Special Guest Stars announced for Disney Cruise Line TCM Classic Cruise

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July 13, 2016

If you were unaware that TCM and Disney Cruise Line teamed up for another amazing adventure on the high seas, then you’ll be excited to hear what TCM has to say about the cruise:

Join TCM hosts, special guests and fellow movie lovers for the sixth TCM Classic Cruise, November 12-19, 2016! We’ll set sail aboard the majestic Disney Fantasy for seven nights—watching films, speaking with the actors and talent who made them, hearing stories from behind the scenes, enjoying special presentations and sharing the experience with other passionate movie fans. With multiple TCM-themed daily events and activities, you’re bound to make new friends as you savor this unique vacation experience. It’s a classic movie paradise at sea.

The special guests stars for the TCM Classic Cruise have been announced and the lineup is as follows:

Leslie Caron
Mitzi Gaynor
Jerry Lewis
Kim Novak
Dick Cavett
Diane Baker
Alex Trebek
Craig Barron
Ben Burtt
Illeana Douglas
Randy Haberkamp
Bruce Goldstein
Eddie Muller

The 2016 TCM Classic Cruise itinerary is a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean itinerary that will set sail from Port Canaveral and will make stops in Puerto Rico, St Maarten and Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay.

Are you planning on checking out this unique cruise experience?

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.

photo credit: TCM

UNIQLO Opens Special Concept Store in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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July 13, 2016

UNIQLO is pleased to celebrate the launch of its newest store location in the U.S. this Friday, July 15, in Town Center at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. UNIQLO opens its doors at 10 a.m. to the sounds of a Japanese Taiko drum performance, welcoming customers to an experience they will long remember.

“Opening our UNIQLO store at Disney Springs is a dream come true for us,” said Hiroshi Taki, CEO of UNIQLO USA. “We look forward to introducing a new and unique shopping experience, unlike any other UNIQLO store in the world, with special products, Japanese-inspired merchandise and family-fun activities for both locals and vacationers. We hope every day will feel like opening day for our customers.”

UNIQLO at Disney Springs will be the company’s first store in the Southeast region. Upon entering the 25,000 square-foot (2,300-square-meter) store, customers are introduced to the brand’s full assortment of LifeWear: innovative, high-quality clothing that is universal in design and comfort and made for anyone, anywhere. The walls of the first floor are lined by such core products as Supima Cotton T-shirts, Dry Pique Polo Shirts, and Premium Linen Shirts, in a variety of colors and styles for any occasion. Walking farther into the store, customers see special concept corners unique to UNIQLO at Disney Springs that bring the brand’s Japanese heritage to life, alongside an assortment of Disney-inspired products.

The second floor opens to a room dedicated to the athletic wear worn by UNIQLO’s Global Brand Ambassadors, including men’s World No.1 singles tennis player Novak Djokovic and top golfer Adam Scott. Also featured are men’s and women’s innerwear products such as AIRism, made with cooling technology, and socks piled high in 50 colors. A wall of UTs (UNIQLO T-shirts) highlighting designs by modern artists, and casual wear for men, women, kids, and babies make up the rest of the floor.

Japanese Heritage:

Exclusive Japanese “omiyage” (souvenir) items are available for purchase, including silk folding fans, uchiwa fans, paper samurai costumes and Buddha boards. Themes from “Kabuki,” a classical performing art in Japan, are featured on UTs, and Yukatas – light cotton kimonos – are available for women and girls. In addition, the store windows highlight artfully-folded paper exhibits by artists Mr. Edmund Ooi and Mr. Shin Tanaka, and in-store daily activities include origami and calligraphy lessons.

Exclusive Products:

An assortment of products are sold exclusively at the UNIQLO store at Disney Springs and at the Uniqlo.com online store, featuring iconic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, as well as “city” T-Shirts including Orlando, Florida. The store also sells exclusive Disney-themed patches, which can be ironed onto any UNIQLO item of clothing on the spot as a complimentary service.

Customers can share their excitement about the new UNIQLO store via the company’s social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #UniqloDisneySprings.

Opening Weekend Events, July 15 – 17:

Activities

1. UNIQLO Prize Wheel
On July 15, customers have the chance to win prizes ranging from UTs (UNIQLO T-shirts) and AIRism innerwear products, to store gift cards, and a trip for two to Tokyo, Japan.

2. Origami and Calligraphy Lessons
Customers are invited to join Japanese origami and calligraphy lessons with professional artists every Saturday and Sunday, with an extended schedule during Opening Weekend running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 16, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 17.

3. Calligraphy Demonstrations
Calligraphy demonstrations by artist Ms. Aoi Yamaguchi take place in front of the store on Opening Day, July 15, at 6:15 p.m. and 7:35 p.m.

4. Taiko Drum Performances
Taiko Project performs in front of the store on July 15, at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

5. Kendama Performances
Kendama – a traditional Japanese wooden toy with three cups, a spike and a ball – performances take place in front of the store on July 15, at 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Columbia Sportswear Opens New Store in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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July 13, 2016

Columbia Sportswear recently opened a new branded retail location at Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The 5,000-square-foot store features a stunning overhead display of 500 fish in a pool of reflected light, artwork and sculpture inspired by the Florida coast, and on-site embroidery so customers can personalize their purchases. The new store offers Columbia’s Performance Fishing Gear (PFG) and a range of technical apparel and footwear designed to keep the entire family cool, dry and protected.

Disney Springs is nearing completion on the largest expansion in its history and emerging as an exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining and high-quality entertainment. The new Columbia store is located in the district’s new Town Center neighborhood, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect with each other.

“We’re excited that everyone who visits Disney Springs can have the chance to enjoy the great Florida sunshine in Columbia’s legendary apparel and footwear,” said Shawn Cox, Senior Vice President of Retail for Columbia Sportswear. “Our PFG collection is anchored around the water and the sun, and it’s a perfect match for spending the day with friends and family at Walt Disney World Resort and beyond.”

Every PFG product is thoughtfully designed with fabrics, construction and industry-leading technologies for enjoying long days on the water or under the sun. The PFG collection is inspired by the performance, style and comfort needs of professional and recreational anglers, and is being embraced as a lifestyle brand by consumers of all ages.

For more than 75 years, Columbia has developed innovative products and technologies with one simple goal: They want you to enjoy the outdoors longer. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Columbia’s innovative products are developed and tested under the watchful eyes of its 92 year-old chairman, Gert Boyle. Everyone at Columbia continues to follow Boyle’s mantra: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.”

Grand Opening Activities

Columbia’s Disney Springs store is celebrating its grand opening on Wednesday, July 13, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Everyone is invited to visit the store during this time to participate in raffles and enjoy appetizers, live music, and beverages.

Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming Restaurant at Disney Springs is now Open

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 13, 2016

Dig into delectable farm-to-fork cuisine showcasing Florida’ fresh flavors at Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, now open in the Landing at Disney Springs. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner and is open daily from 11:30am until 11:00pm. Reservations open July 21st and the Disney Dining plan is accepted.

The interior takes the “Homecoming Florida” theme to beautiful heights with the cocktail bar and two large tables crafted from reclaimed Florida camphor and eucalyptus. There’s Florida cypress through the interior, creating a warm, airy look that brings the outdoors in. Even the zinc tabletops were made in the Sunshine State. Favorite artwork includes oversized murals inside and out by a local artist.

The Menu

The new dining location features feel-good favorites such as deviled eggs, fried chicken and the restaurant’s signature Shine Cake – all crafted from recipes by award-winning celebrity chef, Chef Art Smith.

Starters

Jasper Board – Assortment of Pimento cheese, smoked sausage, shaved ham, bread and butter, pickles, and candied pecans $15.00
Bunch of Puppies – House-made pimento cheese hushpuppies served with red jalapeño jelly $9.00
Shrimp Jubile – Seasoned shrimp mixed with mango, avocado, sweet onion, herbs and jubilee cocktail sauce $14.00
BBQ Chicken Wings – Jumbo wings tossed in HFK sweet and spicy barbecue sauce topped with benne seeds $12.00
Anna Maria Fish Dip – An iconic Florida favorite. Smoked in-house and served with our buttermilk crackers $12.00

Buns & Such

Fried Chicken Sandwich – Buttermilk-brined for 24 hours and double-battered, dressed with shaved lettuce, tomato and bread and butter pickles $16.00
The Hamilton – Lunch counter-style with two burger patties on thick-sliced bread, topped with white cheddar, grilled onions, bread and butter pickles and tomato. Served with a side of chow-chow relish and house-made barbecue chips drizzled with icebox dressing. Add pecan-smoked bacon (2.00) $16.00
Fried Catfish Sandwich – Brioche bun with hot sauce aïoli, shaved lettuce and tomato served with house-made barbacue chips drizzled with icebox dressing $15.00
Chopped Pork Barbecue Sandwich – Line of Parker House rolls heaped with HFK sweet and spicy barbecue chopped pork and topped with Southern slaw served with house-made barbecue chips drizzled with icebox dressing $16.00
Big Fish Sandwich – Grilled fresh Florida fish of the day, hot sauce aïoli, shaved lettuce and tomato $18.00

Salads & Dumplings

Chopped Pork Barbecue Sandwich – Mixed greens, egg, heirloom cherry tomatoes and cucumber tossed with icebox dressing, cheddar biscuit croutons and fresh herbs $16.00
Tarpon Springs Greek Salad – Seasoned shrimp, chopped romaine, cucumber, Kalamata olives, heirloom cherry tomatoes, shaved red onion and feta tossed with Greek dressing and served with house-made potato salad $17.00
Harvest Salad with Grilled Steak – Mixed greens tossed with fire-roasted red peppers and corn, shredded white cheddar cheese, heirloom cherry tomatoes and house-made balsamic dressing. Topped with grilled tenderloin, avocado and hushpuppy croutons $22.00
Addie Mae’s Chicken & Dumpling Soup – Simple and delicious $7.00

Main Plates

Fried Chicken & Doughnuts – Two pieces of Chef Art Smith’s famous fried chicken served with house-made sugar doughnuts and KC Greens $25.00
Chopped Pork Barbecue Plate – Dressed with HFK sweet and spicy barbecue sauce served with Momma’s mac and cheese and cheddar drop biscuits $23.00
Fried Catfish – Accompanied by hushpuppies and grits. Served with KC Greens $22.00
Shrimp & Grits – Florida shrimp are pan-seared with Tasso ham gravy and served over creamy Bradley’s grits with a side of KC Greens $26.00
Strip Steak Topped with Palmetto Butter – A 16-ounce cut served with creamy mashed potatoes and dressed greens $41.00
Fish of the Day – Fresh Florida catch of the day grilled and served with iron skillet sweet potatoes and KC Greens $30.00
Fried Chicken Dinner – 3 pieces – Chef Art Smith’s signature dish! Buttermilk brined for 24 hours then perfectly fried and served with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar drop biscuits and love $26.00

Sides

Cheddar Cheese Drop Biscuits $6.00
Southern Slaw $5.00
Creamy Mashed Potatoes $7.00
Cucumber Salad $5.00
Iron Skillet Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Cane Sugar $7.00
Momma’s Mac and Cheese $7.00
KC Greens: Braised Kale and Collards $6.00
Basket of Fries $8.00

Grab & Go

Fried Chicken Sandwich – Buttermilk marinated and double-battered served with hot sauce aioli $10.00
Fried Catfish Sandwich – Brioche bun with hot sauce aïoli $10.00
Chopped Pork Barbecue Sandwich – Line of Parker House rolls heaped with HFK sweet and spicy barbecue sauce $10.00
BBQ Chips $7.00
Box of Fries – Seasoned and crispy, perfect for sharing $8.00
Shine Cake – A slice of chef Art’s irresistible moonshine cake $8.00

Kids’ Plates

Fish Sticks – served with a veggie and a starch $9.00
Fried Chicken Tenders – (grilled upon request) served with a veggie and a starch $9.00
Small Grilled Tenderloin (4-oz) – served with a veggie and a starch $12.00

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

Blast off with out of this world desserts and drinks at the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party

By

Chip

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July 13, 2016

You can blast off with out of this world desserts and drinks at the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party

The Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can experience out-of-this-world desserts and drinks inside Star Wars Launch Bay. Become immersed in the Star Wars universe with photo opportunities, exciting exhibits and thrilling character encounters.

After enjoying an assortment of sweets — including themed cupcakes, cookies and brownies and a selection of savory snacks including cheese and flatbread and dip (as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) — you will be escorted to a VIP viewing area for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.

Dessert party check-in will take place in front of Star Wars Launch Bay, located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Check in begins at 7:30 p.m., and guests are able to enter the party at 8:15 p.m.

Cost is $69 for adults, $39 for children age 3-9. Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required to attend, and is not included in the price of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party. Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

(Gregg Newton, photographer)

New Queen of Katwe Featurette

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 12, 2016

“Queen of Katwe” is one of Disney’s upcoming films that is based on the true story of a young girl Phiona from a poor village in Uganda. Phiona discovers her passion for the game of chess, and with the support of her village of Katwe she pursues her dream of becoming an international chess champion. A brand new featurette, “Labor of Love” has been released by Disney, giving us more of an inside look on filming the film actually in Katwe:

The film stars Madina Nalwanga as 10-year old Phiona, Lupita Nyong’o (Harriet) and David Oyelowo, and directed by Mira Nair. You can check out the previously released featurette below:

“Queen of Katwe” comes to theaters September 23, 2016.

Review of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique’s New Location at Disney Springs

By

Lisette R

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July 12, 2016

This review of a recent visit to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was inspired by the absolute magic of the experience. The new location for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is at the back corner of Once Upon a Toy and is adjacent to the children’s splash pad area in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs. From the moment you enter the reception area, to the moment you are exiting the building, you are immersed in a magical adventure. Your Princess will be assigned a Fairy-Godmother-In-Training, they will choose their make-over colors, they will have the opportunity to see the Fairy Godmother herself in the Magical Mirror, and they will have their picture taken in a special photo-room complete with a Cinderella carriage.

As I entered the reception area with my grand-daughter, we were immediately welcomed by a lovely lady holding a star wand. She directed us to the reception desk where a young woman showed us the package options. There are packages offered for Princesses and Princes alike. We decided on the Crown Package with the Color Star hairstyle. Included in the package was the application of shimmering make-up, face gem, nail polish, Princess sash, Princess cinch bag, and two colorful hair streaks in the colors of my grand-daughter’s choice. She chose purple and blue.

We were then assigned a Fairy-Godmother-In-Training who told us she is still in training as she is only two-hundred years old. She guided us along a butterfly carpeted hallway with light green wainscoting and butterfly wallpaper. We were placed into a room where we were told to look for Gus-Gus as he had run off with the red ribbon. There was a seating bench on one side of the room and a large mirror against the wall across from the bench. As the door closed, the magical mirror came alive and before us was the Fairy Godmother telling us about this special day. She located her magic wand and asked if we knew the magic words, “Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Boo.”

As we stepped out of the room the Fairy-Godmother-In-Training took us into the salon area. There my grand-daughter received the royal treatment. She had one Fairy-Godmother-In-Training to do her hair and another Fairy-Godmother-In-Training to apply her make-up, nail polish, and face gem. They then had her hold a clear plastic-handled cover over her face and sprinkled her with fairy sprinkles while reciting a poem about wishes coming true. She also had a photographer who took pictures throughout the process.

I was taken to a location off the hallway to make the payment. One thing to note here is that you cannot add a tip to the bill. If you wish to tip your child’s Fairy-Godmothers-In-Training you must have cash and pay them directly.

When the make-over was complete, the photographer escorted us to a special photo room featuring a Cinderella carriage. This room is just beautiful and offers a wonderful background for your child to feel like the Princess she truly is. The photographer took a number of photos, handed me a photo card, and we were then taken back up to the reception area.

While reservations are recommended, we walked in and were given a space right away. In fact, on this particular day, we were the only family in the salon for the better part of the visit. I attribute this to the fact that this was the July 4th holiday and most families were likely at the parks.

The experience does not come cheap but the smiles on your child’s face and the boost of confidence you will notice in their demeanor makes the expense worth every penny. Magical moments with our little ones are fleeting moments in time that help us create lifelong memories. If you have been considering a booking at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for your child on your next visit to Walt Disney World, I say do it and you will not be disappointed.

Would you like to experience the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with your little Prince or Princess? Please leave your comments in the box below.

More than 8 acres of Disney’s Flamingo Crossing land sold.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 12, 2016

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Disney’s Flamingo Crossings development has sold more land according to Orange County records. Two parcels of land, which totals more than 8 acres has been sold to Orlando Hotel Group LLC, a Pembroke Pines-based company, they are doing business as Orlando Gateway Hotel Group LLC. The company bought the land from Disney for 8.05 million dollars and the sale closed on June 30^th. They had previously bought 7 acres in June for 9.95 million dollars.

The 8 acres purchased are part of a larger piece of land which wraps around the northern and western boundaries of the already developed Springhill Suites and Towne Place Suite which opened in February.

Walt Disney sought to rezone at Flamingo Crossings in May for commercial space and multifamily units. Due to the close proximity to Walt Disney World there is potential to make a lot of money. The property was intended to be sold and developed in phases.

Starbucks Inspired Buttons from Lost Princess Park Pins

By

Danielle

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July 12, 2016

All I need is a little Starbucks and Disney, or in a pinch a fun Disney and Starbucks inspired button! The fabulous lostprincessparkpins has created a new line of Starbucks themed Disney buttons.

This designer has had several adorable and popular Disney celebration button designs, but these are my favorite ones yet! I love that these have adorable details on the sides inspired by the characters. All of these buttons are a 3 inch round Disney Celebration inspired pin back button. They are just like the regular celebration buttons you can get at the parks, but a lot more unique and fun! Why limit yourself to only a few expressions, when you can get all your celebrations and favorites? Did I mention she has sparkly buttons too, sparkles!! You can find these new buttons and other beautiful designs at her shop below.

Which Disney inspired Starbucks creation is your favorite?

Your Favorite Disney Items on Sale For Amazon Prime Day!

By

Danielle

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July 12, 2016

Amazon Prime Day is like a holiday for those of us who love to shop. There are tons of exclusive deals for Prime members, including popular Disney items!

You can score a whole host of excellent Disney treats on sale, as well as free shipping today only! Who needs Black Friday and Cyber Monday when you’ve got Prime Day! You can save up to an additional 30% off select items! All you have to do is log into your Amazon Prime account, select your Disney goodies, and the discount will be applied at check out.

This is stylish Snow White Watch is an excellent Disney Find.

Keep track of time with this officially licensed Disney Women’s Enamel Sparkle Watch by Ewatchfactory on your wrist. The timepiece displays artwork from your favorite Disney character on the face, and is designed with labeled “hour” and “minute” hands to help young ones learn how to tell time. This classic watch has a polished and matte steel finish and a precision Japan movement for accurate time keeping.

One of my all time favorite Disney Jewelry pieces, the Mickey Mouse Open Heart is available on sale today too.

This necklace is one of the Mickey jewelry items I probably wear the most!

There’s a bunch of other fun Mickey themed items on sale too: Mickey Suitcase, Mickey Toaster, Mickey Waffle Maker, Mickey Clock and so much more!

Which Disney Amazon Prime Day item is your must have?

Legoland offering free tickets for Florida Residents for limited time

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 12, 2016

Florida Residents are being offered an amazing deal with LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort this summer! #builtforkids is inviting kids throughout the state to visit for FREE! When a Florida resident buys a full-price, single-day adult ticket to LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park and LEGOLAND Water Park get a kid’s ticket absolutely free.

This is a limited time offer and only available online.

Offer details:

This offer is available online only at https://www.legoland.com/kidsgofreefl now through Sunday, July 31, 2016.
Tickets are valid for visits through Monday, Sept. 5, 2016.
A maximum of three (3) free kids’ tickets can be redeemed per transaction.
Florida residency is required and will be verified with the credit card billing ZIP code.

Come see all the brick-tacular fun at the place where #AwesomeAwaits! We’ve debuted two brand-new 4D movies, a fun new water park attraction, new models in MINILAND USA and lots of hands-on LEGO building activities inside the newly re-imagined Imagination Zone. Plus, our exclusive LEGOLAND Night Lights event continues every weekend through July – no extra ticket required!

Ready to book this amazing vacation? Contact me here

Is an Uber-style Service coming to Walt Disney World?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 12, 2016

WDW News Today reports that Disney has been surveying guests about their interest in an “uber-style” transportation service at the parks. This service would most likely only be a resort-resort service, but in the end, who really know what Disney would end up doing with it? This of course would not be a free service, and would have a fee, but I imagine many guests would be willing to pay a fee to be able to avoid the bus transportation and complicated ways in which you would need to get from one resort to another for a dining reservation.

Currently this concept is only being tested with guests through surveys, so there isn’t any insight on whether or not it may actually happen.

Would you take advantage of this service if it became available?

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.