Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular-First Show Sept 15, 2015!

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September 16, 2015

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show last night totally put a spell on me and I wasn’t even at last night’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. With the power of social media I was lucky enough to have a friend Periscope the entire show just so I can watch it! It was AMAZING!!

Halloween just happens to be my favorite holiday, and when you add Disney into the mix I explode with excitement for the Fall season at Walt Disney World. You might have guessed that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is my favorite event at Walt Disney World, so when last night’s party started I was all over the place looking at pictures and videos of the event. However, the “oh my” moment happened when the Sanderson sisters from, you guessed it, one of my favorite Disney classic movies took the stage in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Are you a fan of “The Nightmare Before Christmas?” Well then you are in luck because the one, the only, Oogie Boogie makes a special appearance as well as a few other fan favorites like Dr. Facilier and the “Mistress of All Evil” herself, Maleficent!

Per the Disney Parks blog:

“In “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” return to the mortal world for one night during the Halloween season. With only a few hours to run amuck, the three sisters decide to use their magic to throw the best, evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard!

With the help of the Disney villains, Winifred, Mary and Sarah gather together sinister shadows, nefarious nightmares and the power of their frightful friends to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion and cast a spell on everyone in the Magic Kingdom Park. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” features appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects that combine to make this new show a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat.”

Doesn’t these pictures just give you CHILLS!! I know for me I, shhhhhh, screamed when I saw them! From the costumes, the dancing, the songs to the light show on the castle I was in love with this show.

Now, I know not everyone had a crazy friend at the party Periscoping the show for them but no worries I have you covered!………Check out this YouTube video from our friend, BigFatPanda from the show. I think I have watched it 50 million times already since last night! John did an amazing job with this video!

Did you attend last nights party? Did you dress up in an amazing costume? What did you think of the event? What are your thoughts about the NEW show? I can’t wait to hear all about your thoughts and see all of your pictures from the event. PLEASE SHARE WITH ME!!

Want to plan YOUR Magical Disney Halloween Vacation?

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular is exclusively during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that’s held on select nights at Magic Kingdom Park from Sept. 15 through Nov. 1. It’s not too late to purchase your tickets for this amazing event, but hurry as several party dates are already sold out. This is an event NOT to miss this Halloween season!

For more information about planning a magical Orlando vacation with an many On-Site Hotel+ Ticket Packages including your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets for the Walt Disney World Resorts, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Parks, Busch Gardens Tampa, and Nickelodeon Suites Resort contact me anytime. I would love to help you plan the best family vacation ever!

My name is Leigh Saleh. I’m a Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel. I’m a Universal Orlando Specialist, SeaWorld Parks Specialist, Legoland Florida Specialist and a Disney Destination Specialist as well as many more destinations including cruise lines. Email me today at [email protected] to book your next “Magical” family vacation to your favorite destination.

You can also visit my Facebook page, click here for more details, and updates on special offers to your favorite travel destinations. You will also find a ton of pictures from Walt Disney World,Disney Cruise Line, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, and Legoland Florida.

**Official Information, and Instagram Photographs property of the Disney Parks Blog. Other Photographs and YouTube Video property of BigFatPanda.com**

Pop Secret is now the official popcorn of Disney Parks and official sponsor of Fantasmic!

By

Chip

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September 16, 2015

Diamond Foods, Inc. announced today that Pop Secret popcorn is now the official popcorn of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

Diamond Foods also plans to advertise on Disney-owned channels like ABC Family and the Disney Channel. Retail promotions, on-pack sweepstakes and digital content creation are all ways in which Pop Secret popcorn expects to work with Disney.

“We have been looking for an alliance that is in-line with our core brand values and we couldn’t be more delighted to announce this relationship with Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort,” said Burke Raine, Vice President of Marketing, Snacks, at Diamond. “Pop Secret popcorn and Disney both have deep associations with movies and encourage lasting memories shaped by fun family activities.”

As part of the relationship, Disney will begin selling freshly popped Pop Secret popcorn at popcorn carts throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The Pop Secret brand will also become the title sponsor of the nightly Fantasmic! Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort and plans to sponsor movie nights held at many of Disney’s resort hotels.

You can now Explore Martinique with the Disney Cruise Line

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 16, 2015

This January, the Disney Wonder will be making its first visit to the beautiful French island of Martinique. The Disney Cruise Line has four sailings planned, in a closed-course from San Juan, Puerto Rico embarking on January 10th, 17th 24th and 31st, 2016. These 7-Night cruise itineraries include one day at sea and stops at St. George’s (Grenada), Bridgetown (Barbados), Fort de France (Martinique), St. John’s (Antigua) and Basseterre (St. Kitts). There are some amazing designations and I am absolutely in love with the Southern Caribbean. It truly shows how amazing island living can be and the landscape will take your breath away. With this being the Disney Wonder’s first stop in Fort de France, the Disney Cruise Line has created some really cool Port Adventures to immerse you into the French and Creole culture that the island is known for!

Saint Pierre and Rum Distillery with Lunch– learn the history behind this seaside town that was destroyed by a volcano in 1902 and visit the Saint James Rum Distillery where adults can taste local rum and explore the museum. A Creole lunch is also include, with some great opportunities along the way for photos opps!
Beach and Snorkel at Bat Cave– While you won’t find Batman in this Bat Cave, you will have the chance to visit a premier snorkeling destination only accessible by boat. Here you will find many tropical marine life while you have fun and relax in the Caribbean sun. Picturesque views of the coastline can also be seen on this excursion.
Historic Plantation and Tropical Garden– Visit an authentic plantation house and one of the island’s most beautiful gardens. The Cement Plantation House provides the setting for this tropical escape and here you will find the remnants of its sugar cane and rum distillery. From there, you will visit a banana plantation field and the Church of Baleta, which is a small-size replica of Sacre-Coeur Basilica in France that give you a stunning panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside. Finally, you will explore the Botanical Garden of Balata which you can take in a bird’s-eye-view of the gardens from a tree-top footbridge.

The Disney Cruise Line also has some really neat adventures planned while you stop in Grenada, Barbados, Antigua (my favorite island!) and St. Kitts. To learn more about these sailings, email me at [email protected] and be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter (@TriciaatWoMT) to keep up with the latest Disney news, updates and events!

‘Hocus Pocus’ Inspired Clothes Are on Their Way to the Disney Parks Online Store

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 16, 2015

In case you have not heard there is an all new stage show called “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular!” at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. So, to celebrate the new show the Disney Parks online store will have a few limited release “Hocus Pocus” clothing items starting September 21 and ending September 27, 2015.

Richard Terpstra, who is a Disney Design Group Artist designed the three shirts pictured above. He also designed the “Sanderson Sisters Witch Museum” graphic that will be used on a short-sleeve tee, long-sleeve tee and hooded sweatshirt.

All 3 of the shirts (pictured above) have a “Hocus Pocus” logo on the back. I love the concept of these shirts because it looks like the dresses from the movie but yet it is a comfy shirt.

Check them out:

Cool right? Which one are you going to order?

You can order these items starting September 21 at http://www.DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

If you want to see the movie again, you can during the upcoming 13 Nights of Halloween on ABC Family. The movie will air on October 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30 and 31.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Top 10 Disney Halloween Costumes for Dogs

By

Chip

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September 16, 2015

Halloween is coming and if you are like me you are trying to get those Halloween Costumes before they sell out. I noticed when I was in Target this weekend the costumes were starting to look a little thin. I did notice however that this year they are starting to stock costumes for pets. So with that in mind I came up with a Top 10 Disney Halloween Costumes for Dogs.

Dress up your fashion-conscious pooch for special occasions with this Mickey Mouse Pet Bow Tie & Tie Collar Set.

How cute is the hat on this Goofy Disney Dog Costume?

Love this Agent 626 Disney Stitch Cartoon Pet Costume for Small Medium Large Dogs (M)

Disney – Winnie the Pooh – Dress Up Dog Costume (Large) for your larger dog breeds.

Disney Cinderella Dog Costume is adorable and perfect for those small pet breeds.

Minnie Mouse Pet Collar

Minnie Mouse Pet Collar is fun and simple for those dogs who hate getting dressed up.

Disney Small Dog Orange Tigger Costume is for dogs who love to BOUNCE!

Mouse “Minnie” Costume for smaller breed dogs.

Hey Howdy Hey Woody the Cowboy Costume from Toy Story

Disney Pixar – Finding Nemo – Dress Up Dog Costume (Large)

Don’t forget to check out our Top 10 Disney Costumes for Princesses and Princes.

Best FastPass+ Options at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 16, 2015

Hello Disney Parks fans! My Walt Disney World Vacation is coming up in just over 45 days!!! I am so excited and I cannot wait to be walking right down the middle of Main Street USA. Of course, I have already booked my FastPass+ options. No, I didn’t stay up until midnight waiting for my reservation options to open up. I woke up at 6am instead.

People ask me all the time what FastPass+ options are the best and what options that should skip out on and take their chances at the park with. I decided to put together a new series of posts just for this very topic.

Knowing what FastPass+ choices is a great idea and which ones are a waste of a selection will save you a ton of time and frustration later on in the parks.

Here are my suggestions for what FastPass+ options to book and what options to skip.

Magic Kingdom

Book It

Seven Dwarf Mine Train
- This is the newest attraction at Magic Kingdom and the lines are known for being extremely long. If you don’t feel like waiting in a 70 minute queue, grab a FastPass+ for this coaster
Peter Pan’s Flight
- This attraction has always had very long wait times, but ever since it’s refurbishment, the wait times have been taken to a whole new level. Grab a FastPass+ and fly to Neverland much quicker.
Princess Fairytale Hall: Meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen
- Frozen fans range from everyone ages 2 to 200. To meet Anna and Elsa, you can expect to wait in line for more than an hour if you don’t have a FastPass+. Now, these FastPasses are notoriously hard to get, so you want to make sure that you have one, consider being that person that logs in a midnight to book their FastPasses.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Depending on the time of year, this coaster can have very long waits, and to me, this area of the park just always seems hotter than the other areas. Maybe I’m subconsciously putting myself in the Frontier, but I like to grab a FastPass for this attraction and skip the hot line.
Space Mountain
- Space Mountain is one of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom. I have been to the parks where I was able to walk right on to Space Mountain, and I have been there where I’ve waited for 75 minutes. Considering that I like to ride this one multiple times during my trip, I try to grab at least one FastPass option for this.
Enchanted Tales with Bell
- This attraction is great because you get to meet Belle and experience a “show” all in one. The later I gets at the parks the shorter the lines for this attraction will become, but if you want to check this out earlier in the day, consider picking up a FastPass.

Skip It

Festival of Fantasy Parade
- I know that some people really love the new option of booking FastPasses for parades and firework events. I’m old school and I like to just get there early with my cotton candy and stake out a good spot.
It’s a Small World
- I have never waited longer than 30 minutes for this attraction. The line moves pretty quickly for this one. If you notice a high wait time, check back in an hour or so and you may find a much shorter stand-by wait time.
Mad Tea Party
- Again, I’ve never seen a long stand-by queue for this attraction and as the night goes on the line gets shorter. I think riding at night is more fun anyways.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- The queue for this is almost entirely indoors where it is air-conditioned. If you have to wait for an attraction, pick to wait in air conditioned lines.
Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
- See reasoning for Mickey’s PhilharMagic and soak up at that AC while you can.

I hope these tips help you when you are booking your FastPass+ options either before your trip or during your stay at the parks.

What attractions do you always try to book FastPass+ for? Let me know in the comments!

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.

Japanese Airliner Unveils Plane Made to Look Like Star Wars Droids

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 16, 2015

Star Wars fans are going to be very happy to see this! I am not a Star Wars fan but I must admit it is pretty cool looking. This plane is a Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” and it is painted to look like a Droid. It was unveiled recently in Everett, Washington but All Nippon Airways. You can fly on this plane starting Oct 18. It will fly between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Vancouver, Canada.

Have no fear this will not be the only Star Wars themed plane, this is one of 3 that will be flying the friendly skies.

Check it out:

Star Wars jets 7

Star Wars jets 6

Star Wars Jets 4

Star Wars jets 3

Star Wars jets 2

Star Wars jets

The other designs will have BB-8, a new character to be introduced in the upcoming movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. BB-8’s likeness will be on a ANA’s Boeing 777-300ER widebody plane. The other designs will be on a Boeing 767-300 and it will have both BB-8 and R2-D2. The new ones will not be a reality until next year (2016).

Awesome right?

Photo Credit: usatoday.com

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Star Wars Launch Bay to Open in December

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 15, 2015

2015 09 15 09 59 33 Attractions Magazine on Twitter A sign is up for the Star Wars Launch Bay at D

A sign is up for the Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. #disney #starwars… http://t.co/lmgLFOtWTN pic.twitter.com/Jex4Xpfbd9

— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) September 14, 2015

A little background about the new Star Wars Launch Bay, it it is an interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings. Star Wars Launch Bay will be in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park. Also at Disneyland park, Star Wars Launch Bay will share the space with the reimagined Super Hero HQ, featuring opportunities to meet and take photos with super heroes like Captain America and Thor, as well as experience the returning Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries. Both experiences will be available for guests later this year.

This experience will reportedly open in December, 2015.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Reservations Now Open for Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

By

Chip

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September 15, 2015

Disney will be offering a leisurely Sunday brunch with panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon beginning November 22nd at Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch in the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Brunch begins with a specialty beverage—Champagne, Mimosa, or signature Bloody Mary for adults, a smoothie for children. A shared pastry basket is filled with house-made chocolate and traditional croissants, muffins, Danish, pecan sticky buns, Vermont cultured butter and seasonal jam.

Enjoy your choice of appetizer: Onion Soup Graitnee, Shrimp and Grits, Seafood Charcuterie, Artisanal Cheese Selection or Romaine Salad. For entrees, look for traditional brunch favorites, with a refined twist: Brioche French Toast, Lobster Eggs Benedict, Chicken and Waffles, Freshly Caught Seasonal Fish, Steak and Eggs and more. Complete your meal with a sweet ending—a trio of desserts.

Cost is $69 for adults, $41 for children, age 3-9. For Reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dine, or call 407-WDW-DINE.

Disney Hyperion Fairy Tale 2.0 Campaign Launch and Giveaway!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 15, 2015

If you’re anything like me you love a good read! If you’re an avid reader and a Disney fan then you’re in luck! Chip and Company is proud to announce our participation in Disney Hyperion’s Fairy Tale 2.0 campaign. Relive your favorite fairy tales with crazy twists in these new and exciting novels by some wonderful authors. What happens when Aladdin doesn’t get to the lamp first? What if Little Red Riding Hood was part wolf herself? And what if there were more to Anna and Hans failed relationship in Frozen? Find out in these spellbinding novels.

I actually got the chance to read A Whole New World: A Twisted Tale and review it a few months back and I can tell you that if the other two books in this campaign are even half as good as that one they’re worth the read so check them out!

A Whole New World: A Twisted Tale
by Liz Braswell
In stores September 1st

About the Book:
What if Aladdin had never found the lamp? This first book in the A Twisted Tale line will explore a dark and daring version of Disney’s Aladdin. When Jafar steals the Genie’s lamp, he uses his first two wishes to become sultan and the most powerful sorcerer in the world. Agrabah lives in fear, waiting for his third and final wish. To stop the power-mad ruler, Aladdin and the deposed princess Jasmine must unite the people of Agrabah in rebellion. But soon their fight for freedom threatens to tear the kingdom apart in a costly civil war. What happens next? A Street Rat becomes a leader. A princess becomes a revolutionary. And readers will never look at the story of Aladdin in the same way again.

Find my review of the book here!

Once Upon A Time: Red’s Untold Tale
by Wendy Toliver
in stores September 22nd

About the Book:
Red is 16 and lives with Granny in a cottage in the village, where boarding up the house and hiding during Wolfstime is a means of survival. Red help’s Granny with Granny’s baked good business, catering as well as door-to-door sales. Red has a constant internal battle between her wild side and her strict, overprotective upbringing, and the issue of “control” as she discovers she has a hot temper when the “mean girls” push her too far. (“When we learn to control it, we needn’t fear it,” Rumpelstiltskin says in the series.) She has flashbacks to her 13th year when she received her cloak and the nickname “Red.” She is plagued by nightmares that she doesn’t understand, but the Once Upon a Time fans will recognize them as her wolf side coming out. Red balances the difficult times with Granny at home and the girls at school with an emerging and satisfying romance with Peter.

A Frozen Heart
by Elizabeth Rudnick
In stores October 6th

About the Book:
Told in alternating chapters from both Anna’s and Hans’ perspectives, A Frozen Heart takes a sophisticated look at events of Frozen, exploring the couple’s backstories, motivations, and doomed relationship.

Giveaway Details!!

To enter to win this awesome Fairy Tale 2.0 prize pack (one winner) consisting of a copy of A Whole New World by Liz Braswell and a cosmetic pouch, tank, notepad and pillow:

Go to @ChipandCompany on twitter and click that follow button!
RT our tweet about the giveaway and/or tweet us your favorite fairy tale and how you’d change the plot of it and make sure to include #FairyTale2pt0 in your tweet(s)!
Follow Chip and Co on Facebook
Comment on this post on the Chip and Co Facebook page
Share this post using any of the share buttons above and then comment below and let us know how you shared.

Open to U.S only. All prizes and merchandise graciously provided by Disney Hyperion. Reminder that comments on the website will not be counted towards entries to win the prize pack. If you win please respond to our message within 72 hours to claim your prize or a new winner will be chosen. Contest runs until 11:59 PM EST September 28th 2015. Winner will be announced within 48 hours of deadline. Best of luck readers!

Stay tuned for more Fairy Tale 2.0 !!

Disney World Souvenir Luggage Tag Reminders

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 15, 2015

Aren’t you loving these new designs? Last month we shared with you that Disney will be sending these fun luggage tags out with your Magic Bands starting September 29th. We have a little more information for you to check out while you wait for these cute luggage tags to get to you:

Beginning with reservations arriving on Sept. 29, 2015, guests who booked a Walt Disney package at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel will receive their luggage tags in the same box as their Magic Bands. It’s even more magic in that awesome box!

Here are a few helpful reminders about this new process:

Luggage tags can be found in a Walt Disney Travel Company luggage tag holder under the MagicBand tray.
There has been no change to the Disney Magical Express® luggage tags process. Disney Magical Express tags will continue to be delivered with the Walt Disney Travel Company final documents, or in a separate mailing.
Guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Downtown Disney® Area Hotels, Four Seasons Orlando and Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels will continue to receive their luggage tags in the same manner – with their final documents.
Each Guest on the reservation, over the age of 3 years old, will receive a luggage tag.

If you don’t have a Walt Disney World vacation planned why not use the Request a Quote box in the top right hand side of the page for a FREE no obligation quote from our friends at World of Magic Travel.

What a fun little extra for your Disney trip! 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

Disney Finds – Like Alex & Ani Disney Bracelet designs

By

Chip

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September 15, 2015

If you do a search for Disney Bracelets on Etsy you come up with a few hundred pages of designers. Everything from charm bracelets to hand woven bracelets in every color and style imaginable. What caught my eye today were these fun Alex and Ani looking bracelets from designer LittleThingsByLaurie. They have a bunch of really fun handmade designs to check out, such as:

and many more. LittleThingsByLaurie also has some fun charm bracelets and necklaces as well that you might want to check out. Most of their designs are skewed towards Disneyland but I am sure we will see some Disney World designs soon! For anyone who has bought any Alex & Ani bracelets you know they run around $40 to $50, the good thing about these is they only run between $15 and $25, so pick up two!

Happy Shopping