Universal Orlando has Purchased Over 450 Acres of Land

By

-

December 24, 2015

A company connected with Universal has purchased over 450 acres close to the Orange County Courthouse. This could quite possibly mean that there is an expansion on the way to Universal Orlando. The sale of the land was final on December 18th.

The property is north of the convention center, and south of Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control plant. There are also 2 big road expansions on the horizon, Kirkman Road and Destination Parkway. The land also includes the largest areas of vacant land in the I-Drive area, which is a tourist area. If you know that area, you know there are already so many hotels there, so that makes it perfect for a theme park expansion.

A little background on the land. A company previously associated with Universal once owned this same property. It was originally owned by Lockheed Martin in 1998. Fast forward a few years and some developers purchased it with restrictions on what they could build on it. Unfortunately it went into foreclosure during the recession.

Universal has not commented and as far as we know there is no timeline for anything being developed. However, it is a lot of land so I am sure we can expect some great things.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Find- Hooded Character Towels

By

Danielle

-

December 24, 2015

I love hooded towels for my little one, especially when they transform him into one of his favorite Disney characters! When trying to find PJ Masks goodies I stumbled upon these beautifully made hooded character towels from Etsy designer LollysSewingRoom.

Many great Disney character options are available and the towels are a good size of 52″x 30″ not including the hood. These are great not only for bath time, but at the pool or even on a Magical Vacation. Check out some of her great creations below!

These cuddly towels will be great to stay warm and snugly! Which one is your favorite?

Stay Magical!

The Disney Yule logs with bonus Star Wars Fun

By

Chip

-

December 24, 2015

Each year I like to share a video of the Disney Yule log. It is fun to turn it on a tablet, drink egg nog, and watch the Yule Log burn. I rounded up 3 of Disney Yule Logs for you to enjoy including a special Star Wars one!

Here is one from Oh my Disney:

Disney Parks also has one in HD:

As a bonus you can cuddle up with your loved ones and bask in the warming glow of this five hour Darth Vader yule log. Perfect for holiday parties.

No matter which one you like better I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

STK Orlando Will Open “Early 2016” in Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 24, 2015

STK Orlando which was set to open its doors in Disney Spring in 2015 will now open in “early 2016” according to both The One Group, STK’s parent company, and the Disney Springs websites.

The steakhouse is being constructed in The Landing section of Disney Springs, and will join other new eateries like The Boathouse and Morimoto Asia.

The 14,000 square foot location will include two floors of seating as well as an outdoor patio. It will not be your traditional American steakhouse, STK website states, “Serving reimagined American cuisine for both lunch and dinner, STK Orlando provides a fun, high-energy atmosphere complete with an in-house DJ.”

The STK site also says, “With a trendy and stylish atmosphere, world-class service, and incredible food, STK is a perfect place for afternoon drinks or for a night out in Disney Springs ™.” Expect a good time when you dine at this new location at Disney Springs after the opening in early 2016.

STK also has locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Milan, New York City, and Washington D.C. (Future locations are also coming to Dallas, Ibiza, and Toronto).

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

Top 10 Best Attractions at Disney California Adventure

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 23, 2015

Disney California Adventure is the 2nd park at the Disneyland Resort and opened in 2001. Early reviews of the park were harsh but improvements in recent years have made this park a worthwhile addition to the resort. Before, this park was considered a “half-day” park at best. Now it takes at least a whole day to experience a majority of the attractions and entertainment. I’ve put together my list of top 10 best attractions at Disney California Adventure to help you plan out your day in this park.

10. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

The reason this ride is at the bottom of my list is because I really don’t like it but I know it’s extremely popular with most guests. You make your way through the notorious Hollywood Tower Hotel and into a dilapidated boiler room. Then enter a dusty service “elevator” while light bulbs flicker above you. If you’re not freaked out a little by now, the rest of the ride should do the trick. Launch upward in darkness then plunge downward over and over again. You never know how many times the “lift” will fall or when you will change direction.

9. Mickey’s Fun Wheel

Mickey’s Fun Wheel is not a ride that I just HAVE to ride, however, it’s a classic ride and beautiful structure. There are two options for riding the Ferris wheel-swinging or non-swinging. The non-swinging gondolas lightly sway when the wheel turns, whereas the swinging gondolas swing around an overhead rail. Besides being an entertaining ride, Mickey’s Fun Wheel has an extensive light system that changes colors at night and is a beautiful sight on the Pier.

8. Turtle Talk with Crush

This attraction is not a ride but it is well worth experiencing. It’s an intimate 15-minute conversation with Crush from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo. Ask Crush about sea life, his friends, or even his favorite things and help answer his questions about the human world. This is a very entertaining attraction and a great way to get out of the California heat!

7. The Little Mermaid-Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

The Little Mermaid is my favorite Disney movie and this ride absolutely does it justice. Climb aboard your “clam-mobile” and descend to Ariel’s underwater world. You’ll visit favorite characters from the film like Ariel, Eric, Sebastian and Flounder as well as the wicked sea witch, Ursula. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing along with classic songs like “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea”. This is one of my favorite rides that is based on a movie.

6. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

I don’t know what it is about this ride but it makes me laugh every time I ride it! Climb aboard a cute little tractor and prepare to have a swingin’ time! The tractors swing you back and forth in time to lively music sung by Mater himself. Be careful not to squish your partner on some of the bigger swings!

5. Grizzly River Run

Take a thrilling whitewater raft expedition down a roaring California river. You ride on a circular 8-person raft down what starts as a lazy river. Then you’ll ascend the mountain on a large conveyor belt. At the top, brace yourself for an exciting and unpredictable ride! You’ll bob and spin through the rapids all while getting splashed (and possibly soaked!). This is a perfect ride to cool you off on a hot day.

4. Toy Story Midway Mania

Similar to the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disneyland, Toy Story Midway Mania is a ride where you travel in a car that swivels while playing little mini-games. It mixes classic midway games into the Toy Story theme-dart throwing on Rex and Trixie’s Dino Darts and ring tossing on Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers are just a couple of the entertaining games. Ride over and over again to get a better score!

3. Soarin’ Over California

Soarin’ is the most thrilling ride that has minimal movement. Make your way into a large theater and be gracefully lifted up towards a huge IMAX screen. With legs dangling, you will fly over notable parts of California like the Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley, and even Disneyland. Not only will you feel like you’re actually flying, you’ll also smell what you’re seeing-orange groves and salty sea to name just a few. This ride also has some of the best music of any Disney ride. You won’t soon forget this fantastic attraction!

2. Radiator Springs Racers

One of the newest rides at California Adventure, Radiator Springs Racers is both a classic Disney dark ride and an exciting thrill ride. Board a 6-person car for a stroll through Radiator Springs. Life-size recreations of Cars characters pop up and talk to you as you make your way to the starting line. Come side-by-side with another car full of park guests and get ready to race! Zip over hills and zoom around high-banked turns as you speed towards the finish line.

1. California Screamin’

My absolute favorite ride at Disney California Adventure is California Screamin’. If you like rollercoasters, then don’t miss this ride! It’s the longest and fastest rollercoaster at the Disneyland Resort and even has a loop-de-loop. You’ll catapult past splashing waves and swoop, swirl, dip and curl in and out of the Paradise Pier boardwalk area. Be sure to check out your candid photo when you exit the ride.

What’s your favorite attraction at Disney California Adventure? Did I miss any?

Disney California Adventure offers so much more than just these 10 attractions. Contact me today to plan your next visit to experience all there is to see and do at the Disneyland Resort!

Marvel’s Captain America Celebrates 75 Years on ABC

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 23, 2015

ABC Television will be bringing fans of Marvel Heroes, a special event on Tuesday, January 19th at 8:00 p.m. ET. Captain America celebrates 75 years of adventures and excitement and to honor the hero, ABC will air “Marvel’s Captain America: 75 Heroic Years.”

The one hour special brings the history of Captain America from the beginning in 1941 to present day. Showing the changes in not only the character but the world he has lived in through the 75 years.

The special will include Marvel stars, including Stan Lee, Joe Quesada, Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, Jeph Loeb, Louis D’Esposito, Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell. The family members of Captain America’s creaters, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby will also be part of the celebration.

Premiering before the Season Two Premiere of Agent Carter, Marvel’s Captain America: 75 Heroic Years is rumored to also include an exclusive announcement from Marvel Comics.

Stay tuned for more information on www.chipandco.com and don’t miss the debut of Agent Carter’s Season Two and the special – Captain America: 75 Heroic Years on ABC, January 19th starting at 8:00 pm ET.

Avatar 2 has a Confirmed Release Date

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 23, 2015

Avatar

James Cameron has confirmed the release date for much-anticipated Avatar 2. In a recent interview he said, “Christmas of ’2017 is the target,”. He went on to say that the technical development is done but the writing is still ongoing.

Let’s keep in mind that Avatar 2 had a previous release date of December of this year but was it was put off for further script development. Avatar is no easy task to put together. James Cameron is very talented and a perfectionist, so whenever Avatar 2 is released you can be sure it will probably be even more amazing than the first one.

The cast that made the first Avatar amazing are coming back for the sequel, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang and Sigourney Weaver. Avatar 2 and the 2 additional sequels will be produced by James Cameron and Jon Landau through Lightstorm Entertainment. The writers are James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Josh Friedman, and Shane Salerno.

I can’t believe the first Avatar came out all the way back in 2009. The original Avatar remains the top grossing movie of all time making $2.782 billion at the worldwide box office.

If you love Avatar you will get a chance to feel like you live in Pandora when Avatar Land opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2017.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Will Hold Christmas Day Religious Services

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 23, 2015

Contemporary Resort on Walt Disney World property will hold Christmas morning religious services for guests to attend. A Protestant Service will be offered at 9am and Catholic Mass will be held at both 8am and 10:15am.

Parking will be limited at the resort to those staying at the Contemporary or those with dining reservations within the resort. All other guests will need to use Disney transportation to reach the resort; monorail, water taxi, or bus. If you are staying at another Disney resort that is not on the monorail loop, my recommendation would be to take a bus to Magic Kingdom and ride the monorail or a take a short walk to the Contemporary.

Services will be held in the Fantasia Ballroom, which is decorated with painted panels showing scenes from the classic Disney movie. If you are visiting the Contemporary for Christmas make sure to plan extra time to look for one of the 15 hidden mickey’s in the hotel’s 2015 Gingerbread Display.

Here is a list of Churches near Walt Disney World if you are still looking for a place to worship on Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks Now Open at Animal Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 23, 2015

A new quick service dining location is now open in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks can be found nestled in the village at the base of the Forbidden Mountain and offers satisfying eats and refreshing beverages for weary travelers. A stop at the bar for a drink or a full belly is a tradition for those that are returning from a trek up the mountain.

The bar resembles many other buildings in the village and the sparse décor has been placed there by travelers on their way to and from Mt. Everest, after all, the village does serve as a base camp for those that are brave enough to take on the mountain.

The menu at this new eatery changes throughout the day – pastries, like a chocolate twists, croissants, and various Danishes and muffins, are served in the morning, and more substantial eats like sandwiches (Smoked Turkey, Banh Mi, and Som Tam [Thai Shrimp]) and sushi are served in afternoon and evening.

Desserts like cookies, brownies and ice cream (Premium Mickey Bars included) will give travelers they energy that they need to continue their journey. For those that are looking for something more nutritious, an Asian Noodle Salad, edamame, crudité with hummus, and fresh fruit are available to round out the offerings.

The bar menu includes adult beverages as well non-alcoholic options. The Flying Yak, a non-alcoholic option that includes pineapple juice and mango puree blended with coconut water, and the Pink Lotus, a combination of Odwalla Lemonade, lychee, and strawberry puree are available. For those that prefer an adult beverage there are a variety of options that include a Khumbu Icefall (coconut water and raspberry puree blended with guava rum), a Durbar Margarita and a Himalayan Ghost (Odwalla Lemonade, guava, and Snow Leopard Vodka).

Will you be stopping by the Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks on your next trek through Animal Kingdom? Let us know that you’re looking forward to in the comments.

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

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Ring in the New Year at SeaWorld Orlando

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 23, 2015

Families and friends can ring in the New Year at SeaWorld Orlando on December 31 as vibrant fireworks fill the night sky and festive entertainment can be enjoyed throughout the park until 1 a.m., including interactive DJ stations, craft beers and delectable bites.

New this year is the New Year’s Eve Seating with Fireworks Package. For $49 per person, guests will enjoy reserved seating at Bayside Stadium to watch the Winter Wonderland on Ice Show followed by a fireworks display.

Also new this year is the New Year’s Eve Dinner & Fireworks package, where guests can indulge in a 4-course prix-fixe signature dinner at Sharks Underwater Grill – the park’s full-service, upscale restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows that create a perfect viewing scene into the world of sharks. Guests can choose between Char-grilled Filet Mignon, Savory Garlic & Butter Gumbo Shrimp Scampi and much more. Guests will also receive a souvenir group photo and end the evening at a private lite-bite sweets reception from 11 p.m. to midnight that includes a champagne toast as fireworks dazzle above. Dinner and fireworks package is $199 per person.

Find out more about New Year’s Eve here: https://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/new-years-eve-at-seaworld/

Plus, guests who visit SeaWorld on December 31 will experience all the wonder, excitement and fun of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration™, which includes:

Shamu Christmas Miracles – Experience the power and beauty of the Shamu family in this nighttime holiday show. Set to majestic seasonal music, the show features killer whales in a story of peace, friendship and the everyday miracles that surround us all year long.

O Wondrous Night – Hear the classic Christmas story as told through the eyes of the animals. With more than 30 carols, life-size puppets and a live nativity, this show will charm, entertain and delight. This must-see show has become a family holiday classic for all of our guests.

THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience – Now boarding! It’s a wondrous journey to the North Pole aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS. The beloved holiday classic comes to life as you and your family are immersed in the heart-warming story of a young boy’s thrilling ride into an enchanted world. The sights, sounds, and scents of the season surround you. From the moment the conductor calls “all aboard” to your arrival at the North Pole (where you’ll meet Santa Claus himself), THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience promises to create an unforgettable holiday memory.

Elmo’s Christmas Wish – Sesame Street friends have come to SeaWorld Orlando for a festive holiday musical celebration. Join Rosita, Grover, Zoe, and Cookie Monster as they work together to help Elmo find his Christmas wish!

Winter Wonderland on Ice – Christmas glistens on a stage of ice, jewels and light as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice-skating extravaganza. In addition to graceful skaters, the show also features towering fountains of water and a sea of lighted trees sparkling over the lake. It’s a don’t-miss experience for the holidays that will take your breath away.

Sea of Trees – Take a walk through our wintery, watery wonderland. This glistening forest of more than 100 Christmas trees sparkles to music and lights up the water.

The Christmas Village – Artisans, festive entertainment, and delicious culinary delights create a bustling market that lines Bayside Pathway. Guests can discover one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoy scrumptious holiday treats, encounter playful elves and holiday characters, sing-a-long with musicians, and marvel at a charming model train village. It also is the perfect spot to view the Sea of Trees display, relaxing near the warm glow of the fire pit and sipping a holiday craft brew.

The best way to experience SeaWorld’s New Year’s Eve and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is with an Annual Pass offering unlimited general admission and free parking all year long. Florida residents can purchase an annual pass with EZPay, a convenient payment option starting at $13 per month. Pass holders can enjoy a variety of other perks, including discounts on food and beverage and savings on admission to Discovery Cove.

Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com and Join the conversation by using the hashtag #SeaWorldNewYear.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Splish Splash New Rain Coats are Pouring into the Disney Store

By

Danielle

-

December 23, 2015

Get ready to splish splash back to school when winter break is over, with new rain coats and boots from the Disney Store. There’s an adorable selection of new rain wear to keep your little ones dry this winter.

I love the coordinating collections available for both boys and girls!

Stormtrooper Rain Jacket for Kids - Star Wars: The Force Awakens Stormtrooper Rain Boots for Kids - Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The new Stormtrooper Rain Jacket and rain boots are a great release to go with the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie that opened in theaters earlier this month.
Ariel Rain Jacket for Girls Ariel Rain Boots for Kids
No one splashes better than a mermaid with the Ariel Rain Jacket for Girls and matching rain Boots.
The Good Dinosaur Rain Jacket for Boys Arlo Rain Boots for Kids - The Good Dinosaur
Arlo is the newest Disney Pixar hero to warm our hearts, so I love that they made a The Good Dinosaur Rain Jacket and
Arlo Rain Boots! Look at those adorable brown eyes!
Minnie Mouse Clubhouse Rain Jacket for Girls Minnie Mouse Clubhouse Rain Boots for Kids
This Minnie Mouse Clubhouse Rain Jacket is too cute, especially with the fun Minnie ears on the top of the hood! Of course you can jump in puddles at the clubhouse with out a pair of matching Minnie Mouse Clubhouse Rain Boots!

There’s so many great character choices at The Disney Store sure to delight your little Disney lover, from princesses to super heroes for them to stay dry in Disney Style!

‘Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival’ Opens Today at Epcot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 23, 2015

Today is the debut of ‘Disney & Pixar Short Firm Festival’ in Epcot’s Future World that we announced last month.

This 3D experience will give viewers a glimpse of the visionary minds that have created some of the well known animated movies today. The festival includes three short films: “Get a Horse”, “For the Birds”, and “La Luna”.

“Get a Horse” features Walt Disney providing the voice of Mickey Mouse. The film follows Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle Cow, and Horace Horsecollar on a musical wagon ride when Peg-leg Pete shows up and tries to ruin the ride.

“For the Birds” begins with small flocks of birds landing on a telephone wire. When a large dopey bird shows up the clique make fun of him – but things don’t go as they planned.

“La Luan” features a young boy going to work for the first time with his Papa and Grandpa. They row their old wooden boat out into the middle of the sea and wait. Eventually the boy is surprised when he finds out his family’s unusual line of work. He is faced with a decision: does he follow his family’s old tradition or make a way for himself?

The festival is located in the Magic Eye Theater in the Imagination Pavilion, former home of “Captain EO“. Stop by to be inspired by the creative minds at the heart of Disney.

Disney World has some great additions that are sure to make a Disney vacation in 2016 unforgettable. If you would like more information on planning a trip contact me at [email protected] to take advantage of my free vacation planning services. Whether you want a little help or a lot of help, I would be happy to work with you to plan a magical vacation!

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog