Soarin’ Around The World is Coming to Disneyland and Disney World

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August 17, 2015

The very popular Soarin’ attraction will soon be known as Soarin’ Around the World. Starting next year you can take a ride on an entirely new journey when Soarin’ Around the World opens up at Disneyland and Disney World. The new and updated experience will include digital screens and projection systems in both parks.

The all new Soarin’ Around the World will take you on an amazing new journey. You will soar over far away lands and over some of the most amazing landscapes that you will ever see. All without leaving Florida! This attraction will use the same technology as the attraction Shanghai.

Check out that beauty that is Soarin’ Around the World:

This looks amazing. If you are a Soarin’ fan then I am sure you will love Soarin’ Around the World. What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Cruise Line Announces New Guest Alcohol Policy

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2015

Disney Cruise Line just announced updates to its alcohol beverage policy. These changes will go into effect on sailings beginning on or after September 30th, 2015:

Each Guest (21 years and older) my bring two bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) or six beers (no larger than 12oz) onboard in carry-on luggage at the beginning of the voyage and at each port-of-call.
All alcoholic beverages packed in checked luggage will be removed and stored until the completion of the cruise.
Wine or champagne in excess of the two allowable bottlers or beer in excess of the six beers will be stored and Guests may retrieve them at the end of the voyage.
All liquors and spirits (including powdered alcohol) are prohibited and will be stored until the completion of the cruise.
Guests must retrieve any stored alcohol at the end of the cruise. Uncollected alcohol will be destroyed and no compensation will be offered.
Alcohol brought onboard may not be consumed in any lounge or public area.
Effective September 30th, 2015, the corkage fee charged to Guests who bring their own wine or champagne into one of the restaurants will be $25 per bottle.

If you are sailing on a Disney Cruise in the near future and have any questions on these new policies, please don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected]. I think it’s still great that Disney allows Guests to bring alcohol onboard to enjoy in your stateroom. Nothing better than a glass of wine on your verandah while enjoying the ocean breeze!!

Keep an Eye out for SeaWorld Orlando’s Newest Roller Coaster “Mako” on the Highway

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2015

The first piece of SeaWorld Orlando’s new 200-foot-tall hypercoaster surfaced today. It is traveling from the production facility in Ohio to its new home in Orlando. Mako will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, and will reach speeds of 73 mph along 4,760 feet of steel track when it opens in summer 2016.

Over the next week, the giant piece of deep indigo and ocean blue coaster track will journey on an open flatbed semi-truck nearly 1,000 miles to its destination in sunny Florida. Highway travelers in major cities along the way – including Cincinnati, Lexington, Knoxville and Atlanta – should keep an eye out for this unusual #MakoSighting.

Check it out:

20150817 MakoTrackPieceOhio 090

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As the track arrives at SeaWorld Orlando, the team will begin to create one of the world’s few true hypercoasters – a group of roller coasters known for high speeds and steep drops, and hills that create a feeling of weightlessness or “air time.” The coaster will be the centerpiece of a two-acre, shark-themed realm at SeaWorld Orlando.

Mako is slated to open Summer of 2016 at SeaWorld Orlando. Continue to stay up to date on all construction details and announcements on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Join the conversation using #MakoSighting.

Let us know, have you seen it?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Finds – Disney Park Blueprints

By

Chip

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August 17, 2015

How would you like to own a piece of history? Now is your chance! The BlueprintPlace on Etsy has a ton of very unique Disney Blueprints for sale at a very reasonable cost. I told the Disney Fashionista this morning this is how I want to decorate my office. What I love the best is they are made the “old-fashioned” way – with ammonia activated paper on a Diazit blueprint machine. Comes rolled in a sturdy tube – never folded.

Here are some of the designs they have available:

and many more. Most of their designs are around $18.99 and less. Just click here and see some of the fun Disney and Non Disney Designs.

Happy Shopping!

10 Ways to a More Magical Disney Vacation

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2015

So you have made the decision to go to Disney! WOOOOHOOOO! Your whole life is about to be filled amazing amounts of magic and wonder. But what if I told you there are little teeny things you can do to make your next Disney vacation even MORE magical than ever before? Well, here are 10 fantastic ways to do just that.

#1 Free Vacation Planning!

Find a use a FREE Disney vacation planner. That’s right. Bring in a professional! These people make it their business to know the ins and out and ups and downs of Disney vacation planning. They can help you plan as little or as much of your vacation as you like. Your personal Disney Vacation Planner can help you choose travel days based on crowd calendars, choose and make advance dining and FastPass reservations based on your preferences, help you navigate through resort, ticket, and dining package choices, all the while watching your reservations for new promotions and discounts that could save you more money…all for FREE! Now that is MAGICAL!

#2 Make a plan!

The thought of an overly planned vacation doesn’t sound like a lot of fun to some people, but neither does standing around in super long lines or not being able to find a place to eat dinner. When it comes to Disney, a little planning can take you a long way. So make some dining reservations. Make those FastPass reservations. These things are there to make your vacation more enjoyable, not to make it less fun. There are even websites to help you make full blown step-by-step itineraries to help you maximize your time in the parks. If you are an uber-planner, websites like ChipandCo offer an endless supply of information that can help you navigate every little detail of your next magical adventure.

#3 Stay on site!

Staying in the Disney “bubble” certainly has its advantages!! Here are just a few of amazing perks you get for staying on Disney property: make your FastPass selections 60 days before you arrive (instead of 30), Extra Magic Hours, free parking, Disney’s Magical Express, and all of the awesome and amazing activities you can find at your resort like movies by the pool and children’s clubs! Plus, you don’t have nearly as far to drive to get to the parks and you get to live the Disney life 24/7 for the duration of your vacation!

#4 Travel off-season!

Go when crowds (and prices) are low! September is great because most children in the US are starting back to school. Those two weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are pretty fabulous too since everyone is waiting for the holidays. The biggest rule of thumb to remember…school breaks= big crowds and big crowds=big prices. It’s no coincdence that promotions like Free Dining are available during slow times of the year.

#5 Early Dining Ressies!

Ever wanted one of those super fantastic pictures in front of Cinderella’s Castle without everyone else in the whole world in your picture? The key is to get those early morning breakfast ADRs (reservations) at Crystal Palace, Be Our Guest, or Cinderella’s Royal Table inside of Magic Kingdom. You get to enter the park way before anyone else, so the earlier, the better! When can you make these reservations? Dining reservations start at 7am CCT (Cinderella Castle Time) 180 days BEFORE your vacation even starts.

#6 Get those FastPasses!

A FastPass is like a reservation for a ride. The popular ones like 7 Dwarfs Mine Train go super quick. But without a FastPass the wait time for this ride and others like it can really eat up a good portion of your day. FastPass selections begin 60 days before arrival for guests staying on Disney property and 30 days for off site guests. So as soon as your window for selection opens, get those FastPasses!

#7 Be a Rope Dropper!

In this case, the early bird really does get the worm. Being at rope drop, or a park’s daily opening, can help guests in a lot of ways. First, most people don’t want to get up early on vacation so crowds are naturally a bit lower first thing in the morning. Second, those rides you couldn’t get FastPasses for may have much lower wait times first thing in the morning. If you are at rope drop you can zoom right on over to the things you didn’t get FPs for and then move on about your day.

#8 Ship it in advance!

Breakfast bars. Snacks. Toiletries. So much of this you can order in advance and have shipped to your resort before you even get there! For dry goods you can order from Amazon.com (especially if you are a Prime member) and have all of your stuff delivered right to your hotel! That’s great way to cut down on luggage! I always have full sized shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen shipped ahead so I don;t have to check (and pay for) and luggage at all. Need milk? Sandwich stuff? Beer or wine? Try Gardengrocer.com! They will deliver all types of groceries to your resort for a small fee. And since all Disney Resort hotels have those awesome mini-fridges, you can have quick breakfasts in your room and save those dining/snack credits for something more fun like a Dole Whip!

#9 Plan some “down” time!

When going to Disney most people want to fit in as much as possible during their vacation. But it’s important to schedule some time down time. Whether it’s a daily afternoon nap or swim or even a full down day, plan some time away from the parks. Yes, AWAY from the parks. All of the Walt Disney World Resorts have some amazing amenities. Take some time to enjoy them! From resort theming to pools to dining each resort has its own special personality. So, spend some time exploring your resort. Enjoy the pool. Rest. Relax. Recharge!

#10 Stay Hydrated!

This seems pretty simple, but people can get a bad case of the grumpies super quick when they get dehydrated. Even when it’s not hot, you’ve got to drink up while in the parks. You are walking way more than you think! But, there’s no need to lug around those heavy water bottles or have to jockey them around on rides. If you find you are thirsty simply walk up to any quick service food location and ask for a free cup of ice water. It’s that easy. The best thing in life really is free! Even at Disney! This may be the simplest (yet most important) Disney hack EVER!

BONUS: Want even more insider tips and info to help you experience Disney in the most magical way possible? Let me, or one of my fabulous friends at World of Magic Travel help you plan your next magical Disney adventure! Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Lines, Adventures by Disney, or Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa, we can help you design your biggest Disney dreams. Visit me at www.letgoonvacay.com or www.worldofmagictravel.com.

Changes Coming to Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2015

Lots of updates coming out of the D23 Expo! Disneyland will be getting some new magical enhancements as well.

Star Wars Enhancements & New Experiences

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, giving guests a new adventure in the Star Wars galaxy.

Star Wars Launch Bay – This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings. Star Wars Launch Bay will be in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park. Also at Disneyland park, Star Wars Launch Bay will share the space with the reimagined Super Hero HQ, featuring opportunities to meet and take photos with super heroes like Captain America and Thor, as well as experience the returning Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries. Both experiences will be available for guests later this year.

Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, beginning early 2016, brings new experiences to both coasts. In Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, guests will explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment throughout the land, themed food locations and more. Guests also will be thrilled to climb aboard Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction, in which guests will join an X-wing Starfighter battle.

Soarin’ Around the World in California

Next year, guests at Disney’s California Adventure in California will journey to far-flung lands and fly above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders when the new Soarin’ Around the World makes its U.S. debut.

What are you most looking forward to?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Changes Coming to Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2015

There are some big changes coming to Walt Disney World. Here is a rundown of everything announced at the D23 Expo.

Star Wars Enhancements & New Experiences

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, giving guests a new adventure in the Star Wars galaxy

Star Wars Launch Bay – This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings. Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay will share the space with the reimagined Super Hero HQ, featuring opportunities to meet and take photos with super heroes like Captain America and Thor, as well as experience the returning Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries. Both experiences will be available for guests later this year.

Jedi Training Academy — A favorite of younger fans is reimagined with a new experience that includes new characters and a new villain to battle from the popular Disney XD series “Star Wars Rebels.”

Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, starts early 2016. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will close out weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies.

Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida

This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. You will think you been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz because you will be surrounded by oversized toys that Andy has assembled using his vivid imagination. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land, which will include two new attractions for any Disney park and one expanded favorite.

Here is what we can expect:

Family-friendly roller coaster – All on the back of Slinky Dog, this coaster will zip and zoom, plunge and coast as it takes guests on a fun, toy-filled adventure throughout the new land.

Alien saucers attraction – The famous little green aliens from the movie will take guests around for a spin in their very own flying saucers. The music, lighting and sound effects add to the flurry of action, while “The Claw” looms over.

Toy Story Mania! – Guests glide into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set and take aim at 3D objects in a variety of fast-paced games, with an expansion that adds a third track to this popular attraction.

After Dark at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Pandora – The World of AVATAR

As part of the largest expansion in the park’s history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will immerse guests into the world of Pandora, and the entire park will transform after dark with new nighttime entertainment experiences, offering guests longer days than ever before to experience this one-of-a-kind theme park.

“Rivers of Light” – Expected to open next spring, “Rivers of Light” will be an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Rivers of Light” will magically come to life on the natural stage of Discovery River, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Kilimanjaro Safaris – This popular attraction will be extended for a new nighttime adventure next spring, where guests will travel through the African savanna amid the magically extended orange glow of the setting sun and discover two species new to the attraction: African wild dogs and hyenas.

Pandora – The World of AVATAR – Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests will journey into the magnificent world of Pandora at this new AVATAR-themed land – a world that includes floating mountains, a bioluminescent forest and the winged creatures known as Banshees, giving guests a transformational experience they will never forget.

AVATAR Flight of Passage – This E-ticket attraction, the centerpiece of Pandora, allows guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage.

Soarin’ Around the World in Florida.

Next year at Epcot you will journey to far-flung lands and fly above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders when the new Soarin’ Around the World makes its U.S. debut.

I am most excited for Toy Story Land. What are you most excited for?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media News from D23 Expo 2015

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2015

Today at the D23 Expo 2015, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media revealed new details about some of the biggest products in the interactive entertainment industry including Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, Playmation and KINGDOM HEARTS III plus two new limited edition Star Wars™ PlayStation®4 hardware bundles.

“We have the most exciting slate of upcoming game titles in our history, and we’re also focused on new platforms and technologies that enable us to develop experiences we would never have dreamed possible just a few years ago,” said Jimmy Pitaro, co-chairman of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and president of Disney Interactive.

Highlights from today’s presentation include:

· On November 17, fans will be able to purchase two very special limited-edition Darth Vader-inspired PlayStation®4 Star Wars bundles: Star Wars: Battlefront and Disney Infinity 3.0: Star Wars. The bundles include a fully customized PS4™ featuring an image of Darth Vader, a controller inspired by Darth Vader’s suit and more.
· John Boyega and Daisy Ridley, co-stars of Star Wars™ The Force Awakens, surprised guests on stage and gave away their character figures, Finn and Rey, for the upcoming Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Play Set based on the film.

· Other character reveals also included Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia, Spot from Disney•Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur and a limited edition set of Light FX Star Wars™ character figures that light up when placed onto the Disney Infinity Base. Exciting new Disney Infinity integrations with Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line® were also unveiled.

· Guests who attended the Hall D23 received a special Kingdom Hearts Mickey Costume Power Disc that unlocks a one-of-a-kind costume of King Mickey, Keyblade Master and King of Disney Castle for Disney Infinity’s Mickey Mouse character and a classic Mickey Mouse figure.

· Coming this Fall, Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Gamma Gear – inspired by the 7-foot Hulk – lets you smash into battle using motion-sensing technology putting you in the Avengers action. Slip your hands into the Gamma Gear and use the motion-based controls to smash your way through missions and stomp through battlegrounds with different Hulk moves like Ground Slam, Thunder Clap, and other combos.

· Square Enix and Disney Interactive revealed that Baymax and other beloved characters of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning film Big Hero 6 will make their debut in the ever-expanding narrative of KINGDOM HEARTS III.

· Disney Interactive announced Disney Magic Kingdoms, a new mobile game being created with Gameloft that lets players build the Disney theme park of their dreams by recreating and placing iconic attractions such as Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, California Screamin’ and many more in a fun animated landscape.

Check it out:

D23

Kingdom Hearts

magic kingdom

Toy box

What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Iron Man is coming to Hong Kong Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2015

Iron Man is coming to Hong Kong Disneyland

Iron Man landed at D23 EXPO this weekend for a special appearance, and soon Hong Kong Disneyland guests will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Super Hero himself. Set to open in 2016, Iron Man Experience will be the first Marvel attraction at any Disney park, taking guests on an epic adventure over the streets and in the sky above Hong Kong. The adventure will begin at the new Stark Expo where guests board the Iron Wing to take flight and battle Hydra alongside fan-favorite Avenger, Iron Man.

We will have more news coming soon.

Maria

Popular Disney Theme Park Attractions Inspire New ‘Disney Attractionistas’ Dolls

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2015

03 ParksBlog Attractionistas FourDolls 613x3152

In January 2015 Disney shared a first look at some new dolls created especially for Disney Parks called “Disney Attractionista’s.” The first dolls in the line have sucsefully been on shelves for a while now and are flying off! . Victoria Hamilton, merchandiser for dolls and plush, talked to Disney Parks Blog about these Disney Parks-inspired items.

“Disney Attractionistas are special friends that love to be together at Disney Parks every chance they get,” explained Victoria. “As the story goes, each Attractionista wished to be part of their favorite attraction, and that it could be a part of them. Once their wishes came true, they were magically transformed with attire inspired by those various attractions. These 12-inch fashion dolls come with detailed clothing, a special animal sidekick and a fun story on the back of the packaging about things each doll enjoys. I think these dolls make great companions for any guest who loves Disney Parks.”

The first four Attractionistas were inspired by classic Disney attractions like Mad Tea Party (Maddie), Space Mountain (Celeste), The Haunted Mansion (Gracey) and Pirates of the Caribbean (Pearl).

Two additional dolls will soon arrive this fall including Carrie, who was inspired by King Arthur Carrousel at Disneyland and Prince Charming Regal Carousel at Walt Disney World ; and Nellie whose looks were inspired by the world famous Jungle Cruise.

Disney Design Group artist Mike Sullivan created the designs for the dolls and Dave Keefer designed the packaging.

The Attractionistas will be carried in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and they will be found on the Disney Parks online store.

Disney will be holding a special Attractionistas party on Friday, August 21 in Once Upon a Toy at Downtown Disney Marketplace in Florida. From 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., Mike and Dave from Disney Design Group will be meeting with guests and signing dolls.

Stay tuned for more!

Disney Finds – Handmade Disney Earrings

By

Chip

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August 16, 2015

2015 06 22 21 24 26 Anna and Elsa from Frozen stud earrings by CandyDesignCrea on Etsy

Shopping on Etsy the Disney Fashionista and I found these super cute Disney Earrings from CandyDesignCrea. They had a ton of fun designs to choose from. Here are just a few we liked.

First up are the Anna and Elsa from Frozen. Do you want to build a snowman?

Who wants to go under the sea with The Little Mermaid?

Make Lilo & Stitch apart of your Ohana!

Maleficent

Cinderella

2015 06 22 21 28 05 Mulan stud earrings inspired by the Disney by CandyDesignCrea

There are so many designs to choose from, you can easily go broke ordering all these fun designs.

We have some great news! They are running a Summer Promotion:

5% discount for orders over $ 50 using code SUMMER5 or 10% discount for orders over $ 100 using code SUMMER10

Click here to learn more and to order.

Skipper Canteen Restaurant Will Soon Open at The Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2015

Most people love The Jungle Cruise! It has been very popular since it’s opening. It was recently announced at the D23 that coming soon to Adventureland will be the new Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen Restaurant.

At the Jungle Skipper Canteen you will get to taste “World Famous Jungle Cuisine”. You will get your choice of different and unique dining rooms. One of which is a crew mess hall and the elusive hidden secret meeting room of the famed Society of Explorers and Adventurers. To add to the magic, the restaurant will also be staffed by Jungle Cruise Skippers.

It is said to be open late this year!

What do you think?

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria