Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party Offered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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December 31, 2015

What a Galactic Good Time this is sure to be! Star Wars Fireworks AND a Dessert Party – it doesn’t get much sweeter than that!

This out-of-this-world Star Wars fun begins Jan. 8 and runs through March 20, 2016, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party happens 6:30-8 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with special viewing for the “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks at 7:45 p.m. each night. Guests can enjoy a selection of sweets as the night sky erupts with impressive fireworks, set to the most dramatic and memorable Star Wars themes of all time, including selections from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

On the menu, guests will enjoy lots of Star Wars-themed treats, including the popular Yoda and Darth Vader cupcakes and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can purchase tickets for this special Star Wars offering by contacting their World of Magic Travel Service Travel Magician, visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or calling 407-WDW-DINE.

There are so many new and exciting things coming to the Walt Disney World Resort in the next year or so. Make sure you don’t miss anything that’s coming. And if you’re planning a trip in the next year or two to see all of these exciting changes, let me help you! I am a Travel Magician with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co and the Disney Addicts! Email me today at [email protected] to start planning your “Magical” vacation! –Alissa

January 2016 Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 30, 2015

This January there are some special events happening around the Disneyland Resort. Guests will have some great opportunities to meet the artists behind the magic. Here’s when and where these events are happening:

Disneyland

January 16–17: Artist Yakovetic will be on hand for special appearances and signings from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. each day at Disneyana located on Main Street, U.S.A. Stop in for a signature and take home a classic piece for your whole family to enjoy.

Downtown Disney District

January 9-10: Take part in a special artist showcase with Happy Pantry from 1–4 p.m. each day at WonderGround Gallery. Artists Isaac and Tracey Marzioli will be on hand for signings. Stop by to say hello and pick up a delightful piece to take home.

January 15-16: Artist Joe Corroney will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of some “out of this world” Star Wars artwork from 5–7 p.m. each day at WonderGround Gallery.

January 16–17: Meet artisan Ann Shen, who will be on hand showcasing some of her newest releases, among other favorites, from 1–4 p.m. each day at WonderGround Gallery.

January 16–17: Guy Vasilovich is back! Look for a “galaxy” of Star Wars-themed pieces available throughout the weekend, with special appearances by Guy from 1–5 p.m. each day at D Street.

January 23–24: Meet Nan Hockin, whose newest art releases are too cute for words! Be sure to stop by WonderGround Gallery between 1–4 p.m. each day and see what Nan has in store. Pick up a unique and silly piece to celebrate the New Year!

January 30–31: Take a look at some of the latest releases from artist Jeannine Schafer when she appears at WonderGround Gallery from 1–4 p.m. each day. Take home a great piece for the animal lover in your life!

Which artists are you most excited to meet?

For more information about special events at the Disneyland Resort or to book your next magical adventure, email me at [email protected] or follow me on Facebook.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

10 Disney Souvenirs You’ll Be Glad You Bought

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 30, 2015

When you enter any park at Walt Disney World, or visit the Disney Springs area, you can’t help but be overwhelmed and overstimulated by the vast amount of merchandise! Of course you might think of mouse ears, pins, and Vinylmation as some of the top Disney souvenirs. If you think outside the box a bit, you might be surprised what you’ll be bringing home.

So, I want to share with you some suggestions for souvenirs you can get at Disney that will make everyone happy!

Picture Frames. You know you’re taking a ton of pictures at Disney, right? Well, in almost every gift shop you’ll find some fun frames to showcase those memories. I try to keep in mind the frames I have, and make sure I get a good picture of our family from that current trip to put in it.
Christmas items. At Downtown Disney, you’ll find the Disney Day’s of Christmas Shop. Stockings, ornaments, and other Christmas decor make awesome keepsake souvenirs from your trip. You can even have some items personalized.
Kitchen items. Cups, plates, coffee mugs, silverware, towels…you name it, you’ll find it. Mickey’s Pantry and the World of Disney, both at Disney Springs, have an excellent selection of kitchen and food items. One of our most useful souvenirs, that we still use now, are our Mickey pizza plates!
Pins, Lanyards, and Vinylmation. If you are going to spend money on souvenirs, why not make it an ongoing souvenir collection that you can add to? Each trip, many kids will look forward to adding to their pin collection, getting a new lanyard medal, or finding that Vinylmation figure that is exclusive to the parks for that year.
Jewelry. I LOVE hitting the World of Disney to get a new bead for my Pandora charm bracelet. Also, necklaces, earrings, and other fun accessories are something you can wear again and again when you get home.
Special Event Merchandise. Don’t forget about the Food & Wine & Flower & Garden Festivals. These events bring out special merchandise just for those times. That also makes great souvenirs.
Epcot World Showcase. Here you’ll find Chinese parasols, pearls, and passports. So many unique items are found in the World Showcase at EPCOT, that you’re bound to leave there feeling good about your purchases.
Engraved glass items. Arribas is my favorite place at Disney to have these engraved. Cups, keepsakes, and so many other beautiful things can be found at Arribas. Each of us has a glass mug with our name on one side and a character on the other.
Freebies at the resorts and parks. Park maps, soaps, shampoos, etc make fun souvenirs! You could do some creative things with park maps when you get home. Use them in a scrapbook layout, make coasters out of them, or frame them.

Souvenirs are awesome, aren’t they?! What is your most loved Disney souvenir you have?

10 Disney Souvenirs You'll Be Glad You Bought

Is Disney testing new paid Resort parking at Walt Disney World?

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Anonymouse

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December 30, 2015

Hello there all you Disney gossip addicts! Hope everyone is ready for the New Year and the news I’m about to share!

So lately, Disney has been testing out paid parking at the Contemporary Resort, a policy they will likely be practicing at all of the resorts soon. We think this has come about due to a large number of guests saying that they are visiting a resort but really parking there and going to the theme parks.

This is causing packed parking lots and leaving resort guest with a difficult time finding parking in their own resorts. Guests of the resort as well as those guest with dining reservations will still have free parking! However no longer will you be allowed to visit a resort with the intentions of just hanging out and still have free parking.

We are unsure how Disney will able to monitor this, our only thought is through our Magic bands which gives access to our dining reservations and which resort is our home resort.

How do you feel about paid parking at the resorts? Share your thoughts in the comment box below!

This all the Disney gossip I have for now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at anonymouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook page.

Disney is adding mounted patrols and more security at Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 30, 2015

It is being reported that Disney is adding to the additional security already in place at the Disney World theme parks and especially at Disney Springs! Sporadically you will notice members of the Orange County Sheriffs Department on horses patrolling Disney Springs. There are already 63 members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department employed by Disney patrolling the parks and resorts. It is mentioned that this was in the planning to begin next month even before the brawl that took place on Christmas Eve, which I am sure only confirmed the need for additional security.

When Disney was asked about the increase in security the response was via email from Disney spokesperson, Andrea Finger who stated:

“We have a comprehensive approach to security and continuously review our security procedures in collaboration with law enforcement,”

There are other measure already in place which have been slowly being added since the Paris and San Bernadino terrorist attacks such as metal detectors at all park entrances and no longer allowing anyone legally carrying a firearm check it with security, it must not be brought to the park. This goes back to the incident a few weeks ago when a Miami attorney attempted to bring in a firearm to the Magic Kingdom.

A spokesman for the sheriff’s department, Capt. Angelo Nieves said the horses had been used at Disney for security before he just couldn’t remember when, he also said being on horse back will give the law enforcement a higher advantage to be able to survey the crowds. It is also felt that the present of law enforcement on horse back will help with crowd control.

How do you feel about patrolling officers on horse back?

Let us know in the comment below!

Top 10 2016 Disney Calendars

By

Danielle

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December 30, 2015

The new year is just about here, and I’m already marking off my next Disney trip on my new Disney Calendar! There’s so many choices with all the new franchises Disney has now, but let’s check out our top 10 favorite Disney and Pixar calendars for the new year!

10.) Disney Infinity Wall Calendar (2016)

Hang out all year long with Peter Pan to Captain Jack Sparrow, Sully to Mr. Incredible from Disney’s growing interactive gaming platform! Full color pictures depicting many of the 3D characters you can collect and play as.

9.) Disney Junior Wall Calendar (2016)

Entertain the little ones in your life with the exciting characters of Disney Junior such as; Mickey, Minnie, Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Sofia and more.

8.) Disney Frozen Wall Calendar (2016)

Let it Go, and celebrate the new year with the beloved Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen. Enjoy fabulous full color pictures of all your favorite Frozen characters, don’t forget to give Olaf a warm hug!

7.) Disney Art of Tink Wall Calendar (2016)

Spread a little pixie dust all year long with everyone’s favorite fairy Tinkerbell! This calendar has stunning artistic renditions of Tinkerbell in water colors, sketches and more. There’s even a free downloadable wallpaper!

6.) Winnie the Pooh Wall Calendar (2016)

Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger and Piglet are all here to ring in the new year, and bring you happy images of the Hundred Acre Woods all year long.

5.) INSIDE OUT Wall Calendar 19 Month (2016)

Get emotional, with some of the newest character’s from Pixar! Sadness, Joy, Anger, Disgust and Fear will all be here to guide you through the year.

4.) Disney Princess Wall Calendar (2016)

Have a royal year with your favorite Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Belle, and many more. The dazzling pictures feature princess quotes, and like the Tink calendar there’s even a free downloadable wallpaper!

3.) Mickey Wall Calendar (2016)

Of course we can’t have a Top Disney Calendar list with out… Mickey Mouse! Mickey is a classic icon and idol of fans of all ages. He joins his friends Daisy, Donald, Goofy and more to bring whimsy and fun all year long.

2.) Disney PIXAR Wall Calendar (2016)

Collecting imagery from the Art of Pixar, this tribute calendar collects concept sketches and more from nearly 20 years of box office hit films.

1.) Thomas Kinkade: The Disney Dreams Collection 2016 Wall Calendar

Thomas Kinkade wows fans yet again with breathtaking paintings from The Disney Dreams Collection. He calls these works of art “narrative panoramas” because each painting tells the entire story of the film in one image. Disney Addicts and collectors call the paintings magical.

Have you started your countdown to the New Year? What magical excitement do you have planned for scheduling on your newest calendar?

Top 10 2016 Marvel Calendars

By

Danielle

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December 30, 2015

2016 is almost here, and that means it’s time for a new Calendar! There is so many for Disney fans to choose from these days though! We’ve taken a look at the best Star Wars calendars for 2016, now lets take a look at the top 5 Marvel calendars for the new year!

5.) The Official Marvel – Retro Classic 2016 Square Calendar

Fall into the vintage feel of the classic icons of the Marvel Universe in the new year with this calendar featuring covers of retro Marvel comic books. Even the numbers on the calendar squares are in the traditional Marvel comic style!

4.) Avengers: Age of Ultron Wall Calendar 19 Month (2016)

Spend the year with the awaited return of Marvel’s Avengers in the world’s most incredible ensemble cast of Super Heroes! The pages are painted with beautiful detail showcasing heroes and villains from the Blockbuster hit. The Vision painting for May is awe inspiring!

3.) Ant-Man Wall Calendar 19 Month (2016)

Welcome the latest Marvel superhero Ant-Man who is a miniture thief-turned-hero into your home for the year. This calendar features beautifully painted renditions of Ant-man and the villain Yellow Jacket.

2.) Avengers Wall Calendar (2016)

Earths mightiest heroes assemble in modern comic book style for a year of heroes in villains! This fun calendar also gives us a few characters we haven’t seen in the movies yet!

1.) Guardians of the Galaxy Wall Calendar (2016)

Of course last but not least, the bravest heroes of the galaxy! Spend the year with Peter Quill and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy, from the hit movie! Painted in twilight hues and articulate detail, your sure to have the most rockin’ year ever with these galactic characters!

Which heroic calendar will be your champion?

D23 Member Gift for 2016 Offers a Rare Glimpse into Disney’s Rich Legacy

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 30, 2015

D23, didn’t have to look far for inspiration for its 2016 Gold Member gift, “From the Office of Walt Disney.” To celebrate the restoration of Walt Disney’s office suite on the Studios’ Burbank lot, the Walt Disney Archives worked with D23 to meticulously reproduce 23 unique pieces from Walt’s career that trace his path from America’s heartland to the world stage.

Included in the assortment are items from Walt’s early years in business such as his 1923 Laugh-O-gram Films Inc. business card and the famous 1928 “Everything OK” telegram, which Walt cryptically wired his brother Roy when he lost the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Also in the collection are the 1955 Disneyland invitational press preview pass and Walt’s notes on pages from the “EPCOT Film” script from 1966. Pieces representing animation, live action, television, and theme parks—as well as Walt’s own personal life—make up this one-of-a-kind set.

The gift comes in a “book” designed specifically to hold all the items and will be sent to all D23 Gold and Gold Family Members who join or renew from January 1 through December 31, 2016. Guests can see images from the gift—and learn more about the 23 rare items—at D23.com/OfficeOfWaltDisney. As previously announced, D23 Gold Members will have the opportunity to tour Walt Disney’s restored office during tours and select special events throughout 2016.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. D23 Members save when renewing their membership and may renew up to 90 days prior to their membership expiration.

Pretty cool right?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Top 10 2016 Star Wars Calendars

By

Danielle

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December 30, 2015

A new year means time for a new Calendar! What better way to ring in the New Year, than to travel the galaxy far, far away in a year of galactic adventures with Star Wars! We’ve gathered together our top 5 picks for the best Star Wars calendars to blast off in the new year!

5.) Darth Vader and Friends 2016 Wall Calendar

I do love a humorous Calendar, so I love the cute antics tucked in the pages of the Darth Vader and Friends calendars. You can celebrate a year of Star Wars with Darth Vader and his friends Han Solo, Chewbacca, Luke, Leia, C-3PO, R2-D2, bounty hunters, monsters, and more! The doodles are really adorable and fun.

4.) Star Wars Rebels Wall Calendar (2016)

Travel the galaxy far, far away and experience Star Wars Rebels throughout the year with the Ezra, Chopper, Sabine and other characters from the new Star Wars animated series.

3.) Star Wars Saga Day At A Time 2016 Box Calendar

I LOVE Day-at-a-time calendars! Getting a new image each day gives a little bit of excitement with my morning coffee. Now you can relive the epic Star Wars saga with memorable moments and facts from each film, Episode I through Episode VI. Each day is a full color image and sit in a self standing easel.

2.) Star Wars Episode VII 2016 Deluxe Wall Calendar

Of course we can’t leave out the new movie can we? The Force Awakens brings Luke, Leia and Han Solo together again with a new cast of characters. They’re back to fight a new evil in the galaxy in full-page images through out the year.

1.) Star Wars Saga 2016 Collector’s Edition Wall Calendar

This collector’s edition calendar features amazing images from the original Star Wars Episodes IV-VI. Incredible graphics and stylized grids fill every page. This beautifully styled calendar of Star Wars comes with 2 bonus 8×10 prints all housed in a collector’s box.

Which one tops your New Year’s list?

Pre-Order the 2016 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Today for 50% Off!

By

Chip

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December 30, 2015

For most of us a Disney World vacation represents the kind of financial investment we can’t afford to waste. We drive ourselves crazy worrying that we’re going to have a bust of a vacation — with a big bill to show for it. The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining is here to help!

Wouldn’t it be nice to have one of the biggest (and most expensive) parts of your trip resolved? To be able to feel 100% confident about your dining decisions? The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining is designed to make sure that in 24 hours you will be feeling great about your plans. And you’ll have fun getting there.

This book is packed with 490 pages of tips and information, but it begins with a 5-step guide designed to get all your major worries out of the way. After that, you’ll get page after page of great info that can help you plan and optimize your dining decisions.

Over 490 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!
An in-depth Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and lounges
An updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis for 2015
NEW Disney food and restaurant photos
An updated Disney Snacks chapter, including our list of dozens of must-try snacks AND our Top Must-Have Snacks for 2015
A comprehensive chapter of What’s New in Disney World in 2015, including new restaurants, menu updates, and more
Details about how the My Magic+ Planning System and FastPass+ will affect your vacation planning
Our picks for Great Snacks you must try this year
Our suggestions for “off the menu” orders you simply have to try
A fully updated for 2015 list of the must-do restaurants for Disney World first-timers
Recommendations for the best restaurants to book when you have babies and toddlers
Scavenger Hunts, Trivia, and Top 5 List updates
Bingo Cards
Updates on all pertinent facts such as dining hours, prices, resources, phone numbers, and restaurant closures/openings
All new restaurant additions, closures, refurbishments, and added dining experiences
And much more!

Pre-Order the 2016 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining today and use promo code HAPPYNEWYEAR for 50% off!

We know that when it comes to your Disney trips, planning ahead is practically essential these days. And if you can save time and money in the process — even better!

And that’s why today, when you pre-order the 2016 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining and enter promo code HAPPYNEWYEAR, you’ll save 50% off of the already low cover price!

New Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood & Vine Arrives Just in Time for Academy Awards Season

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 30, 2015

Dinner at Hollywood and Vine now has a Minnie Twist! Currently you can experience a holiday feast with Minnie Mouse and her friend, but starting in January you will be able to celebrate the magic of the movies and glamour of Hollywood with an epic feast at the new Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The all new character dining experience is hosted by Minnie and her pals and begins just in time for Academy Awards season.

Dinner guests will walk the red carpet and get ready for their close-up with some of the biggest stars of the silver screen. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy will all be there and dressed in their designer best. Mickey will greet guests and pose with them for photographs in the midst of the glitz and glamour before escorting them into the dinner party, where guests get the chance to meet Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy as they enjoy classic cuisine, themed to old Hollywood. This new party at Walt Disney World Resort is filled with dazzling décor, a sweeping musical score, award-winning food, activities and more.

Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine runs from Jan. 4 to March 20, 2016. Guests can make reservations by contacting their World of Magic Travel Services Travel Magician, visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or calling 407-WDW-DINE.

This sounds like such a fun evening! Are you looking forward to dining with Minnie and her friends with all the glitz and glamour of the Big Screen?

I love dining at Disney! And I love when these new experiences are released! Let’s make sure you don’t miss anything that’s coming. And if you’re thinking planning a trip and want to make sure you experience all the unique dining at Walt Disney World, let me help you! I am a Travel Magician with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co and the Disney Addicts! Email me today at [email protected] to start planning your “Magical” vacation! –Alissa

Pizza Planet Closing for Most of 2016 for Major Refurbishment

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 29, 2015

Pizza Planet and Pizza Planet Arcade at Hollywood Studios is scheduled to close January 19, 2016 for an extended refurbishment.

Hollywood Studios is adding Toy Story Land on the other side of the park, which leaves much speculation that the restaurant will be reopening with new theming. Refurbishment is scheduled to finish November 7, 2016.

Check our list of other closures and refurbishments.

What do you think we will see when the restaurant reopens?

Walt Disney World has a lot of great new additions coming in 2016, if you would like free help planning a magical trip for yourself or your family contact me at [email protected].