New Update Available for Disney Magic Kingdoms

By

-

June 20, 2016

Gameloft, in collaboration with Disney, announced the second major update for Disney Magic Kingdoms, introducing Disney Pixar’s “The Incredibles” multi-week event, including a cast of new characters, attractions and quests.

first multi-week event features the super hero family from Disney Pixar’s “The Incredibles,” a movie first released in 2004. In this action-packed update, players welcome Mrs. Incredible who kicks off the in-game event by investigating a disturbance in the Park. Eventually players also welcome Mr. Incredible, Violet, Dash and even the icy Frozone to aid in the search for the source of the destructive Omnidroids.

Also new in this update is the Jet Packs attraction and several decorations inspired by the brand-new Shanghai Disneyland Park in China, which opened its doors officially on June 16, 2016.

Check out all of the “Incredible” features!

Multi-Week Event: The first multi-week event in Disney Magic Kingdoms, with limited-time characters to welcome, including special event quests and storyline content
Six New Characters: Mrs. Incredible, Mr. Incredible, Dash, Violet, Frozone and Syndrome from Disney●Pixar’s “The Incredibles”
New Quests: 50 new unique quests and special animations for the heroes and heroines of “The Incredibles”
New Parade Float: Inspired by “The Incredibles” float in the Pixar Play Parade at Disney California Adventure Park
New Attractions: Four new attractions inspired by “The Incredibles”: Omnidroid City, The Incredibles House, The Obstacle Course, and Syndrome’s Zero Gravity Rings; two new attractions inspired by “Aladdin” – The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and The Magic Lamp Theater; all-new Jet Packs attraction inspired by the brand-new Shanghai Disneyland Park in China
New Decorations: Decorations fit for heroes, introducing the “Tribute to Heroines” and “Tribute to Heroes” statues and The Incredibles Bench
New Concession Stand: Park visitors will be jumping for joy with their icy treats from Frozone’s Snow Cone stand

Check out the new video below!

Download and play the new update today: PLAY

Character and Signature Dining on the 2017 Disney Dining Plan

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 20, 2016

Rumors were circulating recently that certain character meals such as Chef Mickey’s, Tusker House and Akershus would soon require 2 table service credits rather than only 1 credit. According to the new 2017 Disney Dining Plan guide, it looks like character dining will continue to remain only 1 table service credit per person. The only character meal that would require 2 table service credits is Cinderella’s Royal Table.

What’s even more interesting is that Tiffins in Animal Kingdom is missing from the list of Signature Restaurants. Tiffins is currently a signature dining restaurant that requires 2 table service credits per person. According to the guide, it will require only 1 table service credit per person in 2017. The restaurant recently opened in Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom and offers unique menu items inspired by global travel.

There are two possible explanations for this change…either Tiffins isn’t doing as well as expected or it is simply a mistake on the 2017 Disney Dining Plan guide. Keep in mind that the guide could still be updated at any time and more restaurants will likely be added once contracts have been finalized.

Click on the link below for full details on the Disney Dining Plans valid for arrivals January 1 – December 31, 2017. The Quick Service guide along with pricing will be updated as soon as they become available. In the meantime, you can catch up on other recent changes to the Dining Plans by clicking here.

Click here for the 2017 Disney Dining Plan

Click here for the 2017 Disney Deluxe Dining

2017 Walt Disney World vacation packages will be available to book beginning Tuesday, June 21st. Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here for a complimentary travel quote. All of my planning services are FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: Disney

Water Related Activities Update at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 20, 2016

Many water related activities at Walt Disney World Resort were suspended after last week’s tragic alligator attack at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. All resort beach areas remain closed to guests as fences along with new warning signs are being installed along waterways throughout the area.

All water transportation has resumed operation including resort water taxis and ferry boats. Guests can once again rent pontoon and Boston Whaler boats. However, watersport activities such as parasailing, water skiing, wake boarding/surfing, tubing and personal watercraft rentals through Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre are still not available.

Guests are not allowed to use their own fishing equipment on any resort waterway and may only fish in designated areas. Fishing excursions on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake prior to 9:00am have been cancelled.

Lastly, the nighttime event “Movie Under the Stars” will be shown indoors rather than outside on the beach. No word if this is a permanent change or not.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Disney Destination vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money.

Photo Credit: http://sammyduvall.com/

New Details Have Been Announced on 2017 Disney Dining Plans

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 19, 2016

New details have emerged on the Dining Plans offered at Disney in 2017 (Scroll to the bottom for the 2017 Disney Dining PDF). A Quick Service meal in 2016 currently consists of 1 entree, 1 non-alcoholic drink and 1 dessert item. A Quick Service meal in 2017 will consist of 1 entree and 1 non-alcoholic drink.

Guests have often questioned if the dining plan was actually a good value or not if their family were not big dessert eaters. It looks like Disney has listened to those concerns and made some adjustments beginning next year. According to Kenny The Pirate, the dessert option at Quick Service locations under the Dining Plan will soon be replaced with an extra snack item per day to be used at any time throughout the guest’s stay. Pricing on next year’s Dining Plans is still not available yet.

The 2017 Disney Dining Plans will consist of the following:

2017 Quick Service Dining Plan

(2) Quick Service Meals – entree & non-alcoholic drink
(2) Snacks
(1) Resort Refillable Mug per person

Under the 2016 Quick Service Plan, guests currently receive 2 dessert options and 1 snack per day for a total of 3 selections. With the new plan, guests will have 2 snack options per day. Essentially, guests on the Quick Service Plan will loose one dessert or snack option per day.

2017 Disney Dining Plan

(1) Quick Service Meal – entree & non-alcohlic drink
(1) Table Service Meal – entree, dessert and non-alcoholic drink or full buffet meal
(2) Snacks
(1) Resort Refillable Mug per person

The Disney Dining Plan seems to be a better value in 2017 since a table service meal still includes a dessert option. In addition, guests will be entitled to 2 snack credits per day rather than only 1 under the current plan.

2017 Deluxe Disney Dining Plan

(3) Meals – Combination of Quick Service or Table Service
(2) Snacks
(1) Resort Refillable Mug per person

A table service meal when using the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan consists of an appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage or one full buffet or family style meal.

Using Your Meals

• You can redeem more than one Quick-Service meal, Table-Service meal or snack per night, as you wish, until your total number of meal/snack entitlements is depleted.

• All unused meals and snacks and the ability to use your Rapid Fill Resort refillable mug expire at midnight on your package reservation check-out date.

Finding Dining and Snack Locations

• Most of the restaurant locations in Disney Theme Parks, Disney Water Parks, Disney Springs™ and Disney Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resort hotels accept the Disney Dining Plan.

• You can also find plenty of locations where you can redeem your snacks – just look for the Dining Plan symbol on the menu boards at Quick-Service restaurants, most outdoor food carts and select merchandise locations to identify what items are eligible snacks.

Certain items are not included in any dining plans such as:

• Alcoholic Beverages

• Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)

• Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a Souvenir Container

• Items that are sold from Recreation Rental Counters

• Items that are considered Merchandise (such as Bottle Toppers, Glow Cubes and Bottle Straps)

• Special Dining Events with special menus offered at certain Table-Service locations

Redeeming Your Meals

• Present your valid Disney Resort ID (either a MagicBand or card) to the server or cashier at the time a meal or snack is purchased and specify the number of meals or snacks being redeemed for Disney Dining Plan Guests ages 10+ and the number of meals or snacks being redeemed for Disney Dining Plan

• Guests ages 3-9 must order from a children’s menu where available.

• Gratuities are not included except at Dinner Shows, Private In-Room Dining and Cinderella’s Royal Table.

• An additional form of payment is needed if you add a gratuity and have not provided a credit card at check-in to charge incidentals and other expenses to your room.

• An 18% gratuity will automatically be added to your bill for parties of six or more.

• An automatic gratuity charge may also be added to your bill for certain items you order that are not included in the Disney Dining Plan (e.g. alcoholic beverages).

• Choosing items from a separate prix fixe menu offered at certain locations requires payment of a surcharge in addition to redeeming the number of Table-Service entitlements required at the location.

• The Disney Dining Plan is unavailable for Guests under the age of 3, but they may share from an adult plate at no charge, or a meal may be purchased from the menu. The price of the meal will be added to your bill.

Click on the links below for more details on each Dining Plan:

Quick Service Dining Plan

Disney Dining Plan

Deluxe Dining Plan

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to request a complimentary travel quote and start planning your 2017 Disney vacation! All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Credit: Disney

Finding Dory Box Office Has Record Breaking Opening Weekend

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 19, 2016

Even though “Finding Dory” has only been in theaters for three days it’s already a huge box office hit. Considering it’s predecessor “Finding Nemo” being such a financial success in 2003, this comes as no surprise!

“Finding Dory” has brought in $136.2 million in the U.S.’s opening weekend alone (“Finding Nemo” made $70.3 million on its first weekend). This now makes it the biggest opening weekend for an animated film ever! Prior to this, Dreamwork’s “Shrek the Third” held the record with $121 million. Not only is it the biggest opening weekend for an animated film, but is also the second biggest June opening of any movie.

Overseas, it has so far brought in $65.5 million between Australia, Argentina, Russia, and China. It’s $17.5 million international debuts makes it the largest international Pixar release.

Disney has so far released the three biggest releases of 2016, “Captain America: Civil War“, “Zootopia“, and “The Jungle Book,” with “Finding Dory” certain to join the ranks.

“Finding Dory” is now in theaters, and available to see in 3D and IMAX 3D, and has the visual narrative available at any showing via the Smart-syncing technology on the Disney Movies Anywhere app. You can check out our official review of the movie here.

Disney is My Home Castle With Tink Decal

By

Danielle

-

June 19, 2016

Today’s Disney Find brings a different take on the “Disney Home” decals, with the adorable addition of Tink! This Castle Tink Decal is UV resistant, and and absolutely adorable take on a classic favorite.

Fallen under the Disney spell? Take a little bit of the Disney magic with you, even if you’re just driving to the supermarket or the office. This magical castle gets a sprinkling of fairy dust from Tink’s magic wand, so let’s hope some of it rubs off on your life today. Their wildly popular design is outdoor-ready, UV-protected against fading, and will go everywhere your car goes. These aren’t just for the car though! You can apply them to laptops, tablets, folders and more! This Castle Tink Decal is white with clear edging and also measures 6″ x 4.42″. You can get it on Amazon for free shipping here!

So if you’d like to spread a little pixie dust where ever you go, be sure to grab your own. If you’d like to wear your Disney Home pride where ever you go, our “Home” shirts are on sale at Tee Public till midnight!

In what ways do you show your Disney pride when on the go?

Video: Ride on Soarin Around the World on Opening Day

By

Chip

-

June 19, 2016

Imagine a wind-through-hair flight above The Great Wall of China, a lift-your-feet-or-they’ll-touch journey over the Great Pyramids of Egypt or a seat-of-your-pants dash through the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

These are just a few of the more than a dozen breathtaking – and innovative – ways guests will be able to experience the wonders of the world on the groundbreaking Soarin’ Around the World, which premiered June 17 at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort, just after the attraction’s world debut at the Shanghai Disney Resort. In addition to the new film, a third theater and re-imagined interactive queue will be added to the attraction at Epcot.

As the next generation of the popular Soarin’ attractions, Soarin’ Around the World is an exhilarating aerial adventure that immerses guests in a multi-sensory experience, complete with stunning sights, spectacular sounds and even subtle scents.

Guests won’t just see these gorgeous landscapes with their eyes. They’ll use all their senses to feel, smell and hear the world through this thrilling experience that could only be created by Disney.

Employing high-definition, laser-projected footage and innovative motion-based ride technology, all developed by Walt Disney Imagineering, Soarin’ Around the World lifts 87 guests at a time 40 feet aloft into an 80-foot projection screen dome. The effect is that guests’ entire field of vision is filled with panoramic beauty, giving them the sensation that they are actually flying over the globe’s grand landmarks, natural and manmade.

In Shanghai the attraction goes by a different name, Soaring Over the Horizon, to better fit its location in Adventure Isle at Shanghai Disneyland because of its spirit of exploration and discovery.

Soarin’ Around the World is also enhanced by its majestic musical score, composed by Bruce Broughton, based on the original Soarin’ score by the late film and television composer Jerry Goldsmith, and performed by the London Studio Orchestra.

Photo credit Mouse to your house

Choosing The Best Disney World Value Resort For Your Family

By

Catie

-

June 19, 2016

When it comes to picking a Walt Disney World Resort, the choices can be a bit overwhelming – as there are more than a dozen amazing on site hotels to choose from! Over the years, I have been lucky enough to stay at many of them, and while I love them ALL, I have to say, for my family, the Value Resorts make the most sense for our needs.

If you’re trying to figure out what Resort is right for you, then you will want to read on for the lowdown on the WDW Value Resorts:

“What does “Value Resort” Mean?” – Well, as the name implies, these are the cheapest Hotel rooms on Walt Disney World Property – there are 5 of them total, with prices ranging from $100-$200 a night (lower prices during “non-peak” times, and during holidays/weekends the rates would be higher). The rooms are on the smaller side, and have either two double or one king bed. One slight drawback to this “Value” category is that the hotels themselves are the furthest from the Disney Parks. They are still on Disney World property, but it takes a bit longer to get to the Parks than a more expensive hotel would (as the more expensive ones are closer, naturally). Overall, the Value Resorts are perfect for you if you plan on using your hotel as just a place to sleep, and are a great way to save some money, too!

Similarities: There are some things that all WDW Value Resorts have in common – they are all HUGE – which means that while it may be easier to book a room here than at smaller Resorts, it also means the buses, food court, and Resort itself might feed crowded at times, and it also means that your room might be a 10 minute or more walk to the bus stops/food/lobby (of course, Disney lets you pay more to book a “Preferred” room closer to the main pool/lobby should you choose to do so). All Value Resorts have multiple pools, with a pool bar adjacent to the “main” pool. When it comes to dining, you’ll find a “food court” like eatery at all Value Resorts, where different stations offer different types of food (Italian pasta/pizzas, salads/sandwiches, ice cream/gelato, etc) and are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and well into the evening, too). They all offer bus transportation to all the Disney Parks and Disney Springs – and Disney is really good about sending extra buses right away if there are long lines to board

Themes: The main difference between each of the Value Resorts is that each of them has their own unique theme, which is carried on throughout the lobby, rooms, pools, and hotel grounds. There’s All-Star Movies (think giant movie reels), All-Star Sports (giant footballs), and All-Star Music (giant saxaphones and trumpets), and then there is Pop Century (An ode to “pop culture” over the last several decades – giant hippie flowers and Rubik’s Cubes), and last but not least – The Art Of Animation Resort which is themed after some of Disney’s best animated movies (Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Cars). As you might have been able to guess, these are NOT subtle themes – as the décor is BIG, BRIGHT and LOUD – it’s really a hit with the little ones!

Room For More: Speaking of little ones, if you are thinking that a standard size hotel room would NOT be enough space for you and your family to spread out, then you might want to think of booking a family suite instead. They sleep up to 6, and offer a separate bedroom, pull out sofa beds, 2 bathrooms, and a kitchenette. There are some at the All Star Music Resort, and a whole bunch more at the Art of Animation Resort. Prices are a bit more for these, running around $200-$300 a night (again, depending on what time of year you go). The price may be higher, but the extra space and ability to prepare simple meals (breakfast before you head to the parks, for example) makes it a much better choice for many families (not to mention – 2 bathrooms is a LOT more convenient than the whole family sharing just one!)

My family has really enjoyed staying at all the WDW Value Resorts – overall, the service has been amazing, and while they may not offer as many amenities as the Moderate or Deluxe hotels, we believe that the lower price is worth that trade off, and hopefully this helped convince you to check out the Value Resorts for your next trip, too!

Wicked Movie Set for 2019 Release Date

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 18, 2016

A “Wicked” movie would be made based on the Tony Award-winning musical and best-selling book by Gregory Maguire. The musical, which reveals the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West had Idina Menzel (voice of Elsa) as the star Elphaba in its original Broadway cast.

With the musical having been such a huge worldwide hit (it’s grossed over $1 billion), it has been the hope of many fans that it would be brought to the big screen.

It is now official that we will be seeing a “Wicked” movie from Universal, to be released December 20, 2019.

The film will be directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours) and produced by Marc Platt (Scott Pilgrim, Drive).

No announcements of movie cast members have been made, but it would be rather incredible if original cast members Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth made an appearance!

Video: Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

-

June 18, 2016

State-of-the-art projection effects, dynamic lighting, lasers and pyrotechnics light up the night like never before! The music, magic and characters of Star Wars combine with special effects and fireworks to put you inside iconic scenes from the Star Wars saga.

You’ll be thrust into the middle of the action as you gaze upon Tatooine’s famous twin suns, fight through an army of Trade Federation battle droids, navigate a swirling asteroid field, rocket down the Death Star’s narrow trench and deliver a heroic final blow to Starkiller Base.

Gather your favorite Jedi, Jawas, Wookiees, droids and Ewoks for an experience you can only get at Walt Disney World Resort. The sounds of John Williams’ majestic Star Wars themes fill the air as the sights of twinkling lights fill the sky.

While a dazzling array of colors burst above you, imagine the awe-inspiring sights of exploding starships during a legendary Star Wars space battle—what better way to celebrate Star Wars than watching a show written on the stars!

Photo of boy playing in the water hours before alligator attack

By

Disney News

-

June 18, 2016

Jennifer Venditti was visiting the Grand Floridian Resort at the same time as Lane Graves, the 2 year old boy who was attacked by an alligator Tuesday night. As a matter of fact she took a picture of her son Channing playing in the same spot in the lake between 8 and 8:30pm. This is just an hour or so before 2 year old Lane was pulled in the water by the alligator. She wondering if maybe she had interacted with the family just before the tragedy took place.

Venditti said there were helicopters flying around until early Wednesday morning, but she doubts anyone would have slept knowing they were searching for a missing child.

While a lot of people are blaming the parents for allowing their child to be in the water at dark, Venditti said alligators were not even on her mind as her child played by the water, she went on to say:

“I can’t conceive that an alligator would be in such a busy, small space”

The beaches have been closed while signs are being installed to better warn families of the dangers of wildlife in Florida.

Early this week Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of Disney contacted the Graves family:

“As a parent and a grandparent, my heart goes out to the Graves family during this time of devastating loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them, and I know everyone at Disney joins me in offering our deepest sympathies.”

The Graves also released a statement this week:

“Melissa and I continue to deal with the loss of our beloved boy, Lane, and are overwhelmed with the support and love we have received from family and friends in our community as well as from around the country. We understand the public’s interest, but as we move forward this weekend, we ask for and appreciate the privacy we need to lay our son to rest. Neither Melissa, myself or anyone from our family will be speaking publicly; we simply cannot at this time.”

— Matt and Melissa Graves

Please remember don’t feed the wildlife no matter what size they are, and stay away from the water, a newly installed fence is only going to do so much.

Photo credit: Jennifer Venditti Facebook

Introducing Simple Gals Disney Inspired Refresher Sprays

By

Danielle

-

June 18, 2016

Simple Gals makes some of the best Disney inspired candles, ever! So when I saw they had Disney inspired refresher sprays, I couldn’t wait to check them out.

The refresher scents were originally created for spraying in the car to add a delicious fragrance of Disney on the go, but you can also use them as a linen spray, fabric refresher or just a spritz in the air at home. Being a Dole Whip fanatic as so many of us are, the Pineapple Whip was my first choice!

My first use I decided to spray it in the car when I went to volunteer at a swim class. When my son and I got back into the car I was surrounded by the unmistakable smell of Dole Whips! My son kept saying mmmm and “can we go to Disney World?” the whole ride home. I’m a fan of pillow mists, so I decided to give this a try for that use as well, and I have to say I was impressed. They didn’t leave any residue and was about the same level of scent that the Bath and Body Works pillow mists have.

Simple Gals has also recently debuted Disney Inspired Tea Lights! These delightful creations are available in all of your favorite scents, in packs of 6. You can pair these nicely with the Simple Gals Melts. You can try them with matching fragrances for double the wow, or create your own combos by mixing them up. I know I want to match up Be Our Guest with Main Street Bakery first!

There is also a special code just for our readers: CHIPANDCO15 which will save you 15% off!

You can check out the Disney Inspired Refresher Sprays Here, you can also check out all of the beautiful jar candles, tea lights, and melts available too! Which Disney inspired refresher spray do you want to try first?