Dreamworks Pictures – The Light Between Oceans Trailer Released

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May 13, 2016

The upcoming Dreamworks Pictures’ film “The Light Between Oceans” is a drama based on the best-selling novel by M.L. Stedman. The story is about a couple who have lost their own children, and by stroke of miracle find a baby lost at sea and raiser her as their own. The story goes through many heart-breaking twists, challenging the couple’s morals and emotions.

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“The Light Between Oceans” features a stellar cast, including Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Rachel Weisz, Bryan Brown and Jack Thompson. Derek Cianfrance is the director, and adapted the story for screen.

You can check out the just-released trailer below:

The film hits U.S. theaters September 2nd, 2016.

Complete List of Disney Springs Restaurant and Stores Opening on May 15th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 13, 2016

The new Town Center district at Disney Springs is finally opening this Sunday, May 15th along with seven new eateries and a bunch of new retail shops. Even more restaurants and stores are expected to open in stages over the next few months. Here is a quick summary of what to expect this weekend:

New Restaurants Opening May 15th

D-Luxe Burger: Grab a classic cheeseburger or go for something indulgent like the El Diablo Burger with chorizo, fried banana peppers, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo. There’s a veggie burger too. Plus gelato shakes, fresh-cut fries and more from the Disney chefs.

Amorette’s Patisserie: Classic and contemporary cakes and pastries are the stars in this high-end pastry shop where guests can watch pastry chefs decorate signature cakes in the on-stage finishing kitchen. From a classic macaron or crisp, light pavlova to the ultimate chocolate-chocolate chunk cookie, Amorette’s is a dessert lover’s dream come true.

The Daily Poutine: This kiosk brings the Canadian classic to guests with four varieties of toppings on hot, crispy French fries: Classic, with beef poutine gravy and Cheddar Cheese curds; Latin with fried yucca, black beans, pulled pork and queso fresco; Italian with bocconcino mozzarella and Bolognese sauce, and French with mushroom cream sauce and Gruyere cheese. Pair them with a lemonade, draft beer, sangria or fountain sodas.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.: A kiosk with artisan sausages by Disney chefs – the Three Little Pigs with a Reuben dog, black bean salsa and chili cheese; Portuguese Sausage with pickled vegetable slaw and chili mustard; Sweet Hot Sausage with peppers, onions and marinara; Bavarian Sausage Sandwich with a mini-meterwurst, braised red cabbage and spicy brown mustard on a pretzel roll, and Italian Veggie Sausage with peppers, onions and marinara. Add a draft beer or fountain soda.

YeSake: At this unique kiosk, try a Sake Cosmo Freeze or Sake Bourbon Slush among other offerings. Global eats range from the Great Wall with Chinese-style pulled pork to a Sombrero with ground beef, pico de gallo, guacamole, cheese and corn chips. Cold beer too.

Morimoto Asia Street Food: A new walk-up window on the patio offers sushi, donburi rice bowls and bao tacos, plus snacks: such as takoyaki (octopus, nori, okomiyaki sauce), Morimoto sticky ribs, curry rice croquettes, pork egg rolls and taiyaki (snapper-shaped pancake filled with sweet adzuki red been paste). Also on the menu: popping boba tea and an assortment of Asian-influenced beers and beverages.

Sprinkles: Look for handcrafted cupcakes, slow-churned ice cream and homemade cookies at Sprinkles, dubbed the first cupcake bakery by the Food Network. Options include vegan, gluten free and sugar free, and seasonal flavors. There will even be a Cupcake ATM! Be sure to sign up for Sprinkles Perks in order to receive a free cupcake and other perks.

Also, two favorites are still there: They’re not missing, they just moved to new spots — Wetzel’s Pretzel’s and Haagen Dazs ice cream are now located across from Orlando Harley-Davidson on the West Side.

New Retail Stores Opening May 15th

Savannah Bee Company
Filthy Rich
Alex and Ani
American Threads
Edward Beiner
Everything But Water
francesca’s
Johnston & Murphy
kate spade new york
Kipling
Lilly Pulitzer
L’Occitane en Provence
Lucky Brand
MAC Cosmetics
Melissa Shoes
Na Hoku
PANDORA
Sephora
Sperry
Tommy Bahama
UGG
Under Armour Brand House
UNOde50
Vera Bradley
Volcom
Zara

The second parking garage (Lime Garage) behind the World of Disney store will finally open this weekend, which should help ease congestion and parking issues. There is a pedestrian walkway on the second floor connecting the garage to Town Center. Wheelchair and stroller rentals will be available at the garage.

The Welcome Center will serve as Guest Relations with walk up counters to assist guests with dining reservations, purchasing tickets and FastPass selections. The new Disney bus transportation terminal will also be opening on May 15th.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation and experience the newly updated Disney Springs. All of my planning services are 100% FREE!

21st Epcot Food & Wine Festival Will Present 62 Days of Culinary Delights from Sept. 14th – Nov. 14th, 2016

By

Chip

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May 13, 2016

2016 05 13 13 14 57 Epcot International Food Wine Festival Walt Disney World News

Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort will be held Sept. 14-Nov. 14, 2016 this year, with an extra nine days of sipping and savoring pleasure. The 2016 festival has been extended from 53 to 62 delicious days, includes a new interactive culinary experience and will debut new marketplace tastes from around the world.

Growing in scope each year since 1996 as one of America’s top food festivals, the Epcot event features inspired flavors at more than 30 global marketplaces.

This year, “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops at the Festival Center offer guests a chance to learn a variety of culinary skills from chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros. Nightly Eat to the Beat concerts kick up the energy with new musical acts covering a broad range of musical styles and eras including rock, pop and rhythm and blues. Even more Disney resort festival experiences are planned, with a new brunch, cooking school and other fresh culinary adventures.

For a second year, global marketplaces will extend into Future World to offer a wider range of taste sensations. Culinary icons like Cat Cora, Norman Van Aken, Masaharu Morimoto, Elizabeth Falkner, Buddy Valastro and Jamie Deen will entertain foodies and inspire their palates at new and returning premium events that include reimagined Party for the Senses grand tastings with new concepts and themes.

Festival guests can pair wines, beers and ciders with savory and sweet dishes as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade using their complimentary festival passports as a guide.

New marketplace menus debut and festival favorites return – Hard soda float, anyone? Guests can choose a favorite hard soda to mix with vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat at Desserts & Champagne marketplace. A savory vegan dish will debut at the Greece marketplace, and the popular Farm Fresh marketplace will showcase Florida’s bounty with new savory dishes.

Multiple new Eat to the Beat concert acts debut; fan favorites return to play 186 festival concerts, in all –Wang Chung (Everybody Have Fun Tonight!) will open the Eat to the Beat concert series Sept. 14-15. More new acts in the concert series lineup, including Delta Rae and Toad The Wet Sprocket – will rock their chart-topping tunes. Other popular acts, including Wilson Phillips, Boyz II Men and Jeffrey Osbourne, will return to the America Gardens Theatre stage this fall.

Celebrity chefs, wine experts and mixologists join the fun – Celebrities ranging from Rock Harper to master sommelier Andrea Robinson will share their food and beverage know-how during demos and premium events. At the new “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” workshops, guests will put expert advice to use whether mixing cocktails, decorating cakes or using herbs to kick up a dish’s flavor.

The popular Festival Private Label California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are back and available by the bottle or by the glass.

Ratatouille returns — Chef Remy of “Ratatouille” returns with his fun-for-the-family culinary scavenger hunt.

Festival Center cooks on all burners –Festival Center highlights will include the complimentary Back to Basics weekend series featuring epicurean tips and tricks from the pros, book and bottle signings and The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar, hosted by Ghirardelli and offering guest samples.

Rest and recharge at the Chase Lounge – Chase debit and credit card members –

including Disney Visa card members — will find complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments, a charging station and comfortable seating for a relaxing break at the Chase Lounge at American Adventure.

Plan for a premium adventure:

Rockin’ Burger Block Party and Party for the Senses grand tasting events will showcase creative bites and palate-pleasing sips from eminent chefs and beverage experts plus new live entertainment.
New resort premium events to book will include a Grand Floridian brunch with a twist and a new cooking school experience.

Included with Epcot Admission:

Back to Basics series, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. When a reservation booking date is announced this summer, guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at epcotfoodfestival.com. Join the discussion on social media using #epcotfoodfestival.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, where you can experience Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival this fall. All of my planning services are 100% FREE.

Service Dogs from the Invictus Games have a Good Day with Mickey Mouse & Pluto at Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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May 13, 2016

On the final day of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 on Thursday, Mickey Mouse and his favorite dog, Pluto, spent some playful time with several competitors and their trusty service dogs at Shades of Green hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Invictus Games competitors from the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada and their service dogs, who are instrumental in assisting the competitors in all facets of their everyday lives, interacted with Mickey and Pluto before heading off to their final day of competition at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The competitors also shared their stories of how their service dogs have impacted their lives.

The Invictus Games concluded last night at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort with the Closing Ceremony featuring Prince Harry, Dr. Jill Biden and several musical performances by national recording acts such as Rascal Flatts and Grammy-nominated hip-hop superstar Flo Rida. The Closing Ceremony was televised live on ESPN2.

Here is a video of Prince Harry’s closing speech:

Invictus Games Orlando 2016, the brainchild of Prince Harry, are the only international adaptive sporting event for injured, wounded and ill active duty and veteran service members. The Games featured more than 500 competitors from 14 nations competing in 10 sports – archery, cycling, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, swimming, powerlifting, track and field and indoor rowing.

David Roark, photographer

Art Smith’s Homecoming Kitchen and Shine Bar Opening in Disney Springs this Summer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 13, 2016

A new southern-inspired restaurant called Homecoming Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar is coming to Disney Springs this summer, although no exact opening date has been announced yet. A recent artist rendering gives a glimpse into what guests can expect from celebrity chef Art Smith’s new farm to fork establishment. The 6000 square foot restaurant will seat 200 guests and will have a rustic-chic feel. The menu will prominently support the Fresh from Florida campaign with the vast majority of products coming from local farms, ranches or fisheries.

The menu will feature southern classics like pimento cheese, deviled eggs, low country shrimp and grits, kale salad with Sweet Grass Dairy cheese and spiced pecans and a grilled Blackstrap pork chop with sawmill gravy. Desserts include the signature Mockingbird and Shine cakes. The bar next door, Shine, will serve “hand-crafted cocktails, resort-style punches and retro coolers made with artisanal moonshine.”

Smith has been preparing meals for celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and heads of state for the past 25 years. He has also appeared on the “Today” show, “BBQ Pitmasters” and “Top Chef Masters.” Smith is excited to return to Florida and Disney, where he was once part of the Walt Disney World College Program.

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.

ABC Cancels many popular television programs

By

Chip

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May 12, 2016

In shocking news Disney/ABC has cancelled a bevy of television programs ranging from the fan favorite Castle, to the new kids on the block The Muppets. The Hollywood Reporter has a listing of all the cancelled and renewed shows on all of the networks but we are just focusing on the ABC programs for now.

Here is the most up to date list:

Veteran shows:

Agent Carter: canceled after season 2
Agents of SHIELD: renewed for season 4
America’s Funniest Home Videos: renewed for season 27
American Crime: renewed for season 3
The Astronaut Wives Club (summer): canceled after season 1
The Bachelor : renewed for cycle 21
Black-ish: renewed for season 3
Castle: canceled after season 8
Dancing With the Stars: renewed for season 22
Fresh Off the Boat (20th): renewed for season 3
Galavant: canceled after season 2
The Goldbergs : renewed for season 4
Grey’s Anatomy: renewed for season 13
How to Get Away With Murder: renewed for season 3
Last Man Standing renewed for season 5
The Middle: renewed for season 8
Mistresses (summer): renewed for season 4
Modern Family: renewed for season 8
Nashville canceled after season 4
Once Upon a Time: renewed for season 6
Rookie Blue (summer): canceled after season 6
Scandal: renewed for season 6
Secrets and Lies (season 2)
Shark Tank : renewed for season 8
Shark Tank: Beyond the Tank (season 2)
The Whispers (summer): canceled after season 1

Freshman shows:

Blood and Oil: effectively canceled; order trimmed to 10
The Catch: renewed for season 2
Dr. Ken: renewed for season 2
The Family: canceled after 1 season
Of Kings and Prophets: canceled after 2 episodes
The Muppets: canceled after 1 season
Quantico : renewed for season 2
The Real O’Neals: renewed for season 2
Wicked City: canceled after three episodes

If you would like to see the complete list of all the network shows being cancelled and renewed just click here.

Are you sad to see some of these shows cancelled or renewed? Let us know in the comment box below.

Source

Premiere of New Variety Show Web Series The Star Wars Show

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 12, 2016

Today was the premiere of Lucasfilm and Disney’s new web series “The Star Wars Show”. “The Star Wars Show” featured variety-show type clips, making up seven-minute episodes that recap the goings on of all things Star Wars.

Not only is this a fun news source of what’s happening weekly in the Star Wars world, but also caters to fans as it will include interviews with super fans, and greatly showcase the fan community.

You can check out the first episode below:

New episodes will premiere on the Star Wars YouTube channel as well as Starwars.com and the Star Wars app at 12pm PT each Wednesday.

With the beginning of the Star Wars stories films with the premiere of “Rogue One” in December, as well as Episode VIII coming next year and the casting for the young Han Solo movie underway, there will be plenty of news to cover, and it will be great to have an official update from Lucasfilm and Disney themselves recapping any important Star Wars news for the week!

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

Is Disney getting Rid of Disney Dollars?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 12, 2016

You’ve probably seen it or heard it by now: that Disney Dollars are being discontinued this Saturday, May 14, 2016. Disney Dollars you currently have in your possession will continue to be honored, but they will not be sold anymore past May 14th.

While it seems that the Disney fans of the internet are in outrage over this, it appears you may not need to get worked up just quite yet. Many of these articles announcing the demise of Disney Dollars claim that Disney themselves announced it today, yet we can’t seem to find any further proof of this. We also found many other false references online about Disney Dollars being retired, dating all the way back to 2008, so we were really starting to question this big Disney news. So we called the number on the Disney Dollars FAQ page on Disney’s website and spoke to a Cast Member about the issue.

I explained I had heard that Disney Dollars were being discontinued and wondered what that meant to those of us with Disney Dollars still in our wallets to spend. He sounded confused at first, then asked where I had heard this information about the Disney Dollars being discontinued. I informed him it was not an official Disney site of course, and while he sent in a request to the powers that be to look this information up for him, he also spent some time browsing his own information database and couldn’t find anything on the subject. He then heard back from his other source he asked for help, and they too, confirmed this was not true and there was nothing in Disney’s Disney Dollar system that indicated the program was being discontinued. As we ended our call, he suggested I not believe my source, and question the information that I had been provided with.

So there you have it. Are Disney Dollars being retired? It’s always possible it’s true and the information got leaked before Disney could officially announce it, but after our morning of investigative work, we seem to think you don’t need to worry about it just yet. Happy Spending!!

If you’d like to plan a Disney vacation, but don’t know where to start, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney 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.

Beautifully Embroidered Disney Couples Sheet Sets

By

Danielle

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May 12, 2016

Disney Couples themed sheets are such a sweet and romantic way to have a Disney themed bed set, while still having a grown up look. These Disney Themed Embroidered Sheet Sets from PollysAprons on Etsy give the perfect Disney touch to sheets that go all the way up to King Size!

This luxury 600+ thread count sheet set has your favorite couple Mickey and Minnie Mouse or any other Disney Couple are all machine embroidered on these beautiful sheets that are washable and can be dried and ironed. If you want your pair in a different color, the designer has options for your choosing. You can even have your names embroidered as well at no extra cost, fabulous! One of my favorite options is she even lets you state who sleeps on which side of the bed to make sure your pillows match up. There is also different thread count choices for your choosing as well. You can find them here in any size you like.

Get ready to snuggle down for dream town in Disney style! Which couple would you choose?

Complete Collection of 18 LEGO Disney Series Minifigures

By

Danielle

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May 12, 2016

LEGO Disney Series Minifigures

The new LEGO Disney Series Minifigures have been hot hot hot! Sometimes you get a lot of doubles when trying to complete the whole set, and no one is looking to trade though. So for those of us who want the whole collection, behold, The Complete LEGO Disney Series Minifigures set!

This is the complete set of Disney Series Minifigures (a total of 18)! The packages have been opened to verify each character’s identity, then resealed in poly-bags. This comes with ALL original accessories and paper inserts, which is sometimes missing from complete sets. Your favorite Disney characters star in this collection of timeless animated characters, LEGO introduces minifigure versions of the beloved Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse characters, their temperamental friend Donald Duck, and his leading lady, Daisy Duck. Enthusiasts of 1950’s Disney stories will appreciate the inclusion of Alice and the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Captain Hook from Peter Pan, and the evil witch Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. Disney fans will also love minifigure versions of Ariel and Ursula from The Little Mermaid and the beloved Genie and Aladdin from the fictional city of Agrabah featured in Aladdin, plus the ultimate alien friend, Stitch, from Lilo & Stitch. Disney•Pixar-Inspired Heroes and Villains Two Disney•Pixar characters never-before-seen in the LEGO world become minifigures – Mr. Incredible and archenemy Syndrome from Disney•Pixar’s The Incredibles. Additionally, fans can collect minifigure versions of two icons from the beloved Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story – Buzz Lightyear and the squeak-toy Alien from Pizza Planet. I love how there is a good mix of villains peppered in to help the imaginations of little minds create their own Disney Adventures.

You can find yours on Amazon today!

Celebrity Lineup for Invictus Games Closing Ceremony

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 12, 2016

Hundreds of wounded soldiers and veterans from 14 countries competed in the Invictus Games this week at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The closing ceremony will be aired live tonight, May 12th, on ESPN2 at 7pm EST and feature the following musical performances:

Rachel Platten – Will perform the song of the Games and her No. 1 hit single “Fight Song”
Rascal Flatts – Best selling country vocal group
Phillip Phillips – Former American Idol winner
Flo Rida – Grammy-nominated hip-hop superstar
Jordan Smith – Season 9 “The Voice” winner
Vetted – First nationally-recognized wounded warrior band

Prince Harry as well as the newly announced celebrity ambassador and legendary actor, Morgan Freeman, also plan to attend.

“The Closing Ceremony will be an inspiring event that honors the Invictus spirit and recognizes our competitors,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Invictus Games Orlando 2016. “Stacked with incredible musical performances by internationally-renowned singers and songwriters, heartening stories of courage and triumph from servicemen and women, the ceremony will truly be the event of a lifetime.”

Closing Ceremony tickets are $65 for adults and $45 for children, seniors and military personnel. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and at www.invictusgames2016.org.

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.

Photo Credit – http://invictusgames2016.org/

You Can Still Enjoy a Carrot Cake Cookie at Writer’s Stop

By

Lisette R

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May 12, 2016

While the books that once graced the shelves at Writer’s Stop are gone now, you can still enjoy a Carrot Cake Cookie while relaxing in a cozy armchair, sitting at one of the tables, or unwinding on the comfy couch. The Carrot Cake Cookie was removed from the menu but due to an overwhelming response of visitors requesting this treat, Writer’s Stop now carries this popular delicacy once again. If you do not wish to take a break and relax, you can also find the Carrot Cake Cookie for purchase at Beverly Sunset Sweet Spells on Sunset Boulevard near the Brown Derby.

When you are looking for a place to take a break from the heat of the day, Writer’s Stop continues to be an excellent option. As you walk through the door you will smell the coffee and the sweet scent of the Carrot Cake Cookie. You will find a variety of seating options for that much needed break.

There is a television playing quietly in the background for your enjoyment. You can choose from a multitude of beverages to enjoy with your Carrot Cake Cookie. The offerings include a variety of coffees, soft drinks, wine, beer, and frozen margaritas.

Given its location at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Writer’s Stop is quieter these days. You will see a few people curiously stopping in front of the building to look at the walls that have currently silenced the Streets of America in preparation for Star Wars Land. While many visitors may just pass right by Writer’s Stop, they have no idea what they are missing. But if they walk in the doors and order a carrot cake cookie with a beverage of their choice, they will possibly have found themselves in their new favorite spot to take a break.