Last Minute Ideas for Disney Themed Easter Baskets

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March 22, 2016

Can you believe Easter is less than a week away? I sure can’t! If you’re like me you might be looking for some fun Disney themed goodies to add in last minute. Luckily with Amazon Prime we can get lots of fun basket stuffers in 2 days with free shipping! Here’s some of our favorite goodies to add to those magical Disney baskets.

Mickey Mouse Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

Jelly beans are a long standing staple of Easter baskets, so of course we’re going to need some Mickey Mouse Jelly Belly beans! Jelly Belly jelly beans truly are the best there is, and with the most intriguing flavors ever!

Goofy Candy Co. Assorted Flavor Sour Character Gummies

There is more than just jelly beans to add to baskets though, these fun sour character gummies from the Disney Parks also make a great addition to a yummy Disney Easter basket.

Ty Beanie Babies Mickey Sparkle Plush

Small bean bag characters make a great touch to Easter baskets for all ages!

The Bunny Surprise (Disney/Pixar Toy Story)

Books are a great addition to an Easter basket because not only do they add color and design, but having a fun holiday story brings joys and smiles.

Disney Mickey Mouse 18 Piece Art Set

Small travel size art supplies are always fun. They not only make a great addition to the basket, but are useful for bringing on road trips, or when having dinner out! I love gifts that have a lasting use!

Frozen Easter Egg Hunt Bundle

Of course there’s nothing like having everything all set up and ready to go! This fun set includes a basket, and 16 pre-filled eggs to get you off to a hopping start!

So if you’re in need of some Easter Basket essentials and need them quick Amazon Prime is a great no fuss way to find cute stuff, and avoid all of the holiday traffic and lines!

What theme will your Easter Baskets be this year?

FP+ Option Removed From Magic Kingdom Parades

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 22, 2016

2016 03 22 09 58 54 Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade “Peter Pan” Walt Disney World News

It was recently announced that a FastPass+ option would no longer be available for Wishes fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Apparently the Festival of Fantasy Parade and Main Street Electrical Parade are next on the chopping block. Beginning today, the special viewing location for both parades are no longer an option when making FastPass+ selections. It should be interesting to see how this decision will impact availability for other Magic Kingdom attractions now that there are three less FastPass+ selections to choose from.

If you are interested in a Walt Disney World vacation then contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to get started. MickeyTravels is a Platinum Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that offers complimentary Disney planning services.

More details available for Magic Kingdom’s “After Hours” events

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 22, 2016

Yesterday we made an announcement about a new, separate ticketed series of “After Dark” events available to purchase on April 6, for select nights at Magic Kingdom Park for $149 per ticket. There weren’t very many details released, and it left all of us with so very many questions about this new ticketed event. Luckily, today Disney has released some more information about these events on their website, so I would like to share the new details with you all!

More Magic in Less Time

Treat yourself to a classic Magic Kingdom experience—complete with select attractions, ice cream novelties and more.By purchasing a ticket to Disney After Hours, you can make the most of a truly magical occasion when Magic Kingdom park lets you in for the last few hours of the day… and then stays open for 3 extra hours at night, just for Guests of the event!

This is your chance to fit in even more theme park fun, all while enjoying many of the most popular attractions and Character Greetings around—such as:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Disney Princess Greetings at Princess Fairytale Hall
Peter Pan’s Flight
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain
And much, much more!

Ice Cream Novelties & Select Beverages Included!
In the midst of the laughs and thrills, be sure to chill out with ice cream novelties and select bottled beverages—included with the cost of admission—available at carts stationed through the park. In addition, you can also purchase select menu items at Casey’s Corner and STARBUCKS® Coffee and specialty beverages from Main Street Bakery.

And remember: admission is limited to only a select number of Guests. Be sure to purchase your tickets today!

Important Details for Disney After Hours

Learn all you need to know about Disney After Hours—including when you can check-in and enter the park.

Official check-in for the event will take place at the Main Entrance to the theme park beginning at 7:00 PM.
Please note that Magic Kingdom park will officially close to Guests who haven’t purchased Disney After Hours tickets at 10:00 PM on April 28 and May 5, 2016; and at 11:00 PM on April 14 and 21, and May 8, 12 and 19, 2016.
Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests—including those staying at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and Walt Disney World Swan Hotel—may use Walt Disney World Transportation after the event for up to 2 hours.
Please note that the number of tickets available is limited. In addition, all tickets are non-refundable, non-transferrable and are only valid for admission during the special event date and hours.
All attractions, entertainment and experiences are subject to change without notice.

Event dates are as follows:

April 28 and May 5, 2016 from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
April 14 and 21, and May 8, 12 and 19, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM

I’m not sure what you think, but it sure seems to be a steep price for only selected rides and attractions for such a small window of time.

If you’re unsure of where to begin planning your Disney Parks vacation, or would like more information on Disney After Hours, 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.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Story of compassionate Fairy Godmother goes viral

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 22, 2016

Behind this seemingly normal interaction between Fairy Godmother and a Disney guest is a story of heartfelt compassion, grief and kindness. Inside of the teddy bear lay the ashes of Janice Murphy’s daughter, Annaliese. Murphy shared her appreciation of this moment in a Facebook post on Monday that has since gone viral.

In less than 24 hours, her post has been shared over 12k times.

Via Janice Maureen Murphy:

To the Fairy Godmother I didn’t know I needed,

You had no idea the young woman that was holding a purple teddy bear was me. I was just another stranger, waiting in line to meet a character at the most magical place on Earth. I was smiling but you didn’t know I spent 10 minutes in tears over the things my daughter will never experience. You had no idea what that purple teddy bear represents to me.

Despite your utter lack of knowledge, you included the bear in our interaction…. And when you found out that my daughter died, and that her ashes are within the bear, you treated her the same way you treat every child that comes to see you every single day: with love, compassion and kindness. When you hugged her, and kissed her cheek, you made me feel like Analiese mattered to you.

You may not ever see this, and even if you do, you may not remember us. But I will always remember you, and how you hugged and loved on my daughter as if she was like any other child. You helped me feel her spirit in a place she was never able to visit while alive.

Thank you thank you thank you.

Love,
Analiese’s mommy.

Unfortunately, Fairy Godmother will no longer be making regular appearances at the Magic Kingdom due to budget cuts. What a beautiful way to say both hello and goodbye all at the very same time.

If you would like to plan a magical Walt Disney World vacation then email me at [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here. MickeyTravels is a Platinum Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that offers complimentary Disney planning services.

Photo credit: Janice Maureen Murphy

Will Tower of Terror receive a Guardians of the Galaxy makeover?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 22, 2016

Rumors are circulating that Disney’s beloved Tower of Terror could potentially receive a Guardians of the Galaxy makeover. It is believed that Disney’s California Adventure will be adding a Marvel themed land to its park beginning in January 2017 and the re-imagining of Tower of Terror could be the first step. Unfortunately, Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios might not be too far behind. The storyline would be based on a visit to the Collector’s mansion from the movie. It is possible that the new theme could just be a seasonal overlay in Florida that coincides with the May 2017 release of Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

Due to an existing contract with Universal Studios, Walt Disney World is unable to include the name “Marvel” on any of their theme park attractions. The characters from Guardians of the Galaxy appear to be an exception to that rule, although nothing official has been announced yet. Would you be upset to see the classic Tower of Terror attraction transformed into a modern day Guardians of the Galaxy ride or would you welcome the change?

If you would like to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios to get a first hand look at all of the exciting (and controversial) changes happening in the park, then email [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here. MickeyTravels is a Platinum Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that offers complimentary Disney planning services.

Meet Ridley Pearson: Author of Kingdom Keepers Series at Disney World on March 25th & 26th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 22, 2016

Attention fans of the popular Kingdom Keepers novels! Author Ridley Pearson will be in Walt Disney World on 3/25 and 3/26 for a special signing of his new second book in The Return series: “Legacy of Secrets”. The book is due to hit shelves on March 29th but Disney guests can get their hands on an autographed copy at the following locations and dates:

March 25, 2016 – Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace from 4-6pm

March 26, 2016 – Mouse Gear in Epcot from 10am-1pm.

Wristbands will be distributed upon store opening to guests when they purchase a book by Ridley Pearson. A wristband from the appearance location is required to meet the author and will allow the guest to have up to two books signed. A limited number of wristbands will be available on the day of signing. The line to meet Ridley Pearson will close once all of the wristbands have been distributed.

The Kingdom Keepers is a series of children’s novels written by the New York Times Best Selling author Ridley Pearson and published through Disney and Disney Hyperion. The books feature the adventures of five teenagers who are holographic hosts in the Disney theme parks during the day and battle Disney Villains for control of the parks at night.

If your children are fans of the Kingdom Keepers novels and would like to experience the theme parks in person, then contact [email protected] to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation today.

Photo credit: www.ridleypearson.com

Fire at Festival of the Lion King in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Disney News

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March 21, 2016

It is being reported that a fire broke out on one of the floats at the Festival of the Lion King in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Smoke filled the auditorium and guests were immediately evacuated.

Here are some videos of the fire at Festival of the King from twitter user @thedisneyteenss

This is what started the fire today at #festivalofthelionking at #animalkingdom #disneyworld #disneynews pic.twitter.com/oZMtBFHF20

— TheDisneyTeen (@thedisneyteenss) March 21, 2016

Elephant caught on fire at #fedtivalofthelionking pic.twitter.com/NOvESFP7By

— TheDisneyTeen (@thedisneyteenss) March 21, 2016

Everyone was ok and the show went on much later.

Disney Glitter Phone Cases for Android

By

Danielle

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March 21, 2016

Disney phone cases are always super popular, but the cutest ones are always so hard to find for Android phones! Not everyone uses an iPhone so I set out to find cute glitter phone cases that android users could use too! The Etsy shop GracesGlitterCases had exactly what I was looking for.

This shop offers the popular glitter phone cases featuring beloved Disney Princesses and heroes, for not just iPhone but Samsung phones too! These cases are made out of real glitter and hard perspex, they are handmade using Resin and glitter which makes them super shiny, glittery and very sparkly. Check out her selection of Samsung cases below!

Do you have trouble finding Disney cases that fit your phone?

New “Disney After Hours” tickets available for purchase for an additional 3 hours at Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 21, 2016

If you have ever stayed in a Disney resort hotel, you are familiar with the extra benefits that come with doing that, such as having access to Extra Magic Hours. Extra Magic Hours allow a Disney Resort guest into the park for an additional extended time before or after other guests staying offsite, making it an added free bonus to staying onsite when you visit Walt Disney World.

However, Disney has just changed the game with an announcement that a new paid after hours event called “Disney After Hours” will be available for purchase.

With “Disney After Hours,” guests buy a ticket and get access to The Magic Kingdom for three hours after the park closes, including select attractions and meet & greets.

Tickets go on sale April 6th for select dates in April and May only. Dates of the events are April 14th, 21st, 28th, and May 5th, 8th, 12th, & 19th. Tickets are $149 plus tax each for children or adults. At that price, we imagine the parks won’t be very crowded, and lines will be much shorter!

Would you be willing to pay an upcharge to stay longer in the parks?

If you’re unsure of where to begin planning your Disney Parks vacation, or would like more information on Disney After Hours, 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.

New “The Jungle Book” Cast Photo Shoot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 21, 2016

Walt Disney Studios released some gorgeous new images that feature some of the cast members of their upcoming live-action “The Jungle Book”, paired alongside the CGI version of the character they voice in the film. The characters in the pictures look just as stunning as the state-of-the-art CGI seen in the film’s trailers and posters! Check out the gallery below, paired with quotes from the actors giving a description from their point-of-view on the character they play:

The Jungle Book Special Shoot KING LOUIE 1

The Jungle Book Special Shoot KAA 1

The Jungle Book Special Shoot RAKSHA 2

The Jungle Book Special Shoot BAGHEERA 1

The Jungle Book Special Shoot AKELA 1

The Jungle Book Special Shoot SHERE KHAN 1

With such a stellar cast and amazing CGI effects, as well as a strong, classic story based on Rudyard Kipling’s tales it is sure to be an amazing film. This movie will also be a special one for Disney Studios, as it seems to have elements from Disney’s animated version of “The Jungle Book” (the last animated film Walt Disney himself worked on), such as Baloo whistling “Bear Necessities”, and the inclusion of King Louie, who was a character written specifically for the Disney 1967 animated film. The film will be released April 15th, and tickets are on sale now here.

Photo credit Disney

New Disney Pin Releases for April

By

Danielle

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March 21, 2016

Get ready to jump into spring as new pins release at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts throughout the month of April 2016!

A whole host of new pins will be springing into the Disney Parks in April, including a brand new puzzle set! The new puzzle set will bring us the Character Connection: Finding Nemo, and feature beloved characters from the hit animated PIXAR film.

Here are the new releases coming soon for Disneyland and Walt Disney World:

April 7:

Earth Day 2016 witha Globe Mike Wazowski. (WDW, DL)

April 14:

Jungle Book Movie Release Pin (DL, WDW)
Piece of Walt Disney World History: Snow White’s Scary Adventures (WDW only)

April 21:

Love Letters Pin of the Month: The Little Mermaid (WDW, DL)
Chip & Dale Teacher’s Day (WDW, DL)
Nurses Day Baymax (WDW, DL)
Character Connection: Finding Nemo (WDW, DL)
Disneyland Park 60th Mystery Pin Set (DL only)
Disneyland 60th Pin of the Month Diamond D: Winnie the Pooh (DL only)

April 22:

Animal Kingdom Rivers of Light (WDW only)

April 28:

Disneyland Timeless Tales Collection: The Little Mermaid (DL only)
Walt Disney World Timeless Tales Collection: UP! (WDW only)
Disney Duets Pin of the Month: Aurora and Maleficent (WDW, DL)
Cindo De Mayo (WDW, DL)
Mother’s Day Aristocats (WDW, DL)
Disney Parks Spring 2016 (WDW, DL)
PIXAR Party Countdown: Ratatouille (WDW only)

So there’s the impressive line up of spring pins coming soon, which is your favorite?

MuppetVision 3D and Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano get a new name together

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 21, 2016

Great news! Disney is changing the name of the Streets of America area in Hollywood Studios to The Muppet Courtyard!

We all know that sadly, in order to make way for the new, sometimes you need to get rid of the “old”.

With so many closures at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we can understand the sadness everyone is experiencing with all the closures of many of their favorite attractions at the park, even if it means new exciting things will be arriving soon. Closing at the end of April 2nd on the Streets of America will be:

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
Honey I Shrunk The Kids Playground
Studio Catering Co.
High Octane Refreshments
Watto’s Grotto
The Writers Stop
Youse Guys Moychindice
Prop Shop

With the closure of many staples from Streets of America, it only makes sense that Disney has decided to join together MuppetVision3D and Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano and re-name the area the Muppets Courtyard, as both are currently listed as belonging in Streets of America.

What do you think of this new name? We already unofficially referred to it as the Muppets Courtyard anyway, so we think it’s fantastic!

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] or you can find me on my facebook page here.