KIDZ BOP Kids to Rock Legoland Florida Resort April 28-30

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April 13, 2017

KIDZ BOP fans, get ready for the best news ever! The No. 1 music brand for kids will deliver three days of high-energy fun during KIDZ BOP Weekend April 28-30 at LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort, an inaugural event exclusive to the multi-day vacation destination #BuiltForKids.

The KIDZ BOP Kids will kick off their 2017 Best Time Ever tour with two live concerts daily at the newly renamed KIDZ BOP Stadium, an outdoor venue within the LEGOLAND theme park on the shore of Lake Eloise. The family friendly shows will include songs from their latest album, “KIDZ BOP 34,” and other favorite pop hits that will get kids and parents dancing along. Meet-and-greet opportunities* with The KIDZ BOP Kids – Ahnya, Cooper, Freddy, Isaiah, Julianna and Sierra – will follow each concert.

All activities during KIDZ BOP Weekend, including the concerts and meet-and-greets*, are included with all forms of park admission. No extra ticket required!

KIDZ BOP Weekend LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Friday, April 28	Saturday, April 29	Sunday, April 30
The KIDZ BOP Kids Live in Concert, 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., The KIDZ BOP Stadium, Pirates’ Cove	The KIDZ BOP Kids Live in Concert, noon and 4 p.m., The KIDZ BOP Stadium, Pirates’ Cove	The KIDZ BOP Kids Live in Concert, noon and 4 p.m., The KIDZ BOP Stadium, Pirates’ Cove
The KIDZ BOP Kids Meet-and-Greet*, 12:30 and 4:30 p.m., next to Lakeside Sandwich Co.	The KIDZ BOP Kids Meet-and-Greet*, 1 and 5 p.m., next to Lakeside Sandwich Co.	The KIDZ BOP Kids Meet-and-Greet*, 1 and 5 p.m., next to Lakeside Sandwich Co.
Concerts and meet-and-greets included with all forms of park admission*

* Space is limited. First come, first served

According to Victor Zaraya, president of KIDZ BOP, fans can look forward to an entirely new KIDZ BOP experience at the 2017 show. The ultimate family friendly live concert will feature brand-new songs and choreography, plus several fun surprises. The tour is headlined by the newest group of KIDZ BOP Kids, who were introduced in January with the release of “KIDZ BOP 34.” The KIDZ BOP Kids have been named Billboard Magazine’s “No. 1 Kids’ Artist” for the past seven consecutive years.

“[This] is our biggest show yet,” Zaraya said. “KIDZ BOP’s Best Time Ever tour provides returning fans with many fun surprises and new fans with their very first concert experience.”

In December 2016, KIDZ BOP and LEGOLAND Florida Resort announced a multi-year alliance making KIDZ BOP the official music partner for the popular Central Florida vacation destination. In their music video for “The Weekend Whip,” the theme song for the “LEGO^® NINJAGO^®: Masters of Spinjitzu” TV show, The KIDZ BOP Kids demonstrate five “signature” ninja hand moves guests can use to defeat villains and capture a high score on LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, a groundbreaking new attraction that anchors the theme park’s recently opened LEGO NINJAGO World expansion.

More than 50 rides, shows and attractions inspired by the LEGO and DUPLO^® brands await at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including experiences based on “The LEGO Movie™,” LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS™, LEGO City, LEGO Technic and LEGO Friends. Upcoming events included with park admission include LEGO^® Star Wars™ Days (May 6-7 and 13-14) and LEGOLAND Knight Lights (every Saturday and Sunday in July, plus Tuesday, July 4).

For more information about visiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including savings on advance purchase of admission tickets, on-site accommodations, multi-tier annual passes, special events, educational programs, services for guests with disabilities, VIP experiences, military discounts and much more, visitwww.LEGOLAND.com/florida, or call (877) 350-5346.

Will you be checking out KIDS BOP Weekend at Legoland Florida Resort? Please leave your comments in the box below.

LucasFilm Releases Touching Video Tribute to Carrie Fisher

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2017

This heartwarming tribute to Carrie Fisher was just released today by Lucasfilm. Her daughter, Billie Lourd introduced the footage which was shown during the opening event of “Star Wars Celebration” in Orlando.

This tribute will put a smile on the faces of all Star Wars fans as we remember our beloved Princess Leia. What did you think of this touching tribute?

Credit:LucasFilm

Thinking about a Magical Disney Vacation? As a contributor to Chip and Co. and an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I’d love to help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Send me a message or email me at [email protected] and let’s start planning today. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney tips and tricks.

Join the Star Wars Celebration with ThinkGeek Geeki Tikis and More!

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Danielle

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April 13, 2017

The Star Wars Celebration in Orlando has officially begun, and what better way to celebrate than with ThinkGeek‘s out of this Galaxy Star Wars exclusives! As part of the celebration, they have launched series 2, of their amazing Star Wars themed Geeki Tikis, a personal favorite of mine.

Along with the Star Wars Geeki Tikis – Series 2, Series 1 has also available again, for any of us who may have missed out before. On top of other great collectibles we’ll check out below, ThinkGeek is also offering a free collectible pin, with any Star Wars Purchase of $50 or more! Just use the code: POODOO at checkout.

Star Wars Geeki Tikis – Series 1 by ThinkGeek

The Mos Eisley Kon-Tiki Bar is the only wretched hive of scum and villainy where you can count on every drink to come with a little umbrella. You’re welcome to come in any time of day, but you’d better leave your blaster and lightsaber by the door. Serenaded by the soothing notes of Figrin D’an and his Modal Nodes’ ukuleles, you can drape a flower lei around your neck and enjoy your Mai Tai in complete relaxation.

Star Wars Geeki Tikis – Series 2 by ThinkGeek

Speaking of which, let’s check out the new Series 2 Star Wars Geeki Tikis. This time around, you can choose to drink with C-3PO, a Jawa, a Tauntaun, a Tusken Raider, a Wampa, or Wicket. Little guy can hold his alcohol. Each holds about 14 oz. and has a contrasting interior, which will make you happy when you get to the bottom of the drink and have to ask, “But why is the rum gone?” Or at least, it’ll entertain you a little. We think the lack of rum has something to do with moisture farming, but you didn’t hear it from us.

Star Wars Geeki Tikis – Jabba the Hutt & Salacious Crumb by ThinkGeek

These two characters are special. You already knew that. But they’re extra special as Geeki Tikis because Jabba and Salacious Crumb are only available on the site and at the ThinkGeek booth during Star Wars Celebration, April 13-16, and are limited to a single run. Sip your tropical drink while playing sabacc in the Khetanna’s fully-equipped casino or relaxing in the comfort of its sports book and taking in the pod racing. Just be sure to drink responsibly.

Now that we’ve checked out the incredible Geeki Tiki collection, let’s check out the other three exclusive ThinkGeek items available for the Star Wars Celebration.

The Rey Kensington Leather SW Watch – Nixon x ThinkGeek Exclusive

This epic timepiece is the Nixon Kensington Leather Watch, Rey edition. From their Kensington line explicitly for the ladies.

Nixon designed this watch with a canvas & leather watchband inspired by Rey’s desert outfit, a seconds hand modeled after Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, the Rebel Alliance symbol on 12 o’clock marker, and a back engraved with a silhouette of Rey’s head and her words, “Follow me.” You bet, Rey. Where do we sign up?

Star Wars – The Ultimate Vinyl Collection

The ultimate collection spanning the original six episodes of Star Wars brings some of your favorite movie compositions to you pressed on to vinyl. The LPs are presented in a black, soft-touch laminated slipcase with an embossed, hot silver foil Star Wars logo. The soundtracks come in deluxe gatefold sleeves replicating the original artwork. Bonus points, this includes a digital download card for one complete box set.

Last but not least are two little cuties that I might love almost as much as the Geeki Tikis! The Star Wars R2-D2 Mini Backpack Keychain and Star Wars BB-8 Mini Backpack Keychain feature our favorite side kick droids that can tag along with us, to which ever reaches of the galaxy we may go!

Star Wars R2-D2 Mini Backpack Keychain

Keep R2-D2 with you wherever you go with this mini backpack keychain. This mini version may not be able to hold a full-sized lightsaber, but he’ll still look cute as all get out dangling from your bag.

Star Wars BB-8 Mini Backpack Keychain

Transport your BB-8 in mini backpack form with this fancy keychain. Always keep BB-8 by your side very much like how Rey did in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Just, instead of rolling around, you’ll be toting him around on your bag. It’s as cute as it sounds.

These Star Wars Celebration exclusives from ThinkGeek are truly amazing! If you’re fortunate enough to be visiting the Celebration, be sure to check out the ThinkGeek booth near the 501st Legion at booth # 2532! If you aren’t able to go, don’t worry ThinkGeek won’t be leaving fans out of all the fun! Keep an eye on Twitter, Facebook, or Google+ while the con is going on, and may find the the action brought straight to your door.

May the Force be with you!

Easter Fun This Sunday at the United Kingdom Pavillion in Epcot

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2017

Easter fun for kids of all ages will be taking place in Epcot Easter Sunday April 16 2017 at the United Kingdom Pavilion in World Showcase. The festivities will even include a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny!

There will be an Easter Egg hunt for guests ages 3 to 9 every 10 minutes from 11:00am-3:30pm. For kids ages 8-12 there will be an Easter Egg Relay every 40 minutes starting at 11:40 with the last relay starting at 3:40. For Disney’s youngest guests there will be a smaller Easter Egg Hunt especially for ages 3 and under. Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny will be there from 11:30-4:00 for meet and greet photos. Plan on arriving up to 30 minutes early for the scheduled events.

This event will be fun for the whole family. Do you plans to hop over to Epcot on Easter Sunday?

Thinking about a Magical Disney Vacation? As a contributor to Chip and Co. and an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I’d love to help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Send me a message or email me at [email protected] and let’s start planning today. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney tips and tricks.

Live-Action “Beauty And The Beast” Surpasses The $1 Billion Mark!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2017

“Beauty and the Beast” viewers around the world pushed Disney’s live-action adaptation past the $1 billion mark at the global box office! This makes it 2017’s highest-grossing film worldwide to date, and the highest grossing live-action movie musical of all time.

Disney just wanted to say ‘Thank you’…

Club 33 is Coming to Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2017

It’s official Walt Disney World will be getting their very own Club 33 this fall. The news was confirmed by Senor Vice President of Sales and Services, Claire Bilby.

The elite Club 33 is a unique membership club founded by Walt at the Disneyland Resort in California. When Club 33 comes to Walt Disney World members will enjoy legendary guest service at four themed locations around Walt Disney World Resort that are uniquely themed to Walt and Lillian’s travels around the globe.

Club 33 is currently located at Disneyland Resort, Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland. Pricing at Disneyland is a $25,000 initial membership fee, with annual dues of $10,000. The membership is limited to the location you join, one membership does not include access to other clubs. Guests interested in joining can email Disney for more details at [email protected].

This is definitely exciting news for Disney enthusiasts. We will be sharing additional details as soon as they become available.

Are you a member of Club33 or have you been invited as a guest? We would love to hear all about it!

Thinking about a Magical Disney Vacation? As a contributor to Chip and Co. and an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I’d love to help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Send me a message or email me at [email protected] and let’s start planning today. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney tips and tricks.

SeaWorld Orlando is Ready to Rush the Rapids with all new ride Infinity Falls in 2018

By

Chip

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April 13, 2017

SeaWorld Orlando announces its latest world-class attraction, Infinity Falls, to debut summer 2018. Thrilling rapids will roar through the brand new rainforest river experience, while adventure-seeking guests plunge down the world’s tallest river rapid drop.

“We are constantly looking at new ways to amaze our guests – Infinity Falls will do that, and more,” said Jim Dean, President of SeaWorld Orlando Parks. “From the excitement of the thrilling rapids, to the unique vertical lift element, it will be an adventure that appeals to the entire family. Infinity Falls continues our commitment to investing in our park, and developing new ways to entertain and inspire our guests with meaningful, fun-filled vacations.”

To bring Infinity Falls to life, designers were inspired by the rainforests of South America and the flowing rivers found within. Each raft will twist and turn through a lush jungle environment as guests experience the feel of exhilarating Class IV rapids. A unique vertical elevator will lift each raft for a dramatic launch into the river, 40 feet below.

“Water makes up more than 70% of our planet,” said Brian Morrow, Vice President of Theme Park Design Experience. “We developed Infinity Falls to tell new stories that showcase the beauty and sheer power of water and the amazing wildlife that lives in it. The result is a new river rapids adventure for our guests to explore, and actively help freshwater ecosystems in a way that only SeaWorld can bring to life.”

The addition of Infinity Falls is the perfect addition to SeaWorld’s ever-growing ride portfolio. From the roller coaster thrills of Mako, Manta and Kraken to the water flume fun of Journey to Atlantis, Infinity Falls will soon join the park’s famed attractions as a must-do experience in Orlando.

Infinity Falls will be the centerpiece of a newly themed surrounding area, fully immersing guests in a rainforest canopy. After riding the rapids on Infinity Falls, the entire family can explore the village and take part in interactive experiences that combine play with education to create a positive impact on freshwater ecosystems. SeaWorld’s Animal Ambassadors will also provide up-close encounters with animals native to South America.

Infinity Falls will open at SeaWorld Orlando in summer 2018.

Spring Break Photo Op Available at Epcot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2017

Enjoying Walt Disney World on Spring Break? Head over to Epcot’s Future World for a special Disney PhotoPass opportunity to capture your magical memories. Photos will be available for purchase through your My Disney Experience account. For guests who have purchased Memory Maker or have a qualifying Annual Pass, these photos will be available for download.

Interested in a magical Disney vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help save you time and money planning your next Disney vacation. The best part is my services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (229) 977-3373. Join me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

Your Royal Photo Op Awaits at Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2017

Calling all princesses, knights and royalty! Cinderella’s Coach will be in Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom now through April 19 for your royal photo opportunity. A Disney PhotoPass photographer will be on hand to capture your regal moment in front of this magical coach.

Photos taken at this location will be available to purchase in your My Disney Experience account. If you have Memory Maker or a qualifying Walt Disney World Annual Pass with a Disney PhotoPass download benefit, these photos will be available in your account to download and share.

Are you headed to Magic Kingdom this week? We would love to see you royal photos! Share in the comment box below.

Ready to start planning your royal vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help save you time and money planning your next Disney vacation. The best part is my services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (229) 977-3373. Join me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

The Contemporary’s 2017 Easter Egg Display Now Available For Viewing

By

Lisette R

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April 13, 2017

One of the most beautiful things to see at the Walt Disney World Resort, during Easter Week, are the Egg Displays. Executive Chef Jeff Barnes, and his Pastry Team, at The Contemporary Resort, have done a magnificent job with this year’s display. The Contemporary’s 2017 Easter Egg Display is now available for viewing.

You can find The Contemporary’s 2017 Easter Egg Display on the first floor as you enter through the main doors into the lobby. If you are arriving by monorail, take the elevator or escalators down to the Resort check-in area.

The Eggs themselves are incredible. The theming, the details, and the artistry, make each egg a one-of-a-kind creation. Chef Jeff Barnes and his Pastry Team have done an outstanding job this year creating and designing the Eggs for the display.

My absolute favorite Egg on display is the Bell Cart Traveling Egg. This particular Egg was designed and created by a member of the Pastry Team who has never designed, or created, a display egg before. The theme of the Traveling Egg, being transported on a Disney Bell Services Cart, has not been done before. Chef Jeff told me that when this new Pastry Chef presented the idea, he was curious to see how it would turn out, I feel it is safe to say that this egg came out practically perfect! The Bell Cart is made of pure sugar and the egg, plus all the detail work, are chocolate.

Chef Jeff was kind enough to give me a sneak peek at the Eggs not currently on display. Many of the ones shown above will end up in some of the restaurants and likely a small display up on the fourth floor of The Contemporary. Look for the large Mickey and Minnie pair if you visit Chef Mickey’s Easter Weekend.

Chef Jeff Barnes shared with me the Egg-making process. The eggs are hollow inside and begin with an 8, 10, 12, 16, or 25 inch mold. The egg molds start out as two halves made of polycarbonate. They fill the mold with enough chocolate to coat and cover the mold. After the chocolate has set, they place the two halves together and turn the egg around and around to seal the two halves. Finally, the creative fun begins with the design process of the intricate detailing apparent on the outside of these amazing Eggs.

The Contemporary’s 2017 Egg Display will be available for viewing through Monday, April 17th. If the eggs hold up well, they may remain on display an additional day or two. Congratulations to Chef Jeff Barnes and The Contemporary Pastry Team on a job well done. Their efforts have created this beautiful Egg Display just in time for Easter Week.

You can see our video tour of The Contemporary’s 2017 Easter Egg Display here:

Will you be stopping by to see The Contemporary’s 2017 Easter Egg Display? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Disney Celebrate Iconic Heroes from a Galaxy Far, Far Away in new series with Star Wars Forces of Destiny

By

Chip

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April 13, 2017

Disney and Lucasfilm today announced Star Wars Forces of Destiny, a new initiative celebrating the inspiring stories of iconic heroes from across the Star Wars universe. An original series of animated shorts (each 2-3 minutes in length) will explore exciting, all new adventures of key characters including Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine Wren, Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano and others, ahead of books and a TV special later in the year. The stories will also be supported by a line of toys from Hasbro, including new ‘Adventure Figures’ – a fusion between traditional dolls and action figures, creating a whole new way to play Star Wars.

“Star Wars Forces of Destiny is for anyone who has been inspired by Leia’s heroism, Rey’s courage, or Ahsoka’s tenacity,” said Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. “We’re thrilled that so many of the original actors are reprising their roles in these shorts which capture the small moments and everyday decisions that shape who these characters are. It is a fun new way for people to experience Star Wars.”

Developed by Lucasfilm Animation, Star Wars Forces of Destiny will remain true to the Star Wars canon, showing how choices both big and small ultimately shape the destinies of beloved characters. Launching in July, the animated micro-series will be available on Disney YouTube ahead of a two-part TV special featuring eight additional shorts on Disney Channel in Fall 2017. Fans will be delighted to hear familiar voices in the series, including: Daisy Ridley (Rey), Felicity Jones (Jyn), Tiya Sircar (Sabine), Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano) and Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata as narrator).

Star Wars Forces of Destiny will also be supported by global product extensions, such as books, apparel, bedding, and toys – including the new line of ‘Adventure Figures’ created by Hasbro, which bridges the gap between traditional action figures and dolls. Each individually designed figure features dynamic action, like Rey swinging her lightsaber, along with multiple points of articulation to help recreate the characters’ adventures and heroic moments with different poses.

“From Princess Leia to Sabine Wren, Star Wars heroines are unique, and we wanted to represent that in the product line for Star Wars Forces of Destiny,” saidJimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “The result is the creation of our new ‘Adventure Figures’ that celebrate the power and stories of these incredible characters and allow kids to recreate their most heroic moments at home.”

The 11-inch figures will depict characters including Rey, Jyn Erso, Princess Leia, Sabine Wren, plus loveable sidekicks and epic villains like BB-8, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren and many more. Hasbro is also rolling out Star Wars Forces of Destiny role play and accessories—from Rey’s Extendable Staff, to a new, electronic Jedi Power Lightsaber toy, which are part of the Star Wars Bladebuilders system.

Adds John Frascotti, President of Hasbro: “As the Star Wars fan base has broadened over the last 40 years, we have continued to add new and exciting play experiences to the Star Wars brand, to engage fans across generations. We’ve worked closely with Disney to bring the storytelling from Star Wars Forces of Destiny to life through this innovative toy line to help connect with new audiences as well as appeal to existing fans.”

Fans attending Star Wars Celebration in Orlando will see a sneak peek of Star Wars Forces of Destiny during the “Heroines of Star Wars” panel on Friday, April 14. The panel, moderated by Amy Ratcliffe – host of “Lattes with Leia” podcast, will feature Carrie Beck – vice president of animation at Lucasfilm and Dave Filoni – executive producer of Star Wars Rebels, as well as Ashley Eckstein, Tiya Sircar and other surprise guests. For a first look at the new Star Wars Forces of Destiny Adventure Figures, stop by Hasbro booth #2744.

Stay tuned to StarWars.com for more details.

This Moana Heart of Te Fiti Necklace is Calling Me!

By

Danielle

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April 13, 2017

Anyone else still singing “How Far I’ll Go”? I know it cant’ just be me! One of my favorite things from the movie, is the Heart of Te Fiti, and her grandmother’s locket. This Moana Heart of Te Fiti Necklace not only looks so much like the actual necklace, it even opens and contains a green Heart of Te Fiti “stone” inside!

This lovingly handmade locket is on a black macrame cord that is looped and knotted with small beads to mimic Moana’s locket from the movie. The polymer locket opens to reveal a carved replica of the Heart of Te Fiti resting within. If you’re planning to DisneyBound as Moana, or just simply love the character dearly, this is a must have piece!

I don’t know about you, but this Moana Heart of Te Fiti Necklace is calling me!