All New Mickey Inspired Holiday Nail Polishes, and Much More!

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November 20, 2016

I absolutely love all of the fabulous Mickey themed colors and combinations from Etsy designer KSeaGalesNails. So I was super excited to see that not only does she have new Mickey Inspired Holiday Nail Polishes, but also new character inspirations and colors too!

With the Holidays around the corner, I can’t wait to start finding things for my December trip, and of course fancy Disney Holiday nails are a must. The most traditional looking of the new Holiday polishes is the “Holidays at the Park” polish, with matte green, white and red circles, hexes, bows, hearts and of course coordinating Mouse head shaped glitters. “Very Merry Christmas Party” is another one with a traditional take, but with an elegant touch of gold and silver. Peppermint Mice, which sounds like a cute play on peppermint ice, is a candy cane dream. “Ice Mice” is a fierce winter theme, with iridescent glitters of all sizes, to look like icicles and Mickeys!

Of course I did mention there is new character and color inspirations, so I can’t forget some of my favorites on those. Two new designs are inspired by devious villains! “Cruel Mouse” is a mix of white and black spots, holos, and a dash of red and gold to invoke the dastardly Cruella DeVille. “Sea Witch” is a swirl of grey, purple and black glitters of different shapes and sizes, purple circles to represent the suction cups on tentacles, black skulls, and black and white mouse glitters. There are so many new character inspirations I could go on all day and night!

The last two I will highlight are “Supercali-mouse-alistic” and “Sorcerer Mouse“. The first one is of course inspired by the beloved Mary Poppins, aside from having mouses in her classic color motif, it also has UMBRELLAS! Are you kidding me? That’s just too adorable right there. The second, is of course Sorcerer Mickey, and my all time favorite Mickey variant. I can almost imagine Yensid’s powerful hat atop my finger tips with the iridescent glitters, holographic gold moons and stars, holographic navy blue, holo red, holo gold and black mouse glitters!

Since there are just too many new ones for me to mention, I’ll leave a list of them down below! Be sure to check out her Autumn Colors before their gone too!

New Collections that include 5 full size polishes, are also now available with 15% off!

Are you in love with the new Mickey Inspired Holiday Nail Polishes, or are the new character ones more your style?

Short Film “Inner Workings” Review And Press Conference

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 20, 2016

“Inner Workings” is the delightful short film played in front of “Moana”. It features Paul. And Paul is just like you, perhaps. He’s got a job. He’s pragmatic and sensible, but he wishes for more. He thinks outright and often of the future (particularly of all the ways simple errors can kill him) but dreams of spending more time in the now.

But this story isn’t really about Paul. “Inner Workings” tells the story of the perpetual pull of the human heart, even as it works against the very pragmatic realism of the brain. It’s about Paul’s … well, inner workings.

I got the opportunity to attend the “Inner Workings” press conference and find out the inner workings of “Inner Workings”. Directed by veteran Disney animator Leo Matsuda, whose credits include Wreck-It Ralph and Big Hero 6, also wrote the short. Produced by Sean Lurie, from the “Tinkerbell” franchise, it’s set in a surreal version of California, specifically Venice Beach.

Leo began by telling us about his inspiration, “I’m a Japanese Brazilian so I’m very disciplined, but I also like to party.” He was also inspired by the human anatomy acetate transparency illustrations from the “Encyclopedia Britannica” that he flipped through as a kid. Leo’s pitch was one of 50, according to Sean, but it was the one that caught and had the drive.

Getting from pitch to completion is always a process. They mentioned how the inspiration for Paul’s insides was an interesting development – starting with muppets and ending at the aquarium. That music was the most important thing. And although Sean thought the protagonist was the heart, Leo convinced him it was actually the brain.

Make sure to get to the theater early for “Moana” and catch “Inner Workings” beforehand. You’ll be glad to did.

First Look At The Na’vi River Journey Shaman in Pandora – World of Avatar

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 20, 2016

It’s a big day for Pandora- The World of Avatar as Alpha Centauri Expeditions (A.C.E)Founder Marshall Lamm joined up with filmmaker James Cameron and Imagineer Joe Rohde to give D23 members an introduction to just one of the characters Animal Kingdom visitors will be able to meet on their visit to Pandora, a planet reportedly located 4.4 light years away from Planet Earth.

Check out this amazing first look at the Shaman of Songs, a revered member of the Na’vi people of Pandora recorded exclusively for D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures.

We hope you are as excited as we are about this awe-inspiring world set to be unveiled in Animal Kingdom in 2017. In the meantime, be sure to watch this space for the latest Pandora- World of Avatar news and updates.

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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.

Holiday Turkey By Earl of Sandwich Is a Must-Do!

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Lisette R

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November 20, 2016

Earl of Sandwich, in the Disney Springs Marketplace, is a popular quick-service restaurant for many guests with the lines often extending around the restaurant and out the door. The Holiday Turkey Sandwich is a must-do for me during the Holiday Season when I visit Disney Springs. Here is my review of what you can expect from this amazing hot sandwich.

When you arrive at Earl of Sandwich you must first find the end of the line. As you can see, the line is oftentimes out the door. The menu has lots of options from sandwiches, salads, desserts, sides and beverages. The Earl of Sandwich is a quick service restaurant included on the Disney Dining Plan.

The absolute best item on the menu is the Holiday Turkey. This hot sandwich has turkey breast, cornbread stuffing, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, and mayo. The bread is warm with a crisp crust and soft in the middle. The flavor combination, combined with the texture of the bread, makes this a must-do sandwich for anybody visiting Disney Springs this holiday season.

While the Holiday Turkey is hands-down the best sandwich ever, there are some other interesting choices. For example, the newest sandwich is the Turkey Apple & Brie. This sandwich looks really good. However, the Holiday Turkey is my favorite and when I visit the Earl of Sandwich, particularly during the Holiday Season, I am compelled to order it. If you can find a table indoors, you can also enjoy the holiday decor. I recommend the Holiday Turkey as a must-do for anyone stopping by the Earl of Sandwich in Disney Springs.

Will you be visiting the Earl of Sandwich this Holiday Season? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Disney 2016 Limited Edition Pin Gift Cards Make The Perfect Gift This Holiday Season

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Lisette R

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November 20, 2016

Are you looking for the perfect Holiday gift for your Disney-Loving family or friends? If you are, then you need look no further than the shops at the Walt Disney World Parks. The 2016 Limited Edition Pin Gift Cards make the perfect gift for loved ones this Holiday Season.

The 2016 Limited Edition Pin Gift Cards feature some of our favorite Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy. This year the featured pins are holiday mittens. They are absolutely adorable and festive. The 2015 Limited Edition Pin Gift Cards featured pins that were holiday gifts. Each gift card holds a value of $75 and must be activated at the register upon check-out.

What do you think of the 2016 Limited Edition Holiday Pin Gift Cards? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Pandora – The World of Avatar Opening Summer of 2017 with new restaurant and more!

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Chip

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November 19, 2016

Disney has released more information and concept art for Pandora – The World of Avatar at the D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures event today and we have the scoop for Chip and Co readers.

Pandora – The World of Avatar is set to open in the summer of 2017, and will transport guests to a visually stunning world complete with floating mountains and bioluminescent plants. Guests will be able to experience two excursions that will truly push adventure to the next level.

The first is a family friendly Na’vi River Journey will send guests down a sacred river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest. Their journey will end in an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora.

The second area is a Avatar Flight of Passage excursion that will offer the jaw-dropping experience of riding on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.

Next up Disney shared more details on a one of a kind dining & shopping experience coming to the World of Pandora in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Satu’li Canteen will be the main restaurant in Pandora – The World of Avatar and will feature Na’vi art and cultural items.

At Windtraders, travelers can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more.

And Pongu Pongu (pictured at the top of the story) will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.

All of today’s new images were shared by Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek during a D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures presentation at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Are you looking forward to the Pandora – The World of Avatar in the Animal Kingdom?

Sphero Star Wars App Controlled Battle Worn BB-8 Robot

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Danielle

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November 19, 2016

Be prepared to wield the Force like a Jedi with this incredible App Controlled battle worn Battle Worn BB-8 Robot by Sphero. Last year the Sphero BB-8 was a Star Wars fan’s dream, and this updated version is even cooler!

The Force is strong with you. Channel it with the Star Wars Force Band by Sphero. Like a Jedi Knight, you can control your BB-8 App-Enabled Droid with just a wave of your hand and expand your abilities with Force Training. Use the band by itself to complete Combat Training, or collect digital holocrons in your environment through Force Awareness. Fulfill your destiny and become strong in the ways of the Force.

Pair your Force Band with Special Edition Battle-Worn BB-8, straight from the sands of Jakku. This Astromech Droid reflects the wear and tear of trekking across the galaxy on Resistance missions. Watch your Droid explore autonomously, guide BB-8 yourself, or create and view holographic recordings. BB-8 is more than a toy – it’s your companion.

The Force Band is compatible with the original BB-8 App-Enabled Droid by Sphero and other Sphero robots powered by Bluetooth SMART.

How out of this world amazing is this epic little Battle Worn BB-8 Robot?

An Art Tribute To The Disney Films of Ron Clements and John Musker, Coming This November

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 19, 2016

Disney’s next animated feature directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, “Moana” set to hit theaters on November 23, Disney’s been thinking a lot about how magical the directors’ previous films are. Ron and John released movies like: The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, and Princess and the Frog—just to name a few. To celebrate their upcoming film, as well as those from the past, Disney teamed up with Walt Disney Feature Animation, Cyclops Print Works, Disney Fine Art, and Gallery Nucleus to put together “An Art Tribute to the Disney Films of Ron Clements and John Musker!”

The special limited-time show will open on November 19, 2016 at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, CA. Artwork will be on display until December 6, 2016.

There will be over 100 new pieces of art at the gallery, including originals, limited-edition serigraphs, and limited-edition gicleés from over 60 artists. Here’s a glimpse:

New Details of Star Wars-Themed Land and Star Tours Adventure at Hollywood Studios

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 19, 2016

Walt Disney Imagineering released a stunning new image of the Star Wars-themed land planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The brand new land will be located in the southwest corner of the park and is the largest-ever single-themed land expansion at Walt Disney World Resort.

Work is already underway at both Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park to bring the stories to life inside the parks from a galaxy far, far away. The land will take on a whole new dimension after dark and feature adventures and surprises around every corner. Guests will even be able to take the controls of the Millennium Falcon.

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapaek also shared during a D23: Destination D presentation today that a new adventure will be added to the Star Tours – the Adventure Continues attraction. Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm teams are currently in production to add an exciting new mission to the attraction based on elements from Star Wars Episode 8.

Stay tuned for more information on the Star Wars-themed lands coming to Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park as well as the new mission at Star Tours – the Adventures Continue.

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

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

D23 Announces A Treasure Trove Of Events Happening All Over The Country!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 19, 2016

Holy Cow, how excited are we?? D23 The official Disney fan club is bringing events, from exclusive tours to cinematic surprises, to fans all over the country. Here is the list of all the funs stuff going on this year. If you aren’t a member of D23, after you read this list, you might want to sign up!

SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT AND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT: Throughout the year, D23 will once again offer special screenings on both coasts of classic Disney favorites, including Tangled, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, and more.D23 will also screen The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh exclusively for members in Orlando. Just in time for back-to-school, D23 will celebrate Disney Afternoon favorites such asDuckTales, Gummi Bears, and Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers, holding a screening event on the Studio lot with special guests, picture spots, and more surprises. And D23 Members will be invited to the lot for a spook-tacular Halloween screening event that will include a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives.

THE OFFICIAL WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TOUR—PRESENTED BY D23: D23 Gold Member-exclusive tours of the historic Studio lot return, including a look inside the Walt Disney Archives and a tour of Walt Disney’s office suite. The 2.5-hour tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television shows, and theme parks.

D23 BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCES: In January, D23 will host the first of several behind-the-scenes events at unique Disney locations, featuring special guests and gifts tailored to each experience. Following a year where members explored the Ink & Paint Department on The Walt Disney Studios lot and took an after-hours tour of the Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World Resort, there will be more surprises in store for members in 2017.

D23’S LUNCH WITH A DISNEY LEGEND: Beginning in February, D23 brings back these exclusive luncheons with Disney luminaries, where members will meet Disney Legends and hear their fascinating stories. The events return to both Walt Disney World Resort and The Walt Disney Studios, where members have already dined with Legends such as animator Glen Keane, Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar, and voice talent Kathryn Beaumont.

ADVANCE SCREENINGS: Members can expect a host of exclusive, advance screenings of what are sure to be some of 2017’s most popular releases from The Walt Disney Studios. This year, D23 Members saw previews of Zootopia, The Jungle Book, and Finding Dory in cities across the county, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, and Seattle. Plus, D23 Members in Los Angeles attended the red carpet premieres of Moana and Pete’s Dragon. For those guests who don’t live in the cities where movies are screened, D23 Gold Members across the country will be selected at random to receive complimentary movie passes, which will be included in issues of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.

D23 DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—EPCOT 35: D23 heads to the parks in honor of Epcot’s 35th anniversary. Epcot, originally announced as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow by Walt Disney in 1966, has continued to grow and evolve over the years. D23 Members can look forward to a treasure trove of video, illustrations, and photographs to complement a host of stories, both new and old, in honor of this landmark. Plus, D23 will hold a special member event at Walt Disney World Resort in honor of the anniversary.

SIGNATURE EVENTS: D23 will bring back foodie favorite Sip & Stroll during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and members on the West Coast will get to join the fun, as D23 debuts a new event in conjunction with Disneyland Resort’s culinary festivities. And after giving members a look inside the Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago in 2016, D23 will return to the Windy City next year to see the tremendous progress made on the home’s restoration. Expect special holiday events on both the East and West Coasts to make the season bright.

MEMBER MIXERS AROUND THE COUNTRY: After mixing and mingling at complimentary gatherings in Seattle, Chicago, Bridgewater, N.J., and even at San Diego Comic-Con, D23 will bring more mixers to cities around the country in 2017.

D23 EXPO 2017: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns. It’s D23’s biggest event of the year, as all of Disney’s wonderful worlds come together once again July 14–16, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center for three magical days of once-in-a-lifetime live performances, star-studded presentations, exclusive collectibles, and more.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2017 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current event calendar:
• January 14: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
• January: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
• February 4: Tangled, Burbank, Calif.
• February 11: Tangled, Walt Disney World Resort
• February: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
• April 8: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
• April: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
• April: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
• May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Burbank, Calif.
• May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Walt Disney World Resort
• May: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
• Spring: Behind-the-Scenes Experience, Walt Disney Birthplace, Chicago
• July 14–16: D23 Expo 2017, Anaheim, Calif.
• August 19: “Disney Afternoon” on the Lot, Burbank, Calif.
• August: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
• September 9: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
• September: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
• Fall: D23’s Disney Fanniversary: Celebrating 35 Years of Epcot (more info coming in 2017)
• Fall: Sip & Stroll, Walt Disney World Resort
• October 29: Halloween on the Disney Lot, Burbank, Calif.
• November 18: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Walt Disney World Resort
• November: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
• December: Light Up the Season with D23, Burbank, Calif.
• December: D23 Holiday Event at Walt Disney World Resort

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Introduces even More Cajun Tastes in New Menu

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 19, 2016

We announced recently that Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s port Orleans French Quarter was re-opening after being closed for refurbishment.

We didn’t have menu information then, but we do now:

Home-style favorites such as create-your-own pasta, salads and pizza are still available for lunch and dinner, in addition to new flavors inspired by New Orleans. Specialty burgers include a Cajun King Burger with Andouille sausage, Cheddar Cheese and Creole mustard aioli and a Crawfish Mac & Cheese Burger. Enjoy Jambalaya or a create-your-own rice bowl with pulled pork, catfish or shrimp, red or black beans, and Cajun, dirty or white rice. Po’ Boys will also be served catfish, shrimp or beef topped with lettuce, tomato and remoulade.

For dinner, enjoy new entrees like prime rib, pork rack, roasted sustainable fish, fried chicken and BBQ ribs with your choice of sides—including Mache Choux, collard greens, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, mac and cheese, macaroni salad and red beans and rice.

New breakfast items have also been added to the menu, and include Crispy-Fried Chicken on a Biscuit with maple-bacon jam, Molasses-Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll, House-made Coffee Cake, Jumbo Sweet Potato Belgian Waffle topped with toasted pecans, whipped cream and apple-cranberry compote, Cajun Grit Bowl with Shrimp and soft-poached eggs, a Breakfast Po’ Boy with scrambled eggs, Andouille sausage, and sautéed peppers and onions, Pain Perdu, a French toast made with a baguette and warm fruit topping.

Signature made-to-order beignets are now available with new dipping sauces, including raspberry, caramel and chicory-coffee ganache. Or take your dessert over the top with a decadent hand-dipped gelato sundae in a beignet bowl. Other new desserts include a warm Chocolate-Caramel Bread Pudding and house-made Pecan Pralines. Of course, no visit to “The Big Easy” would be complete without a Louisiana-style King Cake, perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras anytime.

Laissez les bons temps rouler when the new menu debuts November 19 at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory!

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

D-Living Home Decor store Opening at Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 19, 2016

Disney announced that another wonderful Disney-Themed shopping experience is coming to Disney Springs, just in time for Holiday shopping!

The new shop, called D-Living, will be opening in Town Center on Wednesday, November 23, 2016.

D-Living is the ultimate home décor store for Disney fans and kids of every age. In this dynamic location, guests will find a curated assortment of Disney-themed products and more that changes with each season.

For the holiday season, this signature store will look and feel just like an inviting home on Christmas morning. In every room, and around every corner, guests will discover a charming selection of Disney-inspired furnishings, housewares, and décor sure to make every home magical and bright.

The holiday-themed products coming this month to D-Living may include the Woodland Winter home décor as seen in this Disney Parks Blog Unboxed video, or some of my favorite holiday-themed gifts featured in this story.

D-Living will be located adjacent to UNOde50 in Town Center at Disney Springs.

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