89th Academy Awards and The List of Disney Oscar Nominations

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January 24, 2017

The Oscar nominations for the 89th Academy Awards were announced this morning.

Disney, which had a record-breaking box office year in 2016, received several nominations for their films in technical categories as well as one in Best Original Song (no surprise!). Additionally, Walt Disney Animation scored two Best Animated Film nomination slots while Pixar picked up a nod for Animated Short. And, although it’s not a Disney-released film, it is worth noting that Life, Animated, which shares the story of how Owen Suskind was able to communicate with his family through Disney classics, was nominated for Best Documentary Feature, running against a Disney / ESPN film.

Here is the list of Disney nominations:

Best Documentary Feature
O.J.: Made in America (ESPN)

Best Sound Mixing
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Best Visual Effects
Doctor Strange
The Jungle Book
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Best Original Song
“How Far I’ll Go” – Moana

Best Animated Feature
Moana
Zootopia

Best Animated Short
“Piper”

The 89th Academy Awards will air Sunday, February 26th on ABC.

Mousekeeping at Walt Disney World to Undergo Changes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 24, 2017

One reason guests love staying at a Disney resort Hotel is that you get exquisite service no matter which Resort you stay at on property. However, lately Disney has been falling behind on it’s Mousekeeping standards. Guests have complained of finding cheerios on the floor when they check in, to not having their beds made after receiving service. Even DVC members, who only get Mousekeeping once every few days have said the service has been very disappointing in the last few years.

Luckily we hear from WDW News Today that Disney is finally addressing the issue and there are improvements to the Mousekeeping service in the works. Disney has posted openings on their website for Housekeeping staff, and are rumored to be adding more managers to each resort. They are also rumored to be rolling out a new system in which they can dispatch mousekeepers to rooms that need servicing in a more orderly and efficient manner.

On top of all that, there is also the possibility that Disney may bring in a third party vendor to re-train staff to improve what has recently become unacceptable Mousekeeping service.

All of this sounds good to us, what do you think of the Mousekeeping service lately at Walt Disney world?

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.

“Light Between Oceans” Blu-Ray Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 24, 2017

I didn’t get the opportunity to watch “Light Between Oceans” in the theater, so I was very happy to get the DVD to review. This film is a beautifully shot period piece based on the novel of the same name by M.L. Stedman.

It tells the story of a young couple Tom Sherbourne (played by Michael Fassbender) and Isabel Graysmark (Alicia Vikander), very much in love that live on a remote island off the Australian coast manning a lighthouse. After years of tragic miscarriages they find a baby in a boat and decide to raise it as their own. Do they live with the guilt when they come across the baby’s actual mother (played by Rachel Weisz), or do what is right? This is a story about love, of consequence, truth and the extremes a person goes through for love and family. It’s sad and beautiful, much like life.

The Blu-Ray comes with a few bonus features.

Bringing the Light to Life:
This is a featurette about the story itself and the making of the film. It was shot on a remote island (much like it’s shown in the film) off of the New Zealand coast. The crew and cast living there on the set, living off the land and even cooking their meals in the kitchen on the house they shot in. It was a really interesting look at the decisions that went into the making of the film by both the director and the actors.

The Lighthouse Keeper:
What I learned in this short was this was filmed in a real historical lighthouse. The island is called Cape Campbell and it’s loaded with history.

There is also an audio commentary that comes with the Blu-Ray.

I’m not usually a big fan of love stories, but this one drew me in. The actors are unbelievably good and the direction is not overt – the story just plays itself and it’s lovely. If you enjoy a good love story I recommend “Light Between Oceans”, it will be a must to have in your collection.The Digital HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand will be available on January 24th.

4 New Offerings Coming to Disney World This Spring

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 24, 2017

It’s already shaping up to be a fantastic 2017 at Walt Disney World and things are about to get even more exciting as Disney recently released details of four new events debuting over the months ahead. Here’s a quick rundown of the offerings that are destined to be the latest additions to your Disney “must-do” list.

Star Wars Guided Tour – Star Wars fans both young and old will be able to delight in this new Hollywood Studios tour that promises 7 hours of intergalactic fun. Coming in at $121.12 per person, highlights of the tour include: screening of Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, enrollment in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, a ride on Star Tours, dinner at Backlot Express, meet and greets with Kylo Ren and Chewbacca, tickets to Star Wars a Galactic Spectacular with fireworks viewing and much more. Tours run throughout the week and can be booked at 407-939-7529. More information can be found here.

Star Wars Galactic Nights – Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the place to be on April 14, 2017 when Disney plays host to the out-of-this-world Star Wars Galactic Nights event. Guests can don their favorite Star Wars costumes and enjoy an evening jam-packed with fun including: a movie-premiere style party, a park-wide Seize the Saga scavenger hunt, special Star Wars character encounters and a talk show experience featuring Star Wars cast and crew. Spots for the event are limited so early booking is strongly encouraged. Tickets for the even range from $124 – $129 per person (plus tax). For more information or to purchase tickets please visit Disney World’s website.

Miss Fortune Falls – Opening later this Spring is Typhoon Lagoon’s newest attraction. This new family-raft ride promises to be the longest ride at both water parks with a run time of about 2 1/2 minutes. Located just past the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, guests are taken on a thrilling adventure hosted by Captain Mary Oceaneer – a treasure hunter who lost her prized loot when a surprise typhoon scattered it about the water park. It’s up to guests to help locate the treasure (with the help of Mary’s trusted Parrot) on this thrilling water ride that is sure to please.

Caring for Giants – Details are still sketchy as of going to print but it looks as if Animal Kingdom will be adding another exciting tour to its fantastic line-up. Guests can already go adventuring behind the scenes with Wild Africa Trek or learn first hand how animals are looked after during the Backstage Tails Tour. Now, Animal Kingdom will be offering a chance to get up close with its pachyderms as part of a new Caring for Giants tour slated to start later this Spring. Its the perfect treat for elephant lovers. Watch this space for further details in the weeks ahead.

New Openings at Disney Springs – Disney’s downtown shopping district will continue its renaissance with four new venues slated to open in early 2017. There’s the much-anticipated re-opening of Planet Hollywood this time with an observatory theme and celebrity chef Guy Fieri lending inspiration to the classic menu. Paddlefish will also open its doors during the Spring and boasts a modern yacht-themed interior and delicious seafood delights including a “build your own” lobster boil. The Polite Pig will no doubt begin wining over guests with wood-fired and smoked menu items accompanied by an impressive craft beer selection. The Edison, based on the L.A. club of the same name will be a haven for steampunks and those looking for a unique night out with its 1920’s power plant decor making it a go-to destination for great food, creative cocktails and a bit of cabaret.

Visitors to Disney in Early 2017 also won’t want to miss:

Disney’s Festival of the Arts – Running Friday’s through Mondays until February 20th, Epcot’s newest festival is a celebration of the Culinary, Visual and Performing Arts with a robust festival line-up that includes a Broadway Concert Series, workshops, seminars, food booths and fantastic merchandise. Check out this article to find out more.

Disney After Hours – These Magic Kingdom exclusive evening events are perfect for those eager to get in a little bit of extra ride time or to enjoy the parks without the crowds. There’s 25 attractions that remain open without the wait times and Disney also serves up a special selection of ice cream, popcorn and bottled drinks for party guests. The event runs from 9pm -12am on select evenings between now and March 9th with tickets running $119 per person. Spaces are limited so advanced booking is recommended. Tickets can be purchased online through here.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – Finally, what better way to celebrate spring then at the 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Running from March 1st – May 29th, this year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever with outdoor kitchens, exhibits, seminars, over 70 Disney-themed topiaries, breathtaking gardens and the Garden Rocks concert series. Best of all, attending the event is included in your Epcot park admission.

So plan your visit to Walt Disney World this Spring and take advantage of all of these exciting new happenings! You can start by filling out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Images copyright Disney.

Advanced Dining Reservations are now open for Planet Hollywood Observatory & first look at the all new menu

By

Chip

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January 24, 2017

Reservations are now available starting on February 1st, 2017 for the all new Planet Hollywood Observatory in Disney Springs.

Their menu that is out of this world. The Planet Hollywood Observatory kitchen will be cooking up new dishes that will leave you starstruck! Here is just a sample:

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There are also 2 lounges available with stunning views of Disney Springs:

Stargazers Bar – Live entertainment will be served up nightly on this outdoor patio. Beer aficionados can also look forward to a great range of Florida craft brews.

Upper Bar – Will feature artisan cocktails.

Finally we have a peek at their all new lunch and dinner menu:

Appetizers

World Famous Chicken Crunch
All-natural chicken tenders hand-breaded with a crunchy sweet coating, served with our signature Creole mustard sauce
$12.99

Five Cheese Dip
A flavorful, gooey dip made of Swiss, mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses with spinach, artichoke hearts and roasted tomato, served with corn tortilla chips and toasted herb flatbread
$11.99

Hummus Trio
Roasted red pepper and black bean hummus, edamame hummus, and roasted garlic hummus, served with toasted herb flatbread
$10.99

Twice-Cooked Buffalo Wings
Chicken wings baked and then fried to perfection and tossed in buffalo sauce, served with celery, carrots, and blue cheese dressing
$12.99

Potato Wedge Dippers
Build-your-own potato wedges with our special four cheese sauce, crispy bacon bits, buttermilk ranch dressing, pico de gallo, and sour cream
$11.99

Peri-Peri Shrimp
Six large shrimp fried and tossed in a spicy sauce of chilies, garlic, herbs, and spices served on cabbage slaw
$15.99

Texas Tostados
Crispy gyoza skins topped with BBQ chicken, sautéed onions, blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, pico de gallo and drizzled with sour cream and BBQ Sauce
$11.99

Chinese BBQ Pork Bao
Soft, steamed buns filled with Chinese BBQ pork, slaw, and sriracha mayonnaise
$13.99

Cosmic Sampler – Serves Four
Our famous Chicken Crunch, Buffalo Wings, Texas Tostados, Roasted Garlic Hummus and Five Cheese Dip
$29.99

High Roller Sampler – Serves Four
Our famous Chicken Crunch, Texas Tostados, Buffalo Wings, Five Cheese Dip, and Peri-Peri Shrimp
$34.99

Nachos Grande
Corn tortilla chips piled high with chipotle chicken, blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, black bean sauce, cruda salsa verde pico de gallo, queso fresco, and sour cream
$14.99

Salads

Spinach & Berries
Baby spinach tossed with fresh blueberries and strawberries, candied walnuts, blue cheese crumbles, and balsamic vinaigrette
$14.99

Chicken Caesar
Crisp romaine hearts, sliced all-natural chicken breast, croutons and shaved Parmesan, served with Caesar dressing
$15.99

Caesar Salad with Shrimp
Crisp romaine hearts, sliced all-natural chicken breast, croutons, and shaved Parmesan served with Caesar dressing
$18.99

Caesar Salad with Grilled Salmon
Crisp romaine hearts, sliced all-natural chicken breast, croutons, and shaved Parmesan served with Caesar dressing
$20.99

Hollywood Bowl
Romaine lettuce tossed with Thousand Island dressing then topped with house-roasted turkey breast, bacon, Swiss, hard-boiled egg, avocado, Roma tomato, cucumber, and croutons
$17.99

Steakhouse
Blend of kale and romaine, sliced bistro sirloin steak, bacon, blue cheese crumbles, Parmesan, crispy onion straws, croutons and Caesar dressing
$19.99

Big Bite Burgers

The Mayor of Flavortown
Grilled pastrami, Swiss, caraway slaw, pickles, Dijon mustard and donkey sauce on a garlic-buttered pretzel bun
$18.99

Prime Time American Kobe
American-style kobe beef, smoked gouda, cheddar, caramelized onion jam, LTOP and donkey sauce on a garlic-buttered brioche bun
$19.99

The Original Ringer
Crispy rojo onion ring, Guy’s signature bourbon-brown sugar BBQ sauce, SMC, cheddar, LTOP, and donkey sauce on a garlic-buttered brioche bun
$18.99

Straight-Up with Cheese
Cheddar, SMC, LTOP, and donkey sauce on a garlic-buttered brioche bun
$15.99

Tatted Up Turkey
Lean ground turkey, fire-roasted poblanos, smoked gouda, Swiss, caramelized onion jam, and LTOP on a garlic-buttered pretzel bun
$15.99

Morgan’s Veggie
Scratch-made vegetable burger of black beans, white beans, chickpeas, oats, artichokes, roasted red pepper and garlic with cilantro aioli and LTOP on a toasted wheat bun
$15.99

Bacon Mac-n-Cheese
Guy’s award-winning burger – Winner of NYC Wine and Food Festival Burger Bash! Applewood-smoked bacon, six cheese mac-n-cheese cheddar, LTOP, crispy onion straws and donkey sauce on a garlic-buttered brioche bun
$18.99

Knuckle Sandwiches

Championship Pulled Pork
Crisped pulled pork with bourbon-brown sugar BBQ sauce, garlic-buttered brioche bun
$17.99

Turkey Pic-A-Nic
House-roasted turkey breast, cranberry, relish, Swiss, BBQ kettle chips, LTOP and donkey sauce on a garlic-buttered pretzel bun
$16.99

Chicken BLT Ranch
All-natural chicken breast, applewood-smoked bacon, LTOP, and buttermilk ranch dressing on garlic-buttered brioche bun
$15.99

Pimento Grilled Cheese
A triple stacked grilled cheese like you’ve never seen before. Six cheese mac-n-cheese, SMC and pimento cheese, stuffed and stacked between three slices of garlic-buttered sourdough
$14.99

Cajun Chicken
All-natural chicken breast dry rubbed with Cajun spices, pickles, onion, tomato, slaw, and donkey sauce on a garlic-buttered ciabatta bun
$17.99

Bird is the Word
Crispy fried all-natural chicken breast, buttermilk ranch dressing, pickles, cheddar, slaw and honey hot sauce on a garlic-buttered brioche bun
$17.99

Pasta

Six Cheese Chicken Macaroni & Cheese
Sliced all-natural chicken breast, cavatappi pasta, mushroom and baby spinach in our creamy six cheese sauce, finished with ricotta cheese and seasoned bread crumbs
$16.99

L.A. Lasagna
Fresh pasta tubes filled with ricotta and Bolognese meat sauce fried to golden brown, served with roasted garlic cream and tomato basil sauces
$19.99

Shrimp Florentine
Six large shrimp, Roma tomato and baby spinach with spaghetti tossed in light citrus butter sauce
$20.99

Penne, Chicken & Broccoli
Sliced all-natural chicken breast and broccoli florets tossed with roasted garlic pesto cream sauce and penne
$18.99

Specialties

Bistro Sirloin Steak
10 oz. USDA Choice steak topped with classic herb butter, served with hand-cut steak fries
$22.99

Filet Mignon
6 oz. USDA choice filet mignon topped with classic herb butter, served with hand-cut steak fries and green bean blend
$29.99

BBQ Ribs
St. Louis-style pork ribs, BBQ sauce, french fries and coleslaw
$29.99

Double Chicken Breast
Tender, juicy, slow-cooked all-natural chicken breast, pan gravy, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and green bean blend
$21.99

Sesame Ginger Salmon
Grilled soy-ginger glazed salmon, served with house-made cilantro rice and green bean blend
$25.99

Lobster Feast Fra Diavolo
Fresh lobster and spaghetti tossed with spicy tomato sauce presented in the lobster shell
$29.99

NY Strip Steak – Serves 2
20 oz. USDA Choice bone-in NY strip topped with classic herb butter, served with hand-cut steak fries and green bean blend
$49.99

Upgrade to Surf & Turf with a Whole Broiled Lobster
Grouper in Parchment Paper
Grouper filet, sliced citrus, red potatoes and green beans perfectly cooked in sealed parchment paper
$28.99

Sides

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
$4.99

Triple Fries
$4.99

Baked Potato
$5.99

Cilantro Rice
$4.99

Frech Cut Fruit
$5.99

Green Bean Blend
$5.99

House Salad
$6.99

Caesar Salad
$6.99

Desserts

Sticky Toffee Pudding
A delicious homemade pudding smothered in toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream
$9.99

Banana Pudding Star Jar
Layers of fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and creamy banana pudding topped with whipped cream
$8.99

Brownie Cheesecake Star Jar
Double chocolate brownie layered with chocolate pudding and cheesecake, topped with vanilla ice cream plus caramel and chocolate sauce drizzle
$8.99

Key Lime Pie Star Jar
Florida key lime filling layered with graham crackers, topped with whipped cream
$8.99

Planet Meltdown
Chocolate sphere melted tableside by hot chocolate sauce to reveal double chocolate fudge cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream
$14.99

Brownie Sundae Martini
Twelve decadent chunks of freshly baked brownies layered with six scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, topped with caramel and chocolate sauce then buried in mounds of whipped cream and a cherry
$19.99

Ice Cream and Gelato Challenge
How many of our 12 unique mystery ice cream and gelato flavors can you correctly identify? Guess all the flavors correctly and win a prize!
$15.99

Big Dipper Shakes
Vanilla, Chocolate, or Strawberry – Top off your meal with one of our classic hand-dipped milkshakes
$8.00

Specialty Drinks

The Observatory
Stoli Vodka, Limoncino Bottega, Monin Peach Tea and Candoni Prosecco
$12.00

Stellar Margarita
Riazul Blanco Tequila, Disaronno Originale, Cointreau and fresh margarita mix
$12.00

Skinny Margarita
Cuervo silver tequila, lime juice and Monin sugar-free triple sec
$12.00

Stargazer
Stoli Blueberi vodka and lemonade with fresh blueberries and basil
$12.00

Cosmos Martini
Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice
$12.00

Mercury Mule
New Amerstand vodka, Limoncino Bottega and Reàl ginger infused syrup
$12.00

Proxima B Mojito
Bacardi Superior rum, fresh lemon, lime juices, and ginger ale with fresh blueberries and mint
$12.00

Rocket Fuel
Stoli Citros vodka, Cointreau, Chambord, cranberry juice and Sprite powered for take-off with dry ice
$12.00

Halley’s Comet Planet-Bowl
Cruzan aged light rum, SKYY vodka, Beefeater gin, Jose Cuervo Especial Gold tequila, DeKuper blue curacao, fresh lemon, lime juice, and Sprite. Includes your own take-home 45 oz. souvenir glass
$27.00

Solar Eclipse Planet-Bowl
Jose Cuervo Especial Gold tequila, Cointreau, and a perfect balance of citrus juices topped with Grand Marnier. Includes your own take-home 45 oz. souvenir glass
$27.00

The Moonwalk Comet Glass
SKYY Infusions blood orange vodka, SKYY Infusions pineapple vodka, orange and pineapple juices, Sprite and grenadine. Includes your own take-hoe 21 oz. souvenir glass
$16.00

Cosmic Colada Comet Glass
Malibu coconut rum, Jim Bean Kentucky Fire and coconut purée. Includes your own take-home 21 oz. souvenir glass
$16.00

Space Monkey Comet Glass
Cruzan coconut rum, banana liqueur, coconut purée and chocolate milk. Includes your own take-home 21 oz. souvenir glass
$16.00

Planetary Punch Comet Glass
New Amsterdam vodka, Cruzan aged light rum, Beefeater gin, DeKuyper triple sec, Kahlúa, and fresh lemon and lime juices splashed with cranberry juice and topped with Bud Light. Includes your own take-home 21 oz. souvenir glass
$16.00

Operating hours are 11am to 5pm for lunch, and 5pm to 11:45pm for dinner.

Reservations can be made at the Disney World website, or via 407-WDW-DINE.

Chef’s Gala To Be Held this February at Epcot in Support of Heart of Florida United Way

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 24, 2017

Heart of Florida United way will, for the 25th year, be bringing their annual Chef’s Gala fundraising even back to Epcot this Spring. The event will take place at Epcot’s World Showcase on February 4th, 2017 from 6:45 pm – 10:00 pm. Tickets cost $275.00 for individuals and $500 for couples.

Widely celebrated as one of the best food and wine nights that Epcot has to offer, the Chef’s Gala boasts amazing cuisine from more then 20 of Central Florida’s top chefs, expertly matched with wines. The event, hosted by Walt Disney World Resort, will also include live music as well as a silent auction.

For Disney food lovers, there is a list of participating Disney restaurants that is bound to make your mouth water. Here’s a complete list of participating restaurants

Amorette’s Patisserie – Disney Springs
Artist Point @ Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Bake Me a Cake
blu on the avenue
California Grill @ Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming Florida Kitchen
deep blu Seafood Grill – Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Bakery @ Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort
Jiko – The Cooking Place @ Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.
Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen @ Magic Kingdom
La Luce
Le Cellier Steakhouse @ Epcot
Narcoossee’s @ Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Primo by Melissa Kelly – J.W. Marriott Orlando Grand Lakes
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – Disney Springs
STK Orlando – Disney Springs
Tiffins @ Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Todd English’s bluezoo – Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort
Disney’s Boardwalk Culinary
Urban Tide – Hyatt Regency Orlando
Yachtsman Steakhouse – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort

For more information about this exciting February culinary offering check out this video:

Food aside, the most important aspect of this event is that $.95 of every $1.00 earned goes back into supporting the local branch of the United Way. Yes, that’s not a typo $.95! So there’s incredible piece of mind in knowing that your contribution will go on to provide education, income, health and needs programs that serve thousands of Central Floridians.

For more information on this event and to purchase tickets please visit: http://www.hfuw.org/chefs-gala/

Planning a trip to Disney? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

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 Disney days. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Heart of Florida United Way.

Show Your Love is Out of this Galaxy with the Star Wars Bouquet

By

Danielle

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January 23, 2017

Bouquets have long been a traditional gift for Valentine’s Day. If you’re not into the usual flowers and chocolate, this Star Wars Bouquet by Think Geek is the perfect way to show that your love is out of this galaxy!

Star Wars Valentine’s Bouquet

For when you need an out-of-this-world way to say, “I love you” or “I know” or “Utinni!!!,” we offer this Star Wars Bouquet. With Yoda, Darth Vader, Chewie, BB-8, R2-D2 + 2 Ewoks & 2 Stormtroopers, it features both good and bad guys, all of whom are 17% cuter than usual (even R2!) because they’re super-deformed. They come on long “stem” dowels, but you can easily pop them off for playtime, and then reattach them for display later.

This is the best way to tell someone “Together we can rule the galaxy!” Would your loved one enjoy this Star Wars Bouquet for Valentine’s Day?

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Hits $1 Billion in Worldwide Box Office

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 23, 2017

Disney-Lucasfilm’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” has surpassed the $1 billion milestone at the worldwide box office, becoming the 28th title and 13th Disney film to do so. “Rogue One” needed 39 days to cross the mark with $512 million domestically and $499 million internationally. It’s the third “Star Wars” movie to gross more than $1 billion, joining “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ($2.07 billion) and “Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace” ($1.03 billion).

“Rogue One” is also Disney’s fourth 2016 release to cross the $1 billion mark, joining “Captain America: Civil War,” “Finding Dory,” and “Zootopia.” It’s the top domestic grosser released in 2016 and ranks seventh on the all-time list.

The film took in $7 million at 2,603 North American sites in its sixth frame and another $9 million internationally over weekend. The U.K. is the top market at $79.4 million, followed by China with $61.3 million, Germany with $44.8 million, Japan with $36.8 million, France with $35.8 million, and Australia with $35.6 million

Disney also announced that its animated “Moana” has crossed the $500 million mark worldwide, with an estimated $237 million domestically and $272 million internationally.

Make Sweet Snacks with the Mickey Mouse Gummy Treat Maker

By

Danielle

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January 23, 2017

I really do love Mickey inspired kitchen items, and gadgets, and I also live by the belief that everything tastes better Mickey shaped! As a family we also love doing fun projects together in the kitchen. I think this Mickey Mouse Gummy Treat Maker is a fabulously fun addition to any Disney Addict family kitchen!

Mickey Mouse Gummy Treat Maker

Mickey turns candy maker with this tempting treat-creating kit that allows you to conjure-up homemade gummies, chocolates, and candies in the shape of our favorite Mouse. How exciting would it be to make a variety of your own treat recipes all in the shape of the one and only Mickey Mouse! I know this would be a delightful weekend afternoon for my family.

Would your family enjoy creating Disney inspired sweets with this Mickey Mouse Gummy Treat Maker?

Marvel Day at Sea Expands to Select Disney Cruise Line Sailings from Miami in 2018

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 23, 2017

Disney Cruise Line’s Marvel Day at Sea has been expanded in 2018 to include eight special voyages departing from Miami in January through April. New experiences and character interactions, including Black Panther, Loki and Doctor Strange have also been unveiled by Disney Cruise Line. Iron Man will even make his first official appearance on a Disney ship during Marvel Day at Sea.

The new five-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Disney Magic includes a stop at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay and either Cozumel, Mexico or Grand Cayman and depart from Miami on the following dates in 2018:

January 7, 2018
January 21, 2018
February 4, 2018
February 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
April 1, 2018
April 15, 2018
April 29, 2018

Marvel Day at Sea will also be featured on seven and eight-night Bahamian cruises in fall 2017 and include a stop at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral, Florida with a day at Walt Disney World Resort. The Disney Magic will depart from New York on the following dates in 2017:

October 6, 2017
October 14, 2017
October 28, 2017
November 4, 2017
November 11, 2017
November 18, 2017

There will be one seven-night Marvel Day at Sea Canadian Coast cruise departing from New York on October 21, 2017 with stops at Charlottetown, Sydney and Halifax.

In the Walt Disney Theatre, a spell-binding new show featuring Doctor Strange will keep families on the edge of their seats. Doctor Strange will showcase his journey from doubter to practitioner as he demonstrates the power of the mystic arts. The show concludes with an epic battle where guests must help Doctor Strange against the Dark Dimension.

Occurring on one action-packed day during each of the special Disney Magic sailings, Marvel Day at Sea transports guests to a new realm of possibilities when the Marvel Universe assembles on the ship. The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck party, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings.

Also featured are exclusive at-sea screenings of fan-favorite films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe including the newest theatrical releases, as well as viewings of the Disney XD shows: Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

If you’re a Marvel fan then be sure to book a Disney Cruise featuring Marvel Day at Sea in 2017 or 2018!

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your Marvel Day at Sea Disney Cruise Line adventure. All of my planning services are 100% FREE!

Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Star Wars Episode VIII title announced… The Last Jedi

By

Chip

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January 23, 2017

In breaking news released this morning Stat Wars has just released the title for the upcoming film that is being released on December 15th, 2017!

Are you read for it… The Last Jedi

Here is the official word shared with us from Disney:

We have the greatest fans in this or any other galaxy. In appreciation of the fans, we wanted them to be the first to know the title of the next chapter in the Skywalker saga: STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI

THE LAST JEDI is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is scheduled for release December 15, 2017.

Are you excited for Star Wars Episode 8 The Last Jedi? Let us know in the comment box below.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Closed Monday and Tuesday Due to Weather

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 23, 2017

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will be closed on Monday, January 23 and Tuesday, January 24 due to forecasted low temperatures and high winds in the area. The parks normal operating hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm daily.

The predicted high temperature for Monday is 69 degrees and Tuesday is 74 degrees…seems warm enough to me! Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is also closed for a scheduled refurbishment this winter.

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