New “The Jungle Book: Mowgli’s Run” Interactive Game

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April 1, 2016

Released today on Disney Interactive is a brand new game called “The Jungle Book: Mowgli’s Run” inspired by Disney’s live action “The Jungle Book“, coming to theatres April 15th. In the game, you tap and swipe to help navigate Mowgli through the jungle by swinging from vine to vine. Along your adventure in the jungle with Mowgli, you also get to see some other characters from the film, such as Shere Khan, King Louie, and Kaa.

In the game, you get to see stunning jungle scenes inspired by the new film, and also within the app you get to see scenes from the movie itself prior to its release!

The new game is available to download for free in the App Store, as well as the Google Play Store.

And be sure to get your tickets for the film, available here!

Rivers of Light Preview Shows and Showtimes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 1, 2016

It looks as though Animal Kingdom cast members will be treated to a special preview of Rivers of Light on April 6th. All other Walt Disney World Cast Members will be able to preview the new evening show on April 8th, 9th, 12th and 13th.

It is possible that Disney Vacation Club members and annual pass holders will have an opportunity to attend their own premium version of a preview night on April 15th. This is likely to come at a cost although pricing has yet to be released. There will be two additional preview nights on April 16th and 17th.

Another preview of Rivers of Light will be part of a press event on April 19th and the show is scheduled to open to all guests beginning on April 22nd. Showtimes are expected to be held nightly at 8:30pm and 9:45pm.

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

“Walk The Prank” Sneak Preview to Debut on Disney XD and Disney Channel on April Fools’ Day

By

Danielle

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April 1, 2016

The Disney Channel and Disney Xd will debut a “sneak preview” of the fun new series that mixes scripted comedy with real hidden-camera pranks, “Walk the Prank,” on April Fools’ Day, 2016 at 6:00 and 9:30 p.m. EDT.

The hosts for the sneak peek will include the Walk the Prank cast members Cody Veith (“Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn”), Bryce Gheisar (“A Dog’s Purpose”), Jillian Shea Spaeder (“Theatre and Me’s the Bully”), Brandon Severs (“The Neighbors”) and Tobie Windham (“The Wesley’s”). Disney XD will also air prank-themed episodes of the popular shows “Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything” and “Lab Rats: Bionic Island,” among others. Following the sneak preview, “Walk the Prank” will premiere April 6, and air in its regular time slot on Wednesday nights at 8:30 p.m. EDT on Disney XD.

If you haven’t heard about this fun new show yet the “Walk the Prank” scripted storylines center on the four kids’ antics in school and at home, which provide a source of inspiration for their pranks. The real and outlandish hidden-camera pranks, seen throughout each episode, capture genuine reactions from unsuspecting strangers. The series showcases the natural comedic talent of new young stars including Cody Veith, Bryce Gheisar, Jillian Shea Spaeder, Brandon Severs and Tobie Windham. “Walk the Prank” is created and executive produced by Adam Small (“Mad TV”) and Trevor Moore (“Whitest Kids U Know.”). The series is from Horizon Productions and carries a TV-Y7 parental guideline.

Check out a clip below!

Sounds Like Summer 2016 Concert Series Line-up Announced

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 1, 2016

The 2016 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series line-up has been announced and begins on June 5th. Watch a live tribute performance this summer of some of the greatest rock bands of all time at the America Gardens Theatre located in Epcot’s World Showcase. Concerts are included in the price of admission to Epcot.

The following concerts are scheduled for 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8pm each night:

June 5-11: Don’t Look Back – A Tribute to Boston
June 12-18: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
June 19-24: Rumours – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band
June 25-July 1: Simply Tina – A Tribute to Tina Turner
July 2-9: Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
July 10-16: Bruce in the USA – A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen
July 17-23: DSB – A Tribute to Journey

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

Photo credit: Disney

LEGOLAND Florida Partners with Autism Speaks

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 1, 2016

LEGOLAND Florida Resort has announced they are joining efforts with Autism Speaks to help raise awareness and help accommodate guests with special needs and make vacation destinations more accessible for guests with Autism. Autism Speaks, world’s leading Autism science and advocacy organization to make its iconic kid-centric theme park a more welcoming place for guests with Autism. Working closely with Autism Speaks, the vacation resort #BuiltForKids currently is installing a large panel of hands-on, sensory-stimulating activities in a quiet space within its theme park, the first of several planned projects designed to make LEGOLAND Florida Resort a more autism-friendly destination for children and families.

Thanks to a recent refurbishment of the theme park’s Annual Pass processing center provided an ideal opportunity to create a safe, calming space for children with special needs, a project that quickly bloomed into multiple ideas among several departments to make the resort a more welcoming place for kids of all ages and abilities, according to Aymee Good, brand manager at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Under the partnership, Autism Speaks staff members and volunteers will consult on the development and installation of “quiet rooms” and other resort facilities designed to meet the needs of guests with Autism. The organization also will help LEGOLAND Florida Resort create online “social stories” that will provide illustrated walk throughs of its attractions, shows and other guest amenities, and will consult on other Autism-friendly initiatives such as a park map designed for guests with special needs and possible revisions to its existing Guide for Guests with Disabilities.

To better educate LEGOLAND Florida Resort employees (known as “Model Citizens”) about the unique needs of guests on the Autism spectrum, Autism Speaks staff members and volunteers will conduct training sessions at the resort at least twice a year and will supply educational material to be distributed to all new hires.

“We’re proud to say that we’re built for kids,” said Rex Jackson, director of Marketing & Sales at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. “By partnering with Autism Speaks and making these smart changes that will benefit so many families, we’re helping to ensure that our resort is truly built for all kids.”

On Saturday, April 23, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will sponsor the Kids Zone area during the Autism Speaks Walk at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Fla., and on Saturday, Nov. 12, during the Autism Speaks Walk at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla. The family friendly walks are an inspirational and impactful opportunity to raise money and awareness to help change the future for all those who struggle with autism. For more information, visit walknowforautismspeaks.org.

In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, observed on April 2, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is participating in the Autism Speaks “Light It Up Blue” campaign by shining blue spotlights on its whimsical entrance arch (pictured above). Each year, iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by Autism. For more information, visit autismspeaks.org/liub.

To learn more 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 and themed accommodations at LEGOLAND Hotel, visit LEGOLAND.com/florida.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort has made a lot of announcements so far this year and this is just another to add to the list and a considerate addition at that!

Disney lowers ticket prices and adds Magic Extras

By

Chip

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April 1, 2016

We have some great news to share with you today! Over the past few months Walt Disney World and Disneyland has been closing many Rides and Attractions to make way for Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land. Here are some of the closures that are already gone or are on their way out:

While nobody likes to see things change at the parks it does remain necessary if we want to see the new and exciting things Disney has in store for us with the new expansions.

Just a few months ago Disney raised ticket prices as they typically do each year. This year they went with a tiered ticketing increase so that when the parks got busier the price of the ticket went up. This has not been popular with guests which has caused them to restructure how they do park tickets yet again.

Starting today Disney is going to lower ticket prices back down to a flat $99 for all theme parks and offer Magic Extras that you can add to your ticket depending on what you and your family would like to do at the Disney World and Disneyland theme parks.

The new Magic Extras will be broke down into 3 tiers, families can select any or all of the tiers and pay the additional up charge that goes with the specific Magic Extras they would like. Here is a break down of the new tiered Magical Extras:

Tier 1 – Rides, Attractions, Character Meet & Greets

This $99 Magic Extra will allow you to ride all of the rides at the theme park you are visiting that day. You will still have to wait in the standby line as Fastpasses are only available in the Premium add-on (see below). This is a great option for people who love to ride rides and would like to meet their favorite Disney Characters (when available).

Tier 2 – Restaurants, Parade Viewing, Play Areas

This $59 Magic Extra will allow you and your family the opportunity to dine at some of Disney’s World Class fine dining Quick Service and Table Service Restaurants. You will still have to pay for your meal as the Disney Dining Plan is only available in the Premium add-on. With this Magic Extra you also have access to the Disney Parades, scaled back nighttime shows, and fun play areas like the closing Honey I Shrunk the Kids movie set!

Tier 3 – Restrooms, Shopping, Park Seating

This $39 Magic Extra is a much-needed add-on for you and your family if you intend on using the restroom while you are at the Disney Theme parks! Which we highly recommend! With this Tier 3 add-on you can also enjoy many of the different theme park shops where Disney will gladly take your money. Also not to be missed with this Tier 3 Magic Extra is the Park Seating! Give you legs a rest after walking all day and enjoy some of the many benches and ground seating locations where people can stand directly in front of you spoiling your view. So magical!

If you are having a hard time choosing which new Magical Extra you would like to add to your discounted base ticket you can purchase the Premium Super Deluxe Magical Pixie Dust Add on! For a mere $299 you can have all 3 Magic Extras added to your park ticket along with 3 Fastpasses (per family per day), option to buy the Disney Dining Plan, and this special Disney balloon that you get to inflate yourself!

You will start seeing the new ticket prices show up today in all theme parks. There will be Cast Members available to help you starting at the Premium Parking Lots all the way to the ticket booths. Over the next few months the old tickets will be phased out in favor of the new cheaper pricing structure.

We want to hear what you think of the new discounted Disney Park tickets. Is this a great value for you and your family? Let us know in the comment box below.

Source

Animal Kingdom Lodge offering new “Sense of Africa” Tour

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 31, 2016

Starting sometime soon (no dates announced yet), Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will be offering an all-new exclusive ticketed safari tour for guests. Named the “Sense of Africa” tour, this safari tour will be held in the morning, as opposed to Animal Kingdom Lodge’s other special tour, the Starlight Safari which takes place in the evening. Tickets for this special 3.5 hour adventure will apparently go on sale April 5th.

Before your Safari adventure begins, you will be treated to a private breakfast at Boma, where you will have the pleasure of learning more about the restaurant and hearing stories from a cast member from Africa while you dine on exclusive dishes, as well as the typical breakfast buffet foods Boma offers.

After breakfast you will hop into a Safari truck where you will be driven around the lodge, with an opportunity to see some giraffe, ostrich and okapi up close and personal! With only 12 guests being booked per tour, this promises to be a very intimate and wonderful experience for those interested in a closer look at the Lodge’s animals.

The tour tickets cost $249.99 per person, with a minimum age of 10 years old (a 15% discount is available for Annual Passholders and DVC Members). Tour dates will be Tuesday and Saturday.

If you’d like to book a trip to visit WDW this Fall to join in on the Safari fun, 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] or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Joffrey’s Coffee offering 20% discount at Disney Parks

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 31, 2016

If you’re a Joffrey’s Coffee fan like me, then you’re going to love the new 20% off offer they have for their coffee at Disney Parks!

To get your discount, text the word COFFEE along with your email address to 21333. By doing this, you will be signing up to receive more messages from Joffrey’s, and you will need to show the cast member your message in order to get your discount, but it is definitely worth it to us!

Joffrey’s locations can be found at the theme parks and water parks as well as at Disney Springs, and you can even use Joffrey’s website map here to find the one nearest you while at Disney World or Disneyland!

I usually bypass all other coffee options, and head straight for the Joffrey’s Cart while I’m at the parks, how about you?

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.

Photo Credit: Joffrey’s Coffee

Amazing Custom Designed Disney Steel Fire Pits

By

Danielle

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March 31, 2016

Sometimes we find really cool Disney inspired things, and then sometimes we find HOT Disney inspired things. Let me tell you, these Custom Steel Fire Pits that can feature your favorite Disney characters from KGFirePits on Etsy, are DEFINITELY hot!

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I scrolled past this marvelous creation on Etsy. Could it really be a Disney themed fire pit? The designer custom designs back yard fire pits hand drawn and cut from large steel globes. They can be customized with a variety of characters, but the Disney ones had me sold! This would be the ultimate touch to a Disney themed backyard, move over Disney gnomes! So the Disney Themed Steel Pits are my fave, but their Death Star Steel Pit is worth mentioning too, that one is simply Epic! You can see a pic of that one below. They are on the high price point side of things, but they are a good price for a well made and customized steel fire pit.

What do you think of these, is this something you would like on your dream list?

Full List of “Finding Dory” Cast & Characters Revealed!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 31, 2016

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Pixar’s latest film, “Finding Dory” of course is starring our favorite blue tang Dory, with Ellen DeGeneres back to voice the character, alongside returning cast member Albert Brooks (Marlin) by her side. Today Disney & Pixar released the complete list of the voice cast, as well as an expanded list of characters! Check out the gallery below for the new sneak peek of characters we can look forward to meeting in “Finding Dory”:

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finding dory fdcs Destiny10 107.per16n.107

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finding dory fdcs MarlinNemo10 110.per16.110

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I am especially excited to see more cute antics from Squirt, and meet those adorable otters! It will also be very interesting to get more insight about Dory’s past, and see what her parents Jenny and Charlie are like. It’s been 13 years since “Finding Nemo” was released in theatres, and our wait for the sequel is almost over–“Finding Dory” will be released June 17, 2016.

Nomad Lounge Opening Next To Tiffins Restaurant This Spring

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 31, 2016

Nomad Lounge is scheduled to open in spring 2016 alongside Tiffins Restaurant at Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom. Discover specialty cocktails, beer and wine from far-off locales like Africa and Asia while enjoying mouth-watering small plates of exotic bites. Prices range from $15 to $29.99 per adult and dining plans are not accepted.

Guests are encouraged to document their own globetrotting adventures on festive banners that hang in the center of the lounge. Cast members will provide decorate tags on which to answer questions about traveling the world and the thrill of discovery. The responses will be hung on a “tag chandelier” above the bar for all to see.

The Menu
Toast to a good journey with a refreshing beverage served alongside a scrumptious snack.

Drawing inspiration from distant locations around the world, the freshly-prepared cuisine at Nomad Lounge includes vegetarian summer rolls, Indian butter chicken wings, seared Wagyu beef skewers and honey-glazed coriander-spiced pork ribs.

As any world wanderer can attest, Nomad Lounge also serves up a renowned selection of libations and spirits from around the globe. Sip specialty martinis or indulge in after-dinner liqueurs such as Bailey’s Irish Cream, Tia Maria and Amaretto di Saronno. Freshly ground coffees like espresso, cappuccino and coffee colada with rum and coconuts, and dessert wines such as Apple Icewine, are also available—perfect for the long day’s journey or following a long day of journeying.

All menu items are subject to change without notice.

Tiffins Restaurant is the all new signature dining restaurant next door to the Nomad Lounge opening this summer. It will celebrate the art of traveling, featuring a diverse menu drawing from places that inspired the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The restaurant will feature 3 elegant dining rooms that honor the spirit of Africa, Asia and some of the world’s most exotic animals. Prices range from $30 to $59.99 per adult and some dining plans are accepted.

If you’re wondering about the story behind the name, “tiffin” is an Indian English word for a midday meal or a type of container used to carry food while traveling.

A World of Flavors

Seek and you shall find a treasure trove of mouthwatering delights from far-off places for lunch and dinner. Roam the road less traveled at Tiffins, thanks to a globetrotting menu of artfully prepared fare fit for a weary traveler. Begin your expedition with lobster-popcorn Thai curry soup, grilled octopus or—for those who like to travel light—an archeologist salad drizzled with champagne vinaigrette. Go off the beaten track with frog legs tempura, black-eyed fritters or cheese and chicken liver pâte before planting your flag with the Berber-spiced lamb chop, pork tenderloin or miso-glazed black cod.

Seafarers, fortune hunters and vagabonds will no doubt find new discoveries in the pan-seared duck breast and leg confit, Wagnu strip loin and braised short rib, or the whole-fried sustainable fish. Leaving no stone unturned? Satisfy your sweet tooth with crème brûlée, peanut butter mousse or a classic ice-cream sundae.

For an additional cost, Guests 21 years of age and up can pack additional provisions with a selection from the renowned wine list—many of which are available by the glass—in addition to a noble assortment of after-dinner liqueurs, dessert wines and specialty drinks.

No matter which direction your compass points, you’re sure to encounter an unimaginable abundance of delectable food at Tiffins.

All menu items are subject to change without notice.

Be sure to check out the brand new Nomad Lounge and Tiffins Restaurant in Animal Kingdom during your next Walt Disney World vacation. Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning today!

Photo Credit: Disney

New information available for Animal Kingdom’s Rivers of Light Nighttime Spectacular

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 31, 2016

The new Rivers of Light Nighttime Spectacular at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is set to open on April 22, and new details have been announced on the Walt Disney World website. While we had originally reported that the opening date was tentatively scheduled for April 22nd, we were pleased to see that Disney has indeed confirmed that date as their opening night! You can check Animal Kingdom park times and schedules for showtimes, as well as the Times Guide.

Here is what Disney has to say about their new night-time event:

A Story at Sundown Set Aglow

Be enchanted by a brilliant spectacle of glowing lanterns, magical fireflies, dancing fountains and animal spirits.As sunlight fades and the stars begin their twinkle, remember the instinctual feeling that we are all bound together by earth and spirit—past, present and future. Listen as the lagoon responds to the whispers of the world, cradling creatures with a symphony that swells with wild murmurs and shimmering secrets of the universe.

So begins a new light—a vibrant awakening of flitting fireflies leading a legion of lanterns cascading in a ceremonious procession across the water. With a single chime, there falls a hush—and in its place steps storytellers bearing benevolent gifts of light. These intriguing figures promise to paint the night with visual wonders, enticing you to join them on a marvelous journey.

Before your eyes, clusters of lantern light shift and shape into animal spirit forms—the Tiger, Turtle, Elephant and Owl. The storytellers call upon the Temple Lotus who materializes along with her 4 sisters, each bursting forth with dazzling fountains of water and light. These mystic hosts work in harmony to captivate your senses, conjuring stunning imagery of animals from across the world in a musical performance that can only be described as dreamlike. Spellbound, you are transported across Asian jungles and tropical oceans to African savannahs and North American mountains.

Your journey culminates in a triumphant blend of music, light, color and earthly elements. The Aurora Borealis, in its magical splendor, springs with unbridled joy as a menagerie of animals transcend above the cosmos, becoming glittering star constellations in the heavens. Immersed within a grand celestial finale, you are bestowed with an inspirational message of peace and oneness with nature.

Everything the Light Touches

Eastern festival traditions merge with innovative technology to make Rivers of Light come alive. Featuring evocative, never-before-seen footage from Disneynature, grand theatrical imagery, virtuosic live performances, a soaring original score, and innovative special effects—this nighttime spectacle employs a host of magical devices to create an experience unlike any other.

Fireflies in Flight
The flickering ornamentation of fireflies illustrates the migration of light—a central motif of the production. As the story unfolds, original video projections and choreographed laser animation combine to create the appearance of glowing fireflies, illuminating enchanting moments of the celebration like living pixie dust.

Spirited Storytelling
Mysteriously, the show’s “storytellers” never utter a word. Instead, they communicate volumes through fascinating forms of authentic Asian dance, music, song and shadow puppetry.

Light, Lanterns and Lotuses
Showstopping features include nearly 100 Asian lanterns, undulating hues of larger-than-life animal spirits and floating vessels awash in brilliant radiance. Powerful fountain jets erupting like embers from a fire and a 28-foot-tall Temple Lotus add to the visual splendor of these elements, each magically drifting into scenes—adding color, drama, shape and choreography.

A Living Landscape
Encircling the very heart of the Discovery River Lagoon and her 2 village amphitheaters is the thick embrace of a lush tree-scape. It is host and home to a unique variety of life, both in body and spirit form. This organic landscape is a central character itself, and an ever-changing canvas for the story’s unveiling.

We are very excited to finally see this amazing light and water show come to life!

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.

Photo credit: Disney