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Top 5 Unique Counter Service Meals at Walt Disney World

September 22, 2015

When planning a trip to Disney World on a budget, one of the easiest ways to save money is on food. Disney is awesome in allowing food items to be brought into the park. That said, it’s not always the easiest if you’re traveling from far away.

That’s where the Counter Service, or Quick Service, meals come in. They are more affordable than the sit down restaurant style Table Service meals (and they keep you from spending a lot of time eating and give you more time to enjoy the parks). That said, it can be easy to fall into a “Burger or Chicken Finger rut” while at Disney World – as those are the most common types of Counter Service meals.

But that doesn’t have to happen to you. There are plenty of unique and different counter service meals that are cost-effective if you just know where to look.

Here are my Top 5:

5. Lobster Roll, Columbia Harbour House, Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom: I have always loved the “feel” of Columbia Harbour House – or maybe it’s just Liberty Square in general – I love going back in time! The Lobster Roll at Columbia Harbour House is certainly not your typical quick service meal and it’s pretty darn good. It’s served with potato chips and definitely worth a try if you’re in that area at meal time.

4. Honey Chicken, Yak and Yeti Local Foods Cafe, Asia, Animal Kingdom: There are several amazing options here but my favorite is the Honey Chicken, severed with white rice. A close second for me would be the Roasted Vegetable Couscous Wrap which is wrapped in Lavish Bread and served with a Lemon Herb Yogurt Sauce! Not your standard theme park food for sure. Slightly off topic, Yak and Yeti is also home to one of my favorite uses of a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan – the Chicken Fried Rice!

3. Braised Pork, Be Our Guest (lunch menu), Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom: There is certainly something special about any meal you can enjoy insides the Beast’s Castle and this one is delicious as well! Slow-cooked Pork with Vegetables and Bacon. It is served with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans Jardiniere. This lunch is sure to snap you out of any burger or chicken finger haze you may find yourself in – and it has BACON (which always gets bonus points in my book). And don’t forget to try a Master’s Cupcake before you go – the “Grey Stuff” really is delicious.

2. Power Salad, Sunshine Seasons, The Land Pavilion, Epcot: This may not be the most unique meal you can get at Walt Disney World but it’s probably my favorite. And it’s certainly a welcomed meal after eating pretty heavy foods (like those burgers and fries) for several days. This salad has Oak-grilled Chicken, Quinoa, Almonds and Honey Vinaigrette. It really is super good – in fact, it’s one of the meals I think about when I’m not at Disney! And because this meal is fairly healthy I always feel like I need to splurge on one of the delicious pastries and desserts available! In general, Sunshine Seasons is one of my favorite Quick Services restaurants in Walt Disney World.

1. Chicken and Lamb Shawarma Platter, Tangerine Cafe, Morocco, Epcot: This is one of my favorite counter service stops in Epcot. Everything is unique! And really, really good. I like the combination Chicken and Lamb Shawarma platter though because it’s got a little of both meats. It is served with sides of side of Hummus, Tabouleh and a Tangierine Couscous Salad with fresh Moroccan bread. My second favorite (and it’s a really, really close tie) is the Mediterranean Sliders Combo (three pita pockets: lamb, chicken and falafel with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, and Tahini sauce; served with lentils, hummus and tabouleh) but since it’s pretty close to a burger (I mean it’s sliders) I decided to go with the Shawarma Platter. You can’t go wrong trying anything here though!

What’s your favorite unique counter service meal when visiting Walt Disney World? I’d love to hear what you try to get when you’re visiting!

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World on a budget? Or maybe you’re looking for something new to try on your next visit? Let me help! I love sharing tips to stretch your dollars at Disney and dining experiences that are more than just burgers and fries! 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

Review of Cinderella on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

September 22, 2015

Disney’s beloved and empowering fairytale told in a new beautiful way, Cinderella, arrived on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere September 15th! The bonus features includes over 12 minutes of additional scenes, the “ Frozen Fever” theatrical short and more!

Celebrate Disney’s “Cinderella,” a modern classic that shines with beauty, imagination…and magic! Despite being mistreated by her stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters, a spirited Ella (Lily James) resolves to take charge of her fate. Add a royal ball, a Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham-Carter) and a glass slipper, and suddenly – magic becomes reality!

We all know the classic story of Cinderella. I have to say I was not the biggest fan of the original story. However this live action version has totally changed my mind. It was amazing and beautifully done. I think the live action movies make the story and characters feel real. I loved Cinderella’s carriage. It was so detailed and the design was so intricate. I had the pleasure of seeing it when it was at Hollywood Studios, I hope you got to see it too. They could not have picked a better Cinderella and that blue dress is to die for! She did a great job of bringing Cinderella to life. The phrase of the movie “Have courage and be kind” really resonated with me. It has stuck with me ever since. I loved this move and I can not wait to watch it over and over again.

Last but certainly not least the bonus features:

Frozen Fever short – That is self explanatory. If you have not seen this you must it is beyond adorable. If you are not a Frozen Fan you will be after you see this
A Fairy Tale Comes to Life – Cast and crew look back on Cinderella’s iconic staying power etc.
Staging the Ball – Experience the making of the lavish palace ball sequence. You get to go behind the scenes and see what it takes to put that amazing scene together. The amount of work and attention to detail that went into that scene is incredible.
Alternative Opening – Ella’s Childhood – Watch added moments from Ella’s childhood. The movie might be perceived differently had the alternate opening been used.
Ella’s Furry Friends – Check out the movies animal co-stars

“Have Courage and Be Kind”

I give me this movie an A+

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Will Emily Blunt Be The New Mary Poppins?

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

September 21, 2015

Mary Poppins...the one and only magical nanny has always been associated with the talented and amazing Julie Andrews. In a previous article, I shared my excitement at the upcoming new musical, which will bring us new adventures and is set 20 years after the original movie. Rumors and speculations about who will play the role of Mary Poppins have been flying around the social media and news sites.

At the top of many fans’ list as well as rumored to be the top choice for Disney was the beautiful, Emily Blunt. As seen in the recent Disney film, “Into the Woods” Ms. Blunt has the vocal talent as well as the acting capabilities to take on the iconic role of Mary Poppins. Inside sources have now shared that Emily Blunt has in fact been offered the role of Mary Poppins.

Although we do not have official confirmation from Walt Disney Studios or Ms. Blunt, in this Entertainment Writer’s opinion, she would be crazy not to accept it. Playing the role of Mary Poppins would be a dream come true.

Many fans have been critical in their comments of a new Poppins film, but I am thrilled and beyond excited at the idea of the many stories, P.L Travers wrote about my favorite nanny, coming to the big screen. While Saving Mr. Banks, gave us an intimate look into the making of my favorite film, the new Mary Poppins will bring bits and pieces that will add to the magic and mystique of the one of a kind, Mary Poppins.

Follow www.chipandco.com for more entertainment news and updates about your favorite disney movies, music, and more.

Fun facts from Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba

Chip

September 21, 2015

After seeing La Nouba for the first time over the weekend I feel in love with this stage show. It is funny, exciting, tense, and fun all rolled into one show. Here are some fun facts that I learned about the show on my backstage tour!

La Nouba premiered in Orlando on December 23, 1998. It was the third resident show ever created – after Mystère and “O” in Las Vegas.
La Nouba celebrated its 15th Anniversary with a special appearance from Disney Pals, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
La Nouba comes from the French phrase “faire la nouba,” which means “to party,” or “to live it up.”
Since launch, La Nouba has entertained over 9 million guests and has performed almost 8,000 shows.
The 1,671-seat theater is the first freestanding permanent structure ever built for Cirque du Soleil. Set Designer Michel Crête of Cirque du Soleil, Michel Aubé of Scéno Plus, Walt Disney Imagineering, and the architects of the Rockwell group of New York collaborated on the overall design of the building.
There are 1730 audio cables – if placed end to end they would span 865,000 ft or 164 miles.
Over 1200 lighting fixtures are used for each performance of La Nouba.

The La Nouba Stage Managers have said “go” almost 1 million times.
The most expensive item sold at the La Nouba Boutique was a bronze Le Titan Sculpture that sold for $12,500.
Since launch, the wardrobe department has handled over 21,510,000 costumes and headpieces.
Most of the 65 artists performing in La Nouba wear three different costumes per show.
600 rhinestones are hand applied to each of the three Le Cons costumes; 8 costumes are worn each night.
Since the launch of the show, La Nouba has used 42,780 balloons in the show.
There have been over 2.8 million flips in the PowerTrack act since the show launched.
During the PowerTrack act you will see 394 Flips and 62 Twists in seven minutes.
One of La Nouba’s trampoline artists has not missed a show since it opened in 1998.
There has been 285 miles traveled by the little train used by the imaginary frog in the show – more miles from Orlando to Miami.
Six musicians play 22 instruments in the show – live, each night!

Toy Story Midway Mania’s Third Track May Be Open Sooner then Expected

Anonymouse

September 21, 2015

Hiya! How is everyone handling the end of summer? I am so glad for cooler temps at the Disney theme parks! Like everyone who makes that mad dash to the Pixar area in Hollywood Studios, I LOVE Toy Story Midway Mania so much! I live for it, well ok not quite. I actually live for Disney Gossip but this is a close second.

A little Mouse told me that the new track on this very popular ride might be opening up a bit sooner than we thought. They told us it would be done next year (2016) but it just might be done this year, by the end of this year!? Wouldn’t that be so cool to have the third track open by Christmas? Then you can ride it and not wait in line as long while you are there to see the last ever Osborne Lights.

Hollywood Studios does need a lot of updating! However, keep in mind that none of this is official!

I also can not wait for Toy Story Land. I think I will just move in when it opens. They won’t mind right?

Anywho, this all the Disney gossip I have for now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at anonymouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook page.

Out now Disney Fairytale Designer Collection on the Disney Store

Chip

September 21, 2015

2015 09 21 09 31 23 Disney Fairytale Designer Collection Disney Store

Disney’s Designer Fairytale Collection celebrates Disney’s legendary heroes and villains in a series inspired by beloved Disney fairytales. Disney Store artists have captured the timeless struggle between good and evil in magnificent detail, conveying both the wonderful wickedness, and bold, heroic spirit of these unforgettable characters. Rich, evocative and dramatic, the Disney Designer Fairytale Collection will be a treasured keepsake for collectors and Disney fans for years tocome.

Global Limited Edition of 6000 for each set.

Here are some of the products being released for this collection.

Peter Pan and Captain Hook Fairytale Journal - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Peter Pan and Captain Hook Fairytale Journal – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Elsa and Hans Fairytale Journal - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Elsa and Hans Fairytale Journal – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Rapunzel and Mother Gothel Fairytale Journal - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Rapunzel and Mother Gothel Fairytale Journal – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Ariel and Ursula Fairytale Journal - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Ariel and Ursula Fairytale Journal – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Ariel Compact Mirror - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Ariel Compact Mirror – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Elsa and Hans Mug - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Elsa and Hans Mug – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Ariel and Ursula Mug - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Ariel and Ursula Mug – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Rapunzel and Mother Gothel Mug - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Rapunzel and Mother Gothel Mug – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Peter Pan and Captain Hook Mug - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Peter Pan and Captain Hook Mug – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Snow White and Hag Handbag - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Snow White and Hag Handbag – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Frozen Tote Bag - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Frozen Tote Bag – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Ariel and Ursula Smartphone Wallet - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Ariel and Ursula Smartphone Wallet – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

This is just a sample of some of the products being released for this collection, to see more just visit the Disney Store for more!

Why Walt Disney World is Better Than Disneyland

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

September 21, 2015

When it comes time to decide where my next Disney Vacation is going to be, I often think about doing Disneyland, or maybe a Disney Cruise. But, in the end, Walt Disney World in Florida always wins! It will forever be my “home” Park. I often see the Disney Addicts arguing over which Park is better. Disneyland lovers will say “their Park” is better because it was first, or because it is smaller. But we all know when it comes to Disney, bigger is always better! I am here to set the record straight. Walt Disney World is the best.

Here are my top 10 reasons why:

10. Walt Disney World, with four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom), two water parks, and 23 hotels –has more to offer than Disneyland, with two parks and 3 hotels. You’ll need at least four days – better yet 6, to see even half of Walt Disney World, and do the water parks, and visit Disney Springs. Disneyland and California Adventure (85 acres) can both fit inside just the Magic Kingdom in Florida (107 acres).

Epcot– The best park in my opinion! Especially during the Food & Wine Festival and Flower and Garden Festival, the World Showcase is amazing. I would be sad to visit Disney and not have Epcot there.
Hollywood Studios– Rockin’ Roller Coaster, The Great Movie Ride, and Beauty and the Beast Live, are great attractions we love, and not to mention the best night time spectacular, Fantasmic!
Animal Kingdom– So much more than just a zoo, it offers awesome rides like Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest and shows such as Finding Nemo the Musical and The Festival of the Lion King.

9. Water Parks and Resort area activities are endless! From Typhoon Lagoon to the Tri-Circle Ranch, there is so much to do right on property, you could spend 2 weeks there, and not be able to do it all. You can have a camp fire and ride horses at Fort Wilderness, or see The Spirit of Aloha Luau Dinner Show at the Polynesian Resort. Parasailing, boat rentals and Segway tours are just some of the activities available. See more here: Magic Outside the Parks. Disneyland is very limited when it comes to outside the Park “Disney” activities.

8.The WDW’s Magic Kingdom is larger as far as area goes, with wider walkways, which makes it seem less crowded. Queue areas in Orlando are mostly all covered, or indoors, which is wonderful on super hot or rainy days. In California, lines form outside, including those at Space Mountain and It’s a Small World. Even the monorail is smaller at DLR, and you can’t even stand up in it.

7. The Magic Kingdom in WDW has the new Fantasyland expansion, which includes the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Double Dumbo’s, Beast’s Castle featuring Be Our Guest, Goofy’s Barnstormer, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Under the Sea with Ariel inside Prince Eric’s seaside castle. That makes 3 castles in one Park! Take THAT DLR!

6. Disney World’s FastPass+ system, allows visitors to make up to three ride reservations months head of their visit and they are linked right to your MagicBand. Disneyland, meanwhile, has retained the old paper ticket system, with FastPass reservations available only on the day of your visit.

5. There’s a Disney Resort for everyone’s taste. At Disneyland there are 3 Resorts, one for each price level. At WDW there are over 20 Resorts, ranging from Deluxe Villas to Values. Experience romance at the Grand Floridian, stay at the Wilderness Lodge if you love the outdoors, or book the Animal Kingdom Lodge to view African wildlife outside your room. Stay at the Caribbean Beach if you want a tropical feel, or Art of Animation for the young Pixar movie lovers!

4. Dining is unmatched at Walt Disney World Resort as it offers about 18 Character Meals in addition to the 200 restaurants. Disneyland only has 5. More opportunities to meet your favorite Disney Pals and Princesses, and more restaurants to experience and menus to choose from. WDW also offers the Magic Your Way Package that includes the Disney Dining Plan, which is a prepaid meal plan that you bundle with your room and ticket package. It can save a lot of money if you like to eat at sit down restaurants versus fast food. The DDP is not available at DLR, only character breakfasts can be added to your room.

3. MagicBands. Who doesn’t love opening their mailbox to see personalized MagicBand, the status symbol of a WDW Vacation (don’t act like you don’t post a picture of them) It’s your hotel room key, dining plan, Park ticket, water park admission, Memory Maker (another thing DLR doesn’t offer!) and your FastPasses too! Sorry Disneyland-ers, no pretty bands for you!

2. Special events that only happen at WDW are the International Food & Wine Festival, featuring food and beverages from around the world, celebrity chefs giving cooking demos, and famous bands playing for free. The Flower and Garden Festival displays amazing character topiaries and colorful gardens around the Park. Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios is exclusive to WDW! All of these events are free with admission.

1. The number one reason WDW is better than DLR is obvious. You can literally see it a mile away… The Castle!! Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland is 77 feet tall, while Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom is more than twice as tall, at 189 feet. Sorry Aurora, but Cindy’s Castle takes the cake!

I do have respect for Disneyland (from a distance) because it is Walt’s original Park. You may find me there on my way to Aulani, the Disney Resort in Hawai’i, but it’s not my first choice for a Disney Vacation.

Be sure to check out our article Why Disneyland is better than Disney World from our Disneyland writer Sara!

Don’t you agree WDW rules!? If you are ready to experience all the magic listed above for yourself, contact me today! I offer free pricing and planning help for ALL of your Disney Destinations, especially my beloved Orlando park ( I am a Walt Disney World Specialist after all!) Email me at [email protected] to chat about your budget and ideas for the perfect Disney Trip… I will help you make that dream a reality! Follow on Instagram @summers_magical_travel and give my FB Page a Like. Team Florida Forever!

Is the Star Wars Movies coming to NetFlix?

Anonymouse

September 20, 2015

Hey there guys and gals! It is I Anonymouse!

I have been scurrying around the town, trying to get information Chip sent me about huge Star Wars news. It seems like Netflix has set up placeholder spots with 5 of the 6 Star Wars movies (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.) While Netflix denies any plans to stream Star Wars, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Disney and Netflix have been in talks to provide licensing to show the films in Latin America.

While Disney and Lucasfilms have the rights to 5 of the films, 20th Century Fox still owns the 1977 Star Wars: A New Hope. However, it would be a smart move on the part of Fox to negotiate a deal with Disney, Lucasfilms and / or Netflix to complete the set when and if the rumor becomes a reality.

With the release of the next film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, fans are excited and giving us access to watch the originals will only add to the hype and increase interest. While most Star Wars fans own digital copies of the movies, the opportunity for many younger or newer fans to have access to the films will only add to the publicity and hopefully continue the Star Wars saga.

So, what do you guys think? Star Wars on Netflix? Yes or No? Comment below and let me know which side you are on.

Anywho, this is all the Disney Star Wars gossip I have for now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at [email protected] or on my Facebook page.

First look – 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Park Maps

Chip

September 20, 2015

Great news the 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Park Maps are here! Feel free to download and print them out so you can make your game plan!

Walt Disney World Resort guests will join the 20-year celebration of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase from Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015, as they taste global and specialty cuisine, sip new beverages and eat to the beat of live entertainment.

The 53-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park will expand with new Future World marketplaces featuring fresh culinary concepts to pair with select wines, beers, cocktails and other beverages. ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” will broadcast from the festival for the first time and will participate in two of the new Future World festival marketplaces: Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world.

Here are 20 fun facts about the 20^th festival celebration.

Now 53 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days

At the 2015 festival, a record 30 global marketplaces will include the new Sustainable Chew, Chew Lab and Artistry of Wine & Cheese marketplaces

Producers of ABC’s “The Chew” will tape 5 episodes of the show before 5 festival guest audiences numbering in the hundreds for each show

The 20^th festival will feature 32 new marketplace dishes and 75 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders

In 1998, 200 domestic and international wines were poured at the festival. This year, at marketplaces and premium events, more than 300 domestic and international wines will be offered

More than 60 wineries and more than 40 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces
The 20^th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Cookbook by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 75 recipes from the global marketplaces that span the entire 20 years of the festival.

3 Rockin’ Burger Block Parties and 5 Party for the Senses grand tastings will take place at World Showplace during the festival run. In all, the festival will feature 193 premium events ranging from Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings to Beverage Boot Camps and Festival Events in World Showcase pavilions

Guest chefs and Disney chefs numbering 250 will present culinary demonstrations and will cook for festival events

Celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from 6 countries and 26 U.S. states will participate in the festival at culinary demos, book signings, and special tasting events and dinners

Nearly 400 culinary demos, beverage and mixology seminars will take place during the 53-day festival

During the new Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak festival scavenger hunt, guests can help Remy scour the park for the ingredients to make his signature dish, ratatouille. Along the way, they’ll find 12 Remy statuettes hidden in each of 11 countries of the World Showcase and at the African Outpost location. Guests can redeem the 12 stickers they’ve collected for one of 6 special pins at Port of Entry

159 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed; 4 musical acts will appear for the first time at this year’s festival featuring entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues

The Marketplace Discovery Passport was introduced in 2010 for the 15^th annual festival; today, the free passport will feature pages with all 30 festival marketplaces that guests can have stamped during their dine-around-the-world culinary adventure

More than 1,200 fireworks will explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nightime spectacular

Chase is the festival’s presenting sponsor for the 4^th year; its Chase Lounge at American Adventure Parlor features guest amenities that include complimentary beverages and comfy furniture where guests can chill out and recharge

The Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, back for a fourth year, is filled with 900 pounds of the tart red fruit and is accessible to cast members who wear waterproof waders

100,000-plus desserts, including the Chocolate Cherry Explosion and Strawberry Basil Champagne “Toast” at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace, are expected to be served

In 1997, during the festival’s second year, festival planners introduced the first Grand Tasting culinary extravaganza; in 2002, the event was renamed and moved to World Showplace as Party for the Senses, now featuring up to 50 food and beverage stations and breathtaking entertainment by Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba” performers

At the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese, each keg of premium wine on tap will hold the equivalent of 26 wine bottles, eliminating bottle, cork, cardboard and paper waste from labels. Recycling and repurposing of glass bottles and corks from other marketplace locations will be part of the 20^th-year festival story.

Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection Available on DVD September 29th

Danielle

September 20, 2015

The Disney Princess magic of Sofia the First is headed home in Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection on DVD September 29th!

Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection is packed with over 6 exciting episodes and features four Disney Princess appearances. Experience the Magic of the Amulet of Avalor, as it summons Mulan, Jasmine, Belle and Tiana to help Sofia on her adventures. This new DVD also includes a FREE exclusive Sofia-themed stationery set for kids to write a letter to Sofia and receive a response back in the mail! I know my little one will be tickled to hear from Sofia!

Synopsis:

Join Sofia as she receives guidance from Disney Princesses and goes on a daring adventure with Mulan in the Kingdom of Wei Ling, soars through the skies with Jasmine on a magic carpet ride, and discovers important lessons about friendship and life’s true gifts from Belle and Tiana. Packed with endless fun, music and heart – plus two additional episodes – “Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection” is a not-to-be-missed celebration highlighting the qualities that make a true princess – honesty, loyalty, compassion and grace.

Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection staring Ariel Winter as Sofia will be available September 20, 2015. How excited will your little one be, to write to Sofia? I can’t wait!

Disney Finds – Fun Disney Buttons for your next trip Home!

Chip

September 20, 2015

How many people wear buttons while at the Disney Parks? I know I have stopped by Guest Services and have picked up a button to wear at the parks countless times. Designer CrowleyCastle has a bunch of fun non traditional buttons you can wear next time you are at the parks that are both fun and creative!

Here are some of the designs they have available:

and many more. CrowleyCastle has over 7 pages of Disney Buttons you can check out, and if you love Disney Buttons you really should! All buttons are only $4.00 so you can pick up more than one and have something to wear on every day of your visit!

Happy Shopping!

Best FastPass+ Options at Epcot

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

September 20, 2015

Next up on my FastPass series – Skip it or Book it – I’m covering Epcot, here is the Magic Kingdom in case you missed it. With Future World and the World Showcase, Epcot can easily be a two-day park. But, if you use your FastPass+ choice wisely, you can cover the most ground and see it all without waiting in too many lines.

Epcot

Book It

Soarin’
- If 75+ minutes of waiting in line isn’t your idea of a good time, then definitely book a FastPass for Soarin’. This extremely popular (and for good reason!) attraction never has a short line.
Test Track
- I’ve never seen this attraction for a wait time of less than 45 minutes, and that’s on a slow day! While the queue does have some interesting things to check out, I think it’s much more fun to jump the line and get right to designing my test vehicle.
Mission Space
- Admittedly, this is not one of my favorite attractions, but if you want to check it out, and I suggest you do, grab a FastPass and get right to the mission!
Epcot Character Spot
- The Epcot character spot is a great chance to meet the Fab 5. One of my favorite character locations on property, I like to skip the line when possible and get right to chatting with Mickey and friends.

Skip It

Captain EO
- What to say about Captain EO? I had a Cast Member try to talk me out of this one before. I should’ve listened. Definitely do not use one of your precious FastPasses for this ride. You can walk right now anytime you want.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- This attraction doesn’t usually have a long wait. The lines tend to get shorter as the night goes on, so if you see a long wait, check back after dinner.
Living with the Land
- The longest that I have ever seen the stand-by line is 20 minutes. The attraction is definitely busiest around meal times, as people eating at Sunshine Terrace tend to fill up the stand-by queue. Try early in the morning or during mid-afternoon for your best chance at a short line.
Spaceship Earth
- I love Spaceship Earth, but I don’t think that you should use one of your FastPasses for this. Check the stand-by time throughout the day and you are bound to catch it with a short wait.

Do you have a favorite attraction at Epcot? What FastPass+ options are your favorite for this park?

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.

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