A look inside the Star Wars Launch Bay at Hollywood Studios

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December 22, 2015

The new Star Wars Launch Bay has opened up at Hollywood Studios and excited you may be! There’s something for every Star Wars fan here. Whether you want screen videos, play video games, check out movie props, meet your favorite Wookie or take a walk on the Dark side! It’s open during regular park hours.

When we entered there were Storm Troopers standing guard, choosing guests to take a photo with and having some fun. Well.. for a Storm Trooper. You walk through and a pretty cool poster of the characters throughout Star Wars.

You can go into the Movie Theater and watch a short 10 minute film celebrating the Star Wars saga. It has “behind the scenes” footage and exclusive interviews with those who made Star Wars what it has become! Then your journey begins..

Now the fun begins! You can head on over and meet your not so little fuzzy friend, Chewbacca and if you dare to meet the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, Darth…. Vader. Lines have died down some, at least during the duration I was there, it’s about 40-60 minute waits. Get an up close and personal look at some replica movie props, models and costumes. You can even buy some, like the Darth Vader suit, but it might turn your wife to the dark side spending $4,000 for it! You can also visit the Cantina, which is replicated from the films. You will probably also see a Jawa wondering around. Take a picture, have some fun and hold on to your collectibles! My daughter almost got hustled for her headphones!

Head into a gamer’s paradise and play Star Wars Infinity 3.0! Just don’t lose track of time, you are still at Disney and there’s so much to do!

Before you leave they have D-Tech on Demand AND MagicBand on Demand! Get your own personalized cell phone case or MagicBand.. and may the force be with you, always! Did you geek out yet? I did!

The Launch Bay is an exciting new addition for Star Wars fans! It is open during regular park hours located in the Animation Courtyard and no Fast Pass required!

And now starting December 18th enjoy Symphony in the Stars:A Galactic Spectacular nightly firework show! Also enjoy Star Wars inspired items that have been added to the Beverage and Food menus throughout the park.

Are you excited about the new Star Wars themed entertainment coming to Hollywood Studios?

My name is Jamie Porter. I am a local to Central Florida and Disney is my second home. Going to Disney to check out the newest and latest attractions is one of the perks! When I am not at Disney I am writing for Chip&Co and helping families book their magical adventures to Disney! Feel free to follow me on Facebook here or email me! [email protected]!

9 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Disney Vacation

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 22, 2015

Disney World is supposed to be the most magical place in the world, right? Then why do you hear about people not enjoying their Disney vacation or going there once and feeling like that was enough? I believe, as most Disney Addicts do, that all of the people who didn’t enjoy their Disney vacation just didn’t do it right!

Disney is AMAZING and everyone who leaves should be sad to go and look forward to coming back. So, where did the others go wrong? If you want to have a magical trip to Walt Disney World, I think these 9 things need to be avoided.

Here are my Top 9 Disney Vacation Mistakes.

1.Lack of Planning – I don’t think there is any vacation in the world where the phrase “Failing to plan is planning to fail” more than at Walt Disney World. I know people who thought Disney World was ok, but didn’t really care to go back; when talking to them I learned they didn’t know what FastPass+ was, they stayed off site, they did not use the dining plan or have their trip properly budgeted. The more planning you do before your trip, the more you are able to relax and enjoy while you are on the trip.

2.Over-planning – I know this might sound like the exact opposite of what I suggested in #1, but you must leave room for spontaneity. You can’t predict every amazing little surprise that might arise at Disney World. If you try to plan every minute of your day you are going to end up exhausted, frazzled, and disappointed. My advice is to talk to each person in your group and find out what their one or two “must-do” things are for the day. It could be a ride, a special snack or a show, and then plan those into your day. Plan what area of the park you are going to hit in what order, but do not plan everything. Know the important things and then go with the flow the rest of the time. Most people will not have fun if they are running from one spot to the next trying to fit it all in.

3. Not utilizing FastPass+ – People who spend a lot of time waiting in lines for rides at Disney World did not plan properly. The longest I have ever waited is 45 minutes and the majority of the time it is 20 minutes or less. If you don’t know what a FastPass+ is, read about it here. Do a little research to find out what rides are best to use your FastPass+ on. For example, at Magic Kingdom, Seven Dwarf Mine Train and Peter Pan are rides you definitely want to get a FastPass+ for in order to avoid a long wait, or arrive at park opening and hustle right back to the line first thing.

4. Pushing children past the breaking point – I have three little girls and as much as I hate to take a break in the middle of our exciting day at one of the Disney parks, I have learned the hard way (several times) that we NEED to plan for breaks. We go early when the crowds are lighter, break after lunch back at our hotel (one reason I love staying onsite), and hit the park again in the late afternoon or early evening. It’s important to take the break before your children are pushed past their breaking point. Once they are crying, irritated, and melting down it is much harder to regain control of the day, than if you preplan a time to rest outside of the parks.

5. Going at the wrong time – If you hate crowds with a passion or get anxiety being surrounded by a ton of people, then going to Disney World for spring break or the holidays is a mistake. If you hate being in hot humid weather, then going to Disney in July and August is going to be rough (trust me, I went in August when I was extremely pregnant). Do some research to find out what time of the year at Disney makes the most sense for your family. What weather will you enjoy the most? What events do you want to participate in? Do you love Christmas but hate a crowd? Then try going to Disney World in mid-November when you can go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party before the crazy holiday crowds start to show up. A little research goes a long way here.

6. Not utilizing Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs)– If you are staying at a Disney property you can make dining reservations 180 days in advance, and there are some restaurants that if you miss the 180 day reservation mark you might not get the reservation you were hoping for. Disney World is not a place that you can just show up to and wait 10 minutes to be seating at any restaurants you want. The dates for my last Disney trip were planned much later than normal and we struggled to get reservations that we wanted and had to make some compromises because some of them just didn’t come through.

7. Not budgeting correctly – Let’s be honest… Disney World is expensive. It’s an amazing vacation, but it does come at a cost. And, if you don’t really know what that cost is, you might not have the best time. Do a little research to find ways to save and check promotions. Make sure that you budget and plan for extras, that way if something unexpected comes up or you just really want to buy that Mickey and Minnie salt and pepper shaker, you can without breaking your budget. If you plan on eating at some of the delicious restaurants throughout Disney property, remember to budget in money for a tip (and if you are using the Dining plan remember that gratuity is not included) and to tip your mousekeeper each day. Once you set a realistic budget stick to it so you don’t have vacation regrets once you get home.

8. Choosing the wrong hotel or staying offsite – I am a big believer of staying on property. Can you save money by staying somewhere else? Maybe. Is it worth it? Not in my opinion. Staying at a Disney hotel gives you a heap of advantages that you can’t get anywhere else: Magical Express, Disney transportation (monorail, buses, boats), Extra Magic Hours, and earlier ADRs and FastPass+ times. But, my favorite perk is the ease of going back and forth to your hotel. There are other locations that offer transportation to Disney parks, but it is no where near as convenient as the Disney transportation. You have shorter commute times, the buses come much more frequently, and you are dropped off and picked up at much better locations closer to the park entrances. There are so many great resorts to choose from and the theming is different at each one. You should spend a little time researching each option to find which hotel your family will love.

9. Not letting go – Take Elsa’s advice here. When your vacation begins and you get to Disney World, just let it go. The magic of Disney has a way of coming in and taking away all the stress of “real life”. Don’t worry about all the things you spend your everyday worrying about. Just have fun. Act like a kid again. Skip and jump, hug your favorite character and get excited when you see Cinderella Castle. Allow the magic of the place to take over and enjoy Disney the way a child does. Drop your guard and don’t worry about what the other people around you are thinking, just let it go!

Have fun putting in the planning time and have a magical trip to Walt Disney World! If this sounds like more work than you care to do, but you still want that magical vacation, contact me at [email protected] and take advantage of my free vacation planning services. I love planning for Disney vacations and would love to help you plan for yours!

Star Wars : The Force Awakens Becomes An Unstoppable Force

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 21, 2015

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has been the weekend’s topic of conversation. From the lines at the mall to the social media pages, everyone is talking about the story line, merchandise or their love / hate of the latest film. But nothing is speaking louder than the box office numbers, the film has brought in for opening weekend. Coming in as the biggest North American debut, Star Wars: The Force Awakens topped the record breaking charts at $238 million over the weekend. The record held by Universal’s Jurassic World at almost $209 this summer was a high mark to match, but the film met and surpassed it with ease.

Perhaps it was the hype and lockdown by the studios, that gave it the extra push or the fact that fans have been waiting a long time for this seventh installment. But I would venture to say that the deciding factor was the amazing and incredible work by all involved in this film which has turned it into an instant fan favorite and has many (my son included) on their 3rd or 4th viewing this weekend. Audiences were predominantly male however, Daily Ridley’s role and the Star Wars attraction brought in a fair share of females and teens to the seats.

The first in the new trilogy of the next Star Wars adventures, The Force Awakens takes us to a galaxy far, far away where the Resistance (good guys) and First Order (bad guys) are battling it out for power. The disappearance of Luke Skywalker and the changes in the galaxy bring a group of favorite and new characters together in an adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. Evil villian – Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), along with Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), C-3Po (Anthony Daniels) and R2D2 (Kenny Baker) and newcomers, Rey (Daisy Ridley), Ex-Stormtropper Finn (John Boyega), X-wing pilot, Poe (Oscar Isaac) give stellar performances. Under the direction of JJ Abrams, the film will continue to burst through and dominate the box office numbers for weeks to come.

The question left to be asked is not have you seen the film, but how many times have you or will you see it this holiday season? Comment below and follow us on www.chipandco.com for more Star Wars and Disney news, updates and promotions!

Where does wireless work the Best at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 21, 2015

Wireless service at Walt Disney World is always a debate. Some people love it and some people hate it. I have noticed it is one of those hit or miss things. Recently a study was published detailing the wireless coverage areas in the parks by Global Wireless Solutions. There are 4 major wireless carriers, out of those Sprint had the worst coverage. AT&T had the best coverage. Verizon is second and T-mobile ranked number 3.

They focused mainly on the Magic Kingdom.

The Magic Kingdom averages nearly 53,000 daily visitors making it the most visited theme park in the world. All of these happy and excited visitors in one venue can really stress the wireless operators’ networks. Can you imagine the impact as visitors throughout the day are energetically tapping away on their mobile devices to share their experiences of the park with their friends and family via social networks, whether it’s Instagram or Snapchat. GWS performed multiple social media simulation tests to gauge the experiences visitors could expect, whether they want to just send a tweet or live stream their visit via Periscope. Findings include:

AT&T was ranked as the best network for visitors that want to browse their social feeds, which can be one of the most common social media activities for users while they’re waiting in line for the next ride – clicking on links in Facebook or general browsing in Instagram and Twitter
AT&T and Verizon tied top for the best operators for tweeting (without images or video) your way through your magical visit, though all carriers performed admirably on simulations for status updates on sites like Facebook and Twitter
Verizon was the most robust network for sharing a selfie or video via social media, edging out AT&T for the top spot for uploading a selfie on social media sites such as Instagram and Snapchat
AT&T was by far the best network for downloading heavy streaming media. For parents turning to Netflix or YouTube videos to calm down a little one or when stuck waiting for the kids to get off the rides, those with
AT&T will find the best performance with these kinds of tasks
LAND-BY-LAND COMPARISON

GWS tested a range of key indicators for mobile performance in developing these rankings- including download speed, upload speed and task success reliability. These metrics were combined to determine both the overall mobile experience for visitors of the park and a land-by-land comparison. The latter
of which are as follows (from best to worst):

Main Street
Tomorrow Land
Adventure Land
Fantasy Land
Liberty Square
Frontier Land

Check out Global Wireless Solutions for more info.

Photo Credit: Global Wireless Solutions

What are your experiences with wireless service at Disney World?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney and Alibaba Start a Chinese Streaming Service

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 21, 2015

Disney in connection with Alibaba are launching a Mickey Mouse shaped device that will be available only in China. The device is to stream Disney’s movies, TV shows etc, right on their TV.

It’s available for pre-sale on Alibaba’s site Tmall.com for $125. You get a one year subscription to the service called DisneyLife included in the price. You will also be able to buy Disney merchandise and plan your next trip to Disneyland Hong Kong and the new Shanghai Disney, when it opens in 2016.

Keep in mind that you will need an internet connection.

Other Chinese internet companies have been striking up deals left and right with entertainment companies to increase their services. So, Alibaba has to compete.

Disney is always looking for new ways to reach more fans, so this is no different. In the US Disney recently announced that Sony’s Playstation Vue Internet TV streaming service will host ESPN, and ABC.

Photo Credit: cnbc.com

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Where does wireless work the Best at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 21, 2015

Wireless service at Walt Disney World is always a debate. Some people love it and some people hate it. I have noticed it is one of those hit or miss things. Recently a study was published detailing the wireless coverage areas in the parks by Global Wireless Solutions. There are 4 major wireless carriers, out of those Sprint had the worst coverage. AT&T had the best coverage. Verizon is second and T-mobile ranked number 3.

They focused mainly on the Magic Kingdom.

The Magic Kingdom averages nearly 53,000 daily visitors making it the most visited theme park in the world. All of these happy and excited visitors in one venue can really stress the wireless operators’ networks. Can you imagine the impact as visitors throughout the day are energetically tapping away on their mobile devices to share their experiences of the park with their friends and family via social networks, whether it’s Instagram or Snapchat. GWS performed multiple social media simulation tests to gauge the experiences visitors could expect, whether they want to just send a tweet or live stream their visit via Periscope. Findings include:

AT&T was ranked as the best network for visitors that want to browse their social feeds, which can be one of the most common social media activities for users while they’re waiting in line for the next ride – clicking on links in Facebook or general browsing in Instagram and Twitter
AT&T and Verizon tied top for the best operators for tweeting (without images or video) your way through your magical visit, though all carriers performed admirably on simulations for status updates on sites like Facebook and Twitter
Verizon was the most robust network for sharing a selfie or video via social media, edging out AT&T for the top spot for uploading a selfie on social media sites such as Instagram and Snapchat
AT&T was by far the best network for downloading heavy streaming media. For parents turning to Netflix or YouTube videos to calm down a little one or when stuck waiting for the kids to get off the rides, those with
AT&T will find the best performance with these kinds of tasks
LAND-BY-LAND COMPARISON

GWS tested a range of key indicators for mobile performance in developing these rankings- including download speed, upload speed and task success reliability. These metrics were combined to determine both the overall mobile experience for visitors of the park and a land-by-land comparison. The latter
of which are as follows (from best to worst):

Main Street
Tomorrow Land
Adventure Land
Fantasy Land
Liberty Square
Frontier Land

Check out Global Wireless Solutions for more info.

Photo Credit: Global Wireless Solutions

What are your experiences with wireless service at Disney World?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

What To Get Your Disney Lover For Christmas: The “Hers” List

By

Catie

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December 21, 2015

Last week I wrote about some great Gift Ideas for the Disney Man in your life in hopes that it would inspire you all to get out there and stimulate the economy and get your Christmas shopping done early! Since I already talked about the men, today I want to focus on What to get the Disney-Loving female in your life:

Jewelry: Always a good choice for women, no matter what their age – is something sparkly! There are plenty of affordable (and adorable!) options available at the Disney Parks or online – and they have it all – necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and charms for bracelets too. There’s even an exclusive Disney Alex & Ani Collection of bracelets (I have two of them and they are so pretty!), or if you want to branch out from the Disney branded offerings to something handmade, check out the Disney shops on Etsy (there’s a TON of them, and they have some pretty great stuff available, most of which can be customized!)

Framed Trip Photos: Most women I know LOVE receiving photo gifts (myself included!), a snapshot of a memory is a great present to give – not to mention an easy one! There are plenty of Disney Frames you can purchase, and then all you have to do is pop a photo in the frame and you’ve got an easy (and thoughtful!) gift

Something Cuddly: What better way to keep her warm when you aren’t around than with Disney blanket? They come in a variety of styles, and would look perfect artfully draped over the back of the couch, don’t you think? A nice Disney hoodie or maybe a Disney plush of her favorite character would be a great gift too!

Purses/Bags: What woman wouldn’t love to open up a Disney Dooney & Bourke or a Disney Vera Bradley on Christmas morning? They have some pretty awesome styles, and they come out with new designs a few times every year. The Vera and Dooney lines are amazing, but tend to run a little more on the expensive side – so consider a classic tote bag or maybe a makeup bag instead – there are plenty of options under $50 – check them out here.

MAKE her something: If you’re on a tight Christmas gift budget, or if maybe you’re wanting something that much more special, then you should consider making her something this year! A scrapbook or photo album with all your best Disney trip photos is always a good idea, or if she collects Disney Pins then maybe she needs a way to display them, and this DIY Disney Pins Display Case is the perfect thing. Check out some other Disney DIY gift inspiration here

Christmas shopping can be difficult – but I’m betting that the Disney lover in your life would be super thrilled to get any of these great gifts! Hopefully this article helped give you some ideas, or maybe even inspired you to come up with someone even more awesome?

Let us know – what are you giving YOUR Disney lover this Christmas?

Passengers stuck on Sky Tower at Sea World Orlando

By

Chip

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December 21, 2015

2e895655ac3c4c57bdaa0c130ced8616 skytower 460x345

It is being reported that around 50 guests are stuck on the Skytower at the Sea World Orlando theme park. The ride malfunctioned Monday afternoon and guest have been stranded for several hours already and it could be atleast 2 more hours to get them down.

Fire officials and Sea World crew are on hand and trying to get the stranded guests down.

Rescue underway for passengers stuck on ride at SeaWorld Orlando https://t.co/TE4Evss54X pic.twitter.com/9aZQeegpui

— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) December 21, 2015

We are working closely with Orange County Fire Rescue to quickly and safely remove all guests from the ride. We are in constant communication with the guests and team members on the ride, and all passengers are safe,” SeaWorld’s senior communications director Aimée Jeansonne Becka said in a statement Monday. “The safety of our guests and team members is SeaWorld’s top priority.”

Update: As of 3:30pm Orange County Fire & Rescue was able to safely lower the capsule. Great news!

Top 8 BB-8 Toys

By

Danielle

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December 21, 2015

By now if you know Star Wars, you know about the newest, and cutest addition to the Droid family “BB-8”. His cute charm has rolled him not only into our hearts, but has also inspired some of the coolest toys on the market! The Droid us an Astromech with a white and orange motif that is reminiscent of The Resistance, and I for one can’t resist welcoming him with open arms.

In honor of the new Droid on the block, we’ve put together our Top 8 BB-8 toys that we must have!

8.) Funko Pop Vinyl Figure Bobble Head BB-8

Funko Pop figures have stolen the hearts of many fandom lovers, they offer high quality vinyl replicas of many favorite characters, that are durable to stand the test of time, or even to play with the kids. The BB-8 version comes with it’s own little stand to display his round cuteness proudly!

7.) Hot Wheels Die Cast BB-8

Tiny die cast cars are just fun! Hot Wheels have long been a collectible favorite for young and old alike. They did a great job of re-imagining the droid into a 4 wheel racer that’s designed in 1:64-scale with true-to-character features and decorations.

6.) BB-8 Talking Plush

This softer version of our new Droid friend is just under 12 inches tall, and has original movie sounds that you can listen to by squeezing him. This plush version is great for hugs, because Droids need hugs too!

5.) Glowing Sphere BB-8 Puzzle

This puzzle is just TOO cool! Not only is it a spherical 3 dimensional puzzle, it also has a glowing LED light to act as a night light. How about that for puzzle functionality? Clever clever little Droid!

4.) Light up spinning BB-8 Top

This finely detailed BB-8 spin top lights up and makes droid sounds while spinning! The top has an on and off switch so it can be played with or without the lights and sounds.

3.) Talking BB-8

The talking BB-8 is a good size at 9 and a half inches tall, and comes with 17 sound effects with a moving head and body. He doesn’t move like some of the other versions, but he’s one of the more detailed ones for his size, and jut under a foot tall.

2.) Remote Control BB-8

You can launch into the interactive fun of the Star Wars universe with this remote control Droid! This RC BB-8 figure stands a foot tall, and rolls in any direction you point him in. He also makes expressive droid sounds as he rolls into adventure. This one is really only second to the next toy on our list…

1.) Sphero App Enabled BB-8

Last but most certainly not least we have the Sphero App enabled BB-8 robot. This has been one of the hottest toys on the market this year. It features authentic movement that you can guide with your tablet or smart phone. The toy can also recognize and react to your voice! With an adaptive personality that changes as you play, BB-8 will show a range of expressions based on your interactions, and even perk up when you give voice commands. One of the absolutely coolest things about this robot is it can move autonomously, you can set it to patrol and watch as your Droid explores the galaxy… or maybe just your living room, your choice! This robot is so finely detailed it’s a shock that it’s something you can actually own, and not just a movie prop.

What do you think of our Top 8 must have BB8 toys, did your favorites make it on our list? I would love to see some videos of Sphero BB-8 robot droids in action!

Second Season of Disney XD’s 7D to Premiere this January!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 21, 2015

Notable guest stars join season two of “The 7D,” a comedic take on the Seven Dwarfs, beginning Saturday, January 23 (9:30 a.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Set in the world of Jollywood, the series follows the adventures of pint-sized heroes – Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Grumpy and Doc – as they work together to help the eccentric Queen Delightful keep her kingdom in order and fend off the Glooms, a novice warlock and witch couple who continually plot to overtake the throne.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne will guest star in an upcoming episode as Hildy Gloom‘s parents, the Duke and Duchess of Drear. Hildy is voiced by Kelly Osbourne.

Other season two guest stars include Fran Drescher as Encyclopedia Enchantica, a talking encyclopedia that provides the 7D with a wealth of knowledge; Amy Sedaris as Nocturna, the kooky keeper of nightmares; Jim Belushi as Coach Coachy, the world’s greatest Jollyball coach; Jay Mohr as both King Groucherooney, Grumpy’s cantankerous cousin, and Suave Seashell, a flashy game show host; George Takei as Dr. Sweet Tooth, Jollywood’s cheery dentist; and “Weird Al” Yankovic as Shapeshifter, a villainous sorcerer who can morph into any shape of his choice.

In addition to Osbourne, “The 7D” voice cast includes Jess Harnell (Disney Junior’s “Sofia the First” and “Doc McStuffins”) as Grim Gloom, Leigh-Allyn Baker (Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie”) as Queen Delightful, Disney Legend Bill Farmer (the voice of Goofy) as Doc, Maurice LaMarche (“Pinky and the Brain”) as Grumpy, Kevin Michael Richardson (“The Cleveland Show”) as Happy, Dee Bradley Baker (Disney’s “Phineas and Ferb”) as Dopey, Scott Menville (“Teen Titans Go!”) as Sneezy, Stephen Stanton (Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins”) as Sleepy, Billy West (“Ren & Stimpy”) as Bashful, and Paul Rugg (“Animaniacs”) as Lord Starchbottom.

In the season two premiere episode titled “When Pigs Fly/Knight School,” the 7D must stop a group of flying pigs from eating all the food in Jollywood and Bashful enrolls in Knight School to win the Queen’s attention back from a charming, dragon-fighting knight.

Stay tuned for more 7D!

Disney Find- Elegant Character Inspired Jewelry

By

Danielle

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December 21, 2015

I love having a little bit of Disney inspiration where ever I go, but sometimes I want a subtle statement to express my favorite character. That’s why today’s Disney Find we have found these elegant jewelry pieces by Etsy Designer Solistar, that are inspired by favorite Disney themes.

Solistar‘s jewelry pieces are handmade to order, and come in different finishes like gold, silver, and rose gold. They are dainty and beautiful, and perfect to wear as an expression of your Disney love to school, work or just every day life. I feel they are also perfect additions for pulling together a Disneybound look! Check out some of my favorite picks of her delicate items below.

Ariel’s Voice Gold Finish Necklace
Ariel’s Voice Silver Finish Necklace
Ariel’s Voice Rose Gold Finish Necklace (I really love the rose gold finish, it adds a certain uniqueness!)
Mermaid Shell Necklace
Belle Big Rose Gold Finish Necklace
Belle Rose Personalized
Lovely Belle Rose Gold Finish (I love the daintiness of this one.)
Lovely Belle Rose Silver Finish
Love is an Open Door
Frozen Ice Glass Personalized Necklace
Frozen Snowflake Necklace
Frozen Bracelet
Ariel’s Voice Gold Finish Bracelet
Let it Go Necklace
Belle Big Rose Necklace

These beautiful pieces are available starting at just $15.80, and are just beautiful! Which one will you wear for your next touch of Disney character inspiration?

Top 10 Best Themed Restaurants at Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 21, 2015

Disney is all about the little details, you can see it all through their movies, parks, resorts, and cruise ships. There are some restaurants at Disney World that make you feel as though you are no longer inside of a theme park, or even in Florida, but have been transported to a completely different country, time period or even into a movie. Here are the ten best themed restaurants in the Walt Disney World Resort.

50’s Prime Time Cafe – Step into the 1950’s and you’ll be called to the table where you’ll be served by family. While you wait for your food be sure to check out all of the knick knacks on the walls and watch some wholesome 1950’s TV – at the table for some. Once your home cooked pot pie, pot roast or meatloaf arrive be sure to keep your elbows off the table and eat your vegetables. If you don’t you may end up standing in the corner, singing in front of everyone, or even being feed your veggies by your waitress.

Tusker House – Say Jumbo to Donald and his friends in their safari gear as you wait for your African safari. The buffet section of the restaurant is an African marketplace just outside of the safari outpost and hotel. Be sure to check out all of the amazing Africa artifacts all around the central area – the imagineer that designed Tusker House brought them back from Africa. To add to the feel that you really are in African the cuisine is African and delicious.

Gaston’s Tavern – If you find that you have a hungry that only a beast sized snack can cure while you stroll through the quaint French village of Belle and Gaston then make your make to Gaston’s Tavern. Before you even enter the tavern you’ll be greeted by a fountain with Gaston as the centerpiece. Inside you’ll find a dart game between Gaston and LeFou. You’ll also find a giant chair that’s great for taking photos and lots of antlers. After all, Gaston does use them in all of his decorating.

San Angel Inn Restaurante – This Mexican eatery is located in the pyramid in the Mexico Pavilion. Enter into the marketplace where it is always night time and be transported to Mexico. The restaurant is located on the banks of the Gran Fiesta Tour and you’ll feel as though you’re actually dining in Mexico. On one side you have the lively marketplace and on the other you have a view if a beautiful volcano.

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue – While this one is a dinner show and not necessarily a restaurant they do serve food and it is beautifully themed. Located just a short walk from either the bus stop of the dock at the Fort Wilderness Resort Pioneer Hall fits in wonderfully with the rest of the old time, cowboy feel buildings in the area. After the dinner bell rings step inside to find rustic décor like a mounted deer head. You’ll feel as though you’re back in the old west. The table setting is simple, the plates are metal just like the buckets that the food chicken and ribs will be served in. Your drinks will be served in mason jars. And you’ll be treated to all you can eat delicious country foods while you enjoy a show from the Pioneer Hall Players.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater – There are not many drive-in movie theaters left in the US (I’m lucky enough to have one near me), but have no fear, you can dine at the drive-in at Hollywood Studios. The room is dimly lit to give the feel of actually dining under the stars at a drive-in theater. Tables are set up inside of cars that all face the large movie screen that shows bits of sci-fi features and commercials from the past. Signs that read “dim your lights” can be found on the walls if you look up you’ll find stars in the sky. The kitchen is also the snack bar. Who doesn’t love eating at the drive-in?

Biergarten – The Germany Pavilion at Epcot as a whole is beautifully themed, but when you step inside Biergaten you really are transported to Germany. It is always night time and Oktoberfest in this Bavarian town and it is breathtaking. The simplistic, but beautiful German houses, the balconies, and the water mill are incredibly detailed. In the middle of the square there is a dance floor and a stage where the Oktoberfest band performs traditional German music while you enjoy traditional German fare.

Liberty Tree Tavern – Nestled in Liberty Square Liberty Tree Tavern transports you to revolutionary America. Guests wait to be seated in a main lobby type area that houses a large cooking fireplace, cooking tools and ingredients and a spinning wheel. Each of the dining rooms are themed after an important person from this era – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, Ben Franklin, John Paul John, and Paul Revere. Each room is decorated not only in the style of the time period, but also with little touches that are unique to that historical figure. For example, in the Betsy Ross room there are flags, in the Ben Franklin room there is kite, and there is naval décor in the John Paul Jones room. If you dine here at dinner time you will fest upon fare reminiscent of America’s favorite meal – Thanksgiving.

Restaurant Marrakesh – Many out there will say that the Morocco Pavilion is the best themed out of the eleven countries in Epcot. All of the little details are perfect – and Restaurant Marrakesh is not different. You will feel as though you as dining in a Moroccan palace will high ceilings and towering pillars. Intricate tile work covers parts of the walls as well as the ceiling and the detailed chandeliers and lanterns are the only light source. Throughout your meal you will be entertained with traditional Moroccan music and belly dancing! You will certainly enjoy your trip to this far away land.

Be Our Guest – Cross the bridge and enter into Beast’s castle. Stone creatures are used in place of columns to keep the structure sturdy. Off to the left as you enter, by the exit door there is a stained glass of Belle and her prince. Tapestries are also hug artfully throughout the castle. If you dine here for breakfast or lunch you will walk through the hall of suits of armor – listen closely, they talk. There are three dining rooms, the main dining room, the West Wing, and the Rose Gallery. The Rose Gallery is decorated with portraits, a rose chandelier, and an enormous music box featuring Belle and the Beast. This dining room is not open for dinner. The West Wing is a darker room which houses a portrait of the prince that periodically transforms into a portrait of the Beast for a brief moment. The main dining room is the ballroom – here you’ll find large windows behind which snow softly falls. Grand chandeliers hang from the high ceiling which is also the home of a painting depicting cherubs. No matter where and when you dine you will certainly be pleased.

Did we miss one? What is your favorite themed Disney World restaurant? Let us know in the comments!

My name is Miriya Whitaker, I am a travel agent with World of Magic Travel, a writer for Chip and Co and Disney Addicts, and I love Disney dining. I would love to help you plan a magical vacation and find out which dining locations are best for you and your family! Contact me at [email protected] to get started and follow me on Facebook for more Disney and travel information!