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

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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

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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.

New Snack Menu for Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 12, 2016

amorette's

Amorette’s Patisserie is opening May 15th in Town Center at Disney Springs along with several other new establishments. The pastry shop is described as “artsy yet sophisticated” and guests can watch as chefs beautifully decorate their exquisite creations. Dining plans are not accepted and prices range from $14.99 and under. The snack menu looks incredible:

Pâtisseries

Elongated Choux/Éclair – Caramel, Raspberry or Lemon
Palais Garnier/Opera Cake – Cholcoate, Coffee and Almond Cake
Reflection in Memphis – Peanut Blondie, Banana, Bacon, and Chocolate
Mickey Financier (Gluten Free)
The Ultimate Chocolate-Chocolate Chunk Cookie
Sunrise Tokyo Bay – Yuzu Chiffon Cake, Matcha Crumble, and Mandarin
Dome Cakes – Chocolate, Strawberry, and Lemon
Strawberry Fields of OC – Strawberry Mousse, Basil Sugar, and Lemon Curd
49th and Broadway/N.Y. Cheesecake – Lemon Curd, Blueberries, and Chantilly
Viennese Waltz/Sacher Torte – Chocolate Cake, Apricot, and Chantilly
Macaron (6 Flavors) – Cassis-Violet, Caramel Sea Salt, Pistachio, Chocolate, Passion Fruit, Citrus
Dancing with Pavlova – Meringue, Strawberry Jelly, and Chantilly
Avant-Guard – Caramel – Chocolate Paris – Brest
Sunset on Mile Marker 0 – Key Lime Meringue
Petit Cakes

Champagne and Sparkling Wine

Taittinger Brut La Française, Champagne
Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco, Veneto
Iron Horse Fairy Tale Celebration Cuvée Brut, Sonoma Valley
Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red, Piedmont

Beverages

Amorette’s Hot Chocolate Ganache – with Chantilly and Shaved Dark Chocolate
Joffrey’s Freshly Brewed Coffee – regular and decaf
Joffrey’s Cappuccino
Joffrey’s Espresso
Joffrey’s Latte
smartwater®
2% Milk
Honest Kids® Super Fruit Punch

Contact [email protected] to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation or visit my Facebook page here for the latest Disney news and events. All of my planning services are 100% FREE.

Photo Credit: Disney

New Artwork Options Added at the on Demand MagicBand Stations

By

Danielle

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May 12, 2016

Last fall Disney introduced the On Demand MagicBand stations at the Walt Disney World Resort as a way to allow guests to customize MagicBands. Originally launched with about 40 graphics to choose from, Disney has now added all new artwork to give your personalization experience even more variety.

As of now there are three on demand stations where you can add a little more character to your MagicBands, the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. in Magic Kingdom, the D-Tech on Demand boutique in the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs, and my favorite one the Star Wars Launch Bay in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Star Wars Launch Bay is the only station that offers Star Wars designs! Just like the Star Wars designs are only at the Launch Bay, some of the designs are only available at the other two kiosks as well.

The Bride and Groom MagicBand designs are a great addition, especially for those who get married off Disney property, but still want to celebrate their nuptials at the Disney Resort.

I have to say my favorite design is the Shellie May one, I love the soft pinks and purples layered over the bright purple MagicBand, and the addition of the buttons and flowers on the other side tie it all together. There is some fun “Emoji” themed bands, inspired by the Disney Emoji videos. I got really excited when I saw those, hoping it meant there might be some new Tsum Tsum designs, but sadly no sign of new Tsum Tsum graphics on this newest launch.

For fans of the classics, there are several designs based on beloved attractions. An entire series dedicated to both the Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean, 2 rides which have spawned a pop culture obsession. There are also four other attractions themed designs; Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Mickey’s Philharmagic, Peter Pan’s Flight, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and The Main Street Electrical Parade. I think it’s fun how they’ve even included some rides from the past.

You can find many of these available at the Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs locations, you can also choose the base color MagicBand you wish for your design to be printed on. This is such a cool way to get a new MagicBand that is uniquely yours!

Which new design is your favorite?

Enjoy Savings at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 12, 2016

Enjoy fall savings at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa located in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Save 30% on stays of 5 nights or more and 25% on stays of 4 nights. This offer is valid for stays most nights August 21 through December 19, 2016, excluding November 21 – 24.

Book before June 27th and receive a $150 Resort credit redeemable for dining, activities, shopping and more.

Guests who reserve an Ocean or Partial Ocean View room will also receive a free meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) at Ulu Cafe for each guest on the reservation per night of their package stay. The booking deadline for this offer is September 26, 2016.

Disney Visa cardholders will also receive a complimentary photo CD with all of the PhotoPass Pictures taken during your vacation (a$99 value).

Booking Window: May 10-Sept. 26, 2016
Travel Window: Aug. 21-Dec. 19, 2016

Limit 2 rooms per reservation. Excludes suites and 3-bedroom Grand Villas. Additional charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Advance reservations required.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to take advantage of this great offer on Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. All of my planning services are 100% FREE.

Photo Credit: Disney