All Aboard Around the Tree with the Disney Christmas Train

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December 1, 2016

Santa is coming to town, and so is Mickey and the gang! I love a train that circles the tree on Christmas morning, there’s something so vintage and memorable about it. The Lionel Disney Christmas Train Set is the perfect touch of Disney for this tradition!

All aboard the Mickey Mouse Express! Help with Mickey’s special delivery and join Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck and Goofy spread the Christmas spirit in this present filled Disney set! Bring a dose of holiday cheer to your track layout with these iconic characters dressed in their Christmas best! With this Ready-to-Play set, comes an exclusive track system which allows you to create; a circle, a rectangle or an oval layout. This Disney Christmas Train even has a remote control! The remote control buttons release Disney specific announcements, allow the train to go forward and reverse, sound the whistle, and ring the bell!

This cheerful Lionel Disney Christmas Train Set is a fantastic compliment to a Disney decked out tree!

Colorful Disney Inspired Decals and a Holiday Sale!

By

Danielle

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December 1, 2016

In celebration of the Holidays our friends over at DenileArts have added colorful new options to their popular vinyl decals, as well as a new collection! Of course, there’s a Holiday sale to go along with the new colors and collection!

These are perfect for you car, tablets, electronics or where ever you need a little Disney Magic. They also only cost is $4, including the colorful ones! Our fans are also in luck, to kick off Cyber Monday, and until December 10th, you can save 15% with the code CHIPCO15. That’s not all though, Chip and Co fans that use the special code, will also get a free mystery decal when they purchase 4 decals! The new Heroes collection has started as well, only a few characters have made their appearance, but many more will be showing up this week! These also make great stocking stuffers!

Check our all of the vibrant options below!

Our Classic “Home” Designs
Mouse L°o°VE
Ohana (The best seller!)
The Perfect Pair (Who is your perfect pair? Mickey and Minnie, or Donald and Daisy?)
Princess Inspirations
Villainous Inspirations
Hero Inspirations
Tsum Tsum Pairs!

Which of these colorful Disney inspired decals would you like to see under your tree this year?

Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule for December 2016

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 1, 2016

In order to keep their rides running smoothly and safely, Disneyland often needs to close rides in order to perform maintenance on them, or even to give them a new look. As much as we don’t like it when our favorite rides aren’t running, it’s necessary to keep all the guests safe while on the rides. That being said, here is a list of rides and attractions at the Disneyland Resort undergoing refurbishment during December 2016.

Disneyland Resort:

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes- Closed until Summer 2017
Disneyland Railroad – Closed until Summer 2017
Disneyland Railroad – Mickey’s Toontown – Closed until Summer 2017
Disneyland Railroad – New Orleans Square – Closed until Summer 2017
Disneyland Railroad – Tomorrowland – Closed until Summer 2017
Fantasmic! – Closed until Summer 2017
Mark Twain Riverboat – Closed until Summer 2017
Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island – Closed until Summer 2017
Sailing Ship Columbia – Closed until Summer 2017
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad- Closed December 5-7

Disney’s Grand Californian Resort made the following statement about General refurbishments scheduled from Jan-Fall 2017:

General Resort Refurbishments
Guests may see and hear construction as we make improvements to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. To minimize any disruptions, activities that may create noise will not start earlier than 9:00 AM.

We hope these closures don’t affect your next Magical vacation to Disneyland!

If you would like to go to Disneyland, or maybe to Walt Disney World to celebrate it’s 45th Anniversary, but are unsure of where to begin planning your Disney 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. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

Photo: Disneyland

Internal Shuttles Added at Port Orleans Resorts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 1, 2016

Staying at Disney’s larger resorts can sometimes be a pain when it comes to waiting for buses, as I’ve heard many guests complain many times. One of the resorts that seems to have a bigger issue with overcrowded buses, multiple stops, and long wait times are the Port Orleans Resorts. We hear now from Orlando Theme Park News that Disney is aiming to alleviate some of the issues by adding internal routes between Riverside and French Quarter, as well as adding another early morning Magic Kingdom bus at Riverside:

A dedicated internal shuttle is now available daily beginning at 6:30 a.m. The shuttle services all resort bus stops (which include the following: French Quarter and Riverside South, West, North, and East) until 12:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

The bus service from Port Orleans Resort – Riverside to Magic Kingdom Park has been slightly modified for guest convenience as well. From approximately 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. (peak morning hours), two separate buses will be sent to the Resort. One bus will pick up from the West, North, and East stops and head straight to the Magic Kingdom while the other bus will head to the South stop to pick those guests up.

Hopefully this should help guests get where they are trying to go a bit faster! What do you think of the new bus schedules?

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: Disney

Regal Entertainment Gives Out An Ultimate Rogue One Ticket For Star Wars Fans

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 1, 2016

Check this out, Star Wars fans!! With the “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” Regal “Ultimate” Ticket, fans can go see the movie an unlimited number of times, in all formats, for the duration of the movie’s release. That means seeing it in standard, 3D, RPX, and IMAX over and over and over again without any additional cost.

The collectible ticket is a laser-cut anodized steel card with the Rogue One logo (and REGAL Ultimate Ticket logo) emblazoned in gold. A glossy Rebel Alliance phoenix insignia completes the package. Your name is inscribed into the back of the card, as well. Only 1,000 cards are being produced and released.

The Rogue One Ultimate Ticket runs $100 plus shipping and can be bought only on the web via Regal’s website. It takes 2-3 weeks to arrive, so you’ll most likely still need your individual tickets for the opening weekend in 16-17 days. Each card has to be ordered separately, as they’re personalized. Yes, that personalization means they’re also non-transferable: you’ll have to show photo ID when you’re picking up your ticket at the box office for admission.

So how much is this actually worth? Well, the last Regal Ultimate Ticket was for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which was in theaters for a total of 12 weeks. If you saw the movie once a week for 12 weeks, at an average of around $15 (if you split viewings between the different formats), that’s $180 worth of tickets. Of course, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was in theaters for double the time – 24 weeks, so you could as much as double that, especially taking into account the lack of major blockbusters in January and February that should keep momentum going for Rogue One. And that’s all, of course, based on only going once a week, while you can absolutely go more often if you like. At $20 a pop for IMAX, you only need to see it five times to pay for the card in the large format screens.

Go to the Regal Entertainment Group website now to pick up the Ultimate Ticket so you have it in time for opening week. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits US theaters December 16, 2016. Directed by Gareth Edwards, it’s the first of the new standalone features from Lucasfilm.

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for December 2016

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 1, 2016

The following is a comprehensive list of attractions, resorts and restaurants at Walt Disney World that are currently undergoing refurbishment during the month of December 2016 or will be during the months ahead:

Monorail

The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment through December 3, 2016 and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.

Magic Kingdom

Haunted Mansion – Reopening December 1, 2016
Splash Mountain – Closed on December 7, 2016
Liberty Square Riverboat – January 3 – 12, 2017
Walt Disney World Railroad – January 9 – February 16, 2017
Hall of Presidents – January 17 – June 29, 2017
The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour – January 1 – February 28, 2017

Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular – November 14 – December 31, 2016
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party – November 14 – December 31, 2016

Epcot

Infrastructure Work – September 28 – December 17, 2016

Animal Kingdom

Kali River Rapids – January 3 – 29, 2017

Disney Springs

Planet Hollywood Observatory -Accepting reservations for dates beginning January 3, 2017
Paddlefish – Opening in early 2017

Blizzard Beach

Annual Refurbishment October 16 – December 24, 2016

Typhoon Lagoon

Annual Refurbishment December 25 – March 11, 2017

Golf Courses/Miniature Golf

None

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Gasparilla island Grill – Reopening December 14, 2016

Yacht Club Resort: Room refurbishments beginning January 2017. Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. Work will be limited to 9:00am – 5:00pm in an attempt to minimize disruptions.

Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center – Expansion work until February 1, 2018. Work will be limited to 9:00am – 9:00pm in an attempt to minimize disruptions.

Pop Century Resort: Computer Pool reopening January 3, 2017. Hippy Dippy Pool closed January 13 – 20, 2017. Hard goods refurbishments from November 2 – March 26, 2018 between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

All Star Sports: Grand Slam Pool closed from October 10 – December 13, 2016. Guests may use the Surfboard Bay Pool, located near the main lobby during this time.

All Star Music: Piano Pool closed from December 12 – February 3, 2017. Guests may use the Calypso Pool located near Melody Hall during this time.

Coronado Springs: Hard Goods Refurbishment beginning November 2016. Guests may see or hear construction taking place, or encounter alternative paths of travel throughout the Resort hotel. All work with the most potential for noise will be limited each day between 9:00am and 5:00pm in order to minimize any possible disruptions.

Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Vallage: Soft goods refurbishment until January 2017

Old Key West: Sandcastle Pool closed from January 2 – February 24, 2017. The leisure pools located at Old Turtle Pond, South Point and Miller’s Road will remain available.

Wilderness Lodge & Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney Wilderness Lodge: General resort refurbishments through 2017. Hidden Springs leisure pool is reopening as Boulder Ridge Cove in summer 2017.

Contact me to start planning your Walt Disney World adventure. I’m a Travel Agent with MickeyTravels, along with a writer for Chip and Company, and would love to help book and plan your next magical vacation. Email [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here.

Photo Credit: Disney

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Cast to Appear Exclusively on ABC’s ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ ‪Friday, December 9

By

Chip

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December 1, 2016

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On Friday, December 9‪, ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will broadcast a special “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” cast show featuring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Riz Ahmed, Alan Tudyk, Ben Mendelsohn and Mads Mikkelsen, as well as the film’s director Gareth Edwards. ‬

“Jimmy Kimmel Live” airs weeknights 11:335pm|‪10:35pm CT on ABC.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is in theaters on December 16, 2016.

Shanghai Disney Resort Celebrates First Holiday Season

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 1, 2016

Shanghai Disney Resort is celebrating its first holiday season in true Disney fashion. MickeyAvenue at Shanghai Disneyland has been transformed into a holiday wonderland with festive decorations and music, merry food & drinks and even a holiday game. Keep an eye out for special appearances by Mickey and pals dressed in holiday attire.

Strolling through the park, hear joyous Christmas music playing all around you. Marvel at shops, lampposts and rooftops festively-appointed with wreaths and garland. Behold the sight of a towering Christmas tree in Gardens of Imagination and take in twinkling holiday lights.

Guests will find enchanting Christmas touches at every turn. Disneytown, Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel all have shimmering Christmas trees for guests to enjoy, each with different styles. The pianist at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel will also be available to play a few merry tunes. For a final touch of holiday sparkle, catch the dazzling fireworks display at night.

During the festive Christmas season, Mickey and all his Disney pals are preparing twinkling yuletide treats just for you! Look out for event signage throughout the Park, scan the QR code, and one of these joyous ho-ho-holiday SurPrizes could be yours! This in park interaction is sure to spark your imagination and curiosity while you’re on the go. Happy holiday SurPrize hunting!

Try an original cocktail concoction to brighten your winter days or make yourself cozy with a rich Hot Chocolate, soothing Chinese Ginger Tea or a delectable Hazelnut Latte at the Bacchus Lounge.

How about a sweet treat? Indulge in some fruity Christmas Stollen, nibble on a scrumptious Chocolate Santa Claus or tuck into a slice of spicy Ginger Bread at our Ballet Café or Sunnyside Market.

In honor of the holiday season, guests will find more than 30 limited-release merchandise items around the resort, including special Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse plush toys, festive Christmas head wear and scarves, and beautiful holiday ornaments. There will also be holiday feasts and treats at several restaurants and shops throughout the park.

Happy holidays from Shanghai Disney Resort!

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

One of the best Star Wars Christmas Light Shows you will ever see!

By

Chip

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December 1, 2016

Youtube User Tom BetGeorge creates some of the best Star Wars Christmas Light Shows on his house year after year. He lives in Tracy, California and people from all around come out to his house to enjoy his Christmas Decorations. His 2015 display was pretty spectacular and I wanted to share it with you here on the site.

List of tracks in order of mix (intentional total time of 5:01)

“Star Wars Main Title and the Arrival at Naboo” – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
“Duel of the Fates” – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
“Across the Stars (Love Theme)” – Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones
“Battle of the Heroes” – Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (Light Saber Fight)
“The Hologram; Binary Sunset” – Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
“Cantina Band” – Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
“Ben Kenobi’s Death/TIE Fighter Attack” – Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (TIE Fighter Crash)
“The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme)” – Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
“Victory Celebration, End Title” – Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Hope you like the video:

If you’re in Tracy, CA, you should see it in person! If you do drop by he accepts cash donations that goes towards the local homeless shelter, the McHenry House

Be sure to like his Facebook Page too!

LEGOLAND Beach Retreat to Open April 7, 2017 at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

By

Chip

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December 1, 2016

LEGOLAND Beach Retreat will welcome its first guests to discover endless fun in the sun when it opens April 7, 2017. LEGOLAND Florida Resort announced the grand opening date today during an exclusive media preview of the all-new accommodations.

Designed with the same attention to detail and kid-centric features that made LEGOLAND Hotel an immediate hit, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat is a village-style vacation resort with 83 beach-themed bungalows offering 166 separate rooms, each with whimsical LEGO décor inside and out.

The brightly colored bungalows are grouped into 13 “coves” named after popular LEGO Minifigures. Each includes an outdoor play area with fun and challenging elements, all within view of the bungalows’ shaded patios, where mom and dad can relax while kids play.

Located about a half-mile from the theme park entrance, the site also features a central swimming pool and sandy play area, a buffet restaurant, pool bar, a giant LEGO inspired lighthouse with a real rotating beacon and picturesque views of Lake Dexter.

LEGOLAND Beach Retreat amenities include:

166 spacious rooms that sleep up to five, including a cozy area designed just for kids with a bunk bed, trundle bed and privacy curtain.
Sandy’s Castle Restaurant, located inside The Lighthouse and featuring a bountiful menu of entrees, sides and desserts designed to please the palates of kids and grownups alike.
Bricks Beach Bar, offering an eclectic menu of made-to-order food, drinks and creative cocktails served poolside and inside The Lighthouse.
- A delicious breakfast is included with each night’s stay; lunch and dinner will be available without reservations.
Palm Tree Traders, a large retail shop stocked with LEGO building sets and Minifigures, apparel, toys, swimwear, snacks and sundries.
Complimentary parking in LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s main parking lot.
Early access to the theme park, with exclusive use of some of the most popular attractions, including LEGO NINJAGO World when it opens Jan. 12.

Reservations are available for stays from April 7 through Nov. 30, 2017. To book a stay at LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, visit LEGOLAND.com/beachretreat or call (877) 350-5346 daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nightly room rates start at $135 (plus tax and resort fee) and vary by season, date and availability.

Meanwhile, through the end of December guests can save 20 percent on an exclusive room-and-ticket package for LEGOLAND Beach Retreat stays from April 7 through Sept. 3, 2017. The package requires a minimum two-night stay and includes a two-day ticket to LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park per person, with the second day free!

Announced in March 2016 as part of the largest period of growth and expansion in the resort’s five-year history, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat is a first-of-its-kind project unique to the LEGOLAND resorts in North America. Opening less than two years after the May 2015 debut of the 152-room LEGOLAND Hotel, the sprawling, sun-kissed site will more than double on-site accommodations and give guests even more reasons to play — and stay — at the place #BuiltForKids.

I Love You to the Moon and Back Again Disney Figurine

By

Danielle

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November 30, 2016

The quote “I love you to the moon and back again” is one of my most beloved quotes. This absolutely perfect Disney Figurine not only features the famous mice themselves Mickey and Minnie, but also has the quote written across the moon.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are two of Disney’s most lovable characters. They have been lifelong sweethearts and best friends from the very start, so it’s easy to understand their “I love you to the moon and back again” sentiment. Now, the I Love You to the Moon and Back Again Figurine celebrates every magical moment. Every inch of this adorable Mickey and Minnie love figurine is handcrafted and hand-painted to capture this lovable pair in classic Disney style, from their joyful grins to their famously round ears and gloved hands that hold each other close. Minnie is cute as ever in her red and white polka dot dress and matching bow and their loving embrace is sure to tug at your heartstrings. The pair poses atop a crescent moon embellished with a sprinkling of stars and a tender sentiment that proclaims their love. But don’t wait to bring home this heartwarming Disney figurine.

Do you have a favorite quote that you would love to see captured timeless on a Disney Figurine?

December 2016 Merchandise Events at Disney Springs

By

Danielle

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November 30, 2016

The Holidays are a fantastic time to explore Disney Springs. You can find special gifts for the season, all while enjoying the beauty of the Christmas splendor through out the area. The December 2016 Merchandise Events taking place at Disney Springs Marketplace, also offer fantastic and unique finds.

December 2-3 – Meet Disney Design Group artists Maria Stuckey, Caley Hicks, Derek Lesinski, and Costa Alavezos at Disney’s Days of Christmas. They will be meeting with guests and signing holiday products from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Please note that Derek will only appear on December 2; Costa will only attend the December 3 event.
December 3 – Artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith returns to WonderGround Gallery inside the Marketplace Co-Op from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
December 4-6 – See the latest offerings from the Disney Parks collection by HerUniverse at the WonderGround Gallery in Marketplace Co-Op. Ashley Taylor, the artist whose work is prominently featured on the Star Wars timeline skirt and coordinating Ewok cardigan, will make an appearance at the location on December 4 from 12 Noon – 3:00 p.m. and December 5 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. On December 6, Ashley will be joined by Ashley Eckstein, creator of HerUniverse, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
December 8-12 – Artist David Doss will return to The Art of Disney from 1:00 – 9:00 p.m. each day.
December 9 – Meet Disney Design Group artist Derek Lesinski at Disney’s Days of Christmas from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
December 13-16 – Artist Greg McCullough will meet with guests at The Art of Disney from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m. each day. He will return to the shop on December 19-22, and December 26 – January 2, 2017.
December 17 – Disney Design Group Artist Costa Alavezos will be at Disney’s Days of Christmas to sign holiday products he designed from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
December 17-18 – Artist William Silvers will be at The Art of Disney from 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. each day.

If you’re going to be visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in December, be sure to check out these fantastic December 2016 Merchandise Events, and other unique offerings in the following shops

Marketplace Fun Finds – Precious Moments Dolls including the new “Christmas Blessings” collection.
Tren-D – Jewelry pieces by Jorta made from nature such as orange peels, cantaloupe seeds, coffee beans, and more.
Marketplace Co-Op – Stationary and art stained with real plants and flowers by Boiled Books, or a spectacular collection of fine diamond jewelry by Sophia Fiori Jewelry.