Time is running out – Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package on sale now!

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July 3, 2014

This Saturday, July 5th Hollywood Studios gets “Frozen“. Enjoy the all new procession, a sing-along, new merchandise shop, snow activities, nighttime fireworks spectacular and more ! You can have a premium seat for some of it with the Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package.

From July 5th and running through September 1, 2014 the package will be available daily* at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and will offer you a reserved viewing for three of the park’s most anticipated new experiences.

Guests who purchase this package will receive reserved viewing for the Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome Procession. After checking in at Mins and Bills Dockside Diner at 10:30, refreshments will be served for the 11:00 am viewing. Later on, you can experience reserved seating for one of the showings of For the First time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. These performances take place between 12:30 – 7:00 pm. Your magical Frozen evening will commence with an exclusive dessert party in a reserved seating area for the nighttime Frozen Fireworks Spectacular.

Note: Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome procession and the dessert party offers a reserved viewing area, no seating is available. Wheelchairs and ECVs will be accommodated.

Packages cost $59 for adults and $34 for children (including tax and gratuity). Discounts do not apply. Park admission is required.

Subject to restrictions and change without notice(Note: Guests will receive a credential for identification during the Royal Welcome procession viewing. If you are not able to attend the Royal Welcome procession viewing, please visit Guest Relations to check-in between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. and select a show time for the sing-along celebration. After 8 p.m., please check-in at Min and Bill’s. Credential identification is non-transferrable and will not be replaced if lost or stolen.)

Want to spend a day with Anna and Elsa at Hollywood Studios? Booking dining reservations is one of the many FREE services we offer at DiF for our clients. I can book your magical Frozen getaway and your dining. Call me at 832-233-4468,check out my page, here, or email me at [email protected] and we can get started on making me your personal travel assistant for free!

*On August 23rd, Disney’s Hollywood Studios closes at 7:00 pm to host the Villains Unleashed and Villainy in the Sky will be the fireworks show for the evening.

Disney Tsum Tsum Goes Global

By

Danielle

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July 2, 2014

Disney has announced the launch of “Disney Tsum Tsum” going global. This is an adorable mobile game and product line of the most kawaii stackable plush ever. This new Disney app was a wildly popular and top ranked free puzzle game in Japan. Tsum Tsum literally translates into Stack Stack in Japanese and is pronounced “Soom Soom”.

Stackable Tsum Tsum plush available in mini, medium, and large.

The product line features soft toys in mini, medium, and large. Ranging from 3 1/2 inches to 17 inches long. They are super soft and look like long round character pillows. These new stackable plush pals are super cute, and sure to attract the attention of plush lovers, and collectors alike. The mini size sells for $4.95, the medium is $12.95, and the large goes for $24.95 and are available at Disney Parks, Disney Store Online and Select Disney Stores. These little guys are more than just super adorable, they also have a screen cleaner material built into their tummies! Many character are already available, and more will be rolling out this fall.

“Since the Tsum Tsum plush line debuted at Disney Store in Japan nine months ago, more than 1.6 million units have been sold.” Paul Gainer, EVP, from Disney Retail said. “We believe the popularity of this line in Japan is something that can be replicated globally given their fun and collectible nature.”

Collect and Pop as many Tsum Tsum characters as you can!

The app, which is published by LINE, the leading free call and messaging app, has reached the #1 free app spot on both iOS and Android in Japan and has been downloaded over 14 million times. This app launched coinciding with the release of the Soft Toy line. The object of the game is to pop as many Tsum characters as you can in one minute. The more Tsums you remove in each level, the greater your score will be. The game also features a collectible aspect. You get a starter Tsum, and can purchase presents containing more Tsum Tsum characters as you gain coins. Each Tsum has it’s own special ability you can use in game when you have them equipped. By connecting to a LINE account, adult players can use social features as well, such as high scores on leader boards and sending digital gifts to help friends.

I downloaded the game as soon as it was available to me, and barely put it down long enough to write this article. It really is adorable, and addicting. One of the most important things I learned is that you must download LINE on The App Store or on GooglePlay in order to log into the game. The game starts out with a very cute opening scene that you can see below. After a brief tutorial you get to explore the game and it’s features. It’s a pretty straight forward platform, you connect as many Tsums as you can and they “pop”. You have 60 seconds to earn as many points as possible. Equipping Tsum Tsum characters will give you different in game power ups, and conneting 7 or more will also give you a Magic Bubble that contains a power up as well. Collecting coins will allow you to by presents that contain a random surprise character inside. The allure of collecting new Tsum Tsum characters is so irresistible to me, and keeps me going back every time I have more lives.

All in all this multi-dimensional experience is sure to appeal to Disney fans of all kinds.

Disney Tsum Tsum on Disney Video

“Once Upon a Time” Casts Kristoff and Anna

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 2, 2014

If you love “Once Upon a Time” like I do, then you have been waiting for some casting info for next season. Well finally we know who will pay 2 of the key characters.

Scott Micheal Foster (pictured above) will play Kristoff. If you watch ABC Family you might remember him as “Cappie” from the series Greek. he has also starred in, “The River,” “Californication,” and most recently “Chasing Life” and “Halt and Catch Fire.”

Elizabeth Lail will be play Anna. She is a new to the mainstream T.V. world but I am sure that will change soon!

The casting for Elsa is not yet known. Stay tuned, you will know as soon as we know.

Once Upon a Time features quite a few characters from Disney movies. Keep in mind that the the show gives us a different look at the characters and not every one is portrayed exactly how we remember them. So we know Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff very well now, but they might be portrayed differently on the show.

I still say they need to add a CGI Olaf. What do you think?

Photo Credit: tvline.com

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Celebrate the 4th on Main Street USA with these Disney Discounts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 2, 2014

It’s 4th of July week and what better way to spend the 4th than on Main Street USA ? Destinations in Florida has once again compiled a list of discounts to help you get to experience all the different places Disney goes.

Walt Disney World^® Resort

New! Florida Resident & Annual Passholder Rates: Florida Residents and Annual Passholders can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels up to 35% off through September 24, 2014.
Free Dining Package: Are you ready for free food? Book a Value Resort and get the Quick Service Dining for free. Book a Moderate or Deluxe Resort and get the Basic Dining for free from August-December 2014.
RunDisney Group Rates: Are you a runner? Do you want to run a race with Mickey Mouse? Join our VIP runners at Destinations in Florida for some of the favorite races including Tower of Terror, Disney Marathon, and Disney Princess Run. These exclusive rates are only with our agency.
Save up to 30% off Summer Rates: Do you want to bring the kids to Disney World for a summer weekend getaway? You still have time to save up to 30% off Disney Resort Hotels from June 15-August 28.
Military Discount: Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Disney Resort most nights through September 27, 2014. Thank you for serving our country.

Disneyland®Resort

Book a Package for as Little as $91 Per Person/Per Day: Stay right down the road from the Disney Magic at a Good Neighbor Hotel from now through August 12. Book a package with tickets for as little as $91 per person/per day.
3rd, 4th or 5th Night Free at Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels: Visit Anaheim during select nights through December 2014. Stay at a select Disney Good Neighbor Hotels and enjoy a 3rd night, 4th night or 5th night free. Contact your favorite Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore agent for details.

Disney Cruise Line®

Disney Cruise Line® Summer Deals: During select cruises through July 24, you can take advantage of incredible savings! A Verandah Stateroom is running from $280 per person per day plus tax/port charges.
Canadian Residents Save 20% on Select Cruises: If you are a Canadian Resident, you can save 20% off on the September 1 7-Night Alaska Cruise or the September 8 4-Night Repositioning Cruise to San Diego. This is a special deal, just for you!
Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military: Take advantage of special deals for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military.

Contact me today to take advantage of any of these discounts. At DIF we offer personalized travel planning, lots of extras and fun just for you! Call me at 832-233-4468,check out my page, here, or email me at [email protected] and we can get started on making me your personal travel assistant for free!

Celebrate the 4th of July at the Disneyland Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 1, 2014

Disneyland Resort wants everyone to join the fun and celebrate the 4th with them.

Celebrate with a magical fireworks show called “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This amazing production salutes the pioneering spirit and enduring beauty of America. The special fireworks show will happen on July 1-4 at 9:25 p.m. The fireworks will happen above the the skies of the beautiful Sleeping Beauty Castle.

In addition to “Celebrate America!” the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band is returning to Disneyland Park and will perform several times throughout the day on Friday, July 4. The band will perform along the parade route at 3:30 p.m., just before the “Frozen” pre-parade and the first performance of Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. The band also will appear in Town Square at 5:30 p.m. during the Disneyland Park flag retreat ceremony, as well as along the parade route back to “it’s a small world” at 5:45 p.m. Finally, guests can see the full band in concert at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree on stage, starting at 7:15 p.m.

Don’t forget about the “World of Color”, which will happen on July 4th as well.“World of Color” features a special, patriotic pre-show, prior to the 9 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. performances. Guests can “Glow with the Show” with special interactive Ear Hats that become part of “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure, and part of the “Celebrate America!” fireworks spectacular at Disneyland.

You can also celebrate your patriotic Disney Side by visiting the inspirational Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction on Main Street, U.S.A., or by attending the flag retreat ceremony, held in the early evening each day at Town Square in Disneyland. Additionally, the patriotic super hero Captain America greets guests daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Innoventions.

Will you be celebrating the 4th at a Disney park?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney World AM or PM Extra Magic Hours: Which Is Better?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 1, 2014

Guests staying at an on-property resort at a Walt Disney World have the added benefit of Extra Magic Hours. In case you’re not familiar with Extra Magic Hours, this is additional time the parks are open exclusively for on-property resort guests. This is a great time to take advantage of reduced wait times on your favorite attractions. While not all attractions are running during Extra Magic Hours, the most popular attractions usually are.

On most days, one WDW parks will be open early for Extra Magic Hours, and another will be open late for Extra Magic Hours. So this poses the question, which is better – AM or PM Extra Magic Hours? Personally, I prefer PM Extra Magic Hours for multiple reasons. Morning Extra Magic Hours are generally only one hour prior to park opening; while evening Extra Magic Hours are usually two hours after park closing. That’s double the amount of extra time in the parks!

I don’t know about you, but I am not a morning person…not even at Disney. So evening Extra Magic Hours are perfect for me. Another advantage to evening Extra Magic Hours is that many of the families with young children have already returned to their resort. If you’re not traveling with kids or if your kids can stay up later, evening Extra Magic Hours may be a little less crowded than morning Extra Magic Hours. However, if your kids can’t stay up that late or if you are a morning person, the AM Extra Magic Hours will be perfect for you. No matter which Extra Magic Hours you choose, you’re sure to have a magical time in the Disney parks!

Which Extra Magic Hours do you prefer – AM or PM? Let us know in the comments!

Disney XD Grand Prix takes off to Apple & Droid Devices

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 1, 2014

2014 07 01 08 22 21 Disney XD Grand Prix Android Apps on Google Play

Disney XD is today announcing the launch of the “Disney XD Grand Prix” racing-game app for smartphones and tablets, which will have Disney XD fans revving up for victory with their favorite characters in a variety of high-octane game modes. The app is live now in the Apple App Store and is coming soon to Google Play and the Amazon Appstore. The regular price will be $2.99, but it’s currently available for .99 cents for a limited time.

Game highlights include the following:

Racing as popular Disney XD characters, such as Phineas, Agent P, Wander, Lord Hater, Dipper, Waddles, Randy Cunningham, Steve the Llama and more

Picking from a variety of pedal-to-the-medal vehicles, including Phineas and Ferb’s Coolest Coaster; Kaz and Oliver’s Mighty Med 4×4; Davenport SFC; Wasabi Dragon Dragster; Randy Cunningham’s Ninja’d-Out NomiRocket Bus; Wander’s trusty steed, Sylvia; Grunkle Stan’s Mystery Shack Golf Car and Mr. Tank

Choosing from five distinct Disney XD-themed worlds: “Phineas and Ferb’s” Danville, “Gravity Falls'” dark forest, “Mighty Med’s” hospital, the “Lab Rats'” underground facility and the “Kickin’ It” boardwalk

Getting ahead with:

Five item pick-ups: Rocket, Boost, Banana, the Boot, and Shield

Three race modes: Single, Cup and Elimination Races.

Three challenge modes: Boost, Missile Mania and Coin Collect

Here is the official description from Disney:

START YOUR ENGINES FOR DISNEY XD GRAND PRIX – THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS, FUNNY AND THRILLING RIDE OF YOUR LIFE! Ever wanted to be a Sumo in a golf cart throwing bananas at a Llama in a tank? This is your chance to RULE! Prepare for these awesome adventures as you compete your way across more than 40 races of hilarious action!!

RACE AS YOUR FAVORITE DISNEY XD CHARACTERS:
Phineas, Agent P, Wander, Lord Hater, Dipper, Waddles, Randy Cunningham, Bruce the Sumo, Rob the Shark, Steve the Llama

REV YOUR ENGINES IN RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME VEHICLES:
Phineas and Ferb’s Coolest Coaster, Kaz and Oliver’s Mighty Med 4×4, Davenport SFC (Super Fast Car), Wasabi Dragon Dragster, Randy Cunningham’s Ninja’d-Out NomiRocket Bus, Wander’s Trusty Steed, Sylvia, Grunkle Stan’s Mystery Shack Golf Cart, and introducing, Mr. Tank!

CLAIM VICTORY IN 5 JAW DROPPING WORLDS:
Phineas and Ferb’s Danville, The Gravity Falls Dark Forest, Mighty Med Hospital, The Lab Rat’s Underground Facility, The Kickin’ It Boardwalk

DARE TO BE A HERO IN COIN COLLECT CHALLENGE, ELIMINATION MODE, BOOST CHALLENGE AND MISSILE MANIA CHALLENGE!

BUCKLE UP AND BLAST YOUR WAY TO VICTORY!

So what do you think? Gonna try it out?

Job Openings Across the Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 1, 2014

Walt Disney World Resort has been growing by leaps and bounds, especially with addition of New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. So the company is looking to fill 1,000 part-time and full-time positions. Positions are available at all 4 Disney World parks, 2 water parks, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Downtown Disney Area and more than 20 Resort Hotels.

There is a wide range of positions available like, parking attendants, reservation sales agents, bus drivers, housekeepers, quick service food and beverage positions and more.

Disney Cast Members receive theme park admission and discounts at select merchandise, dining, and recreation locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. These offerings allow Cast Members to share the magic of Disney with their family and friends. Full-time Cast Members may be eligible to receive medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as paid time off.

In addition, Cast Members are part of an award-winning company, recognized as a leading employer. The Walt Disney Company has recently been honored with several distinctions as an employer:

As Forbes recently reported, The Walt Disney Company ranks as one of the top three most sought-after employers among millennials.

The Walt Disney Company is among LinkedIn’s top 2014 “In Demand Employers.”

The Metropolitan Business Association of Orlando (MBA Orlando) presented Walt Disney World Resort with the “Corporate Ally of the Year” Award.

Disney is an equal opportunity employer, drawing creativity from diversity.

To apply visit: waltdisneyworld.jobs

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

“Cars 2” Game Now Available for Windows 8.1

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 1, 2014

If you love “Cars 2” and you have Windows 8.1, you will love this game. This game has images from the movie, tap and play interactivity, awesome music, sound effects, and last but not least you can customize your very own 3D car.

Read along as Lightning McQueen and friends race through the streets of Tokyo, Japan; Porto Corsa, Italy; London, England; and finally Radiator Springs. When you have finished the story, you’ll get the chance to compete against none other than Lightning McQueen, Francesco Bernoulli and a few other racing superstars.

The game has device-tilting racing technology and tap-and-play interactivity. There are multiple reading modes, such as Record Your Own Voice, Read to Me, Auto-Turn Pages and Early Reader Mode!

The game price is $4.99!

Check it out here.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Get Ready for the “Frozen Summer Fun LIVE” Summer Event Coming to Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 1, 2014

What better time then summer, which just happens to be Olaf’s favorite season, to celebrate a new event called “Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! It will start July 5th and ends September 1st at Hollywood Studios. It is a day of “Frozen” events and fun that is a must do for all the “Frozen” fans out there.

Here is the official lineup for the icy event:

Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome: At 11:00 a.m. each day, Elsa and Anna make their big entrance in Hollywood. This is a part of their goodwill tour of all the neighboring kingdoms. They eventually make their way to Hollywood Boulevard in a horse-drawn sleigh. It’s not just Elsa and Anna, Kristoff will also join the sisters for some icy fun. They trio is joined by skaters, skiiers, ice cutters and more! As the Royal Welcome procession comes to an end there will be a special ending at the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage to officially welcome them to this kingdom of Hollywoodland.

Olaf on Summer Vacation: Needless to say Olaf will be enjoying his first summer vacation. He will be giving updates throughout the day so all of his loyal fans will know what he is up to. There will also be a Take-Along Olaf available for purchase. Don’t forget to take some selfies of you and your new friend Olaf! When you do share them on social media and tag them with #OlafSummerVacation. Your photo may be selected to appear in the grand finale!

For the First Time in Forever: For this part of the event you get to go into Premiere Theater and cool off for a “Frozen” Sing-Along. Anna and Elsa join the Royal Historians of Arendelle for a retelling of the amazing history of their Kingdom. Followed by some sing along fun.

Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post & Frozen Funland: Inside Soundstage One, Oaken and his cousins have made a Frozen Funland filled with cold weather activities, unique photo opportunities, and more! There’s a frozen pond with ice skating demonstrations, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” play area, a “big summer blowout” with plenty of “Frozen” merchandise, and special “Frozen”-inspired food and drinks.

“Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party: This part of the event starts at 5:30 p.m. each day. It’s a dance party in the area that surrounds the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage. There will be a DJ, live band, and more! The band plays a mix of old and new summer rock & roll hits, as well as a medley of your “Frozen” favorites.

“Frozen” Fireworks Spectacular: End the day at 9:45 p.m. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf come together at the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage for a finale of fireworks set to the music of “Frozen”.

Update 7/1/2014: Ice skating has been added to this event. Oaken’s Frozen Fun Land will be inside the Soundstage One building, and will have a Frozen pond where you can ice skate. The cost will be $10.00 for 30 minutes of ice time. That price includes socks, ice skates, and a helmet. If you have your own equipment feel free to bring it. It will be open everyday, from park opening, but will close at 8 p.m. Skating is available on a first come first served basis.

F.Y.I Skating availability might be limited because they only have a certain number of skates in every size. You must sign a waiver. Minors must have an adult, or responsible person over age 18, with them to sign the waiver.

Another Great Update 7/3/2014: The trading post, which is located in the front area of Soundstage One will be home to a large assortment of “Frozen” merchandise. There are dolls, toys, plush, apparel, consumables, pins and much more. The assortment will evolve throughout the summer as additional items arrive at the Disney Parks. Disney is also releasing new D-Tech on Demand cases for iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5/5S on Saturday at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This artwork will also be added to the D-Tech on Demand boutique inside the recently opened Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace. The Marketplace Co-Op location will have a few designs not found anywhere else, while the “Frozen Summer Fun” design will only be found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

And coming next week, Disney is also releaseing three open edition, retail MagicBands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with pre-printed images of Elsa, Anna and Olaf. As with all retail MagicBand purchases, guests must present one of the following for the MagicBand to be linked at the time of purchase: valid theme park admission, Memory Maker card or another MagicBand. These items will Not be available for purchase online or via Merchandise Guest Services, they are only available at the Parks.

Are you looking forward to this event?

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Walter & Rosie’s 4th of July Giveaway

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 1, 2014

Walter & Rosie has an exciting giveaway going on and wants you to be a part of it! In celebration of Independence Day and 2000 Facebook fans Walter and Rosie is giving away some cool summer prizes to one lucky fan. Prizes include a 14oz. Walter & Rosie candle (scent of your choice), $20 Disney Gift card, Disney World Autograpg Book and a You Might Be a Disney Addict (#YMBADA) Shirt!

Click here to enter the giveaway!

Giveaway runs from 8:30am eastern on June 30th until 11:59pm eastern July 6th. Winner will be contacted and must respond within 24 hours.

Tell us what you would do with the gift card in the comment box below!

2014 Candlelight Processional Packages Now on Sale

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 1, 2014

It’s hot outside, it’s summer time and everyone is enjoying their summer vacations at the parks. So it’s the perfect time to talk about Christmas time at Walt Disney World. It’s a little early, but they have released the lineup for one of my favorite events of the entire year, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.

Today, you can start booking their Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages, which is great for all you early planners. The event start the night after Thanksgiving (November 28th) and runs through December 30th.

If you are unfamiliar with this event, a different celebrity narrator, along with a massed choir and huge orchestra re-tell the story of Christmas. The event started at Disneyland park in the 1958 with Walt Disney himself. At Walt Disney World Resort, it’s presented at the America Gardens Theater at Epcot, a beautiful venue, especially when all decked out for the holidays

We have a partial list of celebrity narrators including Candlelight veterans Whoopi Goldberg and Jodi Benson, and two fabulous new narrators – Academy-Award-winning actress Sharon Stone and Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer.

Here is a partial list of celebrity narrators:

Jodi Benson – 11/28 – 11/29
TBD – 11/30 – 12/2
TBD – 12/3 – 12/4
Whoopi Goldberg – 12/5 – 12/6
TBD – 12/7* – 12/8
TBD – 12/9 – 12/11
TBD – 12/12 – 12/14
Sharon Stone (New) – 12/15 – 12/17
Ana Gasteyer (New) – 12/18 – 12/20
Marlee Matlin – 12/21 – 12/23
TBD – 12/24 – 12/25
TBD – 12/26 – 12/27
Steven Curtis Chapman – 12/28 – 12/30

Narrators are subject to change without notice. – Show Times are at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. each night. *Show Times on December 7 are 6:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. only

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages, available on select days, start at $35 for lunch and $50 for dinner for adults, include a delicious meal at an Epcot restaurant and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Note: Availability is limited. Guests can call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or book online at www.disneyworld.com/holidays.

Booking dining reservations is one of the many FREE services we offer at DiF for our clients. I can book your magical Frozen getaway and your dining. Call me at 832-233-4468,check out my page, here, or email me at [email protected] and we can get started on making me your personal travel assistant for free!