including craft beers and delectable dishes.

To get the full experience, the 4-course New Year’s Eve Celebration Dining & Fireworks Package at Sharks Underwater Grill features a prix-fixe signature meal, with mouth-watering entrée choices such as char-grilled filet mignon, blackened Cape Canaveral shrimp and much more. Guests will also receive a souvenir group photo and will end the evening with reserved seating at Bayside Stadium for the fireworks show. The New Year’s Eve Celebration Dining & Fireworks package is $199 per person.

For families seeking a unique experience to enjoy together, the park favorite, New Year’s Eve Dine with Shamu Package is returning. While reveling in a delicious, all-you-care-to-enjoy meal, guests can experience a special evening dining alongside killer whales and learning more about their care. At $99 per person, this package includes a souvenir photo and an exclusive firework-viewing reception from the Hilltop Patio.

To book unforgettable SeaWorld dining experiences for New Year’s Eve, guests are encouraged to visit https://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlanto/dine-and-shop/dining-signature-dining to confirm their spot. The dining packages typically sell out in advance. Theme park admission is required to enjoy these special opportunities.

Guests who visit SeaWorld on December 31 will also experience all the wonder, excitement and fun of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration™, which includes six dazzling shows, over one million lights, and more than 60 tasty treats and drinks. Full details are available at www.seaworldorlando.com

The best way to experience SeaWorld’s New Year’s Eve and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration^TM is with an Annual Pass offering unlimited general admission and free parking all year-long.

Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest details about New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #SeaWorldNewYear.

What do you think of this New Year Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Despicable Me 3 – Official Trailer is out now!

By

Chip

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December 15, 2016

Out now from Illuminations is the all new trailer for Despicable Me 3! Gru is back in this all new film coming your way Summer of 2017!

Check it out below.

Disney Honeycomb Hut Pet Beds for our Snuggly Furry Friends

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Danielle

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December 14, 2016

Check your four-legged friend into a Disney fantasy suite with the Disney Honeycomb Hut pet beds from Disney Store.com. These two-in-one dog or cat beds provide a comfortable, functional shelter for furry loved ones. Both are made with a durable yet flexible foam construction.

Mickey Mouse Honeycomb Hut Pet Bed – Gray – Jumbo

The Mickey Honeycomb hut bed is a soft gray, with a cute black Mickey head on the front. The inside cushion is lined with a black fabric featuring an array of Mickey faces with different expressions.

Minnie Mouse Honeycomb Hut Pet Bed – Red – Standard

The Minnie Honeycomb hut bed has a dainty Minnie Mouse head, sporting her iconic polka-dot bow. The entire dome is red with white polka-dots dappled all over, including the inner cushion! Perfect for the stylish Minnie loving kitty or doggy in your life.

Which of these Disney Honeycomb Hut Pet Beds would your furry friend love?

Christmas around the Boardwalk Area Resorts at Disney World

By

Chip

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December 14, 2016

Today I am going to take you around Disney’s Boardwalk area resorts to show you all of the beautiful Christmas decorations. In case you missed my last post Christmas around the Monorail Resorts you can check it out here.

Christmas is in full swing at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, for a hefty sum you can make your own gingerbread houses.

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Next up we swing by the Yacht Club Resort and the Christmas train. Loved all the detail Disney did on the model.

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Finally my favorite is the Beach Club and the Gingerbread Carousel.

The Gingerbread Carousel was so adorable I had to shoot a video for Facebook. Check it out below.

Former Disney World employees suing Disney over H-1B Visas

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Disney News

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December 14, 2016

A Class action lawsuit by two hundred fifty former Disney World I.T. & Administrative workers who were recently replaced by Indian workers on H-1B visas are suing Disney for discrimination.

According to the Orlando Sentinel & WFTV the lawsuit was filed in Federal Court this past Monday in Orlando. Previously 2 of the employees attempted to sue Disney but the lawsuit was dismissed earlier this year.

The training of new employees with H-1B visas and the letting go of current employees is a hot button issue that President Elect Donald Trump plans to address while in office.

This new lawsuit is going for reimbursement of lost wages, benefits and reinstatement to an equivalent position at Disney including back pay with interest.

Stay tuned for more info.

Miss Piggy Launches An Advice Column

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 14, 2016

Oh My Disney is debuting a new self-help column, written by the ever helpful and gorgeous Miss Piggy . The column will feature her enlightening perspective on life, love, beauty and everything that matters –all written through the charismatic voice of Miss Piggy. The debut column tackles female empowerment, self esteem issues and how to make it big on Broadway.

Check it out here!

This isn’t Miss Piggy’s first rodeo in the advice industry. Her 1981 book Miss Piggy’s Guide To Life spent 29 weeks on the New York Times Best-Sellers List and peaked at No. 4. Her new column will be featured weekly on Oh My Disney, Disney’s popular entertainment site featuring quizzes, Disney news, art, video and nostalgia for the millennial Disney fan.

The new column caps a successful 2016 for Miss Piggy following her performance with Tony Bennett at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the launch of her new fashion line in collaboration with Kate Spade and her return as First Mate Piggy in the beloved sketch Pigs In Space on YouTube.

Any readers seeking advice can submit questions to @MissPiggy or @OhMyDisney.

Florida Resident Discounts Announced for Early 2017

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 14, 2016

Staying at the Walt Disney World Resort just got even more magical for Florida residents with this new offer for January to February 2017!

Florida residents* can enjoy rates as low as $75 per night, plus tax at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from Jan. 2-4, Jan.8-12, Jan. 16-Feb. 15, 2017. Additional great rates available for stays most nights Jan. 1-Apr. 8, 2017.

Other Walt Disney World Resorts with Florida Resident Discount offers include:

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites only
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios only
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Booking Window: Dec. 6, 2016 – April 7, 2017

Travel Window: Most nights Jan. 1 – April 8, 2017

*Proof of Florida Residency is required at Resort Check-in*

Contact me today to get started planning your Magical Florida Resident Vacation today! [email protected]