Once Upon A Time’s Mr. Gold’s Pawnbroker Shop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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September 29, 2015

Now on display in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Mr. Gold Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer Shop. All your favorite items from ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” are available for your viewing pleasure. This is just a window display so sorry no shopping for now. Maybe one day we will see a Once Upon a Time themed store in Walt Disney World but this is atleast a start.

Here are some more photos from the window display.

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Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Flamingo Crossings near Walt Disney World is Getting a New Third Hotel

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Disney News

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September 29, 2015

2014 10 11 09 10 47 Flamingo Crossing Master Plan 2009.pdf

A third hotel is coming to Disney World’s west side. In an area known as Flaming Crossings. It could possibly be a Hampton Inn. Disney Imagineering Research & Development has recently sold some more land in the Crossings area. It is almost a 5 acre stretch of land that sold for a whopping $4.25 million. The huge patch of land is by State Road 429 and Western Way.

There are already 2 budget friendly Mariott hotels there, that are supposed to open in February. Those 2 hotels are SpringHill Suites by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott. This area is aimed at travelers that are looking for more budget friendly options.

Expect the construction to start around June. It is supposed to have 250 rooms. There will be a few amenities at The Crossings, a picnic pavilion with 6 grills, a fitness center, a batting cage etc. There are a total of 7 hotels in the plans for that area.

What do you think?

Returning this year New Wearable Disney Gift Card Design for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 29, 2015

The wearable Epcot International Food & Wine Festival gift card makes life so much easier, not only because it makes sampling all that yummy food much easier but it also serves as something for the scrapbook. It is attached to a wristband so no digging in your purse or pocket for your gift card every time you want to try something.

The wearable festival themed gift card can be found at:

Epcot
The Boardwalk Inn
The Yacht Club Resort
Beach Club Villas
The Swan and Dolphin and more

New to this year’s Festival is a limited-release gift card design to celebrate the festival’s 20th anniversary. This card must be activated with $200 and comes with an Epcot International Food & Wine Festival-themed lanyard, medallion and carrying sleeve. These items are only available with this gift card purchase.

Supplies are limited!

The use of the card is not limited to the festival. You can reload the card and use it on future trips to the parks etc. Please note that the blue gift card from above needs at least $15 to activate while the special 20th Anniversary Gift card needs a minimum of $200 to activate.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Springs is now open with new website and guide map

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Chip

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September 29, 2015

2015 09 29 13 22 47 Disney Springs Shopping Dining Entertainment

The transformation is now complete. Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World is now Disney Springs. In celebration Disney has released a whole new website to promote the change. DisneySprings.com is now live complete with weather, shopping, dining and entertainment listings.

If that wasn’t excitement enough they also updated the Disney Springs Guide map.

The all new Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and Morimoto Asia are even listed.

Are you looking forward to visiting Disney Springs? Let us know in the comment box below.

Disney Finds – Matching Mickey Wedding Bands

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Chip

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September 29, 2015

I am seriously thinking about getting these matching 2 piece tungsten wedding rings from designer Cloud9Tungsten. This stunning Black Mickey Ear design comes with free custom engraving and I think would be adorable for the couple that loves Disney. You could wear it as your main wedding band or on your opposite ring finger just to show your love for Disney!

If you don’t like the black Mickey Ears you can always go with this Silver Mickey Ear design.

Both sets will run you $85! You read that right, $85 for the pair. Not bad huh?

To learn more click below or any of the links above.

Top 10 Snacks I Can’t Wait to Try at the 2015 Food and Wine Festival

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 29, 2015

It’s here…the 2015 International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. I have been counting down the days until I get to taste all of the yummy food they will have this year and check out the new merchandise they will have. Some of the food offerings are the same, or similar, to years pasts but there are a bunch of new things that look amazing as well.

Here are the Top 10 Items (both new and repeats) I can’t wait to try:

10. Ravioli alla caprese: Cheese ravioli, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil: Okay, I’ll admit, this is not the most adventurous option at the festival but I always feel the need to stop and try something at the booth in Italy. And it’s something I know I can get my toddler to try as well!

9. Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream: This has been offered at the Poland booth before and I’m a fan! I love a good pierogi and can’t wait to experience this little offering again.

8. Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies: This item can be found in the Australia booth and has been offered in the past.

7. Crème brûlée vanille chocolat: Vanilla & chocolate crème brûlée topped with caramelized sugar: It’s not a Food and Wine Festival without some sweets – and what better place to get something sweet and delicious than the booth in France!

6. “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce: This can be found in Canada and it’s my little way of experiencing a bit of decadence as I eat my way around the world!

5. Pork Spareribs with red wine, fennel, and cheesy mascarpone grits: New this year is the Sustainable Chew Marketplace. Being a (transplanted) southern girl I’m intrigued by the grits on this dish and looking forward to seeing if they taste as good as they sound!

4. Belgium waffle with warm chocolate ganache and whipped cream: Another delicious sweet treat that is a must is this one from Belgium. A yummy waffle with chocolate ganache and whipped cream – I’d stand in line for this one for sure!

3. Soufflé de yuca: Yuca soufflé topped with griddled cheese: The first appearance of the Dominican Republic booth since 2007 is something that has me pretty excited. I’m so glad it’s back and can’t wait to see what is offered this year.

2. Seared sea scallop with spinach-cheddar gratin and crispy bacon: Anything with bacon is a must have in my book and this dish from Scotland is near the top of my list!

1. New York strip, parsnip silk, balsamic glaze and arugula foam: This is being offered in the new Chew Lab and I cannot wait to see what the hosts of the ABC show, The Chew, have come up with.

Don’t forget to check our Instagram because we will be posting photos of menus straight from Epcot!

What are you excited to try? Do you stick with things you know you’ll like or step out of your comfort zone a bit?

And make sure you check back to see my top picks after I get to experience all of the deliciousness that is Food and Wine!

The fall is a wonderful time to plan a visit to Walt Disney World. And getting to attend the Food and Wine Festival makes it even better. Thinking of a fall trip to Disney World? Let me help you plan it! 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

Updated Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar September 2015

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 28, 2015

With the news of Season of the Force coming to Disneyland this fall, we’ve also received some news on attraction closures. Here’s our updated refurbishment calendar for Disneyland:

Disneyland Park

Innoventions: Now-10/1/15
Autopia Fastpass Booth: Now-1/1/17
Tomorrowland Theater: Now-12/2/15
Pirates of the Caribbean: Now-9/30/15
it’s a small world: 10/20/15-11/6/15

The following attractions will be closed beginning 1/11/16 with an unknown re-opening date:

Disneyland Railroad (all stations)
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
Mark Twain Riverboat
Fantasmic!
Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Sailing Ship Columbia

Attractions/dining permanently closing:

Big Thunder Ranch: 1/11/16
Big Thunder Ranch BBQ: 1/11/16

Disney California Adventure Park

Character Close-Up: Now-1/1/16
Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar: Now-10/3/15
Turtle Talk with Crush: 10/12/15-10/26/15

Attractions permanently closing:

Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular: 1/11/16

Will you be visiting the Disneyland Resort while any of these attractions are closed? Is your favorite ride on this list? Let me know in the comments!

The attractions in Disneyland that with an unknown reopen date are rumored to be closed for a year while Disney works on bringing Star Wars Land to life. Be sure to visit the Disneyland Resort before January so you can experience those attractions! Contact me today for a free quote and to get the planning started for your next magical adventures.

Cinderella Wants you to Contribute to the Million Words of Kindness Campaign

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 28, 2015

This month marks National Courtesy Month and in honor of carrying out such a momentous occasion, Cinderella would love us to celebrate National Good Neighbor Day today, 9/28! Inspired by her mother to, “have courage and be kind”, we would love for you to share your words of kindness that you’ve displayed to a fellow neighbor here —> www.cinderellakindness.com for the Million Words of Kindness Campaign. Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother (played by Helena Bonham Carter) demonstrated her act of kindness by blessing kind-hearted Cinderella with a beautiful gown.

Check it out:

In honor of the generous gesture, Disney has some concept art sketches from Costume Designer Sandy Powell and a bonus clip that touches upon the costumes from the film.

Wait there is more:

“Have Courage and Be Kind”

Remember, Cinderella is now available on Blu-ray, Disney Movies Anywhere and Digital HD.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Season of the Force coming to Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

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September 28, 2015

2015 09 28 20 53 55 Disney Happy Happenstances Calendar

According the Disney World Passholder website the Season of the Force event is coming to Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World from January 8th to March 20th 2016! When you click the link it just reloads the page meaning they are not ready to release the news to us Annual Passholders quite yet.

The Disneyland Season of Force is coming November 16th with some very special experiences. I imagine the Walt Disney World equivalent will be as awesome! Stay tuned to Chip and Co for more details.

Jedi Training Academy will Soon Close and Reopen as “Jedi Training – Trials of the Temple”

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Disney News

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September 28, 2015

The Jedi Training Academy will shut down on Oct 4, 2015. It will reopen later this year as the “Jedi Training – Trials of the Temple“. No reopening date was given yet. It will have an all new set and new characters. The new show is supposed to continue to be on the stage next to Star Tours. Children will still be able to participate in the show with the popular, lightsaber training.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple – A twist on the Jedi Training experience will introduce new characters and a new villain from the popular Disney XD series, Star Wars Rebels.

Have your little ones participate in the Jedi Training Academy? What did they think? Be sure to check out this article Best things I love about Walt Disney World – Jedi Training Academy.

Enter to Win the Aladdin A Whole New Adventure Sweepstakes

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 28, 2015

What a great way to celebrate the re-release of Aladdin. Enter to win the Aladdin A Whole New Adventure Sweepstakes.

One Grand Prize Winner will receive:

A Disney Cruise for 4 aboard the redesigned Disney Dream

4 First Prize Winner will get:

A Genie Collectible Figure

100 Second Prize Winners will receive:

A $25 Disney Gift Card

100 Third Prize Winners will receive:

A one year subscription (6 issues) to Disney Princess Magazine

Enter here. Good luck!!

The sweepstakes begins at 12:00:01 A.M. Pacific Time (“PT”) on August 10, 2015 and ends at 11:59:59 P.M. PT on January 30, 2016. Sponsor’s computer is the Sweepstakes’ official clock.

Eligibility: The Disney’s Aladdin – A Whole New Adventure Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is only open to entrants who, at the time of entry, are: (a) natural persons who are legal residents of one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or Canada (excluding Quebec), (b) 13 years of age or older, and (c) members of Disney Movie Rewards Loyalty Program (“DMR”). If an entrant is a minor, as defined by the jurisdiction of the entrant’s primary residence (“Minor”), permission of a parent or guardian is required to participate in the Sweepstakes.

Remember to pick up Aladdin on Disney Movies Anywhere on Sept 29th and Blu-ray on Oct 13th.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Put a bit of Disney Magic on display

By

Chip

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September 28, 2015

I absolutely love the creativity behind today’s Disney Find. Designer TheMakeshiftGallery does an awesome job displaying the icons from the Disney World theme parks with their prints. Their panoramas are created by shooting, layering and carefully arranging dozens of individual photographs. Playing with opacity and cropping allows for the creation of a unique image that is both dynamic and delicate, with qualities not captured in a static snapshot.

Here are some of the photos they have available in a variety of sizes.

Prices run between $15 to $40 depending on the size you select. Wouldn’t these be perfect framed in an office or in your Disney Room? To learn more click any of the links above.