Disney Breaks Ground on Star Wars Land- Check out this 360 View

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April 14, 2016

2016 04 14 17 31 31 Star Wars Themed Lands Groundbreaking at Disney Parks Littlstar The World Re

The force has definitely been awakening at Disneyland this Spring as images were released today of the ground breaking ceremony for the new Star Wars land expansion in Anaheim.

Disney Parks released this unique footage of the 14 acre expansion which was made after buildings were leveled near the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree section of the park.

When information was initially released during the D23 convention last August, Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company said of the expansion: “We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single-themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.”

To make way for this new world, Disneyland will be closing 10 attractions and eateries including: Big Thunder Ranch, Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, Big Thunder Ranch Petting Zoo which will be closed permanently. Fantasmic, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirates Liar on Tom Sawyer Island, Disneyland Railroad, and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes are faced with temporary closures.

Walt Disney World Resort should should be hot on Disneyland’s coattails with a series of closures recently being made at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Premier Theater, Lights Motor Action and Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, Monster Inc Meet and Greet, and Studio Catering Company have all been closed to make room.

For now these areas look like nothing more than a shell of Disney days gone by or in Disneyland’s case a landscape more reminiscent of Jakku than Frontierland. Hopefully with construction now under way we’ll start to see some Star Wars magic in the weeks and months ahead.

Has all this talk of Star Wars made you eager to plan your next Walt Disney World holiday? Then contact me at [email protected]. or get in touch through Facebook. As an agent specializing in vacations to Disney destinations, I can help you find your perfect holiday with a lot of fun Star Wars touches that your kids will be talking about for years to come.

Stack Up Your Morning Coffee With Tsum Tsum Mugs

By

Danielle

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April 14, 2016

Is your morning coffee routine feeling a little boring? Well perk up, because these totally cute Disney Tsum Tsum mugs are sure to make morning more fun, or at least a little bit more adorable.

The Disney Tsum Tsum sensation has taken the world by storm, from cuddly little plush toys, to a highly addictive puzzle game and now even your morning coffee. Featuring a molded design, and inspired by the cute plush ”Tsum Tsum” characters, these large-size cups are stackable so you can pile up the fun. What a great Disney morning would it be to wake up with a Tsum Tsum mug of your favorite morning beverage and a few rounds of Tsum Tsum on your phone?

Minnie Mouse Tsum Tsum Mug

The original Disney fashionita is dressed in her signature polka dot pattern, this have-to-have mug is at the top of the latest table trend.

Mickey Mouse Tsum Tsum Mug

The one, the only Mickey Mouse will brighten your morning every day with this super cute, stackable mug. I love this mugs perfectly simple black and red color design.

Winnie the Pooh Tsum Tsum Mug

Hunny wake up, but first, coffee…and Winnie the Pooh! Inspired by adorable “Tsum Tsum” art and built to house a super duper pour, there are Hundreds of Acres of reasons to love this stackable large mug.

Stitch Tsum Tsum Mug

Lilo’s extra terrestrial companion shows his ”stackable” side on this mug. And despite his small size, he’s also very ”Brave”, so you’ll enjoy having a drink in the company of this colorful character.

Dumbo Tsum Tsum Mug

Ears to you when your morning feels like a circus, you’ll fly through it with ease when this have-to-have Dumbo mug is along for the ride. Inspired by adorable “Tsum Tsum” art with plenty of trunk space, this stackable mug is a morning must-have.

Marie Tsum Tsum Mug

Groom yourself for a delightful day with this pretty kitty stackable cup featuring Marie from Disney’s classic The Aristocats.

I would love to ask which one would you choose, but let’s be honest these are stackable so I for one will need more than one!

5 Disney Umbrellas For Under $20 From Uniqlo

By

Danielle

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April 14, 2016

They say April showers, brings May flowers, but I sure don’t like being caught in a rain storm unprepared. Uniqlo has us covered though, with great Disney Umbrella’s for under $20!

Uniqlo is a fashion company designed with the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity to always be basic, but never boring. They believe everyone needs a place to dream. This unprecedented collaboration between Disney and Uniqlo opens the door to a world of the imagination, adding a touch of magic to everyday fashions and accessories. They offer exclusive and innovative products that capture the wonder of Disney. These magnificent umbrellas are a perfect example of that.

The Uniqlo compact umbrella is a folding umbrella that is lightweight and easy to carry. An innovative design makes it easy to open and close. The metal frame spins with strong winds, and it quickly returns to its shape if wind turns it inside out. All of that complete with a durable water-repellent finish and fun Disney designs makes these umbrellas great for any rainy day!

Blue Disney Project Compact Umbrella

The blue umbrella features a character collage of Mickey and his pals, this is a fun pattern of the whole gang.

Red Disney Project Compact Umbrella

This umbrella has the same fun character pattern as the dark grey one, but in a beautiful poppy red that’s perfect for su

Dark Grey Disney Project Compact Umbrella

The dark grey umbrella features a repeating pattern of simplistic Mickey Mouse silhouettes.mmer.

White Disney Project Compact Umbrella

The white umbrella is the most colorful and fun out of the whole group! It features the same repeating Mickey silhouette pattern as it’s dark grey partner, but in a rainbow of colors that really shout spring is here!

Multi Blue Disney Project Compact Umbrella

There are no other umbrellas in the Uniqlo collection like the Dark and Light blue one. This umbrella has alternating panels of a bright blue and deep blue each with a different Disney character’s face.

Which one of these colorful Disney umbrellas would you use to keep dry on a rainy day?

Possible Disney Free Dining dates!

By

Anonymouse

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April 14, 2016

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Disney’s Night of Joy 2016 Tickets on Sale

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 14, 2016

We announced a while back that Night of Joy was expanding this year, and now we have more information about tickets prices and options, and are excited to let you know that tickets are on sale now for the Sept 9-10, 2016 event, being held at Disney’s Wide World of Sport Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort.

This year’s performers are as follows:

Friday, September 9 – MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Francesca Battistelli, Crowder, Matthew West, Stars Go Dim, Zealand Worship
Saturday, September 10 – newsboys, for King & Country, Young & Free, Switchfoot, Red, Thousand Foot Krutch, Tim Timmons

There are 3 different ticket options for the 2016 Night of Joy festival:

An admission ticket to the concerts for Friday night, Sept, 9, 2016: $39 per adult, $39 per child aged 3-9. (Premium seats $59 per adult and per child)
An admission ticket to Saturday’s concerts as well as admission to one of the 4 parks that day (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom), Sept 10, 2016: $99 per adult, $99 per child aged 3-9.(Premium seats $119 per adult and per child)
A ticket that includes admission to both nights of concerts plus admission to one of the 4 parks on Saturday: $119 per adult, $119 per child aged 3-9.(Premium seats $149 per adult, and per child)

You can visit Disney’s website here for more information and to purchase tickets.

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.

Movie Review – Disney’s The Jungle Book

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 14, 2016

This past Saturday evening I had the pleasure to attend a screening of the new live-action “The Jungle Book” from Walt Disney Studios. The screening was at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, a very ornate theatre owned by Disney that is positioned right across the street from Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame lining the sidewalk outside, it was truly an incredible Hollywood experience. I would love to share with our readers my review of Disney’s newest film–and don’t worry, it’s spoiler-free!

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As it’s clear to see from just the trailers and posters alone, the visuals are incredible. The CGI jungle looks incredibly real, you would think the film crew were constantly on location in an Indian jungle. All of the animal characters were amazingly photo-realistic. When I first heard that the animals mouths would be moving, I was skeptical of how that would end up looking in the finished movie. The crew pulled this off beautifully, and even though the animals are talking they seem so natural in the film. I truly felt immersed in the story, with my mind never breaking away from the story’s version of reality. One could easily get lost in the story and the visuals and forget that you are watching a film due to the level of photo realism (talking animals and all!).

Something else I was blown away by was the film’s score, composed by John Debney. The score seamlessly wove together the moments of warmth and love with moments that were adventurous and thrilling. And something I particularly loved, which I think all of you Disney fans out there will appreciate, were pieces of songs from the 1967 animated film interwoven into pieces of the score. I could go on more about the music and sound, which you can check out more here, where I document “The Jungle Book” press conference.

And of course, the acting was brilliant. How could it not be with such an incredibly talented cast? When casting announcements were first being made, I was a bit confused. Christopher Walken as King Louie, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa; both wonderful actors but seemed like very unexpected casting choices. Director Jon Favreau’s casting instincts ended up being spot on. Him thinking outside the box really paid off, with each character being introduced on screen seeming exactly how you would hope to see these beloved characters portrayed, yet they still seemed exciting and fresh. Bill Murray seemed to be a match made in heaven to portray Baloo, and Sir Ben Kingsley also fit perfectly into the role of Bagheera. Neel Sethi, who plays Mowgli, did a stellar job in the role, despite this being his first major feature film. Truly, all of the actors were outstanding, and their voices seemed like a natural fit for each of their characters. All the actors put in an incredible amount of thought into the characters they portrayed, which they went into detail about at “The Jungle Book” press conference that I wrote about here.

The film was exciting, fast-paced, adventurous, and thrilling. At times I was gripping my seat in anticipation of what might happen next. The film is rated PG, and is one you can definitely see as a family, however for younger children around 7 or younger it might be scary at times. Most of it I don’t think would be scary for young children, but something to perhaps be aware of or talk to your children to warn them about ahead of time.

The movie exceeded my expectations, and had a perfect blend of nostalgia as well as new and unexpected material. I believe it’s a film that will really speak to Disney fans everywhere, and is a wonderful addition to the Disney live-action fairy tale movie line-up.

The film will be released in theaters April 15th, and tickets can be purchased here. I can’t wait to see what you all thought of this incredible movie!

Walt Disney World’s Giant Mickey-shaped Solar Facility is Up and Running

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 14, 2016

In keeping with Walt’s vision of establishing an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, Epcot has a new neighbor. A 22 acre Mickey-shaped solar power facility designed to bring 5 megawatts of power to the Walt Disney World Resort area.

The facility is maintained by Duke Energy who will sell the solar power to the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The facility, located near World Drive and Epcot Center Drive (west of the Epcot Resort area) is made up of 48,000 solar panels. To put this in perspective, that is the equivalent to 1,000 standard rooftop systems.

The solar farm also makes quite an impression on the Disney landscape and as aerial views suggests is one heck of Hidden Mickey. The project is part of Duke Energy’s long-term strategic goal of building up 500 megawatts of solar energy in its service area by 2017.

In a statement released by Duke Energy, Bill Warren administrator for Reedy Creek Improvement District stated: “Our new solar facility agreement is another example of how we are always looking for innovative ways to conserve our natural resources. The use of solar energy builds on our commitment to protect the environment and is another step toward realizing our long-term sustainability goals.”

So is the solar farm officially the largest Hidden Mickey out there? Surprisingly not. The Mickey Forest just outside of Clermont still holds the title at an astounding 60 acres.

Has all of this talk about mouse ears made you want to plan your own Walt Disney World holiday. Drop me an email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook and we’ll find a holiday package perfect for your family and your budget.

Premium Disney World Services – Guest Convenience or Money-Making Opportunity?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 14, 2016

Walt Disney World has really been keeping all of us on our toes lately with the addition of special ticketed events, parking fees and new price structures. A lot of guests have become frustrated with the way Disney seems to be “nickel and diming” its guests the last few months. But for every 1 person that refuses to participate in the new offerings there are dozens more who will likely jump at the chance. Are the recent additions intended to enhance the guest’s overall experience or is it simply an opportunity to squeeze more money out of those looking for a magical Disney vacation? Love it or hate it, below is a summary of the new premium services that are now being offered:

Early Morning Magic

Guests can enjoy early morning access to Disney’s Magic Kingdom with Early Morning Magic. Tickets are available for $69 per adult and $59 per child, in addition to regular theme park admission, on select Tuesday and Saturday mornings from April 26th through June 28th. This is a hard ticket event that includes early access to 3 Fantasyland attractions (Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh) from 7:45am until 10:00am plus a breakfast at Pinocchio Village Haus.

Disney After Hours

Night owls can pay $149 per ticket for access to over 25 attractions and characters, plus enjoy free ice cream and bottled beverages with Disney After Hours. The event is currently only scheduled for a total of seven nights during April and May and is limited to a small number of guests each night. Guests will be able to stay inside the Magic Kingdom for 3 additional hours after the park closes and will be allowed admittance as early as 7pm.

Thursday, April 14, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Thursday, April 21, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Thursday, May 19, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Premium Parking Fee

Not only did the cost of parking recently increase from $17 to $20 per day but guests now have the option to pay an extra $15 for premium parking. For $35 per day guests can enjoy a prime parking spot close to the park entrance.

Seasonal Ticket Pricing Structure

1-Day theme park tickets are now priced differently depending on the time of year you plan to visit Walt Disney World. The three different seasons are Value (from $97 ages 10+), Regular (from $102 ages 10+) and Peak (from $114 ages 10+). Visit during school vacation weeks or the holidays and you’ll end up paying a premium for peak season.

RunDisney

A new packet pick-up service is available for the first time this weekend at the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. For $39 per race registration runners will be able to pick up their race packet and bib number at the VIP Pick-Up Tent the morning of the race rather than make a special trip over to ESPN Zone.

Children’s Activity Centers

Lilo’s Playhouse at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Sandcastle Club at Disney’s Beach Club Resort have both recently added new programming to their children activity centers. The price is a flat rate of $55 per child and runs from 4:30pm until midnight. The program includes fun activities, dinner and even a visit from some of their favorite Disney characters. Simba’s Clubhouse at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Camp Dolphin at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel still offer hourly rates with a 2 hour minimum. Cub’s Den at The Wilderness Lodge is closed while the resort is undergoing refurbishment.

Dining Plan Increase

The cost of adding a dining plan to your Walt Disney World reservation increased by a couple of dollars per person, per night last month. The current cost per night is:

Quick Service: Adult (10+) $44.13 Child (3-9) $19.04

Plus Dining Plan: Adult (10+) $63.70 Child (3-9) $22.85

Deluxe Dining Plan: Adult (10+) $115.08 Child (3-9) $35.49

Potential Resort Fee

Guests of Walt Disney World Resort Hotels were recently surveyed to see if they would be willing to pay a $15 resort fee for amenities that are currently free to Disney guests. The fee would cover benefits such as Disney’s Magical Express, Fastpass+, MagicBands, Extra Magic Hours, parking, WiFi and various resort entertainment. A resort fee has not been implemented but it has to make you wonder if it is a distinct possibility with all of the recent changes Disney has made lately.

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

Pixar’s Coco Begins Production Today

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2016

Little has been said about the Pixar’s “Coco” since last year’s D23 Expo, but today we finally got some news on the film! The film’s director Lee Unkrich (who is also directing “Toy Story 3”) announced that Pixar Studios has begun animation on the film, via Twitter:

So excited that we’ve OFFICIALLY STARTED ANIMATION ON COCO!! ?

— Lee Unkrich (@leeunkrich) April 12, 2016

I couldn’t be more excited! This film is sure to be visually stunning and unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, being largely inspired by the Mexican folk art that surrounds the holiday Dia de los Muertos.

The plot of the film will center around 12-year-old Miguel, who enters into the realm of the dead. Throughout the film, we will see people in the mortal world celebrating Dia de los Muertos, while also experiencing the realm of the afterlife such as skeleton mariachis, etc. “Coco” is set to be released November 22, 2017.

Peter Pan has been added to Disney Live-Action Line-Up

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2016

Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1953 brought to audiences the most successful adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” and now 63 years later Disney has announced that they will be bringing us another adaptation of the beloved classic.

The “Peter Pan” live action film will be directed by David Lowrey, who is also the director of this year’s upcoming Walt Disney Studio’s film “Pete’s Dragon,” so he knows a thing or two about adapting classic stories for modern audiences! The script will be written by Toby Hallbrooks.

There are many other films that Disney has announced over the past couple of years that were classic animated films that will be made into live-action adaptations, including “The Jungle Book” opening this Friday and “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opening in May. Although I’m overjoyed about all of them, “Peter Pan” is definitely one I am most ecstatic about!

Pic Credit: Disney

Save Up to 80% On Clearance Disney Items at Kohl’s

By

Danielle

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April 13, 2016

Right now you can save up to 80% on Clearance Disney Items marked final clearance when you take an extra 20% off already-reduced clearance at Kohl’s.

With Kohl’s awesome extra discount on clearance items right now, you can score some really fun Disney finds now until April 30, 2016. Check out some of my favorite things on sale for a steal and under $20.00 right now!

Some of the super cute Lauren Conrad Bambi items are on sale for super low prices, like the Bambi Graphic Tunics and Bambi Floral Dress.

There is even a super cute Mickey Mouse Tee for under eight bucks that I am totally in love with.

Kohl's Mickey Shirt

With summer vacation coming up around the corner, Disney Sleeping Bags would be a great thing to have on hand! You can send your little one off to his or her first slumber party in style with these cute sleeping bags by Jumping Beans.

Kohl's Disney Sleeping Bags

My absolute favorite item on sale at Kohl’s right now is the Minnie Rocks the Dots Flare Dress.

Kohl's Minnie Rocks the Dots

This dress is too adorable, and has a charming fit and flare design. There’s a gorgeous pattern of “Minnie Mouses” and flowers dappling the black lace top of the dress, as well as the sheer sheath skirt on the bottom.

If you love getting great Disney items at a great price now is the time to check out Kohl’s while their clearance is on an additional 20% off!

Marvel’s Doctor Strange Teaser Trailer is Here!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2016

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In Marvel’s second film of this year, we will get to meet another intriguing Marvel hero, Doctor Strange. Coming to theaters November 4th, “Doctor Strange” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, and Tilda Swinton. This Marvel character is a bit more on the supernatural side, centering around a surgeon’s whose life is nearly destroyed until a sorcerer trains him to help protect the world against evil.

The first teaser trailer for the film has arrived, and as always with Marvel the film looks visually stunning with an epic story line:

You can also see some still shots from the trailer below:

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Who else can’t wait for “Doctor Strange”?

Fortunately to tide us over till November 4th, we get to look forward to the “Captain America: Civil War” release on May 6th!