Here’s a musical holiday treat for the Disney fan community – an upcoming TV special that puts a well-deserved spotlight on one of Hollywood’s last and truly legendary songwriters.
Premiering on PBS SoCal on Thursday, December 17 (at 7:00 p.m. PST) is “Richard M. Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime,” a first-of-its kind showcase of the accomplished composer/lyricist, highlighting 60 years of popular songs, many written in collaboration with his late brother, Robert B. Sherman. It’s a one-hour studio performance with Sherman at the piano telling tales behind the music, singing songs and performing with friends: Broadway star Ashley Brown, acclaimed stage performers Juliana Hansen and Wesley Alfvin and The Barbershop Quartet (Jim Campbell, Jon Schoenherz, Drew Tablak and Wesley Alfvin ).
The songs of the Sherman brothers have been a part of our lives for six decades, from their first song hit – the rock & roll classic “You’re Sixteen” – to their Oscar-winning score for “Mary Poppins” – to the world-famous international anthem – “it’s a small world (after all).”
Produced by film producer/director and writer Don Hahn, the show features Sherman visiting the Sherman brother’s songbook for films, TV and beyond, plus a few of his own compositions. It’s a beguiling, charming and heart-warming visit with one of America’s most beloved tunesmiths whose songs transcend generations and are known the world over.
Birnbaum is the most respected name in Disney guidebooks. The essential companions are the only official guides that takes readers through Disney’s resorts and includes the most accurate, current information on prices and attractions.
The new 2016 guides include BirnBaum’s Disneyland 2016, Walt Disney World 2016, and Walt Disney World for Kids 2016.
The Walt Disney World Official 2016 Birnbaum’s Guidebook has expanded Dining and Cruise Line coverage, and over $400 in coupons! Thorough descriptions of all theme park shows and attractions will help vacationers get the most bang for their buck. And money-saving tips will help stretch those precious vacation dollars.
The Walt Disney World Official 2016 Birnbaum’s Guidebook for Kids has details on every Walt Disney World show and attraction-all written especially for kids. Plus expert advice, tips, and ”reader reviews” written by kids. There’s also an autograph section included!
The Disneyland Resort Official 2016 Birnbaum’s Guidebook includes a bonus Diamond Celebration planner! This guide offers complete information on Disneyland Park, Disney’s California Adventure, and Downtown Disney, as well as details about Anaheim area attractions, things to do in Los Angeles, and special driving routes around Southern California.
If you’re heading to one of the Disney Parks Resorts in 2016, these guides are a must have!
Are you looking for an AWESOME way to ring in the New Year? Look no further than LEGOLAND Florida. The holidays are underway at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, with the Christmas Bricktacularin full swing and New Year’s Eve right around the corner!
You can get the New Year’s party started early with a Countdown to Kids’ New Year’s Eve that features nightly fireworks over Lake Eloise Dec. 26-30 with special viewing glasses that turn ordinary fireworks into millions of exploding LEGO bricks. Plus, the whole family can enjoy a family-friendly party with a Kids’ New Year’s Eve Bash on Dec. 31 with a specktacular fireworks show and a chance to watch the BRICK Drop at just the right time for kids, midnight KST (Kid Standard Time) – otherwise known as 7 p.m. EST.
Kids of all ages will be awed by the holiday LEGO displays and the incredible party that will kick off nice and early for the little ones in your group! The LEGOLAND Hotelis decked out in holiday décor and will make a great place to spend a holiday getaway! For more information on the LEGOLAND Florida Resort, contact me at [email protected] and stay connected to Chip and Company! Enjoy your holidays!
Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s time to have the tree trimmed and the stockings hung with care, especially these Disney inspired but, elegantly simple stockings from Etsy designer KarleensIdeas!
They’re a steal at just $15 for a handmade Disney stocking sure to set your mantle apart. Check out the ones she has ready to ship:
It’s official: “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Thursday, April 7, 2016, marking the highly-anticipated arrival of the West Coast’s dynamic new immersive experience at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.
This eagerly-awaited news coincides with the launch of the destination’s spellbinding campaign, which is stylistically designed to sweep guests into the land’s magical world through the lens of imagination.
The campaign is anchored by a new television spot designed to build suspense and enthusiasm while evoking a sense of wonder and succinctly capture the magical appeal that “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” has for cross-generational consumers as it announces the April 7 opening date.
In making the exciting announcement, Universal Studios Hollywood illuminated the land’s Hogwarts castle to signal the arrival of today’s momentous news.
More than five years in the making, and inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is being masterfully recreated with impeccable detail as a real-world interpretation at Universal Studios Hollywood. The land will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point.
From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will transport guests of all ages to the very places they read about in the stories or watched on the silver screen.
Upon entering the land through the archway, Hogsmeade will bustle to life with the same vitality of a quaint local village: merchants hard at work, a train conductor welcoming new arrivals and a pub packed to the gills with hungry patrons, but with the added element of enthusiastic guests intent on experiencing them all, including the land’s signature ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” and the family outdoor coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™.”
An achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” will make its U.S. debut at Universal Studios Hollywood in hyper-realistic 3D-HD designed to further immerse guests in an already engaging storyline. The multidimensional thrill ride features a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects. In this updated adaptation of the ride, guests will sport Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles as they venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.
Also within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the enchanting family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™” will open as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will resonate with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harry Potter’s world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™, and Hog’s Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.
A foray through the shops will add to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods™.
Currently, Universal Studios Hollywood in-park guests can experience and purchase authentic merchandise, including wands, robes and other collectibles from “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” available within the Features Presentation shop, located just inside the theme park’s main entry.
Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.
Robin Roberts Returns to Host the “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade,” with Performances by Jason Derulo, Ariana Grande, Seal, Reba McEntire and more…
This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates not only the joy of the holiday season but the unforgettable family moments it has helped guests create over the past sixty years. “Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration” airs FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., EST; air times vary; check local listings) on the ABC Television Network.
Now in its 32nd year, the unforgettable Christmas special welcomes back Robin Roberts of ABC’s “Good Morning America” (GMA) as lead host. Reporting from the Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, FL, Roberts is accompanied by Jesse Palmer, who joins the event for the first time as a correspondent. New to the GMA team as a special contributor, Palmer shares key parade updates in the midst of the action on Main Street, U.S.A. Janel Parrish, star of the ABC Family hit show “Pretty Little Liars” – which will debut under the new network name, Freeform, for its winter premiere on January 12, 2016 – serves as music correspondent, alongside Stitch from the Cinderella Castle.
The holidays have long been cherished for their ability to bring family and friends together from near and far to create heartfelt memories to last a lifetime. In the spirit of “Unforgettable Happens Here,” throughout the celebration Disney Parks will tell the inspiring real-life stories of three families whose personal connection to Disney Parks will make their Christmas dreams come true. It all culminates with an unforgettable Christmas Day surprise that is sure to warm the hearts of television audiences across the country, providing the perfect toast to the most festive time of the year. For a dose of nostalgia, viewers are also treated to magical memories from the Disney Christmas shows of yesteryear, along with beloved Disney park moments shared by actors and actresses from both classic and current Disney films.
Bringing together the biggest names in music and entertainment, music industry legend David Foster joins today’s top artists to sing their interpretations of Disney classics from the “We Love Disney” album, along with a mix of Christmas favorites. The star-studded lineup includes the following:
Jason Derulo shakes up this year’s parade with his rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – available on the “We Love Disney” album
International superstar Ariana Grande pays tribute to the Greek demi-god, Hercules with the Disney favorite “Zero to Hero,” also available on the “We Love Disney” album, along with her latest single, “Focus”
Grammy-winning artist Seal dazzles parade spectators with his interpretation of “This Christmas” and new hit, “Every Time I’m With You”
Country music legend Reba McEntire sings her original song “Going Out Like That” and the popular Christmas tune “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
Breakout musical artist Andy Grammer delights the crowd with medley of “Honey I’m Good” and his new single, “Good to be Alive,” along with the iconic Christmas song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Rising pop star Charlie Puth adds Christmas cheer with “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and his own single “One Call Away”
“Should’ve Been Us” singer, Tori Kelly spreads Disney magic with the beloved classic “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas” – available on the “We Love Disney” album – and the holiday favorite “Winter Wonderland”
Soulful singer Charles Perry jazzes up the festivities with a “World of My Own/Ev’rybody Wants to be a Cat” medley and his own spin on the famous Christmas duet “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
The cast of the Disney Channel Original Movie “Descendants” Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson, Booboo Stewart and Sofia Carson pay tribute to Disney’s most infamous villains with “Rotten to the Core”
*performance lineup subject to change
Featuring floats and characters from movie favorites, including “Toy Story,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Inside Out,” and the wildly-popular “Frozen,” along with the all-new “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and upcoming “Finding Dory” movie, slated for release next summer, this year’s Disney Christmas Parade is expected to be the most spectacular of all. Viewers can also look forward to watching other Disney parade stars take the spotlight, such as beloved Disney princesses, characters from Disney Junior, a special performance from the stars of the Disney Channel Original Movie “Descendants,” and of course, the iconic Disney Toy Soldiers and Santa Claus!
The 32nd annual Christmas celebration airs nationwide on December 25 at 10 a.m. EST and 9 a.m. CST, MST and PST on ABC-TV. The show will also air in Canada on CBC Network and across the globe on the American Forces Network.
For more information, visit disney.com/disneyparkschristmas to learn about the special telecast, including local broadcast times and a full list of parade talent. Guests can also join in fun online by using the hashtag #DisneyParade.
I’m sure you have seen the commercials already featuring Disney’s 2016 “Unforgettable Happens Here” slogan. If you are like me your eyes start to tear up every time! While Disney World has always been nothing short of amazing, they are making some great additions that will help make a trip in 2016 “unforgettable”!
1. The end of 2015 saw some great additions to try on your 2016 vacation. Chocolate lovers won’t want to miss a stop at Ganachery at Disney Springs. 2015 saw the addition of Club Disney to Hollywood Studios. Last but not least, the one I am looking forward to the most, Jungle Skipper Canteen is scheduled to open in Magic Kingdom before January!
3. runDisney will host 4 racing weekends at Walt Disney World. The season kicks off January 6, 2016.
4. Animal Kingdom will premiere “Rivers of Light” in Spring 2016. This night time performance brings the park to life with music, lights, water screens, and entertainers as the Tree of Life is magically transformed.
5. Experience Kilimanjaro Safaris at sunset. Animal Kingdom will be expanding the hours for Kilimanjaro Safaris to include sunset trips beginning in the Spring.
6. Taste food from around the world at Tiffins. Animal Kingdom’s newest restaurant addition is set to open in the Spring. The menu is inspired from the countries from around the park.
7. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be expanding from 75 days to 90 days, beginning March 2nd – May 15th. A trip to the Flower & Garden Festival is a great way to kickoff Spring!
8. Frozen Ever Afteris set to open in Epcot. Ride along as Queen Elsa creates a special Winter in Summer Celebration for the kingdom. Guests also get to see the Ice Palace, the North Mountain, and the Bay of Arendelle. This is a must-do for all Frozen fans out there, along with a special Meet ‘N’ Greet with Anna and Elsa.
9. The Invictus Games will be hosted at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and will also be the first time the games will be played in America. The games, being played from May 8-12th, celebrate our wounded servicemen and women competing in a variety of sports.
10. Magic Kingdom celebrates it’s 45th Anniversary! Walt Disney World’s first park will be celebrating its anniversary on October 1st, and I have a feeling this is one party you won’t want to miss! We will pass along the details as they are released.
Don’t let 2016 pass without taking some time to create “unforgettable” memories with your family and friends!
If you are thinking about planning a trip for the start of 2016 through Spring, contact me for information on current promotional pricing that is available for bookings made on or before December 23, 2015. Email me at [email protected].
Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke, who portrays Bert, the carefree Cockney chimney sweep in “Mary Poppins,” will host interstitials throughout ABC’s broadcast of “‘The Wonderful World of Disney’ Presented by Target Brings You ‘Mary Poppins’” on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET). Van Dyke will be joined by the Target’s mascot, “Bullseye,” the lovable bull terrier.
This holiday event marks the first network television broadcast of “Mary Poppins” in 13 years. It also will be the first time that Target’s Holiday Odyssey story – told through a series of broadcast commercials – will be shown in its entirety on TV.
In all-new footage, Mr. Van Dyke, with a little help from Bullseye, takes viewers on a magical journey into Disney’s Archives where they can spot treasures including iconic props from “Mary Poppins” and other Disney favorites, and he shares insights about a movie that continues to delight generations of families.
Set in Edwardian London, the film features no-nonsense nanny Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews), who flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children of the wealthy and strict Banks family, Jane (Karen Dotrice) and Michael (Matthew Garber). With the help of Bert (Mr. Van Dyke), the spirited nanny sets off on a series of fantastic adventures with the children, and teaches their parents some lessons about love along the way.
Disney’s beloved classic received a total of 13 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and won five, including Best Actress (Julie Andrews), Best Song (“Chim Chim Cher-ee”), Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Music Score.
The movie features many classic songs, including “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Jolly Holiday,” Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Feed the Birds,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”
Released in 1964, “Mary Poppins” combines live action and animation and in 2013 it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
2015 12 07 20 24 03 The Walt Disney Archives Brings Walt’s Office Back to the Disney Studios Lot « D
The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, joined by members of the Disney family, dedicated Walt Disney’s newly restored office suite on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank today. So, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Burbank studio, the Walt Disney Archives has restored the space, located in the original Animation Building, to include Walt’s formal and working offices, along with original furnishings, some items from his collection of miniatures, awards, and his piano.
“We put this permanent exhibit together to serve as a source of inspiration,” said Iger during the ceremony, “a reminder to have great ambition, to take bold creative risks, to constantly innovate and push the limits of possibility, to relentlessly pursue perfection, and to tell fantastic stories that touch peoples’ hearts. That was Walt Disney.”
Walt Disney’s granddaughters Joanna Miller, Jennifer Goff, and Michelle Lund were on hand for the event, along with special guests including Richard Sherman (composer of Mary Poppins, “It’s a Small World,” and many Disney classics), Kathryn Beaumont (the voice of Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Wendy in Peter Pan), and former head of Walt Disney Imagineering Marty Sklar.
In 1970, when Disney Legend Dave Smith founded the Walt Disney Archives, Walt’s furnishings from his offices were removed, and, for the last 45 years, they were safely cared for by the staff of the Walt Disney Archives. Through exhibitions and loans from the Archives, millions of guests have seen special displays of items from the office at Disney’s theme parks in California and Florida and in museums around the country.
This new, permanent exhibit is dedicated to the creative genius of Walt Disney and presents the history of the man and the company he founded through artifacts and images. There will also be rotating exhibits on various Disney subjects to celebrate anniversaries, films, and events throughout the Company’s history from 1923 to the present day. The first exhibit is dedicated to Kem Weber, the architect who designed the look and feel of the Studio lot, which opened in 1940. Weber also designed furniture for the Studio, and his designs, along with concept artwork, will be showcased for a limited time.
Check it out:
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2015 12 07 20 24 03 The Walt Disney Archives Brings Walt’s Office Back to the Disney Studios Lot « D
Walt Disney’s office will be open to Disney employees, cast members, and studio visitors. In 2016 it will be added to tours of the Studio lot and Archives that D23: The Official Disney Fan Club regularly offers to its Gold Members.
Marvel Comics welcomes the ghosts of the Haunted Mansion!. Marvel’s Disney Kingdoms series, which includes popular Disney attractions such as Figment and Big Thunder Mountain, brings us one of the park’s most popular attractions.
Haunted Mansion #1, written by Joshua Williamson, introduces readers to 999 ghosts that live in the mansion. Williamson shared that he and Marvel wanted to make sure that there was a horror theme in the story. The Haunted Mansion has a fun, silly and scary combination interwoven but the scary part was the one being focused on in this story line.
Marvel works with Disney Imagineers to make sure that the attractions and the stories are combined perfectly. Disney Imagineer, Josh Shipley states that “all of us involved are storytellers…in different arenas” making for the best teamwork for an outcome that will give fans what they want.
The plan for Disney Kingdoms was to be able to bring fans an outlet for those interested in Disney attractions and in comic stories. Combining the two was a way to bring comic readers, access to parks and attractions and give Disney Park fans additional stories to enhance their fun.
Williamson shared the will be a lot of characters including the all time favorite, Hat Box Ghost! The bride was another section, he wanted to add, but needed to find a balance between humor and horror. The story line is still wrapped up in secrecy, but if the Disney Imagineers and Marvel are involved, we know it will be an incredible story.
Haunted Mansion #1 will be available in March 2016. Disney Publishing Worldwide will also release several other book titles based on the Haunted Mansion properties in 2016, including Disney Parks Presents: The Haunted Mansion and Tales from the Haunted Mansion Volume I: The Fearsome Foursome. Will these titles be on your list of reading material or is the Haunted Mansion one of those – won’t ride attractions?
As an avid reader and Disney Addict, you can imagine my excitement at this news! Visit chipandco.com to read our upcoming book reviews and stay updated with all the Disney news and promotions.
2015 12 07 17 22 21 Edit Post ‹ Chip and Co — WordPress
Forever 21 has released a new line inspired by Star Wars just in time for the premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Want even more good news? The line is totally affordable! Whether you hail from the light side or the dark side, you are sure to find something that stirs the Force within you.
The new clothing line is large and covers Women, Men, Girls, and Boys so I will just be covering my favorites from the collection here. If you want to see the line in its entirety, head over to Forever 21 to view it all.
Ladies first!
The Star Wars Graphic Bodycon Dress is definitely a show stopper and perfect for a casual evening out. I really like the simplicity here – black dress (classic!) with simple Dark Side details. Pair it with some motorcycle boots and you are ready to take on the rebellion! $19.90
Winter is here and this metallic pullover is sure to help keep the chill away. The metallic hue is great for the season and the prints of a Stormtrooper helmet, R2-D2, and Darth Vader’s helmet on the chest make this the perfect addition to any fangirl’s closet. $24.90
Curl up on the couch and get ready for a Star Wars movie marathon with these Jedi Graphic PJ Pants. The ribbed ankle cuffs and lightweight knit make these the perfect pants for a night in this winter. $14.90
Now, for the men on our shopping lists, the line provides a variety of graphic tees. Perfect for stocking stuffers or for the man who has everything.
This Star Wars Graphic Colorblocked Tee is my favorite from the men’s collection. Simple and classic, any man can pull off this style with ease. $15.90
For those on the Dark Side, these graphic tees are a must have. And at only $14.90 each, you can afford to pick out a few of your favorites!
For the young Padawan’s in your life, Forever 21 has them covered as well. Send them back to school this year with the coolest in Star Wars gear.
These boys Graphic pullovers are perfect for your average day in Jedi training. At only $17.90 each, you don’t have to worry about him playing too hard.
Who ever said little girls have to be Princesses? Some girls just want to grow up to be a Sith Lord!
So, what do you think of the new line? Let us know your thoughts and if you are from the Dark Side or Light Side 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.
For today only, the Disney Store is having a special online exclusive sale! You can save up to 25% off on your total order, plus free shipping with any order of $75 or more using the Code: MAGICAL
Use this awesome limited time code combined with these 2 great offers that are also going on DisneyStore.com right now!
The discount is tiered so you can save anywhere from 10% to 25% off if you spend $50.00 or more, if you haven’t finished up your shopping list yet, why wait?!
