Recall on Disney’s Mickey Mouse nightlight due to fire hazard

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February 2, 2017

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling Disney’s Happy Holidays Mickey Mouse Nightlight which was sold exclusively at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and on the Disney Store.

Liquid from the nightlight can leak onto electrical outlets and create a potential fire hazard.

Anyone who purchased the Mickey Mouse Nightlight can call Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US, Inc. toll-free at 844-722-1444 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday

“Guests should immediately remove the nightlight from socket and return it for a $25 refund,” the company said on the Disney Store website.

Two incidents have been reported including an electrical fire.

UPC code: 400009489637 / Model number: YF E243438

‘Seven Seas Lagoon’ Themed Cocktail Now Appearing At The Wave Bar

By

Lisette R

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February 2, 2017

On a recent visit to The Wave Bar, located in the Contemporary Resort overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, we happened upon a newly introduced adult beverage. The ‘Seven Seas Lagoon’ is a beautifully themed cocktail now appearing at The Wave Bar and we couldn’t be happier about this discovery. Here is our review of what this new drink has to offer.

When we entered The Wave Bar we found a seat and began to peruse the menu. We were unsure of what we would like so we asked our Bartender if she had any suggestions. She then told us about a newly introduced sharable cocktail called ‘Seven Seas Lagoon.’ We decided to give it a try.

The first thing we noticed when our drink arrived was how pretty it is; kind of like a glowing blue lagoon. The ‘Seven Seas Lagoon’ is served with two Mickey straws, each topped with a Gummy Ring, reminiscent of a Life Preserver. We found this to be a really nice touch as the Gummy Rings tied together the theme in a fun way. We expected the drink to be quite sweet. While it was sweet, it was not overly sweet. We greatly enjoyed the flavor combinations that created the theme.

Here is the ingredients list:

Skyy Vodka (If you drink more than one of these you will find yourself looking at the Sky.)
Parrot Bay Coconut Rum (Parrot & Bay)
Soda Water (Because no Lagoon is complete without Water!)
Pineapple Juice (Think Tropical Fruit)
Lime Juice (What is a Cocktail without a bit of Lime Juice after all?)
Agave (Native Plant of Tropical America)
Swedish Fish (Yes Fish!)
Strawberry Green Apple Boba (Bubbles)
Peach Gummy Rings (Life Preservers)
2 Glow Cubes (Because water is blue of course)
Mickey Straws (After all we are at Walt Disney World!)

The ‘Seven Seas Lagoon’ is a 24 ounce sharable drink that can be found only at the The Contemporary Resort in The Wave Bar, and the Top of the World Lounge in Bay Lake Tower. If you are not a sharing kind of person, you can order one just for yourself. However, there is a 2 drink maximum per person and the ‘Seven Seas Lagoon’ contains the alcohol of two drinks. Therefore, if you order this drink for yourself, it is the only drink you will be allowed to purchase. We agreed that for us, it had to be a shareable beverage because it is very large and neither one of us wanted to find ourselves waking up Lagoon-side the next morning!

We love the theming of this new cocktail. We found a tie-in, and a bit of humor, in each of the ingredients as seen above. The Swedish Fish and Strawberry Green Apple Boba sink to the bottom of the lagoon so you may want to ask for a spoon at the end. ‘Seven Seas Lagoon’ is the best drink we have come across at the Walt Disney World Resort. Be aware that this adult beverage is not listed on the menu. You either have to know about it, or happen upon it by asking the right question.

Looking for something outside the norm of what you see at most Walt Disney World restaurants? The ‘Seven Seas Lagoon’ Themed Cocktail is a rare find and worth every penny of its $22 price tag.

What do you think of the ‘Seven Seas Lagoon’ Cocktail? Please leave your comments in the box below.

New Animal Experience at Animal Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 2, 2017

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We mentioned a while back that there were some new interactive animal experiences that were being tested at Animal Kingdom, but we hear now from Orlando Theme Park News that Cast Members have been invited to a special sneak preview of the new bird demonstration/show that’s possibly set to debut later this month. The Cast Members will be viewing the show very shortly, and we hope that means that the new animal experiences will officially begin soon at the park.

We’re not sure exactly what the new animal experiences will officially be, but obviously we see there will be some sort of bird show involved. We will keep you posted as we learn more about the new experience coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

If you would like to visit a Disney destination, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

Animators Reach Settlement In Wage Fixing Suit

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 2, 2017

Animators reached a $100 million settlement with the Walt Disney Company, Pixar, and Lucasfilm in a class action lawsuit claiming that the defendants violated antitrust laws by conspiring to set animation wages via non-poaching agreements.

Part of the settlement are also Two Pic MC, formerly known as ImageMovers. The settlement was disclosed in a court filing on Tuesday.

Disney and its companies were the last remaining defendants in the litigation. Earlier this month, a federal judge gave preliminary approval to a $50 million settlement with DreamWorks Animation, following previous settlements of $13 million with Sony Imageworks and $5.95 million with Blue Sky. All of the sums will be put in a settlement fund.

The lawsuit was filed in 2014 by Robert Nitsch, a former DreamWorks Animation senior character effects artist; David Wentworth, a former ImageMovers Digital production engineer; and Georgia Cano, a digital artist who held jobs at Rhythm & Hues, Walt Disney Feature Animation, and ImageMovers Digital. The legal filing says that each of the plaintiffs plan to seek service awards that would amount to $100,000 for the entire litigation.

The workers contend that the roots of the anti-poaching agreements go back to the mid-1980s, when George Lucas and Ed Catmull, the president of Steve Jobs’ newly formed company Pixar, agreed to not raid each other’s employees.

Other companies then joined the conspiracy, the suit contended, with agreements on such things as cold calling and notifying each other when making an offer to an employee of another company. In addition, the lawsuit claimed that the company making such an offer would not increase the compensation offered to the prospective employee in its offer if the company currently employing the employee made a counteroffer.

The class of employees include animation and visual effects employees at Pixar between 2004 – 2010; Lucasfilm between 2004 and 2010, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. from 2004 to 2010, the Walt Disney Company from 2004 to 2010, Sony Pictures Animation Inc. and Sony Pictures Imageworks Inc. from 2004 to 2010, Blue Sky Studios, Inc. from 2005 to 2010 and Two Pic MC, formerly ImageMovers Digital, from 2007 to 2010.

The litigation has its origins in 2010 Department of Justice antitrust complaints against Adobe, Apple, Google, Intel, Intuit, Pixar and Lucasfilm, in which the companies agreed to refrain from wage-fixing practices for a period of five years.

Lucasfilm and Pixar later settled civil litigation in 2013 after a group of Silicon Valley workers named the companies in wage fixing lawsuits. Other companies also settled, including Adobe, Apple, Google, and Intel, which agreed to pay $415 million. That settlement was approved in 2015.

A hearing on the Disney settlement is scheduled for March 9 in U.S. District Court in San Jose.

“Queen Of Katwe” Bluray Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 2, 2017

“Queen of Katwe” is a truly uplifting movie. It will inspire even the most hardened hearts (in my humble opinion). If you didn’t get the chance to see it in it’s limited release, I highly recommend watching the Blu-Ray, which comes out on the 31st.
Along with the amazing movie, you’ll be treated to some amazing bonus features.

Queen of Katwe: Their StoryThis is a three part mini doc featuring the people who brought “Queen of Katwe” to life:

“A Spark Of Inspiration” This part focuses on Tendu Nagenda meeting Mira Nair when he found the story through ESPN. Then decided to film in Katwe.
“Those Who Guide” This focuses on the actors and their counterparts. How the real story of Nakku Harriet and Robert Katende affected actors Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo.

“The Future Is Bright” Phiona, Madina & Martin growing up and finding who they
are. How similar they are and their lives parallel.

A Fork, A Spoon and A Knight
A short featurette documenting the life of Robert Katende. How he grew up in the violent bush, and then understood the most important thing to have is an education, and always paying it forward.

Music

“In The Studio With Alicia Keys” – Alicia Keys writing “Back To Life” and how the questions
she asks herself as an artist were reflected in the film.
“Alicia Keys Music Video for “Back To Life”
“Young Cardamom and HAB “#1 Spice” The fun music video that played during the credits of the film.

Deleted Scenes

8 deleted scenes from the film with introductions from director Mira Nair. She explains why the scene was filmed in the first place and why it was deleted.

2017 Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule released for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

By

Chip

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February 2, 2017

Disney released some rockin’ Epcot Flower & Garden Festival news this morning! The Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule has been released and as an added bonus for 2017 Disney has added an extra day to the weekend lineup! Not only do we get to Rock out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they have just added Monday to the calendar too!

This year’s line-up shakes out like this:

March 3-4 – Jon Secada – “Just Another Day”
March 5-6 – Dennis DeYoung – The Music of STYX – “Grand Illusion”
March 10-13 – Pointer Sisters – “I’m So Excited”
March 17-18 – Simple Plan – “Welcome to My Life” – NEW
March 19-20 – Plain White T’s – “Hey There Delilah”
March 24-27 – Night Ranger – “Sister Christian“
March 31-April 3 – Little River Band – “Reminiscing”
April 7-10 – Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice – “Spinning Wheel”
April 14-17 – Gin Blossoms – “Hey Jealousy”
April 21-24 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO – “Evil Woman”
April 28-29 – Exposé – “Point of No Return” – NEW
April 30-May 1 – Berlin featuring Terri Nunn – “Take My Breath Away” – NEW
May 5-8 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas – “We Built This City”
May 12-15 – The Guess Who – “American Woman”
May 19-22 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone – “I’m Henry VIII, I Am”
May 26-29 – The Spinners – “Working My Way Back To You”

“Garden Rocks” concert performances are held each Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Festival. Show times are at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. & 8 p.m. each night. Concerts are included with regular park admission to Epcot.

For more information on the Festival, check out epcotinspring.com.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill at the Wilderness Lodge to Open February 13th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 2, 2017

Walt Disney World recently announced that Wilderness Lodge’s newest eatery, Geyser Point Bar and Grill will open its door to guests starting on Monday, February 13th.

Conveniently located next to the feature pool area of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the restaurant will provide guests with an opportunity to grab a bite to eat and take it with them poolside or relax in the outdoor patio area which boasts views of Seven Seas Lagoon. The decor with its cedar beams and rustic interior is right at home with the Pacific Northwest theme of the resort.

Roaring Forks quick service restaurant as well as the Trout Pass Bar will be closed for refurbishments starting on February 13th and both are expected to open later in the year. In the meantime, Geyser Point will fill their role by serving up breakfast lunch and dinner and will also offer cocktails, beer and wine.

Though Disney has not released an official menu as of yet. There will reportedly be a quick service window offering kids meals, burgers, sandwiches and salads. The bar will serve cocktails with ingredients sourced from Pacific Northwest distilleries as well as wines and beer from the region. Small plates will also be available to accompany the wide array of drinks on offer.

Readers are encouraged to watch this space for more details on the Geyser Point opening.

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Find articles like this helpful? They why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you with everything from finding your perfect package to planning out your days at the parks and am always full of tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at the parks. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Disney.

Run Like a Princess with Disney Inspired Running Skirts

By

Danielle

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February 1, 2017

One of the most anticipated runDisney events of the year is almost upon us! The runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is only 3 weeks away. That means it’s time to make sure our running costumes are ready! These Disney Inspired Running Skirts by RunningCouture on Etsy are some of my favorite choices.

These super light weight skirts are perfect for running or any athletic activities. Of course they are great for costumes too! Each sparkly skirt is 11-15 inches in length with a 1 1/2 inch black elastic waistband. They fit true to size with a couple of inches to stretch on either side of the skirt. They come in a variety of Disney character inspirations, and add a little flair to your athletic attire! Fun and absolutely appropriate!!!

Which Disney inspired running skirts are your favorite?

D23 Members Invited to “Eat Like Walt” at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 1, 2017

D23 Members are invited to attend a special ticketed cooking demonstration called “Eat Like Walt” on Monday, April 10, 2017 at Disney California Adventure Park. Tickets include reserved seating and cost $10 plus tax per person. They will be available to purchase beginning February 10. Stay after the cooking demonstration for an exclusive meet and greet with Marcy Smothers, author of the upcoming book “Eat Like Walt.” The book is available for pre-order now and will be released on September 19, 2017.

Eat Like Walt is a culinary tour of the park’s six lands. Every attraction has a story, and so do many of the menu items. Disneyland’s food transports us as much as it satiates us, or, as Walt declared, “The food is as fabulous as the fun, too.” With food as the lens, Walt’s private and work life are explored—including recipes from his home, his studio, and his Magic Kingdom—ensuring anyone can “Eat Like Walt.”

The Cooking Demonstration will take place in Festival Showplace, Stage 17 in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park at 4 p.m. Plan to arrive no later than 3:45 p.m. It is available to General, Gold, and Gold Family Members and you will be required to show photo I.D. and proof of D23 Membership.

NOTE

This event does not include admission to Disney California Adventure park. Guests will need to have or purchase admission to Disney California Adventure park to attend. If planning to use a Disneyland Resort Annual Pass to attend, each guest should check blockout dates to verify that the pass is valid for admission on April 10. D23 General and Gold Members may reserve a space for themselves and one (1) guest. D23 Gold Family Members may reserve a space for themselves and up to three (3) guests.

Click here to see the rest of the featured ticketed events during the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival held March 10 through April 16.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney adventure. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Source: https://d23.com/d23-event/d23-members-invited-eat-like-walt-disney-california-adventure-food-wine-festival/?share_token=ac5d6af45b

Trattoria al Forno to Host New Character Breakfast this Spring

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 1, 2017

If you’ve ever wished that Disney had more options for Character Meals, then you’ll be glad to hear that Disney Parks Blog just made a huge announcement that an all-new character dining experience will debut this spring at Disney’s BoardWalk, with appearances by royal couples from beloved Disney films!

There are not many details released yet but Disney says “A delicious breakfast awaits you at Trattoria al Forno, as you get ready to set out for a day of endless magic at Walt Disney World Resort. It’s a hearty “bon voyage” celebration, featuring popular characters from favorite Disney stories like “Tangled” or “The Little Mermaid.” During your visit, be sure to share the tales of your own hopes and dreams, the adventures you’ve had… and those still to come with our favorite princess or prince!”

The new character breakfast is slated to begin in late spring, and as soon as we know more we will be sure to keep you updated!

What do you think of having another breakfast options for character meals?

If you would like to visit a Disney destination, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

photo: Disney Parks Blog

Reservations are Now Open for Premium Events at Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 1, 2017

Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival

Reservations for premium events at the 2017 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival at Disneyland Resort are now available. The festival runs from March 10 to April 16 and celebrates the freshness of a California Spring with unforgettable cuisine, beverages and events.

Below is the current schedule of celebrity chefs, wineries and breweries that will be participating in the 2017 premium events:

In the Kitchen With…

You’ve seen them on TV―now watch as each star chef shares cooking tips and recipe ideas, and you sample the delicious results.

Saturday, March 11 – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
G. Garvin: Road Trip with G. Garvin and Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin

Saturday, March 18 – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Robert Irvine: Restaurant: Impossible

Saturday, March 25 – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Graham Elliot: MasterChef

Saturday, April 1 – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Guy Fieri: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Guy’s Grocery Games

Saturday, April 8 – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Cat Cora: Cat Cora’s Kitchen

Saturday, April 15 – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Jet Tila: Chopped and Cutthroat Kitchen

Event Location and Price: Festival Showplace, Stage 17 in Hollywood Land
$99.00 per person, plus tax and gratuities for servers.

Sweet Sundays

Start your festival day with a light breakfast and sparkling wine toast during an entertaining 90-minute baking demonstration.

Sunday, March 19 – 10:30 AM to noon
Duff Goldman: Cake Masters and Ace of Cakes

Sunday, April 2 – 10:30 AM to noon
Emily Ellyn: Food Network Star and Cutthroat Kitchen

Sunday, April 16 – 10:30 AM to noon
Keegan Gerhard: Food Network Challenge

Event Location and Price: Festival Showplace, Stage 17 in Hollywood Land
$79.00 per person, plus tax and gratuities for servers.

Wine Maker Dinners

Each dinner event highlights wines from different California vintners, with the meal’s 4 courses carefully selected to enhance the flavor of the wine. Guest presenters from the featured wineries will provide background and tasting notes and describe how the chef planned the dishes to make the most of the flavor of the wines.

Thursday, March 16 – 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Duckhorn Vineyards: Neil Bernardi

Thursday, March 30 – 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Flora Springs Winery: Nat Komes

Thursday, April 13 – 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Disney Family of Wines: These wineries have a special connection to Walt and the Disney legacy. Silverado Vineyards – Jonathan Emmerich, Fess Parker Winery – Tim Snider, Lasseter Family Winery – Julia Iantosca and GoGi Wines – Jami Way.

Event Location and Price: All Winemaker Dinners are at Golden Vine Winery. Duckhorn Vineyards – $150.00 per person, plus tax and gratuities for servers. Flora Springs Winery – $150.00 per person, plus tax and gratuities for servers. Disney Family of Wines – $200.00 per person, plus tax and gratuities for servers.

Brew Master Beer Dinners

This year’s festival features prix fixe dinners where 4 courses of food and beer come together for delicious results. At both Thursday evening events, hand-selected beers will be paired and served with a specialty menu created by the Disney culinary team. Knowledgeable guest brewmasters will present each beer and describe the chef’s vision for the pairing.

Thursday, March 23 – 6:30 to 9:00 PM
Celebrating Anaheim Breweries
Noble Ale Works
Bottle Logic Brewing
Backstreet Brewery

Thursday, April 6 – 6:30 to 9:00 PM
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Matt Johnson, Brewmaster of Brewing Operations

Event Location and Price: Golden Vine Winery, Vineyard Room.
$150.00 per person, plus tax and gratuities for servers

Wine Education & Tasting Seminars

Join fellow wine buffs for a lively 30- to 45-minute presentation with sample tastings led by a sommelier or winemaking professional.

Event Location and Price: Golden Vine Winery, Sonoma Terrace
•Monday through Thursday – $15.00 per person, plus tax
•Friday through Sunday – $20.00 per person, plus tax

Beer and Spirits Education & Tasting Seminars

Each session is presented by a beverage industry pro who will guide you through tasting up to 3 different samples.

Event Location and Price: Festival Showplace, Stage 17 in Hollywood Land
•Monday through Thursday – $15.00 per person, plus tax
•Friday through Sunday – $20.00 per person, plus tax

Culinary Demonstrations

Each 30-minute mini cooking lesson provides step-by-step instructions and recipe ideas that focus on a single recipe, ingredient or technique.

Event Location and Price: Festival Showplace, Stage 17 in Hollywood Land
•Monday through Thursday – $10.00 per person, plus tax
•Friday through Sunday – $15.00 per person, plus tax

Reservations for premium events are required and can be made online or by calling (714) 781-DINE starting 60 days prior to each individual event’s date. Space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot in advance. Reservations must be cancelled no less than 72 hours prior to the event to avoid a full-price cancellation fee. Separate Disney California Adventure theme park admission is required and not included in the price of the events.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney adventure. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo credit: Disney

Adorable Mickey & Minnie Tsum Tsum Tsweeties for Valentine’s Day

By

Danielle

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February 1, 2017

Can you believe that Valentine’s Day is only 2 weeks away? I know I can’t! As much as I love sweets and chocolate, I know I need to be a good girl, so these Mickey & Minnie Tsum Tsum Tsweeties are a perfect candy alternative for this Valentine’s Day!

Collect, stack and display your favorite Disney Tsum Tsum characters! Give your special “Tsweetie” a treat with this adorable Valentine’s Day gift set! Find Mickey with a face full of lipstick kisses and Minnie in her lovable heart-sprinkled attire sharing a sundae at a café this Valentine’s Day! These one of a kind “Tsweeties” can be used to stack with other Tsum Tsum figures and accessories!

These vinyl Tsum Tsum Tsweeties are sure to be the perfect calorie free treat!