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Breaking News: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Grand Opening May 28th, 2014

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Disney shared the news today that the long waited Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the highlight of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, will officially open to Walt Disney World guests starting on May 28th, 2014!

Tom Staggs made the announcement during a dedication of the attraction early Friday morning, Seven Dwarf Mine Train completes New Fantasyland and is the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom.

“Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is both literally and figuratively the centerpiece of New Fantasyland, so we knew it had to be something special,” Staggs said. “The attraction appeals to everyone in the family and provides just the right blend of heart, humor, and thrill while keeping with the charm of this special land.”

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a rocking, rollicking family-style coaster that will immerse Magic Kingdom guests in the lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey. Inspired by the Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the attraction will send riders on a playful musical adventure into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.”

The attraction features an innovative new ride system that allows cars to pivot back and forth during the twists, turns, hills and drops of the ride. Riders pass through magical mountain scenery studded with red poppies and live oak, cedar and birch trees. At the midpoint of the attraction, guests enter a mine aglow with gems and scenes of the Dwarfs and frolicking forest creatures. Music from the film classic accompanies the journey. At ride’s end, the cottage of the Dwarfs, replicated from the film to exacting detail by Walt Disney Imagineers, comes into view with a dancing Snow White visible through a window.

Staggs was joined at Friday’s dedication by Snow White and all Seven Dwarfs who proudly brought their freshly-mined gems:  buckets of glowing diamonds and jewels and wheelbarrows stacked with oversized rubies, emeralds and sapphires.

See the pictures below from the event. Are you excited about the opening of this new ride? Let us know in the comment box below.

‘Festival of The Lion King’ is Coming Back to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Festival of the Lion King Concept Art
Festival of the Lion King Concept Art

 

Festival of the Lion King concept art

Guess what? “The Festival of the Lion King” is coming back to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, sooner then we originally thought.

If you have ever seen the show than you know how amazing it is. If you haven’t seen it than I highly suggest seeing it at least once.  It will return this June, but to it’s new location in Africa.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

What do you think of the concept art?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Freebies and Fun At Walt Disney World – Disney Free Dining is here!

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Walt Disney World has released their new discount for the fall and winter months, FREE DINING ! We here at Chip and Co. want to take it one step further, and offer even more…

Freebies and Fun at Walt Disney World ! We have teamed up with Destinations in Florida, once again to bring you not only all the information, excellent FREE services, Mouseperks and more. The agents at Destinations in Florida have offered to throw in one more perk for all their Chip and Co. fans, a free phone call from Mickey Mouse ! We will arrange for you to have a phone call from the Main Mouse himself, to say Hello, Good night, Congratulations and more.

This discount has been released this morning for all Chase Disney Visa card holders, and available to the general public on May 7th.

As in past discounts, Value Resorts get free Basic Disney Dining, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts get free Plus Disney Dining. All plans can be upgraded from Basic to Plus and Plus to Deluxe for the cost difference between the plans.

This new discount is a little different than past year’s and it will include the remainder of the year, so you can start planning your fall and winter vacations.

Check in Dates Included Are:

8/31- 10/3

10/26 – 11/1

11/9 – 11/20

12/12 – 12/23

Resort Exclusions Are:

All-Star Movies, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Grand Floridian Villas, Fort Wilderness Campsites, Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms and all 3 Bedroom Villas.

Numbers of rooms allocated for this discount are limited, and some table service restaurants may have no availability. Free Dining must be part of a resort package with a minimum of 3 night stay and 2 day park ticket.

A Room Only Discount will also be available for travel between 8/16 – 10/3.

Resort Exclusions for that are Bay Lake Tower, Port Orleans French Quarter, Ft Wilderness Campsites, Grand Floridian Villas, All-Star Movies and Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms.

Let me help you plan your Walt Disney World Vacation with FREE DINING this fall. Make sure you mention Chip and Co so we can schedule your phone call from Mickey Mouse!  At DIF we offer personalized travel planning, lots of extras and kids get the first Mickey Mouse Ice Cream on me. Call me at 832-233-4468 or check out my page, here and we can get started on making me your personal travel assistant for free ! 

Try Something New at the Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

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IMAG1100

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Being a vegetarian you might think your Disney Dining Options at Walt Disney World are limited. But, alas, there are plenty! I’d like to introduce an option to you that comes from somewhere you might not expect, the Art of Animation resort! I had heard a lot of good things about the Landscape of Flavors food court at the Art of Animation so I decided to head over and try it out for myself! There were a few great options like a Caprese Sandwich, Cheese Pizza and Veggie Burger but I decided to opt for something a little different!

I got the Roasted Vegetable Plate which included Basmati Rice, Naan Bread with a dipping sauce and 2 sides. The 2 sides I chose were Roasted Cauliflower with Tomatoes and Spinach with Paneer Cheese. My plate plus the mango dipping sauce for the naan bread are pictured above. Not only was it plenty of food but every forkful was different and delicious!

The great thing about this style of food is that it’s ingredients we each all the time just prepared in a new and different way. Vegetarian or not, I strongly encourage you to try the fun variety of options that Landscape of Flavors has to offer! After your meal, take some time to walk around the resort and admire all the beautiful art, inside and out!

“Maleficent” Makes the Cover of the D23 Summer Issue

disneytwenty three 6.2 summer 2014 cover lg copyright
disneytwenty three 6.2 summer 2014 cover lg copyright

D23 Maleficent Cover

D23 is celebrating the upcoming release of the highly anticipated “Maleficent” in the summer issue of  Disney twenty-three. Angelina Jolie and the creative take you behind the scenes of  the tale of Disney’s most iconic villains.

“I was afraid of her, and I loved her,” Jolie confesses in the cover story. You get an  in-depth look by animation historian Charles Solomon at the development of Walt Disney’s 1959 creative masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty, with rarely seen concept art and drawings.

Disney twenty-three’s Summer issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23, also includes a behind-the-engine look at Walt Disney World’s newest theme park attraction, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, featuring striking images and interviews with the team responsible for creating the experience, which is based on the world’s first animated feature.

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

  • Star Wars 101: A fascinating look at the creation of the landmark films—and what’s to come
  • Disney Villains: The comprehensive list—from the mild to the wild—of Disney’s best baddies
  • A tour of Walt Disney’s Hollywood, with rarely seen photos and stories about his favorite spots
  • A behind-the-scenes look at Dusty Crophopper’s latest thrilling adventure in the new Planes: Fire & Rescue
  • Regular columns including A Walk with Walt, PHOTOfiles, D Society, and more

Other features coming to D23.com include:

  • A deeper journey into a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars mega fan Steve Sansweet
  • The story behind Marvel’s selection of one of its lesser-known comic stories—Guardians of the Galaxy—to become its next mega-feature
  • A virtual map of Walt Disney’s Los Angeles with rarely seen photos

The magazine will start arriving mid-May.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

New Florida Resident and Military Rates Released for Disney Cruises

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DCL

Disney has just released some amazing new Florida resident and military rates with Disney Cruise Line for sailings into June 2014!

 Florida Residents: 

  • 4 night Bahamian cruise departing from Port Canaveral on May 25, 2014 on the Disney Dream in a category 05A stateroom, $200 per person per night (based on double occupancy)
  • 4 night Bahamian cruise departing from Port Canaveral on June 1, 2014 on the Disney Dream in a category 05A stateroom, $200 per person per night (based on double occupancy)
  • 7 night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Port Canaveral on May 10, 2014 on the Disney Fantasy in a category 05A stateroom, $160 per person per night (based on double occupancy)
  • 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing from Port Canaveral on May 17, 2014 on the Disney Fantasy in a category 05A stateroom, $160 per person per night (based on double occupancy)

There are also discounted rates available for the 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise (from Port Canaveral) departing on 5/31/14 or the 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise (from Port Canaveral) departing on 5/24/14.

Military: 

  • 4 night Bahamian cruise departing from Port Canaveral on May 12, 2014 on the Disney Magic in a category 09C stateroom, $120 per person per night (based on double occupancy)
  • 4 night Bahamian cruise departing from Port Canaveral on May 25, 2014 on the Disney Dream in a category 05A stateroom, $200 per person per night (based on double occupancy)
  • 4 night Bahamian cruise departing from Port Canaveral on June 1, 2014 on the Disney Dream in a category 05A stateroom, $200 per person per night (based on double occupancy)
  • 4 night Bahamian cruise departing from Port Canaveral on June 8, 2014 on the Disney Dream in a category 05A stateroom, $200 per person per night (based on double occupancy)
  • 3 night Bahamian cruise departing from Port Canaveral on May 25, 2014 on the Disney Magic in a category 05B stateroom, $130 per person per night (based on double occupancy)
  • 3 night Bahamian cruise departing from Port Canaveral on June 1, 2014 on the Disney Magic in a category 05A stateroom, $200 per person per night (based on double occupancy)

These rates are subject to availability, but are available through May 4, 2014. Proof of Florida residency is required for the Florida resident rates. These rates do not include government taxes and fees.

Would you like to take advantage of one of these discounted rates for your Disney Cruise Line vacation! Contact Siera today!

When Siera isn’t helping plan Disney vacations or sharing the latest Disney news, you can find her spreading magic on Facebook and Twitter. Are you planning a Disney Cruise Line orDisney World vacation? Siera, a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, would love to help you! Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes

Disney Infinity Wishlist
Disney Infinity Wishlist

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Disney Interactive and Marvel Entertainment confirmed that Super Heroes are assembling for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes – the 2.0 edition, according to the NPD Group’s video games retail sales data.

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes features more than 20 new interactive figures from across the Marvel universe, original storylines penned by award-wining Marvel comic writer Brian Michael Bendis, and an all-new Toy Box mode that makes it easier for players to create and share their one-of-a-kind levels and mini-games with family and friends. In addition, all characters and power discs from last year’s release of Disney Infinity will be compatible with the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes Toy Box.

Check it out:

“Disney Infinity was, from the start, built to be an interactive experience where players could bring together their favorite Disney characters and stories to create new Disney memories. With the introduction of Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, we’re ushering in a new chapter of adventures, featuring a cast of the world’s most popular Super Heroes,” said Jimmy Pitaro, President of Disney Interactive. “Bringing popular and iconic Marvel characters to the Disney Infinity platform truly takes this game to the next level.”

The Avengers’ Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Captain America, Hulk and Hawkeye will debut when the game launches this fall, along with additional Play Sets and characters from other popular Marvel and Disney franchises, which will be announced in the coming months. Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes will be available for the PlayStation4 and PlayStation3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii U™ system from Nintendo, PC and iOS tablets and smart phones.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

 

 

Emeril’s Orlando Restaurants Offer Free Food for Universal Orlando Resort Guests

Emril Orlando
Emril Orlando

Emril Orlando

Now you have a reason to dine at renowned chef Emeril Lagasse’s 2 restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort, you can get a free appetizer or dessert. With the purchase of an entrée, guests may receive their choice of a free appetizer or dessert just by showing a theme park ticket for the same day.

The offer is valid during lunch and dinner at both Emeril’s Orlando and Emeril’s Tchoup Chop restaurants and limited to one redemption per table.

At Emeril’s, guests may enjoy one of chef’s signature dishes, such as the New Orleans barbecued shrimp, house-made gumbo or banana cream pie. At Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, guests will try Chef Emeril’s take on Asian and island cuisine with delicious choices such as Kahlua chicken eggrolls, Tchoup Chop crunchy shrimp or Hawaiian style malasadas donuts.

The offer is valid now through December 30, 2014. Sounds good right?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Harambe Nights Event Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Harambe Nights Event

 

Hey guys and gals a little birdy Doctor told us about an upcoming event at the Animal Kingdom. Some of you may have received this email, I did. However I had no clue what it was referring to.

It seems as though there will be a fairly expensive nighttime event happening at the Animal Kingdom park at night, called Harambe Nights.  It will start June 7, 2014 and end Aug. 9, 2014

Let’s remember that none of this is official yet because Disney has not confirmed this info.

The official announcement is expected on May 2, 2014.

Here is the breakdown:

  • The events will happen every Saturday night
  • Premium Seats will be $134 plus tax for adults and $94 plus tax for children ages 3-9
  • Regular Seats will be $119 plus tax for adults and $79 plus tax for children ages 3-9
  • If you are attending the event parking is free

Harambe Nights is expected to be for around 1,000 guests for every Saturday-night event.

  • Appetizers, beer, and wine will be served before the show from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
  • It will include a theatrical show in the new Harambe Theater. The rest of the park will be not be open. This will be from 7:30 to 8:25 p.m.
  • This show is around 55-minutes and will include be a never-before-seen experience that celebrates the story of The Lion King. There will be celebrity narrators, performers, guest interaction, music, dancing, humor, and much more.
  • After the show, there will be a Harambe Nights Street Party. That will have  music, more food, and more drinks that will happen from 8:25 until around 10:00 p.m.
  • An African band and DJ will play music while special light and effects fill the streets of Harambe. Exclusive Lion King merchandise will be sold at Harambe Nights and guests will be able to see entertainers roaming around with Disney characters too.
  •  The Kiss Goodnight will happen between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m. to the end of the event. Guests will gather under the Tree of Life for desserts and cordials to wish the starlit night a goodnight.

Anywho, that is all the Disney gossip I have right now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at [email protected] or on my facebook page

Doc McStuffins Will be Appearing at Disney’s California Adventure Park

Doc McStuffins
Doc McStuffins

Doc MCStuffins

 

Your little Disney Addict, or should I say Disney Junior Addict, will love this.  Dottie “Doc” McStuffins, I never knew her first name was Dottie, will be appearing at Disney California Adventure park, but only for a short time. Starting on May 5 until the end of July.

You can go and visit her in Hollywood Land near “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!”

I don’t have kids that are Disney Junior age anymore but I must admit that I do love the show. I think we all pretended to be “Doc” at some point when we were kids. I love that she teaches kids to be caring and nice and to care for others.

If  you will be at Disneyland and you have a “Doc”fan, be sure to head over and say hi before she goes away.

Who is your favorite character on the show? I love Lambie. I actually bought my teenage daughter a Lambie Stuffed doll.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog 

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Top 10 Disney World Souvenirs

disney pins
disney pins

disney pins

Bringing back great Disney memories is a must do from any Disney World vacation.  And what better way to remember your family’s trip to Disney World than bringing back a souvenir?  The following top 10 Disney World Souvenirs are sure to keep bringing the Disney vacation magic you experienced to your own home.  The first 5 souvenirs can be purchased at Disney, while the last 5 you can actually get for free.

  1. Disney Pins –  They can be traded while at the parks with other guests who have pins or Cast Members.  Pins are often placed on a lanyard, purse, shirt, or cap.  They are a neat way to show off your favorite character, attraction or resort.  There are so many pin options it would be hard to not find one of interest.  If you are concerned about loosing the pin, you may want to also purchase a package of locking backs.  My family lost several pins before we began getting the locking backs to put on them.
  2. Disney Mugs – Using a Disney ceramic mug every morning filled with your beverage of choice is certainly a great way to start the day!  Bringing home your plastic refillable Disney mug can also get you extra usage out of it.  Seeing Mickey every day is a fantastic way to remember all of the Disney fun!
  3. Disney Clothing – Disney clothing can be a wonderful way to commemorate your vacation.  I always like to throw in a little Disney jewelry too.  Hoodies, shirts, scarves, dresses, pants and more are found en mass around the Disney World parks and resorts.  Proudly don your favorite character while at Disney and at home.  I have found myself looking more and more Disney clothes that I can also wear to work.
  4. Mickey Ears – Maybe the quintessential Disney souvenir of all times, Mickey Ears are a must.  There are so many different stylings now that everyone can get in on the fun of wearing Ears.  While Mickey Ears are more noticeable when wearing them outside of the Disney parks, they are a tried and true choice of Disney Addicts of all ages.
  5. Magnets – Getting a Disney magnet for your frig or work board is an easy way to remember the magic when you are back home.  I like to get a magnet for our refrigerator for each resort that we have stayed.  Magnets are usually cheap comparative to most other souvenirs that you could purchase.
  6. Character Autographs and Pictures – Getting an autograph and a picture with your favorite Disney characters is a fantastic way to create a long term souvenir.  You can frame them or scrapbook them to keep and remember your vacation.
  7. Park Maps – Park maps can look great in a Disney scrapbook.  People have even used park maps and Modge Podge to adhere the maps onto items like shoes and purses or to make coasters.  Park maps are a great way to remember what rides your family went on and fell in love with.
  8. Celebration Buttons – You can get your own celebration button with your name at resorts when you check in or at guest services at the parks.  Just let Disney know what you are there to celebrate – birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc.  As you were your celebration button around, Cast Members and even other guests will congratulate you based on what the celebration is.
  9. Shampoo, Conditioner, and Soap – Many times people do not end up using all of the shampoo, conditioner, and soap from their resort room.  Often people end up just bringing the extras home with them.  Even though Disney toiletries are practical items, they help people remember the Disney magic every time they are used.
  10. Magic BandsMagic bands appear to be becoming a souvenir item.  People are wearing them even outside of Disney as a reminder of the Mickey magic.  Disney addicts are also decorating them by buying cover bands and pins or painting on them.  There have even been pictures with people having so many magic bands that they made belts and other creative items out of them.

What are your must have souvenirs when you travel to Disney?  What else would you ad to your list as a top 10 Disney World souvenir? Comment below because we want to read your thoughts too!

Wishing you the magic – Michele

D23 Presents: Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives has Been Extended

Museum of Science
Museum of Science

Museum of Science

Due to popular demand, The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is extending the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, presented by D23. You will be now able to enjoy the exhibit through August 3, 2014.

“This interactive exhibit has been so well-received by guests of all ages,” said Anne Rashford, director of temporary exhibits. “It tells the great story of the imagination and perseverance of Walt Disney and offers a rare peek into his life and the unforgettable entertainment he created. We are thrilled to be able to keep it at MSI for an additional three months.”

The exhibit features more than 300 artifacts from 9 decades of Disney’s rich history including props, costumes, memorabilia, and artwork from classic Disney animation, theme park attractions, television shows and films. Hands-on activities allow kids and adults alike to explore animation technology from all 53 Disney animated films and learn to draw one of their favorite characters in the Animation Academy.

 The exhibit is not included in Museum Entry but it can be added to an Explorer ticket package.

If you are a D23 Gold and Silver Members you will receive a special discount on exhibit entry. For more information and to buy tickets, visit msichicago.org.

This exhibit is presented by Walgreens.

 The event is being held at: 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60637