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Top 10 Ways Walt Disney World Has Spoiled Me

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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STA982651 613x399

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Walt Disney World is an escape from reality, my own personal Neverland if you will; and ever since my first visit, the real world and other vacations I have taken have failed to measure up! To put it simply, Walt Disney World has spoiled me! How? Read for yourself my top 10 ways and maybe you will find that you’ve been spoiled too!

10. Permission to Behave Like My Kids-Disney World has taught me that skipping, screaming, pointing, and wearing Mouse Ears is perfectly acceptable no matter age you are. Seriously, no one bats an eye if they see a middle-aged businessman wearing a hat and dreadlocks like Captain Jack Sparrow at the Magic Kingdom; but back in the real world, I’ve discovered that such behavior is frowned upon. Weird, right? Yeah, I don’t get it either.

9. Christmas Lights-If you have ever been to WDW around Christmas, you know what I’m talking about here! This is especially true if you have witnessed the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! This is seriously one of the best lighting displays ever which has been synchronized to music and features artificial, falling snow! Ever since I saw this awesome holiday display for myself, any other Christmas lights display I’ve seen since simply hasn’t compared.

8. Parades-Can any parade compete with a Disney parade? I don’t think so. Disney parades are full of details and Disney characters and creative technology and much more; and don’t even get me started about the Magic Kingdom’s nighttime parade, like Spectromagic or Main Street Electrical Parade! So after you see you’re first Disney parade, don’t even bother getting excited for any others. This is exactly why I keep the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade saved on my DVR!

7. Disney Dining Plan-I’m a huge fan of the Disney Dining Plan for two reasons. The first is that I really like to eat; and the second is that I like the feel of all-inclusive vacation. When I have the dining plan, I don’t have to worry about prices or counting cash, I just give them my card and it’s all taken care of! I also like the fact that I can take full advantage of the plan by dining at some of Disney’s best and most expensive restaurants that I normally would never do if I didn’t have the plan! So after a week at WDW using this easy and cost-efficient service, I find myself frustrated by having to count change or getting strange stares when I refer to fast food chains as counter service restaurants!

6. FastPasses+-Why can’t we have FastPasses+ in the real world? Is it too much to ask for my spot to be saved in line while I go do some shopping or grab a snack or something? Can you imagine how much easier Black Friday would be? So yeah, FastPasses+, one of Disney’s best creations, has definitely spoiled me. Waiting? What’s that?

5. Z00s-So before Animal Kingdom, I thought zoos were pretty awesome; but now, not so much. Staring at animals through bars and fencing just isn’t the same as getting to ride in a safari vehicle through an African habitat, you know what I mean? Also, if you ask people at zoos if they saw the Yeti, they won’t get it. Bummer.

4. Hotels-WDW hotel are seriously awesome! I mean, you can pick what type of vacation you want with your hotel choice! For example, are you looking for a seaside getaway, try Yacht and Beach Club? A Hawaiian vacation? Visit the Polynesian! How about an adventurous trip to Africa? Animal Kingdom Lodge has you covered complete with guaranteed views of African wildlife. Why, even if you want to go camping, you can at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground! Plus, what other hotels leave Mickey-shaped towels on your bed or hide Hidden Mickeys in your carpet and bedspreads? Or where else can you wake up to a view of the Magic Kingdom? Exactly. No matter how many Mickey soaps and shampoos you bring to those other hotels, there is simply no comparison.

3. Details-Disney specializes in the details in everything they do, from design to entertainment to service. Everywhere you look, there is something new to see or some extra magic to discover. I think anyone who is been to Disney can agree that detail element is definitely missed in everyday life or at other theme parks and resorts.

2. Fireworks-Okay, this is an area where I have most definitely been spoiled. Disney fireworks are just insane; and there is usually a fireworks display every night at WDW! Then, if you’ve ever seen their holiday firework displays, such as those for the Fourth of July or New Years, you know that they are at a whole other level. But let me warn you, once you’ve seen Disney fireworks, your town’s yearly Fourth of July display will never be the same in your eyes.

1. Theme Parks-So this is an obvious one, but it’s so true! Disney World Theme Parks are clean, offer the best technology, and immerse you in other worlds. Unlike other theme parks, you don’t see the boring wires and buttons and construction from behind the scenes, there is no cardboard or plywood, there is only the worlds you see in your favorite films come to life. So yeah, just try to go to Six Flags after you’ve been to Disney, we bet you will feel the same.

As you can see, I’ve definitely been spoiled by Walt Disney World; but I definitely don’t see this is as a bad thing! I just like to think that I’ve seen and experienced the best of the best; and that’s why I keep going back! I bet you and countless others feel the same way. Do you? Well go ahead and let me know! I always enjoy hearing from you!

RAWR! Disney Dining at T-Rex in Downtown Disney

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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We all know that everything that Disney does with animatronics is amazing, but there is another person who is pretty good with animontronics too. Tilman Fertitta owner and CEO of Landry’s Inc., has formed a really good partnership with Disney and he has brought his own brand of animontronics to the Disney family. He has restaurants at three locations including,  The Yak and Yeti in Asia in the Animal Kingdom, The Rainforest Café in Animal Kingdom, and he has two restaurants in Downtown Disney. The first is another Rainforest Cafe, which has animatronic animals that sing or dance every 20 minutes when a thunder storm goes off. Rainforest Cafe’s can be found across the country.

The second location is another very unique dining experience; the T-Rex restaurant. It is located at the end of Downtown Disney Marketplace and is touted as a “prehistoric family experience”. As you enter the restaurant you pass Discovery Dig, where you can pan for fossils, precious stones and gems in Discovery Creek. You can also check out the Paleo Screens which will help expand your knowledge of the dinosaur era.

When you head into to eat there are different “themes”, all with unique decor and moving dinosaurs. The Fern Forest, Geo-Tech Room, Coral Reef, Ice Cave, and Sequoia room. The ice ceiling actually changes color while you eat, the area over the grill has fire spitting out of it like a volcano, and there is a meteor shower every 20 minutes.

The food is classic American food with lots of variety and some adult beverages to wet your whistle as well. “From salads to steaks, tear into tasty tectonic plates that every creature in your family will enjoy. Brought to you by the same folks behind Rainforest Café, T-REX features American fare sure to please herbivores, omnivores and carnivores alike.”

One of my, and my kid’s absolute favorite areas of the whole place is Build A Dino. It’s owned by the same people that own Build A Bear, but you guessed it, prehistoric themed. They have dinosaurs to stuff, clothes and accessories to buy, and none of them are available at other Build A Bears. It makes a great souvenir that you can’t get almost anywhere else, and the kids love doing it. I found it really great for my son. So much is focused on girls at Build a Bear, this is one way for him to get a unique souvenir that is more “boy”. If you can’t find a unique outfit for your bear at our Chip and Co. store, try here.

Have you shopped at Build a Dino? Did you stuff a dinosaur or just buy some clothes? Did your family eat there and what did you think of food ? Did you know the clothes here not only fit the Build a Dinos, most Build a Bears, they also fit Duffy the Bear.

Let me know what you think in the comment box below.

Erin is a mom, and a Disney Vacation Specialist. When she is not out at the Disney Parks you can find her over on her Facebook page here. 

 

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RAWR! Disney Dining at T-Rex in Downtown Disney

Disney VoluntEARS Help Spread Christmas Joy

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Voluntears help spread Christmas Joy
Disney Voluntears help spread Christmas Joy

 Disney Voluntears help spread Christmas Joy

This holiday season, Walt Disney World Resort and its Cast Members are spreading some extra cheer around Central Florida with more than 36,000 new toys for Central Florida children, a $30,000 gift to Community Hope Center to help homeless families in Osceola County and countless other efforts across the community. These actions reflect Disney’s ongoing support to help local organizations that aim to brighten the lives of children and families.

During this past month, Cast Members have collected and donated thousands of new toys, games, books and plush dolls to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots to benefit children in Orange and Seminole counties. In addition to collecting toys, Disney VoluntEARS have also given more than 6,000 hours to help the Marines register families for the annual giving campaign and sort and pack the toys.

“Through these combined efforts, we hope thousands of children in Central Florida will be surprised by at least one present during the holidays,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “We also hope that by giving their own time, Cast Members will inspire their children, family members and friends to remember kids of all ages during this season of sharing.”

The annual toy drive also received $200,000 from The Walt Disney Company as part of Disney’s long-standing support to the organization—which dates back to 1947 when Walt Disney designed the original Toys for Tots logo that is still used today.

“This year we registered more than more than 25,000 children who are counting on us,” said Gunnery Sargent Christopher Hoagland. “With the support of Disney VoluntEARS and so many other heroes, we’re better able to put smiles on thousands of young faces this year.”

Disney supports charitable efforts that make a positive impact on local children. Another beneficiary of this year’s holiday spirit is the Community Hope Center of Osceola County, which provides services to help homeless families. Prior to a special performance of the Candlelight Processional at Epcot this past weekend, George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort surprised Community Hope Center with a $30,000 gift.

Other community outreach efforts by Disney VoluntEARS this season include donations of:

  • 1,500 Disney Bears to the Salvation Army
  • 1,300 meals served at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
  • nearly 1,000 handmade blankets to local hospitals
  • and countless donations to local food banks, among others.

I love how Disney continues to spread the magic!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Top 10 Disneyland Rides For Visitors Short On Time

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Listed below are my top ten rides at Disneyland for visitors short on time.  While a large number of Southern California residents own an annual pass to the Disneyland Resort, there are just as many out of town visitors.  A common question asked by many is the number of days necessary to properly experience all the rides and attractions at the Disneyland Resorts.  I always recommend a 3 day minimum – one day per park with the third day to revisit the favorites and enjoy dining and shopping in Downtown Disney.  While three days at the park is ideal, there are visitors who are only able to plan a one day visit.   If you are going to the Disneyland Resort for a quick one day visit, don’t miss these top 10 rides.

Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times……..

1)  Space Mountain located in Tomorrowland is a must for my family on every trip.  The excitement of a high speed roller coaster in complete darkness makes this ride #1 on my list.   Did you know that six of the original seven Mercury astronauts attended Space Mountain’s opening – Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, Sen. John Glenn, Wally Schirra, Alan Schepard and Deke Slayton were there on May 27, 1977.

2)  Star Tours located in Tomorrowland, is a 3d simulator ride that takes you on an adventure across the galaxy.  This ride is a must for all Star Wars fans.

3)  Matterhorn in Fantasyland is my personal favorite.  Partly because it opened in 1959 (year I was born) but mostly because to a lot of us growing up in California, the site of the Matterhorn in the distance seen from Interstate 5 freeway is magical.  No matter where you were going to or coming from if you drive by Disneyland, you would see it and for a moment it would take you back to your last trip to the park.

4)  “It’s a small world” in  Fantasyland is everyone’s favorite.  I will however warn you about this ride.   You will hear loud and off key singing throughout the ride (especially if I am on your boat) and the song will be stuck in your head the rest of your day.

5)  Big ThunderMountain Railroad located in Frontierland is an indoor-outdoor rollercoaster.  The theme is that of an old mining train.  Although it gives the appearance of a rickety ride, this is another great ride for roller coaster fans.

6)  Pirates of the Caribbean located in New Orleans Square is a true pirate adventure complete with pirate ship attacks, chaos and destruction.  A true Disney classic. Originally intended as a walk through wax museum, the ride was eventually converted into a ride.   Pirates as it is usually called was the last ride whose construction was overseen by Walt Disney himself.   The addition of Jack Sparrow to various scenes brought a whole new look to Pirates of the Caribbean.

7)   Haunted Mansion located in New Orleans Square begins with a bone-chilling walk through a  portion of the Mansion to the dune buggy boarding area.   Once on board you travel through a very scary path complete with singing tombstones and dueling ghosts.   Don’t forget to check for hidden mickeys.

8)  Splash Mountain inside Critter Country is a favorite, especially in hot weather.  The sign “you may get wet, needs to be changed to “You WILL get wet”  soaked actually.  Another fun log ride, complete with a 53 foot drop will have young and old, screaming with laughter and  little bit of fear.

9) Indiana Jones in Adventureland has all the excitement of the Indiana Jones movies. After boarding a jeep vehicle you are transported into the Chamber of Destiny where one special door will open to begin your adventure.  A ride filled with  one narrow escape after another, beetles, hissing snakes, falling boulders make for an unforgettable adventure.

10) Jungle Cruise in Adventureland is an old favorite.  Although there have been few changes to this ride over the years, it is a staple and a must ride to get the full Disneyland experience.   My family rides the Jungle Cruise on most visits to the park, and will chime in during the famous comment about Schwitzer Falls and “the back side of water”.   This ride is recommended mostly because it was one of the originals and has Walt’s touch visible in many areas.

This list is just the tip of the iceberg or in Disneyland’s case, the tip of the Matterhorn, when it comes to spending  just one day at the parks.  I hope my list will help visitors  make sure that at the very least, you are able to enjoy the rides that make Disneyland, the magical place we all love.

Let me know if your favorites are on the list in the comment box below.

Planning a trip to Disneyland?   Email me at [email protected] for a FREE quote!

The Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Are you planning your 2014 trip to Walt Disney World?  I know I am!  As a seasoned Disney traveler, one of the first details I decide up on is when we are going.  How do you decide the best time to go to Walt Disney World?  That is the Number 1 question I get from clients when we are beginning to plan their vacation to Walt Disney World.  So, today, I’m going to share with you some insight as to the best times to visit Walt Disney World.

The Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World:

January & February-Visit starting the second week of January, and continuing on through February.  You’ll have pockets of crowds during Martin Luther King, Jr. and President’s Day Weekends, but overall these are excellent times to visit the parks.  The weather is pleasant, and the holiday crowds have dispersed, leaving parks that are easy to manage and you’ll be able to enjoy a lot of attractions.  There may be some refurbishments, so it’s always a good idea to check those out before you travel.

March-If you want to enjoy the Disney parks in March, do so at the beginning of the month.  The Spring Break crowds haven’t quite set in yet, and the weather is still warm and pleasant.

April/May-Depending when Easter falls, late April and into May are ideal times to visit the Disney parks.  The spring break crowds are gone for the most part, and the weather is really warming up.  You also have the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival to enjoy.  If you visit in May, keep it early in the month.

June-The first two weeks in June are ideal.  In fact, that is the time our family enjoys Walt Disney World every year.  School has just let out, in our area of the US, and we are ready for a vacation!  It also allows us a trip without taking our children out of school.  The first two weeks of June are the best dates if you need to visit in the summer.

August/September-If the end of summer is your option, then opt for the last two weeks in August and on through September.  Schools are back in session, and most folks have already taken their vacation for the summer.  September is really idea, even if it is over Labor Day Weekend.

October-October is when the fun starts at Walt Disney World for the fall season.  Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, as well as the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival may draw extra visitors over the weekends.  However, October is another ideal time to visit, as the crowds are very low and the weather is SO nice.  Many schools schedule a fall break, which would make traveling to the World in October even better.

November/December-With special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, holiday visitors start to arrive at Walt Disney World. However, don’t discount the months of November and December as times to visit.  If you can be in the parks the first two weeks of November or December, or even the week between Thanksgiving and the beginning of December, you’ll have a marvelous time.

So, when does your family like to enjoy the Disney Parks?  Are you a winter, spring, summer, or fall traveler?  Or do you just go whenever the spirit strikes you?

Contact me today to get your 2014 Disney Parks trip booked, and enjoy up to a $35 resort credit just for being a reader of Chip and Co.!  I’m always ready to walk alongside of you to create magical vacation memories for you and your family!  Email me at [email protected] for more details.

 

 

Next Limited Time Magic to feature Mary Poppins

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney has announced that the next portion of Limited Time Magic will feature Mary Poppins. This is in honor of the Disney film, “Saving Mr. Banks,” being in theaters December 20th, and the Disney’s “Mary Poppins” 50th anniversary edition, which is now available in stores as a Blu-ray combo pack & digital HD. Posters will be available at Disney California Adventure park near Disney Animation in Hollywood Land.

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Limited Time Magic Poster

Meet and greets with Mary and Bert will be in this location as well, along with a chance to pose for pictures. 

On the east coast, the posters will be available at the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot, where you will also have a chance to your picture taken with Mary and Bert. My guess is that they will be handing out autographed cards for the meet and greets, much like the ones we have seen all year long. Below is an example the limited time magic autograph cards from this last week.

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Next week’s “Limited Time Magic” celebration of Mary Poppins from December 16-22 at Disney Parks  is sure to be Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Disney Juniors New Series Sheriff Callie’s Wild West to Hit the Airwaves

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Junior first western for preschoolers
Disney Junior first western for preschoolers

Disney Junior first western for preschoolers

“Sheriff Callie’s Wild West,” is the first Western for preschoolers. It will hit the airwaves on Disney Junior on Monday, January 20 (5:00 p.m., ET/PT). The series is supposed to premiere on Disney Channel in spring.

You can get a sneak peek of an 11-minute preview episode which will air as part of Disney Junior‘s “Magical Holidays on Disney Channel”  Friday, December 13 (8:45 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 7:20 p.m., ET/PT).

“Sheriff Callie’s Wild West” follows the story of Callie, a Calico cat sheriff who keeps the peace in her frontier town of Nice and Friendly Corners using her magic lasso and cowgirl know-how.

“Sheriff Callie’s Wild West” highlights lessons about forgiveness, honesty and sharing. As with all Disney Junior programming, music plays a big role in the series. With an emphasis on country-western music, with songs including “We’re Gonna Clean up This Town” and “The Cowgirl Twirl.”

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Latest FastPass+ Testing Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Have you heard the news?!  Disney’s Animal Kingdom is going to be part of the latest FastPass+ testing starting December 18, 2013.  This latest test will allow guests to use FastPass Plus, including those staying offsite, and not in a Walt Disney World Resort on Disney property.  This is great news for many guests who have been wanting to be a part of FastPass+, but have been unable to do so because they were staying offsite.

During this testing, regular paper FastPasses will NOT be available, which will allow guests the option of using FastPass+ or waiting in the standby line.  Also, non-resort guests can make FastPass+ selections in advance, using their My Disney Experience account.  This is mirroring the function provided by FASTPASS , and offsite guests will need to visit a FastPass+ kiosk to make the reservations on the day of their visit

Keep in mind, that MagicBands will not be available for non-resort guests.  They will need to use their RFID enabled ticket to access the FastPass Plus kiosks and touch sensors.

For many guests staying offsite, this is wonderful news!  For those of you staying onsite, be sure to get your FastPass+ selections made for Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.  Disney is working hard to make sure every guest gets the privilege of enjoying all their wonderful attractions!

Do you have questions about using FastPass+ effectively?  What tips do you have for your fellow readers?

Contact me today to get your 2014 Disney Parks trip booked, and enjoy up to a $35 resort credit just for being a reader of Chip and Co.! I’m always ready to walk alongside of you to create magical vacation memories for you and your family! Email me at [email protected] for more details.
 

New runDisney Shoes Join the Family

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Keep Calm and run Disney

Recently we have shared details of the new 2014 New Balance runDisney shoes. They revealed that Sorcerer Mickey and Pink Minnie will anchor the 2014 New Balance runDisney 860 V4 running shoe. There was a lot of excitement when they announced the same shoe will be available in kids sizes in 2014.

It was also revealed that runners will have the opportunity to purchase kits with race specific shoe liners and shoe lace charms to personalize their race experience.

Well the “news” doesn’t stop there! Today they announced New Balance is introducing a second line of shoes anchored by two of your favorite Disney characters. After listening to customer feedback, these shoes are aimed at runners looking for a faster experience in a neutral cushioning shoe, a lighter weight running shoe. These shoes look awesome and are sure to be a hit with runDisney runners and fans.

Check out the video below and see for yourself. A little hint, look for the full 2014 shoe reveal at the beginning of January.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney May Expand Shanghai Disney Resort

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Shanghai

Walt Disney Co. might be thinking about expanding Shanghai Disney Resort even though it won’t be open until late 2015 in order to meet rising demand in the world’s most populated country, Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo said.

Shanghai Disney Resort will be almost 1,000 acres in size when it opens, putting it third behind Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland Paris among the company’s resorts, Rasulo said.

“We’re opening the park for a pretty healthy number of attendees but more importantly both we and our partners and the Shanghai government are eager and willing to expand rapidly after that,” Rasulo said.

Attendance could ultimately top the company’s second-most popular property, Tokyo Disney Resort, which has 28 million annual visitors, Rasulo said, reiterating remarks he made in September. Disney, the world’s largest theme park operator, is building a 29 billion-yuan ($4.78 billion) resort in Shanghai that will have two hotels and an outdoor recreational area.

The Disney company owns 43 percent of the park with the state-owned Shanghai Shendi Group Co.

The resort is part of a larger focus by Disney on China, where entertainment spending by consumers has lagged the growth of the middle class, Rasulo said. The new park is within a three-hour drive of 330 million people, many of them young families, he said.

Disney announced its first corporate sponsor of the new park. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. will feature its brand in the Garden of the Twelve Friends, part of an 11-acre compound at the center of the park where each animal of the Chinese Zodiac will be represented by a Disney or Pixar character.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

 

Is Disney building a walkway from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom?

By
Anonymouse
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Hey Fellow Disney Addicts! It’s me, Anonymouse. Chiperoo has finally let me out of my box and I’m bursting with Disney gossip. Today’s gossip comes to you straight from Walt Disney World Resort. One of my many fans sent me the picture above and I just had to investigate. Is it an indication that we will soon see a walkway from Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom?

My sources tell me “Yes!” and that the floating bridge is merely the beginning of this transformation. The bridge can be moved to bring out the Electrical Water Pageant barges and replaced once the barges are in the Seven Seas Lagoon.

While Guests and Cast Members have been talking about this possibility for years, it has never been built. However, in October, Disney Vacation Club opened The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. With the opening of this new DVC resort, it would make perfect sense to finally build that walkway from Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom. This would cut down on ferry and monorail crowding as well as giving guests another way to experience Walt Disney World.

What do you think about a walkway from Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom? I think it would be wonderful!

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.

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