Coming Soon: Marvel Tsum Tsum Game!

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July 27, 2016

Finally — Marvel Tsum Tsums game will soon be available in the US! This glorious news was announced this past weekend during San Diego Comic Con.

The Marvel version won’t be a complete copy of the original Disney Tsum Tsum game. This means we’ll see some brand new gameplay elements, including a storyline based on the Marvel universe as well as multiplayer mode.

Multiplayer mode? Yes! You and a buddy can team up for a brand new battle mode to take down some of your favorite (or not-so-favorite) villains in the game.

The game will also include iconic locations in the Marvel Universe including New York City, Knowhere, and Asgard. Just like the original Disney Tsum Tsum game, there will be limited time events and updated character rosters over time.

The game is currently available in Japan.

Skipper Canteen in the Magic Kingdom has a New Menu!

By

Lisette R

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July 27, 2016

The Skipper Canteen restaurant, located at the Walt Disney World Resort in the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, has released its new menu. While some offerings have been removed, and some favorites remain, they have added some new offerings, and changed the ingredients of some original menu offerings. Many visitors have avoided this restaurant because of its unique menu, while many others have stopped in to enjoy a meal for that very same reason.

For appetizers, the Sustainable Fish Collar is no longer on the menu. They have added a new item called the Shiriki Noodle Salad. This salad offering contains rice noodles, edamame beans, mushrooms, green mango, and cucumber tossed with a sweet chili sauce. The rest of the appetizer menu choices remain the same with some minor changes such as the Baladi Salad now being served with a coriander-mint vinaigrette dressing.

For entrees, Skip’s Mac and Cheese has been replaced with Skip’s Beefy Baked Pasta which consists of spiced braised beef, pasta and bechamel sauce served with seasonal vegetables. The “Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is! is now a crispy fried chicken, whereas before it was a marinated grilled option, served with citrus and ginger-scented rice, chili glaze, and seasonal vegetables. The Curried Vegetable Crew Stew remains on the menu but has undergone some adjustments. The roasted acorn squash, lentils, and collard greens have been replaced with coconut rice, naan bread, and seasonal vegetables. This was my personal favorite dish. I am disappointed that this menu item has changed so drastically by removing the good protein and uncommon vegetables only to add a lot of starch to the dish with some seasonal vegetables added for good measure. The seasonal vegetables appear to be a common staple to this menu. New to the menu is the Whole Fried Fish served with jasmine rice, grilled scallions, and soy-ginger vinaigrette. This dish, as pictured on the new menu, has me thinking that I am not adventurous enough for this particular dish!

Clearly the chefs and the crew at Skipper Canteen have put a lot of thought and effort into this updated menu. They have tried to tone down some of the offerings, while really spicing it up on some others. If you are feeling adventurous with regards to trying new foods, you may want to have a meal at Skipper Canteen.

Are you planning an adventure meal at Skipper Canteen for your next visit to the Walt Disney World Resort? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Soar High Above Lake Buena Vista on the Characters in Flight Balloon

By

Lisette R

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July 26, 2016

Did you know that you can soar high above Lake Buena Vista on the Characters in Flight balloon, located at Disney Springs West Side, for some spectacular views of the Walt Disney World Resort? You can choose to ride during the day or the night, weather permitting, depending on what your expectations are of the experience. Be sure to check for discounted prices and for flight conditions on the day you want to soar. The views, from 400 feet above Lake Buena Vista, are what this ride is all about.

I chose to soar on Characters in Flight, for the first time ever, on a day that was sunny, with some very light winds, a mostly blue sky, and some lovely cirrus clouds. If you have any issues with heights, this is exactly the type of day you will want to take part in this experience. I am not a fan of heights but I challenged myself to soar; and I was very glad that I did.

Prior to lift-off, your Aerophile-certified pilot will instruct you to hold onto the rail that runs along the perimeter. As you begin to ascend, even with the lightest of winds, you will feel the movement and the sensation of moving upwards. You will immediately notice the landscape of Disney Springs and the area around Lake Buena Vista. As you rise a bit higher you will begin to see many familiar Walt Disney World landmarks such as the Tower of Terror, at Hollywood Studios, and Spaceship Earth, at Epcot. When you reach the maximum soaring height of 400 feet, you can literally see all of Walt Disney World and beyond. There were quite a few people on my flight so walking all the way around was, unfortunately, not an option. However, if you soar during a low attendance time, you would be able to move around the entire space. Either way, you are granted some amazing 360 degree views of the Walt Disney World Resort.

The standard prices are $18 for adults, $12 for children ages 3-9, and children ages 2 and under ride free. There are many options for obtaining discounted prices as well. If you fly before 10:00am the price is significantly reduced so be sure to ask when purchasing your tickets. You may also wish to search online for discounted coupons. I found my discount on Groupon and was able to soar on Characters in Flight for $10.

Safety is always a first priority at Walt Disney World. Flights on Characters in Flight will be grounded if winds exceed more than 22 miles per hour, or if there are storms, particularly with lightning, within 10 miles of Disney Springs. Be sure to check the conditions for flight upon your arrival. The stronger the winds, the fewer people are allowed to ride on each flight. The conditions on the day of my flight were near perfect with the lightest wind and no storms nearby.

With all of the new venues at Disney Springs, the landscape has certainly changed this past year. The Characters in Flight balloon offers an amazing opportunity to see these changes from a fun and interesting vantage point. I recommend you try soaring at least once. As for me, I am already planning to soar after dark, sometime in the near future, so I can see the Walt Disney World Resort lit up at night.

Are you ready to soar on Characters in Flight? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Disney PhotoPass+ One Week now Available at Disneyland Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 26, 2016

Guests at Disneyland Resort can now enjoy unlimited digital downloads of their PhotoPass photos during a week long vacation with the new Disney PhotoPass+ One Week. The new product is available for purchase at Disneyland.com/PhotoPass for $69 before, during or after a visit to Disneyland Resort.

Only visiting Disneyland Resort for the day? You can still purchase Disney PhotoPass+ One Day for $39 at Disneyland.com/PhotoPass or in the Disneyland mobile app.

Enjoy 45 days to download each and every moment. Save, share and relive your magical memories. To redeem your purchase, simply choose a photo and select “Activate” in the Disneyland mobile app or web.

Disney PhotoPass+ One Week includes all your PhotoPass photos linked to your Disney account from a seven-consecutive-day period of your choosing, including select attraction and dining photos, Magic Shots and Animated Magic Shots.

Photographers are ready to capture your magical vacation moments, and with Disney PhotoPass+ One Week, you can make all of your Disneyland memories last a lifetime!

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Disney Destination vacation. It costs nothing extra to book through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as MickeyTravels and it could help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Perfectly Adorable Disney Inspired Scrunchies

By

Danielle

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July 26, 2016

I love Mouse ears, and fancy bows, but sometimes on a hot summer day, all I want or need is a simple hair tie. I absolutely fell in love with these hand sewn Disney inspired scrunchies by Scrunchiesbysherry on Etsy!

Honestly, I can never have too many scrunchies. They hold back your hair simply and efficiently, but also add a pop of color or detail to your outfit. Disney scrunchies are great when you want a little Disney magic in your day, but need to be no fuss. They also make a great addition to a Disneybound look, even on a warm summer day. One key highlight to these handmade scrunchies is that the elastic is sewn, and not tied. That makes for a longer lasting accessory that won’t come undone after a few months of wear. The designer has the traditional Mickey and Minnie options, but lots of other Disney characters too! .

Check out all the Disney varieties below:

Minnie Mouse Designs (several options to choose from)
Mickey Mouse Designs (several options to choose from)
Disney Princesses (Anna, Elsa, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel ,Snow White, and Aurora)
Classic Movies (Marie, Dumbo, 101 Dalmatians, 7 Dwarfs, Lady & the Tramp)
Alice in Wonderland
Bambi
Disney Junior Characters
Dory

How adorable are these Disney Inspired Scrunchies? I think I need a whole collection!

Two Tone Mickey & Minnie Mouse Rings

By

Danielle

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July 26, 2016

I love a good statement ring, especially if they express something close to my heart. These two-tone Mickey & Minnie Mouse Rings definitely express my love of Disney, and the sweet sentiments inside that are probably the cherry on top.

Mickey & Minnie set the gold standard with these dazzling rings. A Gold toned Mickey or Minnie icon is framed by a swirling scroll work design on sterling silver bands. Available in two choices of Mickey or Minnie. Mickey Mouse stands out with shooting stars, and the inscription “Never Stop Dreaming. Minnie Mouse is also charming with swirly hearts and the inscription “Love and Kisses”. These are fabulous as promise rings, a sentimental gift, and also just for yourself to embrace your Disney love.

Two-Tone Mickey Mouse Ring

Two-Tone Minnie Mouse Ring

Which two-tone Disney ring is your favorite, or would you also want both like I do?

Family on way to Disney hit by suspected drunk driver

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Disney News

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July 26, 2016

A family on their way from Colorado to Walt Disney World was hit by a suspected drunk driver ruining their Disney vacation plans.

Ryan Bragazzi and his fiance Jessica were driving their two young daughters to Denver International Airport for a surprise trip to Disney World when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver. They were stopped in traffic as Colorado State Troopers investigated another DUI crash when the suspected drunk driver hit their minivan forcing it underneath a tractor trailer that was in front of them.

All four passengers, including the 5 and 7-year-old girls, were taken by ambulance to an area hospital.

They posted this on their Go Fund Me Page.

In the wake of a tragic accident, this beautiful family needs our help and support! On July 21st of this year, Jessica and her fiancé Ryan were driving to Denver International Airport to surprise their two daughters 7 year old Graelyn and 5 year old Abriella with a trip to Disney World…they never made it. Stopped on I 25 in a traffic jam, The minivan Jessica, Ryan and the girls were in was struck from the back at high speeds by a drunk driver. The impact completely demolished the back of the van and rammed the front end into/under a FedEx semi in front of them sandwiching the van inbetween both trucks. Ryan, Jessica and the girls were transported by ambulance for severe injuries by ambulance. Jessica was treated for a severe head wound, while Ryan was admitted to the ICU at Penrose for numerous broken ribs, broken vertebrae , and a laceration to the back. Graelyn was transported and admitted to Memorial Children’s hospital. By the grace of God, everyone involved survived the horible accident. Ryan is going to be out of work for a couple months to recover. Because he is the primary provider, this recovery time is going to be a rough time financially. Between medical costs, and the costs for Jessica to travel between Pueblo and Colorado Springs to be with Ryan, they will need all the help they can get. Anything you can do to help this family would be so appreciated whether it be financial or a prayer. Thank you and God bless.

“They did absolutely nothing wrong and they received the brunt end of this for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Colorado State Patrol Trooper Josh Lewis told CBS News.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. You can see more photos on their Go Fund Me Page.

Disney offering Disney Springs Shopping Coupon at select Quick Service Locations at Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 26, 2016

If you enjoy food and shopping, then it looks like Disney is about to make your day! Starting today, July 26, Disney will be offering Disney Springs Shopping Coupons to guests who dine at certain quick service locations.

Our friends at WDW Magic tell us the following Magic Kingdom restaurants will be participating:

Aloha Isle
Auntie Gravities
Casey’s Corner
Cheshire Café
Columbia Harbour House
Cool Ship
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
Gaston’s Tavern
Golden Oak Outpost
Lunching Pad
Pecos Bill’s Café
Pinocchio Village Haus
Pecos Bill’s Café
Sleepy Hollow
Storybook Treats
Sunshine Tree Terrace
Tomorrowland Terrace
Village Fry Shop

The coupon will be printed on the back of your receipt, so be sure to not throw it in the trash after your meal!

The 10 % off coupon will be honored at the following locations at Disney Springs:

Disney’s Days of Christmas
Disney’s Design a Tee
Disney Pin Traders
Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories
Goofy’s Candy Company
Marketplace Co-Op
Marketplace Fun Finds
Mickey’s Pantry
Once Upon a Toy
Tren-D
World of Disney

The offer is valid from July 26 to September 4 and redeemable through to September 5 2016. Terms and conditions apply, including not to be used in combination with other discounts, and not valid on certain items such as ticket media, DVDs and CDs and Gift Cards – check with a Cast Member before purchase.

As if the 10% deal isn’t good enough, then if you like shopping at Disney’s Days of Christmas, you can get a 15% off coupon by shopping or dining at the following:

DisneyQuest Emporium
DisneyQuest FoodQuest
Candy Cauldron
Cirque du Soleil
Exposition Park Food Trucks
Star Wars Galactic Outpost
Super Hero Headquarters

The coupon will be printed on the receipt and is available July 26 to September 4, and redeemable through September 5 2016. Conditions and exclusions apply.

Where do you plan on eating to get your coupon, and where will you use it??

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.

The New Venue at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will Focus on Cheer and Dance Events

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 25, 2016

A new indoor sports facility focusing on cheerleading and dance competition is expected to open at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex within the next 18 months. Walt Disney World Resort has provided a sneak peek into what to expect from the state-of-the art venue.

The new venue, which will be adjacent to the Jostens Center, will feature a flexible design that can morph from one large competition space capable of seating more than 8,000 fans to as many as four separate competition areas. It will be so flexible that it can be configured to host a variety of other sports, such as basketball and volleyball, as well as concerts.

It will be the only venue of its size in America that is specifically designed with cheerleading and dance competitions in mind, offering special warm up and practice areas as well as spaces for judges and officials.

The facility, expected to be complete within the next 18 months, will perfectly complement the growing number of prestigious cheerleading and dance events at Disney. Currently, the sports complex plays host to nine cheerleading and dance competitions, including six elite Varsity-produced events such as the USASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds held each spring.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex was already a major player in the cheerleading and dance world, but the construction of this massive new indoor venue means that the sports complex is poised to become the epicenter of cheerleading and dance events in this nation. And that’s enough to make any cheerleader do a round off Arabian into a round off double back tuck.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Disney Destination vacation. It costs nothing extra to book through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as MickeyTravels and all of my planning services are 100% FREE.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Simple Gals Disney Candles is having a Sale!

By

Danielle

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July 25, 2016

Simple Gals Disney Candles

I am totally addicted to the delicious scents of SimpleGalsShops Disney Candles and Melts on Etsy. Right now they are having an incredible Christmas in July sale, so you can save up to 20% off!

Simple Gals is a fantastic Etsy shop that crafts wonderfully smelling hand poured candles and fragrance tarts. Their tarts are inspired by beloved Disney fragrances, rides, foods and characters. The scents in their warming tarts lasts quite a while and the wax can be remelted until it is no longer fragrant. Each tart comes with 6 break-a-part cubes. I find that 2 is a good amount to use, and fills the entire room with fragrance, but isn’t overpowering. They also have fabulous tealights, which are great to pair with melts in a non electric melt warmer. You can do matching scents, or mix and match to create your own Disney essence. I’m also a HUGE fan of their refresher sprays to use for my car, and as a pillow mist!

To take part in the Christmas in July sale just use promo code: CHRISTMAS20 to save 20%, that’s an awesome deal!

Here’s some of the great Simple Gals Disney Candles below:

With such a great sale, which fragrances are you most excited to try?

“Marvel Insider” Is The Newest Fan Loyalty Program From Marvel Entertainment

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 25, 2016

Do you consider yourself a Marvel fan? Then this new program is geared directly to you. You can earn points for connecting, sharing and watching Marvel product. It’s free and it starts today!

Marvel is thrilled to invite all Marvel fans to make a Marvel Insider account, earn point across many Marvel channels and get awesome rewards, like digital comics, collectibles and one in a lifetime experiences.

“Marvel fans are some of the most passionate fans in the world, and Marvel Insider is our way of connecting with them in a more meaningful style,” says Peter Phillips, EVP/GM, Interactive & Distribution. “Whether you have been a part of the Marvel community for years or you’re just starting to interact with the brand, you now have an extra reason to engage with us. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our fans.”

If you already have a Marvel account, just confirm that you wish to be part of the program and start earning right away! It’s an interactive experience with points earning activities updating when new things happen in the Marvel universe. So, it’s always a good idea to check back often!
Here’s the link to start! marvel.com/insider

New experiences announced for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

By

Chip

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July 25, 2016

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will introduce a Sunday Champagne Brunch at Il Mulino New York Trattoria along with two new beverage seminars, Craft Cocktails and More than Malbec, when it returns for its seventh year Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29.

Guests can extend their Food & Wine Classic experience one more day at the first ever Sunday Champagne Brunch on October 30, featuring a lavish menu of traditional and unconventional dishes. The brunch, presented by J Vineyards and Winery, will include various cured meats and imported cheeses along with an array of sushi and trattoria-inspired entrees.

The Sunday Champagne Brunch can be booked along with a 2-night stay or Saturday night stay festival package for $75 per person, which includes one glass of J Vineyards champagne or specialty mimosa. Available seatings are at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Along with the Sunday Champagne Brunch, event attendees can experience two new seminars that have been added to the selection of hands-on educational experiences taught by members of the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage team. The new spirits seminar, Craft Cocktails, educates guests on the origins of traditional cocktails and how to make them.More than Malbec introduces the world of popular Argentinian wines, with tastings and tips for pairing.

Returning beverage seminars will be Wine Blending, Italian Wines, Base to Bubbles, Beer Please and TQU: Tequila University, while The Cheese Course, Pasta Making and Fine Art of Sushi and Sake return as pairing seminars.

Beverage seminar tickets are $50 per person, and pairing seminar tickets are $70 per person and require the purchase of the general outdoor causeway ticket.

Fans can visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com to view the 2016 food menu as well as book overnight packages and purchase tickets for the event, seminars and SundayChampagne Brunch.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic offers guests unlimited tastings at more than 40 stations featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from more than 30 wineries amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. Upgraded ticket options allow guests to enjoy access to a beer garden featuring a wide selection of craft beers and Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine.

Be sure to check out our review of last years Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic.