Bongo’s & Wolfgang Puck’s Grande Cafe…Staying or Leaving Disney Springs?

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May 11, 2016

Who loves Bongo’s Cuban Café, or Wolfgang Puck’s Grande Café at Disney Springs? Would you miss them if they were gone?

These two restaurants have been part of Downtown Disney/Disney Springs since 1997. With the addition of so many new restaurants to the Springs, speculation has begun with whether or not these two restaurants will remain after the new changes are complete.

Other restaurants that have been part of the Downtown Disney/Disney Springs such as Fulton’s Crab House (soon to be Paddlefish) are undergoing reimagination, while no changes seem to be occurring for Bongo’s or Wolfgang Puck’s. This has left some wondering if that means they won’t be staying.

The two popular restaurants have not seemed as busy as they once were with new additions to the area. Maybe once things are settled they will still remain, and business will pick back up again. Renovations would certainly be pricey, but are they even necessary? If they don’t stick around, will it leave a lot of visitors unhappy?

Other speculation with lots of new restaurants coming to the area, is with Boston favorite Wahlburgers opening in Downtown Orlando. Is it only a matter of time before they are opening at Disney Springs? As a Boston/New England girl myself, I say it would be a great addition! (Mark & Chef Paul hint, hint!)

Looking to plan a trip to Disney Springs before your favorite restaurants may disappear? Or ready to check out all the new changes and places to visit? Contact me anytime to for more information and help with booking your next Disney Destination vacation! As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for MickeyTravels, my services are 100% free. [email protected] or on Facebook.

Enroll in Sprinkles Perks to Receive a Free Cupcake and Earn Rewards Points

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 11, 2016

The new Sprinkles cupcake bakery and Cupcake ATM is scheduled to open at Disney Springs on May 15th. If you plan to frequent this or any other Sprinkles location throughout the U.S. then be sure to sign up for Sprinkles Perks, the loyalty club where you can earn points towards exclusive rewards, including free cupcakes!

Upon registering at sprinkles.com you are automatically enrolled in the Vanilla Level and are eligible for the following rewards:

Enjoy a FREE cupcake within 30 days of registering in Sprinkles Perks
Buy 15 menu items, get 1 free
Free cupcake on your birthday
Refer your friends a receive 5 points for each new person that enrolls, visits and makes an eligible purchase
Earn double points on a purchase of your choice
Access to exclusive events

Visit Sprinkles 20+ times in a calendar year and achieve Dark Chocolate Level. This level entitles guests to a free cupcake on their half birthday plus when you buy one cupcake on a Tuesday, get one free on the following Tuesday. Red Velvet Level is unlocked by visiting 40+ times in a calendar year and will also get you a dozen free cupcakes on your birthday and a skip the line pass.

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…just like that cupcake you’ll receive for enrolling in Sprinkles Perks.

Photo Credit: Sprinkles.com

Disney Infinity discontinues production

By

Chip

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May 10, 2016

Disney has just announced that they are discontinuing production on Disney Infinity. News broke via the Disney Interactive website.

Here is the official word:

By now you may have heard the news that we have made the difficult decision to discontinue production of Disney Infinity. From the beginning, Disney Infinity was built for you—our fans—and I wanted to take a moment to thank you not just for your support over the years, but for creating a community that made Disney Infinity more than just a game.

Our goal for Disney Infinity was to bring the best of Disney storytelling to life in homes around the world, and with your support we accomplished that. We hope you had as much fun playing the game as we had making it.

So what’s next for Disney Infinity? We have two final retail releases coming, including three new characters from Alice Through the Looking Glass later this month, and the Finding Dory Play Set launching in June.

And as we turn to the next chapter in our story, I want to thank everyone who helped bring Disney Infinity to life, particularly Disney’s Glendale-based production and publishing teams, our external development partners, and of course the incredible Avalanche team for their tireless dedication to this project.

But most of all, I want to again thank you for making Disney Infinity a part of your lives—and for adding to the Disney legacy by being a part of this community.

Introducing the new Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 10, 2016

The incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventures closed in September of 2015 promising new and exciting things to come, well although no official date has been announced yet here is what will be opening in late summer 2016:

As you enter the ride a giant Hulk will be holding up track to create the entrance, these track are from the original ride
There will be a new storyline, you will part of an experiment in which you will be given high levels of gamma radiation. You will be part of Brian Banner’s “Hulk-a-fication” process
The queue area has been completely redone as well; you will pass laboratories containing equipment for mysterious tests then onto the gamma core where you will see the “Hulk-a-fication” process. Finally onto the loading platform you will then be blasted with superhuman strength by the gamma accelerator
the ride vehicles now have a sleek modern look and will be playing music by Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy and the launch tunnel will be full of special effects!

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Hulk Full Reveal featured image 1170×731

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Check out the video below!

How ready are you to ride this awesome coaster? Contact me today to start planning your amazing Universal vacation!

New Queen of Katwe Poster and Trailer

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 10, 2016

The stunning poster was revealed for Disney’s upcoming live-action drama “Queen of Katwe“. The film is directed by Mira Nair, and stars David Oyelowo, newcomer Madina Nalwanga, and Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, who was recently seen as Maz in “The Force Awakens” and Raksha in “The Jungle Book.”

Oscar (TM) winner Lupita Nyong'o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga in Disney's QUEEN OF KATWE, the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess. The powerful film, which also stars David Oyelowo and is directed by Mira Nair, will be released in U.S. theaters in September. — Oscar (TM) winner Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga in Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE, the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess. The powerful film, which also stars David Oyelowo and is directed by Mira Nair, will be released in U.S. theaters in September.

The film is based on a true story about a 10-year-old girl in rural Uganda, who comes from a poor yet hardworking family of vegetable farmers. She ends up discovering the game of chess, and teaches the game to others in her rural community to help empower them. Her love and passion for the game of chess eventually leads her on a great whirlwind of competitions, and opens up opportunities in her life she never thought before possible.

You can check out the just-released trailer for “Queen of Katwe” below:

The film hits theatres September 23rd this year.

Doc McStuffins: Pet Vet Appisode Now Available on Amazon FreeTime Unlimited

By

Danielle

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May 10, 2016

Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins: Stuffy and Squibbles” interactive appisode is live now as part of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, Amazon’s all you can watch subscription service for kids available on Fire tablets, including Fire Kids Edition.

In the appisode, kids can help Doc diagnose and cure Stuffy’s pet Squibbles when he isn’t feeling himself. The “Stuffy and Squibbles” episode is part of the “Doc McStuffins: Pet Vet,” story line that highlights care and responsibility for pets that premiered on Disney Channel last year. I love that these are available through Amazon, so that those who don’t have iPhones have access to fun Disney content too!

Key features enabling kids to fully engage in the episode include:

Diagnose Squibbles – Players use Doc’s medical instruments to help give Squibbles a complete check-up.
Charging Station – Players help Squibbles get back into his solar-powered charging station and back on the road to recovery.
Every pet Doc helps gets recorded in the Pet Vet book. Players add Squibbles to the book by drawing and coloring him in.

Additional Appisodes available as part of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited include: “The Big Sleepover” and “The Great Aunt-Venture” from “Sofia the First”; “Toby the Cowsitter and Blue Jay Blues” from “Sheriff Callie’s Wild West”; and “Hide the Hideout and Captain Hook’s Hooks” from “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” among many others.

If you don’t have access the Amazon Freetime, select Appisodes are also available in Google Play and the Amazon Appstore and through the Disney Junior Appisodes app for iOS devices.

7 new Disney Springs Eateries to open May 15th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 10, 2016

We’ve been talking up the new dining options at Disney Springs for months now. So we’re so excited to hear that things are going as planned, and 7 new places to dine or get snacks will be opening as scheduled on May 15th! Here is the lineup of new locations opening that day:

D-Luxe Burger: Grab a classic cheeseburger or go for something indulgent like the El Diablo Burger with chorizo, fried banana peppers, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo. There’s a veggie burger too. Plus gelato shakes, fresh-cut fries and more from the Disney chefs.
Amorette’s Patisserie: Classic and contemporary cakes and pastries are the stars in this high-end pastry shop where guests can watch pastry chefs decorate signature cakes in the on-stage finishing kitchen. From a classic macaron or crisp, light pavlova to the ultimate chocolate-chocolate chunk cookie, Amorette’s is a dessert lover’s dream come true.
The Daily Poutine: This kiosk brings the Canadian classic to guests with four varieties of toppings on hot, crispy French fries: Classic, with beef poutine gravy and Cheddar Cheese curds; Latin with fried yucca, black beans, pulled pork and queso fresco; Italian with bocconcino mozzarella and Bolognese sauce, and French with mushroom cream sauce and Gruyere cheese. Pair them with a lemonade, draft beer, sangria or fountain sodas.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.: A kiosk with artisan sausages by Disney chefs – the Three Little Pigs with a Reuben dog, black bean salsa and chili cheese; Portuguese Sausage with pickled vegetable slaw and chili mustard; Sweet Hot Sausage with peppers, onions and marinara; Bavarian Sausage Sandwich with a mini-meterwurst, braised red cabbage and spicy brown mustard on a pretzel roll, and Italian Veggie Sausage with peppers, onions and marinara. Add a draft beer or fountain soda.

YeSake: At this unique kiosk, try a Sake Cosmo Freeze or Sake Bourbon Slush among other offerings. Global eats range from the Great Wall with Chinese-style pulled pork to a Sombrero with ground beef, pico de gallo, guacamole, cheese and corn chips. Cold beer too.
Morimoto Asia Street Food: A new walk-up window on the patio offers sushi, donburi rice bowls and bao tacos, plus snacks: such as takoyaki (octopus, nori, okomiyaki sauce), Morimoto sticky ribs, curry rice croquettes, pork egg rolls and taiyaki (snapper-shaped pancake filled with sweet adzuki red been paste). Also on the menu: popping boba tea and an assortment of Asian-influenced beers and beverages.
Sprinkles: Look for handcrafted cupcakes, slow-churned ice cream and homemade cookies at Sprinkles, dubbed the first cupcake bakery by the Food Network. Options include vegan, gluten free and sugar free, and seasonal flavors.

Also, two favorites are still there: They’re not missing, they just moved to new spots — Wetzel’s Pretzel’s and Haagen Dazs ice cream are now located across from Orlando Harley-Davidson on the West Side.

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.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

New To-Go Concept Begins May 15th at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 10, 2016

Morimoto Asia in The Landing section of Disney Springs will introduce a new street food to-go concept beginning on Sunday, May 15th.

The menu will include the following:

“Snacks” including takoyaki (octopus, nori, okonomiyaki sauce), Morimoto sticky ribs, curry rice croquette, taiyaki (snapper shaped sweet pancake filled with sweet adzuki red bean paste) and pork egg roll (pork, cabbage).

“Bao Tacos” including kalbi (kimchi, scallions), chicken teriyaki (spicy mayo, cucumber, lettuce, teriyaki) and pork (spicy mayo, cucumber, lettuce)

“Donburi” (rice bowls) in a variety of styles including Japanese beef curry, char-siu don (braised pork belly, scallions, pickled ginger) and chicken teriyaki don (braised chicken, carrots, broccoli).

“Sushi (rito) and Onigiri” including California roll (guacamole), shrimp tempura roll (lettuce, cucumber), orange chicken roll (lettuce, sesame, orange glaze), vegetable roll (cucumber, lettuce, carrots, guacamole), sake onigiri (grilled flaked salmon, Morimoto premium white rice) and edamame & shiso onigiri (Morimoto premium white rice).

The popular pan-Asian dining experience was created by Japanese Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto and features a range of Asian cuisine.

“Street food holds memories of my childhood. It reminds me of the local festivals and events of my hometown,” said Chef Morimoto. “I am excited that our new street food will transport guests to Asia and the marvelous cuisines that inspired my menu creations.”

Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs was recently awarded the Design Built Award of Merit by the American Institute of Architects Orlando on April 25th, 2016.

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.

Rumored Character Changes coming to Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 10, 2016

character meet chip dale frontierland 00

It appears that the fun-loving cowboy/western-clad Chip and Dale that can be found in Frontierland right across from the Golden Horseshoe will soon be moving back to Tomorrowland for meet and greets. Chip and Dale will make their final appearance on May 14th in Frontierland, and on May 15th, will be relocating to the Rocket Tower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. No word on what type of crazy space outfit the boys will be wearing during their move, but I sure can’t wait to see it!

It is also rumored that Woody and Jessie will no longer be meeting guests at the exit of Splash Mountain in Frontierland either. The duo will be relocating to take Chip and Dale’s spot over by the Diamond Horseshoe, also starting on May 15th.

In similar news, now that Minnie Mouse has moved to her new location for Meet and Greets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it appears that our favorite Pup Pluto has stepped up to fill in her spot over at the Disney Jr Meet and Greet area!

I’m looking forward to experiencing these new character line-up changes, how about you?

If you’d like to visit Walt Disney World to meet YOUR favorite characters, but don’t know where to start, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney vacation planning services. I specialize in 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 credits: Disney Parks Blog

Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 10, 2016

Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks at Animal Kingdom opened back in December 2015 at the former Fastpass+ distribution area for Expedition Everest. This would be a fun place to grab a refreshing drink or a quick bite to eat before enjoying the new evening entertainment that debuts at the theme park over Memorial Day weekend.

The counter service restaurant in Asia is open daily from 9:00am until park closing and offers specialty drinks and beer, along with a selection of frozen beverages. Sandwiches, salads and snacks are also available for purchase along with assorted non-alcoholic beverages and coffee. Dining plans are not accepted at this location.

Specialty Beverages

Khumbu Icefall – Cruzan Guava Rum blended with Coconut and Raspberry Pureé
Durbar Margarita – José Cuervo Gold Tequila, Triple Sec, Ginger, Sweet-and-Sour, and fresh Lime Juice
Himalayan Ghost – Snow Leopard Vodka, Guava, and Odwalla® Lemonade
Flying Yak – Mango Pureé blended with Coconut Water and Pineapple Juice (Non-Alcoholic)
Pink Lotus – Strawberry Pureé, Lychee, and Odwalla® Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic)

Beer

Victory Golden Monkey Draft
Kingfisher Draft
Yeti Stout
Hitachino Nest White Ale
Old Elephant Foot IPA Draft
Bud Light Draft
Funky Buddha Floridian Hefeweizen
Maduro Brown Ale

Wine

Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon
Demorgenzon DMZ Chardonnay

All Day Beverages

Nesquick Chocolate Milk
Milk
Iced Coffee – French Vanilla or Mocha
Coffee – Regular or Decaf
Hot Cocoa
Assorted Beverages

Sandwiches and Salads

Smoked Turkey Sandwich
Asian Noodle Salad
Roasted Pork Sandwich
Edamame

Morning Treats & Snacks

Assorted Muffins – Blueberry or Apple Cinnamon
Assorted Danishes – Cheese, Cherry or Apple
Croissant
Simply Orange® Orange Juice
Minute Maid® Apple Juice

All Day Treats & Snacks

Chocolate Twist
Fruit Cup
Crudite
Hummus with Pretzels
Mickey’s Ice Cream Bar
Mickey’s Ice Cream Sandwich
Frozen Banana
Frozen Strawberry-Lemonade Cup
Fresh Fruit
Apple Dippers
Hummus with Vegetables
Assorted Chips
Strawberry Fruit Bar
Frozen Orangeade Cup
Turtle Brownie
Sugar or Chocolate Chip Cookie

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

Keep Your Phone Secure and Hands Free with this Mickey Phone Holder

By

Danielle

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May 9, 2016

If using your smart phone for music or GPS, it’s always best to keep it secured and hands free while driving. This Mickey Phone Holder from Amazon keeps your phone held tight, with out damaging it.

The Mickey Phone Holder can be freely adjusted to your preferred angle. The soft rubber grips hold the phone secure without damaing or scraping the outside. The base can also flip to accommodate horizontal or vertical viewing. Of course it doesn’t hurt that it’s designed with a cute Mickey Mouse look, with his vivid red, yellow and black color scheme plus his iconic mouse ears. The mouse ears rest behind the top corners of phone so you can still get the Mickey look even with a phone snapped in. I know this would be great for our car trips to Walt Disney World! You can find them on Amazon now!

Would you use a Mickey Mouse phone holder to mount your smartphone for road trips?

Ample Hills Creamery set to open on May 15th celebrating Disney’s Boardwalk 20th Anniversary

By

Chip

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May 9, 2016

2016 05 09 14 43 56 bioreconstruct on Twitter New sign at Ample Hills Creamery. Opens May 15 with

New sign at Ample Hills Creamery. Opens May 15, with events related to Disney’s Boardwalk 20th Anniversary. pic.twitter.com/DGQAVKSSZ4

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) May 8, 2016

Ample Hills Creamery is set to open on May 15th at Disney’s Boardwalk in Walt Disney World. According to signage in front of the creamery in honor of the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas they will be enhancing the charm of this turn of the century resort with even more unique venues, including a new take on old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

Guest will be able to experience Ample Hills signature products and unique one of a kind flavors exclusive to Walt Disney World. Flavors such as Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Malty Salty Pretzel Punch, and Coffee Toffee Coffee.

Stay tuned for more details leading up to the opening of Ample Hills Creamery on May 15th, 2016!

Photo credit bioreconstruct on twitter