New Casting and Details for Disney Channel’s Tangled- Before Ever After

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March 9, 2016

New details have surfaced about the highly anticipated Disney Channel animated series “Tangled- Before Ever After” that is debuting in 2017. Who would be voicing the beloved characters, and what animation style would the series be have been questions that Tangled fans have been eager to learn.

Well, now the answer to those questions are here! Based on the gorgeous image shared on the Oh My Disney site(the immensely talented Claire Keane, daughter of Disney Legend Glen Keane, contributed design work and consultation), the series will utilize a traditional, 2D animation style. The artwork promises completely capture the original film’s adventurous feel, while still creating its own vibe. I can not wait to see this new series, Rapunzel instantly became my new favorite princess the first time I saw the movie Tangled. It has also been announced that the original composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater will be contributing music, alongside composer Kevin Kliesch (“Tangled Ever After”).

To top off the returning talent from the music department, is the series’ voice cast, which is also incredibly impressive. It’s already been announced that Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi will reprise their roles from the film, but we now know that Jeffrey Tambor and Paul F. Tompkins will also reprise their roles as Big Nose and Shorty, two of the Snuggly Duckling pub thugs. Additionally, M.C. Gainey will be the Captain of the Guards one more.

Joining these returning favorites are Ashley Judd as Rapunzel’s mother Queen Arianna; Broadway star Eden Espinosa as Rapunzel’s handmaiden and confidant, Cassandra; comedian Jeff Ross as Hook Hand’s brother Hook Foot; Richard Kind as Uncle Monty; Sean Hayes, as Pete the Guard; Peter MacNicol as Nigel the Advisor; Clancy Brown as Rapunzel’s father King Frederic; Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as blacksmith Xavier; Diedrich Bader as Stan the Guard; Charles Halford as Pub Thug Vladimir; Steve Blum as Pub Thug Attila Buckethead; James Monroe Iglehart as Eugene’s friend Lance Strongbow; Jeremy Jordan as teen alchemist Varian; and Jonathan Banks as Quirin, Varian’s father. That’s right: get ready for brand new pub thugs.

If you weren’t already tied up in knots awaiting this new animated series, I’m sure you are now!

Photo Credit; Oh my Disney!

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Rivers of Light

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 9, 2016

Catch a behind-the-scenes look at Animal Kingdom’s new evening show Rivers of Light and watch how an ancient lantern celebration and four spirit guides help bring the show to life. This nighttime event is based on the mythology that animals dance in the sky and create beautiful “Rivers of Light” as they pass from one world to the next.

The construction of Animal Kingdom’s Rivers of Light show is nearing completion with a scheduled opening date of April 22nd. Contact [email protected] if you would like to arrange a Disney vacation in order to see this show live.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

More ticket price changes in effect for Walt Disney World Guests

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 9, 2016

As if we haven’t had enough pricing structure changes recently in regards to Walt Disney World, (Dining plan price increase, 1-day ticket packages no longer available, the possibility of resort fees) it appears today we have yet another change to share with you all.

It appears today that in addition to the recent 1-day park ticket price increases at WDW, Walt Disney World Travel packages have been updated to reflect the new 2016 dining and ticket prices.

New pricing for ticket packages as follows:

2 Day Base Ticket: age 10+:$202, age 3-9: $190

2 Day Park Hopper Ticket: age 10+: $257, age 3-9: $245.

3 Day Base Ticket: age 10+: $290, age 3-9: $272

3 Day Park Hopper Ticket: age 10+: $345, age 3-9:$327

4 Day Base Ticket: age 10+: $325, age 3-9: $305

4 Day Park Hopper: age 10+: $394, age 3-9: $374

5 Day Base Ticket: age 10+: $340, age 3-9: $320

5 Day Park Hopper Ticket: age 10+: $409, age 3-9:$389

Do all of these recent changes affect your decision to plan a Walt Disney World Vacation? I sure hope not! And remember, I’m just the messenger.

Positively Unique Light Up Disney Themed Mouse Ears

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Danielle

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March 9, 2016

Collecting Mouse ears is a beloved hobby of many Disney Addicts. With so many collecting ears though, sometimes it’s hard to find a more unique pair that you won’t see everyone wearing when you head tot he parks. That’s why I love checking out Etsy for fun, beautiful and unique handmade ear designs, like these practically perfect light up ears from Etsy Designer Trulyspecialoccasion.

The designer makes each pair handmade to order, and uses an extra wide headband and light materials for extra comfort. The ears are easy to turn on and off and are operated with replaceable battery, so you can paint the night with your light up ears for many more evenings to come. I really love the idea of these super cute ears that aren’t heavy but still light up! Another great aspect, is there’s a lot of Disneyland themed ears!

Check out more of their light up creations below:

Alice in Wonderland Tea Cups
The Matterhorn
Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion 2
Captain Hook
Indiana Jones
Ursula
Mary Poppins
Thunder Mountain
Enchanted Tiki Room
Inside Out
Pegasus
Disneyland (not light up, but still super cute!)

Which pair of unique light up Disney ears are your favorite?

1-Day Tickets No Longer an Option for WDW Packages

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 9, 2016

Disney has announced another change effective today, Mar. 9, 2016. 1-Day Tickets are no longer an option when booking a Walt Disney Travel Company package to the Walt Disney World Resort. Guests can customize their package with a choice of ticket length from 2 to 10 days. Packages booked prior to Mar. 9, 2016 that are paid in full, have the required deposit(s) or are on a 3-day courtesy hold will not be affected unless modified to a new package.

Contact [email protected] to start planning your next Disney vacation today.

Photo credit: WDW news

New Trailer and Information for Disney Magic Kingdoms Game

By

Danielle

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March 9, 2016

Gameloft and Disney have released a new trailer for the anticipated iOS, Android and Windows game, Disney Magic Kingdoms which is releasing soon. The trailer can be found on the game’s newly launched website: www.disney-magic-kingdoms.com

On this newly launched site fans can also pre-register for unique rewards when the game releases soon. Fans can earn exclusive rewards by c ompleting a couple of simple steps, and each reward unlocks only as the community meter fills. So the more friends you get to sign up, the more rewards everyone will get when the game officially launches.

Disney Magic Kingdoms allows players to enter the timeless world of Disney and relive magical moments of the Parks by building fun attractions like Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Astro Orbiters, and Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor, and share spectacular moments with beloved Disney characters from Disney•Pixar’s Wall-E and Toy Story, Disney’s Tangled and more.

I’ve already registered to play as soon as it launches, have you?

New 2016 Disney Dining Plan Prices Effective Today

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 9, 2016

New Disney Dining Plan rates became effective Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 the price of the plan included in a Magic Your Way vacation package has increased. This price increase is for new 2016 packages only and will not effect existing reservations.

Below is the new 2016 Dining Plan prices:

Quick Service: Adult (10+) $44.13 per night Child (3-9) $19.04 per night
Regular Dining: Adult(10+) $63.70 per night Child (3-9) $22.85 per night
Deluxe Dining: Adult (10+) $115.08 per night Child(3-9) $35.49 per night

The Disney Dining Plans have long been a popular choice for guests to make vacationing easier, and more inclusive.

What do you think about these new price increases?

Contact [email protected] to start planning your Disney vacation today.

Photo Credit: Disney

Joy and Sadness coming to Epcot Character Spot

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 9, 2016

Good news for all you Inside Out fans out there who have been waiting for a meet and greet! It has been announced that in the beginning of next month Joy and Sadness will officially join the characters at the popular meet and greet location inside Future World at Epcot.

Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy are on hand in their cartoon clubhouse of the future, happy to take a break from creating their latest innovation to make new friends or welcome back old pals. Across the way, you can also step into a makeshift robotics workshop and spend time with Baymax, everyone’s favorite personal healthcare companion from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Big Hero 6.”

And beginning next month, Epcot Character Spot will provide direct access to Headquarters, where you can meet Joy and Sadness, two of the Emotions who help guide Riley through life in the Disney•Pixar film “Inside Out.” On the way to Headquarters, you’ll journey through Riley’s long-term memory, catching a glimpse of her Islands of Personality before joining Joy and Sadness at the console.

Epcot Character Spot has certainly become a very popular spot for some new favorite Disney characters. Who are you most looking forward to seeing?

Let me help you plan your own adventure to meet Joy and Sadness. My Disney Vacation Planning services are always 100% free to you! You can contact me at [email protected] or on my Facebook page here.

photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Is Disney Considering adding nightly resort guest fees?

By

Chip

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March 9, 2016

Disney is considering adding a nightly resort fee to its hotels according to an email survey being sent to guests after staying at Walt Disney World.

In this survey it mentions a possible $15 per night resort fee that would cover all the presently free items such as:

Disney’s Magical Express
Fastpasses+
MagicBands
Various Resort Entertainment
WiFi
Extra Magic Hours
and parking at the resort/parks.

This fee would be on top of the current per nightly hotel rate.

Keep in mind most other resorts charge resort fees already, except for Disney. Many of Disney Springs Hotels which are not owned by Disney have a resort fee anywhere from $20 to $25.

So far this is just a survey and doesn’t mean we will see a resort fee on our next Disney World Resort bill. So chalk this up to gossip for now!

What do you think? Let us know in the comment box below.

h/t WDWMagic

“The Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival” is back at Raglan Road- Disney Springs!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 9, 2016

Are you interested in a true Irish St.Patrick’s Day celebration while at Walt Disney World this year?

Raglan Road at Disney Springs is once again hosting the “Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival” this St. Patrick’s week! The fun begins on Friday, March 11^th, and runs through Thursday, March 17^th. The owners, Master Chef Kevin Dundon, and even the building come from Ireland! Yes, it is true! The bar itself is even 130 years old. You will be able to sing, dance, and even drink like the Irish at this festive celebration!

Irish musicians will be performing throughout the week with two stages set up for performances, one in the patio area, and one in the pub. Featured musicians are:

The High Road
Cooney & Ryan
JigJam
The Raglan Road Coalition
Avi McGourty
Of course, everyone’s favorite Raglan Road Irish Dancers will also be performing throughout the festival.

Celtic face painting is available Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri 5-9pm and Sat/Sun/Thurs 12-9pm.

The “Mighty Festival” Hours for the week are as follows:

11 March- 4pm-1am
12 March- 12pm-1am
13 March- 12pm-1am
14 March- 4pm-1am
15 March- 4pm-1am
16 March- 4pm-1am
17 March- 12pm-1am *There will be a $10 cover charge for 18+ on 17 March only.

If you aren’t enjoying a wonderful dish prepared by Chef Kevin Dundon at Raglan Road, you can also head for some “take away” at Cooke’s of Dublin next door! They always have fresh Fish & Chips, and an array of delicious Irish dishes to help you celebrate the holiday!

As the Irish say..“May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours. That stay with you all the year long”.

Don’t want to miss the “Mighty Festival”? I can help you plan a last minute visit, or even start planning for next year! The festival will not last throughout the year, but anytime is great to visit Raglan Road! As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with MickeyTravels I would be happy to help! Contact me anytime at [email protected] or visit my Facebook page.

Picture Credits: Raglan Road and Disney Parks Blog

dancers

raglan

“The Nutcracker” Added to Disney Fairy Tale Live Action Line-Up

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 8, 2016

Ever since the success of the live action “Cinderella” that was released in March 2015, there have been many more live action fairy tale movies Disney has announced to be in the works, such as “The Jungle Book,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Dumbo,” “Mulan,” “Alice in Wonderland 2,” as well as a Tinkerbell film, to name a few. Disney has now been hiring on a director, producer, and screenwriter for a Nutcracker film, titled “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” based on the famous Tchaikovsky ballet, and “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” story by E.T.A. Hoffman. What makes this upcoming film unique from the other fairy tale live action line-up is that it does not have a Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film counterpart. I find this very exciting, as this allows everything to be completely done from scratch creatively, without having an an animated counterpart film creating certain expectations from the audience.

The film is to be directed by Lasse Hallstrom (The Hundred-Foot Journey, Dear John), produced by Mark Gordon, and script by Ashleigh Powell, who has worked on developing the “Nutcracker” script for two years. No release date has been announced yet.

I myself have gone to see “The Nutcracker” many times around the holiday season since I was a young girl, and holds a dear place in my heart. I cannot wait to see how spectacular this film is sure to look with lots of Disney magic added into the mix!

New “Star Wars” Documentary to Be Released at SXSW Film Festival

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 8, 2016

Breaking news! It was announced last week that one of the many in-depth bonus features on “The Force Awakens” Blu-Ray Combo Pack and Digital HD release was a feature-length documentary entitled “Secrets of the Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey”. We have now learned this morning that this documentary will have its premiere at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas on March 14th, as part of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival.

The SXSW Film Festival is in its 23rd year, tickets and information can be found here.

The documentary is a making-of Episode VII, including never before seen, in-depth footage as well as exclusive interviews with the actors and filmmakers. You can see some shots from the documentary pictured above. To learn more about all of the other exciting bonus features we can look forward to at the at-home release, check out our previous article here.

Pic Credits: Disney/Lucasfilm