The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Officially Renamed Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

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October 25, 2016

The existing Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge have officially been renamed Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge as of today, October 25, 2016. The new name will help distinguish the resort from the new waterside Disney Vacation Club development called Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge that is currently under construction at the resort.

Recalling the 1860’s railroad hotels of the American West, Boulder Ridge Villas offer the comforts of home amid the rustic beauty of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Dine on traditional Pacific Northwest cuisine, explore trails through lush meadows and delight in the enchanting Silver Creek Springs Pool. Just a breezy boat ride to Magic Kingdom park, this Resort hotel celebrates the ethos of traditional craftsmanship and the great outdoors.

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

Photo Credit: Disney

A Frozen Holiday Wish May Be Returning to Disney World as Early as November 2nd.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 25, 2016

Disney may soon be announcing that Elsa, Anna and friends will be returning to Disney World to celebrate the holidays in the much-loved A Frozen Holiday Wish starting in just a few short weeks. A November 2nd start date for this seasonal castle-lighting event began cropping up on disneyworld.com yesterday but has since been taken down. This typically means that an official announcement is just around the corner!

A highlight of the holidays at Walt Disney World, this 10 minute show featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff uses gorgeous projections and stunning lighting to transform Cinderella’s Castle into Elsa’s dazzling wintry ice palace.

This castle lighting ceremony is expected to run throughout the Season with performances at 6:30 pm. No news yet as to whether there will be a 2nd 8:00pm performance during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Please check back for further details on A Frozen Holiday Wish as well as other holiday-themed news and updates.

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

Need some help planning your Christmas visit to the Mouse? Why not work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels I can help you celebrate the holidays in style and will be on hand to help with everything from finding your perfect resort to adding lots of Christmas touches like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party! Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Dwayne Johnson Sings in New “Moana” Clip Reveal

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

With the release date of Moana drawing near, everyone including the film’s stars are getting excited. “Moana’s” Dwayne Johnson (voice of Maui) just revealed a brand new clip from the Disney animated film exclusively on his Instagram page.

The clip features the debut of Maui’s song, “You’re Welcome,” written by Tony Award Winner & Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. To celebrate, Dwayne Johnson will also be revealing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from his recording session with Miranda as part of his first ever Instagram Story.

The beautifully animated film MOANA will be in theaters November 23!

Are you excited to see Disney’s latest animated film? Do you think it will be as big as Frozen?

George Lucas Not Involved in ‘Indiana Jones 5’ Story According To Writer David Koepp

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

“Indiana Jones” is one of the most prolific movie franchises in history. Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford and George Lucas developed an iconic character, so when the announcement came out earlier this year that an Indy 5 is in the works, starring Ford and directed by Spielberg, many fans sat up straight.

Disney and LucasFilm announced that screenwriter David Koepp, who has worked with Spielberg on “Jurassic Park”, “War of The Worlds” and “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” will be penning the newest installment. In a recent interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, Koepp mentioned some things about the project.

Koepp said he’s hard at work on writing the script for Indiana Jones 5, but one big question that loomed over the film was whether Lucas would be involved. The way the franchise worked in that past was that Lucas would come up with the idea for the movie and Spielberg would execute it. When Indy 5 was announced, Lucas’ name was nowhere to be found. Spielberg subsequently said Lucas would serve as an executive producer on the film, but in speaking with Koepp, the screenwriter revealed that Lucas is not involved in the story of Indiana Jones 5: “He’s not, to my knowledge. I’ve had no contact with him.”

There is no confirmation as to the story and what Indy will be looking for, but this is an interesting development. Lucas has been with the Jones camp from it’s inception. I for one, being a huge Indy fan, am looking forward to more news and any new developments whatever they may be.

Chris Pine Joins The Cast Of The Anticipated “A Wrinkle In Time” Film

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

A Wrinkle In Time

Chris Pine has been cast as Mr. Murray in the Ava DuVernay directed adaptation of “A Wrinkle in Time” for Disney. Pine will play the father of Meg (Storm Reid). Mr. Murray is a physicist who researches five-dimentional means of travel between planets via means of a mysterious project called a tesseract.

Pine is best known for playing Captain Kirk in the new “Star Trek” reboot, but he is no stranger to the Disney camp. Pine was also in “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement”, “Into The Woods” and “The Finest Hours”.

Already announced for the cast are Ophah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling. Frozen co-writer Jennifer Lee wrote the script off the book by Madeleine L’Engle.

A Wrinkle In Time does not yet have a release date, but filming is expected to start filming before the end of this year.

Disney Pumpkin Carving Templates

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

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If you’re anything like me, you love having a Disney-themed pumpkin on your front porch for all the world to enjoy on Halloween night. And if you’re in the market for some great Disney templates, then you’ll be happy to hear that Disney Parks Blog authors Simone Miranda and Mike Britton (and their team) just shared three awesome Disney inspired pumpkin-carving templates for you to try!

Each varies in level of difficulty, from an easy Skeleton Mickey, to a moderate Princess Anna, to a complex Dr. Facilier. For templates on each of these designs, click here. And for step-by-step instructions, click here.

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You can view some more templates and DIY activities from last year here>> and here>>.

Will you be giving these templates a try this Halloween?

If you would like to visit a Disney Destination, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

photos: Disney Parks Blog

Guest Apprehended trying to Bring Firearm into Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

We should all be thankful for the added security at the entrance to Disney’s theme parks, especially after WDW News Today reports that a female guest was apprehended after reportedly trying to bring a gun into Animal Kingdom. The gun was found during the bag screening process at the entrance, before the metal detectors.

The gun was confiscated, and eyewitnesses claim the woman was handcuffed and escorted off property by police. No word on whether or not she was actually arrested, but we will keep you posted as we know more.

If you would like to visit a Disney Destination, but are unsure of where to begin planning your Disney vacation, 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.

Disney Villains Mystery Minis are a Deviously Cute Collectible

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Danielle

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October 24, 2016

I’m such a sucker for the adorable little vinyl Disney figures by Funko that are around these days. The Princess Mystery Minis were amazing, but I love my villains as much as my princesses. I found these devilish little Disney Villains Mystery Minis while searching for spooky Disney Halloween finds.

Your favorite Disney Villains and Buddies have been given the Funko Mystery Mini treatment! These 3 inch blind box figures are perfect for fans and collectors alike. Just like the beautiful Disney Princess Mystery Minis collection, there are Villains and and sidekicks. I don’t know how I feel about Cruella coming with a Dalmatian puppy though… I do love that there is a Hades figure though, and Prince Richard! Both are villains you never see a lot of. Each Single Pack is a blind box that comes with a mystery Villain or sidekick!

What do you think of this deviously cute Disney Villains Mystery Minis collection?

New Dooney & Bourke Collection Features Disney Villains Purses

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Danielle

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October 24, 2016

The newest Dooney & Bourke collection has arrived just in time for Halloween. This devious new pattern features the baddest of the bad, Disney Villains, in a black and white design with red accents. The collection will feature 3 very popular Dooney styles, the wristlet, the crossbody, and the tote. I feel like I’ve been waiting for Disney Villains Purses from Dooney & Bourke my whole life!

The entire collection features the same villainous repeating pattern, and even includes some of the animal villains! The wristlet is a comfortable option, and great for quick trips. It’s also a great item for when you have a larger bag such as a backpack, but want to be able to easily grab out your essentials.

The great thing about the crossbody and tote bags, is you get to see the entire design. The crossbody is also my ultimate favorite for wearing to the parks. You can comfortably wear it, and there’s enough room to carry extras you might need while touring the Disney Parks.

The tote is the ultimate bag for carrying everything you need between work, home, errands… and even shopping! This style also gives you the clearest view of this amazing new pattern.

The Dooney & Bourke Disney Villains Purses are absolutely fantastic! Currently it is only available on the Shop Disney Parks App, but should also be available at the Parks and Online soon! For more details be sure to check out The Disney Fashionista.

Enter for a Chance to Win a Disney Cruise Line Vacation for Four Guests

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

USA Today Network is sending one lucky winner and up to 3 guests on a 4 night Disney Cruise to the Bahamas this holiday season. The cruise departs from Port Canaveral, Florida and includes airfare. Visit USA Today for a chance to win your next Disney Cruise Line vacation.

The sweepstakes is open to legal U.S. residents (excluding Puerto Rico) who are at least 21 years old at the time of entry. Entries will be accepted from October 7 through November 18, 2016 with one entry per person, per week allowed. The winner will be selected on or about November 21, 2016.

If you don’t want to leave your next Disney Cruise to chance then contact me at [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to book your vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE!

Photo Credit: http://www.usatoday.com

Man Dies After Riding Star Tours at Hollywood Studios

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

We all know that Disney routinely takes their rides down for maintenance and service, since safety is their top priority for guests. So it seems a bit shocking to hear that a guest of Disney dies and it is related to a ride at a Disney Park. The Orlando Sentinel reports that a 67 year old man with a pre-existing heart condition fell ill and passed away after riding Star Tours. The District Nine Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as Ralph Lyles of Memphis, Tenn.

“The cause of death was listed as hypertensive cardiovascular disease with other significant conditions contributing to death listed as obesity,” spokeswoman Sheri Blanton said in an email.

The death last month was recorded in a list of serious ride-related injuries and illnesses the major theme parks report to the state on a quarterly basis. The big attractions are not subject to mandatory state inspections, but they disclose ride-related injuries or illnesses requiring an immediate hospital stay of at least 24 hours.

We can all rest assured that this man’s fate had nothing to do with a lack of safety on Disney’s rides but had everything to do with his own pre-existing health condition. Disney will always be sure to keep guests safety as their number one priority in their parks.

If you would like to visit a Disney Destination, but are unsure of where to begin planning your Disney vacation, 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

Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs Updates Hours of Operation

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2016

Amorette’s Patisserie, located at Town Center in Disney Springs, has recently updated their operating hours. The pastry shop will now be open Monday – Thursday from 3pm until 11pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am until 11:30pm and on Sundays from 11am until 11pm. Previously the shop opened at 11am each day rather than 3pm.

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!