Universal Orlando’s 3rd Annual Celebration of Harry Potter Event-January 29-31, 2016-Talent Announced!

By

-

November 12, 2015

I have been waiting for several months for this announcement and here it is!! Universal Orlando finally announced the film talent aka the actors that will make an appearance at the 3rd annual Celebration of Harry Potter, January 29-31, 2016.

Film Talent Appearances:

Rupert Grint (portrayed Ron Weasley), Matthew Lewis (portrayed Neville Longbottom), Katie Leung (portrayed Cho Chang), Bonnie Wright (portrayed Ginny Weasley), and Evanna Lynch (portrayed Luna Lovegood).

The “stars” of our favorite Harry Potter movies will be participating in the various parts of the event throughout the weekend including a Q&A for the fans. I think this is the best part of the entire event! You’ll also have the chance to hear some of the special panels and see some of the cool demonstrations from several other guests which I’ve listed below.

Special Panel and Demonstration Guests:

The Global Impact of Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Harry Potter: The Exhibition panel will include exhibition creators, film producers, and film actors who have participated in the movies.

Harry Potter Props Showcase with Acclaimed Prop Maker Pierre Bohanna

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter presents head prop maker, Pierre Bohanna, who will answer questions like how long it takes to make a wand? My Question: I would like to know who creates the designs for the many unique wands that each of the Wizards and Witches have in the movies?

Graphic Design for the Harry Potter™ Films with MinaLima

Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, from the graphic design studio MinaLima, will share insights into their role as graphic prop designers, and how their paths crossed at the WB film studios to work for 10 years on the Harry Potter™ movies. You’ll see and learn how they created some of the amazing props like the Marauder’s Map, the Daily Prophet, and The Quibbler. They’ll also explain their roles in designing all the street and store graphics of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. During the panel they will welcome questions from the audience.

For The Younger Fans (Recommended for Ages 12 and Under)

Dance Like a Beauxbatons & Battle Like a Durmstrang

Have you ever wanted to dance like one of the Beauxbatons students or fight like a Durmstrang like in the Harry Potter movies? Well you’ll have your chance to work with a Universal Orlando choreographer that trains the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students who perform daily at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. They will explain the movements and techniques behind the mesmerizing dance routines.

How well do your children (or you) know the Harry Potter films?

Do you think you know EVERYTHING there is to know about the Harry Potter movies? Well now’s your time to shine! Enjoy a fun game to test your knowledge of the Harry Potter films in an audience-interaction game inviting younger fans to shout out the answers to film-specific questions.

Also appearing at “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo:

Harry Potter The Exhibition

You’ll have the chance to get “sorted” into YOUR Hogwarts student house, in-case you didn’t already “know” which house you belong too! You’ll feel as if you are in the Great Hall on your very first day of Wizard school. So are you a Gryffindor, a Slytherin, a Hufflepuff or maybe a Ravenclaw? I’m a little bit of a Gryffindor AND Slytherin. However, I choose GRYFFINDOR!
Once you step into the Expo you’ll feel like a real VIP with the red carpet rolled out leading you into an area celebrating to the global impact Harry Potter: The Exhibition has had during it’s 7-year 12-city tour, including an exclusive Quidditch inspired photo opportunity.

Pottermore from J.K. Rowling

Some exciting news for fans of Pottermore. They have a surprise in store for fans attending this year’s A Celebration of Harry Potter. They will also have a special news writer attending the event to help report all that is going at A Celebration of Harry Potter.

Scholastic

This year Scholastic will be at the event and they have several fun things for the fans to do. For example you can share a message about what the Harry Potter books mean too you. How many times have you read them cover to cover with the same excitement as if it was the first time. They will also have an area where you can color in a magical page from their brand-new Harry Potter coloring book. I can’t wait for this because I am a grown adult that loves to color!
Be sure to enter daily raffles for a chance to win a copy of the new illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, a box set of all seven Harry Potter books, or a Harry Potter coloring book. Collectible giveaways available for Harry Potter fans of all ages.

This amazing event is included with regular theme park admission or with a your Universal Orlando Annual Pass. Admission to certain activities are on a first-come, first-serve basis so arrive early. Guest that purchase the exclusive event vacation packages will enjoy certain special benefits and reserved sections for the panels as well as the demonstrations. For more information about the exclusive event vacation packages that are still be available please feel free to contact me and review my previous article HERE with all the details.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zw8OqY9wXI

Pack you robe and grab your wand because it’s time to head to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

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.

You can also visit my Facebook page, click here for more details, and updates on special offers to your favorite travel destinations. You will also find a ton of pictures from Walt Disney World,Disney Cruise Line, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, and Legoland Florida.

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

Disney Find – Star Wars Disney Cruise Line Door Magnets

By

Chip

-

November 12, 2015

In just a few months Disney will be having their first ever Star Wars Cruise. Guest will be able to have a Star Wars Day at Sea on the Disney Cruise Line! With all the fun and excitement don’t forget to give your Disney Cruise Line door a little love too. One our last Disney Cruise we had a little fun with our door thanks to our friends at GulfBreezeProductions.

We got so many comments on our door we couldn’t come or go without someone asking us about it and congratulating us.

So just in time for the Star Wars Cruise GulfBreezeProduction has a bunch of fun Star Wars designs you can add to your door.

I imagine we will see more designs as we get closer to the Star Wars Cruise Date. So just drop by their store and check out all of their fun designs. It is a fun way to add a little extra Disney Magic to your cruise and remember May the Force be with you!

Happy Shopping!

A Thanksgiving Feast of Disney Favorites at the Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 12, 2015

Thanksgiving food is something I look forward to every year. And this year guests at the Walt Disney World Resort in a fresh take on an American tradition by enjoying their Thanksgiving feast on November 26th with a bounty of Disney tastes. There are over 30 different dining choices available between the Disney theme parks and resorts, allowing your family and friends to come together for a variety of lunch and dinner offerings this year.

Special holiday menus include roasted turkey breast with all the trimmings plus traditional Norwegian meatballs and pan-seared salmon at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, poppy seed lavash, house-made naan, and apple-cranberry achar at Sanaa, roasted heirloom beets with candied walnuts and mulled apple cider at Artist Point, and other unique dishes to enjoy with the holiday classics.

At Epcot, guests can dine on Thanksgiving menus during lunch and dinner seatings at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Restaurant Marrakesh, and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room, as well as quick service at Sunshine Seasons.

At Disney Springs, guests can feast on traditional turkey dinners at an assortment of dining locations, including Planet Hollywood, Portobello Country Italian Trattoria, Wolfgang Puck Grand Café, Crossroads at House of Blues, Bongos Cuban Café, Fulton’s Crab House, The BOATHOUSE, and Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant.

Holiday menus also are offered at 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Hollywood & Vine and The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Within the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, special Thanksgiving dining options are available at:

Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Port Orleans Resort Riverside
California Grill, Chef Mickey’s and The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Captain’s Grille and Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Citricos, Grand Floridian Café, Narcoossee’s and Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Flying Fish Café and Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
Mickey’s Backyard Thanksgiving Feast and Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Sanaa at Disney’s Animal
Kingdom Lodge Villas-Disney’s Kidani Village
Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Sanaa at Disney’s Kidani Village Resort
Shutters at Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Availability is limited and the dining events and offerings are subject to change. For more information and reservations, guests can call 407-WDW-DINE or book online at DisneyWorld.com/dine or contact their Travel Agent.

The holidays magical at Walt Disney World. And there is still time to plan that special holiday trip and experience all of the holiday meals. Let me help you! I am a Travel Magician with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co and the Disney Addicts! Email me today at [email protected] to start planning your “Magical” vacation! –Alissa

Disney ¡Viva Navidad!’ Brings Latino Holiday Festivities to Disney California Adventure Park

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 11, 2015

This holiday season, experience Latino holiday traditions and festivities at the Disneyland Resort. “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” at Disney California Adventure park adds merriment to the holidays from November 13, 2015 to January 6, 2016. These festivities join the ongoing Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration.

“Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” fills the Paradise Garden area of Disney California Adventure with jubilant dancing, exciting music, holiday foods and crafts, and appearances by some popular Disney characters. The exuberant “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” is a daily highlight of the celebration.

Disney characters participating in “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy in their festive costumes along with the Three Caballeros: Donald Duck, Panchito from Mexico, and José Carioca from Brazil.
Paradise Garden is decorated with holly, banners and Latino cultural icons, including traditional “papel picado” – hand-cut paper art decorations.
The lively “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” takes over Paradise Garden several times a day, featuring the Three Caballeros on a colorful holiday float, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on brightly decorated street tricycles, Brazilian samba dancers and drummers, and flag bearers. The street party draws on long-standing traditions that continue to be practiced today in small towns and cities across Mexico, where townspeople celebrate the holidays by processing down cobblestone streets with Mariachi bands, folklórico dancers, larger than life “mojiganga” puppets and colorful flags.
At the Paradise Garden bandstand, guests may enjoy performances by traditional Mariachi, Norteño, and other regional music groups. Also at Paradise Garden, community music and folklorico troupes will perform on the weekends.
“Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” guests will enjoy fun arts, crafts and storytelling, as well as a selection of unique merchandise.

Dining locations in Paradise Garden add an array of popular Mexican food options. Menus will feature Mexican dishes that are often served for the holidays, such as fresh seafood ceviche with citrus vinaigrette, house-made pozole (hearty stew), chicken mole, street-style tacos, sopes de Barbacoa (shredded beef), Champurrado (Mexican-style hot chocolate), sweet tamales, torta al pastor (pork sandwich) and cinnamon-dusted buñuelos (deep-fried sweet treat) with caramel sauce.
Capping off “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” will be the special five-day celebration of Three Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes) 2 through 6, 2015 in Paradise Garden. Traditional Rosca de Reyes bread will be served in honor of this special holiday.

“Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” brings its own special magic to the traditional Disneyland Resort holiday season, as well as to the ongoing 60^th Anniversary Diamond Celebration. The fun at Disneyland includes the daily “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, nightly “Paint the Night” parade and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks. In Disney California Adventure, even Mater gets in the spirit, donning a red hat to meet guests inside the festively decorated Cars Land. The special holiday “World of Color – Winter Dreams” returns with snowman Olaf as your host, and the separate Diamond Celebration “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” show also is presented nightly. Throughout the resort, guests will enjoy holiday music, décor and characters in special holiday attire.

Have you experienced “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!”? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

If you’ve never experienced the holidays at the Disneyland Resort, there’s no better year than this year to go! I’d love to help you plan a magical holiday vacation. My services are free and you can email me at [email protected] for a price quote!

Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs to Layoff Over 450 Employees

By

Disney News

-

November 11, 2015

Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs has filed notice with the state that they are laying off 468 people by January 19th. They will be closed for 6 months for an extensive renovation. The people that are layed off will be given first priority when the hiring process begins again. We do not know the breakdown of how many full-time and part-time employees this will affect.

The new design will be a dramatic difference from the Planet Hollywood that we are used to. The menu is also getting major make over. All of Disney Springs renovations are supposed to be completed by the end of 2016.

The renovations are by design firm Elkus Manfredi Architects. There will be a new lounge and outdoor terrace and bar space called Stargazers. It will have live entertainment and the main room will have DJs.

Planet Hollywood was founded by Robert Earl in 1991, along with partners Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis.

Thoughts?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens TV Special to air this Thursday

By

Chip

-

November 11, 2015

As a big @StarWars fan, I’m excited for Thurs, as #TGITAwakens with a special look at Star Wars: The Force Awakens! pic.twitter.com/gfYKPTfTEq

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) November 10, 2015

Shonda Rhimes tweeted out yesterday that you will be able to see a”Special Look” of Star Wars: The Force Awakens Thursday November 12th at 8/7c and be hosted by the casts of ABC’s Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy and How to Get Away with Murder.

Disney did a similar promotion last month of ESPN with their newest trailer. You can check it out here in case you missed it.

Have you picked up your tickets for Star Wars: The Force Awakens?

New poster and trailer for Pixar’s Finding Dory

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 11, 2015

Disney’s Finding Dory has a new trailer and poster for fans to enjoy. Coming to theatres next summer, Finding Dory takes us on the new adventures of Dory and the gang. Bringing back some of our favorite characters from Finding Nemo along with new ones to love, Disney*Pixar Finding Dory cast includes Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy, Diane Keaton.

Producer Lindsey Collins and Director Andrew Stanton brings us the further adventures of Dory who along with Marlin and Nemo, take off to discover where Dory came from and most importantly how she learned to speak whale. It has been a long wait for this entertainment reporter to get to see Dory and Nemo. Check in with me on chipandco.com and let me know what you think of the preview below.

Enter Your Child in ESPNU’s “Little Experts” Contest Today

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 11, 2015

Who’s in? Enter Your Child in the ESPNU’s “Little Experts” Contest Today!

The college football season is in full swing and fans of all ages are sharing opinions and predictions about their favorite teams and rivals. ESPNU is celebrating the pint-sized commentators of the world with the Little Experts contest, which gives parents the chance to have their kid’s sports analysis broadcasted on-air on ESPNU.

To enter, submit your child’s video showing what makes him or her an ESPN Little Expert on Disney’s Applause app, which is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. A “Little Expert” can be any child between the ages of 3-12 who is able to show their interpretation of an ESPNU analyst and answer questions about college football with their honest, child-like sense of wonder. ESPNU anchors and talent will pick up to four weekly winners from the entries and feature their videos on-air across CFB Daily: The Experts, Championship Drive: Power Hour, other various shows and across social platforms, including the network’s Twitter handle (@ESPNU). Judging will be based on performance originality, presentation creativity, and knowledge of college football. The College Football Playoff will be televised exclusively on ESPN (New Years’ Eve and January 11, 2016). The contest runs from Nov. 10 – Dec. 4 2015, with up to four winners chosen each week.

Tune-in to ESPNU to see each week’s winning submission on-air:

● Nov. 24, 2015 during CFB Daily: The Experts

● Dec. 1, 2015 during CFB Daily: The Experts

● Dec. 8, 2015 during CFB Daily: The Experts

● Jan. 11, 2016 during the Championship Drive: Tailgate Special

The Disney Applause app is free to download and lets you submit your photos and videos to Disney contests and sweepstakes with ease. New challenges are added all the time, so be sure to check the app frequently for more Disney fun!

Check out the cuteness:

Learn more about the contest at Babble.com/LittleExperts.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest begins at 9:00 AM (PT) on 11/10/15, ends at 11:59 PM (PT) on 12/4/15, and is comprised of 4 weekly entry periods. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C. who are 18 years of age or older (or the age of majority in their state of residence, whichever is older). Limit 1 entry per person per weekly entry period. Each video must be unique, and you cannot submit the same video more than once. For full details including eligibility restrictions, entry requirements, weekly entry periods, prize descriptions and limitations click/tap for Official Rules. Mobile download required to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

New Action Thriller “The Finest Hours” Shares Poster and Trailer!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 11, 2015

The new action thriller “The Finest Hours” brings us a new poster and a first look at the movie trailer.

Based on the true story of the most daring rescue mission in the U.S. Coast Guard’s history. “The Finest Hours” tells the story of the February 18, 1952, massive nor’easter that struck New England. Demolishing everything in its path and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path. The SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, traps more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. It’s now up to the U.S. Coast Guard to take on a mission where they will face incredible odds, from freezing temperatures to 60 ft waves and hurricane winds. The 4 man rescue team and the 30 sailors on board will all have to do their part to make sure everyone survives.

“The Finest Hours” stars Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana. Directed by Craig Gillespie and produced by Jim Whitaker, Dorothy Aufiero

Disney movies and action thrillers are my favorites and I love action thrillers and this one has the makings of a great film. The kind that will have me on the edge of my seat. Follow chipandco.com for all the entertainment news and updates about your favorite movies.

Tee Public Pre-Thanksgiving Sale going on now!

By

Chip

-

November 11, 2015

Our friends at Tee Public are having a Pre-Thanksgiving sale in honor of Veterans Day today! From Thursday, November 11th through Sunday, November 15th all shirts are only $14! Including all of our Disney Designed shirts like the ones featured above. So now is your chance to pick up some up some fun Disney Designs without breaking the bank!

Just click here to get started, and have a magical day!

Watch a Scene From “Tangled: The Musical” LIVE!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 11, 2015

If you’ve been dying to catch Disney’s all new “Tangled: The Musical” live on stage but a Disney Cruise isn’t quite in the works yet, we have great news! Tune in Wednesday November 11 at 11:50 am EST to the Disney Parks Blog for a live streaming! Not only will you be a part of Disney history by witnessing the premier performance but you’ll hear one of three brand new songs composed by the legendary Academy Award Winning Alan Menken just for this show with lyrics by Grammy Award Winning Glenn Slater.

This exciting new show can be found aboard the Disney Magic and it’s the only one of it’s kind at this time. This musical is said to stay true to the story line from the movie “Tangled” and will feature all your favorite characters including Mother Gothel, Flynn Rider (AKA “Eugene”), Maximus the police-horse and of course Rapunzel in her golden-haired glory!

I think we an all agree that even though “Mother Knows Best” this will be the “Best day ever”!

To find out how we can get your and your travel companions on the Disney Magic to see Rapunzel live, contact me, Autumn, today for a FREE quote! Find me on Facebook or shoot me an email!

5 Things You Won’t Want to Miss in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 11, 2015

I had a blast sharing my Top 5 Things not to miss for EPCOT, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom and now we’re onto Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Designed to feel like you are “walking into” your favorite movies, Hollywood Studios is filled with the magic of lights, camera and action. As with the other parks I’m going to keep this universally aged. I’m a HUGE fan of the thrill rides at Hollywood Studios but they aren’t for everyone so you won’t see them here today.

1. Fantasmic

Night time spectacular. They call it this for a reason. It is, in fact, fantastic! This lights, fireworks, character and water filled romp through Mickey Mouse’s dream has a stunning cast of players and wows. All ages will be delighted and enjoy every moment of this show. I must confess that I hadn’t experienced it until I was in my 20’s. I guess it never peaked my parents interest over the amazing Wishes show in Magic Kingdom. All I can say is don’t delay in taking time to see this show!

2. The Great Movie Ride

Two words come to mind when I think of this attraction: classic and timeless. The ride has been updated here and there but overall it’s stayed very old Hollywood which many enjoy. It’s a nice break from the hot Florida days and it’s really great for most ages. The ride takes you literally inside films such as The Wizard of Oz, Alien and you’ll even see some live action. I won’t ruin any surprises. There’s nothing movie lovers hate more than a spoiler. Side note- I will say that I distracted my two year old when we remembered Alien makes an appearance so she wouldn’t be terrified and it was a success!

3. Toy Story Mania

So. Much. Fun. I am super competitive and this ride not only taps into that quality but it’s also a really awesome feat of engineering. This ride is in 4D and you are equipped with (pretend) weapons. You’ll be lead around different arcade/carnival style version of Andy’s Room from the Toy Story movies. If you want to see who’s a better shot- you can! The ride keeps score for you. If you are making use of Fast Passes I would highly recommend you use one on this gem. Otherwise the wait may be intense.

4. Frozen Sing Along

All I can say is that if you’ve seen Frozen once…you’ll love this show. The cast is so talented and the atmosphere is so exciting that all ages will enjoy it. Told by two newly appointed “Royal Historians of Arendelle “, this duo delivers with both scripted wit and ad-libbing and they are the part of the show that the adults will all love. I don’t laugh gratuitously and these two got genuine real belly laughs out of me.

5. Star Tours– The Adventure Continues

I’m a Star Wars fan, I’ll put that out there. However, I remember riding this 3D motion- simulator as a kid before I had seen the series and couldn’t wait to ride it again. That being said, you don’t have to be a Jedi fan to enjoy this one. The ride got an upgrade and now includes 50 different adventures so you can ride over and over and possibly not have the same experience twice. There is soon to be a Stars Wars themed land coming to this park and I can’t wait to get in there and take a look!

I’m looking forward to all the changes coming to Hollywood Studios with the closure of the Studio Backlot Tour, American Idol and others. What are you looking forward to most? What have YOU heard is coming to the Studios?

I’d love to help you plan your next Disney getaway! Contact me today to discuss timelines for upcoming attractions that you have on your “must see” list! Email me today for your free quote and follow me on Facebook!