“Brunch With a Twist” Served at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on February 11

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January 19, 2017

“Brunch With a Twist” will be held at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 12pm. The five-star, five-course brunch is hosted by the signature dining restaurant Citricos and features award-winning chefs at the Resort. The event debuted in 2016 as part of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Some of Disney’s top chefs representing Victoria & Alberts, Citricos, Narcoossee’s, Grand Floridian Cafe and the Grand Floridian Bakery will be present. They’ll share cooking techniques and answer questions as the courses are being prepared on-stage at Citricos.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste the creations of Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef Dominique Filoni, Chef Noah Estabrook, Chef Nick Mussara, Chef Lawrence Searl and Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with Champagne for the ultimate dining experience.

The brunch menu includes:

Chef Nick presents…
Passed Hors d‘oeuvres

Farm Egg Omelet with King Crab and Caviar
Bloody Mary Shooter with Jumbo Shrimp
Smoked Bacon Fritter
Prosecco Cocktail

Chef Dominique presents…
Tuna Carpaccio “Niçoise”, Tuna Confit, Niçoise Olives
Bolla Rosé | Veneto | NV

Chef Scott presents…
Farm Fresh Egg Ravioli with Lobster and Corn Butter
Iron Horse Fairy Tale Celebration Cuvée | Brut | Green Valley of Russian River Valley | 2013

Chef Lawrence presents…
Duo of Duck
Crispy-skin Breast and Confit Leg Raviolo,
Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, Pomegranate
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label | Brut | Reims | NV

Chef Noah presents…
Veal Tenderloin, and Cheek, Porcini Mushrooms,
Caramelized Onion Potato Croquette, Violet Mustard
Raventós i Blanc De Nit Rosé | Barcelona | 2011

Chef Erich presents…
Orange Scented Chocolate Sphere
Vietti Moscato d’Asti | NV

The cost of “Brunch With a Twist” is $169 plus tax (gratuity and valet included). Reservations and pre-payment can be made by calling 407-939-3463. Another brunch with a fabulous new menu will be held on May 6, 2017 at 12pm. Mark your calendar!

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

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Millennials vote Disney #1 most intimate brand for the MBLM Brand Intimacy 2017 Report!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 19, 2017

The WaltDisney Company Logo

The results of MBLM Brand Intimacy 2017 Report is in and among millennials Disney rated #1 most intimate brand! In case you haven’t heard of Brand Intimacy this is a study based on emotions, it is defined as a new paradigm that leverages and strengthens the emotional bonds between a person and a brand. The report analyzes the opinions of 6,000 consumers and 54,000 brand evaluations in the U.S., Mexico and UAE. The full report will be released on January 18, 2017

“Disney resonates with this age group because they grew up with the brand. It has kept up with their changing interests and now includes popular franchises like Star Wars and Marvel. Disney is also a mainstay for young families,” stated Mario Natarelli, MBLM’s managing partner. “Interestingly, five out of the top 10 brands for millennials are in the media & entertainment industry, which we believe reflects the prevailing mood of escapism and the need for respite.”

Following Disney, Amazon and Netflix ranked as the second and third most intimate brands for millennials. Comparatively, in MBLM’s 2015 report, Amazon placed first, followed by Apple and PlayStation.

The other brands that round out the top 10 are: Apple, Nintendo, Target, Chevrolet, Xbox, Google and YouTube.

New Live Action Beauty and the Beast Merchandise at the Disney Store

By

Danielle

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January 18, 2017

The Disney Store has unveiled lots of beautiful Live Action Beauty and the Beast Merchandise. The Magical New Arrivals at the Disney Store online shop is bustling with fantastic new finds.

The exciting new arrivals inspired by the new Live Action film include a breath taking tea set, detailed dolls, pins and more. One of the most amazing new items is the Limited Edition Fine China Tea Set, which is a detailed replica of the new live action tea set. Check out the tea set and other favorite items below.

Beauty and the Beast Limited Edition Fine China Tea Set – Live Action

The dining room proudly presents this limited edition fine china tea set inspired by Disney’s live action retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Be our guest and join Mrs. Potts and Chip for a deliciously delightful brew.

Beauty and the Beast Limited Edition Pin Set – Live Action Film

It’s a rare love that brought Belle and the Beast together, making this limited edition pin set a fitting celebration. Decoratively packaged, this three-pin set is inspired by Disney’s live-action retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Belle & Gaston Film Collection Doll Set – Beauty and the Beast – Live Action

The pompous Gaston will stop at nothing to win Belle’s favor in this Film Collection Doll Set, inspired by Disney’s live action film Beauty and the Beast. Detailed outfits and an accurate likeness bring the timeless tale to life.

Belle Film Collection Doll – Beauty and the Beast – Live Action – 11 1/2”

This finely crafted Disney Film Collection doll depicts Belle just as she appears in Disney’s live action reimagining of Beauty and the Beast. Her glamorous gown and accurate likeness bring the timeless tale to life.

Beauty and the Beast Journal – Live Action Film

Belle’s passion for books is fully dramatized in this hardbound Journal with golden bindings, latches, and edging, a tassled cord bookmark, and illustrated, lined pages on which travels in both real and imaginary worlds can be authored.

Beauty and the Beast Glass Compact Mirror – Live Action Film

See the beauty within reflected from this elegant glass compact mirror in golden filigree brushed metal case adorned by faceted gems. Inspired by Disney’s live action film Beauty and the Beast.

These fantastic new Live Action Beauty and the Beast Merchandise and more are available at the Disney Store now!

Guide to Food Offerings for Lunar New Year Celebration at California Adventure

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

If you’ll be visiting Disney California Adventure Park between January 20th- February 5th, then you won’t want to miss out on these delicious special menu offerings to celebrate the Lunar New Year. There will be 3 different Marketplaces inspired by Korea, China and Vietnam, and the menus are as follows:

Korea

Kimchi Bokkeumbap – Kimchi-vegetable fried rice
Yachae Mandu – Steamed vegetable dumplings with sesame-garlic soy sauce
Yasik – Sweet rice and dried fruit cake
Banana Milk (non-alcoholic)
Black Beer Stout
Hite Pale Lager

China

Xiao Long Bao – Pork soup dumplings with black vinegar and ginger
Luo Bo Gao – Turnip cake with sausage and oyster sauce
Egg Tart
Passion Fruit Green Iced Tea with Lychee Popping Pearls (non-alcoholic)
Tsingtao Lager

Vietnam

Bang Chung – Sticky rice cake with pork
Chao Tom Voi Nuoc Cham Chua Ngot – Sugar cane shrimp skewer with sweet and sour sauce
Purple Sweet Potato Macaron
Ca Phe Da – Vietnamese iced coffee

Paradise Garden Grill

Japchae – Stir-fried vegetables and noodles with tofu
Galbi – Grilled beef short rib with steamed rice and kimchi
Cach Chien Ca Gion Ngon – Whole crispy tilapia with chili-lime vinaigrette and steamed rice
Pho – Beef Noodle Soup
Mango Pudding
Banh Khoai Mi Nuong – Cassava-coconut cake
Almond Milk Tea with Fruit Jellies (non-alcoholic)
Max Beer Lager

Will you be trying any of the Lunar New Year treats at DCA?

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

Chef Morimoto’s signature Peking Duck from Morimoto Asia celebrates National Peking Duck Day

By

Chip

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January 18, 2017

Yup, that’s right. National Pecking Duck Day is upon us! Central Florida has some great restaurants for pecking duck.

One of my favorites is found at Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs. Chef Morimoto’s signature duck is not served in three courses like some restaurants, but has all of the fabulous elements.

The duck is fire roasted, then is deep fried for crispy skin! The wonderfully fattiness of the deck meat and crispy skin is the perfect combination. Served with steamed flour pancakes, picked onions, hoisin miso sauce and apricot sweet chili sauces.

You get to form these fun little wraps! SOOO GOOD!

Click Here for the yummy recipe!

The Incredible Mickey Mouse Inspired Slow Cooker is Finally Available Again

By

Danielle

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January 18, 2017

Good news Mickey lovers! The incredible and highly sought after Mickey Mouse Inspired Slow Cooker is available once more! The perfect Disney kitchen appliance is now available at Disney Store Online, so Disney Addicts everywhere can get their slow cook on.

Mickey Mouse Slow Cooker with Dipper

Mickey takes his own good time to make kitchen magic with this five quart Slow Cooker and 20 ounce dipper for all your favorite crockery cooking recipes. This slow cooker became available last year, and Disney lovers everywhere went on a simmering frenzy for it. The appliance quickly sold out, and many of us have been longing for it ever since! I’m so glad that the Disney Store has finally started carrying it, so everyone has a chance to get their very own Mickey Mouse Slow Cooker!

If you were a fan of the Pixar Slow Cooker you’re in luck too! It is also available for purchase on the Disney Store website. It doesn’t come with a matching dipper, but it is a seven quart cooker, versus five like the Mickey one. I love that this one is also available too!

Would you get your simmer on with this Mickey Mouse Inspired Slow Cooker from the Disney Store?

Pixar reveals Easter eggs hidden in Inside Out, Brave, more

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

Most Disney-Pixar fans have been noticing Easter eggs in their favorite movies for years, making fans wonder if all of Pixar’s beloved characters exist in the same universe. (Granted, it is pretty tough to miss Boo handing Sully a plush version of Nemo in “Monsters, Inc.”)

But for those hidden nods to other films that are a bit more difficult to spot, Disney recently released a mind-bending video on the official Toy Story Facebook page, revealing where exactly you can see hidden Easter eggs in favorites like “Inside Out” and “Ratatouille”.

For starters, did you have any idea that Riley from “Inside Out” makes a cameo in “Finding Dory”? Or how about the fact that “The Good Dinosaur‘s” Forrest Woodbush is in “Inside Out”? Or that Sully from “Monsters, Inc.” is etched into a piece of wood owned by Merida in “Brave”?

Watch the video for yourself below to catch all of the references you may not have noticed in your previous 500 viewings of your favorite Pixar flicks.

Permits Filed for Caribbean Beach Expansion

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

It has been a rumor now for quite some time that Disney is going to start building Disney Vacation Club properties at a Moderate Resort, and many speculated Caribbean Beach would be the most likely location for this project. We speculated back in September that some changes would be coming when height test balloons were spotted at the resort. Height test balloons are used to simulate where peaks and tops of planned buildings would be, so that imagineers could visualize whether or not a project would need to be altered or would interfere with the overall aesthetic of the view for the location.

We hear now from WDW Magic that permits have been filed for an expansion at Caribbean Beach resort. The permit appears to be for 7 new buildings, with one large multi-level building. The area where the expansion is proposed is where the Barbados Village is located right now; and assumption is that the current village will be demolished for this new project, whatever it may be. Work is set to begin in 2017 with planned timeframe of sometime in 2019 for completion.

There is no official word from Disney as of yet, and we can only speculate that this may be part of the new DVC expansion, but we could be wrong, too. Don’t get your hopes up just yet for a moderate DVC location. If we learn more we will be sure to share it with you!

What do you think is going to be constructed at Caribbean Beach with the new permits?

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.

“Beauty and the Beast”s Emma Watson Reveals She Was Once Offered the Part of Cinderella for 2015 Live-Action Film

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

Watson reveals she was originally offered the part of Cinderella in Kenneth Branagh’s 2015 live-action remake of the Disney movie but turned it down before eventually taking on her upcoming role as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast”

“I didn’t know they were going to make Beauty and the Beast at the time I turned down Cinderella,” said Watson, (Downton Abbey’s Lily James ended up starring in the movie.) “But when they offered me Belle, I just felt the character resonated with me so much more than Cinderella did.”

The actress, 26, said Belle’s strength as a woman makes her a good “role model” for young girls. “She remains curious, compassionate and open-minded. And that’s the kind of woman I would want to embody as a role model, given the choice,” she said. “There’s this kind of outsider quality that Belle had and the fact she had this really empowering defiance of what was expected of her. In a strange way, she challenges the status quo of the place she lives in, and I found that really inspiring.”

“She manages to keep her integrity and have a completely independent point of view,” she continued. “She’s not easily swayed by other people’s perspective — not swayed by fear-mongering or scapegoating.”

And while Belle’s core personality traits remain the same in the upcoming live-action remake, Watson still wanted to make a few changes to modernize the beloved character.
“In the animated movie, it’s her father who is the inventor, and we actually co-opted that for Belle,” Watson previously said. “I was like, ‘Well, there was never very much information or detail at the beginning of the story as to why Belle didn’t fit in, other than she liked books. Also, what is she doing with her time?’ So, we created a backstory for her, which was that she had invented a kind of washing machine, so that, instead of doing laundry, she could sit and use that time to read instead. So, yeah, we made Belle an inventor.”
Beauty and the Beast hits theaters March 17, 2017.

Maple Popcorn Now on the Menu at Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

A huge shout out to Tim Corless over at WDW News Today for making us salivate over the announcement that Magic Kingdom (taking their lead from Tokyo Disneyland) is now serving Maple Popcorn!

This new addition to Disney World’s popcorn line-up is the perfect marriage between sweet and savory and can be found at Magic Kingdom’s Westward Ho over in Frontierland. Visitors can enjoy a single serving for $5.25 or get a refillable popcorn bucket for $11.00 with subsequent refills only costing a dollar. For those on one of Disney’s Dining Plans, the single serving version is available using your Snack Credits.

No news yet as to whether Disney plans to unveil this tasty snack at other locations across Walt Disney World. Watch this space and we’ll keep you posted.

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Image copyright Tom Corless @ WDW News Today.

Disneyland to Offer Tickets to Guests in the Event Main Street Electrical Parade Debut is Cancelled

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2017

Tomorrow night marks the return of The Main Street Electrical Parade to its original home, Disneyland. This is an event guests of the Disneyland resort in California have anxiously been waiting for since the announcement was made in 2016. Many guests have made plans months in advance to be at Disneyland on January 19th to view the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade.

However it seems Mother Nature may have other plans in mind, with forecasts of rain and storms for tomorrow evening during the return of MSEP. Due to the nature of the parade, heavy rains will inevitably ensure that the parade for the evening will be cancelled.

Should the Parade be cancelled due to the weather, Disney will be offering guests who are present at the event a Free One Day Park Ticket as compensation. Guests will be given more information about their complimentary return ticket at the event.

Inside the Magic has provided us with some details regarding the event Disneyland will be offering to celebrate the Homecoming of the Main Street Electrical Parade:

The Main Street Electrical parade preview includes:

Admission to the park from 7:30pm-midnight
Viewing of the parade
Collectible event credential
Red carpet welcome
Access to many park attractions
70’s Dance Party in Tomorrowland
Special PhotoPass locations and complimentary downloads of the photos
Complimentary parking at the Mickey & Friends parking structure after 6pm

Tickets for the event are $95 and can be purchased by calling (714) 781-4636

Do you plan on being there to see the return of The Main Street Electrical Parade?

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.

Portobello’s in Disney Springs offering Happy Hour Special

By

Chip

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January 18, 2017

An all new Happy Hour Special is taking place at Portobello’s in Disney Springs!

The new Contenta Ora or Happy Hour will be taking place on Monday through Friday from 3:00-5:00 p.m and Monday – Thursday from 9:30-11:00 p.m. and will feature wine & pizza.

According to the flyer if you hold on to your receipt and bring it back in before March 31, 2017 you will receive a 20% discount off of your next meal.

You don’t need to make a reservation for the Contenta Ora but if you would like to book a group or private dining, please contact the group sales director for Portobello at (407) 828-8996 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, visit www.levyrestaurants.com.