ABC Family Changing It’s Name!

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October 6, 2015

ABC Family will be rebranding itself this January to become Freeform a new and innovative name for a constantly changing and innovative brand! Rest assured ABC Family will continue to bring you the same great shows and content you love, now with even more creativity and new and improved shows like the upcoming Shadow hunters and Recovery Road. The relaunch, which will coincide with the channels popular “25 Days of Christmas” and winter premieres of new shows marks a continued effort to evolve the young-skewing network past traditional family viewing and toward its target audience of “Becomers,” a network-coined term defined as those in the life stage spanning ages 14 to 34.

The Becomer audience — a concept ABC Family executives introduced at this year’s Upfront presentation — reflects the network’s efforts to keep up with its millennial viewers as they grow up. “The most important question that young people ask themselves as they’re going from high school to their thirties is, ‘Who am I becoming?’ So we call the life stage ‘becoming’ and the people going through it Becomers,” Ascheim explains.
“This is a long time coming. It really is an evolution of something that started 10 to 12 years ago when this network began to focus on what were then millennials. The network built incredible strength and incredible ratings success with young people, especially women,” Ascheim tells Variety. “And then something funny happened on the way of the demographic dance where millennials were no longer synonymous with youth. The oldest ones are turning 40 in a couple of years.”

“ABC Family has had a lot of success, and it feels really good,” says Ascheim. “I think it’s going to feel even better to unite ratings strength and show strength with brand strength.”
Stay tuned for more Freeform!

5 Things You Won’t Want to Miss in EPCOT

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 6, 2015

All newbies, first timers and seasoned Disney goers ask me what my favorite things to do at each park are. This is one of my favorite questions to answer not only to compare notes with other seasoned guests but to get the new ones in on the trade secrets. As with any list, this is my humble opinion only. I’m going to take you through the 4 parks of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando in this series and name what I feel are good, well-rounded, excellent-for-everyone activities. No matter the age of travelers these are the best of the best that I believe everyone needs to see! Join me at EPCOT, won’t you?

1. World Showcase

This seems obvious but I’ve spoken to so many people who have not only been to EPCOT and skipped the World Showcase entirely or not even visited EPCOT at all because they think the park is boring because of the countries. I think those are both INSANITY! The World Showcase houses eleven countries and each hosts eateries, shopping, meet and greets with different characters and other shows. Just walking around the water and taking in the sunshine is breathtaking. Go try some food and browse the shops….you never know what you might love!

2. Fountain of Nations

This fountain greets you in Future World on your way farther into the park. Every few minutes there is a musical “Show” put on by the water itself! My favorite is when I catch the theme music from “The Rescuers Down Under”. What a display! The fountain is called “Fountain of Nations” in honor of the 29 countries that contributed the actual water it holds. If you pass the fountain and it’s quiet it’s worth waiting for the next round of magic.

3. Special Events

If you are visiting during the International Flower and Garden Festival or the Food and Wine Festival you will savor the specialties at EPCOT. The beautiful topiaries during the Flower & Garden Festival are shaped like very character you can fathom. There are gardens as far as the eye can see and everything is so manicured and perfect. The Food and Wine of course is for you if you enjoy the finer things on your menu! The excitement in the park during these events is tangible. If you’re lucky enough to be in Disney at Christmas you must find time for the Candlelight Processional.

4. Living With the Land

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. For those who haven’t gone on this relaxing boat ride- you simply must. It’s a nice way to take a load off those feet and get out of the sun, naturally. However, the plants, flowers and growing veggies and fruit you will see on this ride will astound you. I guarantee you will see something that makes you say “wow” and you’ll learn something new. You cannot go to EPCOT without going on this ride. You can also stop at Sunshine Seasons counter service nearby for lunch or dinner.

5. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

If you are a night owl and enjoy thrilling pyrotechnics this is a must-see. Over the water you’ll watch fireworks and a 350,000 pound “Earth” rotating with the world’s first spherical video display. You can dance along to the music and marvel at the world images on display. It’s a beautiful way to end your day exploring EPCOT.

These are my Top 5 for EPCOT for anyone and everyone. If you would like to discuss other options or need help planning your next magical trip, contact me today for your quote! Also find me on Facebook!

The Incredibles 2 May Include Scenes From The Original.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 5, 2015

The Incredibles 2 is set for release in 2019, fifteen years after the original Incredibles blasted onto the screen. The sequel under the direction of Brad Bird who is currently working on the script, is still in the early stage. However in a recent interview, Mr. Bird shared an interesting bit of information. Stating there were, as is usually the case, left over ideas from the first film. It would seem that Brad has plans to use some of the left over scenes in Incredibles 2.

“There were little scenes and things that I was interested in. I wanted to come up with sort of an over-arching idea that connected to the first film that went somewhere different.”

New Costumes and the probability the sequel will take us years into the future is this Entertainment Writer’s hope for the storyline. Although not much else is available about The Incredibles 2 sequel, and still have a long wait until the estimated release date in 2019, fans are just excited to see that there is work in progress. Trailers, press releases and further interviews with Brad Bird will bring us updates and new exciting news. Follow us at www.chipandco.com to make sure you don’t miss one single update.

Tables in Wonderland Price Increase Started Yesterday

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Disney News

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October 5, 2015

To go along with the increase in price to the Annual Passes at both Disney World and Disneyland, now Tables in Wonderland will see an increase as well. The new price for DVC and Annual Passholders is now $150.00, the new price for Florida Residents is $175.00. That is a $50 price increase!!!

In case you were wondering, Tables in Wonderland is a program that gives you a 20% discount at certain Disney World Restaurants. Now you will have to spend around $750 in Food & Alcohol to break even on the price increase.

We want to hear what you think about the price increases in the comment box below.

Marvel Assembles in Disney Gif‏

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 5, 2015

Marvel fans have a new super power of their own, the ability to share moments from some of their favorite Marvel movies and shows with friends through Disney Gif, a mobile keyboard extension that lets users easily send gifs and emojis via text, email, and other messaging and social platforms.

Disney Gif debuted a new Marvel category, which features key scenes from Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron as well as Marvel’s Ant-Man. Dozens of Marvel gifs are live now, letting fans select and send clips of Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Thor, Ant-Man, Hawkeye, Hulk, and Nick Fury. The category will regularly refresh with new gifs, so check back for more fun options!

Containing hundreds of hand-selected gifs and emojis, Disney Gif also gives users access to some of their favorite moments from Disney’s “Frozen,” “Star Wars”, ABC’s “Scandal,” Disney•Pixar’s “Inside Out,” classic Disney films, and much more. Whether they’re feeling happy, sassy, or villainous, fans can find the perfect gif in the keyboard’s curated galleries, which are categorized by emotions as well as by films and shows. Keep an eye out for new additions in the featured and recently added sections. The trending category will also give users a pulse for Disney Gif’s most popular content.

Download Disney Gif: https://itunes.apple.com/app/disney-omgif/id989498339

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Pumpkin-licious Disney Desserts! (Take 3) Pumpkin Muffins

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 5, 2015

I don’t know about you, but to me, muffins are just plain delicious and when we are talking about pumpkin muffins it’s simply a touchdown of taste! Nothing says fall better than the enticing aroma of pumpkin and spice and this recipe has it all! Straight from Disney to your kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a winner! A new fall tradition is about to be born!

This delicious muffin is loaded with pumpkin flavor and includes a smattering of plump, tasty golden raisins and is topped with the most decadent streusel topping you will ever taste! I promise that once you try this it will become a family favorite, one that will be requested each and every fall!

This seasonal treat can once again be found on the west coast at any number of locations in Disneyland (Jolly Holiday Bakery Café and the Cappuccino Cart in the Hub), Disney’s California Adventure (Schmoozies and Pacific Wharf Café), the Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (White Water Snacks) and the Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel (Surfside Lounge). It’s up to you to decide if you want to eat this tempting treat as a snack or breakfast, your call and I promise, no judgement here! Check out the recipe:

Pumpkin Muffins
(Makes 12 muffins)
Muffin Recipe
1 cup cake flour
1 cup bread flour (may substitute all-purpose flour)
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 5-ounce can pumpkin purée
1 cup golden raisins

Streusel
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter

For muffins:
Preheat oven to 375°F and line a muffin pan with paper liners. Set aside.

Sift together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a large bowl. Set aside.
Beat together sugar and eggs until pale yellow in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Blend in oil and pumpkin purée until mixture is smooth.
Blend half of flour mixture into egg mixture until just combined. Scrape sides of bowl, then stir in raisins. Add remaining flour mixture to batter, mixing just until combined.
Scoop batter into prepared muffin pan, filling about 3/4 full.

For streusel:

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Mash butter with a fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon streusel on each muffin.

Bake 18 minutes, then lower oven temperature to 325°F and bake 5 minutes more or until golden brown.

So we need your opinion on this recipe…was it easy to make, as delicious as it sounded? Let us know in the comments below! We love to hear from you!

If your a foodie and want to head to Disneyland this fall to check out all of the seasonal specialties, I would be happy to help! Or if you prefer to take advantage of the latest holiday promotions released for Disney World, I’d be happy to help you there as well! You can shoot me an email at [email protected] and I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. If you need help planning your next magical adventure, I’m your girl! Now, let the magic begin!

Why You Should Consider An “Adults Only” Trip To Walt Disney World

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Catie

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October 5, 2015

Walt Disney World has a reputation for being the ultimate Theme Park experience for kids and families – and it really is! But the truth is – it’s not just for kids – ADULTS can have a blast at WDW too! In fact, some of the best times I have had at Disney have been with just my husband and myself, enjoying a “kid’s” paradise from an adult’s point of view! Taking an “adults only” WDW trip is something you should start planning like NOW. WHY, you might ask? Well, here are a few reasons:

The Food: There are so many places that offer innovative and sophisticated dining experiences at WDW – it’s the perfect place to try something new, like Moroccan food, or African, or New American – and you can take your time, order wine, even try the 5 course tasting menu, without having to worry about if the kids will like the food there, and without having to get up 15 times during your meal to go to the bathroom or the buffet with the little ones. Many kids these days are adventurous when it comes to dining, but if yours are not exactly ready for anything outside the chicken nuggets realm, then vacationing at WDW with adults is a great chance for you to try something non dinosaur shaded, at a place where ketchup is not the only available condiment

The Resorts: When you travel with your family, you think about getting a hotel that will suit everyone – one that has a great pool and kid-friendly décor and activities. When it’s an all adults trip, you can shift your focus more towards luxury – And Disney has a ton of amazing on-site Resorts – many of which have tons to offer for the “adult” travelers. Bigger, nicer rooms, Jacuzzi tubs, 5 star restaurants, a great area to lounge at poolside, concierge service, room service, fully stocked bars – these are just some of the things you will find at some of Disney’s Resorts. Read more about their Resort offerings here

The Nightlife: Enjoy some of the entertainment options at WDW with your adults only party – bowling at Splittsville, dine in movies at the AMC theater, live music at the House Of Blues, drinks in Pleasure Island, shopping at Downtown Disney, plus amazing restaurants are available all over the World – heck, you could even eat late and order drinks with dinner, why not, you’re an adult after all!

“Adults Only” Fun: Disney World is home to golf courses, Spas, gyms, running/walking trails, unique places to try a new drink (drink around the world, anyone?), and they even have places where you can rent boats/jet skis or enjoy para-sailing or water skiing too! The world class spas offer a range of treatments, and personally I can’t think of a better way to relax and enjoy my vacation than with a couple’s massage (maybe you could even book it as a surprise for your significant other?)

Every night’s a date night – without the kids, you’re free to reconnect and enjoy Disney with your honey – indulge in some (rare) adult conversation and interaction, and take some time to relax and revel in the fact that you’re getting the chance to enjoy Walt Disney World – and experience from a “Grown up” point of view. I think you’ll find it’s every bit as magical (if not more so!) than it was when you were a kid!

Disneyland Announces 2 New Annual Passports and Price Increase

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 4, 2015

Disneyland announced two new annual passports today as well as a price increase. They also eliminated the no-blackout Premium Annual Passport. If you are a current Premium passholder, you’ll still be able to use your passport but will not be able to renew.

The new passports now being offered are the Disney Signature Plus and the Disney Signature. The cost of the Disney Signature Plus is $1,049 with no blackout days, and the cost of the Disney Signature is $849, good for visits for about 350 days, excluding the 2 weeks around Christmas and New Year.

Both of these new passes come with other benefits like parking, dining and merchandise discounts, and a new PhotoPass that allows unlimited digital downloads of photos taken in the parks. Passholders will no longer have to pay separately for PhotoPass photos.

Both the Deluxe and Southern California Select annual pass prices were also increased, as well as parking fees at the parks. The new price for a Deluxe pass, with some Saturday and peak-holiday-period blackouts, went up $50, to $599. Southern California passes, which are only available for renewals, increased from $389 to $459. The cheapest pass – Southern California Select – went from $299 to $329. California residents still have monthly payment options for their annual passes. Parking at the parks is now $18 and Downtown Disney now offers just 2 hours of free parking, with an additional 2 hours with validation from a restaurant or movie. Hourly parking at Downtown Disney is now $12 rather than $6.

Walt Disney World also made changes to their annual passports. Check out that article here.

What do you think of these changes? Let us know in the comments!

Disneyland will always be the “happiest place on Earth”, even though it might be a little more expensive now. I would love to help you plan your next Disney vacation and find you the most affordable deal! My services are free and you can email me for a quote today.

Don’t miss these special amenities for Chase Card Members at the Food & Wine Festival

By

Chip

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October 4, 2015

Heading to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival? Got a Chase credit card? You don’t want to miss out on all the fun events and amenities for Chase Credit Card members. Here is what is available for you.

The Chase lounge, located on the third floor of the American Adventure Pavilion within the Epcot World Showcase, will be open daily during the Festival from 11 a.m. until Park close. This is a great place to cool off with free Coke drinks or you can pay for a few alcoholic beverages, cell phone charging stations, video games, restrooms, live video feed of the demos, photo booth, and more.
If you are a Chase Disney Visa card member you can get a special wrist band that gives you access to a special seating area for the Eat to the beat Concert. These are on a first come first served basis and located in the Chase Lounge in the main seating area.
Throughout the day they have a happy half hour where free alcoholic coupons are handed out from cast members for all guests over the age of 21. I was lucky enough to get one of these which was nice.

New this year are special dining events for Disney Visa Card members during the festival:

The Making of the Party for the Senses, October 27, 2015. Discover how the culinary team makes this popular tasting event come alive. Over lunch in the Wine View Lounge, event creators offer a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes magic.
The Creation of the Food & Wine Festival Marketplaces, November 9, 2015. Enjoy breakfast on the promenade before the Festival opens with a Walt Disney World Chef, Beverage Professional and Imagineer for a sneak peek at Marketplace creations and their menu delights.

Are you heading to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival this year? Be sure to drop by the Chase Lounge if you have a Chase Credit Card and take advantage of some of these amenities.

Parking Fees at Disney World Theme Parks Increased Today

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 4, 2015

Yes, more price increases! Parking at Disney World theme parks is now $20.00 a day for most of us.

Here is the new structure of parking fees:

Cars and Motorcycles $20
Campers and Trailers $22
Bus and Tractor Trailer $25
Now Parking is included with all Annual Passes. Finally!
Valet parking at a Resort is now $25.

The new pricing starts today!

What do you think?

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Checklist Shirt

By

Chip

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October 4, 2015

2015 10 04 09 33 16 T Shirts Epcot Food Wine Checklist TeePublic

I love eating and drinking around the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. This is probably one of the best times of the year to visit Walt Disney World. If you are heading to the Food & Wine Festival you need our latest shirt design the Food & Wine Festival Checklist shirt.

Available in a variety of colors and styles you can check-mark all the Food Booths as you walk around the World Showcase noshing on all the delicious bites.

On sale now for $14 on our Tee Public store pick up this fun Food & Wine themed design.

Adult-Exclusive Dining Experiences Aboard the Disney Cruise Line

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 4, 2015

If you are traveling on the Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, I have some great news for you! There are MANY dining experiences that take your whole Disney Cruise Line culinary journey up a notch and feature some amazing ways to excite your taste buds. Both of these ships feature the ever-popular Palo and Remy, and I highly recommend trying at least one of them on your next sailing. Here are some other places to check out as well!

Brunch at Palo– on select days, you can treat yourself to an amazing Champagne brunch featuring a diverse buffet of international cheeses, fresh pastries, made-to-order entrees, desserts and most importantly, Champagne!
Brunch at Remy– the other adult-exclusive restaurant onboard also features a Champagne brunch which features an elegant and decadent six-course, French-inspired meal with Champagne pairings for each course. This one is definitely the “fancier” option of the two brunches, but, rest easy knowing that you will not be disappointed in either!
Cove Cafe– here you can enjoy gourmet coffee, specialty drinks and cuisine in the “lighter fare” category. Throughout the day, snack on muffins, pastries and desserts and for “happy hour” enjoy the antipasto before dinner.
Petites Assisettes de Remy– start your Disney Cruise Line vacation right by sampling small plates of gourmet cuisine and fine wines on embarkation day. You will be joined by the Executive Chef who provides commentary and insight about the cuisine and the Sommelier who will pair specially selected wines with each plate.
Dinner at Palo– this adult-exclusive dining location provides a memorable experience with a modern Italian menu and classic wines. Here you will witness top-notch service as you begin a culinary journey through hot and cold antipasti, pasta, seafood or meat and a sweet treat to top it all off.
Dinner at Remy– and let’s not forget about Remy. While also an adult-exclusive dining location, you will be treated to a meal by two award-winning chefs, mixing classic and modern French cuisine. Begin with a signature cocktail prepared tableside followed by eight or nine small courses paired with amazing wines. Definitely bring your appetite…you will not leave hungry!
Pompidou’s Dessert Experience at Remy– now we’re talking! I love dessert! And on sea days at Remy, you can immerse yourself into a six-course dessert tasting hosted by Remy’s Executive Chef. The chef will share fun facts about each dessert served to create a personal and educational experience!
Late-night buffets– after dinner, you will probably want to dance your heart out to burn off some of the calories you just took in, and more than likely, you are going to work up yet another appetite. So be sure to check out the snacks available throughout the entertainment district so you don’t go to bed hungry!

As you can see, there are a TON of adult-exclusive dining options aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, making both ships appealing to Disney Cruise Line guests. If you too would like to go on a culinary journey at sea, email me at [email protected]. I’d love to find the perfect itinerary for you (and your taste buds!). And, don’t forget, for the month of October, Chip & Co and I are running an amazing special! Read all about it HERE, in case you missed it!