Disneyland Resort’s Refurbishment Schedule for October 2018

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October 3, 2018

Disneyland Resort's Refurbishment Schedule for October 2018

Here is Disneyland Resort’s Refurbishment schedule for Disneyland and California Adventure for October 2018 and beyond.

If you are traveling to the Disneyland Resort soon here is the latest list of the current and scheduled refurbishments going on at the parks and signature hotels. Make sure to take note and plan ahead.

Disneyland Park

Matterhorn Bobsleds – July 30, 2018 – TBD

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – Aug. 6 – Oct. 2, 2018

“it’s a small world” – Oct. 22 – Nov. 8, 2018

Space Mountain – Nov. 1, 2018

Mark Twain Riverboat – Nov. 12, 2018 – TBD

Disney California Adventure® Park

World of Color – Now until Late 2018

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa

White Water Snacks – Sep. 24, 2018 – TBD

Disneyland Hotel

Tangaroa Terrace – Sep. 9, 2018 – TBD

Please be advised that Disneyland Resort’s Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting.

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for October 2018 and Beyond

By

Chip

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October 3, 2018

Here is our Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for October 2018 and Beyond…

For those heading to Walt Disney World this month, here is a list of temporary closures and refurbishments that you’ll want to be aware of. So take note and adjust your park itineraries accordingly!

Magic Kingdom

Monorail – The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form or transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.

Liberty Square Riverboat – January 8, 2018 – TBD – Ongoing until further notice

Stitch’s Great Escape! is closed

Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise is currently closed, set to reopen on October 21, 2018.

Epcot
None

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away not showing from October 1 – TBA. Expected to start again sometime in November.

Disney Junior – Live on Stage! will be replaced by Disney Junior Dance Party! in late 2018.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is scheduled to open early 2019.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is scheduled to open in 2019.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is set to open late fall, 2019.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Rafiki’s Planet Watch is closing on October 20th and will reopen Spring 2019.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Closed for Refurbishment – January 6, 2019-March 16, 2019

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Closed for Refurbishment – October 28, 2018 – January 5, 2019

Disney World Resorts

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney Skyliner – We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas
Jambo House – Rooms Refurbishment – During this room refurbishment, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00am. Mid-August 2018 – Fall 2019

Jambo House – Uzima Feature Pool – Uzima Springs Pool and Uzima Springs Pool Bar are scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. During this time Samawati Springs Pool and Maji Pool Bar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village will be available. Brief rides via shuttle transportation will be provided to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House. During this time, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00am. September 2018 – Early December 2018

Jambo House – Payment Policy Pilot
Beginning February 12, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House will participate in a pilot where transactions will be handled with convenient, cash-free options. All purchases and services at the resort will accept MagicBands, credit cards, debit cards, Disney Gift Cards, Disney Rewards Redemption Cards and contactless payments such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay. February 12, 2018 – TBD

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas
Disney Skyliner
We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters at Old Port Royale, Cabana Pool Bar, Goombay Games Arcade and Calypso Trading Post are unavailable
There will be a variety of dining options available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Centertown, a dining location, will serve an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet for breakfast and dinner, and a la carte options for lunch.
A selection of grab-and-go meals will be conveniently available for purchase throughout the day in three new island markets, located in the Aruba, Jamaica and Martinique regions of the Resort.
Additional a la carte offerings will be available at mobile food vending locations.

In-room dining will remain available. The menu includes pizza, sandwiches and pasta.
Disney dining plans will be accepted.

We will make every effort to assist with dietary needs.
The feature pool (Fuentes del Morro Pool), leisure pools, recreation activities and entertainment will remain available.

In addition to the amenities unavailable at Old Port Royale, buildings within the Martinique and Barbados regions of the Resort are unavailable to Guests.

During this time, multiple construction projects will be seen and heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00am.

Disney Skyliner
We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time, multiple construction projects will be seen and heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00am.
Ongoing until further notice

General Construction
During this time, multiple construction projects will be seen and heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00am.
Ongoing until further notice

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Pepper Market – During this time, the quick-service restaurant, Pepper Market, will undergo minor refurbishment work, but will remain in operation. If Guests would like to experience one of the other dining locations, they can visit Maya Grill, Las Ventanas, Café Rix, Laguna Bar, Siestas Cantina and the newly reimagined space, Rix Sports Bar & Grill, featuring a variety of sandwiches, salads and refreshing beverages. All amenities will remain in operation, including the Dig Site pool area, La Vida Health Club, Salon & Spa and the Iguana Arcade.
Now through Summer 2019

The Dig Site (including Feature Pool) -The Dig Site, home to The Lost City of Cibola Pool, volleyball court, playground, Iguana Arcade and Siestas Cantina, will be closed for refurbishment. While this work takes place, our other exceptional amenities, including three leisure pools, dining and merchandise locations, La Vida Health Club, Salon & Spa and recreation activities, including Movies Under the Stars and Campfires with Marshmallows, will remain available. September – Mid-December 2018

General Construction/Rooms Refurbishment – During this time, amenities including dining locations (such as the newly reimagined Rix Sports Bar and Grill) and merchandise locations, pools, La Vida Health Club with the spa and salon, and recreation activities such as beach volleyball, Iguana Arcade, Movies Under the Stars and more, will remain available. Please note that noise will be heard while our Resort is undergoing refurbishments, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms prior to 9:00am daily.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney Skyliner – We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9 am.
Ongoing until further notice

Disney Springs

Golf Courses
None

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Roadwork – Intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise impacts can be expected along Osceola Parkway / Victory Way.

Information and dates subject to change without notice.

Why are planters and seating disappearing at Disneyland?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 3, 2018

woman looks for seating on a railing at Disneyland

Benches and brick planters have been disappearing at Disneyland, but why?

If you frequent the Disneyland Resort, you may have noticed that your favorite resting spot in the park has gone missing. Your favorite bench in New Orleans Square might have vanished. Is this a Halloween prank on the part of the world’s second most visited resort?

Though it’s the season of tricks and treats, Disneyland isn’t pulling pranks on Guests. Instead, the happiest place on earth is downsizing some of its seating areas to allow for widened walkways. Over the last twenty years, Disneyland has seen an attendance explosion, which is great for shareholders, but it can make for some very congested thoroughfares in the park.

In New Orleans Square, between the popcorn cart and the Disney Vacation Club kiosk, congestion has been on the rise, especially at night since the Fantasmic! show takes place nearby each evening.

“We are always looking at ways to enhance elements such as guest flow [and] seating,” said Liz Jaegar, spokeswoman for Disneyland, in a statement.

Many Guests have opted to simply lean against railing or fencing when they need to take a rest during their adventures in the park.

Per Disneyland officials, the plan is ultimately to replace all of the seating that is removed. But the replacements might not be in the same locations. In Adventureland, the Bengal BBQ quick-service restaurant used to only accommodate seating for 36, but the eatery now has room for 100 to sit comfortably. At this time, it seems the only additional seating will be at restaurants in the area.

Disneyland also says that it is widening walkways to accommodate for the projected record attendance in the park once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens next year. Star Wars fans have been ecstatic about the new land since it was announced at the 2017 D23 Expo.

Photo Credit: OC Register

Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Live Action Remake Coming Soon

By

Chip

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October 3, 2018

Lilo & Stitch are coming back to the big screen but in a different way…

Disney’s hit animated film Lilo & Stitch is getting the live-action treatment according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Disney has hired Mike Van Waes to write the script for this new film with Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback, formerly known as Lin Pictures to produce. Dan & Jonathan are already signed up to work on the live-action remake of Aladdin.

It is unclear if the new project will be a live-action/CG hybrid.

Lilo & Stitch is set to release in theaters sometime in 2019…

Naples Ristorante Renovation Update

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 3, 2018

Naples Ristorante Phase Two Renovations Complete

Refurbishments to Naples Ristorante in Downtown Disney continue as phase two of the renovation process is officially complete. Naples is pleased to unveil an updated enclosed upstairs area equipped with a quaint walkout patio. The fresh new look includes lush green foliage decorating the space and a fountain water feature serving as the focal point to anchor the design of the charming terrace. Twinkling chandeliers give the celestial atmosphere a warm and inviting glow. The picturesque setting instantly transports visitors to the Italian peninsula, overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean with the majestic Mt. Vesuvius standing guard overhead. Inside, guests are welcome to comfortably lounge in plush booth seating while looking on as their meals are being expertly prepared in the open concept kitchen. From the traditional eight-layer lasagna bathed in a Bolognese sauce, béchamel, and Parmesan to the pan-seared salmon served on a bed of roasted tomatoes and green beans, the menu is full of classic Italian dishes that pair perfectly with the extensive wine list offered by the glass, carafe, or bottle.

While these exciting changes have been in the works, Naples’ fast-casual concept equivalent, Napolini, formally closed its doors for their own set of renovations. However, guests can still order Napolini’s famous fresh-baked pizzas from the recently opened ground-level patio at Naples during this interim period. Customers can grab an individual 10-inch Neapolitan pie to enjoy by themselves on the go or share a large 20-inch amongst friends and family for a delicious meal on the go. All nine gourmet fan-favorite flavors will be offered, including classics such as Margherita or pepperoni in addition to the more adventurous eggplant or shrimp pesto recipes. See the full list of drool-worthy menu options below!

Napolini Pizzas Available To Go:

· Margherita

· Pepperoni

· Marinara E. Capperi

· Capricciosa

· Porchetta

· Pesto E Gamberi

· Pollo

· Melanzane

· Quattro Formaggi

The third and final phase of renovations slated to be complete later this year will continue the design theme of modern European minimalism with traces of Old-World accents in the textures and colors. The result will be a tranquil environment offering visitors the beauty of an Italian getaway without ever having to stamp their passports.

Be Our Guest serving Alcohol at Breakfast and Lunch

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 3, 2018

Be Our Guest serving Alcohol at Breakfast and Lunch

Exciting news did you hear Be Our Guest is now serving Alcohol at breakfast and lunch in the Magic Kingdom.

If you fancy a Bellini with breakfast or a Stella Artois with lunch Be Our Guest is your destination!

Back in 2012 Be Our Guest Restaurant hit the headlines by becoming the first Magic Kingdom restaurant to serve alcohol which was previously restricted to dinner. Since the opening of Magic Kingdom in 1971, a strict policy of no-alcohol was followed. It was not until 2012 that this policy changed. Those of us who imbibe welcome this change and enjoy the opportunity to drink an adult beverage at the greatest place on earth!

Also of note, The Fantasyland restaurant is also serving Mimosa and Sangria for $10 at breakfast. A selection of beers and wine accompany the lunch menu. Prices are in the range of $8.50 to $11.

Let’s take a look at the beverage menu for Be Our Guest,

Be Our Guest serving Alcohol at Breakfast and Lunch

When planning your dining experience for Be Our Guest a few things to keep in mind

This is a Quick Service restaurant for breakfast and lunch
Dinner is Table Service
The Beast is available at dinner only. He will be located in a special room for photographs, not tableside as with other dining experiences Photopass photographers are always on hand to capture your special moments

With all of these wonderful beverages to now select at breakfast and lunch, which will be your first and your favorite? Send us a photo, we love to see you happy!

For more updates and more follow us at Chip&Co for all the latest and greatest!

Barrels of Fun at the Polite Pig – Media Preview

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 3, 2018

Barrels of Fun at the Polite Pig - Media Preview

The Barrels of Fun at the Polite Pig event (Media Preview) was just that – Barrels of FUN! What goes better together than impeccable bourbon and incredible barbeque?! The Polite Pig in Disney Springs is the place to be for barbeque and bourbon lovers. I was so elated to attend this special event as they released their private barrels of Elijah Craig, Small Batch, Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey and Whistle Pig 10 Year Straight Rye Whiskey, along with the latest Cask and Larder brews.

First Course – Fall Harvest Taco & Apple Cider Whiskey Sour

My eyes were sparkling when I saw they had their Wonderfall items as the first course. I am obsessed with this pairing of the Fall Harvest Taco and Apple Cider Whiskey Sour. The autumnal flavors are off the charts. Remember these Wonderfall items will only be around until November 6th, so make your plans now to gobble them up before they are gone.

Second Course – Cedar Plank Salmon & Elijah Craig Private Barrel, Prime Brisket & Whistle Pig 10 Year Rye Private Barrel accompanied with Smoked Root Vegetables, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, and BBQ Cauliflower

The Cedar Plank Salmon was the exact match for the Elijah Craig Private Barrel. The sweet and toasty finish of the Elijah Craig really enhanced the Maple-Dijon glaze on the salmon, which was outstanding.

The Prime Brisket paired with the Whistle Pig 10 Year Rye Private Barrel was excellent. Full disclosure, I am still dreaming of that brisket. It just melted. The smokey char on the brisket matched beautifully with the char and oak notes of the Whistle Pig.

The three sides of Smoked Root Vegetables, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, and BBQ Cauliflower were absolute perfection. I left no crumb behind, so delicious! This place is where my kids will willingly eat their veggies LOL!

Third Course – Gideon’s Chocolate Chip Cookie & Cask and Larder Working Man Porter

Last but certainly not least, the evening ended with a Gideon’s Chocolate Chip Cookie and a glass of the Cask and Larder Working Man Porter. Let me tell you, that was a slam-bang finish! The richness of the cookie and the creamy, toasty flavor of the Porter together were out of this world.

Overall Thoughts

The Barrels of Fun event at the Polite Pig in Disney Springs was amazing. Brilliant barbeque paired with delightful drinks, how could you not be in love? I just can not get enough. Have you sampled the fantastic barbeque and drinks at The Polite Pig? Post in the comments below. Stay hungry Disney friends!

The S’mores Churro is back at Disney California Adventure

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 3, 2018

S'mores Churro at Disney California Adventure

Great news! The S’mores Churro is back at Disneyland!

Disneyland is known for its churros, and one of the best–the S’mores Churro–is back. If you’ve never tried one, fall is the perfect time to do so! You can find them at Grizzly Peak at Disney’s California Adventure Park.

This one is a graham cracker churro drizzled with chocolate sauce and marshmallow sauce. It’s then sprinkled with decadent chocolate chips. What better way to celebrate the season?

Churros at Disneyland are the perfect balance between crunchy and soft. You can get churros anywhere in the country, but there’s something special about churros from Disney! Find the original churro–fried pastry-dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar–at several locations in the parks. Look for them near Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, near Town Square, near Goofy’s Sky School and also near the Casey Jr. Circus Train.

While you’re enjoying your S’mores Churros, don’t forget to experience all that Grizzly Peak has to offer to Guests. Grizzly Peak is a beautiful and adventurous section of the park, created to look like a national park in California in the 1950s. Make a splash at Grizzly River Run. Go on an adventure with the family at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Or hang glide over famous landmarks across the planet at the Soarin’ Around the World attraction.

Epcot Food & Wine Tailgate Tasting – Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 3, 2018

Epcot Food & Wine Tailgate Tasting - Review

The Epcot Food & Wine Tailgate Tasting is a must do at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival if you are a football fan. ESPN Monday Night Football hosts an incredible free event for Annual Passholders in the Festival Center. I was lucky enough to attend Monday, October 1st for the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Denver Broncos inspired Tailgate Tasting created by Chef Wil of Event Operations.

Registration

There are two more Tailgate Tastings – Oct. 8 and 15th. To ensure your seat, you must rope drop the park, and head straight over to the festival center. As soon as you walk in, you will see the Cast Member in charge of sign up. They only allow just over 100 people for each tasting. I was the third person in line. By the time I signed up and got my band, the line was all the way back up to the entrance. The cast member made sure to let everyone know that we had to be back by 4:15 pm otherwise they would give our seats to people on standby. I got in line about 3:50 pm to ensure I got a good seat, and there were already quite a few people in front of me in line.

Smoked Rocky Mountain Chili & New Belgium Fat Tire Amber

Growing up in Wisconsin, chili is a staple gameday dinner, especially in the frozen tundra. I enjoyed the choice of venison (instead of the usual ground beef) which is another favorite of mine being a WI girl. The New Belgium Fat Tire was so smooth and enhanced the smokiness of the chili.

Smoked Kansas City Ribs & The Big Bad Red Blend

I love me some ribs, and Chef Wil’s were finger licking good! The meat just fell right off the bone. Now add that full-bodied red wine to the mix, and that is a match made in heaven! I am still thinking about that rib.

Charred Corn Buttons & Madras Mimosa

I never thought about adding polenta and creamed corn into a cornbread. The texture and flavor those added have me ready to change up my tried and true recipe at home. The sweetness of the Madras Mimosa and the Charred Corn Button were just the perfect compliments to both the chili and rib.

Overall Thoughts

I am a HUGE football fanatic (Green Bay Packers Owner), and this event was a blast. Did I mention this event is free for Annual Passholders?! The event started at 4:15 and lasted just under an hour. Remember there are only two more dates left – Oct. 8th & 15th, and the menus will be inspired by the teams facing off on Monday Night Football. What is a must on your tailgate menu when you are cooking with family and friends? Post in the comments below. Stay hungry Disney friends!

Scare Up a Good Time at Disney Springs This Halloween Season

By

Heather Adamczak

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October 3, 2018

Scare Up a Good Time at Disney Springs This Halloween Season

Scary good times have officially arrived at Disney Springs! Gobblins and ghosts are gathering to sample amazing new Halloween treats unlike any other. Take a look at this season treats at Disney Springs:

You must try the Ganachery’s chocolate, candy-filled piñatas featuring Jack Skellington and Minnie Mouse Witch options. You’ll also find other spooky treats here as well including chocolate skulls and ganache flavors including salted caramel, orange cranberry, and pumpkin spice latte.
Not to be forgotten, Amorette’s Patisserie has delectable Mickey Pumpkin Macarons and Fall Harvest Petite Cake made of cinnamon and nutmeg chiffon cake layered with salted caramel mousse, cranberry cherry pate de fruit, and roasted hazelnuts.
Where are our sugar fans? Goofy’s Candy Co. and Candy Cauldron have you covered with pumpkin and “poison” specialty apples, mummy and pumpkin cake pops, themed crispy treats and fall cookies and cupcakes.
Adults can warm up with some Pumpkin Irish Coffee at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. It is a hot beverage is made with fresh espresso topped with whipped cream and paired with a pumpkin crème brûlée tart.
Sprinkles BOO Box filled with caramel apple cupcakes, a delectable pumpkin shake at D-Luxe Burger
Autumn Smash (an elixir made with spiced rum, lemon juice, peach nectar, simple syrup and a touch of cinnamon) and a handful of hard ciders available at Dockside Margaritas and other venues throughout the property

Candy and treats are the only things to look forward to at Disney Springs this Halloween! An event that celebrates the 25th Anniversary Nightmare Before Chirstmas is being held at The Edison!

Scare Up a Good Time at Disney Springs This Halloween Season

A Halloween Soiree at The Edison, celebrating the 25th anniversary of “Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” For $85 plus tax and gratuity, you can snack on small plates and signature sips inspired by the film and enjoy an over-the-top entertainment line-up that includes flying aerialists, stilt-walking skeletons, eclectic dancers, live music and more. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. on Halloween night.

Scare Up a Good Time at Disney Springs This Halloween Season

Keep in mind Disney Parks costume guidelines apply at Disney Springs and all guests must be 21 and older. Ticket are now on sale from The Edison here, while supplies last.

Check back again for all of your latest Disney news!

Photos copyright Disney Parks Blog

Star vs. the Forces of Evil: Magic Book of Spells Giveaway

By

Danielle

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October 3, 2018

Greetings Star vs. The Forces of Evil Fans! We’re very excited to announce that we have partnered with Disney Book Group for a giveaway! We’re giving away one copy of Star vs. the Forces of Evil: The Magic Book of Spells, plus Star’s wand, headband, and wand enamel pins. Sounds exciting right?

First of all if you haven’t checked out this book yet, I have to say it is incredible! The pages are full of whimsical colors, and enchanted images. There are lots of little details, from the cover of the book having an ancient look, complete with golden lock and corner clasp designs, to pages that look as if they were hand written by the Mewni queens themselves!

What’s in the Magic Book of Spells Giveaway prize pack?

Strike a Spell!
One (1) winner receives:

A copy of Star vs. the Forces of Evil: The Magic Book of Spells.
Plus Star’s wand, headband, and wand enamel pins.

How do you enter? Simply leave a comment below about why you love Star vs. The Forces of Evil! We’ll choose one lucky winner this week*!

Are you excited about the Star vs. the Forces of Evil: The Magic Book of Spells Giveaway with Disney Book Group?

*Giveaway open to US addresses only. Prizing and samples provided by Disney Book Group. Contest closes on Friday October 5th.

Five Chances to Win Lunch With the Chefs of Terralina Crafted Italian

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 3, 2018

How would you like to attend an exclusive lunch at Terralina Crafted Italian? The restaurant, which opened this summer, wants to give back after such a great response to their opening.

The meal will feature James Beard Award Winner Tony Mantuano, chef/partner of the only four-star Italian restaurant in Chicago and Executive Chef Justin Plank and will take place on October 10!

How can you attend this exciting event? Five lucky winners will receive two tickets each this week. Follow along on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a chance to win.