Jungle Book Dining Packages Available to Book on May 21st

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May 20, 2016

Dining Package Reservations for the new nighttime show The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic at Animal Kingdom can be made beginning tomorrow, May 21st at 6am EST online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE beginning at 7am EST. Packages include the brand new Tiffins as well as Tusker House Restaurant with dining reservations times available starting May 28th. The Dining Package includes reserved seating to The Jungle Book show and is similar to the popular Fantasmic! Dining Packages at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

At all-you-care-to-eat Tusker House Restaurant, you can choose the breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet on the day of the show (but you have to dine at least 2 ½ hours before the show). Breakfast is $37, $23 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity; lunch and dinner, $49, $30 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tusker House Restaurant is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as one table-service meal.

At Tiffins, the package includes your choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage at either lunch or dinner. The Dining Package is $67 for adults, $32 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tiffins is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as two table-service meal credits.

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

Photo Credit: Disney

Frozen Ever After and Royal Sommerhus Opening on June 21st

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 20, 2016

The date we’ve all been waiting for has finally been announced! Both Frozen Ever After and the Royal Sommerhus meet and greet with Anna & Elsa is set to open at Epcot’s Norway Pavilion on June 21, 2016. Fastpass+ will be available to book online for Frozen Ever After beginning on Saturday, May 21st at 7am EST. It appears there will be no Fastpass+ for Royal Sommerhus, however the Norway Pavilion will open at 9am along with the Future World area of Epcot.

Located in the Norway pavilion at the park, Frozen Ever After offers guests an adventurous boat tour through the kingdom of Arendelle. Guests are first transported to the “Winter in Summer” Celebration where Queen Elsa embraces her magical powers to create a beautiful “winter-in-summer” day for the entire kingdom. Next, guests will pass Troll Valley on their way up the icy North Mountain to Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace before their return trip to the Bay of Arendelle.

Don’t forget, guests can also spot Anna and Elsa over at Magic Kingdom Park in the “Festival of Fantasy Parade” and in the new “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” show coming to Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. Check the My Disney Experience app for the latest locations and times for any Disney character.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. All of my planning services are FREE and even include making Fastpass+ selections to Frozen Ever After on your behalf.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Two New Names Revealed for Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 20, 2016

Disney announced today that the existing Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will officially be renamed Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The new Disney Vacation Club development that is currently under construction at the resort will be named Copper Creek Villas & Cabins.

The release stated “Both Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will feature unique new details that further explore the rich story line of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.”

Since welcoming its first Members home in 2000, this rustically elegant Disney Vacation Club Resort has celebrated the optimistic journey of Americans who rode the rails west to forge a new way of life. The villas draw inspiration from the quaint residential communities established by those pioneers along the tracks that enabled their mass migration.

The Resort’s new name – Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – gives that rustic community a more distinctive identity and allows Walt Disney Imagineers to bring the community’s story to life in new ways, including through the re-imagined (and soon to be renamed) Hidden Springs Pool area.

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

Photo Credit: Disney

Captain America: Civil War the Biggest Release of 2016

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 19, 2016

So far this year, Disney has released “The Jungle Book” and “Zootopia“, both of which surpassed the studio’s box office projections, and are among two of the top five movies of 2016. Disney’s third film of the year from Marvel Studios, “Captain America: Civil War“, also seems to be climbing to the top rapidly.

Although “Civil War” has only been out in theaters for two weeks in the U.S., it’s box office numbers domestically have already reached $310.5 million, and $671.4 million internationally. Total, the film has grossed a whopping $981.9 million worldwide, making it the biggest worldwide release of 2016.

Domestically, it’s the fifth biggest release of 2016, but with only having been in theaters for two weeks, I’m sure it’ll climb up the ladder in no time. The film is already extremely close to another 2016 box office record, being the first film to have a worldwide gross of $1 billion this year. If you’ve seen the film, I’m sure this comes as no surprise, it was definitely one of the most epic films Marvel has created. You can check out our official review of the movie here.

Sneak Peak of Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary Merchandise

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 19, 2016

Is there anything better than a celebration at Walt Disney World? Well, maybe the merchandise that is created to go along with it. With Magic Kingdom’s 45th Birthday coming up later this year, new merchandise will soon be flooding the shelves.

Disney Parks Blog released Unboxed – Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary at Walt Disney World Resort which provided a sneak peak of the new merchandise.

For nearly 45 years, Magic Kingdom has been delighting guests of all ages. And now, those guests can take home a little piece of history with this celebration swag.

I know that I am excited to pick up some new merchandise this year at Walt Disney World! What are you most looking forward to seeing this year?

Thanks to Disney Parks Blog for the video

Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.

New Finding Dory Build-A-Bear Characters Available Now

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Danielle

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May 19, 2016

Build-a-Bear Workshop and Disney have partnered up again with a fun new collection featuring the new Disney PIXAR film: Finding Dory. The Finding Dory Build-A-Bear collection features 3 splash-tastic new toys, and a variety of cute matching accessories.

Build-A-Bear always done fantastic branding with beloved characters, and the new Finding Dory collection is no different. You can create one of three lovable friends to bring with you on your undersea adventures: Dory, Nemo and Finding Dory Ocean Bear. You can fill them with love and stuffing, and even include sound buttons that include 5 signature sayings.

Dory

Dory is the easily distracted and forgetful blue Tang that warmed our hearts in Finding Nemo. Now that she has her own movie: Finding Dory debuting this summer we can take home a blue fish plush of her likeness. Dory includes a shimmery and scale-like texture making for a highly detailed plush character.

Nemo

We searched the entire ocean to find this brave fish in the original Finding Nemo. Now we can bring home this cuddly orange pal in the form of a Build-A-Bear friend.

Finding Dory Ocean Bear

Get ready to make a splash with Finding Dory Ocean Bear. This bear’s sapphire blue fur has a pattern than mimics the ocean currents and the Disney PIXAR Finding Dory logo on its paw. Personalize it with outfits and accessories to make the perfect under the sea gift.

Finding Dory Themed Outfits:

Mini Dory & Nemo Wristies

These 4 in. Mini Dory & Nemo Wristies are the perfect accessory for any furry friend. Inspired by characters from Disney·Pixar Finding Dory, they each have an elastic band that can be wrapped around your furry friend’s paw. These are by far some of my favorite types of accessories for Licensed character releases.

The Finding Dory Outfits!

You can dress up your Bearamy or Ocean bear in fun Finding Dory themed outfits!

These are all available right now at Build-A-Bear online, and Build-A-Bear Workshop stores!

Which fun Finding Dory themed combination would you create?

Is Sum of all Thrills disappearing from Epcot?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 19, 2016

If you happen to be a fan of the robot arm simulator ride inside Innoventions East at Disney’s Epcot that allows you to ride a roller coaster that you digitally create yourself, then we may have sad news for you.

It appears that the attraction has been removed from the Epcot park maps, and the ride’s website that allows you to access your ride video after you get home is only allowing users to retrieve videos until June 30th. While the ride seems to be fairly popular, it is sponsored by Raytheon, so it is possible that they decided not to renew their contract to keep the Sum of all Thrills functioning. So while Disney has not officially made a statement yet about the future of this ride, we seem to think the clues point in the direction of extinction for Sum of All Thrills.

Seeing as how Innoventions West has been completely closed (and re-opened as The Epcot Character Spot with Baymax, Joy, and Sadness), and only Innoventions East remains open with very limited attractions inside, we wonder how much longer Colortopia and Storm Struck will hang in there after Sum of All Thrills is gone?

What do you think? Is this a sign that the attraction is disappearing for good?

If you’d like to plan a last minute trip to Epcot to experience Sum of all Thrills one last time, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney 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 at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Photo credit: Disney

DVC Member Lounge scheduled to open on June 6, 2016!

By

Chip

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May 19, 2016

Opening on June 6th at the Imagination Pavilion in Epcot is the DVC Members Lounge!

As Disney Vacation Club nears the midpoint of this 25th anniversary year, Members have discovered an historic array of new offerings, with even more on the horizon.

During the past five months alone, Members have enjoyed complimentary “25 and Beyond Bash” parties at Magic Kingdom Park, a special ticket offer that added a free Theme Park day to multi-day ticket purchases, new Member merchandise items (including limited-edition MagicBands), complimentary anniversary buttons and commemorative photos, and new Membership Cards that unlock an ever-evolving world of Membership Magic…and that’s just scratching the surface.

Up next is the highly anticipated Member Lounge at Epcot, scheduled to open on June 6 and welcome Members and their guests home daily throughout this anniversary year!

Hidden on the second floor of the Imagination pavilion at Epcot (with a Member entrance through the pavilion’s merchandise shop), this centrally located lounge surrounds its casual seating areas with complimentary beverages (including Coca-Cola Freestyle machines), device-charging stations, Wi-Fi, computer stations with printers and mounted tablets pre-set to easily access select Disney websites, including MyDisneyExperience.com.

Member Services Advisors will be available in the lounge daily to assist with dining reservations, future resort stays and more, while an RCI advisor will be available in the lounge on weekdays to help Members navigate exchange options for upcoming vacations. You’ll even find displays of the latest Member merchandise available in stores and online.

It’s the perfect place to spend a few moments away from the hustle and bustle of the Park, and it sets the stage for even more magic to come as 2016 continues to unfold.

Don’t forget:

Returning to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in June, for example, are complimentary “Neighborhood Beach Bash” parties, while complimentary “Disney Vacation Club Safari Spectacular” parties are set for September at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, followed by this holiday season’s return of Merry Member Mixer events to Epcot (included with Theme Park admission).
Add more prizes awarded through the continuing Silver Anniversary Sweepstakes, the debut of new Member merchandise, the first Member Cruise from New York City and a spectacular celebration in the works for Members at Disneyland Resort (look for more details this summer), and you have a year unlike any in Disney Vacation Club history.

ABC Considering Live TV Musical

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 19, 2016

mary poppins logo

Over the last few years, NBC has produced many live TV musicals with star-studded casts, such as “The Sound of Music” with Carrie Underwood, “Peter Pan” with Christopher Walken, as well as the more recent “Grease” and “The Wiz” productions. It looks like following these live TV event successes, that ABC Studios is looking into creating their own TV musical! And why not? They have a nearly endless array of Disney musicals to choose from! ABC network chief Channing Dungey told reporters:

“We’ve definitely been in those conversations and we have some things we’re currently in development on. This is a space that’s already become very crowded. When we make our play in that space, we really want to make sure it’s the right project for us to be doing and one that really speaks to the heart of who we are at ABC and as a part of the Disney family.”

Live TV stage musicals have presented a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy theater together, who may not otherwise be able to see a Broadway show. We are definitely excited to see how Disney would utilize this unique TV platform. Would they do a show based off of an animated musical such as “Tangled” or “The Little Mermaid”? Or would they instead showcase one of their Broadway musical scripts like “Mary Poppins” or “Newsies”?

No word yet on what specific titles are being considered, but we will certainly eagerly be on the lookout for any breaking news on ABC’s live TV musical!

Grad night is Back at Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 19, 2016

Attention all high school seniors! It’s time to grab your beach towels, because Walt Disney World is once again hosting Grad Night for 2016, at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.

WDW Magic reports that on Friday nights this June, students with tickets can experience all the water park’s attractions as well as characters, DJ’s, dance parties and food and drinks. Tickets will cost $55 plus tax, and must be booked through a participating school. Registration for schools will soon be available at Disneygradnite.com.

The last Grad Night Walt Disney World hosted was in 2011; and it was eliminated due to the volume increase of guests during the spring months making it harder for Disney to plan the special Grad Night event. That being said, we think it’s great that Disney has found a way to bring grad Night back to Walt Disney World. Will you be attending?

If you’d like to plan a Disney Parks vacation, but don’t know where to start, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney 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 at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Dinosaur to Close for Lengthy Refurbishment

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 19, 2016

If you were looking forward to going on Dinosaur this summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, then it appears you’ll be out of luck.

Dinosaur is scheduled to be closed from July 25th to September 29th, re-opening on September 30th.

You can also find an updated list of Disney World scheduled closures for this month here.

Until then, we guess you’ll just have to go on a search for the Yeti on Expedition Everest.

If you’d like to plan a Disney Parks vacation, but don’t know where to start, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney 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

All New Harambe Wildlife Parti Coming to Animal Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 19, 2016

With all the new summer additions coming to the parks, why not make it a “parti”? Animal Kingdom will see many new additions and night activities this summer and one of them is now the Harambe Wildlife Parti.

Fill the streets of Harambe Village in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for evening of fun filled with music, entertainment and surprises! Be on the lookout during for Harambe Village Acrobats making their way through the area. Listen for the sounds of Kora Tinga Tinga serenading guests with an African harp. The Karibu Sisters will add storytelling, dance, and African party music to the mix; while Muziki- a stilt-walking music man, will engage the kids and make them official drummers of the day.

Added to the mix are the Harambe Meerkats, everyone’s favorite local soccer team, getting ready for the big game. The team is filled with skillful acrobatics, dancing feet and of course soccer moves.

Animal Kingdom may just be the place to wind down at the end of the day, Rivers of Light, Sunset Safari, and now Harambe Wildlife Parti…sounds like a great night filled with Disney magic to me!

Are you ready to start planning a trip to join in on all the fun? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for MickeyTravels, I would be happy to help! Contact me anytime [email protected], or on my Facebook page. Vacation planning services are 100% free.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog