You Can Still Enjoy a Carrot Cake Cookie at Writer’s Stop

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May 12, 2016

While the books that once graced the shelves at Writer’s Stop are gone now, you can still enjoy a Carrot Cake Cookie while relaxing in a cozy armchair, sitting at one of the tables, or unwinding on the comfy couch. The Carrot Cake Cookie was removed from the menu but due to an overwhelming response of visitors requesting this treat, Writer’s Stop now carries this popular delicacy once again. If you do not wish to take a break and relax, you can also find the Carrot Cake Cookie for purchase at Beverly Sunset Sweet Spells on Sunset Boulevard near the Brown Derby.

When you are looking for a place to take a break from the heat of the day, Writer’s Stop continues to be an excellent option. As you walk through the door you will smell the coffee and the sweet scent of the Carrot Cake Cookie. You will find a variety of seating options for that much needed break.

There is a television playing quietly in the background for your enjoyment. You can choose from a multitude of beverages to enjoy with your Carrot Cake Cookie. The offerings include a variety of coffees, soft drinks, wine, beer, and frozen margaritas.

Given its location at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Writer’s Stop is quieter these days. You will see a few people curiously stopping in front of the building to look at the walls that have currently silenced the Streets of America in preparation for Star Wars Land. While many visitors may just pass right by Writer’s Stop, they have no idea what they are missing. But if they walk in the doors and order a carrot cake cookie with a beverage of their choice, they will possibly have found themselves in their new favorite spot to take a break.

New Snack Menu for Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 12, 2016

amorette's

Amorette’s Patisserie is opening May 15th in Town Center at Disney Springs along with several other new establishments. The pastry shop is described as “artsy yet sophisticated” and guests can watch as chefs beautifully decorate their exquisite creations. Dining plans are not accepted and prices range from $14.99 and under. The snack menu looks incredible:

Pâtisseries

Elongated Choux/Éclair – Caramel, Raspberry or Lemon
Palais Garnier/Opera Cake – Cholcoate, Coffee and Almond Cake
Reflection in Memphis – Peanut Blondie, Banana, Bacon, and Chocolate
Mickey Financier (Gluten Free)
The Ultimate Chocolate-Chocolate Chunk Cookie
Sunrise Tokyo Bay – Yuzu Chiffon Cake, Matcha Crumble, and Mandarin
Dome Cakes – Chocolate, Strawberry, and Lemon
Strawberry Fields of OC – Strawberry Mousse, Basil Sugar, and Lemon Curd
49th and Broadway/N.Y. Cheesecake – Lemon Curd, Blueberries, and Chantilly
Viennese Waltz/Sacher Torte – Chocolate Cake, Apricot, and Chantilly
Macaron (6 Flavors) – Cassis-Violet, Caramel Sea Salt, Pistachio, Chocolate, Passion Fruit, Citrus
Dancing with Pavlova – Meringue, Strawberry Jelly, and Chantilly
Avant-Guard – Caramel – Chocolate Paris – Brest
Sunset on Mile Marker 0 – Key Lime Meringue
Petit Cakes

Champagne and Sparkling Wine

Taittinger Brut La Française, Champagne
Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco, Veneto
Iron Horse Fairy Tale Celebration Cuvée Brut, Sonoma Valley
Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red, Piedmont

Beverages

Amorette’s Hot Chocolate Ganache – with Chantilly and Shaved Dark Chocolate
Joffrey’s Freshly Brewed Coffee – regular and decaf
Joffrey’s Cappuccino
Joffrey’s Espresso
Joffrey’s Latte
smartwater®
2% Milk
Honest Kids® Super Fruit Punch

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

Photo Credit: Disney

New Artwork Options Added at the on Demand MagicBand Stations

By

Danielle

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May 12, 2016

Last fall Disney introduced the On Demand MagicBand stations at the Walt Disney World Resort as a way to allow guests to customize MagicBands. Originally launched with about 40 graphics to choose from, Disney has now added all new artwork to give your personalization experience even more variety.

As of now there are three on demand stations where you can add a little more character to your MagicBands, the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. in Magic Kingdom, the D-Tech on Demand boutique in the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs, and my favorite one the Star Wars Launch Bay in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Star Wars Launch Bay is the only station that offers Star Wars designs! Just like the Star Wars designs are only at the Launch Bay, some of the designs are only available at the other two kiosks as well.

The Bride and Groom MagicBand designs are a great addition, especially for those who get married off Disney property, but still want to celebrate their nuptials at the Disney Resort.

I have to say my favorite design is the Shellie May one, I love the soft pinks and purples layered over the bright purple MagicBand, and the addition of the buttons and flowers on the other side tie it all together. There is some fun “Emoji” themed bands, inspired by the Disney Emoji videos. I got really excited when I saw those, hoping it meant there might be some new Tsum Tsum designs, but sadly no sign of new Tsum Tsum graphics on this newest launch.

For fans of the classics, there are several designs based on beloved attractions. An entire series dedicated to both the Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean, 2 rides which have spawned a pop culture obsession. There are also four other attractions themed designs; Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Mickey’s Philharmagic, Peter Pan’s Flight, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and The Main Street Electrical Parade. I think it’s fun how they’ve even included some rides from the past.

You can find many of these available at the Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs locations, you can also choose the base color MagicBand you wish for your design to be printed on. This is such a cool way to get a new MagicBand that is uniquely yours!

Which new design is your favorite?

Enjoy Savings at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 12, 2016

Enjoy fall savings at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa located in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Save 30% on stays of 5 nights or more and 25% on stays of 4 nights. This offer is valid for stays most nights August 21 through December 19, 2016, excluding November 21 – 24.

Book before June 27th and receive a $150 Resort credit redeemable for dining, activities, shopping and more.

Guests who reserve an Ocean or Partial Ocean View room will also receive a free meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) at Ulu Cafe for each guest on the reservation per night of their package stay. The booking deadline for this offer is September 26, 2016.

Disney Visa cardholders will also receive a complimentary photo CD with all of the PhotoPass Pictures taken during your vacation (a$99 value).

Booking Window: May 10-Sept. 26, 2016
Travel Window: Aug. 21-Dec. 19, 2016

Limit 2 rooms per reservation. Excludes suites and 3-bedroom Grand Villas. Additional charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Advance reservations required.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to take advantage of this great offer on Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. All of my planning services are 100% FREE.

Photo Credit: Disney

The Mad Hatter Brought Some Surprise Magic to Disneyland Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 11, 2016

Last week, right outside the gates of Disneyland there was what appeared to be a digital billboard for “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” The big surprise about it? It was actually Johnny Depp himself as his iconic Mad Hatter character live-streaming, actually talking and interacting with guests in real-time!

Guests certainly were excited and delighted that the Mad Hatter knew what they were saying and doing. You can see some guest reactions in the video below:

Were you one of the lucky guests who got to see Johnny Depp’s live-streamed performance? We would love to hear your story!

“Alice Through the Looking Glass” comes to theaters May 27th.

Bambi Inspired Disney Lip Gloss Tins

By

Danielle

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May 11, 2016

I love lip gloss, and I really love tins because they usually have cute designs, fit anywhere, and are reusable after they’re empty. I thought these Bambi inspired Disney Lip Gloss Tins by WendyBirdFinds on Etsy would be the perfect addition to my collection.

Bambi, Thumper and Flower are available in these round gloss styles tins. Each tin includes .30 ounces of flavored lip gloss in three flavors: chocolate cherry, french vanilla and green apple. Thumper contains the Green Apple flavor, Flower the French Vanilla and Bambi the Chocolate. How perfect is that, soft shiny lips with fun flavors, and a cute tin featuring a beloved Disney character to reuse later? Get your choice here!

Which Disney Character Lip Gloss tin would you choose?

Changes coming to World Drive near Magic Kingdom Entrance

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 11, 2016

According to WDW Magic today, Disney has filed paperwork with the South Florida Water Management district for proposed changes/improvements to World Drive. World Drive is the main route into Magic Kingdom (and also the Ticket and Transportation Center), as well as the Contemporary Resort, and is one of the busiest roads on the resort property.

According to the recently filed plans, Disney is looking to add a flyover ramp taking traffic directly from World Drive and bypassing the Magic Kingdom parking plaza for drivers heading towards the Contemporary and other resort area hotels.

In the opposite direction, a flyover ramp will allow traffic heading from the Contemporary Resort side of World Drive to continue on World Drive beyond the Magic Kingdom parking plaza.

We think this new addition of flyover ramps should alleviate some congestion and frustration for guests at The Contemporary who try to get in and out of the parking lot during busy park hours. What are your thoughts? Do you think it will help with the large amounts of traffic in that area?

If you’d like to visit Walt Disney World, 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 today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

New Entrance for Star Wars Land to be added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 11, 2016

In addition to the roadwork and flyover ramps that are set to be added to World Drive over by Magic Kingdom and The Contemporary, it appears Disney has also filed other permit paperwork to add a new entrance to Hollywood Studios, as it expands with the new addition of Star Wars Land.

According to WDW News Today, plans are now underway to replace the World Drive vehicle entrance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with an entirely new entrance guests can utilize off of Osceola Parkway.

According to permits recently filed with the South Florida Water Management District, the intersection between Wide World of Sports and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will soon be home to exit ramps that will guide guests into the park while making room for the southern edge of Star Wars land at the very boundaries of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sections of Osceola Parkway will also be widened to handle the expanded traffic expected.

No word on whether or not the Buena Vista Drive park entrance would close, or possibly remain open as an additional entrance into the park, as Disney has not made any official announcements about this project yet.

If you’d like to plan a Disney 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 today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Get a first look at Shanghai Disneyland Resort from D23

By

Chip

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May 11, 2016

On June 16, Disney will officially open Shanghai Disney Resort, and Disney twenty-three is giving fans an advance peek at this breathtaking one-of- a-kind destination. From its opening pages, with a welcome from Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger, to the back cover, featuring a map of the park—in Chinese—the issue is packed with exciting details about this new resort that celebrates everything guests love about Disney, while honoring China’s distinct cultural heritage.

The issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, provides a detailed look at how Shanghai Disney Resort was built from concept to concrete, including fascinating insights into the partnership between Walt Disney Imagineers and the incredibly talented artisans of mainland China. Readers will be able to explore all the exclusive attractions opening at the park including Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, which recreates moments from beloved Disney animated films as riders travel by boat through, around, and under the Enchanted Storybook Castle—the largest castle in any Disney park. The thrilling adrenaline rush of TRON Lightcycle Power Run puts guests in the driver’s seat of a high-tech race, and the high seas adventures of Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure boasts some of the most advanced technologies of any Disney attraction.

More than 30 pages of exclusive interviews and vibrant photography come together to highlight this jewel in the Disney Parks crown, from all-new shows, experiences, merchandise, and dining options to a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the creation of the resort.

Plus, Disney twenty-three turns up the heat with its annual summer movie preview. Highlights include exclusive interviews with Ellen DeGeneres discussing the upcoming Finding Dory as well as her first trip to Disneyland, Bryce Dallas Howard talking about the reimagining of Pete’s Dragon, and Academy Award ® winner Steven Spielberg revealing details about his Disney directorial debut, The BFG.

Also included in the summer issue of Disney twenty-three is a look at how The Reluctant Dragon, celebrating its 75th anniversary, gave audiences a peek at the making of Disney animated films, while paving the way for the Disney Studio’s respected documentary films.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in late May.

Disney World attendance down but revenue increases

By

Chip

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May 11, 2016

According to the Walt Disney Company second quarter earnings report for 2016 Disney Parks and Resort revenue has increased to $3.9 billion which is up 4% from last year! Meanwhile park attendance at Walt Disney World has decreased.

You read that right, overall park attendance has decreased slightly from last year at this time but park revenue has increased. Mainly this is due to guests spending more money at the parks, which is probably why we are seeing more paid events like Early Morning Magic and After Hours Party.

The report also states that Disneyland attendance has increased slightly so I am sure some of that increased revenue has come from there as well.

Disney had this to say:

“We’re very pleased with our overall results in Q2, which marks our 11th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in adjusted EPS,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “Our Studio’s unprecedented winning streak at the box office underscores the incredible appeal of our branded content, which we continue to leverage across the entire company to drive significant value. Looking forward, we are thrilled with the Studio’s slate and tremendously excited about the June 16th grand opening of the spectacular Shanghai Disney Resort.”

I will be honest reading over the report almost put me to sleep the only other highlight from the report is that Disney’s Movie division is up 22% to 2.1 Billion due to Star Wars Force Awakens & Zootopia.

You can read the full report here..

First Look of Pirates of the Caribbean in Shanghai Disneyland

By

Chip

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May 11, 2016

2016 05 11 13 43 23 Pirates of the Caribbean Shanghai Disneyland YouTube

Disney has been treating cast members and guests with first looks at many of the new rides and attractions at Shanghai Disneyland weeks before they are open to the general public. Today we take a first look at Pirates of the Caribbean, here is little taste of what to expect from the ride:

Cruise Treasure Cove with the most charismatic rogue ever to rock the Jolly Roger—the devilishly dashing Captain Jack!

Set sail for seafaring fun that takes you on, over and under the deep blue in search of Davy Jones’ sunken plunder—all while crossing paths with pirates, mermaids and even the savage Kraken.

Landlubbers leave from the Royal Navy’s former fortress and embark on a course that passes through the mysterious Voodoo Alley and Jack’s own secret sanctuary—the Caves of Misfortune—before hitting the briny depths. From a face-to-face with some of the world’s saltiest sea dogs to dreaming of those coveted doubloons, you’ll surely “shiver ye timbers” during this rollicking romp!

Now lets take a look at the ride from this video:

Mako Surfacing June 10th at Sea World Orlando

By

Lisette R

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May 11, 2016

Mako, Orlando’s tallest, fastest, and longest coaster is scheduled to open on June 10th at Sea World Orlando. Mako will be the centerpiece of the all-new Shark Wreck Reef-a newly designed realm that blends education and thrills, while immersing guests in an underwater world.

The two-acre realm will be fully shark themed and includes Mako, Shark Encounter, Sharks Underwater Grill, and shops. Educational experiences, such as the ability to track mako sharks that are being followed by the Guy Harvey Institute, will be part of the interactive offerings.

Shark Wreck Reef is designed to make guests feel as though they have traveled underwater and joined a group of sharks that have taken over a shipwrecked reef. Inside the realm, guests will learn about the impact humans are having on sharks and why these animals are critical to the environment. Sharks are hunted for their fins-considered a delicacy in certain countries-and in addition, tens of thousands are caught accidentally in nets. Several species of sharks are on the verge of extinction.

As guests venture further into the realm and into the queue line they’ll discover a unique sound system that will enhance their experience. An original Mako score can be heard and follows guests as they enter the loading bay and emerge from the station aboard the coaster and up the lift hill.

At night, specialty lights will accent the coaster trains, realm and track, flickering and shimmering, simulating fish being scattered by a mako on the hunt. The purple and teal paint colors were specifically chosen to enhance this effect.

The mako shark is considered the fastest shark in the ocean. It’s lightning quick tail allows for sharp turns, high energy, and speed. These characteristics formed the inspiration for the Mako Coaster as designers and engineers wondered what it might actually feel like to be a Mako shark.

Mako will be a hyper-coaster, designed for speed and relentless “air time” and lures guests to brave it’s tight turns, steep drops and predator power speeds. Riders will climb up to 200 feet high-offering tremendous views of the surrounding area-before plunging to reach speeds up to 73 mph.

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