Disney Channel Greenlights Pilot from Lizzie McGuire Creator!

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November 16, 2015

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Disney Channel has greenlit a new series pilot from Terri Minsky, creator of “Lizzie McGuire,” the show that became a pop-culture juggernaut and helped build the Channel into a powerhouse entertainment network for kids and tweens. Minsky and Michelle Manning (Disney Channel’s upcoming movie “Adventures in Babysitting,” “Teen Beach 2″) will serve as executive producers. The new untitled single-camera pilot, geared towards kids, tweens and families, will begin production in early 2016.

The story introduces Andi Marcus as she’s about to celebrate her 13th birthday. She’s eager to have a little teenage fun and adventure – just a little – but that may never happen because her strict mother is doing everything in her power to keep Andi from turning out like her older sister, Bex. As a teenager, Bex dropped out of school, left home and now, in her late 20s, still doesn’t know what she wants out of life. But when Bex returns home and swears she is ready to get her life together, Andi’s life is turned upside down and leaves her questioning everything she’s ever known.

The pilot marks Minsky’s return to Disney Channel. In addition to “Lizzie McGuire,” for which she was a WGA Award nominee, she created the television series “Less Than Perfect” and “The Geena Davis Show” for ABC and most recently developed “Finding Carter” for MTV.

Note: Young Actress Peyton Elizabeth Lee has been casted as Andi!

Stay tuned for more!

Celebrate Fall with the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

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Chip

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November 16, 2015

A few weeks ago while I was at Walt Disney World I finally had the chance to attend the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. I say finally because year after year I have been unable to attend, this year I broke that cycle!

The Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic features cuisine from the hotel’s own award-winning signature restaurants: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula’s Steak House and Todd English’s bluezoo, with wine and spirits samplings from around the globe.

We started off the event with one of the special events It’s better to Wine in Italian with Kristian. We had so much fun learning about the wines from my native country. All of the wines were spectacular and Kristian was very informative and a great teacher!

After the seminar we went outside to sample the food & drinks! Let me just say I have never done anything like this before and wasn’t sure what to expect, if you have ever done Party for the Senses at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival this is almost identical, but the Swan & Dolphin event covers a much bigger space and honestly to me is a far better value.

All of your favorite restaurants from the Swan & Dolphin are here. I have never dined at Shula’s and Il Mulino but after tasting their bites I want to go BAD!

The food at the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic is innovative, creative, and so delish! The Steamrollers above was a shrimp cocktail in a tube that you sucked in and got all of that goodness in one bite. I had at least 5 of those!

There was live music and all of the Cast Members were friendly yet very very busy!

They had a HUGE Beer Garden with some of the best tasting beers and foods. I felt like I was in Germany. Probably one of my favorite areas was the Carnival Corner, you guessed it this is where they had the desserts.

I can now say I had Nitro Kettle Corn! Who doesn’t love Funnel Cake topped with powder sugar?

Overall the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic was a blast! My suggestion would be to stay at Disney’s Swan & Dolphin for the weekend and visit both days for the Food & Wine Classic. Between all of the delicious food, the wonderful people, and all of the wine & beer you can handle this event is well worth the price tag.

Here are some more photos from the event, I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed going to the event! Stay tuned for the announcement on when you can visit next years Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic!

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Special Live Stream of Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights this Wednesday!

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Chip

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November 16, 2015

Our friends at Disney will be live streaming The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights this Wednesday, November 18, at 10:30 p.m. EST on the Disney Parks Blog! I was lucky enough to see it one last time before it is pulled down forever. The last day is January 3, 2016… To see the live stream just visit the Disney Parks Blog main page on Wednesday, November 18, at 10:30 p.m. EST. The live stream will appear in a blog post at the top of their site.

In case you missed my post about all the Food, Merchandise and fun things to look out for at this years event just click here. Also if you have a minute sign this petition to save the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights!

Pedro Manuel Lemus Reyes Takes Top Place at Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon at Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2015

Pedro Manuel Lemus Reyes of Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico, won the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon at Disneyland on Sunday, beating more than 13,500 registered runners. Manuel crushed last year’s half marathon time by over three minutes.

Manuel led the Avengers pack from the start and never looked back. His time of (1:11:09) was three minutes faster than last year’s Avengers half marathon winning time, second-place finisher Nicholas Bowerman of Arlington Heights finished with a time of (1:11:48). Chris Trebilcock of Tampa Florida was third at (1:14.45).

“It was a very nice race,” said Manuel. “I really enjoyed all the support from the crowds of children, families and Disney cast cheering all along the course.”

Top women finisher Alex de la Huerta of Mexico City, wins back-to-back Avengers half marathons beating her time last year by fifteen seconds with (1:22:42). Kellie Nickerson of Albuquerque, NM, repeated with a 2^nd place finish at (1:28:29) and Jenessa Rose of Carlsbad, CA, finished close behind to take third place at (1:28.58)

“I could not be happier with winning again this year,’’ said Huerta, returning to defend her title. “I always enjoy the great atmosphere of running in this race, the cheer of the fans all along the way makes me feel as if I am not even in a competition and I can just have fun, which is incredible.”

Cheered on by Avenger characters at the starting line, over 6,000 out of an estimated registered field of 13,500 runners in this year’s Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon exerted superhero strength as they ran in both the 10k and half marathons over the weekend for the honors of completing the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge. New to this year’s runDisney Avengers Marathon weekend, is the Captain America 10k race – runners completing both races over the weekend, receive a special Infinity Gauntlet Challenge medal in addition to receiving their 10k and half marathon medals.

The 13.1-mile course took runners through Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Park Angel Stadium and four Orange County cities, with the final stretch going past Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel for an exciting finish. All along the route, they were greeted by cheering fans, music and live entertainment.

Sunday’s half marathon race was the finale of the three-day race weekend that continues to build in its popularity from last year’s inaugural debut. The new 10k Captain America race – part of the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge – sold out in just over 40 minutes.

In addition to the half marathon, other weekend events included the Avengers Super Heroes 5K, Captain America 10k and the runDisney Kids Races. In all, the race weekend included runners from ages 14 to 79 and all 50 states, plus over 25 countries!

Have you competed in a runDisney event at Disneyland? Tell me about it in the comments!

I would love to help you plan your next amazing adventure to Disneyland! My services are free and I will help you find the best deal for you and your family. Email me today to start planning!

5 Fun Ways to Keep Your Preschooler Busy in Line at Disney!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 16, 2015

Disney Parks are truly a unique experience each time you have the pleasure of visiting. As a mother I can say that Disney with kids is a totally different trip than when you are traveling with other adults. While there is a bit more planning and organizing involved the rewarding feeling of seeing your child’s eye fix on the castle for the first time is worth it all. We parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles all know that kids don’t always do so well with waiting in lines. Even if there is a fun attraction or ride on the other end! Here are some ways to keep the preschool-aged troops smiling and excited!

Pack Snacks

While this may seem obvious, it isn’t always done. Rather than having to purchase items while in the park and spend the extra time and cash plan ahead. Bring snacks with you on your trip and keep a few handy in your park touring bag each day. If you’re staying at a resort you have options such as buying packaged items at your resort’s food court or store. You can also have items shipped to your resort so a box of snacks and necessities is waiting for you when you arrive. If you’re renting a car make a stop at a grocery store on your way into the magic. The difference between hungry kids waiting in line and fed/busy kids is monumental.

Find Rides With Interactive Queues

If you haven’t been to the Disney Parks in a while there is a new trend emerging. Queues that do their best to entertain the waiting guest! Not all the rides that offer these updates are tiny Disney fan friendly, but the best for your 3 or 4-year-old would probably be Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom. In Hollywood Studios you won’t want to pass up Toy Story Midway Mania and Star Tours if the little ones are Jedi fans. There are some that may not be appropriate depending on the child- The Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain to name a few.

Little Surprises

On our last trip I was fortunate enough to have a dear friend who packed super surprises for my little one and little did I know how helpful they would be! Miniature sticker books, glow sticks, flash cards and anything else small and inexpensive that you think would thrill your son or daughter. Hit up a dollar store or any major chain store (Target, Walmart, etc.) and pick up a few items. It’s a bonus if you gift wrap the items too…eats up a few more minutes and bonus points for being a super planner!

I Spy and other games

As a kid my brother and I would occupy each other playing “I Spy” for way longer than I’d care to admit. Give your kids a starting point and stand back and let them entertain each other. If you have an older child let them take the lead! If it’s just you and one munchkin then play your way through! “Rock, Paper, Scissors”, “I’m Thinking of An Animal, Place or Thing”, or even a thumb wrestling match. These are all fast, minimally active games that will make your preschooler giggle all the way to the ride.

Apps and Games on Your Devices

Naturally Disney has a very fun and kid-friendly set of apps and games to choose from. You can even get your favorite Disney movies on your phone or iPad and watch them in line. There are also Read-Along eBooks available that can get your kids geared up for the rides ahead! This strategy eats up some battery which you may not be willing to part with so this is my “last resort” if we’re reaching critical mass for patience. If you travel with a charger than go for it!

Along with all of these ways to travel with little ones I have many other suggestions and ideas for your family’s next Disney vacation! I’m Autumn with World of Magic Travel and I want to give you a quote today! Contact me via email or follow me on Facebook!

Disneyland Handmade Candy Cane Dates Are Here!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2015

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Every year Disneyland makes and sells a limited number of giant handmade candy canes – and it’s almost time for them to make their return again!

If you want a chance at getting a candy cane you’ll need to be at the park early, we’re talking lining up 30-40 minutes before the park is scheduled to open. While this is not really allowed, everyone else is going to do it – don’t worry, you won’t be the only one.

So, jump in line and cross your fingers that you’re not too far back in line! There are always a limited amount of candy canes, in the past there were a total of 120 wristbands handed out (40 bands per batch and 3 batches).

Each guest is allowed up to TWO wristbands and EACH band will allow you to purchase ONE candy cane. The band will have the date and the batch number. You can pick up your candy cane any time between your batch time and 4pm – if you have not picked it up by 4pm it will be sold to a lucky member of the standby list.

Once you receive your band you will be instructed on where to go to purchase your candy. There are two locations that will be pouring, pulling, and shaping these delicious holiday treats on different days – Candy Palace at Disneyland and Trolley Treats in Disney’s California Adventure.

Here are the dates that candy canes will be available:

Candy Palace at Disneyland

Friday, November 27 (8:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 7-8am

Tuesday, December 1 (9:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 8-9am

Friday, December 4 (8:00am park opening)

Sunday, December 6 (8:00am park opening)

Tuesday, December 8 (9:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 8-9am

Friday, December 11 (8:00am park opening)

Sunday, December 13 (8:00am park opening)

Tuesday, December 15 (8:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 7-8am

Friday, December 18 (8:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 7-8am

Thursday, December 24 (8:00am park opening)*Extra Magic Hour this day 7-8am

Trolley Treats at California Adventure

Saturday, November 28 (8:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 7-8am

Monday, November 30 (9:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 8-9am

Saturday, December 5 (8:00am park opening)

Monday, December 7 (9:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 8-9am

Wednesday, December 9 (8:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 7-8am

Saturday, December 12 (8:00am park opening)

Monday, December 14 (8:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 7-8am

Wednesday, December 16 (8:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 7-8am

Saturday, December 19 (8:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 7-8am

Friday, December 25 (8:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 7-8am

If you want more information or would like to confirm dates you can call Disneyland’s Candy Kitchen Hotline at 714-781-0112.

Even if you don’t get a handmade candy cane, they have one that are the same size and the same price for sale that have been made using the same recipe just not in the park.

You can also watch them make the candy canes!

Have you been lucky enough to get a candy cane in the past? Are you planning on trying to get one this year? Let us know in the comments!

It’s not too late to plan your trip to the extra magical Diamond and Holiday Celebrations! If you have any questions at all about all things Disney or are ready to starting planning your trip contact me at [email protected].

Woman Accused of Posing as a Disney Cast Member to Sell Fake Tickets

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Disney News

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November 15, 2015

A 22 year old woman from California, Jennifer Anne Cardema, is accused of acting as a Disney Cast Member to sell fake tickets to over 12 people. She went all out, she had fake Disney themed Business Cards, a fake LinkedIn profile and Disneyland passes made up as well. Her scam went on for more than 2 years.

She is being charged with identity theft, grand theft, and aggravated white collar crime enhancements. She did not enter a plea. Her bail is $332,000 for one set of charges, including the Disney-related counts, and $150,000 for another bunch of charges.

Her scam affected the lives of several people and their families. Many of them traveled to Disney World or Disneyland to go on what they thought was going to be an amazing vacation only to find out that their tickets were not real and they had no rooms booked in their name. But she did not stop there, she scammed other people and led them to believe she was going to hire them so they gave her personal information and she in turn used that info to get credit cards in their names to fund her shopping sprees. Many victims demanded their money back so she sent them checks that were also not good, they were returned for insufficient funds.

Always do your research!

The Walt Disney Company Donated $1.5 Million Dollars to Feeding America

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2015

Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger-relief organization, salutes The Walt Disney Company for its $1.5 million donation, the vast majority of which will provide grants to 60 food banks across the nation to expand their local fresh produce sourcing and distribution programs.

The ABC daytime series will also feature a segment about teenager Katie Stagliano, who founded Katie’s Krops, a youth-based garden initiative. During the segment, Katie will talk about how her childhood dream of helping the hungry has grown into 83 vegetable gardens tended by youth across the country, producing food for underserved children and families.

Disney’s support will help strengthen local produce sourcing programs in Feeding America member food banks across the country, ensure that food banks can handle larger amounts of fresh produce, and galvanize support from the produce industry and the public.

Increasing access to nutritious foods and engaging audiences to take action is a part of Disney Magic of Healthy Living’s long-standing commitment to creating healthier generations and promoting healthy lifestyles. Disney’s support of Feeding America helps the organization serve more than 12 million children each year.

In addition, Disney | ABC developed special TV spots to inspire communities to envision a future where kids and families have access to nutritious food. The spots—set to air throughout November and December on Disney Channel, Disney XD, ABC and ABC Family— encourage supporters to share the joy through single acts of kindness that can change the world.

“We are delighted that Disney is deepening its commitment to support Feeding America by helping to bring much-needed fresh fruits and vegetables to people facing hunger throughout our nation,” said Diana Aviv, CEO of Feeding America. “Together, along with the public’s support, our food bank network will be able to supply additional healthy fresh produce to help nourish kids and families in need.”

To find out more information and about volunteer opportunities at your local Feeding America food bank, visit FeedingAmerica.org/BeInspired.

Awesome right?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Radio Disney Junior added to IHeartRadio!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2015

Right now fans and families can wiggle and giggle to Radio Disney Junior on the iHeartRadio app and the new iHeartRadio Family app, which offers iHeartRadio’s popular kids content and programming.

Targeted at kids age 2-7, Radio Disney Junior is an eight-hour block of programming hosted by Genevieve Goings (“Choo Choo Soul”) and featuring “The Best of Radio Disney Junior with Genevieve”; “Magical World of Disney Junior,” featuring music from popular Disney and Pixar movies; “Pirates & Princesses” themed songs; “Storybook Hour” where kids can hear one of their favorite Disney stories like “Brave,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Tangled” and “Monsters Inc.”; and “Get Up and Move,” a one-hour programming block dedicated to health and wellness. Radio Disney Junior is currently available on the WATCH Disney Junior app and as a curated playlist on Slacker Radio (streaming audio partner).

The iHeartRadio Family app will also include a stream dedicated to Radio Disney’s “The Alli Simpson Show,” a weekly two-hour fashion and lifestyle show hosted by 17-year-old entertainment personality/recording artist Alli Simpson.

The free iHeartRadio and iHeartRadio Family apps are now available for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.

Stay tuned for more!

50 Years Ago Today Walt Disney World was Announced

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2015

This happened way before my time, but it was an amazing day in history for those of us that love Disney. Walt Disney World was announced 50 years ago today! The Orlando/Central Florida would never be the same again. The amazing Walt Disney himself made the big announcement.

As you can see in the above image, Walt Disney, along with his brother Roy Disney and Florida’s Governor at the time Haydon Burns, were there for the announcement. The announcement was made at a hotel on Lake Eola, which is no longer there.

“It’s the biggest thing we’ve ever tackled,” Walt Disney said that day. “We have many things in mind to make this unique and different from Disneyland,” he said.

Disney World has grown by leaps and bounds since this day. We now have 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, Disney Springs and over 30 resorts and hotels.

Magic Kingdom opened 6 years later. Sadly, Walt had already passed away and could not enjoy all his hardwork.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Photo credit Disney

Disney Descendants Mobile App Review!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2015

Recently Disney launched Descendants, the official mobile game inspired by the hit Disney Channel movie, Disney’s Descendants, available on iOS, Android and Windows devices. In Descendants, fans can create their own unique Descendants character and then join Mal, Evie, Jay, Carlos and more of their favorite characters for a wickedly fun adventure in the world of Descendants. As they play, fans will be able to experience all the iconic locations from the movie from Isle of the Lost and Auradon, such as the Gallery of Villains and Tourney Field.

Players will start the game by creating their own stylish avatar with more than 450 pieces of clothing and accessories inspired by the movie. As players unlock iconic locations in the game, they will discover fun quests like organizing school parties with Mal and tailoring costumes with Evie for a play. Players will collect special rewards along the way that will raise school spirit and help grow their ‘Legendary’ status.

I recently downloaded the game thinking it would be a fun little mindless pastime and was surprised to find it was actually a really intricate, fun game that is great for all ages. The one thing I loved about this game was the amount of choices you have for outfits and hair as well as skin color. I love that all kids can feel included because there is definitely a combination that they could formulate that would look just like them or however they want their character to look. I also love the amount of fun punk like alternative styles are in the game as it adds a certain flair and fun to the characters. For example you could pick to have half of your character’s head shaved in the game or even to have pink hair which adds an extra amount of fun to the game.
I also love that the game had no glitches as far as I could tell other than a few minor details like the same reminder popping up every time you open the game even if you’ve read it before, though I’m sure that will be fixed in the next update of the game. Overall it’s a wonderful game that is most definitely appropriate for all ages to play and have fun with.

Game activities include:

Style showcase: Players can create their own unique character and stand out from the crowd with millions of fashionable combinations, from stylish Auradon preppy to edgy Isle style.

Exciting missions: As they progress through the game, players can organize school parties with Mal, tailor costumes with Evie for a play, and unveil more exciting quests with the help of the coolest students at Auradon Prep.

Be legendary: Players can collect special rewards along the way to raise school spirit and grow their ‘Legendary’ status.

Explore Auradon: Ride on Ben’s scooter to travel between locations and uncover iconic areas such as the Tourney Field, Gallery of Villains, Carnival Grounds and many more.

Overall Grade A-
Disney’s Descendants is now available for free on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Windows Store, and Amazon Appstore.

Stay tuned for more!

Disneyland Paris will remain closed through Tuesday November 17th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 15, 2015

As part of the three-day national mourning period, Disneyland Paris will stay closed through Tuesday November 17th, 2015.

“We mourn those lost to the horrific attacks in Paris, we pray for the injured and we hold them all in our hearts. As part of France’s three-day national mourning period, Disneyland Paris will remain closed through Tuesday 17 November.” Tom Wolber, Président of Euro Disney S.A.S.

Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the friends and family of those involved in this senseless tragedy.