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Downtown Disney Doubles in Size as it Transforms into Disney Springs

May 16, 2015

There are some amazing new stores coming to the new Disney Springs. High fashion stores like Zara, Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, UNIQLO and PANDORA, are the latest to sign on to the Disney Springs expansion.

A total of 13 new places were announced, including 8 shops.

Disney Springs will be finished in 2016. By that time Disney Springs will double the number of shops and restaurants compared to what Downtown Disney has now. Overall it will be more than 1 million square feet, including 350,000 square feet of new leasable space. Disney Springs will include 4 distinct, outdoor neighborhoods with a diverse mix of stores.

“Over the past few months we have opened several new dining and retail locations, which have quickly become the top producers in their chains,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “This type of momentum builds on the historical strength of the Downtown Disney area and its popularity with our guests from around the world as it evolves into Disney Springs,” he said.

Coming to Disney Springs:

RETAIL

Zara: Owned by the Inditex Group, one of the world’s largest fashion retail groups. Zara is known for its men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories, and how it expertly interprets current fashion and style trends of the season, delivering original designs to the consumer in a matter of weeks.

Tommy Bahama: Iconic island lifestyle brand Tommy Bahama embodies relaxed sophistication. The hallmarks of this casual collection include island-inspired sportswear, denim, and swimwear for men and women in luxuriously soft silks and cottons, richly woven textures and eclectic prints.

Lilly Pulitzer: The authentic American resort wear brand, Lilly Pulitzer, is landing in the heart of Disney and will be offering their clothing and accessories, optimistic outlook, and happy prints to those who’ve loved the brand for years and new Lilly Girls out there.

UNIQLO: Leading global retailer UNIQLO designs, manufactures, and sells casual apparel that comes from the company’s Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. The simplest design hides the most thoughtful details in clothing that is constantly being innovated to bring more warmth and lightness, better design and comfort to people’s lives.

PANDORA: Building on its existing relationship with Disney Parks, the popular jewelry brand offers classic yet modern charm bracelets, along with necklaces, rings and earrings, as well as a line of exclusive Disney-themed jewelry.

UGG: The UGG® brand is recognized as a premium lifestyle brand offering men’s, women’s and kid’s footwear as well as loungewear, outerwear, home products, cold weather accessories and handbags.

L’Occitane en Provence: L’Occitane en Provence is an international skincare and beauty line celebrating the culture and beauty of Provence, France.

Edward Beiner: A leading eyewear designer, purveyor and retailer, Edward Beiner offers today’s aspiring lifestyle-oriented customer the world’s most original, authentic and innovative designer, fashion and high performance eyewear.

DINING

Edison: Inspired by The Edison venue in Los Angeles, this lavish “Industrial Gothic” -style restaurant, bar and nighttime destination is themed to a 1920s-period power plant, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination. It will feature exceptionally good classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret and music.

Sprinkles: The world’s first cupcake bakery, as named by Food Network and others, serves up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. Their innovative Cupcake ATM satisfies sweet-toothed epicureans 24/7.

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza: Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza is a modern day “pizza joint” known for its custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s’more pies. The fast-casual restaurant features an interactive assembly-line format that allows guests to customize their pizza, choosing from over 40 fresh, artisanal toppings – all for one price. The generously sized, 11-inch pizzas are “fast-fired” in a blazing hot open-flame oven and ready to enjoy in just 180 seconds.

Vivoli Gelateria: Vivoli Gelateria serves expertly crafted gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, panini sandwiches and espresso drinks.

Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s: Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s specializes in premium loose-leaf teas (hot, iced, blended) featuring customs blends, accessories and packaged teas from all over the globe; created to go or for a tea experience in the café.

There have been some recent locations that are already open and they include:

The BOATHOUSE: An upscale waterfront dining experience showcasing steaks, chops, fresh seafood and a raw bar. Built over the water, the 600-seat, nautically themed restaurant also features a display of rare dream boats from the 1930s -1950s, a beautifully crafted water taxi and a fleet of amphibious autos, called amphicars. This unique restaurant was designed by Shussler Creative, which created other restaurant / retail attractions at Walt Disney World Resort, including Rainforest Café, T-REX and Yak & Yeti Restaurant. The BOATHOUSE is managed by Gibsons Restaurant Group.

Erwin Pearl: Offering a fine selection of enamel, precious and semi-precious fashion jewelry marked by style, creativity and outstanding quality.

APEX by Sunglass Hut: Offering the latest in sports and activewear sunglasses. Guests can try on frames and use a lens simulator to test how their lens would perform in a variety of outdoor environments and weather conditions.

Chapel Hats: Specializing in fashion hats and headwear for all ages. The store carries a variety of hats including fedoras, floppy hats, fascinators and more.

Art of Shaving: Premium shaving shop offering men’s grooming essentials.

Sanuk: The Sanuk® brand is known for its street-style casual footwear inspired by a Southern California heritage and a “never uncomfortable” attitude.

Sound Lion: Offering the latest technology in headphones, ear buds, speakers, wireless music players and other digital sound and music products.

havaianas: Specializing in a wide array of fun footwear and accessories, including a station where guests can create their own flip-flops.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC: Offering a full selection of gluten-free, vegan baked goods such as award-winning donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bagels (with vegan butter) and savory items.

These locations are opening in Fall 2015:

Morimoto Asia: World-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto and the Patina Restaurant Group will open Morimoto Asia, Morimoto’s first Pan-Asian restaurant at Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia’s culinary elements will provide flavors from across Asia, while exhibition kitchens will showcase the continent’s traditions. Included among them are street-food stalls, Peking duck carving, and dim sum.

STK Orlando: STK Orlando will offer a modern twist on the traditional American steakhouse featuring an innovative menu mixed with a high-energy atmosphere, complete with a sleek lounge with a DJ and rooftop dining. At approximately 14,000 square feet, the Orlando outpost will be one of the largest STK locations.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar: With a storyline centered on the pilot from the “Indiana Jones” films, this aviation- themed lounge will feature unique drinks and small plates. Themed décor like propeller-based ceiling fans, vintage travel posters and correspondence between Jock and Indy will immerse guests in a world of adventure.

2 Existing restaurants are undergoing makeovers and expansions:

Paradiso 37: Undergoing an expansion, Paradiso 37 is capitalizing on its beautiful waterfront setting. As part of its renovation, the restaurant is doubling its seating, adding more terrace dining and building a new outdoor performance stage.

Planet Hollywood: Transforming its flagship venue, Planet Hollywood will become a star-themed Planet Hollywood Observatory to match the look and feel of Disney Springs. As part of the makeover, the venue will add a new outdoor terrace and bar space called Stargazers and feature live entertainment.

Sounds amazing!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Director Brad Bird Announces The Incredibles Sequel Is Coming!

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

May 16, 2015

Brad Bird has announced that he will be working on the sequel to The Incredibles. Pixar fans have been waiting for this announcement forever and based on Bird’s comments it looks like it is the next project on the Pixar List. Although still in the planning stages, the announcement brings excitement to fans who have been asking for a sequel forever. Bird, who’s latest project “Tomorrowland” comes to theatres, May 22nd, shared he has lots of pages full of stuff he did not get to use in the original Incredibles which he thinks will fit in and make for a very interesting sequel. Bird talked about looking forward to getting back into The Incredibles project. Brad Bird has brought us some favorites including the original Incredibles, Ratatouille as well as the new live action Tomorrowland.

Fans of Pixar films know that having Bird on board will guarantee a great movie with some of our favorite characters.

Are you a fan of Incredibles? Let me know at www.chipandco.com and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for all the news, updates and promotions.

Celebrate the Holidays Aboard the Disney Cruise Line!

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

May 15, 2015

The Disney Cruise Line has announced its Halloween and Christmas themed sailings for 2015. I don’t know about you, but I love the way Disney celebrates these two holidays in the parks, that at sea it can only be much more magical! All four of the Disney Cruise Line ships- the Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will feature cruises themed for the holidays. Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises will feature 70 sailings from September to December from four different ports.

“You see more and more people that want to celebrate the holiday whether it’s Christmas or it’s Halloween, but more for the month,” said Jennifer Tinn, Manager of Marketing Strategy at Disney Cruise Line. “It’s become like a seasonal thing to get your family into it. It really echoes the change of season.”

During Halloween on the High Seas, each ship will get a spectacular makeover, consisting of Pumpkin Trees in the massive atrium along with costume parties, trick-or-treating, scary movies and other special events for children and adults. Everyone’s favorite spooky characters, Jack Skellington and Sally will be around for a meet-and-greet during the interactive movie experience “A Nightmare Before Christmas- Sing and Scream”.

The Very Merrytime Cruises will feature a massive Christmas tree in each of the ship’s atriums, along with a tree-lighting party, Charles Dickens’-inspired carolers, story time with Mrs. Claus and appearances by Santa!

Both of these special cruises will feature holiday food and drink selections, such as spider cakes and spooky juice for Halloween and gingerbread house making for Christmas. Almost all of the scheduled cruises make stops at Disney’s Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, which also will get holiday themed touches added to enhance the celebration.

The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will continue to sail out of Port Canaveral, while the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Miami. The Disney Wonder, just returning from its summer in Alaska and Hawaii, will do all of its Halloween sailings from San Diego before moving to Galveston, TX where its Christmas sailings will depart.

Halloween sailings are slated for:

Disney Dream from September 7th to October 30th
Disney Fantasy from September 5th to October 31st
Disney Magic from October 4th to October 28th
Disney Wonder from October 1st to October 23rd

Merrytime sailings will be:

Disney Dream from November 9th to December 24th
Disney Fantasy from November 14th to December 19th
Disney Magic from November 11th to December 23rd
Disney Wonder from November 6th to December 24th

The Disney Dream will be in dry dock from October 4th to 24th, so it is only scheduled for 3- and 4-night sailings for Halloween. But this dry dock is going to be SO worth it! Disney has a bunch of new enhancements coming to this ship, to include Star Wars and Disney Infinity-themed play areas and other fun upgrades.

Also new to the cruise line this fall is the introduction of a new stage show “Tangled: The Musical.” This is set to debut on November 11th.

For more information on these magical holiday sailings, please email me at [email protected]. I would love to help add some Disney magic to your family’s holiday celebrations. Also, be sure to follow me on Facebook to keep up with the latest Disney news and updates and join our You Might Be a Disney Addict Cruisers page to share experiences with fellow cruisers. Happy sailing!!

Star Wars: Force for Change Coming to Star Wars Weekends

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

May 15, 2015

Starting May 15th at Star Wars weekends at Hollywood Studios they will have T-shirts for adults, women and kids featuring a stormtrooper from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

You can find the shirts at:

Darth’s Mall
Tatooine Traders
Prop Shop
Beverly Sunset
Mickey’s of Hollywood

These items are the first products for Star Wars: The Force Awakens released by Disney Parks.

25% percent of the sale price of the shirts will be donated to U.S. Fund for UNICEF in support of UNICEF Kid Power, an innovative new program that uses the world’s first Wearable-For-Good to get youth physically active to provide lifesaving, nutrition-rich food packets to kids in need around the world.

During the final weekend which is June 12-14, they will also have a limited edition stormtrooper pin at Darth’s Mall. That is located near Streets of America across from Studio Catering Company.

Don’t forget the movie arrives in theatres on December 18, 2015.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

ABC Family Adds 101 Dalmatians to it’s Funday Schedule!

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

May 15, 2015

ABC Family reintroduces viewers to Cruella de Vil, the one villain that doesn’t change her spots, when the network premieres the beloved animated Disney classic movie “101 Dalmatians” on Saturday, May 16th at 5:00PM ET/PT. Alvin, Simon, Theodore, Remy, Nemo and Wall·E will be cheering along with you when Cruella gets her comeuppance during ABC Family’s “Funday” spectacular, beginning on Saturday, May 16th and continuing on Sunday, May 17th, 2015.

The joy of “Funday” isn’t limited to the viewing experience, as no movie weekend is complete without a whole lot of social media fun. Fans can visit fundayapp.com to create memes for their favorite Disney Movies and for a chance to win some great “101 Dalmatians” memorabilia. The website also offers viewers a little Pinspiration from the “Funday” Pinterest boards so they can host their own Disney-inspired viewing party.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to persons, who are, as of Entry, 13 years of age or older, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S. or D.C. Entries must be received between 12:01:00 AM, 5/16/2015 (PT) and 11:59:59 PM., 5/17/2015 (PT). Click here for full Official Rules and entry details.

The schedule is as follows:

Saturday, May 16th
(3:00PM -5:00PM ET/PT) ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS
“Alvin and the Chipmunks,” a global phenomenon to generations of fans, becomes a live-action/CGI-motion picture event with a contemporary comic sensibility. Songwriter Dave Seville (Jason Lee) transforms singing chipmunks Alvin (Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) into pop sensations — while the out-of-control trio lays waste to Dave’s home, wreaks havoc on his career, and turns Dave’s once-orderly life upside-down. “Alvin and the Chipmunks” repeats on Sunday, May 17th at 1:00PM ET/PT.

(5:00PM -7:00PM ET/PT) 101 DALMATIANS
Making its ABC Family premiere, this Walt Disney’s original classic movie has charmed audiences for generations with its irresistible tail-wagging stars, memorable story and wonderful blend of humor and adventure. Cruella De Vil (Betty Lou Gerson) sets the fur-raising adventure in motion when she dognaps all of the Dalmatian puppies in London, including 15 from Pongo (Rod Taylor) and Perdita’s (Cate Bauer) family. Through the power of the “Twilight Bark,” Pongo leads a heroic cast of animal characters on a dramatic quest to rescue them all in a story the whole family will enjoy again and again. “101 Dalmatians” repeats on Sunday, May 17th at 3:00PM ET/PT.
(7:00PM–9:30PM ET/PT) RATATOUILLE
Remy (Patton Oswalt) dreams of becoming a great a French chef despite his family’s wishes and the obvious problem that Remy is, well, a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. When Fate places Remy in the sewers of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath the same restaurant named famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau (Brad Garrett). Despite the apparent dangers of being an unlikely, and certainly unwanted, visitor in the kitchen of a fine French restaurant, Remy’s passion for cooking soon sets into motion a hilarious and exciting rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down. Remy finds himself torn between his calling and passion in live or returning forever to his previous existence as a rat. Along the way he learns the truth about friendship, family and having no choice but to be who he really is – a rat who wants to be a chef. “Ratatouille” repeats on Sunday, May 17th at 5:00PM ET/PT

(9:30PM-12:00AM ET/PT) FINDING NEMO
Nemo (Alexander Gould), an adventurous young clownfish, is unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist’s office aquarium. It’s up to his worrisome father, Marlin (Albert Brooks), and his friendly but forgetful regal blue tang fish Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) to bring Nemo home — meeting vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more along the way. “Finding Nemo” repeats on Sunday, May 17th at 7:30pm ET/PT.

(12AM – 2AM ET/PT) WALL•E
Set in a galaxy not so very far away, after hundreds of lonely years doing what he was built for, WALL•E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life, besides collecting knickknacks, when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE (Extra-terrestrial Vegetation Evaluator). EVE comes to realize that WALL•E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet’s future and races back to space to report her findings to the humans who have been eagerly waiting aboard the luxury spaceship Axiom for news that it is safe to return home. Meanwhile, WALL•E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into motion one of the most incredible comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen. “WALL•E” repeats on Sunday, May 17th at 10:00pm ET/PT.

Part of the Disney/ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in 94 million homes. ABC Family entertains and connects to audiences with bold, relatable programming that celebrates the epic adventure of becoming an adult, from first kiss to first kid. ABC Family’s programming is a combination of network-defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. “WATCH ABC Family” is an authenticated service which allows viewers with participating TV subscription services access to 24/7 live viewing of the network, as well as continued on-demand access to such popular series at home and on-the-go via a wide array of devices. ABC Family is also the destination for annual holiday events with “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas.”

D23 Celebrates 60 Years at Disneyland

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

May 15, 2015

As Disneyland approaches its 60th anniversary, Disney twenty-three brings readers inside the party, with an in-depth look at how the park is celebrating this milestone with new parades, spectaculars, and enhancements to popular attractions. In preparation for the landmark occasion, D23 took Disney Legend Marty Sklar—who worked at Disneyland on opening day—and Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Executive Bruce Vaughn on a walk through Disneyland. They reminisce about details from the past, such as the park’s legendary opening day, and look ahead at all the future excitement yet to come.

Also in the Summer issue, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members, the Walt Disney Archives unveils rarely showcased ephemera from Disneyland’s opening including a media pass and concept art for freeway billboards promoting the world’s first theme park. And for Disney parks foodies, there’s a look at some of the park’s signature snacks, from Dole Whips and turkey legs to churros and Mickey Mouse ice cream bars.

Plus, film critic, historian, and co-producer of the Walt Disney Treasures DVD series Leonard Maltin gives a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s three big summer movies featuring exclusive interviews with Tomorrowland director Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille), Inside Out director Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc., Up), and Ant-Man director Peyton Reed. Each director offers Maltin—who authored the book The Disney Films—a fascinating look at the creation of the colorful, complicated, and magnificent worlds of their three films.

Also included in the Summer issue of Disney twenty-three:

Rarely seen photos from the Disneyland Hotel’s storied history
A look inside a Disneyland Pitch Portfolio that was used to sell East Coast investors on Walt’s vision for the park
Fifty years of Disney Ambassadors and how they bring magic to people around the globe
Newlyweds share the stories of their beautiful Disney-themed weddings
An up-close look at the beloved animated feature Pinocchio with historian J.B. Kaufman
Regular columns including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

D23 Members are invited to visit D23.com for additional online-exclusive features, including a gallery of more artwork from the Disneyland Pitch Portfolio, used to showcase concepts of the park that would turn Walt’s dream into a reality.

Other features coming to D23.com include:

Disney Legend Marty Sklar talking about the past and future of Disneyland as the park celebrates its 60th anniversary
A robust gallery of images of Disneyland through the years
A dazzling display of wedding cakes to bring a sweet finish to any Disney fan’s wedding, from classic confections to truly innovative tastes for all the senses

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving late May.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney World Passholders can Bring Home a Piece of Star Wars Weekends

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

May 15, 2015

Star Wars Weekends begins today. If you are a passholder then do not forget to get your FREE Star Wars poster! Yes, that is right I said FREE. You can get a different poster for each weekend of the event.

Quantities are limited!

You can get yours, while supplies last, at Mickey Ave between One Man’s Dream and Toy Story Midway Mania, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 15 to June 14!

Remember: You must have your Annual Pass and corresponding photo ID on hand to get your poster. You can only get one per Passholder per weekend of the event.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Stay and Play at the New LEGOLAND Florida Resort – Now Open

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

May 15, 2015

Are you ready to stay and play at LEGOLAND Florida? A stay at this resort comes with a ton of great perks! Here are some great reasons to book a stay at the new LEGOLAND Florida Hotel.

1. It is AWESOME! Seriously though, it really is. More than 2,000 Lego models made out of more than 2 million lego bricks can be found within this hotel and there are legos everywhere you turn. Feel free to stop and build wherever you find them! There are 152 rooms and suites in the hotel, all with fantastic themes to keep kids and adults entertained during their stay. Pirate rooms are ready for action and Kingdom rooms look like castles, with knights, shields and suits of armor on the walls.

Adventure themed rooms feel like you are on an Egyptian adventure searching for treasure!

2. Each room is fit for a family All of the standard rooms in the LEGOLAND Hotel can sleep up to 5 with a King bed in the main room and bunk beds with a trundle in the “kid section’ of the room. The kids will have their own TV and space where ‘Ye Olde Adults’ are not allowed!

The premium suites will sleep up to 9 and come with incredible amenities.

3. Your Room: Besides the fabulous décor, the rooms come with a lot of great amenities. Kids can embark on a treasure hunt which will lead them to a card that opens a treasure chest in the room. What ever goodies are inside are free to keep! If you book a Suite, your room comes with a private tour guide, an iPad in the room, and a private character breakfast IN your room!

4. Master Builder Classes Free to guests of the hotel, master builder classes take place in the lobby which is a dream come true for most lego fanatics! There are also building contests every evening in the lobby of the hotel. The master builder classes are on a first come-first serve basis so make sure you get yourself booked!

5. Free Buffet Breakfast at Bricks Family Restaurant Free buffet breakfast is included in the price of your stay. Bricks also serves lunch and dinner for $20 per adult and $14 per child.

6. Free Wi-Fi All rooms include free Wi-Fi.

7. Early Admission in to the theme park Guests of the hotel will enjoy complimentary early admission ( 1 hour early) to the LEGOLAND park. This gives you a great opportunity to explore the park before the crowds start.

8. Cool off in the Awesome on site pool Want to cool off from the Florida heat? Jump in to the beautiful pool overlooking Lake Eloise. Sit back and relax in a lounge chair while the kids splash around!

9. LEGOLAND Park is steps away! No transportation needed, only your feet! Walk right in to the 150 acre theme park offering more tha 50 rides and attractions from Lego Duplo to Chima, to Star Wars. Plus the newest addition coming this summer, Heartlake City.

10. LEGOLAND Water Park Within the theme park is LEGOLAND Water Park including more than 5 acres of splashtastic fun! Remember that the water park is an additional park ticket!

**** The most awesome reason to stay here is the Disco elevator!**

There is so much to do right there on property, you won’t want to leave! Bring your knights, explorers and pirates and let your LEGOLAND adventure begin! Reservations are now being accepted for this incredible resort. Contact me or any World of Magic Travel agent for help planning your awesome vacation! [email protected]

Top 10 Places to People Watch in Disney World

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

May 15, 2015

If you’re like me you love to take a moment from the hustle and bustle in Walt Disney World and watch the other Disney fans go by. What cool Disney shirts are they wearing? Who has cool Disney tattoos? Where did they get that fancy pair of Mickey ears? It’s fascinating and provides a load off those weary feet. Here are my Top 10 Places to Sit and People Watch in Disney World.

France Pavilion Epcot- There are a lot of great spots in Epcot’s World Showcase to sit and relax. France is one of my favorites because there always seems to be a lot of activity and it’s so pretty to bask in as you watch!
Streets of America, Hollywood Studios– There are benches scattered about and if you can snag one on the opportune side of the road in the shade you can rest and watch people coming in and out of the park. I like to listen to the people deciding where they will head to first.
Frontierland, Magic Kingdom- Gran yourself a giant turkey leg and find a place to sit and watch! I love to grab a spot on a curb or a bench and watch the people coming down Splash Mountain and the onlookers reactions to those splashes! One of my favorites!
The Hub, Magic Kingdom– Take in the gardens, the castle and all the families posing for pictures and bustling around.
Characters in Flight, Downtown Disney- This is not only an awesome “ride” but you get some amazing people watching and views of the World! It’s $18 for an adult and 12 for children over 3. It’s a ride up in the world’s largest tethered helium balloon for 8-10 minutes of an aerial view of Downtown and maybe farther! (quick tip: Keep your eyes peeled for coupons online to save some cash)
Pinocchio’s Village Haus, Magic Kingdom- Also a favorite dining view, this spot is perfect for people watching while you eat some lunch! You’ll want a seat upstairs- if you get into the Monstro room you can watch people embark on their boat to It’s a Small World. If you head to the balcony you can overlook the people wandering Fantasyland.
Downtown Disney– I’ve mentioned Characters in Flight above, but that’s a very specific taste in activity. If you just want to relax (for free) grab a bench or sit on a curb or near a manicured garden and just watch the people go by. You can pick literally any spot and see tons of excitement. My favorite is to find a place near The World of Disney and watch the kids come in and out all pumped up on Disney merchandise excitement!
Pathways between Africa and Asia or in the Oasis, Animal Kingdom– sit on a curb or a bench and wait. What are you waiting for is DiVine, the vine lady that walks around covered in vines on stilts amazing people! She stuns and startles so you’ll be sure to witness some dramatics. It will be worth it!
Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach– Oh the characters you see at water parks! And I don’t mean Mickey! Something about fun in the sun and splashing water brings out the joy in everyone and it’s so fun to watch. As a toddler mom I just have to watch the little ones screeching and running around in the water!
Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn– Styled like an old East Coast shore boardwalk of yesteryear this area is filled with excited people and delicious food. Pop a squat somewhere and just watch!

I hope next time you’re in Disney World you can enjoy a spot or two on my list and share your own! What’s your favorite place to chill and people watch?

I’m Autumn, a Travel Magician with World of Magic Travel. I love to write, talk and plan Disney so contact me today to get started on your magical vacation! [email protected] or find me on Facebook!

Amazing Adventures Await in Kaua’i on the Disney Cruise Line

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

May 14, 2015

If you have taken or are thinking about taking a Hawaiian cruise aboard the Disney Cruise Line, it is very likely that you took note one on the destinations on the itinerary- Nawiliwili- which is located on the picturesque island of Kaua’i. This natural wonderland is comprised of untouched beaches, lush jungles, beautiful waterfalls and landscapes as far as the eye can see. There are a number of port excursions offered on this sailing that combine adventure and relaxation and are perfect for the family to enjoy together.

The break taking Waimea Canyon is often referred to as The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and the best way to take in all of its glory is by a helicopter ride. Heaven & Earth- the Ultimate Kaua’i Helicopter & North Shore Experience gives you a birds-eye view of the colorful canyon, green valleys, magnificent waterfalls and the always stunning Na Pali Coast that have made the “Garden Isle” a popular location for Hollywood films. The other part of this experience includes a drive along the Kaua’i coconut coastline by the North Shore beaches. Here you can see the picture-perfect Kīlauea lighthouse and have the opportunity to take a walk along Hanalei Pier for an amazing view of the bay and beaches before relaxing during a picnic lunch at Anini Beach Park.

Seeking a little more adventure? Then be sure to check out the Hidden Valley Falls Kayak Adventure Nawiliwili! This excursion combines 2-miles of downwind kayaking, a mile of hiking through the valley to a secluded area filled with waterfalls and natural swimming holes. It is here that you can swing on a rope into a deep-water mountain pool and enjoy snacks and refreshments by the waterfall. For the return trip, instead of paddling your kayak into headwinds, you will be able to relax and cruise down the river on your motorized Hawaiian canoe for the perfect finale to your fun and relaxing adventure.

If diving or surfing is more your speed, then you are in luck! Join Hawaiian surfing pros at Po’ipu Beach Surfing Lessons who will teach you all the basic surfing techniques before giving you time to play and catch some waves on your own. This surf school is owned by Chava Greenly, one of Kaua’i’s most famous professional surfers. At Seafun Beach Snorkel, you can swim in a protected reef at one of Kaua’i’s beautiful beaches. Your guides will help you discover an array of fish, sea turtles and other amazing creatures of the sea, in what is sure to be a marine life adventure.

Hawaiian cruises aboard the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder visit the four major islands- the Big Island, Maui, O’ahu and Kaua’i. These itineraries are one-way sailings, departing Vancouver, Canada and ending in O’ahu (or reverse!). With this flexibility in mind, I also encourage you to check out Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, O’ahu, Hawaii. Combined family paradise and Disney magic make for a great vacation with truly amazing memories.

I absolutely love exploring new places and Hawaii is an amazing state to visit. Most of the time, I had completely forgotten I was still in the United States because I felt as though I had been whisked away to a tropical paradise. Let me help you plan your next cruise aboard the Disney Cruise Line, whether to Hawaii or one of the other amazing destinations throughout the world. If a balance of relaxation and adventure is your thing, then the Disney Cruise Line would be a perfect fit for you. Email me at [email protected] to learn more and be sure to follow me on Facebook to keep up with the latest Disney happenings. And…if you haven’t already, be sure to check out our You Might Be A Disney Addict Cruisers Facebook page to share tips and experiences with fellow cruisers!

Entertainment for the Coolest Summer Ever 24-Hour Party

Chip

May 14, 2015

Next week the Magic Kingdom is going to stay open for 24 hours from 6 a.m. Friday, May 22, to 6 a.m. Saturday, May 23, to celebrate the beginning of the “Coolest Summer Ever!” Disney is inviting you to “Snow Your Disney Side” with a whole day and night full of magic.

In addition to all your usual favorite characters and shows at the park, Disney’s Creative Entertainment team is also pulling together a full roster of amazing, unique entertainment experiences that will definitely make this day one of the coolest ever!

The extravaganza kicks off with some very special appearances in the Welcome Show as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf join the rest of the gang welcoming everyone into the park.
A Flag Raising ceremony will be held at dawn in Town Square, featuring the Reedy Creek Honor Guard.
Some of your favorite stars from Disney Channel will be joining us as Grand Marshals for the “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” at 3 p.m.
Over in Tomorrowland, Disney Channel Club Chill takes over Rockettower Plaza Stage from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., with DJ Frost leading a dance party with music videos from Disney Channel stars and sneak peeks of upcoming Disney Channel Original Movies “Teen Beach 2” and “Descendants.”
Once things cool down in Tomorrowland, Rockettower Plaza switches gears for sing-along screenings of Disney’s “Frozen” from midnight – 4 a.m.
There’s even more “Frozen” fun in store, when Olaf, Kristoff, Anna and Elsa put Magic Kingdom Park “on ice” with pre-parade appearances just ahead of the 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. performances of the Main Street Electrical Parade.
Looking to dance the night away? You can join some of your Disney pals – all dressed in their PJs – at one of two late-night dance parties. Kick up your heels at the Frontierland Dance Party, near Country Bear Jamboree, from 2 a.m. – 6 a.m. At Cinderella Castle, Disney’s “Up All Night” Dance Party keeps things hopping from 2:00 a.m. – 5:45 a.m. with awesome DJ, stiltwalkers and lots of fun party people!
As that 24th hour comes to a close, make your way to Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A., for a special finale moment with Mickey and the gang that you won’t want to miss.

Disney Finds – Pillow Pet Plushes

Chip

May 14, 2015

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Now appearing at the Disney Parks is these super soft Disney Pillow Plushes. These adorable pets were created especially for Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts and our friend Courtney at Mouse to your House was lucky enough to pick up a few for our fans!

You can take home your very own Disney Pillow Plushes for $44, and come in a wide variety of Disney Characters.

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To order yours today just click here or one of the links above!

Happy Shopping

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