Booking now available for LEGOLAND Beach Retreat Bungalows

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September 23, 2016

2016.08.12_LEGOLANDFLORIDA_LBR_007 — WINTER HAVEN, FL -- August 12, 2016 -- LEGOLAND Beach Retreat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. (PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Chip Litherland)

Five weeks ago LEGOLAND offered us a sneak peak for their all-new vacation retreat which was currently under construction, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is now announcing it is ready to begin taking reservations for vacation which will take place June 1, 2017 through Sept. 4, 2017.

New images released today reveal even more of the brick-tastic, beachy details that guests will discover at this recreational paradise #BuiltForKids. LEGOLAND Beach Retreat combines the fun of surf and sand with the creativity of LEGO® building sets, and will offer picturesque lake views from nearly every sun-kissed corner.

To make a reservation at LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, visit www.LEGOLAND.com/florida. Room rates start at $182 and vary by season, date and availability. Packages including theme park tickets are also available.

LEGOLAND Beach Retreat amenities include:

83 beach-themed bungalows offering 166 separate rooms
Whimsical LEGO décor inside and out
Spacious rooms that sleep up to five, including a cozy area designed just for kids with a bunk bed and trundle bed
Shaded patios where parents can put their feet up, kick back and relax
Multiple outdoor play areas where kids can slide, jump and climb in view of bungalow patios
Large themed swimming pool with an expansive sandy play area
Centrally located clubhouse featuring a restaurant, pool bar and LEGO building area for kids
A bountiful breakfast buffet included with each night’s stay
Early access to the nearby theme park

Announced in March 2016 as part of the largest period of growth and expansion in the resort’s nearly five-year history, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat will join the 152-room LEGOLAND Hotel, more than doubling on-site accommodations and giving guests even more reasons to play — and stay — at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Katie Worthington, president and CEO of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, noted that the new accommodations add much-needed room inventory to the region, where tourism continues to grow year over year.

“We have already seen the impact that the announcement of the LEGOLAND expansion has had, by bringing additional investment in other hospitality-related businesses to Winter Haven,” she said.

“LEGOLAND Beach Retreat further solidifies Winter Haven as a multi-day destination,” Worthington added. “It gives visitors a glimpse into the beauty of our area with views overlooking Lake Dexter, one of 55 area lakes.”

Grand opening festivities and additional amenities will be announced at a later date. To be among the first to receive the latest news about LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, sign up at www.LEGOLANDBeachRetreat.com

For more information about visiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including savings on advance purchase of admission tickets, multi-tier annual passes, special events, VIP experiences, educational programs, services for guests with disabilities, on-site accommodations and much more, contact me today!

Movie Review – Disney’s Queen Of Katwe

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 23, 2016

“Queen of Katwe” is the true rags to riches story of Uganda native Phiona Mutesi. (played by Madina Naiwanga). It’s a story about her family that live in the poverty stricken town of Katwe , where she discovers the power of chess and goes on to play in the 41st Chess Olympiad.

This moving story begins with Phiona’s mother, Nakku Harriet (Lupita Nyong’o) a widow just trying to keep the family afloat, living in a shack with her 3 siblings. Phiona walks into town and fills huge containers of drinkable water for her family every morning and sells maze every afternoon. She and her sibling don’t attend school, because their mother can’t afford to send them. One day, she follows her brother to a church outreach sports program where ‘Coach’ Robert (David Oyelowo) is teaching the children the sport of chess.

Filmed in the actual town of Katwe, filmmaker Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding”) boldly pulls no punches in presenting the dire conditions of the village. The direction of the children is lovely and light, it’s enjoyable to watch the growth of Phiona in her life, along with her brother and her friends. The story, originally told in an ESPN magazine article, is truly a testament to having a dream and pursuing it fully and how it can change your life. Bringing home the point that with the combination of belief in yourself and your community, love of friends and family and honest hard work and study, anyone can achieve anything. The charming capper to the film is, during the end credits where every actor was joined by their real life counter parts.

The only thing that I would change about this film is, there was so much story to tell and so much information that was crammed into two hours, it may have been more fully realized if they made it into a miniseries and took the time that was needed to fully tell it. But that’s just me.

“Queen of Katwe” is a true gem and a wonderful reminder that not only are there great real life, feel good stories out there – there are great real life, feel good people out there too. Go see “Queen of Katwe” give it the props it deserves.

Mickey’s Halloween Party Begins Tonight at Disneyland

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Chip

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September 23, 2016

The very first Mickey’s Halloween Party returns for the 2016 season tonight, and the new “Frightfully Fun Parade” is ready to creep onto the streets of Disneyland.

Zero the ghost dog from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” will be leading the way, with the Mayor of Halloweentown announcing the arrival of the one and only Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington. Following them home are the grim, grinning ghosts of the Haunted Mansion. Ballroom dancers, gravediggers and hitchhiking ghosts all come out to socialize.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a “Frightfully Fun Parade” without appearances by the Disney Villains! Dr. Facilier holds court in his bayou Voodoo parlor, surrounded by some of his friends from the other side, while Maleficent in dragon form looms over a dark and dungeon-like lair where Hades, Jafar, Cruella De Vil and the Queen lurk, plotting their dastardly deeds.

Make sure to grab a good spot for the ride of the Headless Horseman which starts the “Frightfully Fun Parade.”

The all-new “Frightfully Fun Parade” will be presented exclusively during Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separately ticketed event at Disneyland park hosted over 17 nights, now through October 31. Tickets are available now, so get yours here before the event sells out.

Parking is not included in the ticket price and parking fees will apply. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a nonsmoking event. Smoking will be permitted in designated areas outside Disneyland park in the Main Entrance Plaza.

Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Space is limited and event dates may sell out. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. Tickets are not required for guests ages 2 and under. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive. Parking is not included. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Entertainment may be cancelled due to inclement weather or otherwise.

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Disney Is Reserved About “Rogue One’s” Box Office Potential

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 23, 2016

Disney higher ups might have the impression “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” the first stand alone Star Wars film, won’t get the audience that “The Force Awakens” got. “We never felt it would do the level that ‘Force Awakens’ did,” Disney chief Bob Iger told investors at a Goldman Sachs conference, following a meeting with Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy to talk about the “Star Wars” titles from 2021 and beyond.

Iger said that he has seen a recent rough cut of “Rogue One” and that “we love what we’ve seen.” That may not have always been the case. News broke, in May, that Disney executives were not happy with the “Rogue One” footage they saw and wanted reshoots. Since then, the studio has attempted to downplay the reshoot narrative, and even the film’s director Gareth Edwards spoke out that they were always planned like that.

Though Iger says that “interest in (‘Rogue One’) is as high as it was for ‘Force Awakens,'” his hint that it might not have the box office power that “The Force Awakens” had gives you the feeling that “Rogue One” will be a little less family friendly and more dramatic than what we’ve seen from Star Wars of old. “Rogue One” is scheduled to be released December 16th and I, for one, am looking forward to it!

“The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History” will Debut at Magic Kingdom on October 2nd

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 23, 2016

The all-new, live show “The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History” will debut at Magic Kingdom on October 2, 2016. It will take place several times daily, just outside The Hall of Presidents and is hosted by James “J.J.” Jefferson and Sam Eagle. Watch as some of your favorite Muppets such as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and the Great Gonzo perform in this wacky new patriotic show.

Throughout the day, J.J. and the Muppets share their own unique take on the founding fathers as they recount the tale of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, complete with an original song and plenty of humor. At other times, you may catch the Muppets’ version of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, presented in hysterical fashion as only they can.

Are you looking forward to a history lesson presented by the Muppets at Magic Kingdom this fall?

Contact me at [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 can help save you both time and money!

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Pre-Paid Disney Quick Service Dining Gift Card Now Available with Certain Good Neighbor Packages for a Limited Time

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 22, 2016

Disney has released information on a new promotion for guests who book at certain Good Neighbor Hotels through the Walt Disney Travel Company during specified time frames:

Beginning Sept. 22, 2016, for a limited time, Guests who book a Walt Disney Travel Company package at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Springs™ Resort Area Hotels or a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel with a minimum 3-day ticket, can enjoy the convenience of prepaid dining at Quick-Service Restaurant locations at Walt Disney World Resort. Booking dates for this additional package option are Sept. 22, 2016-April 1, 2017 and travel dates are Sept. 26, 2016-April 4, 2017.

For each day of theme park admission, adults in the party will receive $40, and children will receive $15 on their Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards. However, Guests will only be charged $35 per adult/per day and $12.50 per child/per day. For example, a Guest with a 3-day ticket included in their package would receive a $120 Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Card for only $105. A child with the same ticket would receive a $45 dine gift card for only $37.50. The Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards may be redeemed at select Quick-Service Dining locations, or food carts, in Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Water Parks, Disney Springs™ and Disney Resort hotels.

You can upgrade your Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Card (up to a maximum value of $400 USD for adults and $150 USD for children) as long as they include a 3-day Theme Park admission ticket. And, just as with our other dining plans, every Guest on the package must purchase a Walt Disney World Quick-Service Dine Gift Card with the same equivalent value.

Please note the Disney Quick-Service Dine Card package add-on will follow the standard Walt Disney Travel Company booking, modification and cancellation policies.

You will receive their Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards along with your Theme Park tickets upon check-in at their hotel. At that time, the Quick-Service Dine Gift Card will then follow these standard gift card policies:

Cannot be redeemed for cash
Will not be replaced if lost or stolen
Unused Dining Gift Card balances are not eligible for a refund
Cannot be used for merchandise
Only eligible at Disney Quick-Service Restaurant locations
Remaining balances will be printed on receipts
Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards do not expire

If this new offer sounds great to you, contact me today to book your Disney Good Neighbor Vacation and 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 follow along on Facebook here.

Photo: Disney

Power outage at Fort Wilderness Resort in Walt Disney World

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Disney News

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September 22, 2016

disneys fort wilderness resort and campground

Fort Wilderness Resort is currently experiencing power outages according to guests via social media.

Here are some guest tweets.

900 loop in Fort Wilderness is still without power going on 1 hour…pretty Mickey Mouse.

— Mike (@mike7a10) September 23, 2016

Arrived at Fort Wilderness cabin at Disney World at 9 PM with no power. Reminds me of Abe Lincoln reading by candlelight in his log cabin.

— Joey Patterson (@joeypatterson) September 23, 2016

the power is out at fort wilderness apparently and i feel like that would be the last resort you would want to be at during a power outage

— princess✨ (@hallowishes) September 23, 2016

Motor homes cranking up generators. Cabins are dark. Trailers on battery. It’s frigging dark. #FortWilderness @WaltDisneyWorld

— The Florida Cracker (@FlaCrackerBoy) September 23, 2016

Apparently the entire resort is affected and the cause is unknown. The power has been out for over an hour and there is no news on when it will be restored.

There is no further information available right now.

Hopefully there will be updates shortly.

Fantastic Mickey Ears Nurse Hat, for the Disney Loving Nurse

By

Danielle

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September 22, 2016

It’s no secret that I love my Disney nurse friends and family. I think they are incredible heroes who work hard to take care of us in need. Whenever I see a Nurse and Disney themed item, it completely melts my heart. I may not be a nurse myself, but I know several who would love this Mickey Ears Nurse Hat by dizzylidz on Etsy!

This fun Nurse’s hat is perfect to show your disney love and profession! If you are a Disney fan that is a nurse, or has a special Disney nurse in your life, this is a must! It is a custom made white stitched and starched vintage style nurse’s hat with a simple red cross on front. The back is secured with a white button. This hat is light and professionally finished. The ears are also original Disney plastic Mickey Mouse ears. It’s also perfect for adding pins!

If you know a wonderful Disney loving nurse, then this Mickey Ears Nurse Hat is worth checking out!

Clever and Adorable Disney Quote Phone Case for Apple

By

Danielle

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September 22, 2016

Disney Quote Phone Case

I really do love the clever iPhone cases that include the “Apple” into the design. I’ve seen lots with the Snow White holding the apple, or stitch taking a bite. I really love the uniqueness of this Disney Quote Phone Case though, as it show Mickey drawing Ears on the apple!

These are a flexible silicone case that is clear, to show the color of and, Apple on the back of the iPhone. Mickey’s hand stretches across the back with a pencil, sketching in his iconic Ears, over an infamous quote. The quote also looks as if written in by a pencil, which is a nice touch. This Disney Quote Phone Case is sure to steal the heart of any Disney lover who sees it. It is available on Amazon for only $6.99, and free shipping; Wow!

What do you think of this different take on the clear apple cases? What other famous Disney themed quotes would you want on your phone?

Disney World & Joffrey’s Coffee Celebrate National Coffee Day on September 29th

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 22, 2016

Disney World and Joffrey’s Coffee are celebrating National Coffee Day on September 29th with a special promotion, a hot (16 oz.) or iced (24 oz.) cup of coffee for only $1!

Find a full list of participating kiosks here.

Today is the first official day of fall, and like many, I’ve been waiting all year to sip on seasonal coffee beverages! This year, Joffrey’s is celebrating the season with three varieties of espresso and chai-based beverages, available at kiosks throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Harvest Latte – Rich espresso blended with creamy milk and caramel sauce with green apple syrup served hot or over ice milk, topped with whipped cream.
Pumpkin Pie Latte – Rich espresso blended with creamy milk and pumpkin pie flavoring served hot or over ice.
Pumpkin Pie Chai – Creamy chai and flavored with pumpkin syrup served hot or over ice.

Are you as excited about National Coffee Day as I am? Stayed tuned for another article about some of our favorite new mugs!

Contact Laura Bourget to start planning your next Disney Destination vacation. All of my planning services are !00% FREE and can help save both time and money. Email [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to get started!

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney kicks off it’s first #WonderFALL Weekend this Weekend

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 22, 2016

The 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. runs 62 days from Sept. 14-Nov. 14, 2016. Guests can enjoy delicious flavors from around the world, food-and-beverage-tasting seminars, the "Eat to the Beat" concert series and more. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

We mentioned earlier that Disney is beginning a new Autumn campaign, #WonderFALLDisney. We’ve been given some more details about what you can expect during this WonderFall time of year at Epcot, during the International Food & Wine Festival. Disney released the following suggestions for how to enjoy this first WonderFALL weekend!:

Your three-day epicurean adventure kicks off today with the Ultimate Day at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. It’s a seven hour VIP culinary extravaganza that starts with a celebrity chef Andrea Robinson-hosted brunch and finishes with a glass of bubbly while rockin’ to the BoDeans Eat to the Beat concert.

In between, travel to the kingdom of Arendelle on the new Frozen Ever After at the Norway Pavilion, explore the global marketplaces with a Disney Chef, fly around the globe on the new Soarin’ Around the World. Your post-flight snack includes a Cicerone-guided sampling of the Festival’s signature craft beers paired with chef-selected delicacies.

If you still have the energy, enjoy reserved viewing for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Or grab a costume (a pair of Mickey ears will do …) and hop over to the Magic Kingdom Park for the happiest haunts around at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. In between treat stations and the attractions, check out the Sanderson Sisters’ “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.” A sweet ending to your first fall night with us is the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party, which includes preferred viewing for the 8:30 p.m. Mickeys’ “Boo-too-You” Halloween Parade.

New in 2015, the "Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular," show during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park features the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney's Hocus Pocus, who throw an evil Halloween party with appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects. Walt Disney World Resort is located in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer) — New in 2015, the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” show during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park features the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s Hocus Pocus, who throw an evil Halloween party with appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects. Walt Disney World Resort is located in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

Sleep in on Saturday and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Disney’s BoardWalk promenade. Recently renovated, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort is just steps away from the International Gateway to Epcot. And it also has new dining options, including the reimagined Flying Fish, a touch of nightly magic at Abracadabar and handcrafted ice cream from Ample Hills Creamery, featuring flavors like Malty Salty Pretzel Punch.

Head back to the Festival Center at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival for an afternoon wine seminar and try a new “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It” hands-on workshop. This weekend showcases “Mix it with Whisky.”

Sugar Ray headlines the Eat to the Beat concert on Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, enjoy a plated breakfast at What’s Cookin’ With… celebrity chef Robert Irvine. As you check your Festival passport for any dishes or drinks you might have missed, don’t fret if you simply can’t eat another bite.

We have seven more weeks of the Festival – so there’s plenty of time to return. I’ll share ideas for another #WonderFALLDisney weekend with grand tasting events and chances for you to create alongside our Disney chefs in a future story.

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World this Fall to enjoy all the fun?

Not sure where to begin with planning your Disney Vacation? Contact me today to book your Disney Vacation and 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.

photos: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Princess: Charmed Adventures Launches Today for Mobile Devices

By

Danielle

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September 22, 2016

Today, Disney released Disney Princess: Charmed Adventures, an adventure-filled mobile game that inspires kids to dream big, just like some of their favorite Disney Princess characters — Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel and Tiana. Bringing some of these iconic characters to life in the game are the original voice talent from their respective films!

Developed for kids ages 6-8, Disney Princess: Charmed Adventures lets players embark on journeys as Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel or Tiana as they adventure beyond the castle walls, complete fun and engaging tasks, and earn beautiful charms to collect and customize their digital charm bracelets.

Developed for kids ages 6-8, Disney Princess: Charmed Adventures lets players embark on journeys as Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel or Tiana as they adventure beyond the castle walls, complete fun and engaging tasks, and earn beautiful charms to collect and customize their digital charm bracelets.

In the game, players will complete activities that reflect the unique and admirable inner qualities of each featured princess, such as painting wall murals as Rapunzel, performing music shows as Ariel, mastering book memory games as Belle, preparing delicious recipes as Tiana, and more.

Disney Princess: Charmed Adventures is available for free download with in-app purchases on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Some gameplay requires in-app purchases.