Olaf Meet & Greet now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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May 4, 2016

Olaf is now available for meet and greets at Celebrity Spotlight in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Beginning today, he will be available daily at the new location across from Star Tours in Echo Lake. Be sure to grab a Times Guide upon entering the park. The line is currently stand by only with no Fastpass+ option.

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.

Source: pic.twitter.com/fL2lhcGNGA — WDW News Today (@WDWNT) May 4, 2016

New Experiences to Debut during Awaken Summer Event at Walt Disney World Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 4, 2016

Disney is dubbing this summer the “Awaken Summer” campaign, and they have just announced that there really are plenty of things “awakening” at the Walt Disney World Resort this summer!! While the biggest and most exciting additions and changes are at Animal Kingdom this summer, there are also many other new and exciting things happening at all the other parks as well. Here is a breakdown of the new and exciting experiences and attractions for this summer at Walt Disney World:

Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest thrills adventurers as it lurches forward and backward through the icy peaks of the Himalayas. At night, the majestic mountain challenges trekkers to an evening ride revealing breathtaking views of Disney's Animal Kingdom canopied by starlight. (Chloe Rice, photographer) — Expedition Everest thrills adventurers as it lurches forward and backward through the icy peaks of the Himalayas. At night, the majestic mountain challenges trekkers to an evening ride revealing breathtaking views of Disney’s Animal Kingdom canopied by starlight. (Chloe Rice, photographer)

Guests can enjoy a plethora of new experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom starting Memorial Day Weekend. The Tree of Life will begin its nighttime awakenings after the sun goes down. The park will also host two new parties, Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale, as well as the new “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” water show, which will bring the tale of Baloo and Mowgli to Discovery River each night.

Also beginning Memorial Day Weekend, guests will be able to enjoy many of the park’s existing attractions in the evening hours for the very first time. Kilimanjaro Safaris will be open for guests to get a glimpse of the savanna’s animal occupants as the sun goes down, and of course guests can rediscover favorites like Expedition Everest and Primeval Whirl in the dark. The park hours have already been extended, which means FastPass+ plans can be made now in the MyDisneyExperience App.

Two new F&B locations, Tiffins restaurant and Nomad Lounge, will also open their doors on Memorial Day Weekend. (Reservations and dining packages haven’t been released yet, but as soon as they are we’ll post an update).

Blizzard Beach Water Park

Guests can also cool off in a whole new way at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park this Memorial Day Weekend, with the start of the Frozen Games. In this experience, Olaf and Kristoff will host daily winter-themed activities for guests of all ages, including Snowball Toss, Ski Pole Limbo and more. All activities are complimentary, but guests must sign up at the park entrance to participate.

Magic Kingdom

Starting in June, Magic Kingdom Park will debut a brand-new stage show called “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” this June. In the show, Mickey and his band of Merry Makers are preparing to host a joyous festival and invite friends like Tiana, Naveen and Louis (from “Princess and the Frog”); Rapunzel and Flynn (from “Tangled”); and Olaf, Anna and Elsa (from “Frozen”); along for some fun.

Hollywood Studios

In June, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will make theme park history when it launches the most elaborate nighttime spectacular the park has ever seen with the new “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks show. This new nightly show will combine fireworks and pyrotechnics with video projections that will turn the surrounding buildings into familiar Star Wars destinations. The show will end with a tower of fire and spotlight beams that create massive lightsabers in the sky.

Epcot

And of course, Epcot will debut three exciting additions in June. Soarin’ Around the World, a new version of the popular attraction located in The Land pavilion, will take guests on a journey to far-flung lands, over some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders. And the Norway pavilion will open Frozen Ever After, the first attraction inspired by the film “Frozen” that will transport guests on an icy adventure through the Kingdom of Arendelle. Guests can also stop at the nearby Royal Sommerhus to see the sisters themselves.

Which one of these new experiences are you most excited for this summer?

If you’d like to plan a trip to experience the Awaken Summer event at WDW this year, then 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. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Disneyland Resort Refurbishment schedule for May 2016

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 4, 2016

In order to keep their rides running smoothly and safely, Disneyland often needs to close rides in order to perform maintenance on them, or even to give them a new look. As much as we don’t like it when our favorite rides aren’t running, it’s necessary to keep all the guests safe while on the rides. That being said, here is a list of rides and attractions at the Disneyland Resort undergoing refurbishments during May 2016.

Disneyland

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes– Jan 11- TBD
Disneyland Railroad– Jan 11- TBD
Disneyland Railroad– Mickey’s Toontown- Jan 11- TBD
Disneyland Railroad– New Orleans Square- Jan 11- TBD
Disneyland Railroad– Tomorrowland- Jan 11- TBD
Fantasmic!– Jan 11- TBD
Jungle Cruise– Jan 11- May 5, 2016
Mark Twain Riverboat– Jan 11- TBD
Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island– Jan 11- TBD
Sailing Ship Columbia– Jan 11- TBD
Disneyland Monorail– Apr 11- May 19, 2016
Matterhorn Bobsleds– May 2-6, 2016
Blue Bayou Restaurant– May 9-13, 2016
Pirates of the Caribbean– May 9-15, 2016
Tarzan’s Treehouse– May 16-TBD

Disney California Adventure

Silly Symphony Swings– Apr 11- TBD
Grizzly River Run– Apr 18-May 17, 2016
Carthay Circle 1901 Lounge– May 9-12, 2016
Carthay Circle Lounge– May 9-12, 2016
Carthay Circle Restaurant– May 9-12, 2016
Soarin –

If you’re unsure of where to begin planning your Disney Parks 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. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my facebook page here.

New Details on Paddlefish Opening This Fall in Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 4, 2016

The formerly named Fulton’s Crab House will undergo an extensive refurbishment and reopen as Paddlefish this fall. The restaurant will offer a brand new seafood-centric dining experience and be open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

Paddlefish will serve fresh seafood, steaks and chops, a catch of the day, and composed seafood entrees such as lobster risotto with poached Maine lobster, saffron and Meyer lemon oil and redfish with coconut milk, crab broth, tomato, peppers and ginger. (No worries, fan favorites including Florida stone crab, Alaskan King and Queen crab, and lobster corn dogs will be back.) A fun new addition is lobster guacamole made tableside with Maine Lobster, chilies, cilantro, lime and tortilla chips. And there’s a “build-your-own boil” so you can pick your own ingredients and seasonings.

The sleek and modern design of Paddlefish includes a new rooftop lounge, open until 2 a.m., with spectacular views of Disney Springs and the water. The lounge will have a separate menu of eclectic dishes perfect for sharing.

Stay tuned for more details.

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.

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Selfie Stick Causes California Screamin’ to Be Shut Down for Hours

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 3, 2016

Last summer, the use of selfie sticks were banned at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts for safety reasons. The ban came about when a rider of the California Screamin’ roller coaster at Disney California Adventure pulled out a selfie stick while on the coaster, causing concerns that this could pose a safety risk if the self stick were to break or hit something mid-ride.

Well, it looks like one guest didn’t get the memo–on Monday night around 5:30pm a rider pulled out a selfie stick (even though they aren’t allowed in the park at all) while on California Screamin’.

The ride was stopped once the stick was pulled out, which is the safety protocol for an attraction if ever one is pulled out. All of the guests were evacuated off of the attraction about 20 minutes later, and the roller coaster remained closed for a few hours.

Photo Credit: Disney

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for May 2016

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 3, 2016

The following is a list of attractions, resorts and restaurants in Walt Disney World that will be undergoing refurbishment or rehab during the month of May 2016:

Magic Kingdom

Monorail – modified service and/or routes. Read more here.
Restrooms next to City Hall – Until late June, 2016

Hollywood Studios

Pizza Planet – closed until late 2016

Epcot

Soarin’ – Reopens June 17, 2016
Stave Church Building (Norway Pavilion) – reopens May 27, 2016
House of the Whispering Willows (Tomb Warrior Exhibit) – May 2 until June 16, 2016

Blizzard Beach

Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher water slides – Reopened May 3

Disney Springs

Planet Hollywood – now through summer 2016
Fulton’s Crab House – Reopening as Paddlefish in Fall 2016
Arribas Brothers – May 1-5, 2016
Roadwork on Buena Vista Drive – now through May 2016

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Bay Lake Tower: soft goods refurbishment – April 2 until October 14, 2016
Animal Kingdom Lodge – Concierge Lounge: May 7 – 22, 2016
Animal Kingdom Villas Jambo House: soft goods refurbishment until May 20, 2016
Beach Club Villas: soft goods & bath refurbishment until August 17, 2016
Boardwalk Inn: exterior repair and painting until May 5, 2016
Flying Fish Restaurant: now through summer 2016
Boardwalk Villas: guest villa renovations until May 1, 2016
Caribbean Beach Resort: Jamaica Village Pool – through summer 2016 and Trinidad South Pool – May 2 – June 2, 2016
Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas: soft goods rehab until June 22, 2016
Port Orlean’s Resort – Riverside: Routine roof maintenance – through summer 2016
Wilderness Lodge & Villas: general resort refurbishments through 2017. Hidden Springs leisure pool and Teton Boat & Bike Rental.
Cub’s Den (children’s activity center): Unavailable through 2017

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

Disneyland Fastpasses to go Paperless in the Near Future

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 3, 2016

It seems as though Disneyland is about to renovate and update the way it handles FastPasses at Disneyland Resort. Currently the FastPass system uses paper ticket-style passes that are distributed from a machine, where you need to scan your park ticket at a specific ticketing location for each ride. You can only get one ticket at a time, until a certain amount of time has passed, and then you can choose another one, one at a time. It appears that even though we don’t have a start date for the changes, change is coming.

It appears the changes that will happen will simply be that the paper tickets won’t be required/handed out anymore. The system will work the same way as it does now, you just won’t get a physical ticket for your FastPass. This will not be a FastPass+ upgrade like at WDW, where you can pick and manage more than one FastPass at a time through the app, nor will you be able to choose your FastPass choices ahead of time either. Your choices will only be able to be made the day of. There will also not be any magic bands used in this new upgrade. It isn’t clear whether the FastPasses will be linked to an app on smartphones, or of it will be attached to the barcode on the actual park tickets, but the FastPass choices will be made in the app, on the website, or at kiosks that will be placed through the park (similar to the Walt Disney World system).

What do you think of this new paperless system?

If you’re unsure of where to begin planning your Disney Parks 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. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Disney XD celebrates Star Wars Day with a Star Wars marathon

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Chip

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May 3, 2016

Disney XD celebrates Star Wars Day with a “Star Wars”-themed marathon that includes Force-favorite episodes from “Star Wars Rebels,” “LEGO Star Wars: The New Yoda Chronicles” and “LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales” on WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 from 6:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. EDT.

Additionally, all five “LEGO Star Wars: The Resistance Rises” shorts will air throughout the day. The animated short-form series features popular heroes and villains from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” including Kylo Ren, Han Solo, Finn, Rey, BB-8, Poe, Maz Kanata and more in fun-filled stories.

Enjoy Half-Priced Children Tickets at La Nouba By Cirque du Soleil

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 3, 2016

Enjoy half-price savings on a child’s ticket for La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs for shows May 31 – July 23, 2016. Purchase must also include an adult ticket. Category 4 seats start as low as $24 for a child ticket.

Escape to a wondrous world of make-believe during this stunning show, featuring more than 65 artists representing 15 countries. Plus, this is a great opportunity to experience brand new acts including daring aerial bamboo artists and high-energy break dancers.

Catch a glimpse of La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil in this video!

Real-life partners Alexander and Exaterina Abramov come to La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil as masters of a craft perfected by only a handful of artists around the world – Aerial Bamboo. The act requires extreme trust as for most of the performance, Exaterina is held only by Alexander – his arms, his feet and even his teeth – as he himself hangs by his feet or arms high above the stage. This mesmerizing act will leave your Clients breathless!

And, for the first time in the history of Cirque du Soleil, La Nouba has dedicated an entire act to the high-energy dance B-Boying, commonly referred to as breakdancing. This new act brings together three accomplished B-Boy dancers from around the world with the choreography, design, music and costumes of Cirque du Soleil, to offer guests an experience like never before.

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

“Frozen” Games at Blizzard Beach Begin on May 27th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 3, 2016

Kristoff and Olaf from Disney’s hit animated film “Frozen” will appear at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park beginning on May 27th until August 21st for the inaugural “Frozen” Games.

As members of Team Kristoff or Team Olaf, guests can participate in a variety of winter-themed activities including:

Ice Pail Relays where teams line up and pass pails of water to one another, trying to be the first to fill a container at the end.
A “Snowball” Toss where pairs compete in a snow-themed water balloon toss.
Ski Pole Limbo, a snowy twist on traditional limbo—using a ski pole as the limbo bar!
Slide Races that allow teams to race down one of the signature water slides at Blizzard Beach.

Olaf and Kristoff will be on hand, appearing on the Observation Deck near Summit Plummet to take part in the opening and closing ceremonies and giving updates on their teams’ progress throughout the day.

Sign-up for this all-day event upon arrival at the park entrance. All activities are included in regular admission to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.

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

Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher at Blizzard Beach has Reopened

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 3, 2016

The Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher water slides at Disney’s Blizzard Beach have reopened. The two main attractions have been shut down for several weeks due to a broken pipe. The entire park was even closed briefly on March 16th and 17th due to technical difficulties.

Summit Plummet is Blizzard Beach’s tallest, most intense ride. It features a 120-foot slope, while Slush Gusher is a high-speed 90-foot slide.

Olaf and Kristoff will appear on the Observation Deck near Summit Plummet during the “Frozen” Games at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park beginning on May 27th.

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

Photo Credit: Disney

A Review of Star Wars Day at Sea Western Caribbean Cruise

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 3, 2016

Our family sailed on the final 2016 Star Wars Day at Sea cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy on April 16th. Our boys are big Star Wars fans so we jumped at the chance to book the 7 night Western Caribbean cruise when it was first announced last year. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at sea and created memories that will surely last a lifetime.

Character Appearances

Star Wars characters could be found roaming around on Decks 3 and 4 between the hours of 9:00am and 8:00pm. They were happy to take photographs but did not sign autographs. Stormtroopers held a pool patrol on the Deck 11 Stage at 11:00am and 1:30pm and multiple characters appeared on stage for Summon The Force at 10:30pm.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

Young Padawans could participate in the Jedi Trials and put their skills to the test in a final battle with the Sith Lord, Darth Vader. A total of seven performances were held throughout the day at the Walt Disney Theatre, Deck 3 & 4, Forward at 8:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am. 11:30am, 1:15am, 2:30pm and 3:30pm.

Galactic Dance Party

An intergalactic dance party was held at 7:45pm and 11:00pm on Deck 11, Midship. Red and green light sabers lit up the dance floor as the DJ mixed hit tunes with Star Wars tributes and added his own unique flair.

Summon The Force

This epic stage show on Deck 11 featured favorite Star Wars characters as they summoned the force and concluded with an epic fireworks finale set to the unforgettable music of Star Wars. Be sure to arrive early before the show starts at 10:30pm for a good view of the stage.

Star Wars 101

This crash course on Star Wars history was held in the Buena Vista Theatre, Deck 4 & 5, Midship at 9:30am and 1:00pm. Star Wars 101 is a fun and entertaining way to bring guests up to speed on all things Star Wars.

Dinner Menu

All three rotational dining restaurants, Animator’s Palette, Enchanted Garden and Royal Court, featured a special Star Wars holographic menu at dinner. Entrees from the Planet Coruscant menu included Qui-Gon’s Crisp Chicken, Obi-Wan Shroom Steak, Yoda’s Papardelle Pasta and Jedi Temple Salad. Entrees from The Death Star menu included Lord Vader’s Nerf Steak, Stormtrooper Flatbread, Grilled Bounty Hunter Fish Fillet and Grand Moff Tarkin’s Spiced Pork Tenderloin. The Drink of the Day was Galaxy in a Glass (alcoholic) and Planetoid Punch (non-alcoholic).

Merchandise

Commemorative Star Wars Day at Sea merchandise was available at Sea Treasures, Deck 3, Forward. Items included apparel, pins, coffee mugs, Tervis tumblers, Doonie & Burke purses and so much more. Guests could even purchase a custom Star Wars Day at Sea Nametag with their name written in Aurebesh.

Guest Speaker Series – Kilian Plunkett

Kilian Plunkeet has worked on numerous Star Wars projects and is currently the Art Director on Disney XD’s Star Wars Rebels. He discussed the last 10 years of Star Wars animation and provided a look at the process of animating a show, from rough sketch to final asset. The event was held in the Buena Vista Theatre, Deck 4 & 5, Midship at 11:30am and 3:00pm.

Star Wars Costume Celebration

Fellow Star Wars fans gathered in the Lobby Atrium at 2:00pm and 4:00pm dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters. Some costumes were so realistic that it was actually difficult to tell them apart from the real Star Wars characters!

Youth Activities

Star Wars themed games and activities were held throughout the day at Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab (ages 3-12). The video game Star Wars Battlefront was available to play at Disney’s Edge (ages 11-14) and Vibe (ages 14-17). Family crafts such as door hangers, memory pages and tile coasters were available at La Piazza.

Star Wars Films

All seven Star Wars films were shown throughout the seven night cruise. Episode VII Star Wars – The Force Awakens played in the Buena Vista Theatre on Deck 4 & 5, Midship at 4:45pm, 8:00pm and 11:00pm during the Star Wars day at sea. Refreshments along with BB-8 and Chewbecca souvenir cups were available to purchase outside the theater. There was even a limited supply of Star Wars Tie Fighter popcorn buckets available to purchase. Episodes of Disney’s animated series Star Wars Rebels also played on Deck 11.

Padawan Mind Challenge

Basic Star Wars knowledge was tested in this exciting trivia challenge show held at the D Lounge, Deck 4, Midship at 6:00pm, 7:15pm and 8:30pm.

Star Wars Saga: Tales From a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Guests had the opportunity to play a role and become part of the story as some of the most exciting adventures from Star Wars were retold. The event was held on the Deck 11 Stage, Midship at 7:15pm.

Pictionary Challenge

A game of Star Wars themed Pictionary was held at LaPiazza, Deck 4, Aft at 10:00am and 3:00pm.

The itinerary included a total of three stops at Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Disney’s Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. There was an additional day at sea in place of a stop at Jamaica in order to accommodate the one-day Star Wars extravaganza. The Star Wars Day at Sea cruises were so successful that Disney Cruise Line has decided to offer them again on the following dates in 2017:

7-Night Western Caribbean sailings

January 7, 2017
January 21, 2017
February 4, 2017
February 18, 2017
March 4, 2017
March 18, 2017
April 1, 2017
April 15, 2017

7-Night Eastern Caribbean sailings

January 14, 2017
January 28, 2017
February 11, 2017
February 25, 2017
March 11, 2017
March 25, 2017
April 8, 2017

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to book a Star Wars Day at Sea cruise or to request a Disney Cruise Line Itinerary for sailings available through September 2017. MickeyTravels is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that offers FREE Disney vacation planning and advice.

Photo: Disney Cruise Line