Capturing the Magic – A Photographic Look at Walt Disney World

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May 20, 2016

Photographs of the Disney Parks always tell a Story, it’s part of the magic that’s been designed in the parks. With Capturing the Magic: A Photographic Journey through the Walt Disney World Parks you can take your visual journey that takes you on an artful tour of the parks.

As you open the vibrant cover to reveal the glossy pages within, you can almost feel yourself being sucked into the magical world of the Walt Disney Parks. Holly’s words draw you in and give details of the attractions, songs and other details many never notice. It truly is more than a simple coffee book, it’s a collection of memories, feelings and nostalgia. The spectacular photography of Bill Sferrazza and Eric Weber highlights details that even myself as a regular park goer have missed. Even those who have never been to the parks won’t be able to help be inspired by the breathtaking camera angles and compositions. For those that have only been a handful of times, it will be like touring the parks with an expert tour guide. I’ve never seen another Disney photography book quite like Capturing the Magic, the beauty is not only in the details and pictures, but the imaginative writing of Holly as well. There are hundreds of dazzling photographs of Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I definitely have to resit taking pages out of the book to hang around my home though! If you’ve ever thought about having a Disney coffee table book, or you just love the details and trivia of the parks Capturing the Magic is a perfect fit.

You can get a hard cover copy of Capturing the Magic: A Photographic Journey through the Walt Disney World Parks and share the magic in your home for $39.99 at Amazon.com.

Keep your eye out as we will be offering a give away of this fantastic book soon!

It’s your last chance to experience Soarin’ before it becomes Soarin’ Around the World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 20, 2016

If you’re a fan of Soarin’ at Disney’s Epcot, then you may want to head to the park to get one final chance to ride it before it officially becomes Soarin’ Around the World. Disney announced that Soarin’ (which has been closed for refurbishment since Jan 4 of this year) will re-open to guests starting May 27th for a limited time so that guests can experience their traditional Soarin’ one last time before the official update happens.

The attraction reopens at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort before the new film, Soarin’ Around the World, debuts next month at Disney parks in Shanghai, California and Florida. Disney FastPass+ service will be available starting May 21 for this limited opportunity to enjoy the classic Soarin’ experience at Epcot.

The classic Soarin’ film based on the popular Disney California Adventure park attraction, Soarin’ Over California, is a multi-sensory adventure with stunning views over California’s popular sites including the Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley and Yosemite National Park to name a few. You’ll swear you feel the mist from the ocean. Don’t miss your chance to experience Soarin’ Over California at Disney California Adventure now through June 15, and at Epcot through June 16.

The new film, Soarin’ Around the World, debuts June 17 at Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort and Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort the day after its world premiere at Shanghai Disneyland and highlights landmarks from across the globe.

If you’d like to plan a Disney vacation to experience Soarin’ one more time, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney vacation planning services. I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Decorate Your MagicBands With Gorgeous MagicBand Bows

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Danielle

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May 20, 2016

In my journey to always be unique and stand out, I of course am always looking for new ways to customize my MagicBands. Disney offers lots of great ways to customize sure, but sometimes I like to go a little bigger, and I definitely can with these delightfully frilly MagicBand Bows from AFairyTaleBowtique on Etsy.

These mini bows are perfect for adding a touch of style and glamour to your MagicBands, with out permanently altering them. I like to be able to change my MagicBands up now and then, so I enjoy having some options that I can switch up for my mood, outfit or event. The bows are big enough to stand out, and show off, but small enough to not be obtrusive to your park going activities. The Bow comes on a small elastic that makes it easy for you to slide on your MagicBand and you can adjust where on the band you wear it. With such an easy way to attach them, it’s a quick way to have a super cute accessory to go along with your MagicBand and outfit! Being removable also means that you can use it on a different MagicBand if you get a new one too. The Minnie Mouse one looks adorbs with my Minnie Mouse Magic Band slider.

Here are the styles they are currently available in:

This designer is also a total sweetheart, ships super fast and is always coming up with new designs! Which of these character inspired MagicBand Bows are your favorite?

Guy Harvey To Paint Mural At SeaWorld Orlando’s Shark Wreck Reef

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Lisette R

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May 20, 2016

Marine artist and conservationist Guy Harvey will be on site at Sea World Orlando on May 23rd and May 24th. He will be painting a 16-foot by 24-foot original signature piece of art, featuring a Mako shark, in the park’s new realm, Shark Wreck Reef. The mural will become a major focal point in the Sea World Orlando park.

Visitors are invited to come by and observe Guy Harvey as he paints the mural live at Shark Wreck Reef. While park admission is required, this is an amazing opportunity to see a world renowned artist at work. Have your cameras ready as this event will certainly provide some excellent photo opportunities.

Guy Harvey is probably best known for his original t-shirts that depict offshore and nearshore marine life. He will commission an array of exclusive paintings and apparel, which will be available only at SeaWorld. A portion of the proceeds from these sales will go directly to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.

The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and Sea World Parks and Entertainment have partnered to bring awareness of the plight of sharks in the wild. The collaboration between the two organizations will utilize science and research to increase public knowledge of how to better protect these critical predators and their habitats. “We are thrilled to gain the support of the SeaWorld team as we continue to bring educational initiatives and conservation efforts to life,” says Guy Harvey.

Shark Wreck Reef will open on June 10th. The new realm will mix education and excitement while immersing visitors into an interactive underwater world. Guests will have access to real-time shark tracking and videos from Guy Harvey’s library of compelling and visually stunning shark expeditions.

‘Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire’ Debuts June 17th at Magic Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 20, 2016

The new stage show “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” will debut at the Magic Kingdom on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage on June 17, 2016. The show will bring both classic and contemporary Disney stories to life and feature an original song, memorable music, lively dancing, delightful costumes and special effects magic.

In addition to favorite characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, guests can expect to see characters from some of Disney’s newest classics including “Frozen”, “Tangled” and “The Princess and the Frog.”

“Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” celebrates the unique stories of the citizens who make up this magical kingdom and the wonderful things that can happen when we try new things, go to new places and get to know new friends.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

New Nighttime Experiences at Animal Kingdom Announced for May 27th

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 20, 2016

We announced a while back that Animal Kingdom was going to be extending its hours until 11pm starting Memorial Day weekend. Today Disney has finally answered the question that has been on everyone’s mind: what will we see during the new nighttime hours at Animal Kingdom?

Beginning May 27, the park will awaken at night with new rich experiences under the stars and one day later, on May 28, The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic live show will debut at the park. There’s an exciting lineup of new experiences coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom after the sun sets, including nightly awakenings of the park’s iconic Tree of Life. Beginning May 27, animal spirits will be brought to life each night by magical fireflies that reveal colorful stories of wonder and enchantment along with other amazing sights at the tree.

After the sun sets, you’ll also be able to explore Kilimanjaro Safaris and see the nighttime behavior of the wildlife and better tune into the unique vocalization of the animals like never before. Among the new experiences, the village of Harambe in Africa will become the place to enjoy “Wildlife Parti” and the spirited community of Discovery Island will come together to celebrate their love of the natural world with the Discovery Island Carnivale.

And the park’s Discovery River will awaken at night and become a stunning stage for performances of the limited-engagement show The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, inspired by the hit live-action film Disney’s The Jungle Book. Shows will feature memorable moments from the film, including the iconic Shere Khan, and will be filled with music and special effects that celebrate the movie and classic songs, infused with an Indian influence.

FastPass+ and dining packages for Disney’s Animal Kingdom night experiences will become available beginning tomorrow, May 21.

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

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

‘Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular’ Fireworks Display Begins June 17th

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 20, 2016

The elaborate new Star Wars fireworks display, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” will begin nightly performances on June 17th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The show will combine fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections that will turn the park’s Chinese Theater and other buildings into the twin suns of Tatooine, a field of battle droids, the trench of the Death Star, Starkiller Base and other Star Wars destinations. The show, which will feature music from throughout the film franchise, will be punctuated with a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating a massive lightsaber in the sky.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

First look: Tiffins Restaurant Menu and Opening Date

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 20, 2016

Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge will open its doors to guests on May 27th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Dining reservations will open tomorrow, May 21st, and can be made online beginning at 6am EST or by calling 407-WDW-DINE beginning at 7am EST. Dining packages that include reserved seating for the new nighttime show The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic will also be available to book beginning on May 21st.

The new signature restaurant will feature cuisine and beverages from places that inspired the creation of the theme park. Below is a look at the menu for both Tiffins and Nomad Lounge.

Open for both lunch and dinner, Tiffins is situated near Pizzafari on Discovery Island, near what will be the entrance to Pandora – The World of AVATAR, when it opens in 2017. (“Tiffin” is an Indian English word for a midday meal or a type of container used to carry food while traveling). Adjacent to Tiffins, Nomad Lounge features waterfront views in addition to hand-crafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors; beers, and sustainable wines from those regions, plus specialty non-alcoholic beverages and small bites.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and include making dining reservations on your behalf!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Zachary Levi Talks About Upcoming Tangled Series

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 20, 2016

It’s already been six years since “Tangled” was released in theaters, and us Disney fans still are in love with this film, by evidence of the “Tangled” show at Disneyland, the addition of “Tangled: The Musical” on Disney Cruise lines, and even the inclusion of Rapunzel’s tower in New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World. Last year, it was announced that “Tangled” will be presented in another new form: a Disney Channel animated series entitled “Tangled: Before Ever After“, and has already received a 78 episode/3 season order.

What’s even more exciting about more stories from the “Tangled” universe, is that we will have the same amazing cast returning, with Mandy Moore as Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as Flynn/Eugene, and even some new songs by composer Alan Menken.

Levi said in an ET Exclusive,

“This takes place between when they end up getting married and whatever those adventures were,” and recollected back before “Tangled” was released that Disney/Pixar’s chief creative officer John Lasseter feeling sure the film would be the last fairy tale movie from Walt Disney Animation Studios. “Then he made Tangled and we did really well and it was enough to buoy that for them to go and make Frozen.”

“Tangled: Before Ever After” will be released on Disney Channel in 2017.

Jungle Book Dining Packages Available to Book on May 21st

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 20, 2016

Dining Package Reservations for the new nighttime show The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic at Animal Kingdom can be made beginning tomorrow, May 21st at 6am EST online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE beginning at 7am EST. Packages include the brand new Tiffins as well as Tusker House Restaurant with dining reservations times available starting May 28th. The Dining Package includes reserved seating to The Jungle Book show and is similar to the popular Fantasmic! Dining Packages at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

At all-you-care-to-eat Tusker House Restaurant, you can choose the breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet on the day of the show (but you have to dine at least 2 ½ hours before the show). Breakfast is $37, $23 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity; lunch and dinner, $49, $30 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tusker House Restaurant is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as one table-service meal.

At Tiffins, the package includes your choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage at either lunch or dinner. The Dining Package is $67 for adults, $32 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tiffins is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as two table-service meal credits.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE, including dining reservations!

Photo Credit: Disney

Frozen Ever After and Royal Sommerhus Opening on June 21st

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 20, 2016

The date we’ve all been waiting for has finally been announced! Both Frozen Ever After and the Royal Sommerhus meet and greet with Anna & Elsa is set to open at Epcot’s Norway Pavilion on June 21, 2016. Fastpass+ will be available to book online for Frozen Ever After beginning on Saturday, May 21st at 7am EST. It appears there will be no Fastpass+ for Royal Sommerhus, however the Norway Pavilion will open at 9am along with the Future World area of Epcot.

Located in the Norway pavilion at the park, Frozen Ever After offers guests an adventurous boat tour through the kingdom of Arendelle. Guests are first transported to the “Winter in Summer” Celebration where Queen Elsa embraces her magical powers to create a beautiful “winter-in-summer” day for the entire kingdom. Next, guests will pass Troll Valley on their way up the icy North Mountain to Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace before their return trip to the Bay of Arendelle.

Don’t forget, guests can also spot Anna and Elsa over at Magic Kingdom Park in the “Festival of Fantasy Parade” and in the new “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” show coming to Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. Check the My Disney Experience app for the latest locations and times for any Disney character.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. All of my planning services are FREE and even include making Fastpass+ selections to Frozen Ever After on your behalf.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Two New Names Revealed for Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 20, 2016

Disney announced today that the existing Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will officially be renamed Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The new Disney Vacation Club development that is currently under construction at the resort will be named Copper Creek Villas & Cabins.

The release stated “Both Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will feature unique new details that further explore the rich story line of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.”

Since welcoming its first Members home in 2000, this rustically elegant Disney Vacation Club Resort has celebrated the optimistic journey of Americans who rode the rails west to forge a new way of life. The villas draw inspiration from the quaint residential communities established by those pioneers along the tracks that enabled their mass migration.

The Resort’s new name – Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – gives that rustic community a more distinctive identity and allows Walt Disney Imagineers to bring the community’s story to life in new ways, including through the re-imagined (and soon to be renamed) Hidden Springs Pool area.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE.

Photo Credit: Disney