Unique twists on handmade Disney inspired Jewelry

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November 8, 2015

I was browsing on etsy like I usually do when I am bored and I ran across designer FishesGiveKisses. They had some very cool Disney jewelry designs, with Christmas coming I added a few to my cart to pick up for a special someone.

Here are some of the designs I liked the best:

and many more designs. Really there are a bunch of designs to choose from, you just need to drop by FishesGiveKisses store to check them out. You wont be disappointed.

Happy Shopping.

John Mott Takes First Place at Weather-Shortened 2015 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

By

Chip

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November 8, 2015

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Despite a weather delay and shortened race course, John Mott overcame recent knee surgery to win the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon on Saturday night at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando.

With a winning time of 34:30 over the entertainment-filled course that was shortened to 6.7 miles due to weather, Mott, 28, finished 12 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Juarez Silva of Sao Jose, Brazil (34:42) and 30 seconds in front of third-place finisher Fredison Costa, a Brazilian who resides in Kissimmee, FL and trains at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney.

“I came here as a workout because I’m training for a marathon, so this was kind of a last-minute thing,’’ Mott said. “I’ve just been getting over a knee injury. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to finish or not, but actually, cutting the course played in my favor because I didn’t want to put too much stress on my leg. So I’m pretty happy with it.”

Stephanie Zammit, 41, of Canada was the first female finisher with a time of 44:18. It was Zammit’s sixth Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon and her first victory. Sara Ellis of Orangeville, Canada was second (44:45) and Jill Johnston of Fairhope, AL, (45:31) was third.

“The atmosphere is amazing, the course is amazing, and the people are great,’’ Zammit said. “Everything is amazing. I love it.”

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon capped off a sold-out weekend that included more than 20,000 runners during the two-day event. This included more than 14,000 runners who ran through multiple Disney theme parks Saturday night. The runners celebrated their accomplishment at an exclusive after-hours Finish Line Party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, featuring more than 30 marketplaces offering fine cuisine and wine, plus Disney characters, musical performances and the opportunity to ride signature Epcot attractions.

The race began at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and weaved through Disney’s Hollywood Studios before finishing at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

First Timer’s Guide To Walt Disney World – Choosing A Resort

By

Catie

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November 8, 2015

Making the decision to take your family on a Walt Disney World vacation is a VERY smart thing to do – it’s a great place to visit and they have something for everyone to enjoy there! Once you decide to go, you’ll also have some other decisions to make – one of them being where to stay – and this can be a tough one, as Walt Disney World has TONS of amazing Resort Hotels right on WDW property (staying on property is really an easy decision – read on here to find out more about the perks of staying in WDW). So if you aren’t sure which WDW Resort is right for you, then read on for some helpful info that will make the decision much easier:

Value, Moderate Or Deluxe? First thing you need to know about the WDW Resorts is that there are three levels – the Deluxe are the priciest (but the nicest, and closest to the Parks!), the Moderate are less expensive (and offer fewer amenities and are further from the Parks), and the Value are the most wallet-friendly (and therefore are the furthest from the Parks). Depending on what your family wants/needs, you will want to pick your “level” accordingly. If you need a bigger room or want to be just short monorail ride (or walk!) away from the WDW Theme Parks, then Deluxe is probably best for you. Value Resorts offer smaller rooms, and they are the furthest away from the Parks – which are accessible only by bus. Moderate Resorts fall somewhere in-between the two (as the name suggests!) – with medium sized rooms and slightly more dining/transportation options than the Value Resorts

Theming: Every Resort has its own unique theme that is carried out in everything from towels to walkways, landscape, and décor. The Value Resorts are a bit “louder” when it comes to theme – giant character statues, bright bold colors, and upbeat music are some of the things you can expect to find around the Value Resorts. As you go up in price, the theming becomes more subtle, and a bit more upscale too – you notice it in the little things like the bathrooms, the lobby, and the landscaping. Here’s a rundown of the themes at each WDW Resort:

Value Resorts

All Star Movies: Movie themed

All Star Sports: Sports themed

All Star Music: Music themed

Pop Century: 20th Century pop culture themed

Art Of Animation: An homage to Disney animation

Moderate Resorts

Caribbean Beach: a lush tropical paradise

Coronado Springs: American southwest/Northern Mexican theme

Port Orleans Riverside: Themed after the Mississippi – Bayou area of the Old South

Port Orleans French Quarter: New Orleans/Mardi Gras themed

The Cabins At Fort Wilderness: “Wilderness”/Camp themed

Deluxe Resorts

Grand Floridian: Turn of the century Victorian theme

Polynesian Village: A South Pacific paradise

Contemporary & Bay Lake Tower: Modern/contemporary theme

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Recreates the feel of a South African wildlife reserve lodge

Boardwalk Inn: 1920’s and 30’s Eastern seaboard themed

Wilderness Lodge: Modeled after the historic Old Faithful Lodge circa 1904 in Yellowstone National Park

Yacht Club: Themed after seaside New England hotels of the late 1800’s

Beach Club: Styled after the New England seashore at the turn of the century

Swan & Dolphin: Sophisticated and swan/dolphin themed respectively

Proximity To Parks: Depending on who is in your family/party, this might be a big factor for you when it comes to choosing a WDW Resort. Like I previously mentioned, the Value Resorts offer only bus transportation to other areas of WDW. Of the Moderate Resorts, a few offer boat transportation in addition to buses: Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter offer a boat shuttle to Downtown Disney, and Fort Wilderness has boat service to the Magic Kingdom. Most Deluxe Resorts offer boat transportation to at least 1 theme park in addition to the buses, so if you know what park(s) you plan to frequent the most, then you might want to think about choosing a Resort closer to your favorite Park. Another reason you might want to be closer to the Parks is if you’re traveling with young children – the amount of time you spend on a bus to go to and from the Parks from a Value Resort is considerable, and it can get boring for little ones

All WDW Resorts have a food-court style dining option, at least one gift shop, multiple pools, laundry facilities, and super helpful cast members to assist with whatever you need during your stay.

Overall, the rule of thumb with WDW Resorts is – if you pay more, you get more – more amenities, more dining and transportation options, and bigger rooms – so if money is something you consider when planning a vacation (it probably is a big factor for most families out there!), then you may want to consider the cost vs. what you really need/want out of a hotel room and Resort. No matter which WDW Resort you pick, you will be sure to have a great time at the most popular vacation spot in the world – Walt Disney World!

Ex-Disneyland Cast Member Sentenced for Attempting to Sell Tickets for Sex

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Disney News

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November 7, 2015

Darreck Enciso, 27, of Adelanto, who is an ex-Disneyland cast member, recently plead guilty and was sentenced to 1 year in jail and 5 years of probation. He was accused of attempting to sell Disneyland tickets in exchange for sex with a minor.

At the time the crimes were committed he was still employed by Disney.

He plead guilty to:

One felony count of attempted lewd act upon a child
One felony count of contacting a child with the intent to commit a specified sex crime
One felony count of meeting a minor with the intent to engage in lewd conduct.

He put an ad on Craigslist on July 1 asking for women who would have sex with him in exchange for tickets to Disneyland. What he actually got was an undercover officer who was acting as a 14 year old girl.

Darreck Enciso actually set up meeting for the exchange to happen. On July 9th he got to the spot he planned for the exchange to happen. He arrived with condoms and tickets to Disneyland. He was arrested in Huntington Beach, California.

Disney Reports Record Profits for the 2015 Fiscal Year

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Disney News

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November 7, 2015

Disney recently released their earnings report for the 2015 fiscal year and yet again they have reached record profits. Needless to say attendance at the parks is also high. This is their 5th consecutive year of the same.

Their revenue jumped up 7% from last year and up 12% from a year before that. Profits topped a whopping $52 billion. An all time high! Profits for just the parks and resorts are $3.03 billion for the 2015 fiscal year, that is 14% higher than last years fiscal record.

Disney says higher attendance at the parks and spending went up in all Disney parks around the country. So that means more resort stays and combine that with higher ticket prices that explains the rise in profits.

Thoughts?

New Resort Rapid Refill Mugs showing up at Walt Disney World Resorts

By

Chip

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November 7, 2015

Mickey and the Gang are showing up now in most Walt Disney World Resorts on the new Rapid Refill Mugs. They come in blue, red, green and purple. Cost of the mugs will run you $16.99 if you don’t have the Disney Dining Plan, if you are on the Disney Dining plan the mug is included in your package.

Remember you do not receive a discount if you bring back a mug from a previous stay to use again.

Do you like the Resort Rapid Refill Mugs? Are they worth the money or no? Let us know in the comment box below.

Helpful Hints to Get the Most Out Of Disney Cruise Line Dining

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 7, 2015

One of the best parts of taking a Disney vacation is the food, and the Disney Cruise Line does not disappoint!!! With so many options onboard, you won’t know where to start. But we’re here to help and give you suggestions and tips on how to get the best dining experience at sea and leave you and your belly happy!

Petites Assiettes de Remy– if you are sailing on the Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, you won’t want to miss this experience that takes place during the early evening hours the first day of the cruise. A “happy hour”, if you will. Here you can enjoy “small plates” and enjoy top-notch cuisine in the elegant Remy dining room. Six dishes are featured at the event with wine pairings. The event runs $50/person and is a fabulous way to begin your magical voyage!
Bruch at Palo or Remy- for adults only, you can enjoy an elegant, six-course Champagne brunch at Remy on sea days and select port days. At Palo, you can enjoy a spread of small bites, like caviar and croissants, along with made-to-order dishes.
Dessert at Palo- if you are taking advantage of enjoying a romantic dinner at sea, be sure to indulge in the chocolate souffle for dessert. You will NOT be disappointed!!
Pompidou’s Patisseries Dessert Experience- Also found on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, satisfy your sweet tooth with this afternoon at Remy. Here you will take your taste buds on a journey through six different desserts and a glass of wine, Champagne or a cocktail. Since calories don’t count when you are on vacation, this is $50 well spent!
Pub 687- if you are looking for lighter fare and a more casual dining experience, head to Deck 4 on the Disney Dream and watch your favorite sports team while you indulge in beef sliders, tempura shrimp and bangers and mash (nominal fee applies)
When you are dining at Cabanas on the Disney Dream, be sure to take a walk through the ENTIRE buffet before you decide to start filling your plate! There are so many wonderful foods that you don’t want to fill up and miss out on the awesomeness that is waiting. Let your taste buds be adventurous, you will not be disappointed!
Dine and Play- this is probably one of my favorite features on the Disney Cruise Line! With this, your entire family can enjoy a meal together and once they are done, counselors from the Oceaneer Club arrive and take the kids to play while adults finish dinner and move on to the enchanting nightlife onboard. This feature is available during the second seating in the main dining rooms for musketeers ages 3-12.
Do you love martinis? Then be sure to check out Meridian on Deck 12 of the Disney Dream for one of the best drinks and ambiance at sea. This lounge features an outdoor terrace. Seriously, does it get much better?!?!
And speaking of adult cocktails, you can sign up for a tequila, rum, cognac or Champagne tasting (offerings vary). Join experts from the Disney Cruise Line who will teach you how to navigate the world of craft cocktails and teach you things you never knew
Room service is included with your fare, so take advantage of it!! I hear the BLT is fantastic!

I don’t know about you, but, I feel like I gained 10lbs reading this! The good news is that you can take a walk or jog on the deck to burn some calories at sea. The ocean makes for a nice distraction and three laps equals a mile. If you and your taste buds are ready to go on a wondrous adventure, then email me at [email protected] to learn more about the Disney Cruise Line. I’d love to help you find the best itinerary for you and your family. And, don’t forget about our special promotion running through the end of October. You can read all about that HERE!

Comment below with your dining tips! What are some experiences that were truly magical for you?

Enter the Frozen “Say Freeze” Photo Contest Hosted by Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 7, 2015

“Frozen” is still very popular, and I suspect it will be for quite sometime. Enter to win the “Say Freeze” photo contest. This contest is inspired by the family photo in the “Frozen Fever” short. The popular short will have it’s big TV debut on Nov 29th during “Descendants” at 6:30 p.m. on the Disney Channel.

They are looking for sweet, funny, and crazy pictures. Remember, a family does not have to be blood. A family can be anyone that you share a close relationship/bond with. They want to see who really makes up your family

To enter:

Take a photo and submit it, along with a caption explaining the family pictured, at Disney.com/SayFreeze or through Disney’s Applause app, which is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

You can enter through Nov. 30, 2015. Remember minors need their parents permission to enter the contest.

Prizes:

The Grand Prize is a 6 day and 5 night Walt Disney World Resort vacation for 4. The grand prize winners will also get to meet Elsa and Anna and check out the new Frozen Ever After ride at The Norway Pavilion in Epcot. That attraction is supposed to open later this year.

The second prize will get original artwork of Anna, Olaf and Elsa, a “Frozen Fever” which is a limited edition lithograph, “The Art of Frozen” book and a “Frozen”-themed gift basket.

The third prize winner will get a gift basket of “Frozen” products.

Winners will be announced after a public vote on the finalists in December.

Good luck! Don’t forget to enter here.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

The Jingle Cruise Is Now Sailing in the Magic Kingdom!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 7, 2015

Now that we’ve said farewell to hitchhiking ghosts and Halloween, Walt Disney World is in full holiday mode! Just like they do year after year, it seems as though the Magic Kingdom (and the rest of the parks and resorts) are transformed overnight to be full of Christmas trees, twinkling lights, wreaths, candy canes and more. In keeping with the holiday spirit, one of our favorite rides, Jungle Cruise, is also undergoing its Christmas makeover for the third year in a row.

Jingle Cruise made its maiden voyage for this holiday season yesterday, much to the delight of adventurers everywhere! What is Jingle Cruise, you ask? Well, our favorite jolly ol’ Skippers are feeling a little bit homesick this holiday season, so they’ve taken it upon themselves to decorate the boathouse with holiday decorations, gifts, and other memorabilia from home. Remember though, just because the tarantula has a Santa hat doesn’t mean it can’t bite you, so be on the lookout!

On the Jingle Cruise, you’ll see the house where all the Skippers live, and it is also decked out in full holiday style!

The boats are also updated to be holiday-themed. Here’s the Reindeer Ruby getting ready for its next adventure.

The jokes we all know and love also have a Christmas twist. Maybe you’ll see the real Santa’s workshop, or maybe you’ll get a head start (see what I did there?) on your Christmas shopping with Trader Sam-Ta! There are great holiday deals, after all – two of his heads for just one of yours.

With that I will turn it over to you, our dear readers. Are you going on an adventure aboard the Jingle Cruise this year? If you went last year, tell us your experiences! Sound off in the comments below!

Hi, I’m Myra and I’m a huge Disney nerd and addict! I’m also an independent travel agent at World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts. The holidays are a great time of year to visit Walt Disney World, and it’s not too late to start your vacation planning! Did you know there are still promotions available in time for your holiday trip? If there’s anything I can do to help you book and plan your trip and avail of these special offers, let me know! Visit my page or send me an email at [email protected] to get started. My services are always free to you!

Star Wars – Disney Musical Parody

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 6, 2015

Calling all Disney and Star Wars Fans! Have you seen the production from executive director and composer George Shaw? Shaw and his team take the magic of Disney classic hits and adds the legacy of Star Wars to make a parody of Episode IV: A new hope. The Star Wars Musical gives fans on an adventure full of live action and animation like never before. With the huge successs of the first musical, Shaw is looking at the release of the next parody titled Star Wars Musical: The Empire’s New Groove. Based on Episode V: Empire Strikes Back George Shaw is hoping for a December 2016. To make this next parody a reality a crowd campaign has been started.

How do you find out all the details of the campaign? Clink here and do your part to support the continuing success of the Star Wars Musical Parody Series or visit the website for more information and to enjpy the other Star Wars Musical Parodies.

Watch the video and let me know what you think! Love it or not, you will enjoy the perfect combination of your favorite Star Wars characters and Disney music!

Loretta Garcia, Entertainment Writer for chipandco.com invites you to sign up for our newsletter today!

China is Cracking Down on on Counterfeit Disney Merchandise

By

Disney News

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November 6, 2015

There has been big time counterfeiting in China for years, but hopefully not anymore. A Chinese government agency recently said that the Walt Disney Company is the new focus a new “special action” campaign directed at getting rid of counterfeit Disney merchandise that violates Disney’s trademarks.

“I would describe it as unusual,” said Edward Chatterton, a partner at the law firm DLA Piper in Hong Kong, who specializes in intellectual property work related to China. “I don’t think I’ve seen a specific brand being protected in this sort of comprehensive way before.”

They said this move is supposed to coincide with the opening of Shanghai Disney next year. This will be the first theme park of the magnitude in the mainland of China. In addition to this new campaign it also includes an area of 2.7 square miles around the new park labeled as“Disney trademark key protected area.” They want to “safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, promote a market environment of fair competition and uphold China’s international image in protecting intellectual property rights,” the agency said. The push started last month, it added.

The most popular counterfeits come from “Frozen” and “Snow White”, according to them.

China has made some progress recently cracking down on counterfeit merchandise, probably because last year they implemented tougher penalties on trademark violators. But they still need to improve!

Thoughts?

Frozen Rings In The Holidays With Several Special Events

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 6, 2015

frozen fever logo

The Walt Disney Animation Studios’ megahit “Frozen” continues to add new Frozen adventures. Starting off the holidays wishing everyone a magical season, Frozen celebrates by sharing the message that ” Family is the best gift of all.” Along with “Frozen”-related television debuts on Disney Channel, new content from Disney Interactive and an exciting photo contest inspired by the “Frozen” family, called “Say Freeze!” the holidays are going to be Frozen!

The Disney Channel will bring us two specials events to enjoy. A music video featuring the cast of “Best Friends Whenever” will sing their version of “Making Today a Perfect Day” (from Frozen Fever) will air on Friday, November 13th after “Girl Meets World” (8:30 pm ET/PT). ‘‘Frozen Fever’ will debut on November 29th as part of Disney’s Descendants at 6:30 pm (ET/PT). Both will remind viewers of the special bond and importance of family.

Disney Interactive brings us a new “As Told By Emoji” which will show emoji Elsa, Anna, Olaf and the rest of the Frozen cast telling the story of Frozen Fever and including their version of “Making Today A Perfect Day.” Catch it on the Disney Channel or on Disney’s YouTube channel in early December.

The Say Freeze! Frozen family photo contest will give one lucky winner a dream vacation for four to visit the Frozen Fun at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida! Show Disney what family means to you by sending in your funniest, sweetest and wackiest family picture and what makes them “the best gift of all” and you could be the winner! To enter, capture a photo of your “family” and submit it, along with a caption telling us about your one-of-a-kind family at Disney.com/SayFreeze or through Disney’s Applause app, which is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play. The entry period runs through November 30, 2015 and winners will be announced following a public vote among the finalists in December. 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!

One Grand Prize winner will meet the royal sisters, Anna and Elsa, and be among the first in forever to experience the all-new “Frozen Ever After” attraction at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot – opening in 2016! Contest entrants have an opportunity to win:

GRAND PRIZE: A 6-day/5-night vacation for four to the Walt Disney World Resort,including Magic Your Way tickets with Park Hopper® option, character greeting, and more!
SECOND PRIZE: Original artwork of Anna, Olaf & Elsa signed by Oscar®-winning directors Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, & producer Peter Del Vecho, Frozen Feverlimited edition lithograph, “The Art of Frozen” book, and a Frozen-themed gift basket.
THIRD PRIZE:A gift basket featuring Frozen products.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter by 11/30/15. Open to legal residents of all ages of the 50 U.S. & D.C. Minors must get parent’s permission to enter. Visit Disney.com/SayFreeze to enter & for full Official Rules including the definition of a “family,” eligibility restrictions, entry requirements & prize limitations. Many will enter. Few will win. Void where prohibited.

Are you ready for a Frozen Fever Holiday? This Entertainment Writer has her DVD all set up and the Disney Applause app downloaded!