Fire at Festival of the Lion King in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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March 21, 2016

It is being reported that a fire broke out on one of the floats at the Festival of the Lion King in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Smoke filled the auditorium and guests were immediately evacuated.

Here are some videos of the fire at Festival of the King from twitter user @thedisneyteenss

This is what started the fire today at #festivalofthelionking at #animalkingdom #disneyworld #disneynews pic.twitter.com/oZMtBFHF20

— TheDisneyTeen (@thedisneyteenss) March 21, 2016

Elephant caught on fire at #fedtivalofthelionking pic.twitter.com/NOvESFP7By

— TheDisneyTeen (@thedisneyteenss) March 21, 2016

Everyone was ok and the show went on much later.

Disney Glitter Phone Cases for Android

By

Danielle

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March 21, 2016

Disney phone cases are always super popular, but the cutest ones are always so hard to find for Android phones! Not everyone uses an iPhone so I set out to find cute glitter phone cases that android users could use too! The Etsy shop GracesGlitterCases had exactly what I was looking for.

This shop offers the popular glitter phone cases featuring beloved Disney Princesses and heroes, for not just iPhone but Samsung phones too! These cases are made out of real glitter and hard perspex, they are handmade using Resin and glitter which makes them super shiny, glittery and very sparkly. Check out her selection of Samsung cases below!

Do you have trouble finding Disney cases that fit your phone?

New “Disney After Hours” tickets available for purchase for an additional 3 hours at Magic Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 21, 2016

If you have ever stayed in a Disney resort hotel, you are familiar with the extra benefits that come with doing that, such as having access to Extra Magic Hours. Extra Magic Hours allow a Disney Resort guest into the park for an additional extended time before or after other guests staying offsite, making it an added free bonus to staying onsite when you visit Walt Disney World.

However, Disney has just changed the game with an announcement that a new paid after hours event called “Disney After Hours” will be available for purchase.

With “Disney After Hours,” guests buy a ticket and get access to The Magic Kingdom for three hours after the park closes, including select attractions and meet & greets.

Tickets go on sale April 6th for select dates in April and May only. Dates of the events are April 14th, 21st, 28th, and May 5th, 8th, 12th, & 19th. Tickets are $149 plus tax each for children or adults. At that price, we imagine the parks won’t be very crowded, and lines will be much shorter!

Would you be willing to pay an upcharge to stay longer in the parks?

If you’re unsure of where to begin planning your Disney Parks vacation, or would like more information on Disney After Hours, 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.

New “The Jungle Book” Cast Photo Shoot

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 21, 2016

Walt Disney Studios released some gorgeous new images that feature some of the cast members of their upcoming live-action “The Jungle Book”, paired alongside the CGI version of the character they voice in the film. The characters in the pictures look just as stunning as the state-of-the-art CGI seen in the film’s trailers and posters! Check out the gallery below, paired with quotes from the actors giving a description from their point-of-view on the character they play:

The Jungle Book Special Shoot KING LOUIE 1

The Jungle Book Special Shoot KAA 1

The Jungle Book Special Shoot RAKSHA 2

The Jungle Book Special Shoot BAGHEERA 1

The Jungle Book Special Shoot AKELA 1

The Jungle Book Special Shoot SHERE KHAN 1

With such a stellar cast and amazing CGI effects, as well as a strong, classic story based on Rudyard Kipling’s tales it is sure to be an amazing film. This movie will also be a special one for Disney Studios, as it seems to have elements from Disney’s animated version of “The Jungle Book” (the last animated film Walt Disney himself worked on), such as Baloo whistling “Bear Necessities”, and the inclusion of King Louie, who was a character written specifically for the Disney 1967 animated film. The film will be released April 15th, and tickets are on sale now here.

Photo credit Disney

New Disney Pin Releases for April

By

Danielle

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March 21, 2016

Get ready to jump into spring as new pins release at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts throughout the month of April 2016!

A whole host of new pins will be springing into the Disney Parks in April, including a brand new puzzle set! The new puzzle set will bring us the Character Connection: Finding Nemo, and feature beloved characters from the hit animated PIXAR film.

Here are the new releases coming soon for Disneyland and Walt Disney World:

April 7:

Earth Day 2016 witha Globe Mike Wazowski. (WDW, DL)

April 14:

Jungle Book Movie Release Pin (DL, WDW)
Piece of Walt Disney World History: Snow White’s Scary Adventures (WDW only)

April 21:

Love Letters Pin of the Month: The Little Mermaid (WDW, DL)
Chip & Dale Teacher’s Day (WDW, DL)
Nurses Day Baymax (WDW, DL)
Character Connection: Finding Nemo (WDW, DL)
Disneyland Park 60th Mystery Pin Set (DL only)
Disneyland 60th Pin of the Month Diamond D: Winnie the Pooh (DL only)

April 22:

Animal Kingdom Rivers of Light (WDW only)

April 28:

Disneyland Timeless Tales Collection: The Little Mermaid (DL only)
Walt Disney World Timeless Tales Collection: UP! (WDW only)
Disney Duets Pin of the Month: Aurora and Maleficent (WDW, DL)
Cindo De Mayo (WDW, DL)
Mother’s Day Aristocats (WDW, DL)
Disney Parks Spring 2016 (WDW, DL)
PIXAR Party Countdown: Ratatouille (WDW only)

So there’s the impressive line up of spring pins coming soon, which is your favorite?

MuppetVision 3D and Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano get a new name together

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 21, 2016

Great news! Disney is changing the name of the Streets of America area in Hollywood Studios to The Muppet Courtyard!

We all know that sadly, in order to make way for the new, sometimes you need to get rid of the “old”.

With so many closures at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we can understand the sadness everyone is experiencing with all the closures of many of their favorite attractions at the park, even if it means new exciting things will be arriving soon. Closing at the end of April 2nd on the Streets of America will be:

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
Honey I Shrunk The Kids Playground
Studio Catering Co.
High Octane Refreshments
Watto’s Grotto
The Writers Stop
Youse Guys Moychindice
Prop Shop

With the closure of many staples from Streets of America, it only makes sense that Disney has decided to join together MuppetVision3D and Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano and re-name the area the Muppets Courtyard, as both are currently listed as belonging in Streets of America.

What do you think of this new name? We already unofficially referred to it as the Muppets Courtyard anyway, so we think it’s fantastic!

If you’re unsure of where to begin planning your Disney Parks vacation, 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.

Rain Doesn’t Have To Ruin The Disney Magic

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 21, 2016

Florida is called the “sunshine state” but it does occasionally rain….even at the Happiest place on earth. In the summer months, there is often a daily passing thunderstorm. Here’s the good news, just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you need to sit in your hotel room. In fact, you can still do most activities you already have planned!

Here are some tips for those rainy days.

Seize the opportunity: The parks are less crowded so take advantage. Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios all have several shows and rides that are indoors so they will all still be operating in the rain…and it’s a good time to go on a water ride. Several outdoor rides will also operate as long as there’s no thunder or lightning. Both Wishes and Illuminations will usually still run in a light rain. Note that Animal Kingdom has the least amount of attractions to do in the rain.

Pack a poncho: Don’t pay a premium to buy them at the theme park when it starts raining. If the forecast is showing rain, bring them to the park. You will see lots of folks leaving when the rain starts (because they didn’t plan ahead) but you will be good to go! I don’t recommend using an umbrella, they are a hassle to carry around and hard to navigate the parks using them. If you are going to be traveling with a stroller think about bringing a plastic cover for your stroller—an adult poncho works in a pinch! And don’t forget a Ziploc bag to protect your phone from getting wet.

Head to Disney Springs: You can spend a whole lot of time in “World of Disney” shopping. It’s the world’s largest Disney character store. Catch an entertaining meal at T-Rex or Rainforest Cafe, or some world class dining at Morimoto Asia. Disney Springs also offers the options of a movie at AMC Theatre, bowling at Splitsville, video games at Disney Quest or splurge to see the amazing Cirque du Soleil show.

Consider hitting a water park: If you’re going to get wet, might as well do it in style! As long as it’s just rain and not thunderstorms, they generally have very low crowds on rainy days. Summit Plummet here you come!

Relax at a spa: Senses Spas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort offer a wide range of services. After all, you are on vacation, so take some time to relax and rejuvenate.

Check out the Deluxe Resorts: They all have lush surroundings with extravagant and diverse themes in which to immerse yourself. Each one has at least one sit-down dining option. Ask your resort concierge for a recommendation. Some dining options include: Boma – Flavors of Africa at Animal Kingdom Lodge for a buffet breakfast or dinner; Kona Café at the Polynesian Resort and Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Cape May at Beach Club is one of my personal favorites and it’s a character meal for breakfast (many deluxe resorts also host character meals). Animal Kingdom Lodge has observation decks with many seating areas to relax and view animals on the 43 acres of African savannah and features the most remarkable lobby of any of the Disney Deluxes. Chef Mickey’s is also a fabulous choice and you can spend some time in the huge Contemporary arcade and take a ride on the monorail.

Get some shopping done: If you are at Magic Kingdom, stop in the Emporium on Main Street U.S.A – it takes up the entire block! If you are at Hollywood Studios, head to Sunset Boulevard for great options including Villains in Vogue showcasing souvenirs of all your most loved or hated Disney scoundrels. My personal favorite is the shops at Epcot including Mouse Gear – the biggest shop inside any of the 4 theme parks – and the unique shops at World Showcase.

Check the forecast before you travel: If it calls for rain, pack two pairs of sneakers. Wet sneakers and blisters will ruin your trip way more than rain ever will.

Rain or shine you need to plan ahead so contact me at [email protected] to book your next Disney vacation.

6 Cocktails Worth Losing Your Head Over at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 20, 2016

With its blissfully romanticized vision of island culture, never has there been a more fitting setting for a tiki bar than Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. In 2015, Disney rose to the challenge opening up Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto- an homage to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel. With its delightful combination of classic tiki trimmings, delectable nibbles, enough rum to sink a ship and a big dose of Disney magic, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto has quickly garnered a reputation as one of Walt Disney World’s most entertaining watering holes.

What makes this tropical hideaway a truly standout experience is a backstory with accompanying cocktails so steeped in Disney lore and little details that they will have you coming back for more! Legend tells us that Trader Sam’s takes its name from the shady head salesman of ill-repute that we encounter during the Jungle Cruise who gladly offers us two of his heads for one of ours. As the story goes, Sam, invigorated by his success making head shrinking potions, decides to use his talents to master the art of mixology and has come up with a crafty combination of cocktails imbibed with mystical powers that can alter surroundings and conjure up the tiki gods.

Next time you’re paying a visit to the Mouse, saddle up to Sam’s, find a skipper (that’s what bartenders are called around these parts) and order yourself one of these bewitching brews. You may be surprised by what ensues. Not sure where to begin? Here’s 6 cocktails at Trader Sam’s worth losing your head over.

1) Polynesian Pearl– For those of you that like a little rum with your Pick-A-Pearl, this Grog Grotto exclusive is sure to impress. Your skipper hand-plucks your pearl shaped souvenir mug from a giant oyster and fills it with a delicious mix of RumChata Cream Liqueur (rum, cream, and island spices), Grand Marnier, cinnamon and fruit juices. If ye be feeling lucky you may even receive one of the very elusive black pearls- Jack Sparrow eat (I mean drink) your heart out. Cocktail with souvenir mug is $16.25.

2) UH- Oa! – No tiki bar would be complete without a communal cocktail and in this department, the Uh-Oa! certainly delivers. Brought to your table in a ceremonial bowl, this combination of Myers’s Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, orange, passion fruit, guava, pineapple and lime juices with cinnamon and Falernum (a Caribbean sweet syrup), will have you both playing with fire and courting disaster – literally. Complete with pyrotechnics and a tiki goddess of disaster who offers to “squeeze-ya” (and not in a good way) the presentation of this cocktail is Trader Sam’s at its best. Just make sure you bring some friends along as this libation is best enjoyed by parties of 2 or more and will set you back about $40.00.

3) HippopotoMai- Tai – This sweet little concoction of Coruba Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Bols Orange Curaço, Orgeat (almond) syrup, Organic Agave Nectar and lime juice comes in a glass mug featuring that cute little critter, the Maui Tikiman who’s statue can be found in the Great Ceremonial Hall of the Polynesian. At around $15.00 for the glass and drink- it’s a great little souvenir that won’t break the bank. And despite what you may have “heard” no hippos were actually harmed in the making of this cocktail.

4) Krakatoa Punch – An “eruption” of flavor among other things- ordering the Krakatoa will definitely make you mindful of your surroundings. It’s heady combination of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Orgeat syrup, Sam’s Gorilla Grog (Trader Sam’s “special sauce” that is reportedly a mix of fruit juices and spices) and Hibiscus Grenadine, make this a fan favorite at Trader Sam’s West Coast location. Get it with the souvenir mug, depicting a stressed out tiki and a whole lot of lava, and it will set you back about $18.00.

5) Nautilus – Loose lips sink ships and so will this colossal cocktail. This intoxicating mix of Barbancourt Pango Rhum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Combier Crème de Pèche de Vigne Liqueur, tropical juices and Falernum, comes with a lot of bells and whistles and will have you finding Nemo in no time- Captain Nemo that is. To avoid a descent into the abyss, this is a drink best shared. Since your drinking vessel for this excursion is exactly that, a vessel (in the form of a giant submarine), this not-so- little libation will set you back a good $52.00.

6) Shrunken Zombie Head– Dabble in the supernatural with Trader Sam’s take on the classic Zombie cocktail. This otherworldly mixture of Gosling’s 151 Black Seal Rum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Bacardi 8 yr Rum, tropical juices, Falernum and cinnamon comes in its own shrunken head. Rumor has it that a few sips from Sam’s potion and you could become reacquainted with some long lost relatives members from your “East Coach Branch” of your family tree. Hang on to your heads by taking home one of the souvenir mugs for about $20.00.

Trader Sam’s is open daily from 4:00pm to 12:00 am.17

Cocktails can be purchased without the souvenir mugs at a reduced cost. In addition to the libations listed above, Trader Sam’s also offers other alcoholic options including pineapple wine, Kona beer and pineapple hard cider. Rum flights are available for those who like their rum sans the mixers. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available with accompanying souvenir mugs. Sam’s also boasts a varied food menu with a series of shareable platters including Kalua Pork Tacos, Pan-fried Dumplings and Headhunter Sushi Rolls.

Trader Sam’s is a bit on the cozy side which means that waits can be expected particularly during peak times. The neighboring Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace offers the same menu and features live entertainment. However, for the full immersive experience, waiting for a table in the Grotto is strongly recommended.

For those travelers with children in tow– Kids are allowed in Trader Sam between 4pm and 8pm. For Parents who want a date night, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has a children’s activity center, Lilo’s Playhouse where kids can enjoy fun activities while you take advantage of some alone time. The cost is $55.00 per child for the evening (including meals) and advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Want help planning your Walt Disney World nightcaps? Book your next Disney holiday with MickeyTravels and take advantage of our FREE Itinerary Planning Service. We’ll help you work out the little details in advance so that when you arrive at Disney World you can relax and enjoy your holiday. Contact me at 1.800.801.4025 or on Facebook to find out more.

Wondrous Floral Alice in Wonderland Purse and Wallet by Loungefly

By

Danielle

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March 20, 2016

With Spring finally here, I’m ready to surround myself with flower blossoms and bright colors. A new purse and wallet is a great way to start the spring accessorizing! While searching for the perfect pairing of Disney and flowers, I found this beautifully designed Alice in Wonderland purse and wallet by Loungefly.

Loungefly Alice In Wonderland Floral Cross Body

This great looking handbag features Alice from Alice and Wonderland film. This awesome handbag will definitely catch every ones eye! This faux leather purse also includes an adjustable strap so you can use it as a hand bag, or a cross body!

Loungefly Disney Alice In Wonderland Floral Wallet

The perfect wallet for a garden tea party! Pebbled faux leather zip wallet featuring the Alice and the flowers print! Complete with gold metal hardware, 8 card slots and interior zip pocket to keep things organized even while falling down a rabbit hole!

How perfectly wonderful is this Alice in Wonderland set for Spring?

“Zootopia” Reaches $500 Million Worldwide

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 20, 2016

“Zootopia,” starring Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, was released March 4th in the U.S., is already breaking box office records, last we reported “Zootopia” was the biggest Walt Disney Animation Studios opening weekend. Now, “Zootopia ” has reached $500 million at the box office worldwide. Walt Disney Animation Studios is certainly doing well, to say the least, with their last two animated films, “Frozen,” and “Big Hero 6” reaching $500 million dollars as well.

As of last Thursday, “Zootopia” had earned $163.8 million domestically, and $335.3 oversees. If it surpasses $675 million worldwide, it will take the third place of highest grossing Walt Disney Animation Studio’s films of all time, after “Frozen” and “The Lion King”! With not even a month in the theaters in the U.S., it looks like it is off to a good start! While we still wait for it to further climb the charts in the U.S., “Zootopia” has already become the biggest Disney Animation Studios film in Russia, China, and Thailand.

Having seen “Zootopia” myself, it’s no surprise to me that it is becoming so successful, having such a relevant message for today’s audiences yet still has the ability to remain a classic and stand the test of time for years to come!

Did Disney secretly release the dates for the 2016 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?

By

Chip

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March 20, 2016

2016 03 20 11 30 50 Mickey and Minnie decked out for “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party” Walt

Disney has released the operating hours for September & October of 2016, in those hours has Disney secretly released the dates for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?

Here are the PDF’s of the 2016 Operating Hours:

If you look at the calendars you will see the Magic Kingdom closes at 7pm on many nights, typically in years past those nights are when Disney will host the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Here is last years schedule:

September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27.
October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31.
November 1.

Here are my thoughts on the 2016 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:

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

As of right now November 2016 Operating Hours are not available.

So going off the proposed calendar it looks like the Halloween Party is going to start even earlier in 2016. This is great news for those not able to make it in years past.

As always take this with a grain of salt till Disney releases the official information.

Save With a Kid-Size Vacation Package This Summer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 20, 2016

Does your little one want to visit Walt Disney World in a big way? Disney will debut dazzling live shows, exciting new attractions and up close experiences with some of your children’s favorite characters this summer. Make the most of a quick visit to the most magical place on Earth with two new vacation packages. The following packages are a variation of the Awaken Summer Vacation Offer and are valid for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from May 30 through August 25, 2016. These offers can be booked now through June 10, 2016.

Summer Kid-Size Package

Enjoy a 2-day/3-night stay in a standard room at one of Disney’s All-Star Resort hotels with one park per day Magic Your Way® base tickets for as low as $1,021 for a family of 3. Package based on 2 adults and 1 child (ages 3-9).

Summer Family Vacation Package

Enjoy a 4-day/4-night stay in a standard room at one of Disney’s All-Star Resort hotels with one park per day Magic Your Way® base tickets for as low as $1,880. Package based on 2 adults, 1 junior (ages 10-17) and 1 child (ages 3-9).

Receive an exclusive “Awaken Summer” graphic MagicBand when your package includes a minimum 2-day Magic Your Way Ticket. This MagicBand lights up and makes sounds when activated at select touch points throughout the parks.

New attractions and entertainment will debut across all four theme parks this summer at Walt Disney World:

The new Frozen Ever After attraction is scheduled to open this summer in Epcot as well as a new meet and greet with Anna & Elsa.

The inaugural Frozen Games will be held at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park this summer. The event will be hosted by Olaf and Kristoff and feature some friendly “Frozen” competition. Olaf will also be available for a new meet & greet opportunity at Hollywood Studios.

A new stage show called Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire will be performing this summer on the Cinderella’s Castle stage. The show will feature a combination of classic and contemporary Disney characters.

The force is strong at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer. Enjoy the new Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show and a new stage show called Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.

All new nighttime adventures will debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park including Rivers of Light, the awakening of the Tree of Life along with sunset safaris and evening dance parties.

There are so many new and exciting things happening at Walt Disney World this summer. If you would like to plan a quick visit with your family to experience the magic then email [email protected] today to take advantage of these special summer offers.

Photo credit: Disney