Meet the 16 New planDisney Panelists

By

-

January 16, 2024

Meet the 16 New planDisney Panelists

Each year Disney chooses new panelists to join the planDisney panel. These panelists are diverse and knowledgeable and exude a passion for Disney. Disney looks for guests who enjoy sharing their Disney vacation planning knowledge and excellent tips with others. The most recent plan Disney application has added 16 new panelists to Disney’s group of 50.

Coming fresh off a training at Walt Disney World Resort and aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship are 16 new planDisney panelists! Each of them eager to help guests across the globe plan their next Disney vacation!

Individually they are teachers, historians, realtors and even entrepreneurs. However, together they are a powerhouse of Disney knowledge. Combine them with 34 amazing alumni, and you have a diverse group of 50 planDisney panelists ready to answer your Disney vacation planning questions with personalized answers in 2024.

This group of panelists can tell you where to find the delectable DOLE Whip. They can offer their best tips and advice on how to vacation with a little one, a tween and even a young adult. Bestie trips or romantic getaways? They can recommend their favorite dining experience and even their preferred adult beverage and its location.

The new panelists include: Alison S., Brent H., Camille W., Candace W., Jana T., Jen W., Jenna J., Jennifer S., JoVonn G., Kay B., Kristi R., Lizzie B., Melissa H., Nilson L., Susan C., and Tiffany S.

The first class to train at sea, the class of 2024 is also the first class to ever have two relatives as panelists! That is right, there are two sisters working together this year. Tiffany S. is one of the newest panelists from Texas and she will join her sister, Frances H., from North Carolina. And while they have a lot in common, Tiffany is your go-to for all things Disneyland Resort, while Frances is ready to assist with your Walt Disney World Resort questions.

planDisney panelists are here to answer your questions about Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club. You can find answers in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. And while guests may ask their own question and receive an answer just for them, they may also peruse the thousands of responses housed on the planDisney site. Guests of the site can also watch videos detailing how to create magical vacations, catch up on the latest planDisney Podcast episodes, read up on ready-to-browse content in the Panel Extras section and view lists of some of the panelists’ best recommendations.

Another resource to help with planning the best Disney vacation for you and your family is your friendly neighborhood travel agent! Contact me today to start planning. I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!

New Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle Minnie Ears Now At shopDisney!

By

Ana Leal

-

January 15, 2024

New Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle Minnie Ears Now At shopDisney!

Looking for a classic ear headband? What about the new Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle Minnie Ears available now at shopDisney for $34.99!

They feature black sequined ears with Cinderella Castle and retro Disney World logo in gold on one ear. The bow is also black sequined and features a gold Cinderella Castle charm making this ear headband look classic and elegant.

Definitely a must have in your collection!

Credit: shopDisney

Walt Disney World Main Street USA Thomas Kinkade Puzzle Spotted At Magic Kingdom!

By

Ana Leal

-

January 15, 2024

Walt Disney World Main Street USA Thomas Kinkade Puzzle Spotted At Magic Kingdom!

We are obsessed with this Walt Disney World Main Street USA Thomas Kinkade Puzzle we found at Magic Kingdom! It seems to be sold out at shopDisney but you can order yours from Amazon for $43.99.

The puzzle features a gorgeous and magical Thomas Kinkade painting that showcase the iconic Main Street U.S.A at Magic Kingdom at night with Cinderella Castle in the background and fireworks illuminating the sky.

This is 1000 pieces so is perfect to frame it and use as a piece of artwork after you are done putting it together!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

New Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle Starbucks Tumbler Spotted At Disney’s Contemporary Resort!

By

Ana Leal

-

January 15, 2024

New Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle Starbucks Tumbler Spotted At Disney’s Contemporary Resort!

Take a sip of happy memories with this Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle Starbucks Tumbler we found at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! You can also order yours online at shopDisney for $29.99.

The tumbler is so pretty with artwork of the Disney World theme parks icons like Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, Tower of Terror and Tree of Life. It also features the Walt Disney World logo in gold and a translucent rose gold lid with reusable straw.

It also features the Starbucks logo and can hold 24oz of your favorite cold beverage, definitely a must have in your collection!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

The Rescuers Water Bottle Available At Magic Kingdom!

By

Ana Leal

-

January 15, 2024

The Rescuers Water Bottle Available At Magic Kingdom!

This new The Rescuers water bottle comes to your aid with refreshment throughout the day! You can get yours at Magic Kingdom, as well as, online at shopDisney for $22.99.

The translucent acrylic water bottle features an orange twist top cap with flange and The Rescuers movie poster artwork featuring Miss Bianca, Bernard, Madame Medusa, Mr. Snoops, Orville, and Evinrude plus the film logo. Super cute!

You can take a closer look at this water bottle in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

New Stitch Water Bottle With Plush Carrier Spotted At Magic Kingdom!

By

Ana Leal

-

January 15, 2024

New Stitch Water Bottle With Plush Carrier Spotted At Magic Kingdom!

We recently found this Stitch Water Bottle With Plush Carrier at Magic Kingdom for $27.99. It’s great to carry your favorite beverage with you anywhere you go and keep hydrated all day!

You can also order yours online at shopDisney and make it part of your Ohana.

The set includes a water bottle featuring “Stitch” name with the experiment 626 licking the bottle and some hawaiian flowers all around. Put this water bottle inside the Stitch plush carrier with embroidered features and padded lining to take it with you everywhere you go.

You can take a closer look at this water bottle in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

Auditions Now Open for Voices of Liberty in EPCOT

By

Chris B

-

January 15, 2024

Calling All Singers! Here’s your chance to showcase your skills and be a part of a beloved Disney tradition. Auditions are now open for the Voices of Liberty, the renowned a cappella group at EPCOT.

The Voices of Liberty is a celebrated vocal ensemble known for their stirring American choral performances. This group has been a highlight of the American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT for years, enchanting guests with their harmonious renditions and patriotic spirit.

Disney is currently auditioning vocalists for both Full-Time and substitute roles. The job posting notes ‘extreme vocal range and control, sight singing, and quick study memorization skills are essential.’

Those interested in learning more about the 2-step application process can do so here.

Good luck to the future Voices of Liberty!

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Walls Up Around the Entrance of Space 220 and Mission: Space

By

Chris B

-

January 15, 2024

EPCOT has been undergoing a large-scale transformation that has touched nearly every corner of the park. New neighborhoods and gardens have been added, and existing attractions and structures have been refurbished. It appears Mission: Space and Space 220 are next on the list, as construction walls have been added to the area.

The walls are visible at the attractions entrance. No official word on the scope of work necessitating the erection of the walls.

These new walls follow other upgrades to the area, which included a fresh coat of paint as well as this new galaxy mosaic.

Are you a Mission: Space or Space 220 fan? Leave us a comment to let us know!

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Chalk Full of Characters Returns to EPCOT Festival of the Arts

By

Chris B

-

January 15, 2024

The Festival of the Arts at EPCOT are known for bringing the arts to life, with activities ranging from Broadway performances to a paint-by-numbers mural that invites participation from each and every guest. Chalk Full of Characters, a fan-favorite activity that brings myriad Disney characters to life through chalk drawings located around the park, has returned for this year!

The characters are located all around the world showcase, taking you on a bit of a scavenger hunt to find them all.

Since they are drawn in chalk, there is the chance a character will be unintentionally removed from a wall. At times when this happens, the character is re-drawn in a new location!

There is no prize to be claimed if you find all of the characters, other than a bit of fun and the personal satisfaction of a job well done.

If you want to see every chalk drawing, you will need to find over 20 drawings this year.

Note some are two versions of the same character, such as Dante from Coco appearing as a normal dog as well as as an alebrije.

Do you have a favorite character from this years lineup of drawings? Leave us a comment to let us know!

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Water Effects Return to The Seas with Nemo and Friends

By

Chris B

-

January 15, 2024

It appears the exterior refurbishment of the Seas With Nemo and Friends at EPCOT is complete. The area has received a fresh coat of paint, the seagulls have been refurbished and returned, and now the water and wave effects have returned!

The much-loved exterior of the ‘Nemo and Friends’ attraction is now back in action, offering guests an immersive experience even before they step inside. The water and wave effects, previously disabled during the refurbishment, are once again creating a lively and realistic atmosphere that captures the essence of the ocean and its wonders.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

Are you a fan of The Seas With Nemo and Friends? Leave us a comment to let us know!

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

2024 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Returns After a Long Break

By

Chip

-

January 15, 2024

2024 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Returns After a Long Break

Peter Banks from Henderson, Nevada, had dreams of racing at Disneyland Resort, and his debut at The Happiest Place on Earth proved to be a storybook ending. In the Disneyland Half Marathon, Banks, 38, showcased his racing prowess by narrowly defeating Pasadena’s Brandon Wolfe, 32, in a thrilling finish. Although trailing for a significant portion of the race, Banks surged ahead at the last moment, securing his victory with a time of 1:15:02. This marked a four-second lead over defending champion Wolfe (1:15:06) and a 52-second advantage over the third-place finisher, Peter Siess from Dover, New Hampshire (1:15:54).

419727995_788344946654292_454394426596877024_n

Adding to the triumph of the day, Jennifer Masamitsu, 2017 Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon women’s titleholder from Denver, Colorado, crossed the finish line with a stellar time of 1:23:38. Masamitsu demonstrated her enduring excellence, finishing over a minute and 19 seconds ahead of Jamie Weglarz from Fort Myers, Florida (1:24:57), and Brittney Kingsley from Fargo, North Dakota (1:29:19).

419225935_787032080118912_2655733871183979924_n-1

419642352_787631403392313_2384975663840224204_n

Participants hailing from various corners of the nation and around the world navigated a scenic 13.1-mile course, passing iconic Disneyland Resort locations like Cars Land, Pixar Pal-A-Round, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This race weekend marked the triumphant return after a seven-year hiatus, creating a memorable experience filled with Disney entertainment, beloved characters, and a sense of camaraderie among runners of diverse ages and skill levels.

419748487_788346049987515_9120029233981433352_n

419879734_788346023320851_7642415714240525051_n

The event wasn’t just about the half marathon; it encompassed a range of activities, including yoga, a 5K, a 10K, kids’ races, and a health and fitness expo. As the perfect culmination of the weekend, runners reveled in the magic of Disneyland Resort, setting the stage for upcoming events like the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (Feb. 22-26) at Walt Disney World Resort, the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (Apr. 18–21), and the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend (Sept. 5-8). These races, catering to runners of all fitness levels, offer the unique opportunity to traverse Disney theme parks, enjoy world-class entertainment, and earn coveted Disney-themed medals.

ESPN Returns Dozens of Falsely Obtained Emmy Awards

By

Chip

-

January 15, 2024

In a surprising turn of events, ESPN has taken the unprecedented step of returning up to 37 Emmy awards and issuing a formal apology to the organization overseeing the Sports Emmy Awards. The Athletic first broke the story, revealing that ESPN, based in Bristol, had submitted fake names in Emmy entries for categories in which they were ineligible to win. This deceptive practice reportedly dates back to at least 2010, with ESPN admitting wrongdoing and expressing regret.

In a statement, ESPN acknowledged the wrongdoing, saying, “Some members of our team were clearly wrong in submitting certain names that may go back to 1997 in Emmy categories where they were not eligible for recognition or statuettes.” The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), responsible for the Sports Emmy Awards, uncovered the fraud through an investigation, prompting ESPN to conduct its own probe.

ESPN Returns Dozens of Falsely Obtained Emmy Awards

ESPN clarified that the intention behind the misleading submissions was a misguided attempt to recognize on-air individuals who played crucial roles in their production team. This revelation has raised questions about the authenticity of ESPN’s Emmy wins, as several on-air personalities, including Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, and Desmond Howard from “College GameDay,” were allegedly given awards they were not entitled to, according to The Associated Press.

The scheme appears to revolve around ESPN’s “College GameDay” show, which won eight Emmys for Outstanding Weekly Studio Show in 2008. However, NATAS guidelines, until 2023, prohibited on-air talent from being included in a credit list for that category. The rules aimed to prevent front-facing talent from winning multiple awards for the same work, known as “double-dipping.”

While ESPN personalities received individual awards, such as Outstanding Host, Studio Analyst, or Emerging On-Air Talent, they were not eligible to claim a trophy for the show’s win. The revelation has prompted ESPN to take corrective measures, including returning falsely obtained trophies. ESPN has also engaged external counsel to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. The on-air winners allegedly had no knowledge of the fraudulent submissions. ESPN’s attempt to recognize its team’s contributions has led to a significant backlash and a reevaluation of its Emmy Awards legacy.