Watch a Live Stream of “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” on July 11th

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July 7, 2016

The new stage show “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” premiered last month at Magic Kingdom on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt stage. Guests at home will now have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular live performance on July 11th as part of the #DisneyParksLIVE series. For a list of upcoming live stream events at Disney Parks during the month of July click here.

The live stream of “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” will begin at 4:10pm EST on July 11, 2016. A new post from Disney Parks Blog containing the live stream feed will be posted on that day. Be sure to tune in a few minutes early to learn more about how new shows and entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort are created.

“Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” brings both classic and contemporary Disney Characters to life and features original song, memorable music, dancing, delightful costumes and magical special effects. Expect to see favorite Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, plus a wonderful cast of characters from some of Disney’s newest classics, including “Frozen,” “Tangled” and “The Princess and the Frog.”

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Disney Destination vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Enjoy ‘Festival Culinary Adventures’ during the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 7, 2016

Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival will take place for 62 days this year from September 14 through November 14, 2016. If you’re looking for a unique and fully immersive dining experience during this year’s event then entice your senses with “Festival Culinary Adventures Around the Walt Disney World Resort” (formerly referred to as the “Signature Dining” events).

Sept 15 (thu) – The BOATHOUSE (Disney Springs) 11:30am – $150
Sept 20 (tue) – ESPN Club (BoardWalk Inn) 12:00pm – $119
Sept 24 (sat) – Narcoossee’s (Grand Floridian) 12:00pm – $199
Sept 24 (sat) – Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge) 6:00pm – $199
Sept 27 (tue) – ESPN Club (BoardWalk Inn) 12:00pm – $119
Sept 28 (wed) – Portobello Country Italian Trattoria (Disney Springs) 6:30pm – $110
Oct 4 (tue) – ESPN Club (BoardWalk Inn) 12:00pm – $119
Oct 5 (wed) – Trattoria al Forno Lunch (BoardWalk Inn) 12:30pm – $139
Oct 6 (thu) – Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club) 5:00pm – $229
Oct 8 (sat) – Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge) 11:30am – $169
Oct 14 (fri) – Contemporary Catering Chef’s Table (Contemporary Resort) 7:30pm – $259
Oct 20 (thu) – The Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios) 6:00pm – $199**
Oct 20 (thu) – Raglan Road (Disney Springs) 6:30pm – $177
Oct 21 (fri) – Victoria and Albert’s (Grand Floridian) 6:30pm – $600
Oct 26 (wed) – The Wave of American Flavors (Contemporary) 12:30pm – $169
Oct 27 (thu) – Flying Fish Cafe (BoardWalk Inn) 6:00pm – $199
Oct 27 (thu) – California Grill (Contemporary) 6:00pm – $319
Oct 28 (fri) – Afternoon Tea at Crescent Solarium (Yacht & Beach Club) 1:00pm – $79
Nov 2 (wed) – Trattoria al Forno Lunch (BoardWalk Inn) 12:30pm – $139
Nov 3 (thu) – Flying Fish Cafe (BoardWalk Inn) 6:00pm – $199
Nov 10 (thu) – Trattoria al Forno Dinner (BoardWalk Inn) 6:30pm – $169
Nov 10 (thu) – Flying Fish (BoardWalk Inn) 6:00pm – $199
Nov 12 (sat) – Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge) 6:00pm – $199

Savor specialty creations by the talented minds behind many signature Walt Disney Resort restaurants. Each meal is carefully crafted to delight your taste buds while you soak up the atmosphere, for a fully immersive sensory experience. Dreamed up by these culinary wizards, these delicacies will be complemented by specially selected wines, beers, or spirits to accompany your magical meal.

Appearances, presentations, and events are subject to change without notice. Prices are per person plus tax, gratuity included. Theme park admission is required for events that take place within the parks and is not included.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Disney Destination vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

credit: http://mealtrip.com

Girl comes out a very magical Disney way!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2016

A 16 year old girl from California decided it was time to come out to her parents and brother. She knew for years she was gay and was never really worried about how her family reacted however wasn’t sure exactly how to come out.

The young lady, Gina, said she was never really the kind of girl who sat down and had a serious conversation so she had to come up with a fun way and then it came to her.

@ayydubs this is how I came out yesterday lolol pic.twitter.com/UqStjeZRyF

— gina (@ginaslife3) June 20, 2016

The responses were overwhelming and her parents and brother’s reaction was positive. Her brother and father said they knew for a while but weren’t sure. Gina said:

“I never expected it to blow up like this. This Twitter account was just my spam account where I posted random fangirl stuff but I decided it couldn’t hurt to post it and the result was absolutely amazing. People have responded saying I’ve inspired them to do the same thing, which I think is the coolest part of it all,”

What do you think about Gina’s way of coming out? Comment below!

Disneyland Refurbishment schedule for July 2016

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2016

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

Disneyland Park:

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes- Jan 11- TBA
Disneyland Railroad- Jan 11- TBA
Disneyland Railroad – Mickey’s Toontown – Jan 11-TBA
Disneyland Railroad – New Orleans Square- Jan 11-TBA
Disneyland Railroad – Tomorrowland – Jan 11- TBA
Fantasmic! – Jan 11- TBA
Mark Twain Riverboat – Jan 11- TBA
Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island – Jan 11- TBA
Sailing Ship Columbia – Jan 11- TBA

We hope these closures don’t affect your trip!

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.

Complimentary Disney Vacation Club Safari Spectacular Event is now Available to Book

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2016

Disney Vacation Club Members are invited to take a walk on the wild side at the Safari Spectacular at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. The complimentary event, which is exclusive to DVC members and their guests, will be held on select Tuesdays in September from 9:30pm until midnight. Reservations are required and can be made beginning July 6th by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800.

Splash into Summer with Cute Minnie Mouse Beach Bags

By

Danielle

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July 6, 2016

I’m going on an island vacation this summer, not Disney I know, but I had to find some Disney to bring with me. Enter these beautiful Minnie Mouse Beach Bags from CraftsbyIsas on Etsy. They are exactly what I was looking for!

You can carry all your items in these beautifully crafted Minnie Mouse beach bags. It’s made of black strong, vinyl coated polyester, which breathes, which is perfect for the beach or pool. The straps wrap around the bag making it strong enough for heavy duty items. The trim and front square print are 100% cotton, and it also has an outside pocket. Inside the bag there is a fabric pocket and a bottom lining. I really love a bag with mesh for the beach to help sift out sand, and keep my damp items from becoming musty. They are even machine washable, which is perfect in case you spill any of your drinks or snacks inside. The designer has a few more Disney bags offered as well.

Do you bring Disney themed items like this Minnie Mouse beach bag on your non Disney vacations too?

Spectacular Disney Castle Skirt That Makes a Statement

By

Danielle

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July 6, 2016

Okay, where has this skirt been all of my life, and why don’t I already have it? I’m really awe struck at what a gorgeous print the Disney Castle skirt has, it’s absolutely beautiful.

This Disney Castle Skirt has an elastic waist, is light weight, and has a soft feel that gives it comfortable fit! This delicate watercolor style print skirt gives a dreamy allure, and depicts Cinderella’s Castle at night. I honestly feel like I will hear the soft tune of “A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes” following me as I wear this. It’s a knee length skirt that would look great with a white cardigan or crochet top. Best of all this skirt is on Amazon for only $15.99 and you also get free Prime shipping, score!

What do you think of this gorgeous Disney Castle skirt?

Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Scheduled Winter Closures

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2016

Each winter, during the cooler months, Disney alternates the refurbishment closures of it’s two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

The 2016 Water Park refurbishment closures for this winter are as follows:

Blizzard Beach will be closed from October 23 2016 through to December 24 2016
Typhoon Lagoon will be closed from December 25 2016 through to March 11 2017

We’re also secretly hoping that when Typhoon Lagoon re-opens that it will have a new Family Raft Ride that we talked about a few weeks ago, aren’t you?

If you’d like to plan a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World, but don’t know where to begin, then contact me today for more information, and to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

photo credit: Disney

TICKETS FOR D23 EXPO 2017: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT GO ON SALE THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

By

Chip

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July 6, 2016

On Thursday, July 14, at 10 a.m. PT, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will begin selling tickets for the next D23 Expo, which will take place July 14–16, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The largest Disney fan event in the world, D23 Expo celebrates all the wonderful worlds of Disney entertainment, uniting all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including The Walt Disney Studios (including Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm); Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media; and Media Networks (including ABC, Disney Channel, and Radio Disney). D23 Expo 2017 marks the fifth biennial event held in Anaheim

Once again the Expo will celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney with live events, celebrity appearances, panels, presentations, sneak peeks, and immersive experiences. D23 Expo 2017 marks the return of fan favorites, including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, honoring the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; an exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives, which spotlights costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; and the Mousequerade costume contest.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time. From July 14–December 31, 2016, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $46 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $41 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $296 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

To celebrate the launch of ticket sales, D23 will be streaming select presentations from D23 Expo 2015 at D23Expo.com from Wednesday, July 13, through Sunday, July 17. Presentations include “Once Upon a Time: An Evening with Snow White & the Evil Queen” (featuring Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parilla), “A Goofy Movie 20th Anniversary Celebration!” (including stars Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, and Jim Cummings), “Disneyland: Fond Memories of the Past” (with Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline), and “In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out” (featuring Pete Docter, Jonas Rivera, and a special appearance by Sadness herself, Phyllis Smith).

D23 Expo 2017 will showcase all of the latest stars in the Disney universe. In 2015, celebrity appearances included Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Evans, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Dwayne Johnson. The event also featured performances by Ne-Yo, Sabrina Carpenter, the cast ofTeen Beach 2, and stars of Disney’s shows on Broadway. Additionally, Disney executives and creative talent came together to deliver special presentations, announcements, and experiences to Disney fans throughout the three-day extravaganza.

A limited number of VIP Sorcerer Packages for D23 Expo 2017 will be available. The Sorcerer Package includes:

Three-day admission ticket and commemorative Sorcerer credential
Reserved seating at presentations in Hall D23, Stage 23, and Stage 28
Limited-edition D23 American Tourister boarding bag
Pre-Expo tour of select exhibits including Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives
Exclusive shopping time in the D23 Expo Dream Store, Disney Store, and Mickey’s of Glendale
Tour of the D23 Expo show floor the day before the Expo is open to the public
Welcome Reception on Thursday evening
Exclusive entrance to the Expo each morning
A voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist
Exclusive D23 Expo gift pack including gifts from D23 and the rest of The Walt Disney Company
Meet and Greet with a special Disney guest
“Fond Farewell” reception on final day of Expo
Plus, access to the Sorcerer Member Lounge and other benefits

Sorcerer Package tickets are available exclusively to both D23 Gold and Gold Family Members at $2,250 per ticket. Members have the option to purchase up to two Sorcerer tickets. Additional details and benefits are highlighted at D23Expo.com.

D23 Gold and Charter Members will be entitled to special benefits throughout the weekend. Look for announcements about these opportunities in the coming months.

For the latest news and updates about D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for July 2016

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2016

The following is a comprehensive list of attractions, resorts and restaurants at Walt Disney World that are currently undergoing refurbishment during the month of July or will be during the months ahead:

Magic Kingdom

Monorail – modified service and/or routes through Summer 2016. Read more here.
Swiss Family Treehouse – July 6 – Sep 24, 2016
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – July 25 – 28, 2016
Liberty Square Riverboat – August 1 – 7, 2016
It’s a Small World – August 22 – September 15, 2016
Big Thunder Mountain – August 8 – November 18, 2016

Hollywood Studios

Pizza Planet – Closed until late 2016
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream – July 16 – 19, 2016
Voyage of the Little Mermaid – July 24 – 27, 2016
MuppetVision 3D – August 15 – 22, 2016

Epcot

None

Animal Kingdom

Dinosaur – July 25 -October 16, 2016
Dino Institute Shop – July 25 – October 16, 2016

Disney Springs

Planet Hollywood – Closed through summer 2016
Fulton’s Crab House – Reopening as Paddlefish in Fall 2016

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Pop Century Resort: Computer Pool closed from late October to late December 2016. Room refurbishments from October 12-26 between 10:00am and 4:00pm
All Star Sports: Grand Slam Pool closed from mid October through December, 2016.
Bay Lake Tower: Soft goods refurbishment until September 24, 2016
Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Vallage: Soft goods refurbishment July 15 – January 24, 2017
Beach Club Villas: Soft goods & bath refurbishment until August 17, 2016
Boardwalk Inn: Garden suites accessible room refurbishments June 8 – July 12, 2016
Boardwalk Villas: Room refurbishments until August 30, 2016
Flying Fish Restaurant: Reopening August 14, 2016
Port Orleans Resort – Riverside: Routine roof maintenance through summer 2016
Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter: Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory Refurbishment – July 11 – Late Fall 2016 More Info
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Construction work in Loop 2100 through July 24, 2016. Allow extra time for travel.
Wilderness Lodge & Villas: General resort refurbishments through 2017.
Hidden Springs leisure pool, beach, marina, playground and Teton Boat & Bike Rental closed.
Cub’s Den (children’s activity center): Unavailable through 2017
Sturdy Branches (Health Club): Unavailable July – October 2016
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel: Guest room renovations June – September, 2016

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. All of my vacation planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money.

Living with the Land Removes Crocs While Crocodile Jokes Return to Jungle Cruise

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2016

Jokes about the crocodiles are back in the in repertoire of the Jungle Cruise Skippers according to a report by my Disney websites.

The jokes were taken out of the line up recently for the skippers on both the Disneyland and Disney World Jungle Cruise rides in the wake of the recent tragic event involving a two year old boy who was drown by an alligator near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. It appears that the jokes about Old Smiley and Ginger are back in the skippers’ spiel, but guests will no longer hear jokes about crocodiles watching your children.

Elsewhere however the crocodiles in Epcot’s Living with the Land attraction were quietly removed a few days ago. There’s no word on why exactly they were removed, but this has increased speculation that Disney would be removing multiple crocodiles from several different rides and attractions. The mechanics that were underneath them are still there, however; so they may have just been removed for normal maintenance on the audio animatronics.

Can confirm BOTH sets of gators gone from Living with the Land. Replaced with plants. ~ @MrBrianORL pic.twitter.com/UwZ8C1MTu9

— Park Pass (@ORLParkPass) July 4, 2016

Alligators removed from living with the land but some mechanics that held them still underwater #Gatorgate #Epcot pic.twitter.com/2bFXelL8Ds

— WildGravity Travels (@WildGravityTrvl) July 4, 2016

At this point only time will tell.

All-New Coca Cola Store in Disney Springs is a must do!

By

Lisette R

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July 6, 2016

The all-new Coca-Cola Store opened at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs on July 2nd. It is located near the Orange Parking Garage, and directly across from Planet Hollywood, which is undergoing a major refurbishment, in the Town Center section of Disney Springs. The store features three levels; each offering something different.

As you enter the store, you will immediately be awestruck by the one-of-a-kind chandelier taking center-stage on Level One. The chandelier is made from repurposed blown-glass Coca-Cola bottles and is 30 feet wide. Level One offers Coca-Cola branded clothing such as scented t-shirts, baseball caps, flip-flops, sweatshirts and pajamas. This level also features hand-crafted purses and bags made from recycled materials like pop-tabs from Coca Cola cans for example.

Level Two has a strong merchandise focus on everything for your kitchen. Here you will find Coca-Cola branded dishes, mugs, salt and pepper shakers, kitchen towels, and glassware to name a few. You will also find pins and decorative bottles displaying the slogan, “Orlando Ice Cold Sunshine.” A very catchy phrase for visitors and locals alike.

Level Three is an open-air deck that overlooks much of the Disney Springs area. From this vantage point you can see the top of Cirque du Soleil, the Characters in Flight air balloon floating over Lake Buena Vista, Planet Hollywood, and the tunnel walkway leading into the central area of Disney Springs Town Center. The main feature of Level Three is the rooftop beverage bar and seating area. While the beverage bar does not serve food, it does serve fun tastings and a plenitude of Coca-Cola beverage combinations. If you are looking to try something new then order the tasting trays. Here you will find some old favorites, such as the ever-popular Beverly from Italy, and likely discover some new favorites such as the Sunfill Mint from Djibouti, of Bon Bon Anglais from Madagascar. The beverage bar will also feature specialty adult drinks in the evenings. There is a good amount of tables and chairs for sitting after you have placed, and received, your order. If you are unable to find seating there is a glass bar that surrounds the perimeter of the third level offering plenty of space to set your drink down and take in the sights.

Be sure to take a stroll up along the interior three-story cement walkway. Here you will be able to take in the sights of the surrounding Disney Springs areas as you wind around, and up, the glass-enclosed areas of the walkway. There is also an elevator conveniently located at each level.

The Coca-Cola Polar Bear will be available on-site for photo-ops beginning sometime in August 2016.

The Coca-Cola store offers fashion, flair and flavor. It presents a bit of whimsy and nostalgia with a modern twist. From the chandelier and the merchandise, to the vibrant colors of the tastings and the surrounding views from the rooftop deck, this location is a must-see on your next visit to Disney Springs.

What are you most excited about seeing, or trying, at the Coca-Cola store on your next visit to Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort? Leave your comments in the box below.