Rick Riordan’s The Trials of Apollo Giveaway!

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May 2, 2016

Rick Riordan is back with a new series set in the same world as the well-known and loved Percy Jackson series! You all know that we here at Chip and Company love working with our friends at Disney Hyperion and we love working with them on anything having to do with Rick Riordan so we’re happy to announce we’ll be giving away one copy of The Trials of Apollo series book one The Hidden Oracle!

ABOUT THE BOOK

New series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rick Riordan.

After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disoriented, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus’s favor.

But Apollo has many enemies—gods, monsters, and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go . . . an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rick Riordan, dubbed “Storyteller of the Gods” by Publishers Weekly, is the author of three #1 New York Times best-selling middle grade series with millions of copies sold throughout the world: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, based on Greek mythology; the Kane Chronicles, based on Ancient Egyptian mythology; and the Heroes of Olympus, based on Greek and Roman mythology.

Pick the novel up with special inserts at each store below:

1. Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition includes a Camp Half-Blood letter from Apollo to Zeus!

2. Target Exclusive Edition includes an illustrated map of Apollo’s Trials at Camp Half-Blood

3. Books-a-Million Exclusive Edition includes an Apollo Bumper Sticker (“I’d Rather be Driving by Sun Chariot”)

4. Walmart Exclusive Edition includes a 2-sided bookmark with character art of Apollo and his mortal counterpart, Lester.

5. Costco Exclusive Edition includes an illustrated poster depicting the “Plague of Secrets” scene from The Hidden Oracle

We’ll be giving away one copy of the novel with a special insert inside! All you have to do is tweet us @chipandcompany and tell us your favorite Rick Riordan book! Must be following and open to US only. Open May 6th to May 13th!

*Prizing provided by Disney Hyperion in affiliation with Disney Hyperion*

The Trials of Apollo Book One: The Hidden Oracle is available wherever books are sold starting May 3rd!

Stay tuned for more!

Day of Frozen Fun Aboard Disney Wonder and Disney Magic This Summer

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2016

Attention all Frozen fans…Disney Cruise Line will be offering a Day of Frozen Fun during select sailings this summer. The event will be available during 7-night Disney Wonder sailings departing May 1, 2016 through August 26, 2016 and on 7-night Disney Magic sailings departing May 15, 2016 through September 17, 2016.

Events are subject to change without notice.

For the First Time in Forever!

Experience a whole day of Frozen fun on select 7-night Disney Wonder and Disney Magic summer sailings. Wake up one special morning to discover the atrium aboard the Disney Wonder or the Disney Magic transformed into a winter wonderland with friends from the Frozen Kingdom of Arendelle—plus a full day of Frozen activities! Festivities include:

Meet-and-greet favorite Frozen friends as Queen Elsa, Princess Anna and Olaf the Snowman.
Join “Anna’s Chocolate Chase” on a scavenger hunt with a special surprise at the finish line.
Create snow and ice as you wield the magical powers of Queen Elsa in this fun and frosty activity.
Learn Oaken’s Maypole Swirl and Twirl, a traditional Scandinavian folk dance, spinning ribbons into a spectacle of colors.

Dine on a Nordic-inspired dinner menu followed by a fun-filled show of Frozen singing, dancing and games. Delight in the decorative deep freeze as it spreads to the upper decks of the ship, with giant snowflakes, icicles and snow-covered rocks.

A Frozen-Themed Dining Experience

Enjoy traditional Nordic fare created just for the party—along with special dishes inspired by the hit movie—in a feast fit for a royal appetite.

“Freezing the Night Away With Anna, Elsa and Friends”

This star-studded show features Anna, Elsa and Kristoff—along with virtual visits from Sven, Olaf and the trolls! Delight in upbeat dancing, Frozen song favorites and Elsa’s powerful ice magic. Play reindeer games with Sven. Sing along to Olaf’s signature song “In Summer.” You’ll have a wintry blast because this deck party extravaganza is anything but chill!

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your Day of Frozen Fun Disney Cruise or to be added to a waitlist. All of my planning services are 100% FREE.

Photo Credit: Disney

Two New Pool Closures at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2016

Heads up for guests staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort over the next few months.

The Trinidad South Pool, located at the Pirate Rooms area, closed for refurbishment May 2nd and isn’t expected to reopen until June 3rd. The Jamaica Village Pool is also closed for refurbishment from April 19th through summer 2016.

In the meantime, guests can enjoy the main pool or any of the other leisure pools located at the resort.

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.

Castaway Cay – Fun Things to Do on Disney’s Private Island in the Bahamas

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2016

Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests on Bahamian and Caribbean cruises. With so much to see and do on the island, beach goers can choose to be as active or as relaxed as they want. Read on for some of the activities you’ll find on this beautiful island.

Excursions and Adventures

Castaway Cay excursions and activities can be reserved in advanced or visit Marge’s Barges & Sea Charter Dock once on the island. The following port adventures are available:

Extreme Getaway Package
Parasailing
Watercraft ski Adventure
Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure
Castaway Cay Sandbar Beach Adventure
Abaco Backcountry Fishing Adventure
Glass Bottom Scenic Voyage
The Wild Side Teen Adventure
Abaco Rigid Hull Snorkeling Adventure – Adult Only Departure

Rentals

Floats and snorkeling equipment can be reserved and pre-paid in advance or rented on the island at Flippers & Floats using your key to the world card. Tubes and floats are available to rent for $10.75 each. Snorkeling equipment costs $15.05 for a child set and $31.18 for an adult set. Rentals are good for the duration of your island visit.

Snorkeling Lagoon

There is a snorkeling lagoon located at the Family Beach where beginners can explore the Discover Trail. More experienced snorkelers can swim a bit further out in order to tackle the Explorer Trail. Guests may even find a few hidden Mickey’s below the surface!

Bike Rentals

Explore Castaway Cay via bike at the rental price of $10.75 per hour for ages 3 and up. Ride along the airstrip and turn off the road at one of 2 nature trails. Take a breather and park your bike. Then, climb the observation tower for a breathtaking view of the island. Helmets are also available.

Pelican Plunge

Pelican Plunge is within swimming distance from the shore and is worth the short trip. The water play area and platform features 2,400 square feet of water slides and a big bucket that dumps water onto those beneath. Guests can get a good look at the excitement while staying dry at the Pelican Point Overlook.

Game Pavilions

The Grouper and In Da Shade Game Pavilions offer fun in the shade with complimentary foosball, ping-pong, pool table, shuffleboard, basketball, golf wiffleball, chess and checkerboards. Volleyball and tetherball are also nearby at the Sports Beach. Guests can splish and splash over at Spring-a-Leak water play area too.

Scuttle’s Cove

Children ages 3 through 12 years old can explore Scuttle’s Cove, which offers supervised youth activities all day long. There is a water play area complete with pop jets, geysers and bubblers and even a giant whale-bone excavation site called Monstro’s Point.

Food

Lunch is served on the island from 11:30am until 2:00pm at no additional cost. Cookies BBQ and Cookies Too BBQ offer an assortment of barbecued food items, fresh fruit and yummy desserts. Of course there is also an unlimited supply of free soft serve and soft drinks. There is plenty of covered seating located at Gumbo Limbo, Pop’s Props & Boat Repair, Dig In, Grouper in addition to outdoor seating. Watch out for the birds though or they might grab a fry or too when you’re not looking.

Drinks

The Conched Out Bar, Sand Bar, Heads Up Bar, Castaway Air Bar and Olaf’s Summertime Freeze all offer frozen specialty drinks, cocktails and beer on Castaway Cay. Waiters will also deliver drinks directly to you so there is no reason to even leave the beach!

Family Beaches

There are two family beaches on Disney’s Castaway Cay Island with plenty of chaise lounges, beach chairs and umbrellas. Lifeguards are abundant and are located on both the sand and in the water.

Serenity Bay

The adults only beach is located at the far end of the island at Serenity Bay and is reserved for guests 18 and older. There is a private bar and restrooms available.

Private Cabanas

There are a total of 20 cabanas to rent along Castaway Cay’s family beaches and the adult exclusive Serenity Bay Beach. Each cabana is 325 sq ft and includes a stocked refrigerator, fresh water shower, tables, chaise lounges and a hammock. Depending on the time of year, the cost to rent one of these private cabanas could cost as much as $599 for the first six guests. Up to 4 additional guests may be added at the rate of $53.75 per person. Reservations can be made 90 days prior to sailing and they do go quickly.

Shopping

Merchandise is available for purchase on the island including beachwear, hats, souvenirs, collectible pins, suntan lotion and even beach toys. Shops include She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else!, Buy the Seashore, and Bahamian Retail. Purchases can even be delivered to the ship by Disney cruise staff.

Castaway Cay 5K

Disney Cruise Line offers a free 5K run on their private island that includes a bib number and plastic medal for runners ages 10 and up. Participants meet in the Tube Lounge on Deck 4 at 8am are among some of the first guests to disembark the ship at 8:30am. The walk to the starting line is approximately a mile long and parents are able to drop their children off at Scuttle’s Cove along the way. We secured five beach chairs in a prime spot at the second family beach by dropping our towels off before the start of the race.

The 3.1 mile long run begins at the bike rental stand (R) and follows the paved bike trail to the Serenity Bay Tram Stop (19) and then loops back around to finish at the bike stand. There is a water station that runners will pass by a total of 4 times. Participants are given a plastic cup and asked to hold onto it for the duration of the race in order to cut down on waste and mess. Be sure to stay hydrated since it can be extremely hot on the island by the time the 5k starts at 9am. If you don’t plan on heading back to the ship afterwards then I suggest you pack a small snack or breakfast. There is no food available on the island until lunch begins at 11:30am. Two hours is a long time not to eat after running, although I did manage to sneak a bag of chips and soft serve to hold me over.

Tram Service

There is a tram that makes frequent stops at various locations throughout Castaway Cay. If you’re not up to walking then consider taking a tram to where you want to go, the wait is usually not very long at all. You may really appreciate the ride back to the ship after a long day in the sun and sand!

Character Meet & Greets

Disney characters are available to meet throughout the day at the Post Office, Gazebo and gangway along with other possible locations on the island.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here if you are interested in planning a Disney Cruise. All of my planning services are 100% FREE.

Tutto Italia Ristorante to offer a 3 course Prixe Fixe lunch for a limited time

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2016

Starting today, and only for a limited time, (May 2- Aug 28, 2016), you can now dine at Epcot’s Tutto Italia Ristorante in the Italy Pavilion at lunch with a prixe fixe menu for $27 plus tax. The cost includes an appetizer, a main entree, dessert, and a non-alcoholic beverage or soft drink.

The Prixe Fixe menu is as follows:

APPETIZER

ANTIPASTO- sopressata, finocchiona, roasted peppers, ovolini mozzarella
INSALATA MISTA –endive, arugula, radicchio, white asparagus, radish, balsamic vinaigrette
CAPRESE- fior di latte mozzarella, tomato, basil, extra virgin olive oil
MINESTRONE- spring vegetables, pancetta, pastina

MAIN COURSE

SCALOPPINE DI POLLO- chicken scaloppini, cremini mushrooms, marsala sauce
FILETTO DI SOGLIOLA- parmesan encrusted filet of sole, spring mix salad, citrus vinaigrette
CAESAR SALAD- romaine wedge, chicken, olive crostini, shaved parmesan
SPAGHETTI- beef and veal meatballs, pomodoro sauce

DESSERT

CANNOLO
TIRAMISU
GELATI- chocolate, vanilla, stracciatella

The options sound delicious, which would you want to try first?

If you’re interested in booking a trip to experience the new prixe fixe menu at Tutto Italia, 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.

Sign Up to be Notified Once 2017 Walt Disney World Packages Are Available to Book

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 2, 2016

Are you thinking about a Walt Disney World vacation next year? If you like to plan your trips far in advance then I’m sure you’re anxiously waiting for 2017 packages to be released.

Send a quick email to [email protected] and I will add you to my 2017 watch list. Once next year’s packages become available to book then I will notify you via email. Disney announced 2016 packages on June 22nd last year.

If you are interested in receiving a complimentary quote then be sure to include your proposed travel dates, number of guests and ages of children along with resort preference, if you have one.

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. MickeyTravels is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that has been designated by Disney Destinations with Platinum Earmarked status. Our Travel Agents ONLY plan Disney vacations and specialize in “Making Magic One Vacation at a Time…”

Make Mom Feel Like a Princess With this Disney Mom Shirt

By

Danielle

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May 1, 2016

If you have a Disney mom, chances are she would love to be a Disney princess if even just for a day. So why not let her sparkle like one with this cute Disney Mom Shirt by MissBiziBee on Etsy?

This fabulous custom made “Mom by Day, Disney Princess by Night” glitter tank sports fun colors and a cute bow on the back perfect for Princess Mom! If bow’s aren’t your think it can also be made without the bow on a tank or on a v-neck T-shirt instead. The tank comes in white, heather grey or vintage black and the t-shirts are available in white, black heather grey or navy. I love the lavender hued purple on this tank, and I think the soft pops of rose and peach in the polka dots add a whimsical touch. Of course if you don’t love the colors as much as I do, the designer offers a nice variety of choices to mix and match to make the perfect Princess mom shirt. So if you’re a Disney Mom, or you’ve been looking for a perfect gift for your Disney mom, the “Mom by Day, Disney Princess by Night” shirt is a perfect choice!

Are you a Disney Princess Mom and proud of it?

Keep Your Car Cool And In Disney Style With Mickey Sunshades

By

Danielle

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May 1, 2016

It may only be spring, but oh boy is the weather heating up fast! My car felt like a million degrees the other day, so I decided it was time to look at some Mickey Mouse Sunshades to help keep things stylish and cool.

These officially licensed Mickey Mouse Windshield Sunshades protect your vehicle interior from harmful UV rays while keeping it cooler and showing off your awesome Disney style sense at the same time. The other great thing about Sunshades is that they help keep anything else in your car cooler, and make it easier for your AC to lower the temperature in the car to a more comfortable level.

Mickey Mouse Expressions Windshield Sunshade

The Mickey Expressions sunshade is full of the many lively faces of Mickey Mouse, from smiles to grumbles each classic expression is there. When not in use it folds up accordion style, and has an elastic strap to help keep it closed.

Red and Grey Mickey Mouse Windshield Sunshade

I love the mix of Colorful and Black & White Mickeys on this one. It has a very classic meets modern feel to it. This one folds up for easy storage.

Mickey Mouse Exclusive Series Windshield Sunshade

This sunshade has an aluminum coating sheet for extra shade, and even has suction cups to help hold it in place on your windshield. This one also folds up accordion style with an elastic strap to hold in place.

Minnie Mouse Sunshade

Of course we can’t forget the original mouse of style herself, Minnie Mouse! This sunshade is bold and bright, with Minnie’s signature polka dots surrounding the background, large poppy red hearts, and her too cute autograph. It folds up for convenience, and is a great choice for any Disney loving fashionista.

Which of these fun Disney themed sunshades is your favorite?

CDC Investigating Possible Norovirus outbreak on-board the Disney Wonder

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 1, 2016

Caribbean Cruise Disney Wonder Logo

The CDC is closely monitoring the situation on board the Disney Wonder as last week 92 of the 2600 passengers and 5 of the 991 crew members reported reported being ill which is being blamed on the Norovirus.

In response to the outbreak Disney has taken the following actions:

Disney is increasing cleaning and disinfection procedures according to their outbreak prevention and response plan
Collecting emesis and stool specimens from passenger and crew gastrointestinal illness cases for testing at CDC
Preparing the infection control turnaround sanitation barrier for the disembarkation today in Miami, FL and submitting to the VSP for review,
Disney sent additional medical, hotel, and sanitation personnel to oversee and assist with implementation of the sanitation and outbreak response procedures.

Disney has emailed the passengers of the upcoming voyage letting them know of the recent outbreak, and letting them know that guests and crew are their highest concern!

Click here to read more about this incident.

Photos Revealed of the Millennium Falcon on Star Wars: Episode VIII Set

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 1, 2016

When the first footage of Star Wars: Episode VIII was revealed in February, we saw that the film starts off where Episode VII left off–with Rey and Luke Skywalker meeting face-to-face on the Skellig Michael island:

In a Daily Mail exclusive, more sneak peeks of Episode VIII were revealed, with photos of the Millennium Falcon on the Pinewood Studios set in Buckinghamshire. In one of the photos, in addition to the iconic Millennium Falcon, we can see what looks to be like a recreation of the steps Rey walked up on the island at the end of Episode VII:

For photos, you can check out the Daily Mail article here.

Star Wars Episode VIII is expected to finish filming mid-July this year, with a December 15, 2017 release date. To tide us over during the wait for the next Star Wars Episode, here’s a look at the Millennium Falcon in action in “The Force Awakens“:

Photo Credit: Daily Mail

New Gourmet Mexican Restaurant to open in Disney Springs being renamed Frontera Cocina

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 1, 2016

Rick Bayless is opening a new gourmet Mexican restaurant in Disney Springs, and it seems they haven’t been able to decide on a name. It was first announced as Frontera Fresco, but a few months later renamed again to Tablas Frontera, in February. Now we are seeing another name change to Frontera Cocina is announced.

No word on whether or not the new name change will also come along with a menu/theming change that was announced along with the name Tablas Frontera in February.

Frontera Cocina is set to open this summer in the newly opened Town Center district of Disney Springs.

If you’re interested in booking a trip to experience the new Disney Springs, 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.

Upcoming Special Events for Disney Vacation Club Members

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 1, 2016

Mother’s Day Brunch

Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests are invited to attend a special Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The event will be held from 11am to 1pm at the Fantasia Ballroom and pricing is $53.95 per adult and $29.95 per child plus tax and gratuity. The brunch is inspired by the Disney Pixar film The Incredibles and will feature the following:

Incredible Mom Pledge led by a Disney Ambassador—families are invited to participate in an oath to honor and love their Moms
Appearances by some Characters from The Incredibles—an event photographer will be on hand to capture your special moments with them and provide you with a complimentary take-home photo
A Mother’s Day card-making station—supplies will be available for kids to create a keepsake card for Mom
Incredible Mom Song on the Spot—a strolling musician will chat with families during brunch and improvise a song, honoring the Moms in the room

Reservations are required and can be made now by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Full payment is due at the time of booking and there is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Party size limit is 16 guests and a valid DVC membership and photo I.D. is required at check-in.

Independence Day Dessert Party

Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests are invited to attend an Independence Day Dessert Party on Sunday, July 3, 2016 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The event will be held at the Convention Center Porte–Cochére from 8:00pm until 10:00pm. Pricing is $35 per adult and $22 per child plus tax and gratuity. It will include live entertainment, delicious desserts, character appearances, games and more:

A tasty array of red, white and blue dessert samplers, patriotic punch and assorted non-alcoholic sips—alcoholic beverages available via cash bar for those Guests 21 years of age or older
Carnival games
A “front porch” view of Disney’s Celebrate America – a Fourth of July Concert in the Sky at Magic Kingdom Park starting at 9:00 PM
Photo opportunities with Mickey and Minnie decked out in patriotic attire—plus, a complimentary take-home print

Reservations are required and can be made now by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Full payment is due at the time of booking and there is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Party size limit is 16 guests and a valid DVC membership and photo I.D. is required at check-in.

Neighborhood Beach Bash

This summer is heating up as the milestone anniversary year continues with the return of the Disney Vacation Club Neighborhood Beach Bash, coming to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park at Walt Disney World Resort on select dates in June and July. This complimentary event for Members and their Guests will feature exciting entertainment and activities, tasty snacks, and access to select attractions – all after regular park hours!

Get ready to rock with a park-wide nighttime beach party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon from 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., on the following evenings:

•   Thursday, June 23, 2016 – Event is at capacity
•   Wednesday, June 29, 2016
•   Wednesday, July 6, 2016
•   Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Experience after hours access to select attractions and many of the park’s fantastic water slides. Jam out during a DJ dance party, participate in family fun beach activities and enjoy delicious refreshments and treats.

Reservations are required and can be made now by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800. This event is open to members who a have a valid Resort reservation at Walt Disney World Resort on an event date or a reservation at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort or with a Disney Cruise Line sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida within one day before or after an event date.

Disney Vacation Club Jubilee Celebration

DVC members and their guests are invited to a special soiree brimming with nostalgia on Sunday, July 17, 2016 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Pricing for this event is $35 per adult and $22 per child plus tax and gratuity. The event will be held in the Sequoia Ballroom and will feature the following unique experiences:

A dance party with a live DJ playing a mix of modern and retro tunes
Disneyland Park trivia
Carnival-style games
An opportunity to meet a few unique Characters
Convenient print-on-demand stations to create complimentary print souvenirs
Classic Disneyland refreshments—alcoholic beverages available via cash bar for those Guests 21 years of age or older
Special décor spread throughout the room:
- Vintage Disneyland attraction posters
- Photo locations representing each of the park’s original “lands”—Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland

Reservations

Reservations are required and can be made beginning May 20, 2016 by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Full payment is due at the time of booking and there is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Party size limit is 16 guests and a valid DVC membership and photo I.D. is required at check-in.

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

Source and Photo Credit: Disney Vacation Club