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

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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

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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.

Top 10 Best Attractions at Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 27, 2015

Disneyland is the original Disney theme park. Walt Disney wanted to create a place where parents and children could have fun together and he definitely succeeded! Disneyland is rightly known as the Happiest Place on Earth and it brings joy to thousands of families year after year. Check out my list of best attractions that help make this park so amazing:

10. Peter Pan’s Flight

Climb aboard an enchanted pirate ship and fly over London and other unforgettable scenes from Disney’s animated film Peter Pan. This is a visually beautiful ride that the whole family will enjoy. It was also recently updated and now features a reimagined nursery scene and a variety of special effects. This classic dark ride is an original ride from 1955.

9. It’s a Small World

Many people might find this ride annoying, but it really is a classic that celebrates bonds of friendship, laughter and happiness. It’s a whimsical boat ride to all 7 continents while children of the world sing the classic anthem of world peace. You’ll see children from all over the world as well as familiar Disney and Disney*Pixar characters like Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Woody. This is also a great ride to take a break and cool off on.

8. Mad Tea Party

This is one of my very favorite rides! Step into a giant teacup and go for a spin during a mad tea party. You control how fast your cup spins with a wheel in the center of the teacup. If even a little bit of spinning makes you too dizzy, then this isn’t the ride for you.

7. Haunted Mansion

Another classic Disney dark ride, the Haunted Mansion is home to 999 happy haunts and you are invited to become the 1,000th. Take a tour of this haunted estate aboard a doom buggy but beware of hitchhiking ghosts as you leave! You’ll get to explore over 15 rooms as the spirits sing “Grim Grinning Ghosts”. Another thing that makes this ride one of the best is that it becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday during the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Jack Skellington and other characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas deck the halls and wish you “Seasons Screamings”. Keep in mind this delightfully frightening ride can be scary for little ones.

6. Star Tours

Star Tours is an exciting 3-D, motion simulated space flight in the Star Wars galaxy. C-3PO pilots your ship on an unpredictable flight to locations such as Naboo, Coruscant, and the Death Star. This ride was updated recently to include an all-new location as well as characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. There are multiple story combinations so you’ll have a different adventure each time you ride!

5. Pirate’s of the Caribbean

The ride that inspired the movies that re-inspired the ride. Set sail on a 15-minute cruise through the 17th-century and come face-to-face with swashbuckling rogues. You’ll find it difficult to not sing along to the classic anthem “Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)”. Be on the lookout for Captain Jack Sparrow-he makes an appearance a few times throughout the ride. There are a couple of small drops on this ride so you might get a little bit wet.

4. Indiana Jones Adventure

Indiana Jones Adventure makes you feel like you are in the middle of an Indiana Jones movie. It’s a fast-paced thrill ride on a souped-up jeep that journeys through a cursed temple. Careen along precarious precipices that plummet into molten lava and swerve to avoid lava eruptions, swarms of insects and evil wraiths. Just when you think you’ve made it through safely, a giant boulder rolls right at you and at the last minute you are saved by none other than Indiana Jones himself!

3. Space Mountain

Space Mountain is the ultimate dark rollercoaster. It’s an exciting blast through the darkest reaches of outer space. You’ll whiz past shooting stars and celestial satellites during this thrilling ride. One crazy thing about Space Mountain is the darkness makes you feel like you’re going faster than you really are. Also, it’s been transformed into Hyperspace Mountain during Season of the Force. On Hyperspace Mountain you’re thrown into the middle of a raging dogfight between Rebel X-wing starfighters and Imperial TIE fighters. This is one of the most exciting and thrilling rollercoasters at Disneyland.

2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The “wildest ride in the wilderness” has been my favorite rollercoaster since I was a kid. Hop aboard a 5-car locomotive that takes you on a thrilling ride inside an abandoned mine shaft. Swoop around sharp turns and dip and drop into canyons and caves as you race through the ghost town of Big Thunder. This ride is a great family rollercoaster.

1. Splash Mountain

As a kid this ride scared me to death! But as I got older I came to really love it. You float in a log along a colorful bayou and go with Br’er Rabbit in search of his laughing place. You’ll visit whimsical watering holes with fun singing critters. You won’t be able to get the classic “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” out of your head. There are a couple of small drops on your journey that eventually lead to a final, thrilling, 5-story splashdown! Be prepared to get wet or even soaked.

Did I miss any of Disneyland‘s best rides? Let me know in the comments!

If you haven’t had a chance to experience these top attractions, then it’s time to book a trip! Email me at [email protected] to start planning your next magical vacation.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-Ray / DVD Release Date Announced

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 27, 2015

Star Wars Fan are in for a huge announcement. The release date for the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-ray / DVD is available for pre-order through Amazon and Best Buy is April 5, 2016! The latest film has caused Star Wars fever all over the world. Christmas wish lists and letters to Santa led to holiday shopping and gifts wrapped under the tree full of light sabers, apparel and other one of a kind collectables. Now you can add one more gift for that special Star Wars fan in your family.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the hit of the holiday season, breaking box office records and having fans waiting in line for weeks to see it on opening night. Now another record seems to be set, at least in this Entertainment Reporter’s opinion. A record for the shortest time between the release of the film in theaters and the announcement of the release date for the Blu-ray / DVD. Although no shipping dates have been announced, with the release date of April 5th and pre-orders available now, I’m sure Amazon and Best Buy will have my copies in my mailbox on if not before the release date.

What are you waiting for? Have you placed your order yet? Don’t wait for this collector’s piece to be sold out!

Disney Crosses Five Billion Dollar Movie Mark in 2015

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 27, 2015

Everyone loves Disney movies. We all have a favorite or two and with each new release, Disney Addicts are first in line for tickets. This leads to huge profits for The Walt Disney Studios and this year was no exception with all the mega hits released.

2015 started out with some incredible record breaking hits at the box offices, turning it into the biggest year in the history of Disney movies, bringing in a record five billion dollars in gross revenue.

Live action and animated movies from Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out ($855.4 million), Cinderella ($542.5 million and Ant-Man ($519.1 million) as well as the huge hit, Avengers: Age of Ultron ($1.4 billion) all helped Disney’s profits. But the huge record smashing hit of the year that pushed Disney Pictures inot the five billion mark was Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The Force Awakens brought in earnings of $529 million globally in just the first few days of its release.

Although Universal Studios is still at the top of the charts with $6.8 billion in total gross sales for 2015, The Walt Disney Studios have nothing to worry. With Star Wars: The Force Awakens continuing to break daily records and more hits from LucasFilm, Pixar and Marvel as well as Disney live action and animation, 2016 will likely surpass 2015.

Your favorite Entertainment Writer was not able to choose a favorite film this year, although Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Good Dinosaur and Inside Out were at the top of my list. What was your favorite Disney film for 2015? Comment below and let’s see if your favorite made it to the top 5 all time Disney Addict favorites?

Our Favorite Disney Water Bottles for the Parks and Beyond

By

Danielle

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December 27, 2015

A day of fun awaits when you’re at the Disney Parks and Resorts, but staying hydrated is important. Of course a water bottle isn’t just for the Disney Parks, they are handy to have for going to the gym, beach or even while running errands.

When choosing our favorite water bottles we wanted durable bottles that were BPA free, and spill proof just in case! All of the ones we chose are made from durable, shatter-proof and break resistant Tritan plastic Eastman Tritan plastic.

5) Zak! Big Hero 6 25 oz Bottle

The lovable Baymax from Big Hero 6 will keep you cool all day long with a hefty 25 ounce bottle with a flip top straw. I really love the ergonomic neck of this bottle for easy holding.

4.) Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Children’s Water Bottle

Of course the kiddos need to stay hydrated and cool too, so this smaller bottle is a perfect choice for them. It’s just the right size for little hands. The 14 Ounce water bottle is reusable, recyclable and has a spill-proof sport lid with straw.

3.) Silver Buffalo Mickey and Minnie 20 oz bottle

This yellow bottle is too cute with the vintage restyling of Mickey and Minnie holding hands and is a stylish way to take your water on the go. The convenient flip up straw also folds flat when not in use.

2.) Vandor Red Minnie Mouse 18 oz Water Bottle

This Minnie Mouse Bottle and the Mickey Mouse below are by far my favorite ones on the list. The classic polka dot motif of Minnie Mouse adorns the bottom of the bottle, while Minnie Mouse smiles sweetly above it. It features an insulated double wall design that resists condensation, and I love the design of the spill proof sport lid.

1.) Vandor Mickey Mouse 18 oz Water Bottle

Nothing says Disney like Mickey mouse! So of course this Vandor Mickey Mouse Water bottle has topped the list! Mickey’s iconic red shorts with buttons wraps around the base of the bottle while a classic Mickey post rings the top. Just like the Minnie Mouse bottle this one has double wall insulation to help prevent condensation.

Which one of our favorites is on your must have list? I know I’ll be taking Mickey with me to the gym in the new year!

New seating process at Walt Disney World Quick Service Restaurants

By

Chip

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December 27, 2015

We have just received word from several friends who are at Disney World right now that there is a new seating process being implemented at the Backlot Express! All families must be together with their food first then you are seated together, no more sending someone to hold a table for you while you wait in line.

We spoke with a Disney World cast member who said they tested it last week and now it will be coming to many of the Quick Service Dining Locations in the coming weeks. So far Backlot Express is one of the first to implement this new seating system.

No official word has been released by Disney as of yet but just as soon as we get the official news we will post more information here on Chip and Co.

What do you think? Does this sound like a good policy? or will it make things difficult for families?

Let us know in the comment box below.

Special thank you to Courtney at Mouse to your House for the information and photo!