Live Stream of New Year’s Eve Fireworks From Walt Disney World

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December 29, 2015

Magic Kingdom will be bringing in the New Year with a special firework show, “Fantasy in the Sky”, beginning at 11:50pm EST.

If you are like me and have seen a firework show at Disney before then you know that no other firework show can compare. For those of us that aren’t lucky enough to be spending New Year’s at Disney World, the Disney Parks Blog will be live streaming the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks to help us celebrate the start of 2016 Disney style!

If you want to view the live streaming visit the Disney Parks Blog around 11:45pm on December 31, 2015. The streaming will appear in a new blog post at that time.

If you are in Walt Disney World and want to check out all the fun happening for New Year’s Eve just click here!

If you are interested in including a Disney World vacation in your 2016 plans contact me at [email protected] or find me on facebook, to start planning. Special spring promotions were released today that can help you save money on your magical Walt Disney World vacation! Ask me for details.

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog.

Countdown to Midnight at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 29, 2015

Countdown Logo

The Countdown is on and Disney knows how to do it in style! This is an amazing opportunity to rock New Year’s Eve with Vanessa Williams at the Yacht Club Resort! This is one of my favorite resorts and I cannot think of a better place to celebrate on Thursday night!

Ring in 2016 in taste and style at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center. With an unmissable mix of comedy, cocktails, dancing, live rock and jazz music, and amazing food—plus megastar headliner Vanessa Williams—there’s magic for every mood at Countdown to Midnight!

Start with a delicious premium cocktail, beer, or wine from an open bar, followed by an interactive comedy reunion at the Adventurer’s Club. Shake well—with laughter—and then roll over to Club Live to rock out with our 9-piece dance band. Next, take a spin or two at Club Vinyl, where our 7-piece band will be swinging today’s hits into some steamy jazz—in an iconic ‘Preservation Hall’ setting.

Countdown to Midnight will take place on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center

For a sweet farewell to 2015, treat yourself to the panna cotta with raspberry coulis or chocolate and coconut cake with salted caramel ganache—followed French macaroons and miniature cupcakes!

Stroll along the lake for a club-hopping break—but be sure you’re back in time to don your New Year’s Eve hats and tiaras for the final countdown, balloon drop and confetti finale! When the clock strikes twelve, raise your keepsake champagne glass for a doubly bubbly toast to a grand New Year!

Tickets $300/person includes appetizers and delicious bites, open bar of premium cocktails, beer and wine, and entertainment.

Discounts apply for Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders.

Admission is $300 per person-tax and gratuity included. Beer, wine, mixed drinks and a champagne toast are included with the price of admission.
Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify age.
Complimentary bus transportation will be available to and from select Walt Disney World Resorts.
Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resorts are highly encouraged to utilize this service. More information will be provided at the time of booking and upon check-in at your Resort.
There will be limited parking at the Yacht Club Convention Center for Guests without Walt Disney World Resort Reservations.
Check-in for the party itself will start at 7:30 PM at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Convention Center, where you will meet with the greeting Cast Member.
The Countdown to Midnight party will start at 8:00 PM.
Countdown to Midnight includes banquet seating. Please note that Guests may be seated with other parties.
No dining plan entitlements may be used for this experience.
All menu items and event experiences are subject to change without notice.
Wheelchairs and ECV’s can be accommodated for this event.

For more information on adding this event to your New Year’s Eve plans or booking your Walt Disney World vacation, contact me at [email protected]

Our Favorite Cozy Disney Socks

By

Danielle

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December 29, 2015

Many of us have had a rather warm winter this year, but with January approaching cold winds are heading in soon too. Warm socks are a must for keeping our little toes warm, and nothing beats staying warm with Disney themed socks!

I’m a sucker for “funky” socks, bright colors, fan favorite themes, fuzzy accents, you name it and I love it!

For us ladies I’m loving the fun knee high varieties available. Knee high socks go great with a pair of boots for cold days, or shorts while hitting the Disney parks in that warm Florida sun!

These fun Minnie Mouse Mismatched Knee High Socks are too adorable! Minnie Mouse is rocking her glasses on one sock, while the other is decorated with classic “hidden Minnies”. There’s even a fun stitching detail at the top for an added touch.

My other favorites for ladies socks are these Star Wars “ugly sweater” style socks. The white pair has Darth Vader emblems mixed in with the rustic decorations. I bet they would look super cute with a pair of flat Mary Janes! I think it’s safe to say I have Star Wars Force Fever!

Of course the guys need some warm socks too!

Your feet can blast off with the cutest astromech around BB-8 in this Star Wars Socks 2 pack or

Stay cozy with warm hugs from Olaf with Men’s Frozen Crew Socks.

For the little ones Inside Out socks can help keep them warm no matter how they feel!

How will you keep your feet warm and cozy?

Save on your Spring 2016 Walt Disney World Vacation with these Offers

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 29, 2015

Yesterday the Walt Disney World Resort released several great promotions for stays this coming spring! Here’s a roundup of all the deals released yesterday:

Save up to 25% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resorts

Valid for stays most nights March 15, 2016 through June 11, 2016. Reserve your stay by February 28, 2016. Check availability for other great rates for stays most nights February 22 through March 14, 2016. When you upgrade to a room and ticket package with minimum 4-day theme park tickets, you can get one more ticket day for FREE!

Savings vary based on Resort Category, Resort and Dates selected.
Save between 15% and 30% on select Deluxe Villas
Save between 15% and 30% on select Deluxe Resorts
Save between 20% and 30% on select Moderate Resorts
Save between 10% and 20% on select Value Resort

View the restrictions and exclusions here.

5-Day/4-Night Vacation Package for Family of 4 as low as $1,714

Experience the excitement with a package that includes 5-day theme park tickets and a 4-night stay in standard rooms at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort for $1,714. Other options for families of 4 include:

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort starting at $1,993
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge starting at $2,526
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa starting at $2,526

Must book by Feb. 28, 2016. Valid for travel Feb. 22-March 3, 2016 and April 3-May 26, 2016.

View the restrictions and other info here.

Disney Visa Cardmember Offer

Save 35% on room accommodations at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts this spring. Plus, when you purchase a Magic Your Way room and ticket package with minimum 4-day Theme Park tickets, you can get one more ticket day FREE!

Guests can choose from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

This offer must be booked by Feb. 28, 2016 for travel April 3-June 30, 2016.

View restrictions and other info here.

For specific rate information, check out the Walt Disney World website or contact a World of Magic Travel Services agent today!

Benedict Cumberbatch Featured On The Cover of Entertainment Weekly as Doctor Strange

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 28, 2015

Marvel Studios is giving fans a look at Benedict Cumberbatch‘s photo featured in Entertainment Weekly’s cover shoot. One of the first times the actor has been in costume, the Entertainment Weekly shoot gave him an opportunity to not only don the suit, but to try out some of the poses, mannerisms and moves, Doctor Strange will be displaying in the film. Cumberbatch was quoted as saying: “I’m still in the infancy of learning all that,” I’ve got to keep throwing these poses, these spells, these rune-casting things, everything he does physically. I’m thinking, there’s going to be a huge amount of speculation and intrigue over the positioning of thatfinger as opposed to it being there, or there. And I’m still working on that. We haven’t played any of those scenes yet. I felt really self-conscious. But, then, by the end, it was great. It’s like anything, you just have to experiment.”

Directed by Scott Derrickson from a script by Jon Spaihts, Doctor Strange tells the story of neurosurgeon, Dr. Stephen Strange, who suffers a terrible car accident and deals with the aftermath when he discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.

Scheduled for release, November 4, 2016, Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is joined by Chiwetel Ejiofor (Baron Mordo) and Tilda Swinton (The Ancient One). In roles still to be determined are Rachel McAdams, Michael stuhlbarg, Scott Adkins, Amy Landecker and Mads Mikkelsen.

Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve Entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 28, 2015

If you are going to be at Walt Disney World this New Year’s Eve you won’t want to miss out on all the fun and excitement Disney has in store! For those planning on welcome 2016 at Walt Disney World Resort, they have quite a party planned for you.

Here’s a rundown of some of the entertainment lined up for this year’s celebration.

Epcot – It’s a night-long party throughout Epcot, with unique entertainment including a DJ and light show at the Future World Fountain Stage, dancing under flame effects and a smoke-billowing dragon in China, a British blast to the past in United Kingdom, Euro-pop and lasers in Italy, a Latin band and DJ on the America Gardens Stage and a “Silent DJ” party in Japan. Cap it all off with one of two showings of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The 6:00 p.m. show will include Disney’s holiday finale, while the 11:40 p.m. performance will be followed by a countdown and pyrotechnic salute to the New Year.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Ring in a most unforgettable New Year with a Disney character dance party at Center Stage, leading up to fantastic fireworks set to the soundtrack of favorite films and memorable moments from across Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Note: ‘Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular’ will not be presented on Dec. 31)
Magic Kingdom – You can get a head start on the festivities, with a special New Year’s Eve eve presentation of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30. The same show will be repeated on December 31. For families looking to wrap things up a little earlier, both nights will also feature the Holiday Wishes New Year’s Celebration at 6:30 p.m., complete with expanded fireworks and a New Year’s Eve countdown.
Yacht & Beach Club Resort – Recently announced a new way to ring in the New Year, and that’s through the Countdown to Midnight celebration at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center. The talented Vanessa Williams will be performing at the event. Disney fans will recognize her voice from the Academy Award-winning song, “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas.

If you can’t be there in person for New Year’s Eve, be sure to tune in to a live stream of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks, direct from Magic Kingdom Park on December 31. Stay tuned for more details.

So what are you doing New Year’s Eve?

Does your New Year’s resolution fro 2016 include more Disney magic in your life? Contact me at [email protected] for details and pricing on planning a 2016 trip to Walt Disney World. My vacation planning services are free of charge and were some great promotions released today to save you money on a Spring trip to Walt Disney World. Ask me for details. Happy New Year!

The Force is Strong With These Star Wars Kitchen Items

By

Danielle

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December 28, 2015

The Force is strong this season with galactic items sure to turn your kitchen into a Star Wars Cantina. I honestly can’t get enough of Star Wars themed trinkets and gadgets since the Force Awakens debuted, so I think it’s time to redo my kitchen!

There’s a massive amount of items to choose from now, and of course Darth Vader themed items are the most popular. A waffle maker was definitely a necessity! (A Disney fan can never have enough of them!) I’m having a hard time choosing between the classic round Death Star waffle maker, or the iconic visage of Darth Vader waffle maker.

or

Both make Star Wars inspired crunchy goodness, but it’s a tough choice! Both have 5 heat settings, and weighted lids with a regulating thermostat to ensure even browning.

Of course to make waffles, or other delicious yummies, we need measuring cups! Nothing will help us take flight in the kitchen like the R2-D2 measuring cups. This set of R2-D2 Measuring Cups disassembles into 4 measuring cups plus 4 measuring spoons and reassembles in a snap. The measuring cup set promises to be less complicated to reassemble than C-3PO so that’s a bonus!

Of course when entertaining guests it’s nice to carry The Force out of the kitchen and into the party! These Death Star ice cub moldsare the perfect touch for a casual get together, or party!

These little Death Stars aren’t just great for disintegrating the heat in your beverages. They can also be used for chocolate molds to destroy planet sized chocolate cravings!

With all of these Death Star ice cubes and Darth Vader waffles flying around the kitchen, we might need some heroes. The Millennium Falcon Acrylic Chopping Board is the perfect addition to battling the Dark Side of the kitchen.

This cutting board is made with a strong acrylic material to take your cutting into Hyperspace. it also makes a great accent piece to display in the kitchen.

I’m excited by all these great Star Wars themed kitchen finds. I wonder if I would get into trouble for starting lightsaber battles at the table with some lightsaber chop sticks? What Star Wars themed kitchen items have you found?

ABC Family’s “Funday” Event is coming Jan 9th & 10th

By

Chip

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December 28, 2015

Are you looking for an adventurous way to celebrate the new year? ABC Family brings you a whole lot of action when the network kicks off 2016 with its “Funday” programming event. Starting Saturday, January 9 and continuing Sunday, January 10, tag along with Tarzan as he swings through trees, laugh with the Minions, explore the big blue world with Nemo, and cheer on Cinderella as she makes her way to the ball.

Saturday, January 9
(5:30PM-7:30PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S TARZAN
This Academy Award®-winning adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ story begins deep within the jungle when baby Tarzan (Tony Goldwyn) is adopted by a family of gorillas. Even though he is shunned as a “hairless wonder” by their leader, Tarzan is accepted by the gorillas and raised as one of their own. Together with his wisecracking ape buddy Terk (Rosie O’Donnell) and neurotic elephant pal Tantor (Wayne Knight), Tarzan learns how to swing through the trees and survive in the ANIMAL kingdom. His two worlds collide with the arrival of humans, forcing Tarzan to choose between a “civilized” life with the beautiful Jane (Minnie Driver) and the life he knows and loves with his gorilla family. Disney’s “Tarzan” repeats on Sunday, January 10 at 3:00pm ET/PT.

(7:30PM-9:30PM ET/PT) DESPICABLE ME
In a happy suburban neighborhood, surrounded by white picket fences and flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden deep beneath this home is a vast secret hideout belonging to Gru (Steve Carell). This dastardly villain who, along with the help of his many Minions, is planning the biggest heist in the history of the world: he’s going to steal the moon! But his plans are foiled the day he encounters the immense will of three orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. This smash hit boasts a stellar all-star vocal cast that includes Julie Andrews, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Danny McBride, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig, Mindy Kaling and more. “Despicable Me” repeats on Sunday, January 10 at 5:15pm ET/PT.

(9:30PM-12:00AM ET/PT) DISNEY PIXAR’S FINDING NEMO
Nemo (Alexander Gould), an adventurous young clownfish, is unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist’s office aquarium. It’s up to his worrisome father Marlin (Albert Brooks) and his friendly but forgetful regal blue tang fish Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) to bring Nemo home — meeting vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more along the way. Disney Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” repeats on Sunday, January 10 at 7:30pm ET/PT.

(12:00AM-2:00AM ET/PT) DISNEY’S CINDERELLA
With a wicked stepmother and two jealous stepsisters who keep her enslaved and in rags, Cinderella stands no chance of attending the royal ball. When her fairy godmother appears and magically transforms her reality into a dream come true, Cinderella enchants the handsome Prince Charming at the ball, but must face the wrath of her enraged stepmother and sisters when the spell wears off at midnight. Disney’s “Cinderella” repeats on Sunday, January 10 at 10:00pm ET/PT.

Remember ABC Family is becoming Freeform on January 12, 2016.

Disney Find- Elegant Key to the Magic Kingdom Necklace

By

Danielle

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December 28, 2015

With my upcoming trip to Walt Disney World fast approaching, I’ve been looking for little bits of magic to help hold me over till the trip. I was delighted to find this little gem from SecretHillStudio on Etsy. The Key to the Magic Kingdom Necklace will be a perfect keepsake to remind me the countdown is almost over!

This would be a great way for surprising someone with a Disney trip announcement! Wrap it up with a little card, and give them their very own key to the magic! Not only will it be a magical surprise, it can then be a long lasting memento of a pixie dusted vacation!

This necklace consists of 3 charms, combined to create the most delicate token of magic. A silver plated Mickey ear key rests on a 30″ ball chain. Small glass beads make up the classic Mickey Mouse motif, and an aluminum pendant is stamped with “Key to the Magic Kingdom” to tie this necklace together.

Have you ever given a surprise to announce a Disney trip?

Stay Magical!

Special Vacation Offer for Disney Visa Cardmembers

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 28, 2015

Several promotional offers have released for the general public today for Spring 2016 trips to Walt Disney World.

This offer is just for Disney Visa Cardmembers!

When Disney Visa® Cardmembers book a spring vacation, they can save 35% on room accommodations at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts. Plus, when you purchase a Magic Your Way® room and ticket package with minimum 4-day Theme Park tickets, you can get one more ticket day FREE!*

Guests can choose from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. These exclusive savings are just for Disney Visa Cardmembers.

This offer must be booked by Feb. 28, 2016 for travel April 3-June 30, 2016. Subject to availability.

Number of rooms allocated for these offers is limited. Length of stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room.

Enjoy a 5-Day/4-Night Vacation Package for a Family of 4 for as Low as $1,714!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 28, 2015

Families can also get on on the cost savings this spring! Plan your next memory-making vacation with this great offer!

Experience the excitement with a package that includes 5-day theme park tickets and a 4-night stay in standard rooms at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort for as low as $1,714 for a family of 4.

Sample package prices based on 2 adults, 1 junior (ages 10 to 17) and 1 child (ages 3 to 9). The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets are valid for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. All Guests in the same room must be on the same package.

Other options for a Family of 4 in other resort categories include:

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort starting at $1,993
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge starting at $2,526
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa starting at $2,526

For specific rate information you can visit the Walt Disney World website or contact a World of Magic Travel Services Travel Magician Today!

Here’s the fine print:

Must book by February 28, 2016

Valid Travel Dates: February 22 through March 3, 2016 and April 3 through May 26, 2016

Important Details

Sample package prices based on 2 adults, 1 junior (age 10 to 17) and 1 child (age 3 to 9) for a 5-day/4-night room and Magic Your Way base ticket package.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Tickets are valid for one theme park day and must be used within 14 days of first use.
All Guests in the same room must be on the same package.
Advance reservations are required.
Moderate and Deluxe suites may be available at a lesser discount.

Offer Restrictions

Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

Spring Promotions are Here: Save up to 25% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels this Spring!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 28, 2015

It’s that time again – Disney has released their next round of promotional offers – this time for Spring 2016. You can create even more magical memories at Walt Disney World Resort with this springtime travel offer.

Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights March 15, 2016 through June 11, 2016. Reserve your stay by February 28, 2016, and discover savings for booking early!

Check availability for other great rates for stays most nights February 22 through March 14, 2016.

Plus, when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with minimum 4-day theme park tickets, you can get one more ticket day for FREE!

Savings vary based on Resort Category, Resort and Dates selected.
Save between 15% and 30% on select Deluxe Villas
Save between 15% and 30% on select Deluxe Resorts
Save between 20% and 30% on select Moderate Resorts
Save between 10% and 20% on select Value Resort

For specific rate information you can visit the Walt Disney World website or contact a World of Magic Travel Services Travel Magician Today!

Here’s the fine print:

Must book by February 28, 2016

Valid travel dates February 22, 2016 through June 11, 2016

Other Important Details

Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Moderate and Deluxe suites may be available at a lesser discount.
Additional per adult charges may apply if there are more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts.
Upgrade to a room and ticket package with minimum 4-day Magic Your Way theme park tickets, and receive one more complimentary ticket day.

Offer Restrictions

Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Advance reservations required.
Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid
Standard Rooms and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.
Length of stay requirements may apply.