Disney releases schedule for 2016 Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports

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March 18, 2016

If you plan on attending this year’s Disney’s Night of Joy on Sept 9-10th, then we have some updates and news for you, including the musician lineup and information about new ticket options for 2016.

This year, Night of Joy will expand, with the concerts being held for the first time ever at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This year’s artists represent one of the best lineups in all of Christian Music with 15 top performers and groups including 2015 Grammy® Award Winner Francesca Battistelli.

Friday, September 9 – MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Francesca Battistelli, Crowder, Matthew West, Stars Go Dim, Zealand Worship
Saturday, September 10 – Newsboys, for King & Country, Young & Free, Switchfoot, Red, Thousand Foot Krutch, Tim Timmons

This year, Disney is expanding Night of Joy in many ways. Guests will have more options than ever with two nights of Contemporary Christian music, ample seating at indoor and outdoor venues, amazing performances on multiple stages, including Champion Stadium, and opportunities for fellowship and fun. They also have ticket options that allow you to maximize the park time doing rides and then maximize your concerts and fellowship time at night – plus you pick your park!

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] or you can find me on my facebook page here.

photo credit: Disney

Disney Magic Kingdoms Mobile Game Available Now

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Danielle

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March 17, 2016

Today Disney launched the anticipated game Magic Kingdoms for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Android and Windows Phone. Players will live the thrill of their favorite Disney Park by embarking on a new adventure with Mickey Mouse and all his friends, as they endeavor on a mighty quest to restore the kingdom’s magic from evil powers.

Disney Magic Kingdoms allows players to enter the timeless world of Disney and experience magical moments of the Parks by building with fun attractions like Space Mountain, California Screamin’ and it’s a small world, and sharing spectacular moments with beloved Disney characters from DisneyŸPixar’s “Wall-E” and “Toy Story,” Disney’s “Tangled” and more.

“Disney Magic Kingdoms is a triumph in both beautiful visuals and authentically inspired design that showcases everything beloved about the Disney Parks,” states Gonzague de Vallois, Senior Vice President Publishing at Gameloft. “We are delighted to provide Disney fans a new way to explore the Parks and interact with Disney characters and villains in a game which ties together 90 exceptional years of Disney in an adventure that takes us back to where it all began.”

Disney Magic Kingdoms is now available on the App Store and Google Play, and is expected to launch later today on Windows Store.

I’ve been playing it all day, it’s super adorable and tons of fun!

Universal Studios opening Willy-Wonka type chocolate factory!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 17, 2016

Remember watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and wishing you could just go to the factory and spend a week there? Well opening later this year in the City Walk section of Universal Studios, Orlando is The Toothsome Chocolate Factory! Visiting here will be almost as great as walking into Willy Wonka’s factory!

The atmosphere will be something like you have never seen before, there will be towering smoke stacks, fun gadgets and a staff dressed in Steampunk unique fashion. You will be able to watch the creations being made, and purchase something delicious from the store to take home with you!

The factory will be serving pasta, steak, seafood, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salad and all day brunches. Oh yea and Desserts, some desserts include sundaes such as Salted Caramel Flan and chocolate brownie bark and s’mores! You may also want to check out the shakes, here are a few flavors just to get your mouth-watering:

Chocolate x5: An explosion of chocolate with chocolate spirals, chunks, ice-cream and whipped cream.
Bacon Brittle: A fun twist on a breakfast favorite with bacon ice cream, bacon brittle, chocolate covered bacon and bacon caramel.
Espresso Buzzzz: A coffee lover’s dream with coffee ice-cream and chocolate covered beans.
Red Velvet: A milkshake topped with a Red Velvet cupcake… enough said.
Key Lime Pie: We’ve taken this classic Florida dessert and turned it into a delicious shake. You’ll even get a slice of pie on top!

Check out some of their yummy treats below!

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With all of these desert choices I am not really sure how anyone is going to focus on eating food here but I know that on my next visit I will be enjoying a meal and definitely a dessert here!

Are you ready to book your trip to Universal and Islands of Adventure? You can contact me here and we can plan and book a perfect vacation for you and your family!

Photo Credit: Universal.com

Disney Crossy Road is Coming Soon to Mobile Devices

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Danielle

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March 17, 2016

Disney and Hipster Whale announced that Disney Crossy Road is coming soon to mobile devices. This new game, which is based on the original Crossy Road game from Hipster Whale, will take players on an 8-bit endless adventure.

With more than 100 of your favorite Disney and Pixar characters, you can explore endless adventures. Disney Crossy Road lets players hop through nine different Disney and Pixar-themed worlds, each with their own unique 8-bit music. The original Crossy Road has been downloaded more than 120 million times to date, this is sure to be a fun new Disney adventure!

Have you played the original?

Is Disney secretly working on a new app?

By

Chip

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March 17, 2016

2016 03 17 12 34 33 20 News about Disney World on Twitter

Is Disney secretly working on a new app? Twitter user @DLthings has some interesting screenshots of a new Disney app he calls Genie.

A look at the new app in development, called Genie. I believe this is specifically for Walt Disney World Resort. pic.twitter.com/Lzu4gNENJP

— Matthew Gottula (@DLthings) March 16, 2016

As you can see with the screenshots it will use MagicLens, share announcements, has a bilingual tool, and allow you to chat directly with a Cast Member. As of right now this looks to just be a Disney World app as I don’t see any information about Disneyland.

No other information has been leaked other than the screenshots above. Stay tuned to Chip and Co for more information…

What do you think about this new app? Let us know in the comment box below.

SeaWorld’s Mako is Almost Complete

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 17, 2016

Attention all Thrill-Seekers! SeaWorld Orlando is making waves and about to change the game of Roller Coasters in Central Florida. They have installed the final piece of Mako’s nearly mile-long steel track – completing the footprint of what will be Orlando’s longest coaster (as well as fastest and tallest) This January, SeaWorld topped off the highest point of the coaster, with a crest that reaches 200 feet in the air. Yes, 200!

Following tradition, the 12,500-pound, final piece of track was topped with a waving American flag as it was lifted high in the air by a giant crane, and then bolted into place by workers. The moment finished off a track that is 4,760 feet of pure thrill.

When Mako opens this summer, it will top 200 feet high and reach speeds of 73 mph. Riders will feel weightless as they reach the top of each hill. Talk about an adrenaline rush!

With all the excitement going on over at SeaWorld, Florida Residents don’t forget to take advantage of Annual Passes for $14 a month!

My name is Jamie. I am a local here in Central Florida. I am a passholder for many theme parks here and love adventure! I’m a Disney Addict and a writer for Chip & Co.

Magic Kingdom’s Express Monorail Line closed this weekend

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 17, 2016

If you’ll be using the monorail at Walt Disney World this weekend there are some closures you’ll need to know about and plan around accordingly.

On both March 18 and 19 2016, the Express Beam will close from 11:30am to 6pm.

The Express Beam serves the Magic Kingdom and Transportation and Ticket Center. During the closure, ferry boat and bus service will be available.

Does this put a damper on your Magic Kingdom transportation planning? Let us know in the comment box below.

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] or you can find me on my facebook page here.

Seaworld Announces this is last generation of Orcas in its care

By

Chip

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March 17, 2016

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc, a leading theme park and entertainment company, today announced that the killer whales – or orcas – currently in the company’s care will be the last generation of orcas at SeaWorld. The company will end all orca breeding as of today.

SeaWorld also will introduce new, inspiring, natural orca encounters, rather than theatrical shows, as part of its ongoing commitment to education, marine science research, and rescue of marine animals. These programs will focus on orca enrichment, exercise, and overall health. This change will start in its San Diego park next year, followed by San Antonio and then Orlando in 2019.

SeaWorld also announced today a broad new partnership with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to protect our oceans and the animals that call them home. The company is committing to educating its more than 20 million annual visitors on animal welfare and conservation issues through interpretative programs at the parks and expanded advocacy for wild whales, seals, and other marine creatures.

“SeaWorld has introduced more than 400 million guests to orcas, and we are proud of our part in contributing to the human understanding of these animals,” said Joel Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “As society’s understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it. By making this the last generation of orcas in our care and reimagining how guests will encounter these beautiful animals, we are fulfilling our mission of providing visitors to our parks with experiences that matter.”

“SeaWorld’s commitment to end breeding of orcas is a long-held goal of many animal advocacy organizations, and we commend the company for making this game-changing commitment,” said Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of HSUS. “Today we turn a corner, working together to achieve solutions on a wide set of animal issues including sunsetting the use of orcas at existing facilities; maximizing SeaWorld’s focus on rescue, rehabilitation and advocacy for marine mammals in the wild; and sourcing food for animals and customers from humane and sustainable sources, including cage-free eggs and crate-free pork.”

“We are pleased to join with HSUS on the significant issues facing marine mammals and their ocean homes,” said Manby. “The work done by zoological facilities like SeaWorld is critical for the protection of animals in the wild, especially marine mammals. To that end, SeaWorld has committed $50 million over the next five years to be the world’s leading marine animal rescue organization, to advocate for an end to the commercial killing of whales and seals and an end to shark finning.”

The current population of orcas at SeaWorld – including one orca, Takara, that became pregnant last year – will live out their lives at the company’s park habitats, where they will continue to receive the highest-quality care based on the latest advances in marine veterinary medicine, science, and zoological best practices. Guests will be able to observe these orcas through the new educational encounters and in viewing areas within the existing habitats.

SeaWorld reaffirms its commitment not to collect marine mammals from the wild. It has not collected an orca from the wild in nearly 40 years, and the orcas at SeaWorld were either born there or have spent almost their entire lives in human care. These orcas could not survive in oceans that include environmental concerns such as pollution and other man-made threats.

Spring is Heating Up at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 17, 2016

The calendar tells us Spring is just around the corner and, while that normally means warmer weather and the end of winter, this year at Walt Disney World, it means a lot more! Spring is heating up in Orlando with lots of new events, experiences, and entertainment options for guests at the most magical place on Earth.

The annual Epcot Flower and Garden Show is sure to delight visitors of all ages. The incredible character topiaries and interactive playgrounds will amaze the kids while adults can take advantage of 13 different outdoor kitchens offering seasonal food and drinks. Every weekend through the end of the Flower and Garden Show, the blooms will be rocking as Epcot welcomes special musical guests like the Gin Blossoms, Night Ranger and the Village People for the Garden Rocks Concert series included with your park admission. The Epcot Flower and Garden Show runs through May 30th, you can see a walk through of menus and food booths here.

After you’ve taken in the sights of Epcot, you can enjoy the newest nighttime offering at Walt Disney World, River of Lights at Animal Kingdom. Opening on April 22nd, this long awaited show takes place on Discovery River between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. When the show begins, two mystical storytellers come to the river to summon animal spirits. Riding elaborate lantern vessels, the storytellers will wake the animals through a dramatic dance of water and light. The Tree of Life will also be part of the show with magical fireflies transforming Animal Kingdom’s iconic tree into a glowing beacon of wonder and enchantment. From the brief glimpses we have had into River of Lights, this is sure to be an amazing experience. A new sunset version of the popular Kilimanjaro Safari ride will also begin wowing guests on April 22nd. While details are limited, the ride is expected to give visitors a glimpse of life on the savanna like we have never seen before at Animal Kingdom!

Hollywood Studios is also offering up exciting new experiences for visitors from a galaxy far, far away! Beginning on April 4th, the new live Star Wars entertainment experience Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away will take place on the several times each day on the Center State in front of the Chinese Theater. According to sources, the show will “play out iconic moments from the film saga … and will feature appearances from Star Wars characters like Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and Darth Maul.” The March of the First Order Stormtrooper procession led by Captain Phasma will also thrill fans starting April 4th. This event features Captain Phasma, from Star Wars The Force Awakens, leading a platoon of First Order Stormtroopers on a march from the park’s Star Wars Launch Bay to Center Stage several times each day.

These new Star Wars offerings at Hollywood Studios will join existing experiences and rides like Star Tours — The Adventures Continue and Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Visitors to Hollywood Studios will also have the chance to meet familiar characters like Chewbacca and Kylo Ren for photos and autographs, if you dare ask for one! The Star Wars character meet and greets are located in the Star Wars Launch Bay, which also offers an up-close look at replica props, models and costumes from the movies. A Spring day at Hollywood Studios filled with Star Wars adventure can be capped off with the nightly Star Wars themed fireworks show Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular.

If all the adventures at Hollywood Studios wore you out, you might want to take a break from the parks and check out all the new options at Disney Springs. The area formerly known as Downtown Disney is scheduled to begin opening in phases beginning May 15th. The dining and shopping district will feature four distinct neighborhoods to explore and, all told, will feature more than 150 different stores and restaurants. Restaurants scheduled to open soon include The Edison, an “industrial gothic”-style restaurant with themed areas and a performance space, celebrity Chef Rick Bayless‘ Frontera Fresca featuring authentic Mexican cuisine, and Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine, a farm to table restaurant highlighting the sunshine state’s cuisine. New stores on tap for Disney Springs include Lilly Pulitzer, Pandora, Tommy Bahama, and Zara. And don’t forget, if you are staying at a Disney resort, your purchases in Disney Springs can be sent directly to your hotel!

Another exciting event happening this Spring will bring athletes from around the world to Walt Disney World! The Invictus Games will take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports May 8 – 12. The event brings together wounded servicemen and women from around the world and allows them to compete against one another in a variety of sporting events. In it’s inaugural year in London in 2014, the event had more than 400 athletes and 65,000 fans. This year’s games will be the first time the event has taken place in the United States and is expected to draw similar numbers. Prince Harry is the leading sponsor of the Invictus Games and he has said the event uses the power of sports to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. It should be a very inspiring week!

Plus, there’s still time to save on a vacation to Walt Disney World this Spring! The spring room promotion is still available and can cut up to 25% off your room rate at select Walt Disney World hotels on stays through June 11th.

If you want to be part of the exciting Spring events at Walt Disney World, contact [email protected] to start planning your vacation today.

Disney is closer to finding a young Han Solo

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 16, 2016

In January, a short list was released for actors in consideration to play young Han Solo in the upcoming 2018 Star Wars anthology movie about Han Solo’s life prior to what we see in “A New Hope.” The actors on that short list were Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Dave Franco, Jack Reynor, Scott Eastwood, Logan Lerman, Emory Cohen and Blake Jenner.

Last week, screen tests to find the actor to play the iconic role of Han Solo were conducted in London, according to the Hollywood Reporter narrowing down to a final shortlist of three actors: Alden Ehrenreich (Hail, Caesar!), Jack Reynor (Transformers: Age of Extinction), and Taron Egerton (Kingsman).

The film will be directed Phil Lord and Chris Miller (The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street), with a set release date for May 25, 2018.

With Han Solo being such an icon in pop culture and dearly beloved by Star Wars fans worldwide, whichever actor is chosen will definitely have some big shoes to fill. Since we have seen a younger Harrison Ford play Han Solo in Episodes IV through VI, it will definitely be quite an adjustment to see a different actor take on the role, but exciting nonetheless!

Pic Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm

Disney named a top dream company for 15 to 29 year olds

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Disney News

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March 16, 2016

When 18,000 millennials (ages 15-29) were asked to rank their ideal future employers Walt Disney Company was ranked #2. Also ranked high up on the list were Facebook, Google, and Apple.

The survey shows the attitude towards work for the millennial, which by 2020 will make up 50% of the work force. It shows that they are looking for employers who put a lot of importance on employee welfare, who offer a flexible schedule and sense of purpose. The millennial generation is he group of people who had the recession shape them, with a crush of student debt and unreliable institutions they have had an unclear vision of stability. Contrary to the general belief that this generation is lazy and entitled, this generation is actually focusing on a rich full life for the right now, instead of preparing for the future.

Companies are now starting to accommodate the millennial wishes wanting the younger workers. The millennials are accepting these jobs not only because they feel their needs being met but also because it gives them the strong roots in innovation and philanthropy which gives them the sense of worth.

Would you work for Disney?

Blizzard Beach Closed 3/16-3/17 for technical diffculties

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 16, 2016

If you were planning on visiting Blizzard Beach today or tomorrow, it looks like you’ll have to take a trip over to Typhoon Lagoon instead!

Blizzard Beach is closed today and tomorrow (March 16 and 17 2016) due to technical difficulties.

No worries though, because although still technically in its refurbishment window.

Typhoon Lagoon is now open with hours of midday to 6pm on March 16, and 10am to 5pm on March 17th, 2016.

photo credit: Disney Parks Blog