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Top 10 Best Gift Shops in Walt Disney World

February 18, 2016

Everyone knows that Walt Disney World is an amazing place to come & experience world-famous theme park attractions and create unforgettable memories with your family. But it can also be a pretty cool place to shop as well! I’m not just talking about the typical Disney souvenirs that you would expect to find. Besides the larger well-known gift shops – like the World of Disney Store in Disney Springs and the Emporium in Magic Kingdom – there are actually quite a few specialized shops with some unique items, cute jewelry, fun home decor, trendy clothing, and more. This also includes plenty of items that aren’t specifically “Disney,” just in case you might want to buy something on your vacation that doesn’t have a character on it. You won’t want to overlook these places and miss the chance to find the object of your desire! So here you will find my list of the Top 10 Best Gift Shops in Walt Disney World that are often overlooked:

#10 – Once Upon a Time at Hollywood Studios: This gift shop located on Sunset Blvd., next to the Beauty and the Beast show, focuses on clothing and accessories and has items for all ages. It’s so easy to miss, that I’m sure most people walk right on by not realizing it’s there, on their way to ride the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or the Tower of Terror or to go see Fantasmic. But if you take the time to venture inside, it’s worth it! The apparel you will find here will be mostly Disney-themed, but more on the trendy side. Think more like for the discerning Disney Fashionista than for the casual tourist.

#9 – Uptown Jewelers in the Magic Kingdom – With all of the hustle and bustle going on around Main Street USA, it’s so easy to overlook this gem. Most guests filter through the Emporium on the opposite side of the street or visit the Confectionery, or the new Starbucks. But this wonderful shop has a beautiful selection of fine jewelry including an entire room devoted to Pandora, upscale handbags such as Dooney & Bourke, watches, collectible figurines, and artwork. Gentlemen, this is an excellent place to find a very special indulgent gift for the Disney-loving woman in your life, for occasions such as Valentine’s Day, a birthday or anniversary, Mother’s Day, or Christmas.

#8 – Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs Marketplace – Located near Earl of Sandwich and Pin Traders, this ginormous toy store is definitely the best place to buy Disney gifts for children, with the largest assortment of toys and games on Disney property. You will find every type of toy imaginable here, and it’s a great place to keep your kids entertained, especially on a rainy day, with interactive play stations available. For older kids, there are video game stations to play at, including Disney Infinity, and for younger guests, the build-your-own Mr. Potato Head station is awesome!

#7 – Disney’s Days of Christmas in Disney Springs Marketplace – Not too far away from the Once Upon a Toy store, is the largest Disney Christmas decor shop in all of Disney World. They have tons of gorgeous ornaments in all styles, and several different collections of themed decor, including tree skirts and such. You can also find amazing Disney Christmas items in 2 other shops, the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square and the It’s a Wonderful Shop in Hollywood Studios (next to Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano), although these 2 locations are significantly smaller in size. All 3 shops carry Christmas merchandise year-round and feature Disney artists on hand to personalize your ornament purchase in order to truly commemorate your vacation memories, or make that Xmas gift extra-special, with hand-painted details.

#6 – Mitsukoshi Department Store in Epcot’s Japan pavilion – While all of the shops in the Epcot World Showcase are really cool and offer items that are totally unique to each country, including imported goods, my most favorite one of all is this incredible gift shop in the Japan pavilion. It’s super big, with lots of different rooms and a very wide variety of things to purchase and explore, so it truly is a department store. There’s so much to look at and it’s all really fun! It always makes me feel like I’ve been transported all the way to Japan, and I’ve definitely learned a little more about the culture through surveying all the neat stuff I’ve found there. You can find plenty of Hello Kitty merchandise, both modern and traditional apparel (they even have an entire room devoted to colorful, beautiful kimonos!), accessories, stationery, imported candy and snacks, kitchenware, model kits, and all sorts of great items. Some of the best things to do that you won’t want to miss are the sake tasting bar (in the very back of the shop) and the pick-a-pearl experience – where you get to select an oyster and crack it open to reveal your very own one-of-a-kind pearl inside. There are several different jewelry settings available for purchase in order to showcase your new pearl in your own individual style!

#5 – Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar in the Magic Kingdom – This is the gift shop that you will find yourself in after exiting the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and it’s a treasure trove! If you’re a fan of pirates, of the ride and/or the movies or just pirates in general, this is the shop for you. The focus is mostly on pirate-themed clothing (including costume gear), toys, books and souvenirs, but there’s also a good amount of Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise here too for Jack Skellington fans. I personally love the women’s section with great items from the Loungefly brand and cute sugar skull tees. Some of the stuff you see here can’t be found anywhere else on Disney property!

#4 – Tatooine Traders in Hollywood Studios – Themed as the desert planet Luke Skywalker calls home, this is the gift shop you will enter after debarking from a Star Tours ride. Although you can currently find Star Wars merchandise in several locations all over Disney World, thanks to the wildly popular new movie release of The Force Awakens and the recent expansion of Star Wars attractions at Hollywood Studios, this is the original Star Wars-themed Disney gift shop and is still one of the best places to shop for your favorite Star Wars gifts. There’s lots of fun clothing, collectibles, & toys celebrating the epic saga, but the best parts of the shop are the build-your-own custom lightsaber and droid factories. Just FYI, these same custom lightsaber and droid stations can also be found in the Once Upon a Toy store mentioned above, if you’re looking for Star Wars fun in the Disney Springs area. And also in Disney Springs, over in the West Side area, is the brand new Galactic Outpost, another store dedicated exclusively to the movie franchise. Another more specialized Star Wars shop is the Launch Bay Cargo store in Hollywood Studios, where you can buy autographed memorabilia, movie prop replicas, and visit the D-Tech On Demand station to design, personalize, and print your own phone case featuring Star Wars art.

#3 – Tren-D in the Disney Springs Marketplace – Tren-D is by far my personal top favorite gift shop in all of Walt Disney World! If you’ve never been, you have gotta check it out. It is the ultimate paradise for every Disney Fashionista – an ultra-chic young adult women’s boutique with a fantastic selection of super stylish Disney clothing, jewelry, and accessories. It’s got a really cute funky, eclectic vibe and whimsical decor. Many of the adorable trends on display can only be found at Tren-D, and you can also find a few non-Disney fashions here, too. It’s located right next door to the Once Upon a Toy store, and shares the same building as the next shop on my countdown….the Marketplace Co-Op.

#2 – The Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs – It’s a fairly recent new addition that replaced the Team Mickey sports-themed store which formerly occupied the space. This place has it all! It’s a varied collection of mini shops, each with a unique theme, so there’s something for everyone. Here are descriptions of the delightful mini shops you will discover:

Twenty-Eight & Main: Vintage-inspired Disney items cater exclusively to gentlemen.
Cherry Tree Lane: Inspired by Mary Poppins, this shop is for the sophisticated woman with a passion for designer accessories like Dooney & Bourke and Vera Bradley bags, shoes, scarves, and jewelry, including Pandora and Alex + Ani.
D-Tech on Demand: As described previously, you can personalize a smart phone case with your name and favorite Disney character and it’s created right there while you wait.
Disney Centerpiece: This shop features all kinds of home decor & housewares, largely kitchen items, that feature designs inspired by the Disney theme parks and their most popular attractions.
Zoey and Pickles: This is the spot for the young girl in her tween years to find all the hippest Disney fashion.
WonderGround Gallery: Original, limited-edition Disney-inspired artwork for collectors.

#1 – Memento Mori in Magic Kingdom – Calling all Haunted Mansion fans! The Memento Mori shop is a fairly new gift shop in Liberty Square, right outside the Haunted Mansion, that is 100% devoted to this beloved attraction. The totally unique items you find here are pure awesome and can’t be found elsewhere in Disney World. There’s everything from ghostly fashion for both men & women to collectible souvenirs to housewares. One of my favorite buys from here is a metal die-cast replica of the hearse pulled by a ghost horse, which is showcased right in front of the mansion as you enter the queue. It looks great on my mantle when I decorate for Halloween! But the reason this shop tops all the others on my list as #1 is the totally amazing experience they offer – you can get your photograph taken in an old-fashioned portrait sitting room, and one of the happy haunts from the mansion will possess you to turn your photo into a lenticular portrait featuring you as a gruesome spirit! Each one is different and a special one-of-a-kind print created just for you! The cost is only around $20 and very well worth it for such a spectacular souvenir and fun memory. All your friends will surely be jealous when they see it on display at your home! See photos below.

What’s your favorite shop in Disney World? Let us know in the comments section below!

If you’re interested in booking a vacation to Walt Disney World, please contact me at [email protected]. As an agent with World of Magic Travel Services – the preferred travel agency of Chip & Co. – I offer complimentary planning services so that all you have to do is show up and enjoy your magical vacation!

Which Walt Disney World Rides and Attractions Can I Get a Fastpass For?

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 17, 2016

When your Disney vacation planning is in full swing, the approach of your 60 day Fastpass date can be full of excitement and possibly some confusion! Which fastpasses are tiered? Which attractions are closed for refurbishment during my trip? Where can I find a list of everything available for Fastpasses? There are a lot of changes going on over at the World lately and the list of rides and attractions for which fastpasses are available is changing as well! Here is a list to help you if your 60 day mark is fast approaching!

This current list will most likely change over the next few months as well. Soarin’ stays on the list for now because it is due to reopen in late spring 2016. However, Lights Motors Action Stunt Show is there for now but will be closing April 2nd, 2016.

Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom do not have a tier system in place. Simply choose 3 rides or attractions from the list and enjoy! EPCOT and Hollywood Studios have the tier system where you can choose only 1 attraction from tier 1 and 2 attractions from tier 2 for a total of 3 fastpasses at those parks.

Some of my favorite things to fastpass are the meet and greets! Talking Mickey in Town Square Theater is a must-do for my family! If your 60 day fastpass mark is approaching, this list will help you choose the best options for your magical vacation!

Magic Kingdom

It’s a Small World
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Enchanted Tales With Belle
Haunted Mansion
Jungle Cruise
Mad Tea Party
Main Street Electrical Parade
Meet Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall
Meet Cinderella and Rapunzel at Princess Fairytale Hall
Meet Ariel at her Grotto
Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater
Meet Tinkerbell at Town Square Theater
Mickey’s Philharmagic
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Seven Dwarves Mine Train
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
The Barnstormer
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh
Tomorrowland Speedway
Under The Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid
Wishes Nighttime Spectacular

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Dinosaur!
Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo the Musical
Flights of Wonder
It’s Tough to Be a Bug
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
Primeval Whirl

EPCOT

TIER 1: Choose 1 attraction

Mission Space
Test Track
Living with the Land
IllumiNations Reflections of Earth
Soarin’ ** Closed until June 2016

TIER 2: Choose 2 attractions:

Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Meet Disney Pals at Character Spot
Spaceship Earth
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Turtle Talk With Crush

Hollywood Studios:

TIER 1: Choose 1 Attraction:

Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Fantasmic
Rock n Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith
Great Movie Ride
Toy Story Midway Mania

TIER 2: Choose 2 attractions:

Disney Junior Live on Stage
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Lights Motors Action Extreme Stunt Show
Muppet Vision 3D
Star Tours the Adventure Continues
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Hopefully this helps you decide what you want to focus on for your fastpass selections! Let your World of Magic Travel agent know which attraction you want to fastpass and they will make the magic happen!

For more information on refurbishments and closings at Walt Disney World, stay connected to Chip and Co., or feel free to contact me at [email protected] for all of your vacation planning questions!

Dates announced for Epcot’s 2016 Food and Wine Festival

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 17, 2016

I am so excited to announce that Epcot’s 2016 Food and Wine Festival dates are out, they will be September 14 through November 14, which means there are 9 additional days from last year! Almost two more weeks of wonderful food and wine, musical performances, food and wine paring and more.

There is so many different types of food and wine to try, it is a wonderful time to visit Epcot. There are culinary shows, celebrity chefs, contests and seminars. You can eat your way around the world and taste what each country has to offer.

Are you ready to book your food-tasic vacation to Walt Disney World? Contact me today and we can make sure you take advantage of all that Epcot’s 2016 Food and Wine Festival has to offer!

Contact me, my name is Karen Asaro I’m a travel agent with World of Magic Travel and a writer for Chip and Co and Disney Addicts. I visit Disney World as often as possible to keep up to date with the latest going on throughout the world, if I’m not there I am planning my next trip! Let me help you plan your next trip you can email me or visit me on facebook for all the latest info!

More layoffs coming to Walt Disney World

Disney News

February 17, 2016

Another group of Walt Disney World employees have been hit with walking papers.

The latest group of layoffs comes to 100 painters from Walt Disney World. Disney is blaming this on traditional park hour differences in the less busy months, not the drop in quarterly earnings with ESPN or the delayed opening of Disneyland Shanghai.

The painters were hired by Buena Vista Construction Co, which is an branch of the Walt Disney Co. Typically they see employee layoffs after Christmas but that this group of layoffs is out of sync with the other according to the report from the Orlando Sentinel.

This seems to be a continuance of cuts we have seen recently. Front-desk and concierge employee hours are being cut, door greeters are being cut as well as some of our most loved nighttime shows. Also meet and greets have been cut or the characters have been taken away all together.

Disney said in an emailed statement.

“We are adding new attractions and entertainment offerings this year in addition to significant expansions opening next year and beyond. As our business continues to grow, we regularly make adjustments in our operations to ensure we are able to deliver great Guest and Cast experiences in the most efficient way possible.”

Although Disney has brought up the point that a new Meet & Greet will be opening soon at Hollywood Studios starring Mickey, Minnie and Olaf. They are also claiming that since everyone had overtime during the holidays this is just the norm.

Disney is about to head into one of its busy seasons, I cannot wait to see how all of these layoff, entertainment closures and cut hours work out for them.

What do you think? Comment below!

Reasons to Visit the Disneyland Resort this Spring & Summer

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 17, 2016

Spring and summer at the Disneyland Resort will be more thrilling than ever this year with new family fun and spectacular entertainment! The Diamond Celebration nighttime spectaculars continue to excite guests, along with new and enhanced Star Wars experiences. At Disney California Adventure Park, Cars Land will soon debut its newest attraction, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters.

If you’re planning on visiting in the summer, you’ll get to enjoy the new “Frozen” musical at the Hyperion Theater in Disney California Adventure park. Also coming this summer is the unforgettable, new Soarin’ Around the World attraction. Here are some of the special experiences that await you at the Disneyland Resort:

Disney California Adventure Park

Disney California Adventure celebrated its 15th anniversary this year on February 8th with adventures from Buena Vista Street to Cars Land and something for guests of all ages.

The new live “Frozen” musical premieres in late spring 2016, immersing audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater. The entertaining musical adaptation will include elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, show-stopping production numbers and some unique theatrical surprises. The show will play at the Hyperion Theater.
The fun-filled Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters attraction, debuting soon at Casa Della Tires in Cars Land, is rolling with fun as Luigi’s cugini (cousins) have come from Carsoli, Italy, to help celebrate Race Day in Radiator Springs. Park guests join in the fun by hopping aboard miniature Italian roadsters, in the style of late 1950s micro cars. The cars perform the traditional dances of their village, moving to upbeat music and Luigi’s singing in a precision-choreographed dance across what appears to be a trackless “dance floor.” Each car has its own routine, so guests will enjoy different ride experiences depending on which car they board.
Soarin’ Over California is being re-imagined into Soarin’ Around the World. This new experience continues the recent updates to the popular attraction, including all-new digital screens and projection systems. Soarin’ Around the World will take guests on a journey to far-flung lands, over some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders.
The Disney California Food and Wine Festival is coming to the park during the month of April. The festival will celebrate some of the best of deliciousCalifornia cuisine. A distinguishing feature will be new Festival Marketplaces, where guests can sip and savor delicious flavors from throughout the state of California. The festival will also include culinary demonstrations, appearances by celebrity chefs and informative seminars. The food and wine festival takes place on the weekends in the month of April.

Disneyland Park

Season of the Force brings Star Wars themed experiences to Disneyland park.

Star Wars Launch Bay invites guests to visit a Star Wars-themed cantina, discover authentic replicas of film props, and encounter Star Wars characters such as Chewbacca, from the light side, and Kylo Ren from the dark side.

The Star Wars-themed transformation of Space Mountain into Hyperspace Mountain thrusts guests into an X-wing Starfighter battle as they race through the darkness. The experience is enhanced by a new soundtrack, inspired by the Star Wars films’ musical themes and re-orchestrated to match every move in the attraction.
At the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, guests encounter a new adventure and characters from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” while journeying aboard a Starspeeder 1000.
Guests will relive stories from the Star Wars saga – or discover them for the first time – through the short “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi” film which connects iconic scenes from the iconic films in fun new ways.
The popular interactive show Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple has been reimagined with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from the popular Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels.
As preparations begin in 2016 for a new Star Wars-themed land, guests will enjoy unique limited-time opportunities to experience some of their favorite attractions in new ways. While the Disneyland Railroad is temporarily closed, guests at the Main Street and New Orleans Square Train Stations will be able to get up-close with the historic steam engines that have circled Disneyland park for decades and learn about them firsthand from Disneyland Railroad engineers. Limited-time experiences for the Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia will debut throughout the year.
Super Hero fans will have their own special encounters at Super Hero HQ. They’re invited to learn more about their favorite Super Heroes, such as Thor and Spiderman, and meet some of them in person.

60^th Anniversary Diamond Celebration Continues in 2016
The stunning entertainment found every year at the Disneyland Resort is now even more dazzling, with three nighttime spectaculars that are part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, continuing through Sept. 5, 2016.

The “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular entertains guests from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, surrounding the audience with music, dazzling visual projections and other special effects that bring the pyrotechnics to life in surprising new ways. Guests may enjoy the projections from multiple locations, including Main Street, U.S.A., and Small World mall.
The sparkling “Paint the Night” parade builds on the tradition of breathtaking nighttime parades in Disneyland Park that began with the “Main Street Electrical Parade.” Illuminated almost entirely by LED lights, “Paint the Night” is a state-of-the art, vibrant wonder that immerses guests in the magical, luminescent worlds of many Disney and Disney●Pixar characters, including Ariel, the Little Mermaid; Woody and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story”’; Lightning McQueen from “Cars,” Disney Princesses and Mickey Mouse and his pals.

At Disney California Adventure, “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” is a fun-filled version of the popular, nighttime “World of Color” spectacular. Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris joins Mickey Mouse on a magical water canvas, bringing to life the remarkable story of Walt Disney and The Happiest Place on Earth with animated imagery, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score.

Special Offer for Southern California Residents and Themed Dining
Special two-day and three-day Southern California Resident tickets* make this an ideal time for Southern California residents to visit the parks. Purchase options include a two-day ticket with a choice of one park per day for $149, a two-day Park Hopper ticket for $189, a three-day ticket with a choice of one park per day for $179, or a three-day Park Hopper ticket for $219. These tickets are available through May 19, 2016 and valid through May 26, 2016.

Any visit to the Disneyland Resort becomes more special with themed dining and refreshments, and the resort presents some tasty new surprises in 2016. At Disneyland, the Star Wars-themed menu at Galactic Grill includes the Darth Tamale, a First Order Specialty Burger with Angus beef and chorizo on a dark bun, and The Pastry Menace éclair. Plaza Inn is ideal for family dining with a menu that features fried chicken, pot roast and made-to-order salads. Children and the young at heart are delighted to encounter Disney characters at the “Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park” at Plaza Inn, one of several character meals at the resort.
At Disney California Adventure, guests will enjoy the recently opened Smokejumpers Grill, decorated with mementos from courageous, forest firefighters with a menu that features burgers and other favorites. The popular Cove Bar along Paradise Bay serves beverages and appetizers in an expanded patio area in 2016. The elegant Carthay Circle Restaurant continues to provide an ideal location for fine dining and adult relaxation in its lounge. And guests who want to meet Disney Princesses will find them at the character dining at Ariel’s Grotto.
Hotel restaurants at the Disneyland Resort include Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel, Napa Rose and Storytellers Café in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. For dinner at Disney’s PCH Grill, guests enjoy a menu inspired by the California beach scene, with smoked tri-tip, spice-rubbed ribs, fish and vegetarian tacos, fried chicken, and hot dogs right off the grill.

What will you be celebrating at the Disneyland Resort this spring or summer? Let me know in the comments!

For more information about the Disneyland Resort, or for help with booking your next magical vacation, email me at [email protected] or follow me on Facebook!

Ahoy! Pirates of The Caribbean Tsum Tsum Collection Will Wash Ashore February 26

Danielle

February 17, 2016

Avast me hearties! The very anticipated Disney Parks exclusive Tsum Tsum collection for Pirates of the Caribbean will finally be come ashore February 26, 2016.

Back in November we found out that Disney was going to begin Disney Parks Attractions Tsum Tsum collections exclusively for sale on the Disney Properties. The first collection was the fun Tsum Tsum toys based on rides and transportation vehicles from the resorts.

The new collection will be exclusively for Disney Parks, and feature seven new Tsum Tsum toys. Popular fan favorites from Pirates of the Caribbean will make their debut including the dog with keys, a skeleton, and the Captain.

Beginning with this release additional Disney merchandise locations will begin to carry the Tsum Tsum toys! Look for them at the locations below starting February 26.

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai‘i:

Kalepa’s Store

Disneyland Resort:

Downtown Disney District – World of Disney
Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure park – Tees, Hats & Tattoos
Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland park – Gag Factory

Walt Disney World Resort:

Disney Springs Marketplace – Once Upon a Toy
Shops at Orlando International Airport
Magic Kingdom Park – Curtain Call Collectibles
Epcot – ImageWorks
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Beverly Sunset
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures

How fun, we’ll now be able to find Tsum Tsum stuffed toys at any Disney Park, instead of just the down town areas!

Stay Magical!

Thomas Wylde Unveils New Capsule Collection Inspired by Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass”

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 17, 2016

Designer Thomas Wylde revealed a new capsule wardrobe, inspired by Disney’s upcoming film “Alice Through the Looking Glass” at his New York Fashion week runway show.

The capsule wardrobe consists of three looks: White Queen, Red Queen, and Time.

Soo Koo, VP of Product Development Softlines, Disney, commented, “This capsule collection is inspired by street-meets-couture influences, a signature look for Thomas Wylde this fall and for characters from “Alice Through the Looking Glass.”

White Queen: this high-low textured dress brings to mind images of snow melting into spring. Whimsical and imaginative, this pairing is sure to turn heads.

Red Queen: inspired by the one and only Red Queen, this outfit is a tough, street wear look. The bright red blazer, black leather pants, and totally killer heals will have the whole royal court bowing before you.

Time: in this look, Wylde personifies Time as a living and breathing character, brought to life in shadowy black. The bright crimson accent adds a much-needed splash of color and times in well with the other pieces in the collection.

“Alice Through the Looking Glass” hits theaters May 27, 2016 and this collection is a great way to help build fan anticipation.

What do you think of Thomas Wylde’s capsule wardrobe? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.

Changes coming to Disney World Nighttime Shows

Anonymouse

February 17, 2016

Hey Disney Addicts, it is I, Anonymouse, and do I have some gossip for you!

Due to unfortunate financial difficulties in Disneyland Shanghai, the nighttime shows at Walt Disney World might be suffering. Although not 100% confirmed yet, it seems our beloved shows, Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studio and Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Electrical Parade will be scaling back the number of performances each week.

As you can see per Disney World operating hours schedule starting in March Fantasmic and MSEP drop down to once performance a night going forward even during peak season in April when all the Spring Breakers head to the theme parks. Keep in mind Disney can tack on more performances if needed but I hear they are trying to save money everywhere they can.

Are you sad to see the 2nd performances go? Or do you think this is a good cost cutting method?

Anyway, thats all the Disney gossip I have right now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at [email protected] or on my facebook pa

SeaWorld Orlando Unveils New Coaster Car: Inspired by Sharks, Engineered for Speed

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 17, 2016

Today, SeaWorld Orlando unveiled the custom-built Mako lead car that will take riders on a thrilling experience this summer – the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in Orlando.

Mako’s design and engineering was inspired by the real Mako shark – one of the ocean’s fastest shark species. When it opens, Mako will top 200 feet high and reach speeds of 73 mph on a track that’s nearly a mile long. The new ride will be a hypercoaster, which means it’s all about speed, tight turns and that weightless feeling riders get at the top of each hill.

Coaster Train Design Facts Include:

· Mako-Inspired Custom Car – In a collaboration between SeaWorld’s animal experts and ride engineers, the car is inspired by the physiology of an actual Mako shark, including five gills on each side, eye placement and sleek, hydro-dynamic look.

· Fast Wheels– Comprised of a special compound that reduces friction — providing a smooth, relentlessly fast ride from beginning to end.

· Upper Body Mobility – With only a lap guard on their lower body, riders’ upper bodies are free for added mobility and “airtime”

The coaster will boast a total of 21 cars – including 3 trains of 7 cars per train.

For more Mako information, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com and join the conversation using #NothingFaster.

What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

MARVEL STUDIOS BEGINS PRODUCTION ON “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2”

Chip

February 17, 2016

Marvel Studios has begun principal photography at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” which is slated to hit U.S. theaters on May 5, 2017. The production will shoot at Atlanta’s Pinewood Studios.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is written and directed by James Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Slither”). The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt (“Jurassic World,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Star Trek Into Darkness”) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (“Spectre,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”) as Drax; Vin Diesel (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Furious 7”) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (“Joy,” “American Sniper”) as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Jumper”) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Big Short”) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Gilmore Girls”) as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff (“Oldboy”), Elizabeth Debicki (“The Great Gatsby,” “Everest”), Chris Sullivan (“The Knick,” “The Drop”) and Kurt Russell (“The Hateful Eight,” “Furious 7”).

Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is produced by Marvel Studios’ president, Kevin Feige, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Nik Korda and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Director James Gunn’s creative team also includes director of photography Henry Braham (“The Legend of Tarzan,” “The Golden Compass”); production designer Scott Chambliss (“Star Trek,” “Tomorrowland”); editors Fred Raskin (“The Hateful Eight,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”) and Craig Wood (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”); composer Tyler Bates (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “John Wick”); three time Oscar®-nominated costume designer Judianna Makovsky (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”); Oscar®-nominated visual effects supervisor Chris Townsend (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Iron Man 3”); stunt coordinator Tommy Harper (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” ); co-producer / first assistant director Lars Winther (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”); and six-time Oscar® nominee, special effects supervisor Dan Sudick (“Captain America: Civil War,” “The Avengers”).

The original “Guardians of the Galaxy” was a hit with critics and audiences alike, earning over $770 million at the worldwide box-office, and holds the record as the most successful debut film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In addition, the film’s soundtrack went platinum and was nominated for a Grammy®.

Based on the Marvel comic characters first published in 1969, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 ” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” and the upcoming release schedule, which includes “Captain America: Civil War” on May 6, 2016; “Doctor Strange,” November 4, 2016; “Spider-Man,” July 7, 2017; and “Thor: Ragnarok” on November 3, 2017.

Marvel Studios continued its unprecedented success in 2015 with the release of “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” At the time of release, the film recorded the second biggest opening weekend of all time with a $191.3 million box office. It has also been the #1 release in every country where it has opened and has grossed over $1.4 billion in global box office. The studio also successfully launched another franchise with “Ant-Man,” starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly. The film opened #1 at the box office on July 17 and went on to gross more than $519 million at the worldwide box office. The film propelled the Marvel brands’ #1 domestic box-office opening streak to a record-breaking 12 consecutive films.

Enjoy An Eggs-tra Special Easter With These Activities At Walt Disney World

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 17, 2016

Easter and spring is a fantastic time to experience Disney in a whole new way. Gave up alcohol for Lent? Now it’s time to drink around the World at Epcot! Or did you decide to forego desserts altogether for 40 days? If you were able to survive that, my friend, then you can certainly have your share of Dole Whips, Mickey ice cream bars, and cupcakes from Starring Rolls. But even beyond that, Disney has some amazing activities in store for visitors during this time of year. Here are some you can look forward to:

Easter Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza. From March 2nd through the 27th, Epcot plays host to this amazing event for kids and adults alike! Guests can hunt for special hidden Disney character eggs throughout the park and win a prize. To start, guests have to buy a map for $5.95 (located at the Heritage Manor in the American Adventure Pavilion, Pin Central, International Gateway, and Port of Entry). Once they have the map, they go around the World to locate the eggs and mark the spot with a sticker on the map. Once all the eggs have been found, guests can go back to the Port of Entry in Epcot to claim their prize!

Visits with the Easter Bunny and Mrs. Bunny. Even though formal dates have not yet been announced for 2016, Disney in the past has invited the Easter Bunny and Mrs. Bunny to the parks for a meet-and-greet. In 2015, the meet-and-greet was off of Main Street in Magic Kingdom and PhotoPass photographers were at hand to capture every silly and fun moment.

Easter Mass. There is also opportunity for guests to attend mass on Sunday, March 27. The mass will be held at the Contemporary Resort in the Fantasia Ballroom. There is a Catholic Mass scheduled at 8:00 am and 10:15 am, and a Protestant service at 9:00 am. No reservations are necessary and seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are using Disney transportation, it is always a good idea to build extra time as there should be higher than normal crowd levels.

Special Decorations and Events at Disney Resorts. Although we do not have specific details yet for 2016, the resorts have always done something special for guests to celebrate Easter. Whether it’s through simple activities like egg decorating, relay races or scavenger hunts, there is sure to be something your entire family can enjoy. There are some resorts who have also done onsite meet-and-greets with Disney characters on Easter morning, so be sure to reference your resort guide once you check in! Similar to its gingerbread house creations, the Grand Floridian and Contemporary have also displayed fantastic chocolate egg creations in past years. It’s something you won’t want to miss!

Special Dining Events. Disney restaurants also go all out for Easter, and many serve special Easter menus. In the past, beloved restaurants like Chef Mickey’s and Cape May Cafe have offered Easter brunch and/or dinner. Details are usually announced closer to the holiday, so be on the lookout for Chip and Co updates!

With that, I will turn it over to you. Have you ever visited Disney during Easter? What have you seen and enjoyed? What are you looking forward to the most for Easter 2016?

Hi there, I’m Myra and I’m a huge Disney nerd and addict! I’m also an Independent Travel Agent at World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts. It’s not too late to book your next spring trip to Disney, and I can help you absolutely free! Please visit my page, call or text me at (920) 526-0809 or send me an email at [email protected] to get started!

The Disneyland Resort Hotels Offer Guests More Magic and Memories

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 16, 2016

At the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, leisure and business travelers will find three Disney Hotel properties, each with a distinctive style: the luxurious surroundings and California Craftsman architecture of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the classic Disney magic and charm of the Disneyland Hotel, and the sunny California beachfront theme at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

Offering a variety of accommodations, surroundings and amenities, all three hotels feature the famous Disney touch for quality, service and hospitality.

As part of the Disneyland Resort, these hotels are just steps away from the eclectic mix of dining, entertainment and recreational features of the Downtown Disney District. Of course, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks are just a short walk away from any of the on-property hotels.

Disneyland Hotel

Celebrating its 60^th anniversary, the reimagined Disneyland Hotel creates a fun, family destination that pays tribute to the early days of Disneyland. 973 rooms are spread across three themed towers that feature an energy-efficient sky-blue reflective glass exterior. The Fantasy Tower lobby showcases Mary Blair artwork, creating an instant connection to “it’s a small world.” The Frontier Tower features a scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the lobby. At the Adventure Tower, guests will see Jungle Cruise characters incorporated into the design.

The AAA Four Diamond hotel is also home to a unique collection of themed suites immersing guests in a way only Disney can, including the Mickey Mouse Penthouse, Pirates of the Caribbean, Adventureland, Big Thunder and Fairy Tale suites.

Guests of all ages will enjoy an immersive water play area and courtyard. With a nod to the iconic original park signage, a replica of the original Mark 1 Monorail Car sits at the entrance of two water slides, paying tribute to nostalgic Disneyland. No tickets are required at the D-Ticket and E-ticket pools, which draw their names from the iconic ticket books that were used in the early days of Disneyland to experience attractions. The area also features a Minnie Mouse-themed outdoor spa. In addition, six cabanas are available; each features a flat screen TV, refrigerator, safe, phone, and ceiling fan.

For dining experiences, Tangaroa Terrace features Island-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are prepared to order and delivered to their tables either inside or on the large outdoor patio.

Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar, named after Trader Sam, Disney’s Jungle Cruise “head salesman,” features interactive special effects blended with classic Disney storytelling. Trader Sam’s serves a mix of creative appetizers and signature cocktails like the “Uh Oa!” (light and dark rums with orange, passion fruit, guava and grapefruit juices) or the “Shipwreck on the Rocks” (bourbon, lemon, mint and organic agave nectar). Live music performed on the patio in the evening adds to the fun environment.

For families or individuals preferring a high degree of service, the Disneyland Hotel features concierge-level rooms with upgraded in-room amenities and complimentary access to the exclusive concierge lounge. Meetings are easily accommodated within the hotel’s 136,000-square-feet of function space, and a business center provides a variety of services.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Capturing the spirit of early California through inspiring design and daring architecture, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a deluxe 948-room resort hotel property, offering a premium option for business or pleasure visits to the Disneyland Resort.

This AAA Four Diamond hotel is the first Disney resort hotel in the world to be located inside a theme park – Disney California Adventure – making stays at the deluxe hotel a uniquely themed experience. The Grand also is home to the first Disney Vacation Club Villas on the West Coast.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa celebrates the romantic Arts & Crafts movement of early 20^th century California. Designed to capture the artistic exploration of California’s coastlines with its Monterey pines and redwood forests, the hotel is layered with the memories of the arroyo craftsmen, the mission pioneers and the Plein Air school of painters.

Among the deluxe guestrooms are standard rooms, artisan suites, two vice presidential suites and two presidential suites. In addition, the Resort offers more than 20,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, ranging from the 12,000-square-foot Sequoia ballroom to smaller conference rooms and a sophisticated boardroom.

The deluxe hotel features 24-hour room service, its own entry gate into Disney California Adventure, and rooms that overlook both the theme park and the exciting Downtown Disney District. For corporate meeting guests, the hotel features meeting planner offices, a business center and separate meetings and conventions check-in facilities.

Food and beverage facilities include the AAA Four Diamond restaurant Napa Rose, as well as Storytellers Cafe and Hearthstone Lounge. Guests will enjoy two heated pools and a themed water slide, two whirlpools, a children’s pool, and a concierge level with upgraded amenities and services.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

Guests return to the heyday of California beachfront boardwalks at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Loaded with special Disney touches, this seaside-themed hotel overlooks Paradise Pier, one of the most colorful sections of the Disney California Adventure, making its name and theme a natural fit.

This hotel offers charming facilities and superb service, with a fun California beachfront theme including recently remodeled seaside-themed rooms. The hotel is festively painted and decorated to reflect the theme, and some guests enjoy a view of the colorful Paradise Pier district of the park right from their room, along with the “World of Color” nighttime water spectacular.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel takes pride in being one of the finest hotels in its class. The 15-story, high-rise structure features 481 guest rooms, including remodeled suites and a recently renovated rooftop pool and whirlpool, a fitness center, lobby bar and coffeehouse, poolside bar, gift shops and game arcade.

In Disney’s PCH Grill, guests can take a trip along California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), for a celebration of the state’s culinary diversity and fresh spirit. Offered daily, “Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey & Friends,” is a lively character dining experience where families can snap photos, practice hula hooping and learn how to ride a wave with Mickey Mouse and other favorite Disney characters. Disney’s PCH Grill also offers the Beach Side Bonfire Dinner Buffet, where guests can enjoy a taste of the picnics, barbecues and bonfires that often happen along the Pacific Coast Highway beaches.

Which Disneyland Resort hotel is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

For help with booking your next stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel, email me at [email protected] or follow me on Facebook! I will help you find the best promotion available for your trip and my services are FREE!

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