Top five reason’s I love Disney World!

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March 25, 2016

Walt Disney World is always thought of as the most magical place in the world, but why? With the 4 major theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, the water parks, Disney Springs, endless resorts and restaurants there is so much going on yet every detail feels so personal and magical. What make Disney World so magical?

Here is my list of the top 5 reason why I love Disney World:

Character Interaction – True some of the character’s meet and greets have been taken away recently but there are still tons of places to meet your favorites. Meeting characters is not just a chance to take a picture or get an autograph of a loved character but it is also a way to bring back childhood innocence, when I’m standing there next to Mickey I’m not thinking of any adult responsibilities, I am completely happy, like a child. This is one of my favorite parts of visiting the parks.
Themed Restaurants/Character dining – Ok everyone needs food to survive, that’s a fact. But Disney does food in a fun and magical way. Whether you having a family dinner at O’hana with the Hula dancers and the bano Singer performing for you, or you are having breakfast at the Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh and gang visiting your table and parading through the restaurant, there is something fun happening to remind you there is magic at every turn.
The classic ride – How could anyone not get happy singing their way through It’s a Small World or yo-ho-ho-hoing their way through Pirates of the Caribbean, or being scared silly in The Haunted Mansion? Classic Disney rides are classic for a reason, they bring you to a point of happiness that surpasses all the rest. Although they get updates and refurbishment they are the same ride you grew up loving and now can pass that enjoyment onto your children. These are rides I could ride over and over.
The Mountains – Whether I’m riding in the dark through space on Space Mountain, coasting over the wild west on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, getting soaked along with Br’er Rabbit on my favorite of all the mountains Splash Mountain or chasing that Yeti on Expedition Everest, the mountains are one of the best parts of my visits to Disney World. I enjoy most of the rides in all of the theme parks but these are definitely my most must do’s
The overall feel – Customer service is one of the most important factors in all businesses. Disney goes above and beyond in this aspect, you feel it from the second you board the Magical Express where you watch Disney related cartoons until you arrive at your resort. From the resort to the transportation to the theme parks there is not one part of this vacation that doesn’t make you feel like you are a VIP guest.

I know there are so many other experiences that could be added to the above list, Star Wars, the many shows, all of the night-time entertainment, but I went with my top 5, what do you include in your top 5?

Comment below!

Paul McCartney Joins the Cast of Pirates of the Caribbean 5

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 24, 2016

According to a Deadline exclusive, among some other sources, the former Beatles band member Sir Paul McCartney has joined the cast of the fifth installment of the “Pirates” franchise, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” The film, starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites and Kaya Scodelario has already wrapped up production for the film, making the addition of McCartney an even bigger mystery. As the rest of the film is already completed, it seems that they are bringing in McCartney to do a completely new additional scene, and was not a part of the rest of the film.

The 5th “Pirates” film is set to be released May 26, 2017, so until then we can only guess what McCartney’s role will be. The Rolling Stones band member Keith Richards played Captain Teague (Captain Jack Sparrow’s father) in the 3rd and 4th “Pirates” movies, as Keith Richards is who largely inspired Johnny Depp’s look and swagger of the character Jack Sparrow.

Although we have no definite answers as of now, I like to think that perhaps this additional scene will be a bonus after-credit sequence (as most of the “Pirates” films have had), where we see Captain Teague (Keith Richards of the The Rolling Stones) have a dual with a pirate opponent that Paul McCartney would play. What do you think McCartney’s role might be? And do you think his scene might be an introduction for possibly a larger role in a future “Pirates of the Caribbean” film?

Universal Studios Hollywood raises ticket prices by 20%

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 24, 2016

Remember last month when Universal Studios said they would offer discounts for any tickets for off-season that were pre-ordered? Well that great gesture was canceled out this past weekend when Universal Studios Hollywood, without warning, raised their prices 20%.

Universal Studios Hollywood is not the only theme park to raise their prices, a while ago Disney announced its new tier pricing, however now Universal Studios Hollywood is the highest price theme park at $90 for low-demand days to $115 for on peak-demand.

There are a lot of people saying the price raise has a lot to do with the new Harry Potter attractions noting when a similar attraction opened in Islands of Adventures in Orlando the two-day two park ticket price went up 36%, and brought sales at the park up 20%. This also seems to be following Disneyland which upped prices once Cars Land was open.

A spokesman for Universal Studios said the price increase is consistent with what the park is offering.

How will this affect your decision to visit Universal Studios Hollywood?

Are you ready to book your trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, Island of Adventures or Universal Studios Orlando? You can contact me here and we can plan and book a perfect vacation for you and your family!

Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package Coming Soon

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 24, 2016

It appears as though Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package will be available again for this year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom.

The dates for the 2016 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party are:

September – 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

According to this screenshot from the MyDisneyExperience App, this package will include reserved viewing for Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade, a delicious dessert party and a prime viewing spot for the Happy HalloWishes Fireworks display.

Prices for this package have not been announced yet.

If you would like to be notified when prices become available for the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium package then email [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here. I will let you know as soon as pricing and availability are released.

Photo Credit: Disney

Enjoy Early Access to Fantasyland with an “Early Morning Magic” Ticket

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 24, 2016

2016 03 24 09 02 05 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Walt Disney World News

It appears that Disney will now be offering early morning access to the Magic Kingdom with “Early Morning Magic“. Guests will be allowed entrance to the park starting at 7:45am and guided to Fantasyland where they’ll have early access to just three attractions: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight. Tickets are available for $69 per adult and $49 per child plus tax. This price also includes a continental breakfast at Pinocchio Village Haus that will be available from 8:30am until 10:00am.

This event will not replace Extra Magic Hours and is available for all guests to purchase.

Here are the details:

Fantasyland Fun Before the Park Opens
Make your Walt Disney World mornings more magical than ever with a first-access experience in the park!

Rise with the sun on select mornings, Disney Early Morning Magic gives you the chance to be among the first to enter Magic Kingdom park and experience a trio of Fantasyland attractions:

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
and Peter Pan’s Flight.

Plus, in addition to the early-morning fun, you can get your fill of a wonderful continental breakfast at Pinocchio Village Haus—featuring such scrumptious breakfast fare as:

Chilled juices, coffee and teas
Seasonal fruit and berries
Freshly baked pastries
Cheese and cured meats
Scrambled eggs with assorted toppings
Vegetable frittata
Smoked bacon
Pork and turkey sausages
Fried potatoes with caramelized onions
Mickey Waffles

Available with the purchase of a separate ticket, Disney Early Morning Magic takes place on select dates from 7:45 AM to 10:00 AM. However, admission is limited—be sure to buy your tickets before it’s too late!

Purchase Tickets Online or Buy Phone
Don’t miss this all-new special event at Disney’s Magic Kingdom park. Purchase your tickets today!

Admission to Disney Early Morning Magic is available $69 per adult and $49 per child (tax not included).

For tickets, please make your purchase online or call the Disney Reservation Center at (407) 934-7639 for assistance. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Know Before You Go
Learn all you need to know about this special event—including where to check-in and when you can enter the park.

Official check-in will take place near the far left turnstiles of the Main Entrance to Magic Kingdom park beginning at 7:30 AM. Ticketed Guests will receive an event sticker for identification.
Starting at 7:45 AM, Guests will be admitted into the park and guided into Fantasyland.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight are the only attractions that will be operational during this special event.
Beginning at 8:30 AM until 10:00 AM, breakfast will be available at Pinocchio Village Haus.
At 9:00 AM, the theme park will open to Guests with standard theme park admission tickets and exclusive attraction access will end.
Please note that standard theme park admission tickets are required for this event, in addition to a Disney Early Morning Admission ticket.
The number of tickets available is limited. In addition, all tickets are non-refundable, non-transferrable and are only valid for admission during the special event date and hours.
All attractions, entertainment and experiences are subject to change without notice.

If you are interested in a Walt Disney World vacation and would like to take advantage of the new Early Morning Magic, then contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning.

H/T Kenny the Pirate

Last Chance for Spring Savings – Book by March 31st

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 24, 2016

Save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights April 14 – June 11, 2016 if booked by March 31st. Plus, receive 1 more ticket day FREE when your package contains a minimum 4 day Magic Your Way Ticket.

Enjoy Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival that runs from now until May 30th. Treat your senses to beautiful topiary and flower displays, fresh eats at outdoor kitchens and music from the Garden Rocks Outdoor Concert Series.

Discover all-new Star Wars adventures at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Explore the Star Wars Launch Bay and get up close and personal with some of your favorite Star Wars characters. Be mesmerized by Star Wars themed fireworks and catch an all new stage show called Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Experience all new nighttime entertainment at Animal Kingdom this Spring with Rivers of Light, the awakening of the Tree of Life and a sunlit safari ride.

Offer Exclusions: Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Fort Wilderness Campsites, 3 Bdrm Villas, Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Bay Lake Tower, the Villas at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

It’s not too late to book your Spring vacation to Walt Disney World and I can help you pull it all together! Email [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to get started.

Photo credit: wdwnews.com

2016 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates Announced

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 23, 2016

mickeys very merry christmas party 00 full

Disney has announced the dates for their 2016 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party that will be held on select evenings from 7pm – 12am at the Magic Kingdom:

November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27 and 29
December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 22

Separate admission is required for this special event although ticket prices for 2016 have not been released yet nor are they currently available to purchase.

During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Magic Kingdom will light up with excitement for guests of all ages to enjoy. Cinderella’s castle will shimmer while joyful music fills the air. Favorite attractions take on a holiday theme and Disney characters will be wearing their most festive attire.

If you would like to experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom this holiday season, then contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation.

Photo credit: Disney

Disney Announces 2016 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 23, 2016

One of the best things about visiting Walt Disney World in the Fall is the annual occurrence of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and many guests tend to choose their visit dates around the availability of the party nights. That being said, we know you’ve all been waiting, so we’re very excited to finally be able to announce the 29 official party dates for 2016 that Disney has released on their website!

September – 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

All of your favorite Halloween Party extras will be included: The Boo To You Halloween Parade, Happy Hallowishes Fireworks, plus the return of last year’s biggest party hit, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular!

There has also been a concern about what Disney was going to allow adults to wear as costumes for the party after new restrictions were recently announced for costumes/accessories at the parks, and Disney addressed the issue with this statement:

New this year, we have revised our costuming guidelines for special events in our theme parks. While costumed attire may be worn, guests ages 14 and older are strongly discouraged from wearing layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body as they may be subject to additional security screening. Additionally, costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon. For more information including a full list of costume guidelines, check out disneyworld.com.

Stay tuned for more information such as tickets prices and “on sale” dates, as we will let you know as soon as we know more!

If you’d like to book a trip to visit WDW this Fall to join in on the Halloween fun, 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] or you can find me on my facebook page here.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Delightful Hand Soap Inspired by Disney Classics

By

Danielle

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March 23, 2016

Are you looking for a new hand soap for your recently re-decorated Disney themed bathroom? Well look no farther, CultureByCandlelight on Etsy has some brilliantly inspired choices inspired by classic fairy tales!

Whether you are shopping for yourself or for someone else, these story book inspired soaps are perfect for any fan of Disney classics. These dye free soaps come in eight ounce soap dispensers to be the perfect addition for your fairy tale themed bathroom. If you’d like a pop of color you may request the following colors if you wish, at no extra charge: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple! What a fun and customizable service. Check out the fairy tale inspirations below.

If you’re loving these as much as I am, there’s even a few coupon codes available now too! Use 10PERCENT for 10% off your purchase of $10 or more or use 20PERCENT for 20% off your purchase of $40 or more.

Happy Shopping!

Disney & Marvel will boycott Georgia if religious liberty bill passes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 23, 2016

gallery 1455724063 movies guardians of the galaxy vol 2

The Walt Disney company and Marvel Studios has indicated that if Georgia passes the religious liberty bill which is currently pending they will be taking their business elsewhere.

House Bill 757 is “to provide that religious officials shall not be required to perform marriage ceremonies in violation of their legal right to free exercise of religion,” and allows faith-based organizations to not hire or provide services to those who “violate such faith-based organization’s sincerely held religious belief.”

The Georgia production hub is where Marvel is currently filming “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” and where “Captain America: Civil War” was shot last year as there are generous tax incentives to film in Georgia. However a spokesman from Disney said:

“Disney and Marvel are inclusive companies, and although we have had great experiences filming in Georgia, we will plan to take our business elsewhere should any legislation allowing discriminatory practices be signed into state law”

Disney is the first but will not be the last major company to leave Georgia if this bill is passed. The MPAA, representing major studios, has already stated they are against the pending bill but they also have confidence that the governor of Georgia would not sign a bill which is so discriminatory.

Georgia legislators passed the bill last week now it is just waiting governor approval. Governor Deal has not indicated whether he will or will not veto the bill as of yet.

How do you feel about this? Do you think Disney and Marvel are doing the right thing?

Get a Trim at the Harmony Barber Shop in the Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 23, 2016

Did you know there is a real working barber shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom?

Located in between City Hall and the Emporium, you will find that famous red and white candy striped barber pole in front of the Harmony Barber Shop. Walking inside the shop is like taking a step back in time…

Our family has been getting haircuts here for the last several years, ever since we discovered it for our princess’s first haircut 4 years ago. The prices are reasonable and the kids love the magical touches.

Our most recent Disney vacation was pretty last minute so we were not able to make reservations ahead of time. During our first day at the Magic Kingdom, it was raining heavily. We decided we would check in to see if there were any slots available. We were told there would be about a 30 minute wait so we headed next door to the Emporium to browse around a bit.

After about 20 minutes, we walked back over to the barber shop and all 3 kiddos were seated right away. The stylists were very friendly and gave extra care to make sure the kids were having a good time. They got to play with light up toys and were given stickers while the stylists did an excellent job working on the kids haircuts.

There was a nice but very cozy sitting area where family could watch and take pictures. Afterwards, the kids got to choose between rainbow glitter or gold glitter.

At this point, Grampy decided he couldn’t let the children have all the fun and asked the stylists if they could give him a trim too. The stylists were so kind to fit him in as well and even let him play with the light up toys too! We were all pleased with the haircuts and the kids (including Grampy) had a magical time!

Prices:

Baby’s 1st Haircut (includes certificate, Mickey Ears and a keepsake lock of hair) $25
Child’s Haircut (9 and under) $18
Adult Haircut $19

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 407-939-7529. No shows and cancellations less than 24 hours in advanced will be subject to a $10 fee. Walk-ins are welcome. Tips are also appreciated but must be made in cash.

If you would like to know more about how to add magical touches like this one to your Walt Disney World trip, be sure to contact me today! I would love to help book your next Disney vacation and share my expertise with you. Please feel free to email me any time at [email protected] or join my Facebook page here.

Narcoossee’s Restaurant to Offer New Wishes Fireworks Viewing Location

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 23, 2016

Narcoossee’s, located at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, has been testing a Wishes Dessert Party on Friday evenings during the month of March.

Although the 25th is the last scheduled date for the Dessert party, guests will still be able to admire a spectacular view of the fireworks show from the back dock of the restaurant on Friday evenings. Reservations are not required in order to enjoy this unique viewing spot nor is the dress code that is usually associated with signature dining restaurants. An outdoor bar will be available for guests to purchase drinks from. Advanced dining reservations for Narcoossee’s will still be available between the hours of 5:30pm and 10:00pm on these evenings by calling (407) WDW-DINE or through the Disney website.

If you plan on being in Walt Disney World on March 25th and would like to experience the last Narcoossee’s Wishes Dessert Party, then contact the restaurant directly at (407) 824-1400. The all-inclusive price is $62.43 per person, including tax and gratuity. The party will begin 30 minutes prior to Wishes and end approximately 15 minutes after its conclusion.

If you would like to experience Wishes Fireworks from the dock at Narcoossee’s Restaurant then contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation today. MickeyTravels is a Platinum Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that offers complimentary Disney planning services.