Will more closures be coming to Hollywood Studios?

By

-

January 15, 2016

After the news of the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show and the Earful Tower closures many news sites are saying that there are more closures on the way.

On the chopping block are:

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
Monsters Inc. Meet and Greet
Studio Catering Co.
Youze Guys Moychondise
The Prop Shop
Watto’s Grotto
and the rest of the Streets of America area

No official word from Disney has been released as of yet.

The only sites I have seen the news on are the Orlando Sentinel and WDW News Today but comments on Disney Parks Blog say otherwise.

You can read more about it here.

It only makes sense that all of these places would be closing to make way for the new Star Wars & Toy Story Lands. If that is the case I am not sure why they are not being announced at the same time. Just better to rip the band-aid off at once than to do it slowly if you ask me.

What do you think?

Hollywood Studios Earffel Tower to come down

By

Chip

-

January 15, 2016

Even more bad news today, it is being reported by several websites that Disney will be bringing down the beloved Earffel Tower as part of the Hollywood Studios Toy Story / Star Wars Land project. No date was given in these reports as to when the Earffel Tower removal would begin.

The 130 Ft Tall Earffel Tower has been in Disney’s Hollywood Studios since the grand opening in 1989. The Tower does not hold water and is inspired by the working water tower in Burbank at the Disney Studios.

This is the 2nd closure being reported today as the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show is set to close April 2nd as well.

With the Sorcerer Mickey hat gone and now the Earffel Tower does that mean that Hollywood Tower of Terror Hotel will be the icon to represent the park?

DVD Review – Captain Jake and The Never Land Pirates: The Great Never Sea Conquest

By

Danielle

-

January 15, 2016

Jake and his crew are back in an all new adventure with “The Great Never Sea Conquest” In the fourth season movie opener the show has transformed into “Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates”! How fun? Over the holidays we didn’t have much time for television, so my son and I were ecstatic to catch up on one of our favorite Disney Junior shows with this DVD review!

Synopsis: Join newly promoted Captain Jake as he unites Never Land’s all-time greatest pirates! When evil mer-witch Ezmeralda tries to take over the Never Sea by awakening the Strake, a legendary three-headed sea serpent, Jake and his crew try to intervene but encounter Lord Fathom and his sidekick Sinker. Jake forms a team of “Never Land League of Pirate Captains” to battle them all and in the process, outfitted with a magical new sword and a powerful new ship, (the Mighty Colossus), he becomes a Captain himself. Loaded with excitement, additional adventures and a powerful message about believing in yourself, this high-stakes, high-seas adventure is oceans of swashbuckling fun for everyone!

The DVD comes in the sparkly hidden Mickey DVD sleeve like most recent Disney Junior DVDs now. The cover is filled with exciting teases as to what lurks within, featuring Jake in his new regalia and new sword, as well as Lord Fathom swirling in the background, while the legendary three-headed seas serpent looms over. The DVD also comes with a special bonus puzzle of the new Colossus ship! My little one couldn’t wait to pull it our and put it together!

After the fun of putting together the new Colossus Ship Puzzle, it was time to sail onto the Never Sea with Captain Jake and his crew. The DVD contains the made for TV Movie “The Great Never Sea Conquest” as well as 5 episodes from the new fourth season. The best part about the short movie was that it gathered all of the pirates we’ve met over the series so far. It was great to have them together working as a team, even that sneaky cod fish Captain Hook!

Other episodes included are:

Into the Heart of Coldness/The Remarkable Beardini!
Escape From Ghost Island/ The Island of Doctor Undergear
Rise of the Pirate Pharaoh/ The Golden Hook

Listed as bonus episodes:

Mystery of th eMight Colossus/The Doubloon Monsoon
Shark Attack!/ Captain Hook’s Colossal Collision

The Remarkable Beardini was probably my favorite of the season. We first hear of Beardini as the Pirate Magician in a previous season when Jake finds a ring of invisibility. The magician is set free when Captain Hook and Smee accidentally let him loose while searching for treasure, they trick Beardini into going after Jake and his friends by claiming that they stole his ring of invisibility. I love when shows tie things together from previous episodes. My son loved the return of ShiverJack, who is a reoccurring villain voiced by Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker).

In conclusion I have to say this is another winner from Disney Junior, my son and I enjoyed watching it together, and he already has it set for the movie at our next playgroup. It has the same high seas fun as previous seasons, but it has evolved a bit to almost grow with the viewers. I would definitely recommend this video for the little ones.

The DVD is available on sale now! Check below for fun Jake and the Never Land Pirates activities and trailer.

Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates coloring sheet activity.

Disney’s Flights of Wonder is closing for Refurbishment to add new roof

By

Chip

-

January 15, 2016

We have some more refurb news this afternoon.

Flights of Wonder in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be closing for refurbishment beginning on Jan 25th and running through March 17th. During the closure they will be adding a new roof on to the attraction. No other information has been released at this time.

For a current list of refurbs check out our monthly Walt Disney World calendar for January.

I am glad they are adding a roof to this attraction. The Florida sun in summer can be quite unbearable!

Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

Woman arrested in Walt Disney World ticket scam

By

Disney News

-

January 15, 2016

A woman was arrested in Osceola County for selling fraudulent Disney World theme park tickets to an undercover officer for $260 faced a judge this past Thursday.

Karrie Michelle Geith was charged with grant theft three counts, counterfeiting admission tickets with an attempt to defraud. Her accomplices Brett Snyder and Nola Davila have been arrested previously for the same scam.

Geith and partners set up shop in Second City on Florida State Road 535. The store owner thought he was renting space to a legitimate business and not people reselling used Disney tickets.

The detectives were told there were extra days on the tickets that weren’t used by Geith and that they would have to use her name at the front gate.

Geith is already out on bail.

Please remember Disney tickets are nontransferable.

What do you think of this? Comment below!

Our Favorite Disney Hoodies for Women

By

Danielle

-

January 15, 2016

Brrr! It’s chilly, even down here in sunny Florida! A cozy hoodie is perfect for adding an extra layer for warmth, especially when touring the Walt Disney World Parks. Winter in Orlando can start out blustery and chilly in the morning, but turn sunny and humid for the afternoon.

With these cool temperatures and Disney trip planning in full swing, we decided to do a round up of the cutest Disney hoodies we could find!

5.) Minnie Mouse Hoodie for Women – Disney Cruise Line

The fleet’s in to see Minnie’s new look and she’s ready to warm up your days and nights with this thick and snugly hooded jacket with full zip front and stylish raw edge accents.

4.) Disney Tinker Bell Hoodie for Women – Purple

Chilly feelings take flight when wearing this warm zip hoodie with glittering contemporary art featuring everyone’s favorite sassy pixie, Tinkerbell.

3.) The Little Mermaid Ariel Womens’ Front Zip Hoodie

Dive into warm thoughts, or at least warm day dreams with this fun hoodie that features classic artwork of Ariel from the Little Mermaid. This hoodie also has a warm fleece lining great for staying cozy and toasty.

2.) Minnie Mouse Hoodie with Ears for Women

You’ll always be the star in this hooded zip sweatjacket with padded Miinnie Mouse ears and bow, plus embroidered Minnie ”signature” on chest!

1.) Mickey Mouse Ladies Classic Burnout Lightweight Hoodie

Our final favorite is a stylish burnout hoodie, complete with a rhinestone studded Mickey Mouse! This hoodie brings the sparkle and bling like no other. Being a lightweight burn out this hoodie is suitable for layering under a warm coat, or over a t-shirt.

Which of our favorite Disney hoodies will be perfect for keeping you warm?

Disney Find – Totally Cute Character Totes

By

Danielle

-

January 15, 2016

A tote-ally cute bag is always a fun accessory to have, especially a Disney one. I love a deep cross body bag that can carry all of my belongings, but I also want it to be stylish and pretty too! The Disney character inspired totes from WhitneyBoutique are exactly that.

These bags are made of heavy cotton canvas with fabric and trims sewed on and has a magnetic bag closure. They also have a pocket inside the bag that is the perfect size for a cellphone, and the designer will even customize the strap length if you need it. Check out a few of her tote-ally adorable totes below:

I can really see using these at the theme parks or using when Disneybounding!

Stay Magical!

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show Closing Permanently on April 2nd

By

Chip

-

January 15, 2016

We have some bad news this to share this morning. The Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show will be closing permanently on April 2nd 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Expansion. Several other attractions and restaurants have already closed in Hollywood Studios like Pizza Planet, and 2 Character Meet & Greets.

According to Disney many of the nearby locations around Streets of America will be closing on April 2, 2016 as well. Does this mean Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure & Muppets Vision 3D are next?

Only time will tell…

With all these closures does it even warrant a full day at Hollywood Studios? Should Disney lower the cost of Hollywood Studios till all this construction is finished? Let me know in the comment box below.

New Disney World offers for Florida State Residents

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 15, 2016

If you are a Floridian you are well aware of the past deals Disney has offered hoping you will visit during the beginning of the year, well unfortunately this year there will be some disappointment.

There hasn’t been any money savings deals offered this year, however this years offer is more flexible than in the past. The deal is more expensive and there are some black out dates, let’s take a look;

Four day park tickets are being offered at $209.00 not including tax for 10 and up and $195.00 for children 3-9. For the adult tickets this breaks down to $52.25 a day
This ticket is for one of the four theme parks, it is not park hopper
The tickets do not have to be used four days in a row, they are good for six months, meaning you can use a day or two now then wait and use the other days later
You do not have to use the tickets immediately, they are good until December 14, 2016
the tickets DO NOT include parking ($20.00 a day)
you can add park hopping to the tickets for and extra $25.00 per ticket
You can add water parks for an extra $32.00 per ticket

There is also a three-day park deal which costs $189.00 not including tax for 10 and up and $176.00 for children 3-9. For the adult ticket this breaks down to $63.00 a day.

The cost for a single day at Magic Kingdom is $105.00 so either of these deals are pretty good!

Now the blackout information:

March 19th – April 1st
June 6th – August 11th

Those aren’t really the worst blackout dates as most Floridians would be staying out of the parks during the hot summers anyway.

What do you think of this years deals? Comment below!

‘Tangled’ is Returning to the Royal Theater at Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 14, 2016

If you love Disney’s ‘Tangled’ as much as I do, then you’ll agree that this Friday is going to be the Best. Day. Ever! The ‘Tangled’ show is returning to the Royal Theater in Fantasy Faire at Disneyland.

Rapunzel and Flynn Rider will once again come to life through the fun and humorous storytelling of resident Renaissance men, Messieurs Smythe and Jones. These two lovers of legend and lore will tell the hair-raising tale of Rapunzel and Flynn with the help of some fellow villagers as well as the audience. Equal doses of music, whimsy, humor and heart make this one of the best shows at Disneyland. I had a chance to see Smythe and Jones tell the story of ‘Frozen’ in August, and they are some of the most entertaining storytellers I’ve seen! I’m sure they will make the story of ‘Tangled’ just as fun and exciting.

Beginning January 15th, “The Royal Theater Presents ‘Tangled'” will play in repertory with the current ‘Frozen’ show.

Are you excited to see ‘Tangled’ return to the stage at the Royal Theater?

I love seeing new shows when I visit the Disneyland Resort! If you’d like to plan a trip to see Smythe and Jones tell their version of ‘Tangled’, email me at [email protected]. I will help you find the best package to fit your budget and my services are always free! Also, follow me on Facebook for more Disneyland updates.

Brian Bedford, voice of Robin Hood, dead at 80

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 14, 2016

It is with a heavy heart we must share with you the passing of Brian Bedford, who died in his home in Ontario on Wednesday January 13th at the age of 80. He’s survived by his longtime partner and husband, actor Tim MacDonald. Born in England in 1935 he relocated to Canada in 1959.

Bedford was the voice of Robin Hood in the 1973 animated movie.

On stage he had won a Tony award for his 1971 role in The school for wives, over the course of his acting career he would receive 7 additional Tony nominations, the last was for his drag performance as Lady Bracknell . He was a member of the Stratford Festival, where he showed his talent acting out different roles for classic Shakespeare, but had to pull out in 2011 due to illness. His last performance was in 2011 in a Stratford production which transferred to NYC. He was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 1997.

Our deepest condolences go out to his family!

Photo credit www.eonline.com

Additional security being hired at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 14, 2016

It is being reported that in light of the new era we are entering of terrorism and mass shootings that Walt Disney World will be adding additional security employees on top of the measure already added such as banning toy guns, and prohibiting adults from dressing in costumes in the parks.

On December 17th Walt Disney World added metal detectors to the theme parks, on the same day President Obama announced there was no immediate holiday threat however we have now entered “a new phase of terrorism, including lone actors and small groups of terrorists like those in San Bernardino.”

Theme parks have always been a target for terrorism and mass shootings due to the amount of park goers that enter the park daily. After the September 11th attacks Disney purchased gates that could withstand a crashing truck, started doing bags checks and requested a no fly zone, two practices which are still in effect today.

The theme parks would not say where or how the new security will be used however Disney will be hiring in-house staff to run the metal detectors which are now being ran by a third-party company. There has recently been talk about horse mounted security in Disney Springs too.

Advertising for security personnel has already begun with salary starting at $10.50. Here is more information from their ad.

Security roles include walking patrol, motor patrol, kiosk support and relief support, which is responsible for providing breaks to the other three positions. In all of these roles, you will be working outside for extended periods of time writing/documenting/inputting reports (without the use of spell/grammar check) into our computer systems.

Security cast members observe, react and respond to occurrences throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort, including visual inspections of buildings, bags and/or packages along with interacting and promoting the safety of cast members and guests. In addition, our Security cast members are responsible for providing directions and/or information to our cast members and guests along with answering and monitoring radio traffic to include call in and responding to safety concerns.

Security cast members are considered first responders and will be trained on Infant, Child and Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) procedures to respond to guest and cast emergencies as needed.

You can learn more about the new security jobs by clicking here.

How do you feel about the new security measure? Comment below!