Covered Patios at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are now Available by Reservation Only

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November 14, 2016

The covered patio areas at the Oasis Pool located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort are now available by reservation only. As of Sunday, November 13 the coveted area at the leisure pool will no longer be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis and must be booked in advance.

The prices below include tax:

Half Day: $26.63 from 10 am to 2 pm or 3 pm to 7 pm
Full Day: $42.60 from 10 am to 7 pm

Each patio includes a couch, three chairs and a coffee table. No other amenities such as bottled water, snacks or private wait staff are included in the rental fee. Reserve your space by calling 407-WDW-PLAY or Disney Vacation Club Member Services.

What do you think about the new change in policy at Polynesian’s Oasis Pool?

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!

Black Friday Deals Coming to Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 14, 2016

If you will be at Walt Disney World over the Thanksgiving Holiday and are a bargain-shopper, then you’ll be excited to be able to take advantage of some amazing Disney Springs Black Friday deals this year!

Disney Springs will be opening at 8am on both November 25th and 26th for guests to shop their hearts out:

World of Disney and other familiar favorites will feature great deals while supplies last: a Vera Bradley “Midnight with Mickey” hipster bag for $24.99 at Marketplace Co-Op, Storm Trooper Action Figures for $14.99 at Star Wars Galactic Outpost, and a holiday wreath with lights for $16.99 at Disney’s Days of Christmas, just to name a few.

If you’re waiting for the perfect time to buy tickets to see “La Nouba” by Cirque du Soleil, this could be it. Visit the Box Office on November 25 and purchase a ticket to the show – any category available – for just $39 plus tax. (Tickets can be used November 25, 2016 – December 16, 2017.)

Additional retail locations will offer special sales and promotions, and you can expect other enhancements in the area including bars with mimosas throughout the promenade, bloody marys at Dockside Margaritas, the chance to meet Santa as early as 8 a.m., and plenty of breakfast options – I’m partial to the Corn Flakes French Toast at Wolfgang Puck Express in the Marketplace, but the Breakfast Poutine at the Daily Poutine is another strong contender!

With over 60 stores planning Black Friday specials, I was thrilled to get a sneak peek of a few, listed below*. (For a full list of participating locations, click here.

American Threads: Free Piko Sweater for first 50 guests who spend $75 or more (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.; Nov. 25 only)
APEX by Sunglass Hut and Sunglass Icon: 60% off original prices of select styles
Curl by Sammy Duvall: Save up to 40% on select merchandise and enjoy “gift with purchase” items throughout the store
Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop: From 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. on Nov. 25, enjoy a free coffee when you spend $4.95 or more on your purchase
Fit2Run, The Runner’s Superstore: Free 1 Year Club Fit2Run Membership to first ten guests on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26, 2016
Levi’s: 40% off entire purchase
Lilly Pulitzer: Spend $75 and receive a free pair of earrings; spend $150 and receive a free necklace; spend $500 and receive a free jewelry box
Lucky Brand: Save 40% off all merchandise, excluding “rare finds”
Pandora Jewelry: Free bangle with $125 purchase
Savannah Bee Co.: Receive a free jar of Whipped Honey with Passion Fruit with every purchase, while supplies last
Superdry: Buy 2 items, get 1 free in store
Tommy Bahama: Receive a $50 award for every $150 you spend in store to use for future purchases (see store for full details)
The LEGO Store: Save up to 50% off select merchandise, while supplies last (Nov. 25 only)
Vince Camuto: Save 40% off entire purchase plus additional door busters at 50% off
Volcom: Save 40% off all Volcom branded merchandise

Will you be getting up early to take advantage of these great deals?

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 Parks Blog

New Stores Coming to Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 14, 2016

In the theme of the ever-growing shopping and dining extravaganza that is Disney Springs, there has been an announcement of even more stores joining the shopping area.

LiveTrends, a plant/bamboo/succulent “living art” shop, will open this week in The Marketplace, and later this year we will also see Stance open, offering high end socks and underwear.

what do you think of the new shops?

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.

‘Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!’ Starts Tonight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

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November 14, 2016

The all new Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime holiday spectacular starts tonight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The wonderful Lisette will be on hand to share pictures and live video of all of the festivities. She will be posting on the Chip and Co Facebook page starting around 6pm.

We were able to booking seating in the“Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Holiday Dessert Party, which includes reserved viewing, desserts and specialty beverages. We hear dessert party attendees will receive a pair of 3D HoloSpex glasses that create spectacular holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments on any bright point of light.

If you have a chance to go to the Dessert party let us know how it is.

The Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime holiday spectacular will run nightly at the park through December 31.

Special performances this Sunday at La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil

By

Chip

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November 14, 2016

This Sunday only, La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil in Disney Springs will perform two shows, deviating from its typical schedule of performances Tuesday through Saturday.

On Sunday Nov. 20th guests can enjoy a 6 p.m. performance or a special matinee performance at 3 p.m.

Families can save big on the performances, with tickets for children nine and under 50% off. With the discount, kids’ tickets start at just $24 with the purchase of an adult full price ticket.

Tickets can be purchased at www.lanouba.com.

Check Out The New Christmas Holiday Experiences At Disney Springs 2016

By

Lisette R

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November 14, 2016

With so many changes taking place at the Walt Disney World Resort, I am happy to see that more holiday experiences have been added to Disney Springs this year. As many of us know, The Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights went dark forever in January 2016 to make way for Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land. Disney Springs has stepped up to the plate to feature some seasonal holiday fun such as a nightly Tree Lighting, the Christmas Tree Trail, a Holiday Dance Party, and a Meet-And-Greet with Santa Claus. Let’s check out all the new Christmas Holiday Experiences taking place at Disney Springs for 2016.

The nightly Christmas Tree Lighting takes place at 6:00pm. Carolers sing and welcome a family-of-the-day to assist with the tree lighting. The toys from The Nutcracker join in the fun as giant stilt walkers. You can see our Live video of the Disney Springs Tree Lighting here:

The all-new Christmas Tree Trail opened on November 11th and will remain open until January 8, 2017. The Christmas Tree Trail features 15 trees, each decorated around a Disney Character theme. As you enter the pathway you will pass over a paved walkway of snowflakes guiding you to the trail. When you enter, you will be immersed in a Winter Wonderland of Florida Snow and Disney-style Christmas trees. You can see our Live Video of The Christmas Tree Trail here:

The party is just getting started when the sun goes down at Disney Springs. Stop by the Marketplace Neighborhood between the Earl of Sandwich and Once Upon a Toy to join the Holiday Dance Party. See our short video of what to expect as the DJ sets up for the evening here:

What would a Christmas Holiday Experience be without a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus? You can find Santa’s Chalet across from Ghirardelli’s in the Marketplace Neighborhood of Disney Springs. He arrives at n00n and is available until 10:00pm daily. You must check in at the podium to receive a pager and a return time to meet the jolly old himself. Return times typically run around 30 minutes.

We are eagerly awaiting more information on the Drones expected to form a Christmas Tree in the sky above Disney Springs. The information given by Disney stated that we should look to the skies this holiday season. We will be doing just that!

Disney Springs has grown significantly during 2016. With the addition of new shopping and restaurants around The Landing and Town Center, as well as the new Orange and Lime Parking garages, there are certainly more people than ever visiting Disney Springs each day. Be sure to check out all the new offerings this holiday season at Disney Springs.

What do you think of the new experiences being offered for the 2016 holiday season at Disney Springs? Please leave your comments in the box below.

New Live Action Beauty & the Beast Trailer

By

Chip

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November 14, 2016

Disney has released an all new trailer for the Live Action Beauty & the Beast move starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens.

“Beauty and the Beast” live action movie will be released in U.S. theaters nationwide on March 17, 2017

R2-D2 Coffee Press for Those of Us with a Bad Motivator

By

Danielle

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November 13, 2016

If you need the power of The Force to get you going in the morning, R2-D2 is here to help! The Star Wars R2-D2 Coffee Press will help you navigate your mornings more successfully!

Star Wars R2-D2 Coffee Press by ThinkGeek

He’s happy to help a human in need. Put your grounds and boiling water in his glass body, brew for a few minutes, plunge, and he’ll serve up 32 oz. of piping hot coffee. For folks playing along at home, that’s 4 cups, so even if your motivator is so bad that the Jawas put you back on the scrap heap, he can still get you going. My husband loves using his regular French Coffee Press every morning, and he’s a huge Star Wars fan, so I think I have the perfect thing for his Christmas list!

Would this R2-D2 Coffee Press help you tap into The Force for your morning caffeine needs?

Collector Edition “Jungle Book” Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 13, 2016

When it comes to Disney, there’s usually never a need for want. Just when you think they’ve finished everything you could desire in a Blu-Ray they come out with a collector’s edition Blu-Ray 3D version with many more bonus features.

“The Jungle Book” was a whole new world of movie making magic. This is a memorable film that everyone should have in their collection. Along with the bonus features that we’re in the original Blu-Ray, there are more in this collector edition.

Return Of A Legend: Jon Favreau brings Disney legend Richard Sherman into the recording studio to update the song ‘I Wanna Be Like You’ to fit this new film.

Jungle Effect: An adventurous look at the VFX layering process and how they made the film. From previsuals, to filming to the final visual effects.

Jungle Book Around The World: A really fun clip showing how the film looks and sounds with all the different language dubbed into one scene.

Developing Kaa: Early sketches on the scene where Mowgli meets Kaa so animators would know what it’s supposed to look like.

Sassagoula Floatworks Has a Fall Re-Opening Date

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 13, 2016

We mentioned back in June that the food court at Disney’s Port Orleans- French Quarter would be closing for a lengthy refurbishment, lasting until Fall 2016.

It appears that now there has been a re-opening date of November 19th set, according to WDW News Today. The interior Mardi Gras theme will remain the same, but there will be some new fun elements for guests to enjoy, such as an unfinished parade float for guests to view. The new menu has not been released, but we will keep you updated as we learn more!

Are you looking forward to the re-opening?

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

The New Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail Is Fun For Everyone

By

Lisette R

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November 13, 2016

Did you know that Disney Springs is hosting the new Christmas Tree Trail this year? The trail features 15 Disney-Themed Christmas Trees on a path surrounded by falling snow. The tree path is open daily from November 11, 2016 through January 8, 2017. The new Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail is fun for everyone.

The entrance to the Christmas Tree Trail is between The Earl of Sandwich and Once Upon a Toy. As you enter the Christmas Tree Trail, you will feel the chill in the air immediately. The reason for this is the snow that is falling from the sky and surrounding all who journey along the tree path.

With the exception of the Florida Tree, each of the 15 trees is whimsically decorated to represent Disney characters. The Florida Tree features plants and seashells commonly found around the state of Florida, such as Palm Fronds and the Bird of Paradise. Along the tree trail you will see trees decorated with such items as Minnie’s Bows on the Mickey & Minnie Tree and the Mad Hatter’s Hat atop the Alice in Wonderland Tree. With 15 trees to view and admire, you are sure to find a favorite along the Christmas Tree Trail. My personal favorite is the Alice in Wonderland Tree.

As you exit The Christmas Tree Trail, signs will guide you back into the Disney Springs Marketplace for more Christmas fun. From music and photos, to the giant Christmas Tree display and shopping, you can have an enjoyable evening. The Christmas Tree Trail is in the same location where the Disney Resort busses used to drop guests off at the end of the Marketplace Neighborhood of Disney Springs. The new resort bus drop-off and pick-up location is in the Disney Springs Town Center Neighborhood.

When you travel along the tree trail, you will hear holiday music playing. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing along! The falling snow is such a wonderful touch to an already enjoyable experience and the trees are truly magnificent. Be sure to take a few minutes to admire the themed decorations on each tree.

The best time to experience the Christmas Tree Trail is during the evening hours to see everything lit up and the snow falling. You can also walk through during the day if you are wanting to experience the tree trail with less crowds. The Christma.s Tree Trail is a must do, must see, must experience display for all who venture to Disney Springs this holiday season. With falling snow, holiday music, and beautifully decorated trees the new Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail is fun for everyone.

Check out my live video below:

What do you think of the new Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs? Please leave your comments in the box below.

The Beauty of The 2016 Grand Floridian Holiday Gingerbread House

By

Lisette R

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November 13, 2016

The beauty of The Grand Floridian Holiday Gingerbread House is sure to get you into the spirit of the season. From the windows and the decorated porches, to the Hidden Mickeys, the Gingerbread House building process, and the view from the top you are sure to leave humming Christmas Carols and smelling of Gingerbread. Be prepared to be amazed at the list of ingredients it took to create this magnificent work of art.

Each window of The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House tells its own story. You will notice one window depicting Anna and Elsa as young girls building a snowman. Winnie the Pooh and his woodland friends are all decked out in their winter attire and enjoying time together. Be sure to look for Nala and Simba as they exchange gifts in a winter wonderland. Each window shares a story of friendship, love, and the spirit of the holiday season.

The snow-covered decorated porch-fronts are all done up in their festive finery. Here you will find Santa Claus’s, Snow People, and Wooden Soldiers. The upper level porch features a lovley snow town scene. While much of the porch deco is the same as it has been in years past, this is exactly part of what makes the Gingerbread House so incredibly special.

Be sure to seek out the Hidden Mickey’s that have been secretly displayed in random locations throughout the Gingerbread House. They are hidden really well. You will find yourself quite challenged to find all 18 of them!

Did you know that the chefs do not use water in their dough mixture? I was amazed by this fact alone. Be sure to take a few minutes to view the digital photo tour of the Gingerbread House making, and building, process. There is a lot of time and effort that goes into this lengthy development of the glorious Holiday Gingerbread House.

Remember to go upstairs and take in the view from the top of The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House. Here you will be able to view the gifts santa is delivering. Each area along the second floor provides a differnt view that cannot be seen from the ground level.

The view of the Gingerbread House from the opposite side is also stunningly beautiful. Here you will notice the adorable mail box with a letter to Santa. The mail box slowly opens and closes to reveal the letter.

The display boards give a shortened photo version of how the Gingerbread Dough is made and how the Gingerbread House is constructed and decorated. You will be absolutely amazed at the ingredients list displayed on the large Gingerbread Man Ingredients Board.

Beginning on December 1st, The Grand Floridian will host Gingerbread Demos in front of the Gingerbread House, at 1:00pm. These daily demonstrations will take place through December 24th. This event is free.

Every year the beauty of The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House wows visitors. This annual display is now celebrating its 18th year of Joy. The current design was created by Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek in 1999. The gingerbread scent, as you enter The Grand Floridian, will let you know that you have arrived at the right place. The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House is open daily from 10:00am-10:00pm.

See a video here:

From all of us at Chip and Company, to all of you, we wish you a beautiful Holiday Season!

What do you think of the 2016 Grand Floridian Gingerbread House? Please leave your comments in the box below.