Sneak Peek: SeaWorld’s Blue World Like You’ve Never Seen Before!

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October 12, 2015

Check out this NEW video, presented today to the California Coastal Commission, to get an in-depth view of SeaWorld‘s Blue World killer whale habitat!

They are redesigning the killer whale habitats to make them more natural and dynamic. These brand new habitats will feature rocks, plant life and other fish, as well as varied depths, shallow areas similar to a beach, and currents.

When complete, they will provide everyone — marine experts and visitors alike — with a far deeper appreciation and understanding of these magnificent animals.

Check out the video:

Show your support for SeaWorld’s Blue World killer whale habitat by sharing it with your friends using #BlueWorldYes.

Looks awesome! What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

ShellieMay will be joining Duffy in Disney World and Disneyland!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 12, 2015

Duffy the Disney Bear will finally be joined by his best friend ShellieMay! Just when things were looking down for the beloved Duffy, ShellieMay is making her way to Walt Disney World and Disneyland this fall! Minnie Mouse decided that Duffy needed a friend to keep him company and created ShellieMay to share his adventures with him!

She was introduced to Tokyo DisneySea a few years ago and then made her way to Aulani in 2014. She has been the most requested item from Duffy fans in the U.S. and Disney is listening! They will introduce a 17-inch plush bear along with several costumes for dressing ShellieMay. Guests may also find a “My First ShellieMay” 12-inch plush bear. Disney is releasing a hardcover book that tells the story of ShellieMay along with a plush pillow. Both items will be perfect for bedtime stories. Look for ShellieMay items next to where Duffy the Disney Bear items are offered at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort. There will be matching Cinderella/Prince Charming outfits for the pair along with outfits just for her such as a Cheerleader and Minnie Mouse outfits. My kids will be rushing to get their hands on ShellieMay next month!

Who will be first in line to purchase ShellieMay? I know I will be grabbing the first one I see!

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Review – Tomorrowland on Blu-ray Combo Pack

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 12, 2015

Dreamers Wanted…Disney invites you to an incredible world of epic imagination where anything is possible. Buckle your seat belt, as the director of The Incredibles takes your family on an action-packed thrill ride.

Join former boy genius Frank (George Clooney), optimistic, science-minded teen Casey (Britt Robertson), mysterious Athena (Raffey Cassidy) and the brilliant David Nix (Hugh Laurie) in a world of pure Disney imagination. Tomorrowland transports you on an inspiring and magical journey of wonder and adventure to a place where if you can dream it, you can do it.

Available to own on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD on October 13th, this new release is the perfect edition to any Disney movie collection.

The first time I saw Tomorrowland, I had a few Disney fans geek out moments. For example, every time I caught of a glimpse of Space Mountain in the Tomorrowland skyline I had to control myself from yelling and pointing. Not to mention, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” acts as the score for the film and it works perfectly.

The new release features a ton of great Bonus Features that are great for the whole family.

• Remembering the Future: A Personal Journey Through Tomorrowland with Brad Bird – The director reflects on the movie as both a celebration of humankind’s can-do spirit and a rousing call to action. This feature is great because it takes us behind the scenes of the film while also expanding to the greater purpose and message behind the movie.
• Animated Short: The Origins of Plus Ultra – This is definitely my favorite Bonus Feature on the disc. This animated short originally played before Tomorrowland in theatres. Rather than being a cute short that has nothing to do with the film, Plus Ultra sets the stage for the story of Tomorrowland and gets viewers in the right mind set. The animation and narration reminded me of some of my favorite rides at Disney such as Spaceship earth and Living with the Land. The disc gives you the option of playing this short before the film and I definitely suggest this!
• Casting Tomorrowland – Take a look at how casting for the film took place and why these actors are the perfect fit .
• A Great Big Beautiful Scoring Session – This feature takes you behind the scenes and into the record room to show how the film’s music was brought to life. Richard Sherman makes an appearance here and as a complete fan of the Sherman Brothers work, I really enjoyed this.
• The World of Tomorrow Science Hour: Hosted by Futurologist David Nix – This feature is set up as “outtakes from a long lost Disney series pilot” and features Hugh Laurie as David Nix. Nix is trying to explain the future of technology to a group of children, but maybe isn’t the most qualified teacher of young minds. This feature was a good laugh and a great addition to the disc.
• Deleted Scenes – Bonus Features would not be complete without some deleted scenes! These scenes show how the movie was originally planned to be, and why different changes were made to make it the film it turned out to be.

Take an adventure to the future and make sure to pick up Tomorrowland when it hits stores on October 13th.

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.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Will Be Getting a New Dance Party in the New Sunset Showcase Theater

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 12, 2015

I love a good Dance Party at Walt Disney World! The Incredibles Dance Party at Magic Kingdom is one of my favorites. Disney has announced a new Dance Party will be coming to Hollywood Studios later this year and I’m super excited to check it out.

This new show will be held in the Sunset Showcase, a new theater space that has been designed to host a variety of shows, located between Rock n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror on Sunset Blvd. It’s been rumored that this venue will replace the current theater space at the park, Premier Theater, as part of the redesign happening over the next year or so.

The new dance party, called Club Disney will allow guests to join Mickey and Gang and get their groove on in this “club-like” setting. DJ Club Host is going to be spinning a mix of Radio Disney Top 40 songs for guests of all ages to enjoy. And images of classic Disney animation will make the walls and floors come alive!

There will also be a cool seating area and snack station – plus a recharging station for your electronic devices!

Look for this new show to open on December 5th!

Are you excited for this new, interactive experience coming to Hollywood Studios? Will you be adding it to your plans?

These shows are one of my favorite things about a Disney vacation and always add a little bit of magic. Are you looking to plan a trip to Walt Disney World? Or maybe you’re thinking about Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani or Adventures by Disney? I’d love to talk to you about all the great destinations out there and help you plan your Magical vacation. 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

The Best Places To Eat At Disney World: Parks Edition

By

Catie

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October 12, 2015

I don’t know about you, but when I am thinking about where to go for vacation, the food is a major factor – I want to enjoy good food and get the chance to try new things too! This is just one of the many reasons why I love vacationing at Walt Disney World – they offer tons of amazing food and dining options – so many that it can be hard to narrow it down at meal or snack time! In case you aren’t sure where to eat, check out some of my picks for the Best Places To Eat at the Disney Parks – broken down by top table service, counter service, and snack locations at each Park:

Magic Kingdom: When it comes to a sit down meal in MK, my top pick has always been, and always will be – the Crystal Palace – they serve up a buffet of fresh, delicious foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – and on top of that, it’s a character meal where Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet work the restaurant giving out hugs and autographs and posing for photos. If you don’t have time for a sit down meal, then I suggest grabbing lunch or dinner at Columbia Harbour House – where the Clam Chowder is out of this world, and the fried shrimp and tuna sandwiches are delicious too. Take advantage of the seating upstairs and do some people watching while you enjoy your meal. And if you’re just looking for a quick snack –Main Street Bakery is the place to go – cookies, cupcakes, fudge, cake pops – your sweet tooth will thank you, trust me.

Hollywood Studios: I can’t think of a more classy, Hollywood-esque place to eat than at the Hollywood Brown Derby – where you can gaze at photos of the stars while enjoying your cobb salad and grapefruit cake (both signature items that the restaurant is well known for!). Lunch and dinner options range from items like the Asian Chicken Salad, Angus cheeseburger, steak, and a chicken club at the popular ABC Commissary – which is my favorite place to grab a quick meal at HS (they even serve up beer and wine too!). When it comes to snacking at HS – the only place that’s worth going to in my opinion is Starring Roles Café – the baked goods case is stuffed with drool-worthy treats like giant cupcakes, turnovers, pastries, and more (the Butterfinger Cupcake is a personal fave of mine!) – and they even have sushi and sandwiches available too

Epcot: Now this was a tricky Park to narrow down – as Epcot offers TONS of amazing places to eat between Future World and the World Showcase – so after much deliberation here are my picks: San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavilion offers up some truly delicious authentic Mexican dishes – Mole, tacos, enchiladas, grilled fish – all of them are always on point. Pair it with some fresh chips and salsa and a margarita and you’re in heaven! < ahref=http://www.chipandco.com/planning/guide-to-disney-world/restaurant-and-snack-options/epcot/sunshine-seasons/>Sunshine Seasons is one of the best counter service locations in all of WDW – the smell of the chicken rotisserie hits you as soon as you walk in, and the Asian dishes and salads are prepared as you watch (using ingredients grown on site!), and their desserts are to die for too – especially the strawberry shortcake. If a quick nibble is what you’re after, then head over to the Germany pavilion – where the caramel haven that is Karamell Kuche awaits – the fresh Caramel Corn is a must try, and the salted caramels are a top pick too. Caramel cheesecake, toffee bark with caramel, caramel apples, chocolate & caramel covered strawberries…the list goes on, and they are all worth the wait (as there’s usually a line out the door!)

Animal Kingdom: I highly recommend booking a breakfast at Tusker House – where you’ll find traditional breakfast buffet items like Mickey waffles, potato dishes, and bacon/sausage – but you’ll also have a chance to try some authentic African dishes – like bobotie (a seriously amazing quiche like dish with spiced meat that is just the best), plus it’s a character meal – where Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Daisy strut around dressed in adorable safari outfits – and the meal is hosted by Donald – who you get to pose with for pictures upon your arrival (something to note – Donald also hosts lunch, but dinner is a character-free meal). You can smell the ribs and chicken from Flame Tree BBQ way before you can see the counter service restaurant – and they are both delicious. Try the platter that comes with both, or enjoy a smoked chicken salad or sandwich. I love the outdoor seating at Flame Tree too – and don’t despair at the long line, it’s worth it (trust me!). There’s no place I’d rather go for a coffee and pastry than Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery – strong, fresh coffee drinks, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, a huge cinnamon roll (served warm!) – it’s a great place to grab a treat in between rides, that’s for sure

Of course you’ll want to make ADR’s (Advance Dining Reservations, that is!) for all your table service meals – as these are REALLY popular restaurants. As for the counter service & snack locations – you may want to avoid them during peak meal times (noon hour especially!), as the seating and lines for food can get really crowded – and you’ll want to take your time enjoying these awesome spots!

What about you – what’s YOUR favorite dining spot at the Disney Parks?

John Williams Honored with Life Achievement Award

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 11, 2015

For the first time in forever, the American Film Institute is honoring a composer for a Life Achievement Award.

John Williams has graced us with his incredible talent composing music for so many of our favorites – Star Wars, Jaws, E.T. and the Indiana Jones Films to name a few. Mr. Williams will be the first composer in 44 years to recieve the American Film Institute’s highest honor: The Life Achievement Award.

“John Williams has written the soundtrack to our lives,” says Howard Stringer, chairman of the institute’s board of trustees, in a statement. “Note by note, through chord and chorus, his genius for marrying music with movies has elevated the art form to symphonic levels and inspired generations of audiences to be enriched by the magic of the movies.”

The award which is usually awarded to actors and directors will be presented to John Williams on June 9, 2016. The award will find a place in Mr. Williams collection along with his five Oscars.

Do you recognize any of these songs?

Chipandco.com would like to congratulate Mr. Williams and thank him for all the beautiful music he has brought into our lives.

The Diamond Edition of “Aladdin” Has Some Never Before Seen Robin Williams Footage

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 11, 2015

The Diamond Edition of “Aladdin” will be released very soon. One of my favorite parts of a Disney DVD is the bonus features. The bonus features of Aladdin are especially awesome on this DVD, it is Robin Williams while he was recording the iconic voice of Genie. I think it is so awesome to see his skills and how far he goes into the character to bring him to life. I loved Robin Williams. I love a sense of humor but better than that I love someone that is just a decent, good person and he seemed to be that.

Take a sneak peek:

Pick up your copy of “Aladdin” on October 13! I already pre-ordered mine!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

“The Chew” airing shows from the Epcot Food & Wine Festival this week!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 11, 2015

“The Chew” traveled to Orlando for the first time ever this past week. They were taping a week of shows from the Epcot Food & Wine Festival last week. Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, and Clinton Kelly were there as Co-hosts. Their visit was not just about food, they filmed themselves enjoying some of the amazing adventures Disney World has to offer. Some of the guests include, Alfonso Ribeiro, and Christina Milian and of course, Mickey and Minnie had to make an appearance as well.

Here are your listings for the week of October 12-16

(subject to change)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 – “THE CHEW’S FAMILY VACATION” – Carla Hall makes a delicious Norwegian roasted salmon & ranch potato galette; Michael Symon visits The Land at Epcot to check out the center’s hydroponic gardening program and makes a meal with its vegetables; Mickey Mouse and Goofy stop by to say hello.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 – “MAKING MEAL MAGIC” – Alfonso Ribeiro (ABC’s “AFV”); Mario Batali and Michael Symon square off with their recipes for angel hair with Brussel sprouts, bacon and walnuts and shrimp Fra Diavolo over linguine.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 – “EASY FIVE STAR FEAST” – Mario Batali visits Iron Chef Morimoto’s new restaurant at Disney Springs, Morimoto Asia; Bellamy Young (ABC’s “Scandal”).

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – “TRY SOMETHING NEW!” – Clinton Kelly and Carla Hall visit Disney’s Magic Kingdom; the cast of “The Festival of The Lion King” performs.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 – “YOUR PERFECT PARTY PLAN” – Christina Milian (“Grandfathered”); the perfect party snacks and cocktails; “The Chew” co-hosts stop by the Rockin’ Burger Block Party; a look back at some of the show’s favorite moments at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival from Walt Disney World.

Did you see the Chew at the Food & Wine Festival last week? Let us know in the comment box below!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney World VoluntEARS Support Food Bank with “Incredibles” CANstruction

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 11, 2015

Cast Members from Disney Design & Engineering participated in the annual design competition, CANstruction Orlando, which benefits Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The theme this year was “Hunger Heroes”, so naturally the cast members chose “The Incredibles” as the concept for their sculpture.

Disney VoluntEARS stacked 7,500 cans of mixed vegetables, tomato sauce, fruits and other food items in a matter of hours to form some of the title characters from the Disney-Pixar animated film.

“As a family with super human powers, the Incredibles help save the world from the evil super-villain, Syndrome,” said Mike Piatek, director of architecture and facilities engineering for Walt Disney World Resort. “As Disney Cast Members, we may not have actual super powers, but participating in CANstruction is one of the things we can do to help those in need in our community.”

14 organizations throughout Central Florida were represented in this year’s event. The creations will be on display at Orlando fashion Square Mall through Sunday, Oct. 11. All of the nonperishable foods will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

“Support from the community through events like CANstruction help raise awareness of our mission to create hope and nourish lives through hunger relief,” said Sasha Hausman, development officer with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “Combined with the longtime support of Walt Disney World we’re able to multiply our efforts and make an even bigger impact.”

Walt Disney World Resort and its Cast Members have supported Second Harvest Food Bank for the past 23 years, including distributing unserved food from around the resort through the Disney Harvest Program. Since 2012, Disney VoluntEARS have donated more than 29,000 food items through the annual CANstruction Orlando events.

Werther’s Unwrap the Magic Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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October 11, 2015

2015 10 10 15 24 21 9 Werthers Original US

Werther’s Candy wants you to Unwrap the Magic! Enter for a chance to win a Magical Disney Vacation to taste your way around the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!

To enter just visit Werther’s Facebook page and enter your info. You can win one additional entry if you do their word scramble on the entry page.

Werther’s Unscrambled Word Answers:

SLTEAC = CASTLE
PRCPONO = POPCORN
YUMYM = YUMMY
OEIDOF = FOODIE
ANCDY = CANDY
EWHYC = CHEWY
INNMCNOA = CINNAMON
NCINAOMN = CINNAMON
NNAMNCIO = CINNAMON
FNTEIOOCCN = CONFECTION
GASLS = GLASS
SANKC = SNACK
ATTSY = TASTY
DPDSEINL = SPLENDID
OFMOCRT = COMFORT
NOANAITRSOTTPR = TRANSPORTATION
TRNLANINOTEAI = INTERNATIONAL
RBUEYTT = BUTTERY
FSROALV = FLAVORS
ELTSRLA = STELLAR
MAFLYI = FAMILY
ASLSG = GLASS
LGEVALI = VILLAGE
TDEIUFHLG = DELIGHTFUL
ILNEPSDD = SPLENDID
FROUGBENTTALE = UNFORGETTABLE
ECWHY = CHEWY
AEDRIMM = MERMAID
IAOCANVT = VACATION
IMNKPUP = PUMPKIN
GSACNOTLI = NOSTALGIC
PCESLACTARU = SPECTACULAR
AREGACIR = CARRIAGE
TZAPIEPNIG = APPETIZING
TSEAB = BEAST
ERMEIESMZ = MESMERIZE
CESERH = CHEERS
CGAIM = MAGIC

After you enter don’t forget to print off the coupon!

Disney Finds – Disney Cameo Necklaces

By

Chip

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October 11, 2015

Who doesn’t love Mary Poppins? I won’t lie I am not crazy about the idea of a new Mary Poppins movie. Oh well I digress. Today for my Disney Find I found a gorgeous glass cameo silhouette of Disney’s Mary Poppins. What I love the most is that it is super cheap! It is on sale now for $5.94! This would make a beautiful gift for someone special or you can get one for yourself.

If you are not feeling the Mary Poppins necklace no worries letmecharmU has a ton of other designs on sale for $5.94 too!

and many more. Designer letmecharmU has pages of Disney and Non Disney designs to choose from! Get them while they are 15% off!

Happy Shopping!

Pumpkin-licious Disney Desserts! (Take 4) Pumpkin Beignets

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 11, 2015

Welcome back for the 4th recipe in the Pumpkin-licious series of Disney Desserts…the scrumptious Pumpkin Beignet served exclusively at the member’s only, Club 33! You can get a version of this tasty semi-doughnut at the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square in Disneyland, but the one served inside Club 33 is a tradition on the fall menu and is full of pumpkin-y goodness! Top it with the decadent Maple Glaze that is exclusive to the Club and you are ready to rock and roll your way into the fall holiday season!

Even though most of us will never have the opportunity to step inside those magical doors of Club 33, now we can taste one of their exclusive desserts! So what are you waiting for…it’s time to start making these tasty, fried dough squares….here you go!

Pumpkin Beignets
(Makes 24 Beignets)

Pumpkin Beignets
1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105º)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup hot water
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil, for frying

Maple Glaze
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup powdered sugar

For Pumpkin Beignets:

Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Combine flour, pumpkin puree, sugar, heavy cream, hot water, egg, shortening, and salt in a large bowl; stir in yeast mixture. Mix dough just until combined and smooth. Let dough rest in bowl, covered with a clean kitchen towel, 30 minutes.
Transfer dough to a well-floured surface. Pat to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Fry beignets until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes, turning as soon as they brown on one side.
Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.

For maple glaze:

Combine butter and maple syrup in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until butter melts. Whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
Drizzle warm beignets with maple glaze and serve immediately.

Doesn’t this recipe sound amazing? I know that working with yeast can be a little tricky, but the directions are spot on! So, let us know how your Pumpkin Beignets turned out in the comments below! We can’t wait to hear from you!!

Decadent desserts are a fall staple, especially with the holidays right around the corner! If your a baker then these recipes are right up your alley…but if your more of the taster, maybe you’d like to plan a trip to taste this series first hand! If that’s the case, shoot me an email at [email protected] and I will be happy to get you a free no obligation quote! Now, let the magic begin!