Frozen, A Musical Spectacular Makes Its Disney Wonder Debut

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November 16, 2016

Guests aboard the Disney Wonder on November 13th got a first look at Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Frozen, A Musical Spectacular“, a production guaranteed to set a new standard for amazing at-sea entertainment.

The show uses stunning state-of-the-art technology and magical scenery to transport guests to Arendelle including icy blasts that Queen Elsa shoots into the audience. During the big number “Let it Go” video projections and snow flurries are incorporated to make the song so immersive that you are sure to get goose bumps.

Guests will also enjoy the clever puppetry that went into the creation of everyone’s favorite carrot-loving reindeer Sven as well as the lovable snowman Olaf who performs his over-the-top musical number “In Summer.”

Eager to find out more? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at ‘Frozen, A Musical Spectacular’ one of Disney Cruise Line’s most delightful and ambitious productions to-date.

The Disney Wonder is one of four ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and makes stops in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal and Mexico.

Did you know that Disney Cruise Lines currently has itineraries available to book through until May of 2018? So what are you waiting for? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking your next cruise with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, not only will I help you find your perfect cruise but I’ll also be on hand to assist with everything from finding booking your Port Adventures to sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at sea. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Wine Bar George Officially Breaks Ground at Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

Wine enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Wine Bar George officially broke ground with construction to begin in The Landing area of Disney Springs.

The 210-seat wine bar is the creation of George Miliotes, one of only 230 Master Sommeliers in the world and will feature both Old and New World wines from esteemed vineyards spanning the globe. The 600 square foot, 2 story building will be built in the same area as other notable watering holes, The Boathouse and Raglan Road.

In addition to one of the finest selections of wines in the Sunshine State the bar will also feature a food menu with small plates designed to perfectly compliment the wines on offer.

We hope you are as excited about this new addition to Disney Springs as we are. Watch this space for further news on Wine Bar George in the weeks and months ahead.

Planning a trip to Disney? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Images copyright Disney.

New Disney Magical World 2 Available Now on the Nintendo 3DS

By

Danielle

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November 16, 2016

A fun new game, Disney Magical World 2, is available for the Nintendo 3DS, that’s perfect for the Holiday season. Players get to live their dream life in Disney Magical World 2 alongside fan-favorite Disney characters!

Explore the magical world of Disney by living a dream life with some of your favorite Disney characters. This game allows players to adventure with Elsa and Olaf in the kingdom of Frozen, dance with Disney princesses, soar with Mickey through dream events and more, all while unraveling a ghostly mystery

You can visit six different Disney-themed worlds from classics like Disney Frozen, Disney The Little Mermaid, and Walt Disney Lilo & Stitch. You can harvest a field with Winnie the Pooh, fish with Donald Duck, mine with the Seven Dwarves, explore ghost-filled dungeons for treasures, and more! On your journey, you’ll discover the magical town of Castleton, where you’ll live amongst classic Disney characters. Shop with Daisy, Minnie, and others to build and buy hundreds of Disney-themed items. You can customize amazing outfits and even decorate your dream home and Café. Ready to make a memory? Then dance at the Enchanted Ball or throw a Café Party with your new Disney friends!

If you’re looking for a fun Disney game for your family this Holiday season, Disney Magical World 2 perfect for letting their imaginations explore! Disney Magical World 2 is available at a suggested retail price of $39.99 on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

T-Rex Cafe at Disney Springs to Offer Breakfast with Santa Including World of Disney Early Entry

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

A prehistoric take on the traditional Breakfast with Santa, T-Rex Cafe at Disney Springs will be offering diners a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus with a holiday breakfast package that also includes Early Shopping at World of Disney.

Guests will have an opportunity to explore the world’s largest Disney character store without the crowds as the dining package includes 1 hour of exclusive shopping at World of Disney before it opens to the public at 10am.

T-Rex Cafe will also be serving up a delectable breakfast buffet with the following items on offer:

Scrambled Eggs
Breakfast potatoes
Breakfast link sausage
Crispy bacon
Tonga Toast
Fresh fruit with Yoghurt
Kids French Toast sticks
Kids mini pancakes
Cereals
Donuts and muffins

Two Action Stations:

Omelet
Waffles

Beverages: Milk, orange juice, apple juice, tea, coffee etc.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at T-Rex Cafe during this time to meet with guests and to pose for photos.

Breakfast with Santa will be offered on December 17,18, 22, and 23rd. Guests must choose between one of three time slots: 8:00am 8:15, or 8:30. The cost for breakfast is $32.00 per adult, and $20.50 for children 9 and under. Children 3 and under are free. Those purchasing tickets will receive an exclusive T-Rex Retail Discount of $10 off a $50 purchase. (To be used at Breakfast with Santa event only).

Tickets can be purchased online through T-Rex. Follow this link to book. Payment is required at the time of booking. The Disney Dining Plan is not accepted for this offer. Groups of 15 or more are advised to contact the T-Rex Group Sales Manager at 407.828.6375.

There’s still time to plan your Christmas visit to Walt Disney World. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be there to assist with everything from finding your perfect package, to helping you secure those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass Reservations. I ‘ll also work with you group to add in lovely holiday touches that will make your destination Christmas truly magical. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook to find out more.

Image copyright Disney.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration’ Cast and Airing Dates

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

If you visited the Disney Resorts recently you may have seen, or even been part of, the Disney Holiday Specials’ filming. Disney now gives us more information on when you can view these new specials on ABC this holiday season:

Disney kicks off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The shows will be presented on Disney|ABC Television Group platforms, including ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, the ABC and Disney Channel apps and VOD, among other branded digital platforms. The holiday specials will include performances by some of the world’s most popular recording artists, celebrity hosts, Disney character appearances and heartwarming wish-come-true moments for three lucky families from across the country.

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,” will air THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” will air FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST), on Disney Channel. “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air SUNDAY DECEMBER 25 (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

Previously announced performers include Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, Kelly Clarkson, Sofia Carson, Jordan Fisher, Forever in Your Mind, China Anne McClain, Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce and Booboo Stewart.

The holiday specials are a collaboration by Disney Parks, Disney|ABC Television Group and IMG.

The multi-platform programming schedule is:

THANKSGIVING – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on the ABC Television Network (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST) and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough as they host the magical two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments.

Musical performances include:

Boyz II Men, joined by JoJo, will sing a holiday favorite from the steps of Cinderella Castle
Alessia Cara will sing “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s animated feature film, “Moana” (in theaters November 23) for the very first time on broadcast television.
Kelly Clarkson will perform “Underneath the Tree” and “Stronger.”
Flo Rida performs two of his smash hits.
From Disney’s Hollywood Studios, OneRepublic performs one of their hit songs.
Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks will perform “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Ugly Christmas Sweater” and “Marshmallow World,” all from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).

Additional performances to be announced.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

“Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on Disney Channel (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST) and on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PST. The special will be available on-demand and will be featured in encore presentations on Disney Channel through Tuesday, December 20.

Musical performances include:

“Jolly to the Core,” performed by Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart.
“Silent Night,” performed by Hollywood Records and Republic Records recording artist Sofia Carson.
Kelly Clarkson performing a song from her 2013 holiday album “Wrapped in Red.”
“Descendants 2” star China Anne McClain performing “This Christmas.”
Forever In Your Mind performing “Celebrate.”
Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks perform a holiday duet from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).

CHRISTMAS – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

“The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air on the ABC Television Network (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST; airtimes vary, check listings) and on the ABC and Disney Channel apps. This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrate the joy of the holiday season as hosts Julianne and Derek Hough take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Musical performances include:

Alessia Cara will perform a holiday favorite.
Sofia Carson performs “Silent Night” featuring an alternate musical arrangement from her performance on Disney Channel and also hosts from backstage.
Kelly Clarkson performing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
In front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World, Gavin DeGraw sings a Christmas classic.
“The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” performed by Jordan Fisher who will also make his Broadway debut in “Hamilton” on November 22.
OneRepublic performs from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).

Additional performances to be announced.

Will you be watching the Wonderful World of Disney Specials when they air?

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.

photos: Disney

Mickey Celebrates his Birthday Around the World at Disney Resorts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

If you’ve been following along during Mickey’s recent world wide adventures to celebrate his birthday, then you’ll want to know that the big day is officially this coming Friday. Mickey will be turning 88 years old, and will be celebrating at each of the Disney resorts worldwide!

This Friday, Disney Parks around the world will celebrate Mickey Mouse’s birthday, and we want you to join in the fun! Take a look at what’s in store for you at each resort.

At the Disneyland Resort, you can sing “Happy Birthday” to Mickey in a special pre-parade moment before enjoying “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade on Main Street, U.S.A. Over at Walt Disney World Resort, you can join some of your favorite characters for a special birthday-themed edition of the “Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!” Street Party. Commemorative “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons will also be available at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

If you’re at Shanghai Disney Resort this Friday, celebrate Mickey’s birthday along Mickey Avenue with a special Grand-Marshal pre-parade. You can even visit Disneyland Paris for a birthday sing-along, a special photo booth at ImagiNations and commemorative stickers. At Hong Kong Disneyland, you just might find commemorative birthday stickers and pins and the chance to share a magical moment with Mickey.

And to celebrate no matter where you are in the world, keep an eye out for Mickey’s new music video highlighting his trip around the world to the new hit song “What We Got,” premiering this Friday on ABC’s Good Morning America.

Use the hashtag #HappyBirthdayMickey on Twitter to show us how you joined in the celebration!

What will you do to celebrate the Big Guy’s Birthday?

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.

Walls Are Down As PizzeRizzo Prepares For November 18th Opening

By

Lisette R

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November 16, 2016

Many of us have been eagerly anticipating the opening of PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We have been following the refurbishment progress and wondering what the completed look will be. We are happy to report that the walls are down as PizzeRizzo prepares to open on November 18, 2016.

PizzeRizzo has two outdoor seating areas. Each outdoor seating area has plenty of celing fans to circulate the air. The ceiling fans will come in quite handy during those warm summer months. However, with a November opening date, these outdoor areas are sure to be popular with guests as we are currently experiencing beautiful weather in central Florida. The ground level outdoor patio also has a prep area set up for utensils and napkins at one end of the space.

Indoor seating is also available. We can see booth seating on one end where the arcade games used to be when this space was Toy Story Pizza Planet. The stairs lead up to the second level and we look forward to seeing that space when they open later this week. Between the outdoor seating, and the indoor seating, this space can comfortably hold many more people than it could in its former state.

The menu is posted in the window and lists Pizza, Meatball Sub, Antipasto Salad, Desserts and Kid’s Meals. The full menu is posted indoors above the cash registers. I was never a fan of the Toy Story Pizza Planet Pizza. The menu looks quite similar and I am hopeful the pizza will be of a better quality.

As we would expect, Muppet-style humor dominates the decorative elements on the exterior of the building.

The exterior of PizzeRizzo is quite pretty at night with all of the lights. Looks like they are quite prepared for a crowd as they have already set up a queue just outside the front door. I expect this area will certainly have a lot of people passing through here this coming weekend.

Now that the walls are down, and PizzeRizzo adds the final touches, we look forward to its opening this Friday, November 18th. Stay tuned here for our upcoming PizzeRizzo Review.

Sneak Peek of “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” Stage Show from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

A new stage show called “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” takes place at Magic Kingdom on select nights this holiday season during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Mickey invites his Disney pals to join in the joyous performance that includes more than a dozen Christmas carols and holiday illuminations. Showtimes are at 7:40pm, 9:25pm, 10:30pm and 12:00am.

Below is a sneak peek of the new stage show exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party offered on select nights through December 22, 2016.

Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto are dropping by dressed in their Christmas best. Peter Pan is flying in from Never Land, Alice and the White Rabbit are hurrying over from Wonderland and Woody and Jessie from Toy Story are galloping in for this holiday ho ho hoedown. Plus, Snow White and Dopey, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket and many more surprise guests will be stopping by.

Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is required in order to enjoy “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” stage show on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage.

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

Gingerbread Christmas Displays To Appear at Walt Disney World Soon

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2016

One of the highlights for most Walt Disney World holiday-goers is checking out the amazing gingerbread creations on offer at a handful of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. Guests visiting over the next week will be pleased to know that these awe-inspiring edible creations are starting to make an appearance.

Here’s where you’ll find them.

Gingerbread Holiday Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Found in the Grand Canyon Concourse on the fourth floor of the Contemporary is this Mary Blair-inspired Frozen-themed work of art. You’ll see Elsa, Anna and Olaf nestled among the sugary snowflakes, chocolate trees and gingerbread shingles that making up this holiday delight.

Life-sized Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – When guests think about Disney’s amazing gingerbread creations, the artistry on offer over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Created using a a traditional Austrian gingerbread recipe this 16 ft. creation is functional as well and hosts a lovely little seasonal shop where guests can feast on lovely holiday delicacies including gingerbread shingles (thankfully not taken from the house itself.) The house will be officially open for business starting on November 23rd. There are also gingerbread making demonstrations taking place at the resort Monday-Saturdays. Lisette was able to get some great photos, video and information about this display already. Check out her article here.

Gingerbread Carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort – 96 lbs of flour, 100 lbs of icing and 36 lbs of honey went into making this charming creation. A favorite with families at the Yacht and Beach Club, the carousel is also host to 17 hidden Mickeys. See if you can find them all.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, will also play host this year to a Gingerbread Academy. Visitors, working under the tutelage of one of Disney’s expert gingerbread craftsman, will receive a kit and will be guided through the process of creating their own edible works of art. The cost to attend this event is $125 for up to four guests. Those who worry about the logistics of taking their gingerbread houses home with them at the end of their stay can instead opt to create gingerbread ornaments at a cost of $8.95 per decoration (all proceeds from the ornaments will go to Give Kids the World) or work alongside one of Disney’s esteemed pastry chefs to decorate holiday cupcakes which will set guests back $10.95 per person. Hot chocolate or cider will be available to all participants.

For those not planning on visiting the resorts, there’s also opportunities to see a few gingerbread houses at the theme parks. Over at Epcot’s American Pavilion, guests will also be able to view a gingerbread re-creation of the U.S. Capitol Building as well as the Lincoln Memorial starting on November 25th.

Guests visiting Animal Kingdom will want to book their dining reservations at Tusker House if only to witness the amazing 3 ft. gingerbread replication of an African Marketplace that is reportedly covered in 25lbs of dark chocolate.

It is certainly true that no place does Christmas quite like Disney. Its not too late to plan your destination Christmas. Fill out our form below to get your FREE quote and check out some of these delightful creations for yourself

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything form finding your perfect package to helping you plan just the right activities to make your holiday stay at Disney truly magical. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Pop it Like it’s Galactic with the Star Wars R2-D2 Popcorn Popper

By

Danielle

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November 15, 2016

With all the fun ways out there to pop your popcorn now we have a Droid to help us pop! The R2-D2 Popcorn Popper is the light side alternative to the Death Star Popcorn Popper!

R2-D2 is a Droid of many talents, but who knew he went as far as making delicious popcorn in minutes? Simply put in the desired amount of margarine or butter (room temperature is best), and it melts from the heat produced during the popping process. The internal heater cooks the kernels using hot air and the popcorn is funneled through R2’s dome. Perfect for putting your feet up and munching on while watching everyone’s favorite inter-galactic sci-fi movie saga…

Which popcorn Popper is your style, the R2-D2 Popcorn Popper or the Death Star Popcorn Popper?

Disney’s “Moana” Blue Carpet World Premiere

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2016

Filmmakers, voice talent and special guests walked down the blue carpet for the World Premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana.” The movie introduces adventurous teenager Moana, whose connection to the ocean ignites a journey of a lifetime. The world premiere was part of the lineup for AFI Fest 2016 presented by Audi.

Here are some pictures from the ‘blue’ carpet premiere.

(L-R) Co- Director Ron Clements, actors Alan Tudyk, Rachel House, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn, actors Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i Cravalho, Nicole Scherzinger, co-director John Musker, actor Temuera Morrison, Producer Osnat Shurer, Songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, Executive producer John Lasseter and Screenwriter Jared Bush — (L-R) Co- Director Ron Clements, actors Alan Tudyk, Rachel House, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn, actors Dwayne Johnson, Auli’i Cravalho, Nicole Scherzinger, co-director John Musker, actor Temuera Morrison, Producer Osnat Shurer, Songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, Executive producer John Lasseter and Screenwriter Jared Bush

(All Photos by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Here’s an extra special peek into Auli’i dress she wore at the premiere.

“Moana” is in U.S. theaters November 23, 2016.

Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” Enchants The Box Office Once Again

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2016

You just can’t keep a good Doctor down. After weeks in the theaters, Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” is still number one, with a box office intake of 43M this past weekend alone.

On the international front, Doctor Strange is in its third weekend and has now earned $339.6M with big help from China’s $83.5M contribution. That brings the world wide gross to $492.6M. Looks like a finish in the top 10 films of the year is on the horizon too

Doctor Strange is currently tracking to finish with a larger total than Thor: The Dark World, Ant-Man, and even Guardians of the Galaxy. Which, I’m sure is a pleasant surprise for early nay-sayers.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film and I’m glad it’s doing well. At this pace we should probably be expecting a sequel in the next few years.