21st Annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival Kicks Off Today

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September 14, 2016

The moment you Disney-loving foodies have all been waiting has arrived. The 21st Annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival kicks off at Walt Disney World today for another fantastic season of delectable dishes, tantalizing libations, and culinary demonstrations that will have you cooking like a pro in no time. So head over to Epcot and be sure to check out a few of today’s highlights:

With over a two dozen kiosks making up the World Showcase’s Global Marketplace, it’s difficult to know exactly where to start. However, definitely include one of the 5 new kiosks in your must-do list. Whether it’s a sampling the mojo pork at the Islands of Caribbean or tucking-in to the Chew Collective’s much-loved ricotta and zucchini ravioli, it’s bound to be an adventure for your taste buds.

Be sure to pay a visit to the Wine and Dine Studios in Future World where you can sample (among other dishes) the scrumptious melt-in-your-mouth seared scallops coupled with celery root purée and caramelized Brussel sprouts (pictured).

The Festival get’s into full swing over at Festival Center today where you can purchase your pre-paid Food and Wine gift cards or opt for the Tasting Sampler which for $59 allows you to sample 8 dishes or drinks from around the Global Marketplace. While there, be sure to check out today’s culinary demonstration: Sushi 101.

Everybody have fun tonight! This evening also marks the start of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series over at the American Pavilion. Leading the musical charge are festival first-timers Wang Chung who will be wowing the crowds with their 80’s classics.

If you’re a Disney Visa cardholder, don’t forget that you can pop into the Chase Disney Visa Lounge on the 3rd floor of the American Pavilion for soft drinks, to recharge your phones at one of the charging stations or just relax before heading back out into the throng.

And for those with a sweet tooth, be sure to pay a visit to the all new Chocolate Studio. It is a chocolate lovers delight with delicacies such as the Red Wine Chocolate Truffle.

These are just a sampling of what’s in store for visitors to this year’s Festival. Be sure to check back regularly at Chip and Co for the latest Food and Wine updates.

Bon Appetit!

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21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Fun Facts

By

Chip

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September 14, 2016

Walt Disney World Resort guests are invited to join the fun when the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase turns 21 from Sept. 14-Nov. 14, 2016. The longer-than-ever party will feature global and specialty cuisine, refreshing new beverages and three live concerts nightly.

The 62-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park will showcase 30 global marketplaces including four new Future World marketplaces featuring fresh culinary concepts to pair with select wines, beers, cocktails and other beverages. ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” will broadcast from the festival for the second year and will participate in one of the new Future World festival marketplaces, The Chew Collective. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world.

Here are some fun facts about the 21st festival celebration:

Now 62 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days
At the 2016 festival, 30 global marketplaces will include new offerings like The Chew Collective in Future World’s Next Eats festival area and Islands of the Caribbean along the World Showcase Promenade
Producers of ABC’s “The Chew” will tape 5 episodes of the show before 5 festival guest audiences numbering in the hundreds for each show
The 21st festival will feature 32 new marketplace dishes and 49 (as of right now) new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders
In 1998, 200 domestic and international wines were poured at the festival. This year, at marketplaces and premium events, more than 300 domestic and international wines will be offered
More than 50 wineries and more than 35 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces
The new “The Best of Epcot Festivals 2016” cookbook by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 75 recipes from the global marketplaces.
3 Rockin’ Burger Block Parties and 6 Party for the Senses grand tastings will take place at World Showplace during the festival run. In all, the festival will feature 204 premium events ranging from Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings to Beverage Boot Camps and Festival Events in World Showcase pavilions
Guest chefs and Disney chefs numbering 250 will present culinary demonstrations and will cook for festival events
Celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from 10 countries and 26 U.S. states will participate in the festival at culinary demos, book signings, and special tasting events and dinners.
Nearly 400 culinary demos, beverage and interactive seminars will take place during the 62-day festival
During Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak festival scavenger hunt, guests can help Remy scour the park for the ingredients to make his signature dish, ratatouille. Along the way, they’ll find 12 Remy statuettes hidden in each of 11 countries of the World Showcase and at the African Outpost location. Guests can redeem the 12 stickers they’ve collected for one of 6 special pins at Select merchandise locations
More than 375 hours of scheduled seminars will take place at the Festival Center for the 62 days of the festival. These include culinary demos and beverage seminars, the new Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! interactive events, plus more
186 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed; 8 musical acts will appear for the first time at this year’s festival featuring entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues
The Festival Passport (previously called the Marketplace Discovery Passport) was introduced in 2010 for the 15^th annual festival; today, the free passport will feature pages with all 30 festival marketplaces
More than 1,200 fireworks will explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nightime spectacular
Chase is the festival’s presenting sponsor for the 5^th year; its Chase Lounge at the American Adventure Pavilion is open exclusively to Chase cardholders and offers an inviting place to relax and recharge
More than 225,000,000 festival dishes were served during last year’s 53-day festival
100,000-plus desserts, including the Hard Soda Floats at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace, are expected to be served
In 1997, during the festival’s second year, festival planners introduced the first Grand Tasting culinary extravaganza; in 2002, the event was renamed and moved to World Showplace as Party for the Senses, now featuring up to 50 food and beverage stations and, in 2016, new and different themed entertainment for each event

Coca-Cola Polar Bear Meet and Greet Announced for Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 14, 2016

The Coca-Cola Store located in Disney Springs Town Center announced plans to host their very own Meet and Greet with the much-loved and iconic Coca-Cola Polar Bear.

Finishing touches are currently being made to his frozen hideaway which will be housed on the second floor of the Coca-Cola Store. According to a representative from Disney Springs, PhotoPass photographers will even be on hand to capture all of those cuddly bear hugs.

To celebrate this furry arrival, guests will be able to take their pick from a myriad of polar bear themed merchandise including apparel, cellphone cases cuddly toys and Christmas ornaments just to name a few. With so many choices, there’s bound to be something to appeal to every Coca-Cola Bear-lover in the family.

Watch this space for further details or pop on over to the Coca-Cola Store and see these changes for yourself. While you’re at it, why not enjoy a cold drink at their rooftop beverage bar.

Planning a trip to the Mouse? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Image copyright Jim Henson Company Creature Shop

Spooky Sweet Jack Skellington Mouse Ears for Halloween

By

Danielle

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September 13, 2016

When heading out to the Disney Parks for the Holidays, I love to have themed ears for the occasion. I also don’t like to have the same exact holiday ears as everyone else, so I love all the finds on Etsy. These cute Jack Skellington Mouse Ears by Earsbyaprincess are perfect for trick-or-treating at MNSSHP or just touring the parks in general.

These hauntingly cute ears, are as sweet as candy corn! They’ve got a unique glow in the dark Jack Skellington fabric, and the most perfect orange and black striped Halloween bow. That’s right, I said glow in the dark! The Jack Skellington faces on these spooky ears actually glow in the dark! Imagine how awesome that would be once the sun sets, or on dark rides that have black lighting! Like me the designer Whitney has always been a big fan of Disney ears but there has always been a limited selection in the Disney stores. It’s hard to find unique selections that fit your own style and love of Disney characters, so she decided to start playing around with making her own ears.

These are nice thick ears set on a hairband for comfort. I really do love all the amazing handmade Mouse Ears out there on Etsy! Check out a few more of Whitney’s designs below.

Do you like to wear Holiday themed Mouse Ears, like the Jack Skellington Mouse Ears when you head to the Disney Parks?

Disneyland House of Blues set to be Demolished

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 13, 2016

According to the OC Register we hear that the House of Blues at Downtown Disney Anaheim At the Disneyland Resort is set to be demolished, possibly as soon as September 20th.

Disney officials confirmed that pending approval by Anaheim, the building, which is in the center of the promenade outside the two theme parks, would be demolished. They would not say what will replace the restaurant and 1,000-seat concert hall.

House of Blues is overhauling the old movie theaters at the GardenWalk shopping center into a 2,000-seat concert hall and a smaller 400-seat room for less well-known names and other events. There will be a larger restaurant, lounge and kitchen than at the Downtown Disney location.

What do you think of this new announcement from Disneyland?

Contact me today to book your Disney Vacation and 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.

Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Tote Bag

By

Danielle

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September 13, 2016

Are you looking for ways to spooky up your Disney wardrobe? If so the Bradford Exchange’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Tote Bag will definetly add that ghoulish touch for Halloween.

Whether there’s a full moon out or not, it’s always fun to be joined by the delightfully creepy characters of Halloween Town. You’ll find plenty to love with this spook-tacular tote bag. Crafted of twill in midnight black, this tote bag displays striking portraits of all your favorite characters from this beloved film. All of your favorites Oogie Boogie, Zero, Lock, Shock, Barrel, and of course, Jack and Sally, are showcased. Jack and Sally meet in silhouette against the moon on the infamous hill in the movie. A dream-come-true organizational tote bag.

On the outside of the bag you’ll find two large, lined exterior pockets. Inside the bag, you’ll find a luxuriously lined interior with a large center zip pocket. The center pocket has enough room to hold a laptop. As well as an inside zippered pocket and two accessory pockets. Unlike many shopper totes, it has a zippered closure at the top for extra security. Shiny silver-toned hardware includes a metallic Jack Skellington charm for added ghoulishly good looking style. Scary demand is expected, so get yours here!

Happy Hauntings!

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort returns Nov. 10th through Jan. 8th 2017

By

Chip

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September 13, 2016

Every holiday season, the Disneyland Resort is a magical place to make memories with family and friends. This year, those memories will be brimming with Disney music and stories from the new holiday-themed “World of Color—Season of Light,” while the new “Festival of Holidays” will inspire guests to discover holiday celebrations from many cultures. With those additions, plus the debut of Princess Elena of Avalor, all is merry and bright for Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Nov. 10, 2016-Jan. 8, 2017.

Along with what’s new, guests return year after year to experience beloved Holiday traditions, from snowfall on Main Street U.S.A., to glistening décor, Disney-themed treats and holiday entertainment. Guests will find Santa Claus in a fun, new location at Disney California Adventure Park this year and, at Disneyland Park, they will enjoy the one-of-a-kind transformations that create “it’s a small world” Holiday, Jingle Cruise and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

At Disney California Adventure Park

The all-new nighttime spectacular, “World of Color – Season of Light” celebrates the warm and heartfelt spirit of the holidays, with powerful water fountains telling the story. “World of Color – Season of Light” will take guests through a sparkling winter fantasy, combining classic holiday songs with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films to create an experience filled with magic.
The new “Festival of Holidays” celebrates time-honored traditions and heartwarming experiences inspired by holiday festivals around the world. Guests at the “Festival of Holidays” will enjoy delicious internationally inspired food and beverages at 14 themed festival marketplaces, and participate in diverse cultural holiday celebrations, including the popular Disney ¡Viva Navidad! The global sounds of special guest musical groups will ring throughout the festival, and the young and young-at-heart will celebrate with some of their favorite Disney characters.
Princess Elena, from the Disney Channel series “Elena of Avalor,” will make her Disneyland Resort debut as part of the “Festival of Holidays.” She is the first Disney Princess inspired by diverse Latin American cultures. After Holidays at the Disneyland Resort conclude Jan. 8, Princess Elena will remain at Disney California Adventure to continue visiting with guests.
Three Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes) returns as the finale of “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” in the “Festival of Holidays.” The special four-day celebration of Three Kings Day will run 5-8, 2016, in Paradise Garden. Treats for this holiday will include traditional Rosca de Reyes bread.
Santa Claus, with a sleigh full of mischievous elves, appears at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, where guests of all ages will join the festive fun with a series of holiday-themed activities along the trail.
The residents of Cars Land also decorate for the holidays, beginning with a whimsical “snowcar” that greets guests on the road to Radiator Springs. Each address along Route 66–Flo’s V-8 Café, Fillmore’s, Cozy Cone Motel, Luigi’s Casa della Tires and more–features holiday décor that reflects the personality of the “Cars” character who lives there.
“a bug’s land” transforms for the holidays, too, as Flik and his bug friends deck their land with oversized lights and ornaments.
A dazzling, 50-foot Christmas tree adorns Carthay Circle along Buena Vista Street. The tree and surrounding buildings, inspired by Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney arrived in the 1920s, are decorated with vintage-style ornaments.

At Disneyland Park

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle returns for the first time since 2014, with magical nighttime snowfall moments that conclude with “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks and its stirring snowfall finale.
Guests will be enchanted by the soaring Christmas tree in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. It’s 60 feet tall and filled with nearly 1,800 ornaments. This festive backdrop is a popular location for holiday photos.
Disney characters celebrate the season in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a daily procession with floats, music, marching “tin soldiers” and holiday cheer. Santa, who makes a jolly appearance in the parade, also will be found welcoming guests at his special location in Critter Country.
Disneyland guests definitely will want to experience the popular seasonal transformations of these park attractions:
- “it’s a small world” becomes “it’s a small world” Holiday with children around the world enjoying the distinctive holiday traditions of their countries.
- Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday, with Jack Skellington and his friends from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” causing a collision between Christmas and Halloween.
- Jungle Cruise is transformed into Jingle Cruise, as the jungle skippers gather jettisoned holiday gifts and decorations to brighten the rugged landscapes surrounding their riverboats.

The Downtown Disney shopping, dining and entertainment district and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort join in the holiday festivities with twinkling lights and ornaments, holiday displays, special entertainment and holiday dining with themed menus.

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Is there an opening date set for ‘The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History’?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 13, 2016

According to WDW News Today, there seems to be a possibility that the new Muppet- themed show that will take place in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom will open on October 2nd, 2016. The announcement has not been officially made by Disney, and the information comes from internal documents, so the date could be completely changed at any time; but we think it’s a good base to start with, don’t you?

Are you looking forward to this new Muppets experience?

Contact me today to book your Disney Vacation and 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: Disney

Disney’s Dole Whip Cup vs Citrus Swirl – Which is better?

By

Lisette R

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September 13, 2016

Many of us have heard of, seen pictures of, or tasted the Dole Whip. Did you know that there is also a Citrus Swirl?

Here is my side-by-side comparison of how the Pineapple Dole Whip holds up against the Citrus Swirl.

The easiest place to find both the Pineapple Dole Whip Cup and the Citrus Swirl Cup is in Adventureland. While you can find the Pineapple Dole Whip at other venues around the Walt Disney World Resort, you can try both of these treats within a minute’s walk of one another, in the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Let’s begin with the ever-popular Pineapple Dole Whip. This delectable treat is a frozen, light, and creamy pineapple soft serve. However, do not confuse this with the soft serve ice cream many of us are familiar with at our local ice cream stands. You can purchase a Pineapple Dole Whip at the Aloha Isle Refreshments open-air stand, located beside the Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland, for $4.19. This treat does count as 1 snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Now let’s take a look at the Citrus Swirl. This refreshing treat is a dense frozen-swirled vanilla soft serve ice cream and orange slushy. You can purchase a Citrus Swirl at the Sunshine Tree Terrace kiosk, located across from the Swiss Family Treehouse in Adventureland, for $3.79. This treat also counts as 1 snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

The Pineapple Dole Whip wins hands-down for flavor and texture. The flavor is consistent with pineapple and is very light and creamy. Definitely an excellent option while enjoying a day of central Florida heat at the Magic Kingdom. The texture is smooth and creamy with exactness and no surprises. The Citrus Swirl has a very sour taste from the orange slushy swirl. My first bite of the orange slushy swirl reminded of Johnson’s Baby Aspirin back when I was very young; not a flavor I am fond of at all! I then began mixing the orange slushy with the vanilla ice cream swirl and even the vanilla did not cut the sour taste of the orange slushy. I am one of those people who will choose the Beverly, at Epcot’s Club Cool Sampling Station, over anything else for its bitter flavor. The Citrus Swirl is more of a strong sour taste so if your flavor palate prefers sour, above all else, then the Citrus Swirl is for you. The texture is thicker, and heavier, than the Pineapple Dole Whip Cup while still offering a certain level of smoothness.

However, the Citrus Swirl wins for quantity and price. Unlike the Pineapple Dole Whip, with its entire center filled with nothing but air (see photo above), the Citrus Swirl is thicker, more substantial, and does not have air in the middle due to its dense texture. At $3.79, as compared to the $4.19 Pineapple Dole Whip, the Citrus Swirl gives you more bang for the buck if that is your primary goal. Of course, if you are on the Disney Dining Plan, then the pricing consideration will not really matter.

All-in-all, the Pineapple Dole Whip will remain a favorite treat as it is certainly conducive to my preferred taste palate. I do recommend that you try the Citrus Swirl, at least once, so you can do your own side-by-side comparison.

How does the Pineapple Dole Whip and the Citrus Swirl rate in your own side-by-side comparison?

Please leave your comments in the box below.

Main Street Confectionary Undergoing Counter-Service Sweets Display Case Refurbishment

By

Lisette R

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September 13, 2016

If you have ever walked down Main Street U.S.A at the Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom, then you are familiar with the sweet smells permeating the area around the Main Street Confectionary. One of the busiest locations in this store is the counter service treat display case. Currently, the Main Street Confectionary is undergoing a counter-service display case refurbishment.

For the next 6-8 weeks, the Main Street Confectionary will be undergoing a refurbishment of their counter-service sweets display case. The popular hand-made sweets, temptingly displayed in a glass-enclosed display case, is now hidden behind a temporary wall. The choices for hand-made sweets are quite limited to Rice Krispie Treats, Cookies, and Candy Apples wrapped in heavy clear plastic wrap.

With Autumn fast-approaching, many guests are seeking out some fun seasonal treats. There is still enough choices for purchasing a fun treat. However, the ambiance is just not there now. I mean, who doesn’t love peering into that glass case to see what is available, and taking more than a minute to decide what you actually want since there are so many amazing choices? While the absence of the display case is missed, I am looking forward to seeing what Disney does with the space. I am intrigued about what will be in this space once the refurbishment is complete.

What is your favorite treat of choice at the Main Street Confectionary? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Package to be Replaced with a Festival of Fantasy Dining Package

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 12, 2016

With the final run of the Main Street Electrical Parade coming on October 9th, we hear from WDW News Today that Disney will not be doing away with the dining package associated with the parade. Instead, starting October 10th, Disney will be offering the same Dining Package at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and offering VIP seating for the Festival of Fantasy Parade at 3pm instead.

The lunch at Tony’s Town Square is a prix fixe meal priced at$45 per adult and $17 per child, plus tax and gratuity (one dining plan table service credit). Guests are given a voucher to enter a special viewing area after their lunch.

This package can be booked beginning September 13th, 2016. You can learn more, and book your package here at that time.

Contact me today to book your Disney Vacation and 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: Disney

Disney Legend Floyd Norman: An Animated Life Documentary Review

By

Lisette R

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September 12, 2016

Did you know that Disney Legend Floyd Norman has a documentary movie currently showing in select theaters around the country? Floyd Norman: An Animated Life, is a documentary directed by Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey. Floyd Norman has worked on such Disney movies as The Jungle Book, Mary Poppins, Toy Story 2, and Sleeping Beauty to name a few. I was fortunate enough to attend a premiere screening, at the Walt Disney World Resort’s AMC Disney Springs Theaters, of the documentary followed by a meet-and-greet with Floyd Norman himself!

Floyd Norman is 81 years old but you would never know it. This awesome Disney Legend is full of life and creativity. When he was a young man, he worked with Walt Disney on many of his movies. After Walt Disney’s death in 1966, Floyd Norman left the Walt Disney Company to pursue other adventures. He returned to the Walt Disney Company in the 1990’s and was retired by the company when he turned 65. He began showing up to work at Disney Publishing Worldwide, where his wife Adrienne works. Adrienne created a new word, “Floydering,” to describe Floyd loitering around the offices answering questions and offering suggestions even though he was not on the Disney payroll. He did this for 16 years before being re-employed by the Disney Company.

Floyd Norman is the first African-American Animator to be employed by the Walt Disney Company in 1956. He has worked for the Disney Company, Hanna-Barbera, and Pixar. To add to his accolades, he also became the first African-American Animator to be named a Disney Legend, by Roy Disney, in 2007.

What an honor it was to meet a true Disney Legend. Floyd Norman is currently working on a Disney movie due to be released sometime next year. He told me that we must learn as much as we can in our lifetimes as our knowledge is what builds our legacy. Animation has changed drastically over the past 60 years. As an artist, Floyd Norman has had to adjust his knowledge-base many times throughout his career.

Floyd Norman’s career story is nothing short of amazing. The documentary starts out a bit slow as the foundation of Floyd Norman’s career is built. However, as the pace picks up and gains momentum, you will laugh, cry, and be surprised. If you are interested in learning something new about Disney history, then Floyd Norman: An Animated Life is a must-see documentary.

Are you planning to see the Floyd Norman: An Animated Life documentary? Please leave your comments in the box below.