2017 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend Dates

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February 10, 2016

Join the Disney fairies for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland Resort May 11-14, 2017. This amazing runDisney weekend will go on sale September 20, 2016 at noon EST.

Earn your “real” wings by participating in one of these runs: Tinker Bell Half Marathon, Tinker Bell 10k, Never Land 5k or the Pixie Dust Challenge. The Pixie Dust Challenge combines the half marathon and the 10k. There will also be kids races for the smaller fairies ages 8 and younger.

Which of these races are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments!

Contact me today to book your next magical Disney vacation or to find out more about the Disneyland Resort!

Fuller House Trailer Gives Fans A Taste Of Things To Come

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 10, 2016

Fans of the original Full House series are excited about the upcoming new show, Fuller House. Most of the original cast will be back to star in the new show which premieres, February 26, 2016 on Netflix.

An appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show, by Candace Cameron-Bure, Jody Sweetin and Andrea Barber included a video clip of what’s in store for fans The release of the full trailer (below) later in the day gave this Entertainment Report a wonderful trip down memory lane.

Although the Olsen Twins will not be a part of the new show, they will be there in spirit and incorporated into the show. Asked by Ellen whether an Olsen Twins guest appearance may happen, Cameron-Bure commented “…the door’s open if they want to!” But the quote of the moment came from everyone’s favorite uncle. “Jesse” (John Stamos) who stated the following during a family dinner “Before we eat, I have something very important to say, okay? … Damn, we all still look good!”

I have to agree with Stamos’ comment. The cast looks amazing and ready to bring us new adventures. Are you ready for more of your favorite Full House adventures? Check out the video below and get ready to count down to February 26th!

Lots of Famous Voices to Join the Cast of Doc McStuffins for Season 4

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Danielle

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February 10, 2016

A whole host of voice talents are scheduled to guest star on Disney Junior’s critically acclaimed “Doc McStuffins,” for season 4. The new season will find Doc and her toy friends magically transported to a make-believe town, made up entirely of toys, where Doc serves as chief resident of the Toy Hospital.

Voice Talents scheduled to appear is Anthony Anderson (ABC’s “black-ish”), Molly Ringwald (“Sixteen Candles”), Ellen Pompeo (ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy”), Gabourey Sidibe (“Empire”) and Vanessa Williams (“The Good Wife”). These actors will be joining the previously announced guest star Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges in Season Four, slated to debut this summer.

Since its premiere in 2012, celebrity guest stars on “Doc McStuffins” include: The First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama; Audra McDonald; Geena Davis; Ty Burrell; David Copperfield; Taye Diggs; Patton Oswalt; Molly Shannon; Jeffrey Tambor; Tony Hale; Lisa Loeb; and five cast members of “Downton Abbey” – Joanne Froggatt, Lesley Nicol, Matt Milne, Nigel Harman and Robert Bathurst.

The series stars Laya DeLeon Hayes as Doc, Loretta Devine as Hallie, Lara Jill Miller as Lambie, Robbie Rist as Stuffy, Jess Harnell as Chilly, Andre Robinson as Donny McStuffins, Kimberly Brooks as Mom McStuffins, and Gary Anthony Williams as Dad McStuffins.

Created and executive-produced by Humanitas Prize and Emmy Award-winning Chris Nee and directed by Emmy-winning Norton Virgien, “Doc McStuffins” is a production of Dublin, Ireland’s Brown Bag Films in association with Disney Channel. The Hollywood Health & Society division of the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center serves as its health and medical consultants, advising on basic health issues that are relevant to young kids and families. “Doc McStuffins” airs daily on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

New Merchandise for Epcot’s 2016 International Flower and Garden Festival

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Danielle

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February 10, 2016

Epcot’s popular International Flower and Garden festival is just under a month away, and Disney has recently unveiled a sneak peek at the collection of new merchandise headed to the park for the festival beginning March 2, 2016. Including Figment merchandise!

In the most recent Disney Parks Blog “Unboxed” video, Steven Miller took viewers to the France Pavilion to see the newest designs. One of the funnest reveals was the festival’s main merchandising theme of Figment! Figment will be bouncing onto the festival’s themed Magic Band, a fun women’s tee of Figment made from water color like flowers, mug ,e xclusive pins and much much more. An adorable Figment decorative flower pot will also be available, that I’m sure would be a cute addition to any garden.

The Figment Magic Band is bright with spring colors and you can see the new Sorcerer Mickey topiary beaming in the background. The Magic Band will have a limited edition run of 2,500. If you can’t wait to have your own Figment Magic Band, or won’t be able to attend the International Flower and Garden Festival the Disney Store has a beautiful open edition one on sale now.

Figment Disney Parks MagicBand - Epcot

Figment Disney Parks MagicBand – Epcot

For those of us who like more subtle artwork in our festival merchandise, there will be 2 other collections. A women’s Topiary Collection that includes apparel, a Tervis tumbler, and a gorgeous two pin set. As well as a Men’s collection called guy’s garden will include apparel and a chic hat.

Last but most certainly not least Figment will be featured for the first time ever on the Festival’s Dooney & Bourke Bags! Be sure to check them out on Disney Fashionista here.

Frozen is officially headed to Broadway

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 10, 2016

Announced yesterday on Twitter @FrozenBroadway, Frozen will join the Lion King and Aladdin on Broadway, the theater will be announced in the Spring of 2018.

Frozen will play its out‑of‑town tryout beginning in summer 2017 at a theater to be announced. As previously announced, Frozen features music and lyrics by creators of the film score Kristen Anderson‑Lopez (In Transit, Up Here) and Robert Lopez (Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon, Up Here) and a book by Jennifer Lee (Wreck‑It Ralph), the film’s screenwriter and director (with Chris Buck). Frozen won 2014 Oscars® for Best Song (“Let It Go”) and Best Animated Feature. Golden Globe Award and Obie winner and two‑time Tony Award® nominee Alex Timbers(Peter and the Starcatcher, Here Lies Love, Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle) is Frozen’s director and Tony‑winner Peter Darling (Billy Elliot, Matilda) is choreographer.

The design team for Frozen includes scenic and costume design by seven–‐‑time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins, The Coast of Utopia, An American in Paris), lighting design by five‑time Tony Award winner Natasha KaK (Aladdin, An American in Paris, The Glass Menagerie) and sound design by four‑time Tony nominee Peter Hylenski (The ScoLsboro Boys, Motown, After Midnight). Two‑time Tony Award winner Stephen Oremus (Avenue Q, Wicked, The Book of Mormon) is music supervisor and creates vocal and incidental arrangements.

Casting and Broadway dates and theater will be announced at a future date.Frozen is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.

I cannot wait to attend this show! Will I see you there?

Doing the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 10, 2016

As a former Cast Member, I thought I thought I pretty much knew all the ins and outs of Walt Disney World, particularly that of my second home, the Magic Kingdom. I spent close to six months working on Main Street USA and definitely saw a lot of behind the scenes magic each and every day; especially if you consider filling the dumpster behind The Confectionery behind the scenes magic.

I knew the stories behind a lot of the windows on Main Street, and I was a pro at navigating the utilidor, but I still thirsted for more behind the scenes knowledge! I have always wanted to experience one of the behind the scenes tours offered by Disney, and during my most recent trip in October, I signed up for the Keys to the Kingdom Tour.

I had always assumed that the behind the scenes tours were out of my price range and something for the super rich guests to experience. How could I, traveling on a budget, afford one of these? Well, simply, I actually looked up the price for the tour! The Keys to the Kingdom Tour costs $79.00 per person and includes lunch. I was so surprised at the cost of the tour, I booked it immediately! Now, I realize that this may not be cost effective for everyone, and that an extra $79.00 per person may not be do-able for all budget travelers, but for me, I was able to swing this price and was very happy.

So, what is the Keys to the Kingdom Tour? As describes on the Walt Disney World website, “An in-depth, 5-hour look at the most iconic theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.”

Okay, want a little more detail?

“Unlock the fascinating history of Magic Kingdom park and gain backstage access to legendary hidden areas. This 5-hour walking tour explores the creation and remarkable growth of one of the most beloved parks at Walt Disney World Resort! Explore secret locations you’ve always wondered about and get the inside scoop on some of your favorite attractions.”

During your tour:

• Uncover the hidden secrets of classic attractions at Magic Kingdom park.
• Access the famed underground “Utilidor” tunnels that allow people and supplies to travel beneath the park unseen.
• Discover little-known facts, trivia and other exciting tidbits about the park.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch—included with your tour.
• Take home an exclusive keepsake!

Yes, you read that right; a 5 hour walking tour. When I first told my boyfriend that I had signed us up for a 5 hour walking tour, he looked less than pleased. But really, the time flies by and the tour provides plenty of opportunities to pause and get out of the sun for a bit.

The Keys to Kingdom Tour starts promptly at 8am, before the park opens. When we arrived at the Magic Kingdom, we headed to the tour check-in area at the turnstiles. Here, a Cast Member checks your reservation so that you are able to gain access to the park before it opens for all guests. This is the same process you go through if you have early breakfast reservations. Next, we headed to the Town Square Theatre to officially check in with our tour guide. Here we received our name tags, headsets, and complimentary bottles of water. At this point, we were also asked to choose what we wanted to eat for lunch later that day so that it would be ready for us upon our arrival.

The tour kicked off a few moments before rope drop and we were able to watch the always amusing, “running of the guest.” As we made our way down Main Street, our tour guide explained the history and conception of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and highlighted key windows on Main Street that help to show the history of the hard working Imagineers who made the park possible.

The name “Keys to the Kingdom” has a bit of a double meaning. As it implies, you are given access to many behind the scenes areas that are usually restricted to Cast Member’s only. However, Disney also operates on four main “keys” – Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency – to make sure that every guest has the best possible experience. The tour highlights how these keys of service work together to create one cohesive experience. Disney really does focus on safety as their number one concern, and during the tour, our guide pointed out several examples of this at work in subtle but effective ways.

After making our way down Main Street, we hung a left and headed into Adventureland. Here, we were able to ride The Jungle Cruise – but with our tour guide as our skipper! Instead of the usual puns and jokes, she told us about the history and workings of the attraction and how it was brought to life. In Adventureland, we were also able to go behind the scenes to see where the parade floats are housed when they aren’t in use and get some insider information about how everything is put together. Even though we were visiting in October, Cast Members were busy practicing for the upcoming Christmas parade.

We then made our way into Frontierland, and then to Liberty Square where we had lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern. Lunch was delicious and the air conditioning was a welcomed break. After lunch, we were able to cut the line and jump right into a Doom Buggy for a spin through The Haunted Mansion.

And then, it was time for the grand finale – the utilidor. Our guide took us below the streets of the Magic Kingdom to show us how Cast Members are able to quickly get from one area of the park to another without being seen. Being in those tunnels brought back so many memories for me! It was really great to experience it again.

We had such a great time on the tour! It is definitely something that I would recommend to anyone who wants a closer look at the Magic Kingdom. If you are interested in park history, insider trivia, and access to restricted areas of the parks, consider booking the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom!

If you could explore one behind the scenes area of the parks, which area would it be? Personally, I would to head to costuming and try on the Princess dresses!

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.

10 Must Try Disney World Ice Cream Treats

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 10, 2016

Ice cream, who doesn’t love it?! Disney World has so many amazing ice cream treats to choose from that there is something to satisfy every palate. Here are 10 must try ice cream treats at the Disney World Resort.

The Kitchen Sink Sundae – This fabled sundae is available at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Be sure to have a group with you to try to take one this one. This massive sundae has eight scoops of ice cream, a whole can of whipped cream, and every ice cream topping that you can think of, 22 of them in all. I haven’t gotten to try it yet, but I plan to in the future.

Hand Scooped Ice Cream Sandwiches – These are not your standard chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches! That’s what I was expecting when I ordered one last year and I was happily surprised when I received one that was HUGE. Two massive chocolate chip cookies sandwiched with vanilla ice cream. These goodies can be found at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Scoops in Hollywood Studios.

Ugly But Good – The Coppa Brutti Ma Buoni or Ugly But Good is not technically ice cream, it’s gelato, but it is amazing. Creamy vanilla gelato is topped with sweet amarena cherries, crunchy cookies, and whipped cream. As the name implies, it is not pretty, but it sure it good. This delicious treat can be found at Via Napoli in Epcot.
All American Sundae – Just as the name says, this sundae is all American. This sundae of chocolate and vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry can be found at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street in Magic Kingdom.

Puff Choux with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce – Two perfect profiteroles are sliced in half and filled with vanilla ice cream. The tops are placed back on top and the whole things is drowned in rich and delicious chocolate sauce. This dish is a great way to finish off a meal at Chefs de France in Epcot.

Croque Glace – This is the ultimate ice cream sandwich! Choose one of the 16 flavors of ice cream or sorbet and have it placed on the bottom half of a Brioche bun. The ice cream is then topped with your choice of chocolate or raspberry sauce before the topped is placed back on and the whole thing is pressed. A delicious combination or hot and cold, creamy and crispy. This unique ice cream treat can be found at none other than L’Astisan de Glaces in Epcot.

PB&J Milkshake – Feel like a kid again with this combination of peanut butter, grape jelly, and vanilla ice cream. It is like drinking a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and it is amazing. End your meal at 50’s Prime Time Café with one or pick one up at the Tune In Lounge. The best part is that you can get it to go!

Midnight Reverie – You’re looking for an ice cream treat that will also satisfy a sweet tooth on the hunt for something chocolate, then this sundae from Ghirardelli is just what you’re looking for. Chocolate ice cream is topped with fresh Dark Chocolate Hot Fudge, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Intense Dark 72% Chocolate, and Whipped Cream.

Bottomless Milkshakes – That’s right, all you can drink milkshakes! Your choice of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry milkshake that will never run out! Get yours at Whispering Canyon Café inside Wilderness Lodge.

Brownie Sundae – This sundae from the Plaza Restaurant is big enough to share, but I’m sure you won’t want to. Three scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream and two huge brownies topped with chocolate sauce, a mound of whipped cream, nuts and a cherry will make your mouth water.

Honorable mentions:

Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars – No list of Disney World Ice Cream treats would be complete without this simple yet delicious ice cream bar in the shape of everyone’s favorite mouse.

Dole Whip – This is a must for my family every time we visit Magic Kingdom, but it did not make the main list because it isn’t technically ice cream. If you’re a fan of pineapple you should plan to get one of these on your next trip.

For those that can’t have dairy, have no fear, there are options for you as well! Just be sure to mention your allergy or intolerance at each location and they’ll be happy to let you know what options they have for you.

Did we miss one? What’s your favorite Disney World ice cream treat? Let us know in the comments!

My name is Miriya Whitaker, I am a travel agent with World of Magic Travel, a writer for Chip and Co and Disney Addicts, and I love ice cream, especially at Disney World. Contact me at [email protected] to start planning your next magical vacation and follow me on Facebook for more Disney and travel information.

Idina Menzel & Josh Gad join cast of “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 9, 2016

The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60, with Master of Ceremonies Derek Hough, airs Sunday, February 21(8:00-10:00 p.m. EST) on ABC

Appearing with be Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf from “Frozen” he will be revealing seldom seen locations and shares the joys of “The happiest place on earth” during ABC’s two-hour special “THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY: DISNEYLAND 60th”

Gad Visits Walt Disney’s Private Apartment and the Disneyland Dream Suite as Part of His Unique Journey

Josh Gad, known to millions as the voice of the irrepressible Olaf, in Disney’s smash hit “Frozen,” will take viewers on a tour of two very special, rarely seen locations in Disneyland Park – Walt Disney’s private apartment and the Disneyland Dream Suite – when the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration is showcased.

Gad, who will be seen in the upcoming live-action Disney feature film “Beauty and the Beast” in the role of Le Fou, Gaston’s sidekick, offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Walt Disney’s private apartment. Located above the Main Street Fire Station, this cozy hideaway was Walt’s vantage point for observing the construction of Disneyland. While not open to the public, park guests who look up at the apartment window from Main Street can see the light from the lamp, which is always left on in Walt’s memory.

Also starring will be Tony Award-winning star of stage, film, television and music Idina Menzel to perform on “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60.” Menzel will sing “Let It Go” the multi-platinum, Grammy and Oscar(R)-winning song from Walt Disney Pictures’ global box office smash-hit “Frozen.” Menzel provided the voice of Elsa in the instant classic film with one of the most memorable soundtracks of the decade. Menzel will perform in Disney California Adventure Park against the backdrop of “World of Color,” the one-of-a-kind nighttime extravaganza.

Tony Award-winning icon Idina Menzel has a diverse career that traverses stage, film, television and music. Menzel’s voice can be heard as Elsa in Disney’s global box office smash “Frozen,” in which she sings the film’s Oscar-winning song “Let It Go,” and in the follow-up short, “Frozen Fever.” After Menzel’s performance of the multi-platinum song at the 86th Annual Academy Awards, she made history as the first person with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting. Menzel earned her first Tony nomination as Maureen in the Pulitzer Prize winner “Rent,” and won the award for her performance as Elphaba in “Wicked.” Other notable projects include “Glee” and Disney’s “Enchanted.” She embarked on a worldwide tour in 2015 that included Asia, UK and North America. In addition to cast albums, Menzel’s prolific recording career includes the solo albums “I Stand,” “Here” and “Still I Can’t Be Still.” Her first-ever Christmas album “Holiday Wishes,” released October 2014 on Warner Bros. Records, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Holiday Albums chart, broke into the top 10 on Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and received rave reviews. Menzel was most recently seen on Broadway as Elizabeth in the original production “If/Then,” for which she earned her third Tony nomination. Menzel also sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLIX, which set the record for the most-watched show in U.S. history.

Others announced to be starring in The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60 are Alfonso Ribeiro, Ariel Winter, Bryce Dallas Howard, Eric Stonestreet, Ginnifer Goodwin, Dame Helen Mirren, Hilary Duff, Jason Bateman, Jessica Alba, Jimmy Kimmel, John Stamos, Julie Bowen, Kerry Washington, Kiefer Sutherland, Kristen Bell, Lupita Nyong’o, Neil Patrick Harris, Nolan Gould, Pink, Priyanka Chopra, Sabrina Carpenter, Sarah Hyland, Sofia Carson, Ty Burrell, Viola Davis, and Zendaya.

Previously announced participants and performers include Harrison Ford, Elton John, Josh Gad, Tori Kelly and Kermit the Frog, Jessie J, Kelsea Ballerini, Witney Carson, Maddie Ziegler and The Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel

I cannot wait to watch!! how about you? Comment below!

Disney Reads Day Brings The Magic Of Storytelling!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 9, 2016

Disney Publishing and First Books have been working together for a long time to place books into the hands of kids. Disney’s donation of its record 50 million books was cause for celebration. To mark the event, Disney, ABC and First Book invited book lovers to the the inaugural “Disney Reads Day” held at Disney Stores nationwide. Bringing book lovers of all ages the “Magic of Storytelling” now in its fourth year which hosts a campaign full of activities through March 31st, Disney Stores hosted celebrity storytellers at select stores.

My oldest granddaughter and I attended the “Disney Reads Day” event at the Disney Store inside the Glendale Galleria. Arriving at 10 am we secured our spot on the carpet and excitedly waited for the first celebrity.

The beautiful Katherine McNamara from Shadowhunters was the first to sit in the coveted Disney chair and read Aladdin and the desert race. Charming and sophisticated Coleen Sullivan from KABC Eyewitness news was up next and had the group hypnotized with her magical storytelling. Adorable Trinitee Stokes from K.C. Undercover came out dressed as Elsa and looked like the true princess she is. Sharing a short story of the adventures of Tiana, her personality showed through in her reading. Last but certainly not least, was the handsome young man from Girl Meets World, August (Auggie) Maturo. Listening and watching Auggie read a short story of Monsters’ Inc brought a smile to many of the audience and even had the group participating when he interacted with us as he showed pictures and interjected his own personal feelings.

I had the opportunity to ask the celebrity readers a few questions after their storytelling. All expressed the delight at being a part of the event. Ms. Sullivan talked about how books open a child’s imagination. Books are “an incredible and powerful tool for children and adults”. Trinitee loves reading and thinks that literacy is a big part of kid’s lives. Katherine was always surrounded by books and feels that books and reading “adds a little magic” to our lives. She also talked about the importance and excitement that having “your own book” brings to kids. Auggie Maturo, shared that he was not nervous reading to an audience, since he reads to kids all the time. He mentioned that he doesn’t have a favorite book but loves to read all stories.

I brought up the question of hard copy books vs electronics and if any one preferred one over another when reading. All the celebrities agreed a hard copy was something magical. Trinitee said she liked that she “could flip the pages”. Katherine also said that she loved having a book in her hands but if someone wanted to use electronics to read, any way that allows for someone to enjoy the magic of reading is great. Eight year old, Auggie said he loves electronics but has not tried reading books electronically because he likes having a book in his hands where he can flip through the pictures.

The event ended all too quickly but the magic of storytelling will continue for this Entertainment Report and her family. If you would like to enjoy Disney Stories, sign up for the “Magic of Storytelling” at Disneystorycentral.com and share your favorite book with us.

First Books and the Magic of Storytelling was launched on January 20, 2016 and will continue through the end of March. Advertising on all of the Disney / ABC Television stations as well as on the Disney and ABC radio stations, the campaign was launched as a means to place a book into the hands of every child possible with the goal of 1 million books donated. With the Disney donation of over 50 million books, the goal has been reached, however contributions continue to be accepted. The public can share the magic by making a donation directly to First Books. For every $5 donated, Disney Publishing Worldwide will provide two books to First Book. Join Disney Publishing and First Book to provide children with the magic of storytelling and help them build their own library and a love of reading that will last a lifetime. For more information visit www.firstbook.org/beinspired.

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ESPN Wide World of Sports to Host Invictus Games in May

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 9, 2016

May 8-12 will see the second annual Invictus Games at Walt Disney World‘s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Invictus means unconquered, and this unique adaptive sporting event for injured active duty and veteran service members will show that the wounded service personnel cannot be counted out.

Sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover, the Invictus Games Orlando, 2016 will showcase over 500 competitors, hailing from 15 nations across the globe, as they demonstrate their athleticism in archery, indoor rowing, cycling, power lifting, swimming, seated volleyball, track and field, wheelchair basketball, rugby, and tennis.

You can be a part of cheering on the competitors as they seek to medal in the various events, by visiting Invictus Games tickets. These games are used as an inspiration for recovery, to support rehabilitation, and to increase awareness and understanding of these wounded warriors, their families and caregivers.

If you love sports, and love supporting those in the armed services, this may be an event you won’t want to miss!

I’m Jeri, and I’m a Disney Addict! I’m also an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel Services, the preferred travel agency of Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts. I am always happy to offer my free services to you to help make your next vacation a little more magical! And I would love to help you plan a vacation that can include some of the experiences at Walt Disney World outside the parks. Contact me on Facebook or via email for a free quote.

Look what’s new at the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, and the Reimagined Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 9, 2016

With all the renovations that have been done now is the time to consider staying at one of the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels.

Featuring an ideal location in the Walt Disney World Resort, these seven Official Walt Disney World Hotels are within an easy walk to the significantly expanded and enhanced Disney Springs, formerly known as the Downtown Disney® area. The new name took effect September 29, 2015 in recognition of the transition to the one-of-a-kind, re-imagined Disney Springs, which features new shopping, dining and entertainment for your enjoyment. Inspired by Florida’s charming waterfront towns, historic architecture and natural beauty, Disney Springs is undergoing the largest expansion in Downtown Disney® history. When work is completed in mid-2016, Disney Springs will have expanded to more than 150 shopping, dining and entertainment venues, in four distinct outdoor neighborhoods, with a high-quality, diverse mix of retailers, entertainment, upscale restaurants, and casual dining options.

The resorts which are considered Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels:

B Resort & Spa: the stylish resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms. In November 2015 the resort opened the new American Kitchen Bar & Grill, which specializes in classic “comfort food” with contemporary ingredients and newly developed American cuisine recipes. In January 2016 the resort’s full-service B Indulged® AVEDA Spa added a new Nailae Station, a fun design-printing device that enables guests to customize their manicured nails to match your mood, outfit or whatever you want them to be. This is the first device of its kind in Florida.
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel: the 18-story resort, which overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World® Resort, completed the renovation of its 325 guest rooms in April 2014, and the renovation of its restaurants and lounge in November 2014.

Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa: situated on 27 lush acres, just steps from Disney Springs, the 27-story hotel is nearing completion of a redesign that includes the guest rooms, lobby, restaurants, and the outdoor pool and recreation areas.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton: Orlando Lake Buena Vista — the luxurious and recently renovated resort hotel features 229 spacious suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney Springs Resort Area.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista: just steps from Disney Springs, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including Andiamo Italian Bistro & Grille), a 24-hour Gourmet Marketplace, and a complimentary 24-hour fitness center. The hotel recently completed a large remodel of public spaces and guest rooms, and a $7 million renovation of the meeting space.

Holiday Inn located in the Walt Disney World® Resort: offers the ideal setting to stay and play, featuring modern Florida décor and no resort fees.

Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista: designed for the value-minded traveler, this resort has it all. The 19-story tower recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation with a spectacular new look and feel in the guest rooms, lobby, restaurants and lounge. Amenities include a Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, six dining options, the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water activities, fitness center, tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball.

Disney Springs already has many new offerings that are open, including the upscale nautically-themed waterfront restaurant The Boathouse (from the creator of T-Rex Café and Rainforest Café®), the elegant Morimoto Asia restaurant (specializing in pan-Asian cuisine, from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto), the Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, The Ganachery chocolate shop, Vivoli Il Gelato (serving Italian gelato and more, like its famous sister shop in Florence, Italy), Dockside Margaritas, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (which specializes in gluten-free and vegan baked goods), and an expanded World of Disney store.

Planet Hollywood is being renovated and made over as a star-themed Planet Hollywood Observatory with a new outdoor terrace.

Other new high-profile dining tenants announced for Disney Springs include STK modern steakhouse restaurant; The Edison (a restaurant, bar, and club that is inspired by The Edison in Los Angeles, and themed to a 1920s-era power plant); Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine farm-to-fork restaurant by Celebrity Chef Art Smith; renowned Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Fresco restaurant, specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine; Sprinkles (cupcake bakery); and Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza (offering custom pizzas).

Also recently opened is Exposition Park, the permanent home to four Disney-owned food trucks, with delicious offerings from each of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks.

There is a new five-level parking garage with 4,000 spaces, and the new Village Causeway which provides guests another path of travel through the area. A pedestrian bridge from the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels to the Disney Springs area opened in November 2015, making it even easier for guests.

Almost a dozen shops also have recently opened:

Star Wars Galactic Outpost, Apex by Sunglass Hut, Chapel Hats, Havaianas sandals store, Sanuk (home of unique footwear), Sound Lion, and men’s grooming store The Art of Shaving.

New high-profile fashion retail tenants announced including; Zara, Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, UNIQLO, UGG, PANDORA, Edward Beiner eyewear retailer, L’Occitaine en Provence natural beauty skincare

Additional opened at Disney Springs include:

AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24, The Art of Disney, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, Build-A-Dino® by Build-A-Bear Workshop®, Disney Design-A-Tee, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, Fulton’s Crab House, House of Blues® (concert/live entertainment venue), Once Upon a Toy, Orlando Harley-Davidson (apparel and accessories), Pearl Factory, Starbucks® at Disney Springs Marketplace, and Shop for Ireland.

Are you ready to book? 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!

New Star Wars Alex and Ani Bangles Coming Soon!

By

Danielle

-

February 9, 2016

Disney never fails to introduce fabulous new Alex and Ani bangles every season. The newest beautiful baubles to feast our eyes upon are the 3 newest additions to the Star Wars collection that was released a few months ago. These fabulous bracelets will be available beginning February 15, 2015 at the Disney Parks.

The original Star Wars Alex and Ani collection offered Princess Leia, Jedi Order, Alliance Starbird and the Imperial Crest. Now we have 3 new ones to choose from. The new 3 will come in both rafaelian gold or silver as usual for Alex and Ani bracelets, and have one of 3 charms: I love you, May the Force be With You and Yoda. The new ones are currently available in the Shop Disney Parks app for ordering now, before their Disney Parks and online release later this month. My personal favorite is the “I love you, I know” bangle! It would totally be the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for me if it was going to be out in time.

If you can’t wait to get the current Star Wars Alex and Ani Collection you can find them below.

Princess Leia Bangle by Alex and Ani

Alliance Starbird Bangle by Alex and Ani – Star Wars

Imperial Crest Bangle by Alex and Ani – Star Wars

Jedi Order Bangle by Alex and Ani – Star Wars

For more information on this wonderful collection check out the Disney Fashionista‘s Article Here.