The Epcot ‘International Festival of The Arts’ Opens Today

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January 13, 2017

If you’ll be heading to Epcot this weekend, you’ll be in for a treat as this weekend marks the opening of the very first ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a showcase of visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts will be held Fridays through Mondays starting Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017. The event will feature new art each week, showcasing celebrated work by Disney historical artists like Mary Blair and Herb Ryman. The event will also feature art being created live by artists like Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos.

Guests can also enjoy the performing arts thanks to Disney Theatrical Productions, which will bring an exciting showcase of favorite music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Performances will be at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday through Monday of each festival weekend. Guests can expect to hear some phenomenal Broadway talent live, performing songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows, like The Lion King, Newsies, and Aladdin.

New Food Studios will also showcase culinary creations so delicious and intricate, guests may not know if the menus are for admiring or eating. I mean seriously, those easel pastries!

There will also be hands-on experiences for the whole family, favorite Disney characters channeling their favorite artists, seminars and more. There is no separate ticket needed for admission, but guests must have a valid ticket for entrance into Epcot to enjoy the festival.

Will you be attending the Festival?

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.

photos: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Releases ‘Festival of The Arts’ Themed Gift Cards

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 13, 2017

Disney has released 2 new themed gift cards for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The Sorcerer Mickey cards are available online at DisneyGiftCard.com and at select locations throughout each respective park. Plus, if you buy these cards in the parks, they have a special sparkle treatment that enhances Sorcerer Mickey’s magic!

If you’ll be attending the International Festival of The Arts, be sure to pick up one of the special-edition wearable Disney Gift Cards (like those offered for the other Epcot festivals), available at the Festival Center (located in the Odyssey Center) and select locations throughout Epcot. You can load your Disney Gift Card with as little as $15 and use it to experience all the festival has to offer. If you don’t spend it all at the festival, know that this special-edition Disney Gift Card can still be used for practically all things Disney from theme park tickets to Mickey merchandise at Disney Destinations nationwide!

What do you think of the new designs?

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

Anna Kendrick in Talks To Play Female Santa Claus For Disney Movie

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 13, 2017

Anna Kendrick is in negotiations to star in Disney’s “Nicole” a tale of a female Santa Claus. Marc Lawrence is attached to direct, while Suzanne Todd, who worked with the studio on “Alice in Wonderland”, is producing.

Lawrence also wrote the script, whose details are being kept on ice. The twist, however, is that it is a holiday family adventure that centers on the coming of a female Santa.

Disney has done well in the past with tales of old St. Nick, having a hit franchise with the Tim Allen-starring “Santa Clause” trilogy, which launched in 1994.

Lawrence may be best known for writing and directing “Music and Lyrics”, a 2007 romantic comedy that starred Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. His other directing credits include “The Rewrite” and “Did You Hear About the Morgans”, both of which starred Grant as well. Lawrence got his start as a writer-producer on Family Ties.

Todd is currently in production on “Magic Camp”, a family movie for Disney.

Kendrick already appeared in a Disney movie when she starred as Cinderella in the film adaptation of the hit musical Into the Woods. The actress’s musical stylings were most recently heard in the animated feature Trolls, and she is in production on “Pitch Perfect 3”

Sources say “Nicole” is not a musical, but Kendrick may end up indulging her musical side.

Disney to offer high end special food events called Delicious Disney A Chef Series

By

Chip

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January 13, 2017

An exquisite series of dining events featuring award-wining culinarians from the Walt Disney World Resort. Join us as they present unique and inspired culinary creations coupled with deliciously creative wine pairings.

January 31st at 7:45pm Fireworks Reception – 9pm Dinner
Celebrate the Magic Kingdom’s 45th Anniversary!
Featuring Magic Kingdom’s Culinary Director Robert Gilbert and Team
Location Cinderella’s Royal Table, Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom
$499 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

February 22nd at 6:30pm Come Explore a Journey around the World of Flavors
Featuring Animal Kingdom’s Culinary Director Robert Adams and Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak*
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

April 26th at 6:30pm Enjoy Legendary Culinary Moments from Disney Animation History
Featuring Victoria & Albert’s Chef de Cuisine Aimee Rivera and Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

May 31st at 6:30pm Celebrating the Silly Symphony Flowers and Trees Anniversary
Featuring Park Event’s Culinary Director Chef John Clark and Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak*
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

June 28th at 6:30pm A Culinary tribute to Ratatouille’s 10th Anniversary
Featuring Citricos’s Chef Dominque Filoni and Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak*
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

July 19th at 6:30pm Enjoy the exotic and exquisite tastes of a journey Under the Sea
Featuring Flying Fish’s Timothy Majoras and Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak*
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

August 16th at 6:30pm A Walk around the World with Disney
Featuring Culinary Director Edwin Wronski and the Flavor Lab Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak*
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

September 5th at 8:30pm Enjoy a sampling of the Beast’s favorite French Cuisine
Featuring Flavor Lab’s Chef de Cuisine Roland Muller with Magic Kingdom’s Culinary Director Robert Gilbert
Location Be Our Guest, West Wing, Magic Kingdom
$349 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

December 6th at 6:30pm Farm to Table Dining Experience
Featuring a collaboration of our Disney Chefs
Location The Tree Farm
$199 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

Tickets are available for purchase while supplies last. Tables in Wonderland discounts do not apply.
All reservations may be booked by calling 407.939.5773 daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Talent and content are subject to change or cancellation without notice

Exclusive Gift for Tables in Wonderland members.
*Markham’s at Golden Oak Events are hosted by Chef de Cuisine Phillip Ponticelli

Sneak Peek at the Paddlefish Beverage Menu at Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 13, 2017

While we anxiously await the opening of the seafood-centric Paddlefish at Disney Springs, General Manager Jimmy Kraus gives a little sneak peek at what guests can expect from the beverage menu. The riverboat will include a new third-floor deck for late night drinks that include innovative cocktails, craft beers and both Old and New World wines with live entertainment featured nightly.

What’s distinctive about the beverage program?

“We dug deep to find rare and amazing wines and spirits as well as familiar classics. We chose everything with respect for pairing. Some of our wine varietals may be new to some folks. And on our cocktail list you’ll find concoctions that you won’t find anywhere else in Disney Springs. We hope to appeal to both the newbie and the connoisseur.”

Tell us more about the special cocktails.

“We’re going for diversity through great ingredients. We’ll have a margarita, but it will have a twist. Our sangria is a “man’s sangria” with bourbon, tempranillo [wine] and a French peach liqueur that takes it over the top.”

Is there a signature cocktail?

“The Lily Spritz, an homage to The Empress Lily, the original restaurant located where Paddlefish will be. It’s a simple cocktail with complexity and balance, made with cava, rosé, fresh strawberry and a splash of seltzer. Our guests at Fulton’s loved the connection that the historic riverboat makes.”

How many wines on the list?

“We’ll feature 175 wines, about 24 by the glass. From a wine-list aspect, we are highlighting small, family-owned estates – I love the stories from these winemakers. We have three certified sommeliers on staff, and are trusting our palates and experience to create a substantial, well-rounded wine program. And we would love the chance to let our guests try something unique.”

And how about craft beers?

“We’ll have six on draft, and we’re really focusing on local, as our guests are looking for that local experience. But we’ve got a small brewery out of Utah, one from North Carolina … we’re searching for cool beers that enhance our menu – everything from a light beer to a heavy porter.”

What’s your favorite space on the boat?
“We have three lounges: the main bar on the first floor; a small bar on the second floor that seats just seven guests and is more of a “hidden secret,” and the third-floor deck that will be open nightly with live entertainment. It’s my favorite, with a view of both the lake and the springs. We’ll serve small plates and beverages, with laid-back music. There will be a separate beverage menu there – I call this space “vacation in a glass.””

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 could help save you both time and money!

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with Lunar New Year Merchandise

By

Danielle

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January 12, 2017

If you’ll be adventuring to Disney’s California Adventure Park soon, you’ll be able to celebrate with the biggest Lunar New Year celebration yet! Disney California Adventure park will celebrate the year of the Rooster from Friday, Jan. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 5. To commemorate this event, enchanting new Lunar New Year Merchandise will be available.

You can enjoy beautiful décor, delicious food, fun-filled activities, colorful live performances and more all included in the festivities. Disney Parks Blog gave a first look at some of the lucky new merchandise headed to DCA. The Lunar New Year is traditionally celebrated within Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, and commemorates the moment when both the sun and the moon begin their journey for another year. If you will be visiting during this celebration will find a t-shirt in traditional red, a magnet, and a decorative trinket box. One of my favorite parts of this, is they will also have traditional red envelopes for gift-giving. Each of these Lunar New Year Merchandise items will include a specially designed logo featuring Mickey Mouse, and will only be found at the Disneyland Resort.

On January 26, a limited edition pin for Lunar New Year will be released. The pin will have an edition size of 3,500, and feature a lucky gold coin that is hinged, so it can open and reveal a rooster. It will be carried in select merchandise locations at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.

Will you be celebrating the Lunar New Year at Disney’s California Adventure this year?

Beauty and the Beast: Belle’s Library: A Collection of Literary Quotes and Inspirational Musings

By

Danielle

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January 12, 2017

With the new live action version of Beauty and the Beast dancing into theaters soon, amazing merchandise continues to pop up. As one could only expect, one of those new items is this beautiful book “Belle’s Library: A collection of literary quotes and inspirational musings“.

Disney’s Belle is one of the best fictional bookworms around. But what exactly is on her reading list? In this unique literary journal, enjoy inspiring quotes from some of Belle’s favorite books, as well as her insightful notes and colorful drawings. Belle’s Library: A collection of literary quotes and inspirational musings is a hardcover book features a cover in the color of Belle’s iconic gold dress, and doodles of some of the live action characters in the new movie.

Are you curious to peek at the pages of Belle’s journal?

Special Valentine’s Day Dining Experiences at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 12, 2017

If you will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with your true love this year at Walt Disney World, then here are 2 Fine Dining locations you may want to be aware of that are offering special Valentine’s Day offerings.

The First is Jiko – The Cooking Place, located inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, who Disney announced will be offering a “special dessert” the evening of February 14th, though they have not released details yet on what the dessert will be. We are sure it’s going to be fabulous though!

The other is going to be Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where they will be offering a special Sweetheart Dinner Menu on February 14th, which features five courses for $75, plus you can add a wine pairing for $25. There hasn’t been any further detail released about this offer either, but we will be sure to let you know if we hear more.

If you’re looking for more romantic ideas for how to spend Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World Resort, check out our list of Romantic Experiences here.

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.

Photos: Disney Parks Blog

“Fuller House” stars led by Jodie Sweetin celebrate grand opening of LEGO NINJAGO World at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

By

Chip

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January 12, 2017

Stars of the Netflix Original Series “Fuller House,” including Jodie Sweetin, Michael Campion, Soni Nicole Bringas, Ashley Liao and Elias Harger, and Mckenna Grace, star of ABC’s “Designated Survivor,” visited LEGOLAND Florida Resort Jan. 12, 2017 for the grand opening of LEGO NINJAGO World.

The all-new theme park land is filled with several hands-on, outdoor activities where kids can sharpen their ninja skills before the ultimate showdown on LEGO NINJAGO [NIN-JAH-GO] The Ride, a dazzling new attraction that blends 3D computer animation, “4D” effects and groundbreaking technology never seen outside a LEGOLAND theme park.

During a lavish grand opening ceremony attended by nearly 200 journalists and VIPs, the stars demonstrated several ninja hand moves kids can use to fight villains on the state-of-the-art “dark ride” where guests score points while blasting animated fireballs, lightning and more at waves of 3D villains. Joining the festivities were sibling ninja Kai and Nya [NEE-AH].

Kids can “become the ninja” in their very own LEGO NINJAGO adventure when they enter the martial arts kingdom inspired by the popular LEGO building sets and the “LEGO NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu” TV show.

After the special effects-filled ceremony, the television stars joined social media celebrities stars Eh Bee Family and EvanTubeHD to greet media and excited fans along a red carpet within the lushly landscaped theme park land, including the kid hosts of LEGOLAND Florida Resort TV, an exclusive online video series.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions inspired by the LEGO and DUPLO brands, including experiences based on “The LEGO Movie,” LEGO NINJAGO, LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS™, LEGO City, LEGO Technic and LEGO Friends.

For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com/florida, or call (877) 350-5346.

PHOTOs / Chip Litherland, LOCK + LAND for LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Vandals turn Disney Springs Fountain into bubble bath

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Disney News

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January 12, 2017

According to Doctor Disney some vandals decided to have some fun at Disney Springs this morning by turning their fountain into a bubble bath. The fountain is located near the intersection of Buena Vista Drive and Hotel Plaza Blvd.

As you can see the walkway that used to be there is gone and guests who are coming and going usually take the bridges over the intersection to Disney Springs. This intersection was redone last year to help guests get into Disney Springs without having to wait on traffic.

No other details to report.

Did you see the new Characters in Flight balloon that debuted today? Check it out here.

Photo credit Melissa F & Doctor Disney

Treat Your Nails with Delightful Disney Valentines Nail Decals

By

Danielle

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January 12, 2017

I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day, and not even for the “sappy couples stuff”. I just really love all the cute hearts, candies and flower decorations that come out this time of year! What better way to get in the Heart Day spirit, than with fun Disney Valentines Nail Decals by NailGlamsNailDecals!

Nail decals are a great way to decorate your nails and also very easy to apply. You can use them as an accent with your normal mani, put them on each nail, or even do every other one a decal, and alternate with glitter! The sets come with lots of stickers to use for your own layouts and designs to make your nails perfectly you. These decals can be applied to any type of nails including regular polish, soft gel, hard gel and acrylic. There is SO many Disney designs to choose from too! Right now they even have a special offer for Chip and Co fans to get a free scrumptious set of nail decals, in addition to the buy 2 get 1 free sale! To get your free decals with your purchase, enter “CHIPandCO” in the note to seller section of checkout!

Check out all the sweet designs:

Ready to get your nails ready for a happy heart day with Disney Valentines Nail Decals?

Four Seasons Orlando running special Valentine’s Day offering

By

Chip

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January 12, 2017

This Valentine’s Day, couples are invited to fall in love with the romance and luxury of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Offering special prix-fixe dining, luxurious spa treatments and gift options to spoil that special someone, couples can create the perfect date night experience or enjoy a romantic weekend getaway just for two.

Enjoy a Romantic Dinner

Indulge in the ultimate dining experience this Valentine’s Day with two unique prix-fixe dinner menus at Ravello and Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando.

Capa

Set the mood for a romantic evening at Capa, the 17th floor Spanish-influenced steakhouse, offering a five-course prix-fixe menu for USD 95 per adult. The special menu includes a first choice of a lobster bisque or winter lettuce salad; a second course of oysters, foie gras or quail; a third course of ceviche, smoked beef or canelone kale and mushroom; a fourth course of filet, sea bass, veal chop or a coffee-cocoa rubbed steak for two; and a final dessert course of chocolate lava cake or an ice cream soufflé. Top off the night with a glass of Champagne and toast to love while watching the Wishes nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park from the terrace of Capa.

For those who prefer a more casual setting of the lounge, Capa Bar is offering a special menu, with a Charcuterie & Champagne sampler for USD 35. The a la carte menu is offered including favourites such as the hamachi, the pan con tomate, and the croquetas, and special desserts including “Fuego” chocolate lava cake and “Hileo” soufflé Helado are offered for USD 12. Couples are also welcome to experience the special From Matsusaka With Love Beef Tasting for Two, for USD 250 per couple, featuring premier wagyu beef from Mie Prefecture, Japan.

Ravello

At Ravello, couples will sip and savour a four-course prix-fixe menu for USD 65 per adult or USD 85 with wine pairings. Offering dishes such as grilled lobster tail and saffron spaghetti with a choice of filet of beef, T-bone of lamb or sword fish, feast on Italian delicacies while spending time with loved ones.

BTD Provisions

In addition, the Resort is offering a pop-up station called BTD Provisions for Valentine’s Day only. BTD (“by the dozen”) Provisions will be stationed by the lobby, in the spacious area before the Winter Garden Atrium, from 5:00 to 11:00 pm. The pop-up restaurant will feature freshly shucked oysters and a raw bar, with a fun atmosphere and live music. Oysters will be offered for USD 28 per dozen. King crab and snow crab will be available for USD 12-14, and Cape Canaveral prawns will be available for USD 25 by the dozen, along with ceviche, tune poke, poached Florida lobster tails, and more. Guests can also enjoy a Seafood Tower for Two, including a house or caesar salad and hand-cut chips with truffle aioli, a crab claw, half-dozen oysters, half-dozen prawns, and choice of ceviche, poke, or split lobster tail, all for USD 80.

For reservations to these special dinners at Capa, Ravello or BTD Provisions, call 407 313 6161.

Couples Connection at The Spa

For couples who plan to spend time relaxing with their sweetheart, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers a luxurious Valentine’s Day package for two to enjoy. From Friday, February 12 to Sunday, February 14, 2016, connect with a couple’s massage performed by one of The Spa’s expert team of therapists in a beautiful candlelit couples suite. Each couple’s massage also includes a two-ounce custom aromatherapy oil to enjoy at home, plus two glasses of rosé to sip, and Valentine truffles from local chocolatier Norman Love Confections. This couple’s experience is USD 385 for a 50 minute massage, USD 545 for an 80 minute massage or USD 715 for a 110 minute massage. Couples who reserve 80 minute or 110 minute massages may enjoy complimentary day access to all of the Resort’s pools.

The Spa is also offering a “Tennis Love Match” special where couples can enjoy a tennis lesson for two for USD 100, plus an hour of complimentary court time, available February 12 to 14, 2016. Lessons are held on the Resort’s Har-Tru tennis courts by tennis professional Alain Labrecque, in partnership with PBI International.

To reserve a Spa appointment or tennis lesson, contact The Spa at 407 313 6970.

Find the Perfect Gift For Valentine’s Day

Surprise a loved one with a treasure from Wardrobe, the Resort’s lobby level boutique offering gifts sure to spoil that special someone. For the lady who has everything, give the gift of opulence from jewelry designer Anne Sisteron. She’ll fall in love with the designer’s breathtaking yellow gold pave diamond earrings, priced at USD 3,065.

Gift ideas for men include Frank and Eileen designer button-up shirts, USD 180-225; Maui Jim “Kahuna” sunglasses, USD 279; and Kimberly McDonald striped Chalcedony cufflinks, USD 3,685.

Gift cards are also available for purchase at the Front Desk, in any dollar amount, and can be redeemed toward an overnight stay, dining, The Spa and golf.

The Ultimate Romantic Getaway

Those escaping for the entire weekend will love the Couples Stay and Play Package. The Resort boasts a variety of offerings for couples to enjoy, with added adult-only activities during Couples Weeks. At The Oasis, the Resort’s adult-only pool, lounge poolside while sipping on a boozy gelato float and soaking in the Florida sun. Or, surprise him with a round of golf for two at the Resort’s own Tranquilo Golf Club, a Tom Fazio designed championship golf course and certified Audubon Nature Sanctuary. For reservations, contact Four Seasons Resort Orlando at 407 313 7777.