D23 Gold Members can enjoy a New Members-Only Event called Sip and Scream

July 3, 2016

If you are a D23 Gold Member, then we have exciting news for you! Disney will be offering a special Gold Members Event called Sip and Scream, to celebrate the Halloween season as well as the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. D23 released details on their website:

OVERVIEW

D23 Members celebrate Halloween and the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by experiencing delectable dining, spooky entertainment, and a special taping of ABC’s Emmy® Award-winning series The Chew!

DETAILS

$125 per person (plus $5 processing fee). Tickets will go on sale on Monday, July 11, 2016, 10 a.m. PT.

Takes place on Wednesday October 5th, 2016.

Including within your Sip & Scream experience, guests will need to select either a morning or an afternoon taping of The Chew. Check in location and timing details to come.

Available to Gold and Gold Family Members
You will be required to show a photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.

Trick-or-treat! D23 Members looking for something good to eat should not miss Sip & Scream during the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World! As part of their culinary experience, Sip & Scream attendees are invited to partake in delectable dining, spooky entertainment, and a special taping of ABC’s Emmy® Award-winning series The Chew!

On October 5, D23 Members will enjoy either a morning or afternoon taping of The Chew, set against the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth backdrop. Show co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly, and Daphne Oz will share tasty new recipes and a bounty of festival surprises with their Epcot audiences.

Sip & Scream guests will also enjoy free time to taste the Festival’s newest culinary offerings across Future World and World Showcase—including three delicious dishes inspired by The Chew: Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots, and Feta Cheese; Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce; and Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle. These food stars of the Epcot festival will be available at The Chew Collective in the Next Eats festival area of Future World.

The culinary adventure continues as D23 Members will experience an exclusive presentation in World Showcase. Then it’s time to partake in a musical feast of sizzling tunes, as guests enjoy reserved seating at the Eat to the Beat concert at the America Gardens Theatre!

The event culminates in a ghoulishly delightful Halloween spooktacular-themed dessert reception at the Isle de France. D23 Members will mix and mingle in the moonlight while enjoying Halloween-inspired desserts and beverages—the perfect setting to enjoy VIP viewing of Epcot’s stunning nighttime spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth! Each Sip & Scream guest will receive a copy of The Chew cookbook, a $25 Disney Gift Card to taste some of the delicious offerings at the Food & Wine Festival, and of course, unforgettable memories of a frightfully fabulous day.

NOTE

This is event is available to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. When registering, Members must select either the morning or afternoon taping of The Chew. This event does not include admission to Epcot. Each guest will need to have or purchase admission to Epcot to attend. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Guests must be 21 years of age or older, ID will be checked. Ticketed members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at Walt Disney World Resort during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Walt Disney Company, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Producer”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.

If you’d like to plan a trip to Walt Disney World, but don’t know where to begin, then contact me today for more information, and to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

photo: Disney

Frontera Cocina Restaurant Now Open at Disney Springs

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 3, 2016

If you have been following the announcements regarding the opening of Frontera Cocina, you’ll be happy to know that Disney sent out a press release today regarding the Grand Opening of their newest Disney Springs restaurant, Frontera Cocina:

Renowned chef Rick Bayless is introducing Florida and the Southeast to his famous gourmet Mexican dishes with the debut of Frontera Cocina now open at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

Frontera Cocina will delight friends, family and food lovers with exciting flavors and a contemporary Mexican experience. Warm colors, an open kitchen and a lively atmosphere frame an inviting exploration of the many delights developed by Chef Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner.

Menu items include Oaxacan Red Chile Chicken, Salsa Verde Shrimp Enchiladas Suizas and freshly made salsas and guacamole. In addition, a quick-service taco counter will be added to offer guests a quick taste of Chef Bayless’ award-winning cuisine.

“For me, it is always a thrill to share the lively fresh regional flavors of Mexico with a broader audience,” Chef Bayless said. “And what better place to do that than Walt Disney World Resort? We plan to add all the deliciousness we can to the experience for all who come to enjoy Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs.”

Executive Chef Stephen Hicks will oversee Frontera Cocina’s kitchen. Hicks has forged his career based on the basic fundamentals of simplicity, sourcing local ingredients and pursuing world-class customer service. Using these guiding principles, Hicks has served as cook and lead in the kitchens of the River Club in Jacksonville, Florida; Sapphire Grill in Savannah, Georgia; and Seasons 52 in Orlando, Florida. Hicks also spent time as a multi-unit chef in Chicago with McCormick & Schmick’s.

Chef Bayless and Richard Debler of Vista Springs, LLC commissioned the nationally recognized, award-winning Philadelphia-based firm Daroff Design Inc + DDI Architects, PC. (DDI) to create the exciting new architectural and interior design experience for the chef’s new Frontera Cocina restaurant at Disney Springs, an exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining, and high-quality entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort.

Chef Bayless launched his Frontera franchise in Chicago in 1981. Since then, he has opened several more award-winning restaurants including Xoco, Frontera Grill, Toplobampo, Leña Brava, Cruz Blanca and now, Frontera Cocina.

If you’d like to plan a trip to Walt Disney World to experience the newly reimagined Disney Springs, but don’t know where to begin, then contact me today for more information, and to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

photos: Disney

Disney Springs Grand Opening Summer Celebration Began July 1st!

Danielle

July 2, 2016

Disney Springs has been a buzz with excitement as new shops and restaurants continue to open this summer. The bustling new Disney district was previously called Downtown Disney, and renamed last fall. Over the past few months, it seems as if every week new and exciting openings are announced. This summer Disney Springs is having it’s official grand opening!

Disney Parks Blog has been bringing us all the latest updates, with an enthusiasm that has me excited to check out all the new additions. There is now more live entertainment for summer, special décor, sales at many retailers, and fun warm weather-inspired enhancements, this Grand Opening season is the prefect time to discover Disney Springs.

A few new additions Disney Parks Blog announced going on through Labor Day:

Entertainment: Did you know that on any given night, there are more than 20 different entertainment acts performing throughout the four Disney Springs neighborhoods? This free entertainment includes a variety of live musicians, improvisational rappers, DJs, Living Statues and, depending on the night you visit, maybe even a roaming illusionist (my favorite!). We’re amping up the Florida factor with some additional local talent including Sleeping Sunset (Pop), The I-4 Band (Top 40), Chaz Robinson (Pop), Casey Conroy (Contemporary/Pop), Plus 1 (Country), Vintage Vinyl (Contemporary with a vintage sound), Dayve Stewart (Jazz), CeCe Teneal (R&B), The Gerry Williams Band (Funk), and The Liam Duncan Trio (Current Acoustic) mixing it up all summer long.

Beat the Heat DJ Party: Every afternoon, the Marketplace Fountain will be flowing, giving guests young and old the chance to splash the day away. With a combination of chill summer tunes and a variety of ice-cold, frosty beverages (with options for adults and kids) nearby, this will be THE spot to cool down.

Retail Offers and Promotions: An ever-changing array of sales and specials makes summer shopping during the Disney Springs Grand Opening Celebration a must! A quick walk around Town Center, our newest neighborhood, reveals that many locations are offering some hard-to-pass-up deals. Below, a few that I’m especially excited about, happening now (keep in mind that offers are subject to change):

Columbia Sportswear – 25% off entire store

Lucky Brand – 40% off entire store

Sperry – 50% off select items

Kipling – 25% off the entire store, with 40% off select colors

Alex and Ani – 30% off select styles

UNOde50 – 30% off select accessories and jewelry

Francesca’s – buy one, get one 50% off accessories

Erwin Pearl – 10% off Maya Collection

Melissa Shoes – 40-60% off select styles when you buy 2 or more pairs

JOHNNY WAS – 20% off in-store

ZARA – summer sale happening now

LACOSTE – up to 50% off select items

Johnston & Murphy – buy one, get one 50% off apparel

American Threads – buy one, get one 50% off regular priced apparel, exclusions apply

There will even be PhotoPass photographers walking around who will have Disney Springs Grand Opening-themed frames and props for you to pose with. In select locations, limited-edition “Grand Opening” treats will be available. Disney Parks Blog says the culinary teams at The Ganachery and Amorette’s Patisserie have something sweet in store.
Lastly the you will find festive Grand Opening décor throughout property, that gives you the feeling of something special in the air.
Getting to Disney Springs is easier than ever. Disney Resort hotel guests can take complimentary bus transportation that drops off in the heart of Town Center. If you choose to drive, access the property from I-4 West via a new connection that leads directly to one of our two convenient parking garages. Both feature complimentary parking and smart technology that identifies open parking spaces. Valet parking is also available.

Disney Parks Blog will be sharing real-time updates via @DisneySprings on Twitter and Instagram. To celebrate the Grand Opening of Disney Springs, look for hashtag “#GoDisneySprings” launching today. You can post your own photos and videos on instagram and twitter with the same hashtag!

I can’t wait to check out the Disney Springs Grand Opening!!

Pixar Says No Ratatouille, Wall-E, Up, or Inside Out Sequels Coming Up

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 2, 2016

Pixar Logo web2

With Pixar’s latest film being the sequel “Finding Dory“, having grossed $455.7 million so far, it’s no wonder Pixar has so many sequels on their slate: “Cars 3” in 2017, “Toy Story 4” in 2018, and “The Incredibles 2” in 2019. With most of Pixar’s films being critical and financial successes, one would assume that they would make sequels to all of their films, but Pixar president Jim Morris explained in a recent Entertainment Weekly interview why that’s not the case:

“Most studios jump on doing a sequel as soon as they have a successful film, but our business model is a filmmaker model, and we don’t make a sequel unless the director of the original film has an idea that they like and are willing to go forward on. A sequel in some regards is even harder [than the original] because you’ve got this defined world which, on the one hand, is a leg up, and on the other hand has expectations that you can’t disappoint on.”

Aside from the already announced three upcoming Pixar sequels, Morris confirmed no others are in development at the moment. For March and June 2020, Pixar will be releasing two new original films (one of them being “Coco“), and have two other original films currently in the works, but without an official release date tied to them.

While Morris confirmed no other sequels are planned, he did say “anything’s possible”, often times Pixar has made sequels to films that they thought they had closed the book on. So even if we aren’t getting a sequel right now to “Ratatouille”, “Wall-E”, “Up”, or “Inside Out” (among a couple others), there’s always a possibility they will make another comeback.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Four-Day 4th of July Celebration

Lisette R

July 2, 2016

Are you looking for family fun, excitement, and an amazing fireworks display this Fourth of July weekend? If you are, then head on over to SeaWorld Orlando’s Fourth of July Celebration as they are offering four days of special events, concerts, and one of Orlando’s most magnificent fireworks displays.

Park guests can enjoy performances from Country music icon Lee Greenwood at Bayside Stadium. Greenwood has more than 30 albums to his credit and has received numerous industry awards including Grammy Top Male Vocal Performance and Male Vocalist with the Country Music Association. Concerts begin at 6:30pm on Saturday, July 2nd and Sunday, July 3rd. Concerts are included with park admission. Reserved seating is also available for $15. You can visit SeaWorldOrlando.com if you are interested in purchasing reserved seating for either of these concerts.

On July 4th, families and friends can enjoy one of Orlando’s most magnificent fireworks displays at SeaWorld Orlando. The night sky will light up as bursts of bright colors fill the air during this spectacular, patriotic-inspired show featuring the 13th Army Band, Florida National Guard. Fireworks are included with park admission and can best be viewed from Bayside Stadium. The patriotic musical performance begins at 10:00pm with fireworks promptly following at approximately 10:45pm. If you are interested, you can also reserve your seat in advance by purchasing Fourth of July Fireworks Reserved Seating online for $29.00 per person.

Sea World Orlando is also offering a VIP Fireworks Viewing Patio. You can enjoy this private VIP Hillside Patio for viewing the Fourth of July Fireworks at Ssea World Orlando. Included in the purchase is this VIP area to watch the fireworks along with one drink ticket redeemable for a beer, wine or soda and dessert selection. Packages start at $49.00 per person.

Be sure to check out the Summer of Mako while you are visiting SeaWorld Orlando. This event encourages families to explore, be inspired and take action to protect our one ocean. Whether you want to meet animal experts, enjoy interactive games, or take a ride on Mako, Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster, Summer of Mako has something for all members of the family.

Guests can enjoy one of Orlando’s best values this holiday weekend, SeaWorld’s 4th of July Celebration and Summer of Mako for $69 with the purchase of a single-day admission to SeaWorld at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Wishing you all a spectacular Independence Day. Please leave your comments below to let us know if you will be braving a ride on Mako and then experiencing the spectacular fireworks display at SeaWorld Orlando.

SeaWorld's 4th of July Weekend Celebration (3)

SeaWorld's 4th of July Weekend Celebration (4)

Disney Testing Automated PhotoPass Cameras

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 2, 2016

It looks as though Disney is trying out a new system regarding how you get your PhotoPass photos taken in certain areas of the park.

WDW News Today Reports that currently the trial is currently underway at Rapunzel’s Tower, where there isn’t normally a PhotoPass Photographer anyway, making it a bonus picture spot; and will be moving to The Sword in the Stone in Fantasyland in front of the Carousel in the next few days.

Guests activate the camera to take their photo themselves and the photos then link to your PhotoPass account/Memory Maker automatically, just as it normally would when you have your photo taken by a PhotoPass photographer. Cast members have been located near the cameras to assist guests who are willing to try it out, and as a thank you they’ve been receiving their photo download from the stationary camera for free.

As you can imagine, this new system would require permanent structures that contain the cameras to be installed, and could possibly eliminate the need for some PhotoPass photographers.

What do you think about the possibility of automated picture spots throughout the parks?

If you’d like to plan a trip to Walt Disney World, but don’t know where to begin, then contact me today for more information, and to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

The Seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are now offering an exciting summer rate!

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 2, 2016

The Seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels located inside Walt Disney World are now offering an exciting rate for bookings through September 30^th. The “Summer Salebration” is a great way to experience all that Walt Disney World has to offer including the still expanding Disney Springs.

If you have still not made your summer vacation plans to Walt Disney World do not stress, there is a great deal being offered. A great way to experience the destination is by taking advantage of the appealing “Summer Salebration” rates that are being offered by the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels for stays through September 30, 2016. The special rates provide the opportunity to take in the many fun new offerings throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, 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 Theme Park, and the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot.

Not only can you 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’ “Summer Salebration Rates” for stays through September 30, 2016 are:

B Resort & Spa – rates from $99 per room, per night
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – rates from $69 per room, per night
Buena Vista Palace – rates from $89 per room, per night
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista — rates from $89 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 $72 per room, per night.

To see the Summer Salebration Rates being offered click here

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.

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 re-imagined 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 and nine new specialty dining locations that just opened their doors in Town Center in May. Read all about everything new at Disney Springs here

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels (DisneySpringsHotels.com) is a consortium of seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels that includes:

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 Springs^TM 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 Springs^TM Resort Area
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – the closest hotel to Disney Springs^TM, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including Benihana^®Steakhouse), and 24-hour fitness center
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
Wyndham 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.

Coca-Cola Store Orlando opens July 2nd at Disney Springs

Chip

July 1, 2016

Coca‑Cola Store Orlando opens July 2 at Disney Springs, allowing guests to experience the world’s most iconic beverage brand at a new immersive retail destination. Just as Disney Springs is a one-of-a-kind Disney experience delivering great dining, shopping and entertainment, Coca‑Cola Store Orlando is uniquely designed to showcase Coca‑Cola branded merchandise and entertaining experiences that inspire the senses.

Coca‑Cola Store Orlando is modeled after a 1920s Coca‑Cola bottling plant. Celebrating the history of Coca-Cola, the inviting brick exterior gives a nod to the brand’s heritage while the glass-accented entry pays tribute to the iconic Coca‑Cola green glass bottle. Inside, guests are welcomed by a 30-foot-wide blown-glass chandelier crafted from repurposed Coca‑Cola bottles – just one example of how this unique retail experience was designed with the environment in mind. The store – one of only three retail locations operated by The Coca‑Cola Company in the United States – features a broad assortment of Coca-Cola branded merchandise. A line of sustainable fashion apparel and other handmade items crafted from recycled materials showcase the 5by20™ collection – an array of items created by women artisans from around the world.

Guests can visit the refreshing rooftop beverage bar and taste an ice-cold Coca‑Cola while taking in the sights of Disney Springs. For the ultimate Coke experience, guests can choose from a variety of Coca‑Cola brands from around the world such as Beverly from Italy and Thums Up from India, frozen beverages and over 100 drink choices via Coca‑Cola Freestyle^®. A selection of specialty adult beverages is available in the evenings.

“Coca‑Cola shares much in common with Disney, including our ability to inspire unique moments of optimism and happiness for our fans,” said Russell Jacobs, General Manager of Retail and Attractions at The Coca‑Cola Company.

Stefanie Miller, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnership Marketing added, “We’ve been a proud partner of The Walt Disney Company since 1942, and both brands hold a special place in people’s hearts and minds. Now we’re raising a glass to Coca‑Cola Store Orlando, where Disney and Coca‑Cola fans alike can truly ‘Taste the Feeling.’”

Coca-Cola Store opens Saturday at #disney springs. There will be Beverly. https://t.co/RTg54vBIW3 pic.twitter.com/kAHoopI8dn

— Dewayne Bevil (@ThemeParks) July 1, 2016

Beginning in August, guests can share a moment with the famous Coca‑Cola Polar Bear. Bear hugs, high fives and photos will all be welcome!

This July be Sure to Try Disneyland’s New Toffee Gourmet Treats

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 1, 2016

Disneyland had mentioned some time back they would be offering some new toffee treats that would be available for a limited time, and that time has finally come!

Starting July 1, they’ll be offering a tantalizing and tart apple covered in creamy caramel, dipped in sweet milk chocolate and topped with crunchy toffee pieces, roasted almonds and chocolate drizzle. But their candy makers didn’t stop there – many of the toffee ingredients used for the apples can also be found on a marshmallow wand and crispy treat.

Look for these delicious treats and more at Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A. and Hunny Spot in Critter Country at Disneyland park, Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure park and Marceline’s Confectionery in the Downtown Disney District.

Keep in mind, these treats will only be available from July 1-31, or while supplies last. Don’t miss out!

If you’d like to plan a trip to Disneyland to try these new sweet treats, but don’t know where to begin, then contact me today for more information, and to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Which one will you try first?

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Launches New “Disney LOL” Social Content App

Danielle

July 1, 2016

Disney has launched Disney LOL (available on iOS and Android), a new app where families, including kids, can access Disney’s short-form social content in a singular, family-friendly, high-quality mobile app experience.

With Disney LOL, Disney fans of all ages can join the fun and view GIFs, Vines, short-form videos (up to two minutes) and browse through a variety of non-episodic content from Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Interactive Media , Star Wars, and Marvel. The app is free to download and available for iOS and Android in the United States and Canada.

The Disney LOL app builds on the success Disney is experiencing with content created for various social media and micro content platforms. Disney currently has 1.15 billion followers across these platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, YouTube, Snapchat and Vine), driving 325 million views per month.

“Our audience engages when we interpret classic Disney stories in new ways, with bite-sized, shareable pieces of content relatable to all ages,” Michael Hundgen, Director of Content Strategy and Editorial, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media said. “By bringing Disney’s social content into the Disney LOL app experience, we’re making it possible for all audiences to access this engaging content. We’re creating content for digitally-native families every day, and these new experiences offer Disney stories and characters in formats that are familiar to our audience and on the devices they use most.”

In addition to the Disney LOL app, families, including kids, can also enjoy Disney interactive content and short-form video on the new Disney LOL portal (lol.disney.com) and Mickey Video app.

On the web, the Disney LOL portal (lol.disney.com) is a uniquely Disney digital experience that features interactive Disney videos, games, memes, GIFs, micro-interactives, jokes, trivia, polls, and more.
The Mickey Video app features popular short-form (up to five minutes) Disney videos for kids and families. Content includes season three of Mickey Shorts (20 videos); Classic Mickey and Friends Cartoons plus curated collections and character pages, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto; additional short-form content from Disney-Pixar and more. Users can browse by character or collection, or dive right into the newest Mickey Shorts Season Three videos. The app is available on the iPhone, iPad and on Apple TV.
The Apple TV Mickey Video app delivers short-form Disney video content directly into living rooms. The five-minute duration of the videos makes for a perfect ‘living room’ experience, which offers less swiping and more of a ‘laid-back’ moment that audiences seek from the big screen.

With all three Disney experiences, safety is the top priority. The apps and website only serve age-appropriate content and provide a safe experience for users of all ages.

New Advertising Opportunity
Disney LOL, Mickey Video, and lol.disney.com are all free to download and access, but are (or will soon be) supported with advertising. Ads are produced by Disney content creators on behalf of advertisers and are clearly marked as ads, but formatted to integrate with the content.

● Disney LOL app offers 6 to 15 second ads in video or GIF format.

● Disney LOL portal (lol.disney.com) offers branded or sponsored interactive content including games and activities.

● The Mickey Video app will soon support advertising with pre-roll ads.
These new digital products make it possible for advertisers to align with the Disney brand and easily reach all ages in a safe way. Current advertising partners for the Disney LOL app include Hasbro and The LEGO Group.

Disney LOL is available in the App Store and on Google Play
Mickey Video is available in the App Store
Disney LOL on the web: http://lol.disney.com

Fabulously Chic Distressed Denim Mickey Ears

Danielle

July 1, 2016

If there is one thing we’ve learned by now, it’s that I LOVE Mickey Ears headbands. Of course that means I love unique finds, so you know I couldn’t resist these Distressed Denim Mickey Ears from BoiledSprats on Etsy.

These Distressed Denim Mickey Ears are sure to make you stand out in a crown. I love the frayed ear with the peek-a-boo patch underneath, it looks edgy but stylish. Each pair is also made with careful consideration to details, to ensure you get a fabulous pair of ears. If you love glitter and sparkles, you’ll be happy to see that these are constructed atop of a glitter hairband! You can get the Denim Mickey Ears in a light, or dark wash option. Another super cute detail, is you also get an “autograph” of the inspired character on the back of an ear! I can see Disney Addicts having fun with modern Disneybound styles using these ears too.

You can check out the fun varieties available below:

So what do you think of this chic and also unique twist on the beloved Mickey Ears? Would you wear these ears at the parks?

Single Rider Option Being Tested for Kali River Rapids

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 1, 2016

Orlando Theme Park News is reporting that Disney will be testing a single rider option in for Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom from July 3-17th. It appears they may be performing this new “test” in order to entice more people to ride Kali River Rapids, which is a large group-style water raft ride.

The testing is not a guaranteed option for riders, and may be offered intermittently throughout the trial phase, so be sure check the availability before you get in the queue. During this test, single rider guests will enter using the FastPass+ entrance and be separated further down the queue. All Guests choosing the single riders option must be at least 7 years old.

Photo credit: Disney

1...3,8913,8923,893...5,383 Page 3,892 of 5,383