UNIQLO Adds Much-Anticipated Disney Vibe to Disney Springs Town Center

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July 17, 2016

The newly opened UNIQLO store is adding a fresh, and much-anticipated, Disney vibe to the Town Center area of Disney Springs located at Walt Disney World. UNIQLO and Disney have collaborated and developed their Magic For All and Disney Project collections. UNIQLO offers exclusive Mickey Mouse plush, Disney-themed umbrellas and totes, and clothing for infants, children, men and women. The store also has fun in-store events like calligraphy, spin-the-wheel, and origami.

Children and adults alike will love the exclusive Mickey Mouse UNIQLO plush project. These adorable plush are made from soft, quality materials that are durable, and are sure to be a hit with all age groups. I spoke with a woman in line and she told me she could not decide which one she wanted so she was buying three of them for herself and one for her grandchild.

For infants, UNIQLO has developed their first-ever Disney printed four piece gift set containing a bodysuit, two bibs and a hat. There are many Disney and Pixar printed t-shirts for children featuring iconic characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Buzz and Woody to name a few. Men will enjoy the Mickey + Friends Summer Collection for men, Star Wars and Marvel t-shirts, and selections from The Mickey 100 Project. Women might like the Disney Collection City Logo Series, the Alice in Wonderland Collection, or the Mickey + Friends Summer Collection for women. They will also find Disney-themed slippers, totes, and umbrellas.

I visited the store during their grand opening on July 15th. A lady specializing in calligraphy was writing people’s names for them in Japanese as a special event in-store. She wrote “Chip and Company” for me and she explained that Japanese is written top to bottom and right to left. I was also able to spin-the-wheel for the chance at a prize. You can win money off your purchase, origami, or Japanese candy. This was quite fun and I won origami after my spin of the wheel. The origami presentations were scheduled for later in the day and I was not able to see that. Be sure to ask, when you visit, if they have any special demonstrations, or events, going on the day of your visit.

The Disney and UNIQLO collaboration collections are bringing a magical Disney vibe, something that many fans have been looking for, to the Disney Springs Town Center at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney and UNIQLO have added fresh insight to the idea of keeping the fairytales, and the dreams, alive in the hearts of many.

Totally Adorable Donut Mickey Shirt

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Danielle

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July 16, 2016

There is nothing like an adorable Mickey shirt to give you cheer to start the day. So I totally donut believe how cute this Donut Mickey Shirt from GlazePopSugarShop is.

Donuts & Disney, that’s totally the best of both worlds! There is a sugary sweet Strawberry Glazed Minnie Tee. This one is a ladies’ tee, that gives you a Mickey Donut that is even frosted pink icing. Also available, is a Glazed Mickey Tee. This one is a men’s tee with a Mickey Donut slathered in blue frosting. These also make great couples tees for your Disney trip! All items are designed for you by by the designer with Love!

Would you wear this fun take on a Disney t-shirt? The Donut Mickey Shirt is such a cute idea!

Pop Up Some Fun with the Mickey Popcorn Maker

By

Danielle

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July 16, 2016

Popcorn at parties or on movies nights is usually a big hit. You can have the most poppin party in town when you show off the Mickey Popcorn Maker.

Disney Mickey Kettle Style Popcorn Popper Makes 6-8 Cups of Kettle Style Popcorn for you and your clubhouse. You also get 4 Mickey themed serving containers to serve in. If that’s not awesome enough, you get a kernel and oil scoop that has an adorable red Mickey ring. For even more popcorn party fun you can get colorful cardboard Mickey popcorn boxes, which are great for when you have lots of people over. My favorite time to pull out the popcorn maker is when a new Disney movie is out on DVD for a viewing party. I love to get snack boxes and containers that are inspired by the movie and have a great time!

Would you get a Mickey Popcorn Maker for your Disney home?

Is the Character Line-up at Hollywood Studios Changing?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 16, 2016

We hear from Kenny the Pirate that there is talk about some character meet and greet changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It seems these changes are slated to start on July 17, and the characters that will cease their current meet and greets will be Bolt, Max, and Lilo and Stitch. So if you haven’t had a chance to catch up with these characters you better get to the parks soon!

Starting on July 17th, it looks as though Donald, Daisy and Goofy will also have wardrobe changes. Daisy will now wear her pink Epcot dress, and Donald will go back to wearing his traditional sailor’s outfit. You will be able to find both of them near the park entrance by Sid Cahuenga’s.

Goofy will wear his traditional orange shirt, blue pants, and green hat; and will be located near ABC Commissary on Commissary Lane.

There’s no official word from Disney on these changes, or how long they may last, so if you want to see these characters you better run on over to Hollywood Studios while they’re still around! Which new rumored change are you most excited about?

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.

Disney Emoji Blitz is Now Available – Celebrate with a special event tomorrow!

By

Chip

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July 16, 2016

The magic of Disney combines with the modern expression of emojis in Disney Emoji Blitz, a game for mobile devices where players can collect and play with hundreds of Disney and Pixar emojis. Disney Emoji Blitz is the first mobile game connected to a custom keyboard and features more than 400 emojis of Disney and Pixar characters, including favorites from “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Cinderella,” “Frozen,” “Finding Dory,” “The Muppets,” “Toy Story” and more.

A fast-paced match-3 game, Disney Emoji Blitz lets players match emojis to score points and unlock new Disney and Pixar emojis. Each emoji collected blasts the board with expressive power-ups like icing away emojis with Elsa from “Frozen” or scaring emojis with Sulley from “Monsters Inc.” Players complete missions to boost the score and earn prizes such as rare Disney Parks-themed Mickey Premium Bar, Matterhorn and Mickey Mouse Ear Hat emojis.

Once an emoji is collected within the game, it is also unlocked in the Disney Emoji Blitz keyboard, which can be used to send Disney and Pixar emojis to friends in messages. With over 6 billion emojis* sent around the world a day, heart-eyed Tinker Bell, unforgettable Dory, singing Ariel and grinning Genie will make conversations with friends and family more magically emotional.

Celebrate World Emoji Day on July 17 with Disney Emoji Blitz

Fans are invited to celebrate the launch of Disney Emoji Blitz on World Emoji Day this Sunday from 2-8pm PT at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, CA. Guests are welcome to enjoy Emoji-themed games, prizes & photo opps, entertainment by Radio Disney on-air personality Daniel Dudley, and live music from the most buzzed about pop group of the summer – Forever In Your Mind. Disney Emoji Blitz will be available for fans to play while they listen to tunes from Radio Disney.

Attendees can also visit various Downtown Disney stores for Disney Emoji-fied photo opps and giveaways, including World of Disney, D Street, Wonderland Gallery and more. Teen sensations Forever In Your Mind will take the Downtown Disney stage to perform some of their hit songs and answer questions onstage from 4-5pm PT.

Disney Emoji Blitz is now available to download for free with in-app purchases on the App Store and Google Play. New Disney and Pixar-themed emojis will be added in the coming months.

Disney Springs Testing Cell Phone Charger Rentals for Guests

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 16, 2016

With the news breaking recently about the new Fuel Rod Kiosks that have popped up throughout Disney property, it’s no surprise that Disney is testing out yet another option to keep their tech-savvy guests happy and fully charged, with phone charger rentals at Disney Springs.

WDW News Today reports that with this new offering being tested, guests can either leave their device at Guests Relations where they will charge it for them, or they can pay a $35 deposit and they will receive a pre-charged portable charger for their device. When you are done with the portable battery, you return it to Guest Relations and get your $35 deposit back.

Currently, it is recommended that you bring your own USB cord to utilize the portable charger however, since they seem to be in short supply at the Disney Springs guest Relations booth, but this is still an amazingly effective way to get your device charged while you enjoy Disney Springs. Would you try this new service?

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.

photo credit: wdwnt.com

“Teacher Appreciation Rates” at the Seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 16, 2016

There is still time for the hard working teachers to take advantage of the special “Teacher Appreciation Rates” at the Seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels at the Walt Disney World Resorts.

If you are a teacher, including preschool, daycare, kindergarten through college or a support staff in the U.S. and Canada you can now book a vacation through September 30, 2016, at a special “Teacher Appreciation Rates”. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates are being offered by the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels in the Walt Disney World Resort.

This is a great time to visit Walt Disney World as you will get to enjoy amazing attractions and shows such as Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Frozen Ever After in Norway at Epcot, The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot.

In addition, you can experience the many terrific new offerings at the significantly expanded and enhanced Disney Springs, formerly known as the Downtown Disney area. When work is completed in 2016, Disney Springs will have expanded to more than 150 shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

Featuring an ideal location in the Walt Disney World Resort, these seven Official Walt Disney World Hotels are within an easy walk to Disney Springs. Inspired by Florida’s charming waterfront towns, historic architecture and natural beauty, Disney Springs features four distinct outdoor neighborhoods, with a high-quality, diverse mix of retailers, entertainment, upscale restaurants, and casual dining options.

In addition to featuring an ideal location at an outstanding value, the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels also provide shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, two water parks, and to the Disney Springs area.

Plus, as a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “2016 Disney Springs Passport” booklet that features exclusive discounts and specials from Disney Springs merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining. Among the coupons featured in the booklet are discounts at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, House of Blues Restaurant, and Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop.

The Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels’ “Teacher Appreciation Rates” for stays through September 30, 2016 are:

B Resort & Spa – rates from $89 per room, per night
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – rates from $79 per room, per night
Buena Vista Palace – rates from $89 per room, per night
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista — rates from $109 per suite, per night
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – rates from $99 per room, per night
Holiday Inn located in the Walt Disney World® Resort – rates from $99 per room, per night
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista – rates from $59 per room, per night.

For more information on the special hotel rates, or to make a reservation, visit http://disneyspringshotels.com/special-offers/limited-offers/teacher-appreciation The “Teacher Appreciation Rates” apply to Preschool, Daycare, Kindergarten – College teachers and support staff in the U.S. and Canada. The special rates are available for stays through September 30, 2016, based on availability. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include the Resort Services Fee or daily parking fee (if applicable), taxes or gratuities. The offer is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or for groups. All teachers and school support staff must show proof of employment upon check-in.

Visiting provides the opportunity to take in such special events as:

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series – through July 23, 2016 at Epcot
Disney Night of Joy – Sept. 9-10, 2016 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – select nights September 2-October 31, 2016 at Magic Kingdom Park
Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival – September 14-November 14, 2016 at Epcot®.

Other benefits of staying at one of the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels include:

The ability to purchase Disney theme park admissions at each hotel
Advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World Resort golf courses
Disney Merchandise store located in each hotel
The ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort.

The reimagined Disney Springs overflows with the sights, sounds and flavors that come together in a beautiful outdoor environment with a charming waterfront setting. Set amid beautiful open-air promenades and bubbling springs, this vibrant destination features four distinct outdoor neighborhoods: The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side.

Well underway in its transformation, Disney Springs already has many new offerings that are open. Among these are 25 exciting new retail tenants that opened their doors in Town Center in May, which includes: Kate Spade New York, Vera Bradley, Tommy Bahama, PANDORA, Under Armour Brand House, ALEX AND ANI, Sephora, UGG, TROPHY ROOM, and MAC Cosmetics.

In addition, nine new specialty dining locations also just opened at Disney Springs in May: Amorette’s Patisserie, STK Orlando, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., D-Luxe Burger, Morimoto Asia Street Food, Sprinkles (cupcake bakery), The Daily Poutine, YeSake, and Aristocrepes. This follows such other recent openings as the Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, The Ganachery chocolate shop, Vivoli Il Gelato (serving Italian gelato like its sister shop in Florence, Italy), Dockside Margaritas, and Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (which specializes in gluten-free and vegan baked goods).

Other new shops include Star Wars Galactic Outpost, Chapel Hats, Havaianas sandals store, Sanuk (home of unique footwear), Sound Lion, and men’s grooming store The Art of Shaving.

Also recently opened is Exposition Park, the home to Disney-owned food trucks, with delicious offerings from each of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. Plus, there are two new parking garages with a total of 6,000 spaces, and the new Village Causeway which provides guests another path of travel through the area. Plus, a pedestrian bridge from the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels to the Disney Springs area opened, making it even easier for guests.

Among the many other offerings open at Disney Springs are: World of Disney store, AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24, The Art of Disney, The LEGO Store, Build-A-Dino by Build-A-Bear Workshop, Disney Design-A-Tee, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, Once Upon a Toy, Orlando Harley-Davidson (apparel and accessories), Steve Baker Caricatures, Pearl Factory, Starbucks at Disney Springs Marketplace, and Shop for Ireland.

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels is a consortium of seven Official Walt Disney World Hotels that includes:

Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – the closest hotel to Disney SpringsTM, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including Benihana® Steakhouse), and 24-hour fitness center
B Resort & Spa – the stylish resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged® AVEDA Spa, and features the new American Kitchen Bar & Grill
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – the 18-story, 325-room resort overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World® Resort, and offers two restaurants, lounge, and wireless internet
Buena Vista Palace – situated on 27 lush acres, the 27-story contemporary hotel is just steps from the Disney SpringsTM area, and features a Character Breakfast every Sunday, sports grill and grab-and-go market
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista – the luxurious and newly renovated resort hotel features 229 spacious suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney SpringsTM Resort Area
Holiday Inn located in the Walt Disney World Resort – offers the ideal setting to stay, meet and play, featuring modern Florida décor and no resort fees
Windham Garden Lake Buena Vista – featuring Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 comfortable guest rooms, six dining options, and the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water features.

With nearly 30 food and beverage outlets and restaurants, over 3,700 rooms and an array of amenities, the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of the Disney Springs area, these properties are within walking distance of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Visit DisneySpringsHotels.com

Disney Working on Castle Hangnail with Ellen DeGeneres

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2016

With “Finding Dory” booming at the box office (having made $663.7 million worldwide so far), it’s no wonder Disney is working on getting a new project off the ground that has Ellen DeGeneres involved. Deadline reported that Disney has signed Bill Kunstler to adapt a screenplay based on the children’s book “Castle Hangnail” by Ursula Vernon.

“Castle Hangnail” tells the story of a 12-year-old girl who seeks to fill the vacant position of “wicked witch” at a castle who needs one ASAP, or they may be decommissioned by the Board of Magic. The young girl must undergo many challenges to land the position, and discovers much about herself along the way.

A Very Good Production is the production company for Ellen DeGeneres‘s talk show, and became attached to produce the “Castle Hangnail” Disney film.

Star Wars Celebration: First Toy Revealed From “Rogue One” a Star Wars Story

By

Chip

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July 15, 2016

Revealed today in London during the “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” cast panel at Star Wars Celebration was Hasbro’s Star Wars Black Series “Jyn Erso” action figure — the first of new “Rogue One” products to be seen publicly.

The 6-inch figure was revealed by Jyn herself – played by Felicity Jones – with panel moderator, Gwendoline Christie who welcomed Felicity to the action figure club. “Jyn” will be represented across a variety of products – something fans will have to wait and see for themselves later this year, when all new “Rogue One” products launch globally at retail.

Fantasyland Themed Tsum Tsum Coming Soon!

By

Danielle

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July 15, 2016

The newest addition to the Park themed Disney Tsum Tsum collection will be debuting Friday July 22! This new set is a Fantasyland Themed Tsum Tsum collection!

The newest park themed stackable plush are super cute minis inspired by Fantasyland. These tiny plush will evoke the spirit of characters and attractions from Fantasyland. The last parks collection was the Haunted Mansion-inspired Tsum Tsums. Disney Parks Blog recently brought these little critters to Fantasyland to take a photo of these seven new plush.

The Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse plush are in fantastical royal attire. Mr. Toad from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland Park joins the crew, and there will be two Tsum Tsum inspired by the “it’s a small world” attraction. Additional Tsum Tsum include a tea cup from the Mad Tea Party attraction, and a carousel horse.

A little sneak peek for the next park themed collection shows us the infamously adorable Orange Bird!

This of course means that Adventureland will be the next park themed collection. Orange Bird skipper from the world famous Jungle Cruise. The Adventureland collection will be arriving in fall 2016.

The Fantasyland-themed Tsum Tsum at the following merchandise locations starting July 22:

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai‘i – Kalepa’s Store

Disneyland Resort

Downtown Disney District – World of Disney
Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure park – Tee, Hats & Tattoos\
Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland park – Gag Factory

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Springs Marketplace – Once Upon a Toy and World of Disney
Disney’s EarPort at Orlando International Airport
Magic Kingdom Park – Curtain Call Collectibles
Epcot – ImageWorks
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Beverly Sunset
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures

The Disney Parks online store will also carry these Fantasyland Themed Tsum Tsum starting July 26. If you just can’t wait, the Disney Parks Shop App has them now!

Two Miami men arrested for using fake credit cards at Universal Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2016

Cops arrest two Miami residents, Yuniel Garrido Llopiz, and Eidrys Reyes Robelt who were attempting to use fake credit cards at Universal Studios Orlando.

The credit cards were used to purchase food, clothing, Universal’s Express Passes, and gift cards. The Orlando police said they had 17 counterfeit cards in total. They are being charged with possessing personal identification of other people and misrepresenting themselves. Robelt was also charged with trafficking in counterfeit credit cards.

While being interviewed by the police and United States Secret Service Robelt confessed.

Robelt stated he had been given the counterfeit credit cards in South Florida and knew they were ‘not good. Robelt stated he could not tell us who or how he received the cards because he feared for his safety and did not want to be a ‘snitch.

Llopiz does not speak English and there was no Spanish speaking officer on duty.

Opening this fall, PizzeRizzo in Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2016

Are you ready for some great pizza and Muppet fun? Well opening this fall you’ll have them both at the new PizzeRizzo in Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is the location of the former Toy Story Pizza Planet location.

The famous Rizzo the rat is the owner of this fun new pizzeria, where you will be dining down on Italian-American food through the eyes of the Muppets.

Rizzo and his family will be hidden throughout the location where you can sit outdoors or inside and choose from eating in the “cheesy” banquet room, or be a star in a special booth designated just for Rizzo’s celebrity friends.

More details will be provided as they come in!

Are you adding this to your next trip? comment below!

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog