Disney Memory Maker Pricing has been Reduced!

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December 15, 2015

The pricing for the Memory Maker packages from Disney PhotoPass has been reduced beginning December 13, 2015.

If you don’t know what Memory Maker is, it gives you unlimited digital downloads of photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout the parks, restaurants and on select attractions. It can be purchased prior to your trip or at any time while you’re at the resort. It’s cheaper if you purchase it in advance, though there is a 3 day delay before it can be used.

The standard Memory Maker package, which can be used immediately, is now priced at $169, down from $199. The advanced Memory Maker package, which has a 3 day delay, is now $149, down from $169.

Those who purchased the advanced Memory Maker package before the price decrease are being issued a store credit for use at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com. Be sure to check your emails to see if you received a credit!

You always hear about Disney increasing prices but very rarely hear of price decreases. This is exciting! For more information on Memory Maker or to book your next magical Disney vacation, email me at [email protected].

Save Your Tables In Style With Disney Themed Coasters

By

Danielle

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December 15, 2015

Holiday season is here, and that means party and entertaining season! One thing I love about entertaining company this time of year, is to share a little Disney magic with my family and friends. With Disney themed coasters I can show off my Disney Side, while still being practical and keeping my furniture nice! GINISGIFTS on Etsy has a whimsical array of Disney coasters that are not only great for saving your tables, but make a great gift too.

These coasters are handmade and sewn with delightful Disney fabrics, a denim backing, batting inside and top stitched for extra durability. Another great aspect is they are machine washable so even if there’s a spill you can just toss them in the wash for easy clean up! They also take requests for designs they may not have on display!

Check out their fun character choices below:

I’m loving how perfectly adorable the Bambi coasters are! Which ones would accent your next party best?

Knoxville Zoo Joins In The Star Wars Excitement

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 15, 2015

darth vader star wars holiday at knoxville zoo

The Knoxville Zoo joins the Star Wars Excitement this weekend by hosting a special holiday event.

On Saturday, December 19th, many “Star Wars” characters will be available for holiday photos from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure building. A special appearance by Darth Vader from 10 a.m. until noon will be one fans will not want to miss.

The “Star Wars” characters are courtesy of the MidSouth Garrison of the 501st Legion, which is a worldwide costuming organization made up and run by Star Wars fans.

The event will not require a special ticket and can be enjoyed as part of the regular zoo admission. The zoo is also offering a buy one get one free admission which will add to your savings.

If you are local to the Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee, don’t miss out on this special holiday event and send your favorite Entertainment Reporter a few pictures of the fun.

Follow chipandco.com for all the incredible Star Wars fun happening in the next few days and don’t miss the movie review and press event articles coming soon.

Photo courtesy of Knoxville Zoo

The Ganachery Chocolate Shoppe now open in Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 15, 2015

Now open in Disney Springs is The Ganachery Chocolate Shoppe. This converted apothecary is home to some of the best chocolates on Disney Property!

As you can see they have from the traditional to very the very unique.

Also available are these yummy chocolate bars!

The crisp pearls are made off site but I hear are quite delicious.

I love the presentation and the neat boxes they give you to take home.

Here is a flavor reference card they have on display. The different flavors will change often to keep people coming back.

As always the cast members are super friendly and there to answer any of your questions.

The Ganachery is located across from Paradiso 37 next to Sound Lion. With all the new shopping, dining and specialty shops a Disney vacation wouldn’t be complete without a little stroll around the new Disney Springs. Take a relaxing day and do your shopping for all your friends and family back home, and sneak some goodies for you too! Check out Chip & Co for the latest updates and openings at Disney Springs and as always World of Magic Travel is here to help you plan your trip and get your details and information!

Special thanks to Laurie Smith for the photos and info!

My name is Jamie and I’m a local here in Central Florida. Disney World is truly my second home. When I’m not at Disney with my family, I am writing for Chip & Co or helping make some magic for my clients as a Travel agent with World of Magic Travel. I am always happy to help you with your next (or first) Disney Vacation! Feel free to follow me on Facebook or email me at [email protected]. There’s always magic waiting for you at Disney!

Disney Sponsors Hour of Code Event Featuring New Star Wars Tutorial

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 15, 2015

The Disney Interactive Team along with Code.Org celebrated Computer Science Education week by joining forces once again to inspire children to learn the language of code. At Monday’s event, Chewbacca and R2-D2 of the Star Wars franchise welcomed over 60 children from the Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc., and TXT (Teens Exploring Technology) into the Disney Interactive HQ for the Hour of Code event.

Arriving at the Interactive offices, we were greeted by some of our favorite Star Wars characters and invited to pose for pictures and walk the red carpet. Once inside, the invitees participated in a training session using Code.Org’s Star Wars coding tutorial where everyone learned how to code their own video game. Playing as Rey and BB-8, the two icons of the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens film, each user was able to build and play a game level.

Alice Steinglass, VP for Production, Engineering and Marketing at Code.org, talked about the availability of this free tutorial around the world. Translated into over 44 languages, fifty billion people are expected to complete the Hour of Code. Countries such as Russia and Italy had taken it one step further making it available for each child to try it in school. The Code.org website states the tutorials are available for age 4 to 104, and the Star Wars themed tutorial is perfect if you have the force for fun.

Ada Duan, VP of Digital Business & Franchise Management at Lucasfilm, mentioned that BB-8 was specifically chosen to for its cute appeal to both boys and girls; children and adults. Duan encourages kids to join summer camps and organizations to pursue their interest in computer science. Lucasfilm holds tours of their animation and visual effects departments for children to have an idea of the type of careers they can pursue.

Joining in the fun were some of our favorite Disney Channel and Disney XD stars. Karan Brar ( “Ravi” on Disney Channel’s Bunk’d and Jessie) and Sophie Reynolds (“Ashley” on Disney XD’s Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything) arrived with selfie-stick in hand to meet the kids one on one. Asked how they were enjoying the Code program, one youngster responded saying “it sounds complicated, but it is actually fun.”

After the Hour of Code, a large section was set up with Disney Infinity systems along with an unlimited display of characters to choose for battle. Even a number of adults could not resist the ‘dark side’ and attempted to test the games; only to be defeated by the younger pros.

As a grand finale, a cake in the shape and perfect design of the new Star Wars droid, BB-8 was rolled out! Ironically, the kids screeched for BB-8 as each piece was cut and passed out. Even R2-D2 and Chewbacca shook their heads in agony. Luckily, the cake was delicious, which helped make the less painful. The evening ended on a high note as each child left with a goodie-bag filled with Star Wars merchandise.

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STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS – World Premiere

By

Chip

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December 15, 2015

Last night, the stars came out for the World Premiere of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS at the Dolby, El Capitan and TCL Theatres in Hollywood, CA! The red carpet was live streamed on StarWars.com.

Here is some video footage from last night:

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in the U.S. on December 18th!

Are new security measures coming to Walt Disney World?

By

Anonymouse

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December 15, 2015

Good morning Disney Gossip fans, it is I Anonymouse! I have some interesting Disney Gossip to share with you this morning, so I am going to just jump right in.

From what I have heard over the next year Disney is going to implementing new security measures to all of their theme parks entrances. Early reports state that we will be seeing airport style security scanners, hand-held wand scanners, and more uniformed Police presences with k9 units.

There is no indications if this is due to a recent incident where an attorney from Miami tried to sneak a gun into the Magic Kingdom theme park.

As of right now there is no official word if this is actually coming to a theme park near you but I have seen this gossip on several Disney sites and in various Disney forums.

What do you think do we need more security at the turnstiles or do you think Disney is doing a good enough job already? Let me know in the comment box below.

This all the Disney gossip I have for now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at anonymouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook page.

Tsum Tsum Tuesday Blasts Off with Guardians of the Galaxy

By

Danielle

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December 15, 2015

What an exciting treat, we get Tsum Tsum Tuesday twice in one month! It’s like Christmas… oh wait yea! This week Disney brings us the heroes from the hit Marvel movie “Guardians of the Galaxy“.

Now our heroes will always be soft-hearted! with these adorable and miniature versions of our favorite galactic heroes are available now at the Disney Store, Disney Store Online and Disney Parks Resorts. Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot join the Tsum Tsum gang to save the world from villainous plushies everywhere!

I won’t lie, Groot is totally my favorite one out of the group, but all of them are pretty darn cute! Groot, Rocket and Star-Lord even come in multiple sizes, how fun would it be to get a large Groot and a mini Rocket? Classic! Check out all the new Tsum Tsum plush toys below!

Groot ''Tsum Tsum'' Plush - Large - 17''
Groot ”Tsum Tsum” Plush – Large – 17”
Groot ''Tsum Tsum'' Plush - Mini - 3 1/2''
Groot ”Tsum Tsum” Plush – Mini – 3 1/2”

I just can’t get enough of him, seriously he’s the best thing ever!
Rocket ''Tsum Tsum'' Plush - Medium - 11''
Rocket ”Tsum Tsum” Plush – Medium – 11”

Rocket ”Tsum Tsum” Plush – Mini – 3 1/2”

The detailing on his eyes is really well done!

Star-Lord ''Tsum Tsum'' Plush - Medium - 11''
Star-Lord ”Tsum Tsum” Plush – Medium – 11”

Star-Lord ”Tsum Tsum” Plush – Mini – 3 1/2”

I love that they gave him his mask, it gives him a more comic book like quality!

Gamora ''Tsum Tsum'' Plush - Mini - 3 1/2''
Gamora ”Tsum Tsum” Plush – Mini – 3 1/2”

Eeek! She’s even got winged eyeliner!

Drax ''Tsum Tsum'' Plush - Mini - 3 1/2''
Drax ”Tsum Tsum” Plush – Mini – 3 1/2”

I love that they included the markings that tell the story of his life on him, it really is a beautiful touch.

I’m super excited for these new Tsum Tsum toys, I’m sitting here giddy with excitement as I write waiting for the minutes to count down till I can rush inside my Disney Store and snuggle my very own Groot Tsum Tsum! Which one is your must have?

‘Brunch at the Top’ Scheduled to Open February 7, 2016 at California Grill

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 15, 2015

California Grill, which has offered gourmet Californian cooking and stunning views of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, will begin offering Brunch at the Top on February 7, 2016!

Guests of the restaurant will have a whole new experience with daylight views of Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Resorts. This will be the first time in the restaurant’s history that they will offer daytime dining options. The natural light coming in the floor-to-ceiling windows will offer guests an opportunity to see the restaurant as never before. The carpet was inspired by the artist who created the characters designs for the ever popular It’s a Small World, Mary Blair.

Chef Brian Piasecki’s team has created a menu sure to impress, and Brunch at the Top is more than just a meal, it’s a dining experience. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the open show kitchen with the culinary team. When being seated at your table you will start your meal with breakfast pastries like caramel apple Monkey Bread and cranberry scones pecan, and you won’t want to miss trying their house-made jam and orange blossom honey butter. Indulge in a glass of wine, signature brunch cocktail, a Bloody Mary Bar, craft brew, or a child-friendly “mimosa”. If traditional is more your style try the custom-roast French Press coffee.

Next, you will move to the open show kitchen where you will be able to interact with the culinary team and sample foods such as:

house smoked orange honey ham
deviled Lake Meadow Naturals eggs
Greek yogurt with vanilla-scented granola and fresh berries
kale and apple salad
baby iceberg wedge with Cherrywood bacon and avocado-buttermilk Ranch dressing
hardwood smoked salmon
California rolls with jumbo lump crabmeat
spicy tuna rolls
shrimp tempura with orange drizzle and mango

When you return to your table you will move onto your entrée:

Pan-Fried Buttermilk Organic Chicken Cutlet with Haricots Verts, Toasted Almonds, Frisée, Beurre Noisette;
Sweet Potato Pancakes with Caramelized Heirloom Apples, Dried Cranberry and Raisin Compote, Vanilla
Custard, Warm Canadian Maple Syrup;
Shrimp and Grits, Gulf White Shrimp with Tillamook Cheddar Grits, Spicy Tomato Broth,
Espellette-Spiced Tomato Ragout;
Poached Lobster Benedict with Butter-Poached Tail, Two Soft-Poached Eggs, Honey Ham,
Yuzu Hollandaise, Marble Potato Hash;
Chef’s Frittata with Three Lake Meadow Farms Eggs, Florida Heirloom Tomatoes, Roasted Poblanos, Chorizo, Creamy Goat Cheese, Marble Potato Hash;
Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Soft Poached Eggs, Chimichurri, Marble Potato Hash and Charred Red Onion.

End your dining experience with a sweet treat like a macarons and chocolate truffles and an amazing view of Cinderella Castle.

Reservations for Brunch at the Top opens on Wednesday, December 16, 2016. Pricing is $80/adult and $48/child

If fine dining is what you are after you will be amazed at your options right on Disney World Resort property. If you are interested in booking a trip to see all that Disney World has to offer, contact me at [email protected].

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog.

Dick Van Dyke Celebrates his 90th Birthday at Disneyland

By

Chip

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December 15, 2015

Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke celebrates his 90th birthday with friends and family at Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 13. Van Dyke’s birthday celebration included a special presentation inside the Mary Poppins-themed eatery, Jolly Holiday Bakery Caf, and a cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A., where thousands of Disneyland park guests serenaded the entertainment icon with “Happy Birthday.”

Check out the flash mob video below:

See more photos:

(Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

New Super Hero Merchandise Arrives at Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 14, 2015

New super hero merchandise has arrived at the Disneyland Resort. One of the exciting new offerings is the Spiderman caramel apple (pictured above). This new apple has been dipped in rich caramel, covered in red sanding sugar and detailed with chocolate to create the look of Spiderman’s mask. You can find it at Candy Palace and Hunny Spot in Disneyland park; Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park; and Marceline’s Confectionery in the Downtown Disney District. Soon it’ll be available at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World as well. You’ll be able to find it at Goofy’s Candy Company and Candy Cauldron.

Also, if you haven’t had a chance to check out the Super Hero HQ in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, you definitely should! There are some amazing new offerings and one of those is creating your own D-Tech on Demand case. It takes 10-15 minutes to create your case. These cases will fit any of the following devices: iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5/5S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 6/6+ as well as Samsung Galaxy SIII, Samsung Galaxy 4, Samsung Galaxy 5 and Samsung Galaxy 6. Once you choose your device you can then select your favorite piece of art from 70 new themed designs featuring some of the characters pictured below. You can also personalize it with your name!

Which Super Hero would you put on your smart phone case? Let me know in the comments!

Contact me today to plan your next Disneyland vacation so you can get your hands on this amazing new merchandise! Email me at [email protected] or follow me on Facebook.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

10 Adult Only Must Dos at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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December 14, 2015

When you think of a Walt Disney World trip, many people don’t think of it as “adult only”. Right? With the theming of many resorts, the characters in the parks, and so many character dining options, it doesn’t seem like a destination for an adult only trip. However, with a little planning and advice, you can turn the kid friendly atmosphere of Walt Disney World into an adult only destination in no time!

Here are my 10 Adult Only Must Dos at Walt Disney World!

Stay at a resort that doesn’t attract a lot of families. Strange thought, I know. I mean, every resort at Disney can be kid friendly. However, my suggestions for an “adult” resort are as follows: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Day Spa, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Coronado Springs. I choose the Grand Floridian Resort and Day Spa because it is so quaint and fancy. When I have people inquire about “adult only” trips, that is the first resort I point them to. With Bay Lake Tower being separate from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, it is a great choice for adults. And, the theming of the Bay Lake Tower is so upscale and just that-contemporary. Of all the moderates, Coronado Springs, is very adult friendly. It has several quiet pools, and the dining options are great. Since it hosts a lot of conventions, the Coronado Springs Resort lends itself to a lot of adult guests. Each of these resorts is romantic in its atmosphere, too.

Indulge in the Magic Your Way Premium Package. If you’re traveling as adults, you’ll want to enjoy some relaxation, too, right? That’s where the Magic Your Way Premium Package comes in. With this package, you have all your meals taken care of, and you can use your entitlements at Signature/Fine Dining experiences as well as dinner shows. You also enjoy a night out at Cirque du Soleil, unlimited sports and recreation experiences, and more. You can take select tours of Disney’s parks also.

Enjoy the parks at night. You don’t have any kiddos to get to bed, or cranky children who need some down time. The parks are so beautiful, and romantic at night. Even if you take your time in the morning to enjoy a round of golf or a leisurely breakfast, you’ll have tons of time to enjoy the parks into the wee hours of the morning!

Food and Drink are a “must do”. Whether it’s Drinking Around the World Showcase in EPCOT, or enjoying Wishes from the California Grille, there are plenty of adult friendly food and drink options at Disney. Not to mention the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival in the fall months-perfect for adults! Narcoosee’s, California Grille, and Le Cellier are perfect locations for dining without children. Also, traveling as adults gives you the opportunity to try new foods that you may not try with the kids along! Don’t forget to drop by Club Disney too!

Disney’s Boardwalk. I feel as if the Boardwalk area is really adult friendly at night. Jellyrolls, the piano bar at the Boardwalk, can give you late night entertainment. Also, the Boardwalk is a romantic place to watch Illuminations. If you stand on the bridge, facing EPCOT, you can see Illuminations from EPCOT. Awesome spot for a bottle of wine and enjoy the fireworks!

Don’t forget about the “kid stuff”. I know, we’re talking “adult only” vacation here. But, working in a character breakfast isn’t such a bad thing for adults! It’s a fun experience in and of itself, and many adults want one or two character dining experiences during their trip!

Enjoy a spa treatment, or other special experience. You can indulge in spa treatments at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Day Spa, Saratoga Springs, Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club, Coronado Springs, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Dolphin Hotel. Each of these vary in experience, and some are connected to a fitness center. If you choose the Magic Your Way Platinum Package, a spa treatment is included.

Characters in Flight. Characters in Flight is a tethered hot air balloon ride at Downtown Disney. This experience, while not a “must do every trip“, is fun especially as adults. Try to schedule your time for the evening, when the lights of Downtown Disney are blazing. It’ll be beautiful!

Take a Disney Cruise. While not a Disney Parks option, taking a Disney Cruise can be perfect for couples! Disney cruises are just the right amount of Disney, with their fabulous customer service and attention to detail-without stepping foot in the parks. With adult only restaurants, decks, pools, and experiences aboard Disney cruise ships, you’ll realize how special your couple time can be! Also, Disney’s private beach, Castaway Cay, has an adult only area!

Take a carriage ride. Disney’s resorts, such as Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wilderness offer carriage rides around their property. Couple that ride with a trip over Christmas, and it’ll be a special experience you’ll never forget!

Are you up for an adult only vacation to Disney?