Craft Away the Winter Blues with Disney Crochet Kits

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December 19, 2015

Winter break is upon us, and for those of us not spending it in Disney, we’ll have to find ways to stay entertained while snuggled up in doors! Crafts and DIY projects are great ways to keep everyone busy when the weather is too cold and snowy to go out and play. There’s nothing like creating fond family memories with a touch of Disney, a fun craft and a cup of cozy hot cocoa!

I’m pretty crafty, and can be handy with DIY project, but sometimes I have a hard time finding a starting point. These cute little Crochet kits popped up on my news feed the other day and I thought, THOSE are perfect for spending a chilly day inside with my family, and making fun projects. There’s many themes, but I managed to find a few Disney themed ones. These kits include everything necessary to begin creating beloved Disney characters from Mickey to Elsa, and even Winnie the Pooh and Yoda. With a paperback book complete with photos and step-by-step instructions, these kits includes yarn, felt, a crochet hook, a needle, embroidery thread, and even stuffing. Providing enough materials to assemble two adorable characters!

Check out the ones available for crafting your favorite Disney characters into Cozy Toys:

The Classic Disney Crochet kit offers traditional favorites like Mickey, Minnie, Donald and more!

The Disney Princess Crochet kit features many favorite princesses, including the Brave Merida!

If you want to keep with a wintery theme have no worries, the Frozen Crochet kit is here to give you warm hugs!

Of course Star Wars is all the rage right now, with Episode 7: The Force Awakens hitting theaters this month! Get your Jedi mind tricks fine tuned with the Star Wars Crochet kit.

There’s even a Winnie the Pooh kit if you just happen to be having a Blustery Day!

I hope these fun kits will give you some family fun filled Disney entertainment to keep you cozy indoors this winter! Which kit is your favorite?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Press Conference – Part 1

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 19, 2015

Lucasfilm/Walt Disney Company hosted the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Conference in a secret location last week. As is common of the press events, the invitations usually arrive with sufficient time to prepare questions and along with an opportunity to see the film before hand. This was not the case with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The site information was provided almost at the last moment and with explicit instructions and limitations as to what could and could not be shared on social media venues. After obtaining directions, I headed out to the top secret site.

Upon my arrival, I was greeted with a crowd unlike any I have ever witnessed. There was a huge curtain at the entrance and as I was ushered in I was asked whether I wanted to join the dark side or the light side. Depending on my choice, I would receive a wristband (black or white). I chose light (of course) and was given access into the event. Once inside we were given the opportunity to take pictures with many of the Star Wars Characters including C3Po and R2D2 and the newest favorite BB-8. A section of the room was also set up to allow us to play Disney Infinity 3.0 with the new Star Wars Characters. Another section had tables full of Star Wars merchandise. Other activities included designing my own T-Shirt (Bad Robot Productions), making a virtual reality video with one of the characters, lunch and ice cream (courtesy of Ample Hills Creamery) for dessert which included two flavors – the dark side (chocolate, brownies and other dark goodies) and the light side (vanilla, marshmellows and rice krispies).

Finally the moment had arrived for the stars to make their appearance. The group of panelists consisted of Carrie Fisher (“Leia”), JJ Abrams (Director/Producer), Daisy Ridley (“Rey”), Adam Driver (“Kylo Ren”), Lupita Nyong’o (“Maz Kanata”) and Lawrence Kasdan (Screenplay Writer), Harrison Ford (“Han Solo”), John Boyega (“Finn”), Oscar Isaac (“Poe Dameron”), Gwendoline Christie (“Captain Phasma”), Kathleen Kennedy (Producer).

The event was moderated by Mindy Kaling who did a great job. Visit Chipandco.com for Star Wars: The Force Awakens Press Conference – Part 2 and 3 to read about all the best moments of the conference.

I leave you with a few pictures of the amazing experiences we had during the press event.

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Disney Find- Adorable Mouse Hat and Mitten Combos

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Danielle

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December 19, 2015

Baby it’s COLD outside! Snow is beginning to fall, and even Walt Disney World is feeling the cooling breezes of winter. It’s a beautiful time of year full of sparkling snowflakes, tasty hot cocoa, and cozy accessories like hats, scarves & mittens!

Recently I discovered that our friend over at TinksDisneyBoutique has been doing more than making her gorgeous autograph books, she’s now making amazing Mouse Hat, Scarf and mitten combos to keep us warm during these chilly winter months! She even makes a light up one! How perfect would a light up mouse hat scarf & mitten combo be for enjoying hot cocoa while watching the Cinderella’s Castle lighting, or Osborn Family Festival of Lights? If you’re excited like I am, check out her newest handmade creations here:

These Disney inspired hat & mittens combos are just the cutest, and starting at only $35.00, hurry and check them out before their inventory thaws out!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens invades the White House

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Chip

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December 19, 2015

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It seems President Obama is a fan of Star Wars too! He kept his year-end press conference brief so he could catch Star Wars: The Force Awakens before leaving on Christmas vacation with his family.

Afterwards White House Press secretary Josh Earnest was joined by R2-D2 & 2 Stormtroopers in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House. The characters were on hand for the special screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens for children of Gold Star Families an organization of family members who lost relatives in military combat.

First Lady Michelle Obama posted this video on Twitter.

Welcome to the @WhiteHouse, R2-D2. #StarWars pic.twitter.com/LVJZereiUh

— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) December 19, 2015

Star Wars: The Force Awakens had a record breaking preview night of approximately $57 million in sales and is expected to break the box office record. Experts predict that the The Force awakens could bring in between $180 million and $223 million in the US and Canada this weekend – overtaking Jurassic World’s $208.8 million record.

Photo credit Reuters

10 Tips to Improve Your Next Disney World Vacation

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 19, 2015

Planning a trip to Disney can be tough. That is why I came up with these 10 Tips to Improve Your Next Disney World Vacation!

1) Take Your Time – There really is so much to see and do during a Disney vacation. It can be overwhelming for both first timers and seasoned park veterans alike. Of course you want to make sure that you experience all your must-do attractions, but there is something really wonderful about taking your time through the parks. Some of my favorite moments at Disney World have been casually strolling through the park, taking the time to enjoy the moment and really look at my surroundings. Disney puts details into everything so make sure to look slow down, look up, and take it all in.

2) Make Dining Reservations in Advance – Nothing can drag a day down quicker than a hungry meltdown. Whether you are on the Disney Dining Plan, or are paying for each meal individually, it’s a good idea to schedule your dining reservations before your trip. If you are going to be a guest staying in a Walt Disney World Resort, you can start making your dining reservations 180 days before your trip. Some restaurants such as Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest are notoriously hard to book – even if you log on the second your reservation window opens. But even if you can’t secure these hot seats, there are so many amazing restaurants throughout Walt Disney World that you can be sure that you will be able to book something great for you and your family. During my last Disney vacation I enjoyed dinner at Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot and it was amazing! You can read my review of it here.

3) Fast FastPass+ Reservations in Advance – Similar to making dining reservations in advance, if you are a guest staying in a Walt Disney World Resort, you can begin to choose your FastPass+ experiences 60 days before your vacation. If you are looking to meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen, or ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train without waiting half the day, make sure to book these experiences early. FastPass+ is a great feature and it allows you to plan your day and make sure that you experience all of your favorite attractions without waiting in line. To read more about what FastPass+ options are worth it, and which ones aren’t, you can read my suggestions for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

4) Take Lots of Pictures – Whether you purchased Memory Maker or are using your own camera, make sure that you capture all your memories! Photos are great way to get a free souvenir from your trip. Disney PhotoPass photographers are always happy to take a picture using your own camera at no charge, so don’t miss out on all the great photo ops. Not all photos have to be perfectly posed though. Take candid snapshots throughout the day and you may find that those photos mean much more than the staged ones.

5) Plan Your Day – If you’ve made dining reservations and booked FastPass+ options in advance, chances are your day is already pretty planned out. However, make sure to grab a map and Time’s Guide when entering the park so that you can quickly check when different parades and shows are taking place. I’m a little (okay, a lot) obsessive and I make an itinerary for each day before I leave for vacation, but if you aren’t as crazy as me, try planning your day over breakfast before you really hit the pavement.

6) Pack Light – I’m a notorious over-packer when it comes to my suitcases, but when I’m packing my park bag I like to pack a little lighter. I hate having to carry around a heavy back pack all day through the parks so I really only bring the necessities with me. This will vary for everyone of course by my bag usually contains; sunscreen, water bottle, wallet, phone, hand sanitizer, light jacket (depending on time of year), sunglasses, cliff bar.

7) Stay Hydrated – Central Florida can get very hot and very humid during the summer months. Beat the heat and stay hydrated! For me, it’s hard to remember to keep drinking water all the time. Instead of keeping your water bottle in your bag all day – carry it! This will keep it on your mind and you’ll be more likely to take a sip if you don’t have to stop and dig it out of your bag first. I’m a big fan of brining my own water bottle and refilling it at drinking fountains throughout the day. However, if you aren’t into that, any quick service restaurant will give you water for free if you ask for it – no purchase required

8) Enjoy the Little Things – Remember when I told you to slow down and take your time? Well this goes right along with it. Take time to enjoy the little things! Sure, Space Mountain is amazing – but so is sitting and watching the ducks swimming by the castle. Don’t let your whole vacation pass you by as you rush to the next attraction.

9) Take a Break – Your legs and your feet will get sore throughout the day. You will feel overwhelmed by 3pm, and you will want a moment of peace and quiet to regain your strength. There are so many great spots to take a break at Disney World without having to leave the park for a siesta at your resort (but that is a great option too!). Whether you are in Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, there are always options!

10) Get Some Sleep – It’s so tempting to stay for extra magic hours until midnight (or later) and then get up early for extra magic hours the next morning. It’s great if you can find the strength to do that but make sure that you are getting enough sleep! Think about your normal, non-Disney day – you probably aren’t running around, walking, standing, etc for 12 or more hours each day. A Disney Vacation can take a toll on even the most fit person so do yourself a favor and let your muscles and mind relax at the end of a great day with some great shut-eye.

Do you have any more tips to add to the list? Share yours with me in the comments!

Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.

Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort Hotels

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2015

This year, the holidays at the Disneyland Resort are even merrier during the Diamond Celebration. This is a great time to visit the parks as well as stay at one of the three resort hotels. Here are some of the highlights of staying at the Disneyland Resort hotels during the holidays:

Christmas Tree at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel: The Christmas tree in Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel lobby is inspired by the sea. It is adorned with blue, green and silver ornaments, and also features shells, starfish and even a few surfboards!

Carolers: Every evening until December 25th, guests can enjoy the joyful sound of carolers at each resort hotel. Nothing better than carols to put you in the holiday spirit!

Holiday Shopping: The Fantasia Shop at the Disneyland Hotel and Acorns Gifts & Goods at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa have a fantastic selection of Disneyland Resort souvenirs and holiday-themed merchandise! Pick up a gift for that special someone, or even yourself!

Letters to Santa: For guests staying at the hotels, you can head over to Pinocchio’s Workshop to write letters to Santa. Located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, cast members have all the supplies you need to write—they’ll even mail your letters to the North Pole! It’s open from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day through December 24.

Lobby at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Like some of the hotels at Walt Disney World, the Grand Californian’s lobby features a “Grand” New Gingerbread House during the holidays. If the smell of the gingerbread house gets you hungry, you can get your own gingerbread cookie and hot chocolate from the refreshment stand located in the southeast corner of the lobby. The hotel’s Craftsman-inspired decor extends to the holiday decorations-especially the soaring Christmas tree lit with “arts and crafts” motif lanterns.

Steps Away from the Parks: Staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels provides guests with easy, convenient access to both parks. You won’t want to miss “A Christmas Fantasy” parade at Disneyland park and “World of Color – Winter Dreams” at Disney California Adventure park.

What’s your favorite thing about the Disneyland Resort hotels during the holidays?

Christmas is almost here but it’s not too late to book your Disneyland holiday vacation! Email me today at [email protected] to start planning!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Opening Day Record Breaking Numbers for Star Wars: The Force Awakens

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2015

Star Wars: The Force Awakens had a record breaking preview night of approximately $57 million in sales. The film which opens in theaters today, started things rolling on Wednesday, December 16th with its international debut in 12 markets and added another 32 markets on Thursday, December 17th. Opening at the number #1 spot on both days the international sales were reported as $72.7 million with a global reach close to $130 million. That’s a lot of FORCE!

The following breakdown provides numbers based on countries with the UK in the top of the category (UK $14.4M, France $7.8M, Germany $7.1M,
Australia $6.8M, Mexico $3.4M, Italy $3.1M, Russia $2.9M, Brazil $2.7M, Sweden $2.7M. The North American release along with Japan and Spain today will push the sales even further this weekend with more record breaking numbers to come. Fans have been lining up for weeks and media sites have been commenting since the Wednesday adding to the frenzy that is Star Wars.

The film is the first in a new trilogy set 30 years after the events in Return of the Jedi. Directed by JJ Abrams and starring familiar faces and new comers Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow.

Produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk. Executive Producers Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin and Screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan, J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt there is no way this would be anything less than a mega hit.

Don’t miss Star Wars: The Force Awakens at a theater near you! Let the Force pull you into a far, far away galaxy!

Universal Orlando’s New Year “Eve” Celebration 2015

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2015

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I’ve said this several times before and I’ll say it again! One of my favorite holiday’s is New Year’s Eve. You get to start a fresh new year with a bang, and new beginnings. What better way to celebrate then at Universal Orlando’s “Eve” Celebration at CityWalk.

With Christmas just a couple of weeks away that means that it’s almost time to enjoy Universal CityWalk’s jam-packed New Year’s celebration! I’m very excited about the new year, and all that Universal Orlando Parks has in store too.

Let’s talk about what this year’s event has to offer for the “EVE” event. You have a 6 clubs, 6 party zones, unlimited GOURMET food, HUGE dance floor to get your groove on, and new years EVE wouldn’t be complete without a midnight champagne toast and fireworks.

Once again the award-winning DJ M-Squared will be back for his THIRD year at Universal’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Dj M-Squared is very popular with several A-List celebrities, and top fashion designers. He’s also very popular with several prominent corporate brands. He seems to be loved by all, and he’ll be sharing his genre-shattering, one-of-a-kind music mixing talent to make Eve the unforgettable night you’ve been waiting for all year long.

Still not convinced that this is the place to be on New Year’s EVE then check out this video with the highlights of the event.

You have just a few more weeks before you can experience this amazing event, but tickets are selling out fast. For more information about planning a magical Universal Orlando vacation before it’s too late contact me anytime. I would love to help you plan the best vacation ever!

My name is Leigh Saleh. I’m a Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel. I’m a Universal Orlando Specialist, SeaWorld Parks Specialist, Legoland Florida Specialist and a Disney Destination Specialist as well as many more destinations including cruise lines. Email me today at [email protected] to book your next “Magical” family vacation to your favorite destination.

**The Official photographs and Youtube video provided by Universal Orlando**

Miami Man Rented out an Entire Movie Theater For “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and Donates tickets to Children’s Hospital

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2015

A man from Miami rented out a theater at Regal Cinemas South Beach for the big premiere of the very popular, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. However, he did not do it for his own benefit, he donated all 165 tickets to the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami. The very generous man goes by the name of “Purple”

The kids that are discharged from the hospital can see the movie in 3-D along with their family Friday night.

“One of the most remarked movies of modern history is coming out, and now children everywhere are excited about this movie, and now we get that opportunity to bring it to the children of our hospital,” said Kara Marante, Director of Children Experiences for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Amazing right?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Photo Credit: wsvn.com

Lucas Films Bringing More Star Wars Projects

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 18, 2015

Star Wars Fans are out in full force this week, waiting for the highly anticipated release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens which comes to theaters today. There have been fans in line for days and the tickets sales on line have hit record numbers. This new film launches a new trilogy and adds to the thrill of what will they come up with next?

To add to our excitement, we have learned that Lucas Film, president Kathleen Kennedy is saying there are a few projects that were thought to have been put on hold or cancelled that are instead just around the corner.

One of the projects is a television series called Star Wars: Underworld. At the time of the announcement over a decade ago by George Lucas, there were 100 episodes already written but it was put on hold. Now Kennedy shares they are taking a new look at this material and thinks the series has a future.

Another project is a gameplay demo shared at the 2012 E3 called Star Wars 1313. The game about a bounty hunter in Level 1313 of Coruscant was scrapped when Disney took over. But there is talk that the concept art may be used for other projects. Ms. Kennedy commented on the fact that all the material from 1313 is still around and will be reviewed very carefully. This gives us hope for new and exciting Star Wars projects!

Stay tuned to www.chipandco.com for all your Star Wars news, pictures and updates during this incredible new era of the force!

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Top 5 Star Wars Shirts You Must Own

By

Danielle

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December 18, 2015

Now that Star Wars: The Force Awakens is here, and many of us have seen it or will be seeing it too, the Star Wars Mania has grown even more! Nothing says I’m a Star Wars fan quite like sporting epic Star Wars threads though. I have to say I had a pretty hard time deciding on which would be the perfect shirt to wear to the premiere.

I decided I need to choose the 5 must have Star Wars shirts, so I don’t have this problem again in the future!

5.) The Force Awakens BB-8 Schematic T-Shirt. There’s no denying the cuteness of the franchise’s newest Droid BB-8, but how does he work? What Makes him roll? This fun shirt shows the inner workings of our newest Droid companion. He’s available now at Hot Topic! If you hurry you can also take 30% Off Site wide!

4.) Star Wars Boss Boba Fett Tee. I can’t lie, Boba Fett is one of my all time favorite characters, I love pretty much any Mandalorian thing in Star Wars. I do get a bit bored of the same old green color scheme for my Bobattire though, so I fell in love with this colorful version of my favorite bounty hunter. You can find him lurking at Kohls where there is great Star Wars Gifts for under $12.99 that are Regularly $20 – $38!

3.) Join the Resistance Ringer Tee for Adults. Some of us are for the Dark Side, others want to resist the Dark Side and fight for the light! This shirt has the classic Star Wars pilot orange to show off your pride for defending the galaxy! Find it at The Disney Store.

2.) Star Wars Welcome to Tatooine Men’s Gold T Shirt. I can’t get enough of this fun “touristy” themed shirt for Tatooine. I find it hilarious, probably because it would be one of the last planets I would want to visit unless I was REALLY into Pod Racing. The gold coloring really pulls this look together for me though. I have to say it was a tough choice between this one and number 1.

1.)Star Wars: A New Hope Tee for Adults. This one won number 1 for me, because A New Hope is really what started it all! This shirt embodies the classic imagery and promotional releases of the original movie. If I was going to have to make a decision this would have to be my first choice of a must have Star Wars shirt.

Star Wars: A New Hope Tee for Adults

Well there you have it, my pick for the top 5, are there any others that you would like in the top 5?

Receive a Free Kylo Ren Light Saber at the Disney Store

By

Danielle

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December 18, 2015

Star Wars The Force Awakens is here, and so is this exciting bonus from The Disney Store! Now through December 24, 2015 Disney Visa Card Holders can get a FREE Kylo Ren lightsaber with any purchase of $150 or more on their Disney Visa at the Disney Store or DisneyStore.com! To use online use Promo Code: LIGHTSABER, or print the in store coupon that has been sent to card holder emails.

I love his cross bladed saber, and I’m super excited to see how this one will look!

Some restrictions do apply so check the site for details.