Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Announces $5 Million Meeting Space Redesign

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June 12, 2016

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel will begin a $5 million renovation of its 329,000 square feet meeting space this summer to refresh all the meeting rooms at both the Swan and Dolphin hotels. The renovation will include updated carpet and paint, along with the installation of new technology in the meeting space. The work will occur in phases with no impact to group programs, and is scheduled to be completed in December.

The meeting space refresh is part of the hotel’s multi-phase, multi-year $140 million redesign project. The project also includes the transformation of all 2,267 guest rooms at the hotel. In 2015, the Swan guest rooms were completed, and the Dolphin Hotel guest rooms are scheduled for completion by the end of 2017.

Elena of Avalor to Make Royal Debut Friday, July 22

By

Danielle

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June 12, 2016

A new highly anticipated animated series “Elena of Avalor,” will give us the royal debut of Princess Elena of Avalor with a one-hour premiere event Friday, July 22 (7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT), on the Disney Channel.

Elena of Avalor will be set in the enchanted fairytale land of Avalor, where the infamous amulet from Sofia the First hails from. The series will tell the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress, and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. Elena’s journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.

Princess Elena will be Disney’s first official Latina princess, and the stories will incorporate influences from diverse Latin and Hispanic cultures. These influences will be expressed through architecture, traditions, food and customs. Magic, mythology, folklore and music also play an important role, with each episode featuring original songs spanning an array of Latin musical styles including Mariachi, Latin Pop, Salsa, Banda and Chilean Hip Hop. The theme song is performed by Gaby Moreno, Latin Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist, and Elena’s anthem “My Time” is performed by Aimee Carrero.

A full-length preview of the first episode from Elena of Avalor, “First Day of Rule,” will be available for verified users on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD platforms beginning Friday, July 1. Following its U.S. debut, the series will roll out globally in 33 languages in 163 countries on Disney Channels worldwide.

The first episode:

Elena officially becomes crown princess and rescues her sister, Isabel, from Noblins, elf-like shapeshifting creatures based on a Chilean peuchen myth. The episode also introduces Zuzo, Elena’s spirit guide in the animal world, based on the belief of a Mayan tribe in southern Mexico. In the second episode, titled “Model Sister,” Elena is torn between a promise she made to help Isabel and fulfilling her royal duties.

In the fall, Disney Channel will air a special TV movie titled “Elena and the Secret of Avalor,” which explains how Elena was imprisoned for decades in her magical amulet and eventually set free by Princess Sofia of Enchancia.

Extensions for the series include Disney Parks & Resorts, which will welcome Princess Elena at Walt Disney World Resort this summer and at Disneyland Resort in the fall; print and e-book titles from Disney Publishing; and dolls, role-play products, accessories, home décor and apparel from Disney Store and licensees including Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, Franco Manufacturing and Children’s Apparel Network. Products will begin setting later this month at Disney Store and will continue to roll out at mass retailers throughout the summer. Walt Disney Records will release Elena’s anthem titled “My Time” as a digital single on iTunes Friday, June 24, followed by a seven-track EP featuring songs from the series on Friday, July 22, and Disney Studios will release an episode compilation DVD later this year.

Casting and Production:

“Elena of Avalor” stars Aimee Carrero as the voice of Elena; Jenna Ortega as Princess Isabel; Chris Parnell, Yvette Nicole Brown and Carlos Alazraqui as the jaquins Migs, Luna and Skylar respectively; Emiliano Díez as Francisco; Julia Vera as Luisa; Christian Lanz as Chancellor Esteban; Jillian Rose Reed as Naomi; Joseph Haro as Mateo; Jorge Diaz as Gabe; Keith Ferguson as Zuzo; and Joe Nunez as Armando.

The recurring guest voice cast includes: Constance Marie as Doña Paloma, Magister of the Traders Guild; Lou Diamond Phillips as Victor Delgado, a debonair villain who uses his charisma to deceive the people around him; Justina Machado and Jaime Camil as siblings Carmen and Julio, who run a restaurant in Avalor; Rich Sommer as Captain Daniel Turner, Naomi’s father and harbormaster; Tyler Posey as Prince Alonso, a charming prince from the Argentine-inspired Kingdom of Cordoba; Lucas Grabeel as Jiku, the leader of the Noblins; and Echo Kellum as King Joaquín, a monarch from the Caribbean-inspired Kingdom of Cariza, who is a trusted and close friend of Elena.

The guest voice cast for season one includes: Tituss Burgess as Charoca, a magical volcano creature based on a Chilean myth; Ana Ortiz as Rafa, Mateo’s mother; Ivonne Coll as Doña Angelica, an absent-minded and overly dramatic ghost; Hector Elizondo as Fiero, a wicked wizard; Odette Annable as Señorita Marisol, Isabel’s enthusiastic young teacher; Danny Trejo as Antonio Agama, a popular Avaloran hero; Anthony Mendez as King Juan Ramón, a monarch from the Argentine-inspired Kingdom of Cordoba; Eden Espinosa as Orizaba, an evil moth fairy banished to the spirit world; Marsai Martin as Cat, a budding scientist and adventurer; Aasif Mandvi as King Raja, a monarch from the Indian-inspired Kingdom of Napurna; and George Takei as King Toshi, a monarch from the Japanese-inspired Kingdom of Satu.

Latin Grammy Award winner Gaby Moreno performs the series’ theme song and will also voice a guest role. Born in Guatemala, Moreno performs her music, which ranges from blues to jazz to soul to R&B, in both English and Spanish. In addition to winning the Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2013, Moreno was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music in 2010 for co-writing the theme song to “Parks and Recreation.”

“Elena of Avalor” was created by Emmy Award winner Craig Gerber, who also serves as executive producer. Silvia Cardenas Olivas is the story editor, and Elliot M. Bour is the supervising director. The series’ cultural advisors are Marcela Davison Avilés, founder of The Chapultepec Group, co-founder of the international Latino arts initiative Camino Arts, and Director of Humanities Programs at the FDR Foundation at Harvard University; and Diane Rodriguez, Associate Artistic Director of Centre Theatre Group and co-founder of the theatre ensemble Latins Anonymous, who was recently appointed by President Obama to be a member of the National Council on the Arts.

Emmy Award-nominated Tony Morales (“Hatfields & McCoys”) is the composer, Emmy Award winner John Kavanaugh (“Sofia the First”) is the songwriter/music director, and acclaimed touring musician and Latin music instructor Rene Camacho serves as Latin music consultant.

Are you as excited about the new Elena of Avalor series as I am?

Disney World Raises Security in light of Nightclub Shooting in Orlando

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Disney News

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June 12, 2016

Many users on Twitter & Facebook are posting that the security at Disney World seems to be heightened in the wake of the shooting at the Orlando nightclub last night. Lines getting into the Disney World theme parks are long as most people are going through the newly installed metal detectors whether they have a bag or not.

The Mayor of Orlando has declared a state of emergency in Orlando and OneBlood is putting out a call this morning for blood donations in the wake of the Pulse nightclub shooting.

Please be patient with Disney World Security when trying to get into the parks today, the cast members are just looking out for your protection.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by this senseless tragedy.

#prayfororlando

Wishes Dessert Party adding additional Fireworks Viewing Location

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 12, 2016

Due to the popularity of the Wishes Dessert Party, Disney has apparently announced that they will be adding an additional viewing area at the Plaza Garden, or “the hub”, as it is commonly referred to. WDW Magic reports that while all guests who attend the dessert party will be able to enjoy their refreshments at the Tomorrowland Terrace, those with same-day reservations will be moved to the Plaza Garden to view the fireworks, while those with advance reservations will remain at the Tomorrowland Terrace. The Plaza Garden area will not have seating, and guests with advance reservations can request to view the fireworks in the hub, and will be accommodated, space permitting.

Same day reservations for Plaza Garden viewing can be made starting at 10:30 am at The Tomorrowland Terrace podium. Pricing is $35 for children, and $59 for adults.

Which location would you prefer to watch Wishes from?

If you’d like to plan a Disney vacation but don’t where know to begin, 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 credit: Disney

Pixar’s Cars 3 Plot Details Revealed

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 11, 2016

“Cars 3” will be Pixar’s next film to hit theaters following “Finding Dory“. On Dory’s red carpet premiere Wednesday Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter spilled some plot details to an Entertainment Weekly reporter on the third “Cars” movie.

Lasseter discussed that this film will reflect the tone of the first “Cars” movie, having more emotion as opposed to just fun and games. The movie will tackle Lightening McQueen trying to deal with his feelings about the loss of his racing idol and friend Doc Hudson:

“Lightning McQueen, he’s awesome. We’ve got some great new characters, some great racing in it. It’s a very emotional story. It’s a little bit more akin to Cars 1, where you get into a deep emotion with him. It’s really a special story. It’s very emotional and his relationship with Doc Hudson, and his memory of Doc Hudson.”

One of those new characters which we learned of this month is Cruz Ramirez, who is a female Latina racing instructor, who works closely with McQueen to help him up his game and get back on the top in the racing world.

You can see “Cars 3” in theaters June 16, 2017.

Disney Confirms Descendants 2 is coming!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 11, 2016

DOVE CAMERON, BOOBOO STEWART, SOFIA CARSON, CAMERON BOYCE — DESCENDANTS - Disney Channel's original movie "Descendants" stars Dove Cameron as Mal, Booboo Stewart as Jay, Sofia Carson as Evie and Cameron Boyce as Carlos. (Disney Channel/Bob D'Amico)

It’s been a big year for Disney Channel Original Movies, with the Memorial Day weekend movie marathon, and with the premiere of the 100th Disney Channel Original Movie (Adventures in Babysitting) premiering June 26th. Disney just announced even more big news, a highly anticipated sequel to the Disney Channel hit movie “Descendants” has been officially confirmed.

“Descendants” centered around the children of four classic Disney villains (the Evil Queen, Maleficent, Cruella, and Jafar), and it quickly became a huge success. Not only was it the number one cable television movie of 2015, but it is overall the fifth highest-rated original movie on cable ever to be released. It has been continuing to also inspire a book series and a wide variety of merchandise.

The same cast is set to return for “Descendants 2”, which includes Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Booboo Stewart, Sofia Carson and Mitchell Hope, as well as actress China Anne McClain, who will be playing the new character of Ursula’s daughter Uma.

Disney Channels Worldwide president and chief creative officer Gary Marsh had this to say on the project:

“Just when you thought ‘Happily Ever After’ had come to the land of Auradon, ‘Descendants 2’ turns the page to reveal a whole new level of mystery and surprise.”

In addition to the same great cast and a brand new character, the acclaimed creative team behind the first film will be returning for the second. Production of “Descendants 2” will begin this summer, with a release date in 2017.

Photo Credit: Disney

The Disney x Coach Collection is Finally Here

By

Danielle

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June 11, 2016

Long have I wished that my favorite purse designer and Disney would team up, and now my wish has finally come true! The Disney x Coach collection launched June 10, 2016 at the Coach Store in SOHO. The collection will be online beginning June 17, 2016.

Fans have been anxiously anticipating to reveal of these purses for quite some time. These beautiful works of art, are fashioned with the traditional Coach Leather, and in truly Mickey inspired hues. Mickey Mouse is definitely the focal point of this new collaboration. The collection is a part of a series of exclusive, limited-edition projects that celebrate American pop culture and commemorate Coach’s 75th anniversary. It includes handbags, accessories, shirts, and more. The hand-sketched styles, created by Disney animators show off Mickey’s personality. The Kisslock style bag even has MICKEY EARS on top! I mean, how can you not love that.

The wallets with different Mickey facial expressions, are some of my favorites, as is the plain white Tee with a Mickey Sketch design. My husband even loved the messenger bag for himself. There are luggage tags, key fobs, jackets and so much more, the collection is truly endless with all of the variety it offers.

The SOHO store is even decorated in complete Mickey Sketch action, from Mickey windows, to plush Mickey pillows, right down to leather statuettes of Mickey.

You can check out Refinery29‘s amazing live tour through the new shop as well.

You can also check out our fabulous friend the Disney Fashionista‘s take on this incredible collection.

What do you think of this incredible new Disney x Coach Collection?

Photo Credits: Disney Style Blog and Harper’s Bazaar

Beautiful Hand Painted Walt Disney World Sign

By

Danielle

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June 11, 2016

Next stop, Walt Disney World! Or at least we can use our imaginations with these brilliantly done hand painted Walt Disney World signs by PiecesByJeanne on Etsy.

This hand painted Walt Disney World sign, is a completely custom design. This sign is hand painted on wood and can be customized with your favorite rides, characters, or attractions. The top piece measures 6in high by 16in wide, the pieces below are 4in in height but vary from 14-10in wide, which gives it a fun whimsical look. They come sealed with a matte shellac to preserve the colors without a high shine. I love that because it looks more authentic to the park signs. These pieces are great for any Disney Lover.

The one shown in the pictures has the following attractions and rides below, but you can have it customized with any of your favorites.

Walt Disney World (Topper)
Peter Pan’s Flight
Epcot Monorail
Dumbo
Toy Story Midway Mania
Pirates of the Caribbean
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
It’s a small world.

I love this Four Parks Design, because it even has resorts listed on the signs! They have quite a few options to check out.

I love all of their pieces, they are so unique! Which rides, attractions, characters and resorts would you choose for your Walt Disney World Sign?

Mako Now Open at SeaWorld Orlando

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 11, 2016

SeaWorld’s newest hypercoaster, Mako, has surfaced in Orlando. Orlando has its fair share of theme parks, attractions and rides, but Mako is making a splash by being the tallest, fastest and longest here in Central Florida. It’s no joke, speeds up to 73 mph, 200 ft tall and a track length of 4,760 feet, this is something thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies alone will not want to miss.

As you load, you will notice your harness isn’t around your chest. It’s a seat with basically a super seat belt harness. So the upper half is Free to go with the flow, wave in the air, cover your eyes or hold on for dear life. You go right up to the top, and right back down, and the drop is one that will take your breath away, but don’t forget to say “Cheese!”. I chose to hold on for dear life my first time. Plenty of speed, twists, turns and plenty of air time for everyone. Front row, views are amazing. Back row you get some extra air! This is a heart racing adventure you must do! Check out the pictures at the end, I’m sure most are quite entertaining!

Mako has made quite the addition to SeaWorld Orlando. The coaster anchors a two-acre realm — Shark Wreck Reef — that also includes SeaWorld’s existing Shark Encounter attraction, interactive learning exhibits and dining and shopping options. Plus check out Guy Harvey’s Mako painting.

“Mako and Shark Wreck Reef rewrite the definition of ‘immersive’ entertainment,” said SeaWorld Orlando President Donnie Mills. “Our guests now have a whole new underwater world to explore — and a thrilling new ride to conquer that’s literally breathtaking.”

Mako is also one of the world’s few true hypercoasters, a group of roller coasters known for high speeds and steep drops and hills that create a feeling of weightlessness or “air time.” As the sleek coaster cars crest each hill, riders — secured only at their laps — float out of their seats, nearly weightless.

“For almost three exhilarating minutes, you experience life as an apex predator,” said Brian Morrow, SeaWorld’s Vice President of Theme Park Experience and Design. “You surge through the water at top speeds, charge to the ocean depths and chase prey throughout a massive reef.

For those of you you can’t make it soon enough, take a look at the Mako ride here.

Head over to SeaWorld Orlando and feel the speed and agility of the underwater predator, Mako. Even catch a beautiful sunset while you’re up there!

Tips & Tricks for Traveling To Disney World with Toddlers

By

Catie

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June 11, 2016

As all you parents out there know, life with toddlers is a unique experience (interpret that however you like…). They are amazing and learning different things every day, and there is no stage in life quite like it. Toddlers love experiencing new things and places, so what better way to introduce them to new things than with a trip to Walt Disney World!!

Here are some tips to help you plan for that magical trip with your little one: Walt Disney World “Do’s and Don’t’s” when traveling with toddlers:

DO:

Involve Them In The Planning: They may not understand it all, and will think when you say “We’re going to Disney!” that means right now even if its months away, but toddlers retain more than we think. Let them help make decisions, but break it down in toddler friendly terms, like “do you want to eat breakfast with Winnie The Pooh, or with Mickey Mouse?”, and “Do you want to go see the animals on the first day, or the Castle?” – thank and praise them for their input, and then when you get to Disney, remind them that they chose this meal/park/ride – they will love getting to make “big people” decisions!

Prepare Them: Show them pictures and videos of the rides/parks and explain to them how it all works – The Parks, the lines, the rides, the characters, etc. Especially the characters – try and get them some character interaction (like at a local theme park perhaps?) before you head to Disney, so you can get an idea of how they might react. If that’s not possible, just show them videos of other kids their age meeting and hugging and getting excited to meet their favorite characters

Pack Smart: Make sure you have plenty of snacks, drinks, and toys for the plane ride, ride lines, bus/boat rides – basically, be prepared for all the time you will spend waiting with lots of toddler-friendly distractions. New little toys/books can be bought cheaply at the dollar store – think things like bubbles, matchbox cars, coloring books, stickers, etc – these are all very useful in helping to prevent toddler meltdowns. Make sure you also back an extra change of clothes (or 2!) for your little one when you head off to the Parks, plus all the standard necessities like sunscreen, hats/hoodies/sunglasses, water bottles, extra wipes and kleenex, etc

DON’T:

Stray TOO Far From Your Toddler’s Regular Schedule: Obviously you’re on vacation, and in a new place, so you can’t expect to always stay 100% on schedule when it comes to naps or meals, but do the best you can to keep meals/snacks around the same time, and while you might not really get a chance to “nap” while touring the Parks, you can definitely make “quiet time” a reality – find a shady spot to spread out with your toddler, and bring a few books and their stuff animal or blanket, and encourage them to lay down in their stroller/on your lap for a bit, and if they nap, great, and if not – at least they got to unwind for a bit. If you’re able to leave the Parks somewhat easily (like if you’re staying on-site at a WDW Resort), then you can head back to your hotel for quiet time/naptime/pool time after lunch, and then be refreshed and ready to head back out to the Parks for dinner!

Do Too Much: On your little one’s first trip to WDW you want them to be able to see and do as much as possible, so it’s easy to try and overplan or to try and squeeze in just one last ride before lunch – and that’s where things can get dicey. Keep a close eye on your toddler – notice when they seem to be dragging, and assess the situation – maybe they just need to be carried for a bit, or maybe a break is in order – take LOTS of breaks – for snacks, drinks, or just to sit down for a few minutes. Your toddler is probably on sensory overload – so any chance you can take to do nothing while at WDW is a plus, gives them a chance to recharge, and the frequent breaks will keep you from overwhelming them

Expect Everything To Go As Planned: No matter how much you prepare for your WDW trip – the reality is that nothing with a toddler ever goes exactly as you plan it – and that’s ok! My best advice is to have a plan, but to be willing to be spontaneous too – it’s ok if you don’t ride every ride or meet every character, and if your toddler likes the train the best and wants to ride it 8 times – then do it! That’s how you make the best memories sometimes, by throwing the plan out the window and letting fate decide your day!

What about you – have you traveled to WDW with toddlers? What are your best tips and tricks for making the most out of your vacation with them?

A Look Into the World of Pixar’s Piper

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 10, 2016

There has been lots of excitement and buzz leading up to the June 17th release of “Finding Dory”, but in addition to re-visiting the her big blue world, we get to meet a new adorable coastline creature: Piper, the piper bird. “Piper” is Pixar‘s latest short film that audiences will get to see in theaters before “Finding Dory.”

Piper birds are a coastline bird who stay near the beach and dig in the sand with their long beaks in order to find food. This short centers around a young bird, named Piper, who has to learn to do this natural task, but there’s one big problem: he’s afraid of water.

With Pixar Studios located near the Northern California coast, first-time director, but long-time Pixar animator Alan Barillaro would go and watch these birds at the beach, and thought it was very intriguing how they seemed to need to eat from the sand, but would always rush away from the water every time some waves came to shore. He used their movements and personalities to do animation testing. Pixar’s John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton felt Barillaro was finding a valuable story with these birds, and encouraged him to keep working with this; thus “Piper” came to be.

The story, although short, sends a powerful message. Barillaro told USA Today,

“This is a tale of how to grow up in a world that seems so large and intimidating with the courage to get past those fears.” He continued, “There’s also the parent aspect, personal to me. Letting your kids grow up, make mistakes and not hovering over them. The mother piper is the parent I wish I was — being there for your kids, but giving them space to grow.”

The 6-minute short film is accompanied by guitarist Adrian Belew, who not only performs the score but also uses guitar to do the bird’s sound effects.

As with all Pixar shorts, the films are utilized to help test out the latest and greatest animation, and just from the still shots of the film alone it is evident that the animation is stunning! You can check out Piper’s whole story in theaters beginning June 17.

Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar, USA Today

Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar shares new cocktail recipe before Grand Opening

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 10, 2016

The new Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar restaurant will be opening this summer in Disney Springs, and today Disney has shared a cocktail recipe that will be available when it does:

The inspiration of celebrity Chef Art Smith, a native of Jasper, Fla., (and a former cast member in the Disney College Program), the restaurant will give guests a taste of classic Florida fare – Fried Green tomatoes with Shaved Country Ham, Iron Skillet Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Sugar and his signature Fried Chicken and Doughnuts.

In the Southern Shine bar, Florida flavor reigns with distilled spirits made here in the Sunshine State as well as farm-fresh herbs and house-made elixirs used to enhance cocktails. In fact some of the sips , such as vodka from Winter Park Distilling and craft beer from Crooked Can in Winter Garden are locally made in our own back yard.

Dwayne McQuillen, the restaurant’s general manager, told me that the Southern Shine bar will offer nearly a dozen Florida-centric drinks. He recently gave us a preview and shared a few of the restaurant’s fresh Florida recipes.

This recipe for the Bootlegger uses Wicked Dolphin rum from Cape Coral, Fla., and homemade grenadine.

Bootlegger

Serves 1

1 rounded teaspoon blackberry jam
1 ounce Florida dark rum
1 ounce Florida light rum
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons grenadine
1 tablespoon simple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and pour over ice.

Go ahead and make one, then tell us what you think!

If you’d like to plan a Disney vacation but don’t where know to begin, 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 credit: Disney parks blog