The Mad Hatter Brought Some Surprise Magic to Disneyland Resort

By

-

May 11, 2016

Last week, right outside the gates of Disneyland there was what appeared to be a digital billboard for “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” The big surprise about it? It was actually Johnny Depp himself as his iconic Mad Hatter character live-streaming, actually talking and interacting with guests in real-time!

Guests certainly were excited and delighted that the Mad Hatter knew what they were saying and doing. You can see some guest reactions in the video below:

Were you one of the lucky guests who got to see Johnny Depp’s live-streamed performance? We would love to hear your story!

“Alice Through the Looking Glass” comes to theaters May 27th.

Bambi Inspired Disney Lip Gloss Tins

By

Danielle

-

May 11, 2016

I love lip gloss, and I really love tins because they usually have cute designs, fit anywhere, and are reusable after they’re empty. I thought these Bambi inspired Disney Lip Gloss Tins by WendyBirdFinds on Etsy would be the perfect addition to my collection.

Bambi, Thumper and Flower are available in these round gloss styles tins. Each tin includes .30 ounces of flavored lip gloss in three flavors: chocolate cherry, french vanilla and green apple. Thumper contains the Green Apple flavor, Flower the French Vanilla and Bambi the Chocolate. How perfect is that, soft shiny lips with fun flavors, and a cute tin featuring a beloved Disney character to reuse later? Get your choice here!

Which Disney Character Lip Gloss tin would you choose?

Changes coming to World Drive near Magic Kingdom Entrance

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

May 11, 2016

According to WDW Magic today, Disney has filed paperwork with the South Florida Water Management district for proposed changes/improvements to World Drive. World Drive is the main route into Magic Kingdom (and also the Ticket and Transportation Center), as well as the Contemporary Resort, and is one of the busiest roads on the resort property.

According to the recently filed plans, Disney is looking to add a flyover ramp taking traffic directly from World Drive and bypassing the Magic Kingdom parking plaza for drivers heading towards the Contemporary and other resort area hotels.

In the opposite direction, a flyover ramp will allow traffic heading from the Contemporary Resort side of World Drive to continue on World Drive beyond the Magic Kingdom parking plaza.

We think this new addition of flyover ramps should alleviate some congestion and frustration for guests at The Contemporary who try to get in and out of the parking lot during busy park hours. What are your thoughts? Do you think it will help with the large amounts of traffic in that area?

If you’d like to visit Walt Disney World, 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.

New Entrance for Star Wars Land to be added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

May 11, 2016

In addition to the roadwork and flyover ramps that are set to be added to World Drive over by Magic Kingdom and The Contemporary, it appears Disney has also filed other permit paperwork to add a new entrance to Hollywood Studios, as it expands with the new addition of Star Wars Land.

According to WDW News Today, plans are now underway to replace the World Drive vehicle entrance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with an entirely new entrance guests can utilize off of Osceola Parkway.

According to permits recently filed with the South Florida Water Management District, the intersection between Wide World of Sports and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will soon be home to exit ramps that will guide guests into the park while making room for the southern edge of Star Wars land at the very boundaries of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sections of Osceola Parkway will also be widened to handle the expanded traffic expected.

No word on whether or not the Buena Vista Drive park entrance would close, or possibly remain open as an additional entrance into the park, as Disney has not made any official announcements about this project yet.

If you’d like to plan a Disney 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.

Get a first look at Shanghai Disneyland Resort from D23

By

Chip

-

May 11, 2016

On June 16, Disney will officially open Shanghai Disney Resort, and Disney twenty-three is giving fans an advance peek at this breathtaking one-of- a-kind destination. From its opening pages, with a welcome from Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger, to the back cover, featuring a map of the park—in Chinese—the issue is packed with exciting details about this new resort that celebrates everything guests love about Disney, while honoring China’s distinct cultural heritage.

The issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, provides a detailed look at how Shanghai Disney Resort was built from concept to concrete, including fascinating insights into the partnership between Walt Disney Imagineers and the incredibly talented artisans of mainland China. Readers will be able to explore all the exclusive attractions opening at the park including Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, which recreates moments from beloved Disney animated films as riders travel by boat through, around, and under the Enchanted Storybook Castle—the largest castle in any Disney park. The thrilling adrenaline rush of TRON Lightcycle Power Run puts guests in the driver’s seat of a high-tech race, and the high seas adventures of Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure boasts some of the most advanced technologies of any Disney attraction.

More than 30 pages of exclusive interviews and vibrant photography come together to highlight this jewel in the Disney Parks crown, from all-new shows, experiences, merchandise, and dining options to a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the creation of the resort.

Plus, Disney twenty-three turns up the heat with its annual summer movie preview. Highlights include exclusive interviews with Ellen DeGeneres discussing the upcoming Finding Dory as well as her first trip to Disneyland, Bryce Dallas Howard talking about the reimagining of Pete’s Dragon, and Academy Award ® winner Steven Spielberg revealing details about his Disney directorial debut, The BFG.

Also included in the summer issue of Disney twenty-three is a look at how The Reluctant Dragon, celebrating its 75th anniversary, gave audiences a peek at the making of Disney animated films, while paving the way for the Disney Studio’s respected documentary films.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in late May.

Disney World attendance down but revenue increases

By

Chip

-

May 11, 2016

According to the Walt Disney Company second quarter earnings report for 2016 Disney Parks and Resort revenue has increased to $3.9 billion which is up 4% from last year! Meanwhile park attendance at Walt Disney World has decreased.

You read that right, overall park attendance has decreased slightly from last year at this time but park revenue has increased. Mainly this is due to guests spending more money at the parks, which is probably why we are seeing more paid events like Early Morning Magic and After Hours Party.

The report also states that Disneyland attendance has increased slightly so I am sure some of that increased revenue has come from there as well.

Disney had this to say:

“We’re very pleased with our overall results in Q2, which marks our 11th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in adjusted EPS,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “Our Studio’s unprecedented winning streak at the box office underscores the incredible appeal of our branded content, which we continue to leverage across the entire company to drive significant value. Looking forward, we are thrilled with the Studio’s slate and tremendously excited about the June 16th grand opening of the spectacular Shanghai Disney Resort.”

I will be honest reading over the report almost put me to sleep the only other highlight from the report is that Disney’s Movie division is up 22% to 2.1 Billion due to Star Wars Force Awakens & Zootopia.

You can read the full report here..

First Look of Pirates of the Caribbean in Shanghai Disneyland

By

Chip

-

May 11, 2016

2016 05 11 13 43 23 Pirates of the Caribbean Shanghai Disneyland YouTube

Disney has been treating cast members and guests with first looks at many of the new rides and attractions at Shanghai Disneyland weeks before they are open to the general public. Today we take a first look at Pirates of the Caribbean, here is little taste of what to expect from the ride:

Cruise Treasure Cove with the most charismatic rogue ever to rock the Jolly Roger—the devilishly dashing Captain Jack!

Set sail for seafaring fun that takes you on, over and under the deep blue in search of Davy Jones’ sunken plunder—all while crossing paths with pirates, mermaids and even the savage Kraken.

Landlubbers leave from the Royal Navy’s former fortress and embark on a course that passes through the mysterious Voodoo Alley and Jack’s own secret sanctuary—the Caves of Misfortune—before hitting the briny depths. From a face-to-face with some of the world’s saltiest sea dogs to dreaming of those coveted doubloons, you’ll surely “shiver ye timbers” during this rollicking romp!

Now lets take a look at the ride from this video:

Mako Surfacing June 10th at Sea World Orlando

By

Lisette R

-

May 11, 2016

Mako, Orlando’s tallest, fastest, and longest coaster is scheduled to open on June 10th at Sea World Orlando. Mako will be the centerpiece of the all-new Shark Wreck Reef-a newly designed realm that blends education and thrills, while immersing guests in an underwater world.

The two-acre realm will be fully shark themed and includes Mako, Shark Encounter, Sharks Underwater Grill, and shops. Educational experiences, such as the ability to track mako sharks that are being followed by the Guy Harvey Institute, will be part of the interactive offerings.

Shark Wreck Reef is designed to make guests feel as though they have traveled underwater and joined a group of sharks that have taken over a shipwrecked reef. Inside the realm, guests will learn about the impact humans are having on sharks and why these animals are critical to the environment. Sharks are hunted for their fins-considered a delicacy in certain countries-and in addition, tens of thousands are caught accidentally in nets. Several species of sharks are on the verge of extinction.

As guests venture further into the realm and into the queue line they’ll discover a unique sound system that will enhance their experience. An original Mako score can be heard and follows guests as they enter the loading bay and emerge from the station aboard the coaster and up the lift hill.

At night, specialty lights will accent the coaster trains, realm and track, flickering and shimmering, simulating fish being scattered by a mako on the hunt. The purple and teal paint colors were specifically chosen to enhance this effect.

The mako shark is considered the fastest shark in the ocean. It’s lightning quick tail allows for sharp turns, high energy, and speed. These characteristics formed the inspiration for the Mako Coaster as designers and engineers wondered what it might actually feel like to be a Mako shark.

Mako will be a hyper-coaster, designed for speed and relentless “air time” and lures guests to brave it’s tight turns, steep drops and predator power speeds. Riders will climb up to 200 feet high-offering tremendous views of the surrounding area-before plunging to reach speeds up to 73 mph.

20160510 MakoHardHatTour 051

20160510 MakoHardHatTour 043

20160510 MakoHardHatTour 027

20160510 MakoHardHatTour 061

20160510 MakoHardHatTour 018

20160510 MakoHardHatTour 011

Bongo’s & Wolfgang Puck’s Grande Cafe…Staying or Leaving Disney Springs?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

May 11, 2016

Who loves Bongo’s Cuban Café, or Wolfgang Puck’s Grande Café at Disney Springs? Would you miss them if they were gone?

These two restaurants have been part of Downtown Disney/Disney Springs since 1997. With the addition of so many new restaurants to the Springs, speculation has begun with whether or not these two restaurants will remain after the new changes are complete.

Other restaurants that have been part of the Downtown Disney/Disney Springs such as Fulton’s Crab House (soon to be Paddlefish) are undergoing reimagination, while no changes seem to be occurring for Bongo’s or Wolfgang Puck’s. This has left some wondering if that means they won’t be staying.

The two popular restaurants have not seemed as busy as they once were with new additions to the area. Maybe once things are settled they will still remain, and business will pick back up again. Renovations would certainly be pricey, but are they even necessary? If they don’t stick around, will it leave a lot of visitors unhappy?

Other speculation with lots of new restaurants coming to the area, is with Boston favorite Wahlburgers opening in Downtown Orlando. Is it only a matter of time before they are opening at Disney Springs? As a Boston/New England girl myself, I say it would be a great addition! (Mark & Chef Paul hint, hint!)

Looking to plan a trip to Disney Springs before your favorite restaurants may disappear? Or ready to check out all the new changes and places to visit? Contact me anytime to for more information and help with booking your next Disney Destination vacation! As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for MickeyTravels, my services are 100% free. [email protected] or on Facebook.

Enroll in Sprinkles Perks to Receive a Free Cupcake and Earn Rewards Points

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

May 11, 2016

The new Sprinkles cupcake bakery and Cupcake ATM is scheduled to open at Disney Springs on May 15th. If you plan to frequent this or any other Sprinkles location throughout the U.S. then be sure to sign up for Sprinkles Perks, the loyalty club where you can earn points towards exclusive rewards, including free cupcakes!

Upon registering at sprinkles.com you are automatically enrolled in the Vanilla Level and are eligible for the following rewards:

Enjoy a FREE cupcake within 30 days of registering in Sprinkles Perks
Buy 15 menu items, get 1 free
Free cupcake on your birthday
Refer your friends a receive 5 points for each new person that enrolls, visits and makes an eligible purchase
Earn double points on a purchase of your choice
Access to exclusive events

Visit Sprinkles 20+ times in a calendar year and achieve Dark Chocolate Level. This level entitles guests to a free cupcake on their half birthday plus when you buy one cupcake on a Tuesday, get one free on the following Tuesday. Red Velvet Level is unlocked by visiting 40+ times in a calendar year and will also get you a dozen free cupcakes on your birthday and a skip the line pass.

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…just like that cupcake you’ll receive for enrolling in Sprinkles Perks.

Photo Credit: Sprinkles.com

Disney Infinity discontinues production

By

Chip

-

May 10, 2016

Disney has just announced that they are discontinuing production on Disney Infinity. News broke via the Disney Interactive website.

Here is the official word:

By now you may have heard the news that we have made the difficult decision to discontinue production of Disney Infinity. From the beginning, Disney Infinity was built for you—our fans—and I wanted to take a moment to thank you not just for your support over the years, but for creating a community that made Disney Infinity more than just a game.

Our goal for Disney Infinity was to bring the best of Disney storytelling to life in homes around the world, and with your support we accomplished that. We hope you had as much fun playing the game as we had making it.

So what’s next for Disney Infinity? We have two final retail releases coming, including three new characters from Alice Through the Looking Glass later this month, and the Finding Dory Play Set launching in June.

And as we turn to the next chapter in our story, I want to thank everyone who helped bring Disney Infinity to life, particularly Disney’s Glendale-based production and publishing teams, our external development partners, and of course the incredible Avalanche team for their tireless dedication to this project.

But most of all, I want to again thank you for making Disney Infinity a part of your lives—and for adding to the Disney legacy by being a part of this community.

Introducing the new Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

May 10, 2016

The incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventures closed in September of 2015 promising new and exciting things to come, well although no official date has been announced yet here is what will be opening in late summer 2016:

As you enter the ride a giant Hulk will be holding up track to create the entrance, these track are from the original ride
There will be a new storyline, you will part of an experiment in which you will be given high levels of gamma radiation. You will be part of Brian Banner’s “Hulk-a-fication” process
The queue area has been completely redone as well; you will pass laboratories containing equipment for mysterious tests then onto the gamma core where you will see the “Hulk-a-fication” process. Finally onto the loading platform you will then be blasted with superhuman strength by the gamma accelerator
the ride vehicles now have a sleek modern look and will be playing music by Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy and the launch tunnel will be full of special effects!

Hulk Full Reveal featured image 1170x731

Hulk Full Reveal featured image 1170×731

hulk2

hulk3

hulk 1

Check out the video below!

How ready are you to ride this awesome coaster? Contact me today to start planning your amazing Universal vacation!