Chop it Like it’s Hot with a Mickey Mouse Cutting Board

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August 14, 2016

I have to confess something about my Mickey Kitchen. Pretty much the only Mickey themed item I don’t have, is a cutting board! Well, you know I had to fix that. How fantastic is this Mickey Mouse Cutting Board I found on Amazon? I think it’ll be the perfect addition to my kitchen.

Bamboo cutting boards are perfect for so many uses in the kitchen. You can use them for chopping veggies, cutting meats, or also to use as a serving board for meats and cheeses. The design is done with engraving, so you won’t have to worry about transfer to your food. Since Mickey is engraved on natural wood, each board will look a little different, giving you a unique item. This would even look great if you put up a hook to hang it from as a display piece.

I also love that this board has a handle, to make it even more versatile as a serving tray. This will probably give me an excuse to do cheese boards whenever guests come over now. Can you imagine Mickey Dinner parties, because I think I need to host one!

Would you use this charming Mickey Mouse Cutting Board, or would you just leave it as a display?

Boiled Books Featured at Disney Springs During Art in August Event

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Lisette R

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August 14, 2016

Boiled Books artwork is being featured during the Art in August event at Disney Springs. The Art in August event is taking place in the Marketplace neighborhood of Disney Springs through August 28. Stop down to take a look and discover how this amazing art form is created by the Artist.

Rachelle Eason is the Artist and Owner of Boiled Books. Her artwork was featured in the Marketplace Co-Op from August 4-10. Now, through August 28, you can find her at one of the art tents on the patio outside of Once Upon A Toy near the children’s splash fountains. Her artwork is quite unique and would likely add a nice conversational piece to any home if you should choose to purchase one.

Rachelle uses natural plants and leaves to create her art. She places these natural elements onto her paper, covers the plant pieces, then boils them in a large pot for 3 hours. The result is natural stained art that is simply beautiful. Be sure to stop by Disney Springs during the Art in August event to meet Rachelle Eason.

Will you be visiting the Art in August event at Disney Springs this month? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Jortra Boutique Brings Nature Jewelry to Disney Springs Art in August Event

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Lisette R

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August 14, 2016

Jortra Boutique brings nature jewelry to the Disney Springs Art in August event. The jewelry is made from natural elements such as cantaloupe seeds, pistachio shells, orange peels, and natural dyes. Many of the jewelry pieces have an adjustable slip-knot to allow for a variety of sizes.

Jortra was featured in the Disney Springs Marketplace Co-Op from August 4-10. You can find their tent on the patio outside Once Upon A Toy now through August 28. Stop by to meet owner, and jewelry artist, Traci. She enjoys meeting fans and discussing the nature of her artistic jewelry. Her work is truly interesting and simply lovely.

Many of the jewelry pieces serve as adjustable accessories. You can take one piece, and use it in a variety of ways. If you are looking for some interesting accessories, then you may want to stop by and have Traci help you decide on a piece, or two, that will meet your accessory needs. The Art in August event runs through August 28.

Have you had a chance to check out Jortra at the Art in August event? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Journey to Wonderland at Grand Floridian’s Gone Mad Party

By

Lisette R

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August 13, 2016

Are you looking for something new and interesting to do on your next visit to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida? Take a journey to Wonderland at the Grand Floridian’s Gone Mad Party. Here you will find fun and curious Mad T Party style seating, Disney Mad Hatter style photo-op props, a Mad Menu, Curiouser Drink Concoctions, and some crazy-good Alice in Wonderland Themed Sweet Treats. The Gone Mad Party also boasts a dance party atmosphere while waiting to view Wishes Fireworks, across the Seven Seas Lagoon, at the Magic Kingdom.

The Gone Mad Party is a free event that takes place every Wednesday evening, until further notice, from 8:30pm-10:30pm. You do not need to be staying at the resort, or on Disney property for that matter, to attend. The Grand Floridian recommends you call the day you would like to attend in order to confirm that the party will be held that night. The Gone Mad Party area is located just beyond the outdoor patio of Gasparilla Island Grill at the Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort. This outdoor area faces the Seven Seas Lagoon with a good view of the Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle.

The Curious Mad T Party style seating was actually taken from the Mad T Party event location at Disneyland’s California Adventure. The Mad T Party ended earlier this year. The chairs and ottomans add a whimsical feel to the party area with their fun colors and design. The chairs are large and can easily accommodate one adult or two small children. The ottomans are a a great addition to the seating area offering a nice place to put your feet up or to set your food and drinks on. This furniture is not overly comfortable as it is made of a durable hard plastic material. However, they work well for an outdoor seating area and hold up great in the weather elements we are faced with here in Central Florida.

A table is set up with some fun photo-op props for you to use. There are a variety of hats, Mickey ears, and gloves to choose from. Put together an ensemble with your family and friends. Then get some Gone Mad Hat Photos.

A Mad Menu is available to assist you with making a choice of a treat and/or a drink. There are both alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drink concoctions to choose from. Beer and wine are not listed on the menu but are also available for purchase. Your children will love the Tweedle Juice.

Are you looking for a bit of an adventure on your journey to Wonderland? If so, then it may not be too late to try a Curiouser Drink Concoction. The only difficulty you will have will be which one to choose. Don’t be surprised if you should decide to drink more than just one! The Purple Grin contains Sky Citrus Vodka, Xfusion Vodka, Blue Curacao, and Grenadine. If that one doesn’t make you grin then pucker-up for Green Potion Punch. This Curious Concoction is made with Hendrick’s Gin, Apple Pucker, Granny Smith Apple and Club Soda. You will feel like Alice when she had to make the decision to drink, or not to drink, from the bottle that said, “Drink Me.”

Can you tell which part of the Gone Mad Party I was most fascinated with? These crazy-good Alice in Wonderland Themed Sweet Treats are truly delectable. These treats are colorful and fun. They will draw you in with their details and flavor combinations. The Cast Members called for more as they began to run low on different treats. The week prior, they had completely run out of sweet treats. This was not the case on Wednesday, August 10th. One lady had to wait to the side for less than 5 minutes for more Cheshire Cat Cupcakes to make their appearance. The Tiramisu in a Chocolate Tea Cup was my treat of choice. I was completely amazed by this treat. The tea cup, the spoon and the saucer are made of white chocolate; curiously edible. It is impossible to eat the whole thing, unless you have two people.

As darkness descends upon the Gone Mad Party, prepare to be delighted. The music comes alive for dancing, the sweet treats shine bright as they are displayed with glow cubes, and the entire area takes on a true party atmosphere. As the time comes closer for Wishes, the crowds get a bit larger and the line to purchase treats and drinks gets longer.

If you have the chance to stop by the Disney Grand Floridian’s Gone Mad Party during your next visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, you will not be disappointed. The jovial atmosphere, the theming, and the opportunity to view Wishes from this vantage point make for a spectacular evening. I selfishly suggest you attend with at least 5 other people. The reason for this is so that you can sample all 6 of the sweet treats of course!

The Mad Hatter: “Have I Gone Mad?” Alice: “I’m Afraid so. You’re entirely Bonkers. But I’ll tell you a Secret. All the best people are.” ~Alice in Wonderland

Will you join me at the next Gone Mad Party? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Check out These 2 Spooky DVC Halloween Events Coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland!

By

Danielle

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August 13, 2016

DVC Members get to carve into some family fun with two Spooky Halloween Events for members. These DVC hosted events will be haunting Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. You can join in for festive goods and fun for everyone!

Members and their guests will be bewitched by these Halloween events designed to set the ghostly mood. A “Wicked Fun” Party will be coming to Disneyland, and a The Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Treat will entice members at WDW. Both will take place on Halloween!

A “Wicked Fun” Party: For our West Coast Members and Guests, head over to the Sequoia Ballroom at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa on Monday, October 31, 2016 for an all-new Halloween Member event. Join the Disney Villains for an evening of wicked fun featuring bewitching décor and activities such as a DJ playing Halloween-time hits and games like ‘Bobbing for Poisoned Apples’. Enjoy spellbinding treats and villainous Character meet and greets. Click here to learn more.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Treat: Taking place in the Ballroom of the Americas at Disney’s Contemporary Resort on Monday, October 31, 2016, Members and their Guests can bring in the Halloween holiday with a spooky affair put on by Disney Vacation Club with a little help from Jack Skellington in Disney’s Nightmare Before Christmas. With special Character meet and greets, festive activities including face painting and an interactive DJ, and deliciously spooky treats, this event is not one to be missed. Click here to learn more.

Both events will have a character photo-op that you will receive a copy of to keep! The WDW Event at the Contemporary will offer spell binding treats based on The Nightmare Before Christmas. The Sally’s Stitched Together S’more Shot sounds frighteningly good! The Grand Californian party will treat guests with villainous delights, including Cruella Deville Black & White Puppy Chow! Scary!

You can make reservations for either of these DVC Halloween Events by contacting DVC Member Services at 1(800) 800-9800. The Walt Disney World Event will has already begun taking reservations. The Disneyland event will begin accepting reservations September 1, 2016. These events last 2 hours, and are a scary good price of only $20.00 per person!

Will you be joining the ghosts and ghouls for one of these DVC Halloween Events?

Check Out Some of the New MNSSHP Merchandise

By

Danielle

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August 13, 2016

Can you believe Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is less than a month away? To scare up the excitement for it, Disney Parks Blog has unleashed another episode of Disney Parks Blog Unboxed. This spooky new episode highlights some of the ghostly new items coming to the beloved MNSSHP this year!

The Disney Parks Unboxed video reveals lots of new limited release shirts for the party, including Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular ones, and even Passholder ones. I also love that lots of ladies cuts are becoming more and more available with Disney shirts. Of course you’ll be able to find a haunting array of pins. The pins will have a release of 999, because there is always room for one more right? To find out more check out the Disney Fashionista, and the video below.

Will you be going to MNSSHP this year? Which limited release MNSSHP Merchandise items are you most excited for?

Kenny Baker, R2-D2 of Star Wars, Dies At 82

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 13, 2016

Kenny Baker, the British actor best known for playing R2-D2 in the Star Wars films has passed away after a long illness.

The 3ft 8in tall actor shot to fame in 1977 after playing the well-loved robot character. He went on to play the character in Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and the three prequels from 1999 to 2005. Baker also appeared in several other films in the 1980s, including The Elephant Man, Time Bandits, Flash Gordon and Jim Henson’s Labyrith.

“He had problems with his lungs and was often in a wheelchair.” Said his niece, Abigail Shield, ”He was very poorly for a long time. He was asked to go out to LA for the new Star Wars premiere but he was told he was too ill to travel. Luckily he did manage to meet George Lucas again when he came to Manchester.”

Our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.

Four Summer Sand Sculpting Tips from a Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Sandtastic Weekends Professional

By

Lisette R

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August 13, 2016

Building a sand castle on the beach is a classic summer family activity. For most of us, we tend to go with the typical volcano-style castle with a moat around the base to hold water. There are some simple tips and tricks the experts use that can help anyone develop their sand sculpting skills and impress their friends and family.

Mark Mason is the owner of Team Sandtastic, a professional sand sculpting team recognized as one of the best in the world. They’ve won numerous competitions and hold the world record for the tallest sand castle ever hand-built. From August 26-September 4, their work will be on display at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort as part of Sandtastic Weekends.

Even if you’re not planning to go pro, Mason offers the following simple tricks to take your sand sculpting to the next level:

Make the most of household items ~Many of the best sand sculpting tools available are likely already in most kitchens and garages. In your kitchen look for spatulas, melon ballers, cake icing spreaders measuring spoons, straws and wooden shish kabob spears. In your garage look for a 2-foot section of a 2″x4″, small paint brushes and gardening spade shovels. All of these common household items make great carving tools
Use a bigger bucket~ If you wish to build a bigger sand sculpture, then start with a bigger bucket. Plastic children’s sand buckets are not large enough to provide a good starting block to carve. Instead, start with a 5-gallon bucket and cut the bottom out. Filled with sand, the bucket would be too heavy to flip. But with the bottom removed, you can pack it with sand from the bottom up once you place it upside down in the sand.
Sand consistency ~ When packing your sand, be aware of the consistency. Sculpting sand should be wet, but not too soupy and not too dry. Pack the sand down into the bucket 3 inches at a time. If your sand consistency is good, you should be able to tap the sides of the bucket with your piece of wood and remove the bucket to have your starting sand block.
Tell a story ~ Try not to hold yourself to one shape. Create a collage of several shapes for an easier, and more interesting, sand sculpture. When someone comments on your sand sculpture you want them to see the story you have created with its characters, its setting, and the action taking place.

Visitors can watch the pros and learn tips directly from Team Sandtastic as part of Sandtastic Weekends at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort August 26-28, and September 4-6. The event will feature 100 tons of sculpted sand, sand sculpting clinics, amateur sculpting contests, speed sculpting demonstrations, food, entertainment, games and more. For more information, visit www.sandtasticweekends.com

What story will you tell when you create your next sand sculpture? Please leave your comments in the box below.

The Princess Elena of Avalor Royal Welcome Performance will be Held Daily through August 27th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 13, 2016

The Royal Welcome of Princess Elena debuted at Magic Kingdom on Thursday with daily performances being held for a limited time until August 27th. Princess Elena’s Royal Welcome will take place four times a day on Cinderella’s Castle Forecourt Stage at 9:05am, 10:00am, 12:20pm and 1:35pm. A meet and greet with the newly crowned princess is rumored to begin at Magic Kingdom soon but details have yet to be announced by Disney.

Make Way for a Magical Day

Follow a regal fanfare to the Castle Stage for the warm welcoming of a princess whose story will inspire us all. In honor of this celebratory occasion, Cinderella and Prince Charming will greet and present a visiting Crown Princess—Elena of Avalor, the first-ever Disney princess to hail from a fairytale kingdom infused with Latin culture and folklore.

With a kind request from Cinderella, Elena begins to share her courageous and adventure-filled journey. And to the tune of her guitarists, she tells the tale with a song called “My Time.”

When her rendition comes to a close, listen along while Elena expresses her gratitude and excitement, and then heads into Fantasyland with her noble friends for a grand tour of the kingdom. Feel free to wave, cheer and join along!

The Enchanting Elena of Avalor

Elena of Avalor follows the story of a bold, caring, funny and clever 16-year-old young woman who saves her kingdom from an evil sorceress and then must learn to rule with the support of her appointed Grand Council… and a few faithful friends by her side too!

Elena’s adventures will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion—the traits of all truly great leaders—while highlighting the importance of family and traditions.

Watch Elena’s captivating story unfold in an all-new animated series airing Fridays at 7:30 PM EDT on Disney Channel.

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

Sum of All thrills and Storm Struck set to Close at Epcot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2016

We had mentioned a while back that there had been rumors of Sum of All Thrills possibly closing, but then it’s operating hours were extended, and we all thought it was in the clear. Well, we hear now from our friends at WDW Magic that Sum of All Thrills is indeed closing in September, and it’s taking Storm Struck along with it. This announcement has not yet been officially made by Disney, but if it’s true, then it basically marks the end of Innoventions at Epcot. It does seem to make sense however, since a few weeks back we mentioned that there were height test balloons spotted in the park, which may be possibly related to a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

Does the possible closure of these rides make you as sad as us?

If you’re unsure of where to begin planning your Disney Parks 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. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

A Sneak Peek into Paddlefish Opening at Disney Springs this November

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2016

Paddlefish is coming soon to Disney Springs with an anticipated opening date of late November. Thanks to @PaddlefishORL we have a glimpse into the restaurant formerly known as Fulton’s Crab House and a sneak peak of a few of its new menu items.

The steamboat is currently undergoing a bow-to-stern transformation with a whole new seafood-centric dining experience to be offered for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. There will be a new rooftop lounge with a separate menu of eclectic dishes perfect for sharing. The lounge will offer spectacular views of Disney Springs and stay open until 2am.

The restaurant will serve fresh seafood, steaks and chops, a catch of the day, and composed seafood entrees such as lobster risotto with poached Maine lobster, saffron and Meyer lemon oil and redfish with coconut milk, crab broth, tomato, peppers and ginger.

Here’s an inside look at the mini-lobster roll that will be offered at Paddlefish.

The kids are sure to enjoy the creamy and delicious Mac N’ Cheese!

A fun new addition to the menu is lobster guacamole made tableside with Maine Lobster, chilies, cilantro, lime and tortilla chips. And there’s a “build-your-own boil” so you can pick your own ingredients and seasonings.

Then there’s this amazing dessert in a mason jar with vanilla bean ice cream, lots of chocolate, brownie and caramel popcorn garnish. Yum!

I know I’m looking forward to visiting the new Paddlefish restaurant once it opens in Disney Springs, how about you?

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

Photo Credit: https://twitter.com/PaddlefishORL

“Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit” Opened In Indianapolis

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2016

Over the weekend, “Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit,” the first-ever museum experience based on the Peabody-Award winning series, opened at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The bi-lingual exhibit brings the magical storytelling of the series to life, and reinforces the importance of health and well-being while modeling “care and compassion” for kids and families through immersive activities.