Stack the Fun with the Disney Tsum Tsum Mancala Super Stack Game

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October 15, 2016

I really do love a family game night, especially when it’s a Disney themed one! I’m a little bit obsessed with Tsum Tsums, so I was very excited to find this Disney twist on the Mancala game. I always loved Mancala as a kid, so a Disney Tsum Tsum Mancala is the perfect addition to my collection.

This game is as the name suggests a Tsum Tsum twist on Mancala! You move the beads around the board just like in the classic game. However you can use strategy to stack up matching Tsums for more points! Everything packs inside the snap-close board so you can play anywhere! The game stars 8 different Tsum Tsum characters, including Mickey, Donald, Stitch and more! Since it’s so travel friendly, you can even bring it along on a Disney trip to break out if there’s a rainy day! Tsum Tsum Mancala has also become my family’s favorite rainy day game too!

This adorably stackable game is available on Amazon now, so you can get gaming and stackin’!

Happy Stacking!

The Walt Disney Company Donates $1 Million to relief for Hurricane Matthew Victims

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 15, 2016

The WaltDisney Company Logo

Even though Hurricane Matthew didn’t leave any major damage in the Orlando area, or more specifically Walt Disney World, there are still many other areas of the East Coast that have been negatively impacted by the storm. In a very generous move, Disney has donated $1 million dollars to the relief efforts according to Laughing Place.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the children and families whose lives were impacted by this tragic storm,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “We hope that Disney’s support will aid ongoing relief efforts as people begin to recover and rebuild.”

The money will be used to aid all in the path of the storm, from the United States to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and will be distributed between The American Red Cross, Save the Children, and other local charitable organizations that will help those affected by the Hurricane. Disney is also working with these organizations to ensure that the money is being used to aid those who need it most.

What do you think of Disney’s Donation to relief efforts?

If you are unsure of where to begin planning your Disney vacation, 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.

Marriott Resort discounts being offered during Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 15, 2016

If you are looking to visit Walt Disney World at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival now is the time to book! The three Marriott hotels which are part of Walt Disney World good neighbor hotels are offering a discount during the festival of food and wines from all around the world.

Now through December 30, 2016, visitors can enjoy a $10 per night hotel credit and save 10 percent off of stays through April 30, 2017that include a Thursday or Sunday night at one of the participating Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® hotels: SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village, Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village or Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village. Travelers can use promotional code FLP when booking online or calling 1-800-834-7015.

Now through December 30, 2016, guests at Orlando’s Marriott Village hotels can use promotional code FLP to receive a $10 per night hotel credit and 10 percent off of stays through April 30, 2017 that include a Thursday or Sunday night. For information, visit www.marriottvillage.com.

Bringing together the best cuisine from around the world, the annual Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival is taking place from Sept. 14 to Nov. 16, 2016 – making now the perfect time to plan an Orlandoescape. From culinary demonstrations and beverage seminars to tasting events and concerts, there is so much to savor at the two-month-long event. New at the festival this year are exciting opportunities including “Beverage Boot Camp” and an expanded “Global Marketplace” that will send taste buds soaring.

With three hotels inside of one unique village, the Lake Buena Vista accommodations offer free shuttle service to Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks, making them a convenient home base for unforgettable vacations in Orlando, Florida. Visitors can also stay connected with complimentary wireless internet access in each of the hotels, allowing guests to easily upload photos to show family and friends back at home.

For fueling up in the mornings, SpringHill Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites provide a complimentary breakfast buffet, while Courtyard boasts an on-site restaurant offering a wide array of healthy and hearty breakfast delights as well as specialty Starbucks beverages.

Must do Disney Magic you must experience next time you are in the Magic Kingdom

By

Lisette R

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October 15, 2016

Have you ever lifted the receiver of the old crank telephone in The Chapeau shop at the Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom? You can say “Hello, is anybody on the party line?” Even if you do not say anything you will hear a variety of conversations taking place on the old-style party line. This telephone is one of the little hidden gems you can find in, and around, the Magic Kingdom.

Enter into the second entrance of The Chapeau pictured above. If you happen to enter through the main entrance of The Chapeau, be sure to stroll up the ramp to the smaller section at the back of the shop. This is the same area where you can find lanyard pins and where they take orders for the ear-hat embroidery.

The old-style crank telephone is mounted on the wall beside the second entrance door. This wooden telephone is not a pay phone , but is rather one of those free, and fun activities, you can experience at the Magic Kingdom. Lift the receiver on the left of the box, turn the crank handle on the right, and go back in time on an adventure via the party line.

Have you ever listened in on the party line at The Chapeau? Please leave your comments in the box below.

New Ninjago World coming to LegoLand Florida in January!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 15, 2016

Every dream of becoming a ninja? Well starting January 12^th you are doing just that once Lego Ninjago world opens at LegoLand Florida Resorts.

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

Inspired by the popular LEGO building sets and the “LEGO NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu” TV show, LEGO NINJAGO World puts guests at the center of the action in lots of fun ways:

LEGO NINJAGO The Ride — a state-of-the-art “dark ride” where guests score points using ninja hand moves to blast animated fireballs, lightning and more at waves of 3D villains
Zane’s Temple Build — a giant LEGO building experience where kids can contribute to a model of a mountaintop NINJAGO monastery
Kai’s Spinners — master the ancient art of Spinjitzu at these twirling, whirling, single-person platforms
Cole’s Rock Climb — an outdoor climbing wall to test kids’ balance and endurance
Jay’s Lightning Drill — measure your reflexes with these “lightning fast” light-up targets

The lushly landscaped area also will feature daily meet-and-greet opportunities with sibling ninjas Kai and Nya [NEE-AH], and Wu’s Warehouse, a themed retail shop stuffed with LEGO NINJAGO building sets, toys, clothing, souvenirs and more.

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Ninjago Ride at Legoland California.(Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Legoland)

Assisted by Kai and Nya, LEGOLAND Florida Resort General Manager Adrian Jones announced the land’s grand opening date on the eve of the resort’s fifth birthday, continuing the largest period of growth and expansion in its history.

Since opening Oct. 15, 2011, the place #BuiltForKids has added LEGOLAND Water Park (May 2012), LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display (November 2012), LEGO World of Chima™ (July 2013), DUPLO® Valley (May 2014), LEGOLAND Hotel (May 2015) and Heartlake City (June 2015). In addition, the resort has unveiled several phased restorations of the historic Cypress Gardens, which celebrated its 80th anniversary earlier this year.

Along with LEGO NINJAGO World, construction continues on LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, which will more than double the resort’s on-site accommodations when its whimsically themed bungalows open in mid-2017. Guests currently can make reservations for stays from June 1-Sept. 4, 2017, with rates starting at $182 per night. A grand opening date and associated festivities will be announced at a later date, along with additional amenities.

Jones announced that according to an economic impact analysis prepared earlier this year, LEGOLAND Florida Resort has generated nearly $1 billion of total economic activity from 2010 through 2015.

Star Wars princess Leia Inspired Chunky Bubblegum Necklace

By

Danielle

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October 14, 2016

I love the cute things people come up with for kid’s Disney inspired jewelry. This Princess Leia Inspired Chunky Bubblegum Necklace is so adorable, that I want one! Good thing it looks like the shop makes them longer for us grown up kids!

Their chunky necklaces are all made standard child size, most infants through teens. They do say they will make them longer for adults though! All are made using strong beading wire and finished with toggle clasps for easy on and off. These are made with whimsical chunky beads, and lots of sparkle, with a Princess Leia Pendant.

If you like this one there’s lots of other characters to choose from below too:

These Chunky Bubblegum Necklaces would be fabulous for Disneybounding too! What do you think?

Disney’s Pete’s Dragon Soars Home this Holiday Season

By

Danielle

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October 14, 2016

Disney’s magical family Adventure “Pete’s Dragon” soars home this holiday season with exciting extras on Digital HD, Blu-ray and Disney Movies Anywhere on Nov. 29.

“Pete’s Dragon,” a reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film centered on an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot — who just so happens to be a dragon — comes home on Nov. 29 on Digital HD, Blu-ray™, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand. And the timing couldn’t be better: Today’s announcement ushers in tomorrow’s World Dragon Day and the heartwarming adventure arrives just in time to entertain the entire family this holiday season.

Families will be captivated by this magical movie followed by never-before-seen bonus features, including a revealing look at director David Lowery’s personal diary kept during the filming of “Pete’s Dragon,” the design process behind the lovable dragon Elliot, deleted scenes, a tour of the film’s breathtaking production location of New Zealand, audio commentary by filmmakers and actors and hilarious bloopers.

“Pete’s Dragon” stars Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World”) as Grace, a forest ranger in the Pacific Northwest who happens upon 10-year-old Pete, played by Oakes Fegley (“This is Where I Leave You”). Oona Laurence (“Southpaw”) is Natalie, the 11-year-old daughter of Jack, a lumber-mill owner played by Wes Bentley (“The Hunger Games”). Karl Urban (“Star Trek”) is Jack’s bumbling brother Gavin and Oscar®-winner Robert Redford (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) portrays Mr. Meacham, an old wood carver who delights the local children with tales of a fierce dragon.

The film is directed by David Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”) from a screenplay by Lowery & Toby Halbrooks based on a screenplay by Malcolm Marmorstein and produced by Jim Whitaker, p.g.a. (“The Finest Hours”), with Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”) serving as executive producer.

Bonus features include*:
BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:

Notes to Self: A Director’s Diary – Director David Lowery narrates the personal diary he kept through the filming of “Pete’s Dragon” in this intimate and fascinating look at the movie’s making.
Making Magic – Discover fun facts about what went into designing this spectacular, lovable dragon.
“Disappearing” Moments – The director shares a montage of the film’s “lost” scenes.
Welcome to New Zealand – Experience the wonders of New Zealand and learn why it’s a magical place to visit … and to make a movie.
Audio Commentary – Gain an insider perspective from director David Lowery, co-writer Toby Halbrooks and actors Oakes Fegley and Oona Laurence.
Music Videos
*“Nobody Knows” by The Lumineers
*“Something Wild” by Lindsey Stirling featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
Bloopers

DVD:

Making Magic

You can reserve your copy of Pete’s Dragon today! Are you excited to bring this reimagined classic home?

Finding Dory earns over 1 Billion dollars in theater sales

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 14, 2016

Finding Dory has made $484.8 million domestically and $516.9 million internationally as of October 9th causing it to breakthrough the $1 billion mark at the global box office earlier this week. The movie is now the fifth biggest animated film of all time globally and the second billion dollar release for Pixar’s alongside Toy Story 3.

The acclaimed follow-up to Pixar’s 2003 global hit Finding Nemo,Finding Dory debuted domestically on June 17 with $135 million, the biggest debut ever for an animated film, and it is the No. 1 domestic film of the year and the seventh highest-grossing of all time. The film’s top international market is Japan with $65.9 million, followed by the UK with $55.0 million, and it recently opened in its final international markets, Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland, on September 29.

Finding Dory, which has a 94 percent Certified Fresh rating on RottenTomatoes and an A CinemaScore, joins Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Zootopia, and Captain America: Civil War to become The Walt Disney Studios’ fourth billion-dollar release in the past 12 months; it is Disney’s 12th release ever to reach the billion-dollar milestone.

Celebrate Winnie The Pooh’s 90th Anniversary with our favorite ‘Poohisms’

By

Chip

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October 14, 2016

Many have been inspired by Winnie the Pooh’s words of wisdom – or ‘Poohisms’ as they are affectionately known – and today Disney released 10 favorite phrases to celebrate the character’s 90^th anniversary. Providing invaluable advice about friendship and love to last a lifetime, parents have used these phrases to introduce their children to the concepts from history’s greatest philosophers including Confucius, Aristotle and Plato.

Favorite ‘Poohisms’ *

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”
“If the string breaks, try another piece of string.”
“The most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.”
“It isn’t much good having anything exciting, if you can’t share it with somebody.”
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
“Never let things come to you, go out and fetch them.”
“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
“Love is taking a few steps backward, maybe even more… to give way to the happiness of the person you love.”
“It’s best to know what you’re looking for before you look for it.”
“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.”

The Philosophy of Winnie the Pooh – Dr. Catherine McCall

Dr. Catherine McCall, philosopher and patron of The Philosophy Foundation, believes Pooh has proven his place amongst history’s greatest philosophers. She has developed a theory to determine his unique philosophy and how it compares to some of philosophy’s greatest minds.

“Winnie the Pooh may never have had a university professorship or even gone to school, but his words, experiences and adventures have stood the test of time,” said Dr. Catherine McCall. “Poohisms encapsulate the thinking of many famous philosophers in beautiful, clear and memorable sayings that have inspired children and parents for generations.”

‘Thoughtful Spot’ Bench

To mark 90 years since the first publication of A.A. Milne’s ‘Winnie the Pooh’, Disney has created a special edition ‘Thoughtful Spot’ bench featuring a talking statue of Pooh that will tour the UK, Europe, and the US in 2017. The talking bench will allow people to sit, think, listen and reflect on Winnie the Pooh’s words of wisdom, including “Rivers know this: there is no hurry, we shall get there some day.”

Multiple limited-edition product lines have been launched in celebration of Winnie-the-Pooh’s 90th anniversary. Winnie-the-Pooh was the star of the debut Disney X Cath Kidston collection in September, which resulted in record high traffic for Cath Kidston’s website and the majority of products selling out within hours of launch.

New Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! Holiday Dessert Party Details Available

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 14, 2016

The all new Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Nighttime Spectacular at Hollywood Studios was announced this morning and now we’re finding out more information about an exclusive dessert party offered during the event. The Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! spectacular will be held nightly from November 14 – December 31, 2016 with a showtime of 6:45pm most nights except for Thanksgiving week, when the showtime is 9pm. The dessert party is currently only available to reserve through December 10th. There is no word yet if or when the dessert party will be available to book during December 11 – 31.

The event includes reserved viewing, desserts, specialty beverages along with beer and wine. The party begins one hour prior to the start of the show and guests should check in approximately 15 minutes beforehand. Check in is located at the Great Movie Ride and parts of the dessert party will be held indoors. Each dessert party guest will receive a pair of 3D HoloSpex glasses that create spectacular holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments during the show.

The cost is $69 per adult and $39 per child (ages 3-9) and includes tax and gratuity. The dessert party is currently not available to book online but can be reserved by calling (407) 939-DINE. Be prepared for a long wait time if you do call Disney Dining today and we hear that the event will likely sell out quickly.

Contact l[email protected] or visit my Facebook page here today 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

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM Dessert Party coming to Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

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October 14, 2016

Everyone is talking about the all new Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM New Holiday Nighttime Spectacular that is coming to Hollywood Studios next month replacing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.

If that news wasn’t sweet enough we hear Disney will be throwing an exclusive Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! dessert party that will be offered starting on 11/14 through 12/31!

Here is what we know so far…

A sweet way to enjoy this new holiday spectacular is with the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party, which includes reserved viewing, desserts, specialty beverages and more. Each dessert party guest will get a pair of 3D HoloSpex® glasses to use while watching the show. The glasses create spectacular holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments on any bright point of light.

More details can be found here.

You Can meet Santa & Santa Goofy this Christmas Season at Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 14, 2016

In Christmases past, guests have typically had the opportunity to meet with Santa Claus at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Springs. This year however, the head Elf himself will be moving to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to meet with guests, from November 14- December 24th!

Then on December 25th through Dec 31st, Santa Goofy will take over his meet and greets with guests.

The new meet and greet will be located in the Once Upon A Time shop on Sunset Blvd, directly across from the Beauty and The Beast live on Stage show.

The new Santa meet and greet coincides with the all-new Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM Fireworks show that Disney announced yesterday as well! Will you be heading to Hollywood Studios this Holiday Season?

If you are unsure of where to begin planning your Disney vacation, 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.

Santa photo: Disney