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Furthering its commitment to kids and families, Disney Channel will present a special episode of the family comedy series “Girl Meets World” that delivers both entertainment and information for kids and parents about Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. Three experts consulted on the episode to help deliver an authentic storyline that can spark conversation among kids and their families. They are: Elizabeth Laugeson, Psy.D, The Help Group; child development consultant Arthur Pober, Ed.D.; and Shiela Wagner, M.Ed., retired, Emory Autism Center.
In the story, “Girl Meets Farkle,” Riley, Maya and Lucas emphasize the beauty of being unique as they rally around their friend Farkle Minkus, who may be on the autism spectrum. Meanwhile, his friendship with another student, Smackle, grows fonder. The episode premieres Friday, September 11 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. Guest starring are Cecilia Balagot (“Isadora Smackle”), Cyrina Fiallo (“Ms. Oben”) and Lee Norris (“Stuart Minkus”) and Kristanna Loken (“Jennifer Bassett Minkus”), who return to their “Boy Meets World” roles, now as Farkle’s parents.
“Girl Meets World” stars Rowan Blanchard as Riley Matthews, Ben Savage as Cory Matthews, Sabrina Carpenter as Maya Hart, Peyton Meyer as Lucas Friar, August Maturo as Auggie Matthews, Corey Fogelmanis as Farkle Minkus and Danielle Fishel as Topanga Matthews.
For more information on autism, families can visit: www.cdc.gov/autism.
Starting Sept 21 and running through Dec 2, 2015, you can experience the The Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast at Disneyland. Your journey begins with a warm welcome from the Jungle Navigation Company, Ltd. Then you get to eat! The breakfast will be African veldt of the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland.
I know you are wondering what kind of food will be served. You will get to choose from exotic fruit, fresh pastries, eggs, pan seared sausage, glazed pork belly bacon, just to name a few. Of course the usual breakfast drinks like coffee, juice, and tea.
After you enjoy breakfast you get a really quick lesson in Jungle Skipper training. Then you get a chance to get behind the wheel and say that famous Jungle Cruise spiel. Last but not least you get initiated into the “Fraternal League of Secret Skippers,” and to commemorate the momentous occasion you will get an exclusive keepsake, which is a tribal mask inspired by original concept art for the Jungle Cruise attraction.
How many people have a pair of Disney Mickey Ears? How about 2 or more? I know the Disney Fashionista wears a new pair every day when we go to the Disney Parks. Today I checked out etsy designer elephantandmouseshop and really enjoyed some of her unique handmade Disney designs. Check them out:
and many more! elephantandmouseshop probably has some of the most unique ones I have seen. You need to go and check them out. Most ears run between $20 – $25 which falls in line with what they sell for in the Disney Parks.
My bags are almost packed in anticipation of my favorite Walt Disney World event, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2015. In addition to the regular countries around the World Showcase, the Fest brings in so many new booths such as Brazil and Ireland. There isn’t enough time (or money on my gift card) to enjoy them all, so I reviewed the menus, made a plan, and will go after these special drinks.
Be sure to pick up your free festival “passport” to get stamps at the countries that you visit, in case you don’t remember by the end of the night 😉
Here is my list of the top 10 drinks I plan to taste during my fall vacation:
10. Germany – German Riesling flights, one of each, J&H Selbach Bernkasteler, Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett, Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese, J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese, an ode to my heritage!
9. Brazil – Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine (I will probably get a full glass of this. Moscato is my favorite wine; it’s light, and sweet)
8. Greece – Tzatziki martini featuring Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka and BOLS® Natural Yoghurt Liqueur. Be brave, try the vodka and yogurt martini!
7. Belgium – –Beer flights: Hoegaarden®, Palm Amber Ale, Leffe® Blonde and Stella Artois® Cidre * Exclusive Food & Wine Fest Booth. I tried last years flights, and they were very interesting! Excited to try the Stella Cider. Hard cider is a staple at my house.
6. Cheese Studio – *NEW* I love pairing cheese and eine, it’s the combo from heaven. I do enjoy the strong, fragrant cheeses, so this is one place I want to linger a while! Still River Winery Apfel Eis (apple ice wine) is what I want to order plus a side of cheese fondue with sourdough bread.
5. Dominican Republic *NEW* –Frozen sugar cane cocktail featuring Ron Barceló Blanco Rum sounds so tropical and fun!
4. France – La Passion Martini Slush: vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, cranberry and passion fruit juice. I’ve heard rave reviews about this drink! It’s legendary.
3. Hawaii – Maui Splash Sweet Pineapple Wine. Sounds refreshing!
2. Morocco– Mimosa Royale with a side of the infamous Baklava. Best dessert in the world showcase deserves a sweet dessert wine accompaniment.
1.Farm Fresh Stand – Hard cider flights (4 small cups, one of each) These are the perfect beers for the season! Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider, Wyder’s® Dry Pear Hard Cider, Two Henry’s Elderberry Hard Cider, ACE Hard Pumpkin Cider, yes PUMPKIN!
Honorable Mention – A creamy Brown Elephant cocktail concocted of Amarula cream liqueur, milk and Coca Cola is delicious and available on the Africa Marketplace
Remember… drink responsibly, don’t spill. Consume plenty of water, preferably frozen, surrounded by alcohol. Kidding aside, remember there are families around, don’t be THAT guy! Eat some food, use the free transportation, avoid Mission:Space, and you’ll have a great time!
Did you miss your chance this year to go to Food & Wine Fest? Let’s talk about next year. Contact me today to get your Fall 2016 Trip priced, booked and planned before the good rooms fill up. Contact me at [email protected]. I am free travel planner and can help you plan the perfect fall vacation, including Food & Wine Fest, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and if Free Dining comes out I’ll be sure to add that too. Follow me “Around the World” next month on Instagram (@summers_magical_travel) and Facebook!
Today, merchandise inspired by the highly anticipated new movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens launched at retailers around the globe as ‘Force Friday’ officially got underway. Hot off the heels of the 18+ hour global live unboxing event on YouTube where highlights of the new product range were officially unveiled, the celebration continued as more than 3,000 retail locations in the U.S. opened their doors at midnight for fans to be among the first to discover new Star Wars products.
“We’ve been working closely with the filmmakers to bring the characters and storylines from Star Wars: The Force Awakens to life through an exciting array of products, and we’re thrilled to share them with fans around the world,” said Leslie Ferraro, Co-Chair, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and President, Disney Consumer Products.
Starting in Sydney and ending at Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media hosted an epic global live event to unveil key Star Wars: The Force Awakens products. Fans who tuned in to the Star Wars YouTube page were able to see the following toys unboxed by top digital stars from the Maker Studios network:
Sydney: Star Wars BladeBuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber toy from Hasbro
Tokyo: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Big Figs (31” and 48”) from JAKKS Pacific
Hong Kong: Hot Wheels® Star Wars character car assortment and Escape from Jakku™ Starship playset from Mattel
Seoul: LEGO Star Wars Poe’s X-Wing Fighter™
Paris: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Kylo Ren Lightsaber, a Disney Store exclusive
Madrid: Star Wars Micro Machines First Order Star Destroyer from Hasbro
Berlin: LEGO Star Wars Kylo Ren’s Command Shuttle™
London: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Elite Series die-cast figure assortment, a Disney Store exclusive
Rio de Janeiro: Star Wars Black Series 6” figure assortment from Hasbro
‘Good Morning America’ (New York): LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon™ and Star Wars BB-8 from Sphero
Toronto: Star Wars Remote Controlled Millennium Falcon Quad and X-Wing Starfighter from Air Hogs, Spin Master
Chicago: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Role Play for kids exclusive to Disney Store
Mexico City: Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Deluxe NERF Blaster from Hasbro
San Francisco: Star Wars Battle Action Millennium Falcon from Hasbro
Los Angeles: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Poe Dameron’s X-Wing Vehicle from Hasbro
Additionally, fans tuning in to watch ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ on ABC were treated to a fun product reveal with Jimmy and his security guard sidekick Guillermo, showcasing Star Wars: The Force Awakens Voice Changing Masks exclusive to Disney Store.
Beyond lightsabers, construction sets, figures and collectibles, fans can find products across a wide variety of categories, including apparel for all members of the family, home décor, lifestyle accessories, books and more. New Star Wars products can be found around the world at mass and specialty retailers, such as Amazon.com, Kohl’s, Target, Toys “R” Us and Walmart, as well as Disney Store and disneystore.com.
Highlights from the merchandise line found in the U.S. include:
A large collection of exclusive merchandise from Disney Store including role play items, talking action figures and figure play sets, along with themed apparel, tech accessories, mugs, journals and more
J. Crew apparel for men, women and kids featuring the fan-favorite “Chewie, we’re home” scene of Chewbacca and Han Solo from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer
A Star Wars collection of Rock & Republic® misses apparel and Mighty Fine juniors apparel offers female fans graphic tees, leggings, sweatshirts, hoodies and dresses available at Kohl’s
The ultimate Millennium Falcon children’s bed from Pottery Barn Kids, looking like something seen from a galaxy far, far away
A villainous take on home merchandise featuring new characters from the Dark Side, such as First Order Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren available at JCPenney
To preserve the integrity of key movie moments, an additional wave of products will be released closer to the film’s debut, when fans will be able to find additional items featuring the newest characters, including Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, BB-8 and more. On December 18, a Play Set based on Star Wars: The Force Awakens will become available for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, the latest installment of the best-selling “toys-to-life” video game from Disney Interactive.
At least $150 million will be spent to build the new JW Marriott Anaheim at the GardenWalk mall near Disneyland. The 12-story hotel will have 466 rooms.
A new JW Marriott hotel is being proposed near Disneyland. The developers, Prospera Hotels Inc. and O’Connell Hotels & Hospitality, have announced that they are planning on building a 466 room JW Marriott at the Anaheim GardenWalk.
There are only 2 other hotels in Anaheim that have the four star hotels and they are The Disneyland Hotel and The Grand Californian Grand Hotel and Spa.
F.Y.I A four-star or four-diamond hotel quality rating comes from outside arbiters such as Forbes Travel Guide or AAA.
They are doing this to take advantage of a city of incentive program that allows any four-star hotel built in the Gardenwalk center to be reimbursed for 70% of the bed taxes collected by the city for a 20-year period. This program has been around since 2013 and it allows hotel operators to keep $158 million for both hotels over the course of the 20-year period.
There is no opening date yet. Mainly because there could be some legal issues heading their way. Earlier this year, a Superior Court judge ruled that the incentive program was legal, but residents of Anaheim disagree and have filed to appeal that decision.
Every year I look for forward to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. An added benefit to going to the amazing party is collecting the different Sorcerer cards every year. This year that card is Minnie Mouse’s Costume Chaos. It is probably the cutest one yet. Remember these cards are exclusive to the party only. They are free with your paid admission to MNSSHP. You have to show your event wristband to get one.
A little background on the popular park game, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is an in-park interactive experience that lets you team up with Merlin in a quest to defeat Disney villains who are attempting to takeover the park. Head over to the Firehouse on Main Street and they will give you instructions on how to play and you can pick up your cards there as well.
Who doesn’t love the Epcot Food & Wine Festival? It is probably one of my favorite times of year to go to Walt Disney World. In celebration of that fun time of year I designed this fun Disney Shirt to wear with those hilarious Finding Nemo Seagulls.
On sale now for only $14 at the Chip and Co Tee Public Store is our Wine! Wine design?
Pixar’s New Short “Borrowed Time” has released their first trailer for fans to enjoy. The short set in the west is about a sheriff who comes back to deal with a accident he has tried his whole life to forget. Coming back the sheriff has to relive the accident and his mistake. Will he be able to find the strength to move forward?
Andrew Coats and Lou Hamou-Lhadj met at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where they worked on one another’s projects. Coats is a Character Artist with credits on WALL•E, Toy Story 3 and the new Pixar, The Good Dinosaur coming soon. Hamou-Lhadj’s credits include Cars 2, Brave, Inside Out as well as the upcoming The Good Dinosaur.
“Borrowed Time” is a collaboration five years in the making by Coats and Hamou-Lhadj in their spare time. Adding the music of Gustavo Santaolalla and Amanda Deering Jones as Producer rounds out the creative minds of this new Pixar short. Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.
Loretta Garcia, Entertainment Writer for chipandco.com invites you to read my movie reviews and meet me at the movies!
Halloween is fast approaching and all the retail stores are stocking up on their Halloween costumes, before they sold out I wanted to share a fun Top 5 Disney Halloween Costumes for Boys. As you can imagine the hot Halloween Costumes this fall are Marvel Characters! Disney/Marvel Store has really upped the quality of these costumes so much that you will get a lot more use than just once night I promise you!
Here they are in no particular order:
Ant-Man Costume for Kids
Ultimate Spider-Man Costume for Kids
Thor Costume for Kids – Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron
Hulk Costume for Kids – Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron
Iron Man Costume for Kids – Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron
Price for these costumes start at $44 and run to $59. You can learn more and order yours at any of the links above.
Stay tuned tomorrow as I share Top 5 Disney Halloween Costumes for girls!
Morimoto Asia is an anticipated collaboration between Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Patina Restaurant Group have announced a scheduled opening date of September 30, 2015 . The Japanese master chef’s first pan-Asian dining experience will showcase flavors from across the Asian continent, all with Morimoto’s creative touch.
Morimoto Asia’s eye-catching, 36-foot tall, two-story layout has been designed by STUDIO V Architecture. It includes lounges, dining spaces, and an exhibition kitchen that allows guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the culinary action. The second-level sushi bar and lounge have a separate entrance. Morimoto Asia will debut as part of The Landing, one of four neighborhoods in the new Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.
“This has been a project of passion for our team and Chef Morimoto. We can’t wait to open our doors to everyone visiting Disney Springs this fall and beyond,” said Nick Valenti, restaurateur and CEO of Patina Restaurant Group.
Morimoto Asia will offer an entirely new experience for the diner, due to the creativity of Chef Morimoto, already one of the most inventive forces in Asian cuisine. The menu is Chef Morimoto’s eclectic take on his favorite Asian flavors including moo shu pork, Peking duck, lobster chow fun, sweet and sour crispy whole fish, and kung pao chicken. Dim sum will be served during weekend brunch service, and will include a variety of dumplings, shumai, bao, spare ribs and more. Being a true family-friendly destination, kids will have a variety of Asian-infused dishes including chicken ramen, kakuni pork bao, and karaage fried chicken.
The sushi bar will be a culinary experience unto itself. The intimate, 14-seat counter will offer pristine sushi and sashimi options from around the world. Items include toro, kanpachi, Japanese red snapper, uni, sea eel, hamachi, fluke, and salmon, as well as more ocean delicacies. A variety of specialty sushi rolls and selections from the raw bar will also be offered. While traditional sushi service will be limited to the guests seated at the sushi bar, a selection of specialty rolls and sushi platters will be available to the main restaurant’s diners.
Not to be outdone, the beverages at Morimoto Asia will also be destination-worthy. The beers will feature mostly Asian varieties in both bottle and on draft, including the Morimoto signature beer by Rogue Ales.
In addition to the collector’s edition Imperial Pilsner and Morimoto Soba Ale and the highly coveted Black Obi Soba will also be available by the bottle. The restaurant will also offer an assortment of sake, including the Morimoto signature line, plus a wine list showcasing wines of the world, signature cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
“I am excited to create a menu that allows so many of my favorite Asian flavors to come alive all in one place,” said Chef Masaharu Morimoto. “I hope the guests at Morimoto Asia have as much fun eating this food as I have creating it.”
Morimoto Asia will be a visually stunning addition to Disney Springs. The restaurant’s main entrance features a three-story glass corner, revealing the dramatic interior design including a multi-level bar and spiraling chandelier made of illuminated glass bottles. The sculptural bar at over 270 feet in length is one of the largest in the world, as it leaps through the soaring 36-foot tall space to connect the grand dining room on the ground floor with the upper level, wrapping around the grand stairway. Custom glass beaded chandeliers evoke the ocean delicacies of Chef Morimoto’s cuisine, and are reflected in antique mirrors, interspersed with glass mosaic artworks based on ancient Japanese prints. Chef Morimoto’s exclusive sushi bar is sculpted from hundreds of pieces of hand-selected ash wood, backed with a wall of hammered copper. Morimoto Asia’s two-story outdoor terrace provides patio seating with sweeping views of Disney Springs.
Morimoto Asia will be open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch with dim sum.
The American Werewolf in London house was a fan favorite back in 2013, and with the 25th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights they are bringing back several favorites for fans to enjoy.
The John Landis horror classic, An American Werewolf in London dates back to 1981 when I feel the “real” horror happened! There’s nothing like the classics! In this house you’ll truly feel like you have stepped into the English moors and witness some of the most gruesome bone-crunching transformations. Do you think you can fend off the ferocious attacks by the wolf pack?
Let’s also talk about all of the other details released, the first being the original house’s that the creative minds of Universal Orlando created just to terrorize it’s fans. Some you might noticed from years past, and some you might see as a whole new horror. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 25 is going to be one of the most terrifying years yet! I can’t wait!
Original Design Houses:
Jack Presents: 25 Years of Monsters and Mayhem- In this house you’ll relive some of the most terrifying moments of the past 25 years as Jack releases several horrifying creatures in one place. Think you can survive being attacked by Universal classic monsters? How about some of those blood curdling meat-grinding maniacs? Just when you think you’re safe you’ll find yourself face to face with the fiends of Horror Nights past.
RUN: Blood, Sweat and Fears- Just when you think it’s your lucky day, you’ll soon see just how wrong you were! In this house you’ve been selected to be one of the lucky contestants on RUN. One of the most popular yet brutal television show in the world. Will you survive? It will take skill to avoid the assassins known as Reapers as you work your way through the “death obstacles” which are designed to mangle and shred those not so lucky contestants. All for the amusement of the audience watching from home. And good news: the now run-down Hellgate Prison has been selected as the battleground. Good luck!
Asylum in Wonderland 3D- Are you crazy enough to follow the white rabbit through the looking glass and into a murderous 3D Wonderland? I know I am! What we have to worry about is this world all in Alice’s mind or are the images we see real enough to kill us? I’m guessing they are real enough to kill us, so don’t drink the tea, and RUN!!!
Body Collectors: Recollections- Descending upon the innocent at Shadybrook Asylum are the Body Collectors. They have returned to collect the human parts they require to survive. In this house you’ll hear the screams as they echo the hallways as a blizzard rages outside. Yes, even in Florida you’ll see this most evil blizzard like no other. You might think it’s safe to take cover inside the Asylum, but you’ll soon find out just how wrong you were.
Halloween Horror Nights would not be complete without the “scare zones” or the amazing shows. Listed below are the details outlined by Universal Orlando. If this information doesn’t make you want to run then you truly are one of “Jack’s Maniacs!”
Scare Zones:
“The streets of Universal Studios Florida theme park come alive with hordes of horrifying mutants, monsters and maniacs. Make your way through 5 nightmarish scare zones where gory and grotesque creatures lurk around every turn. Don’t let your guard down or it just might be the last thing you ever do.”
PSYCHOSCAREAPY – UNLEASHED-The criminally insane inmates of Shadybrook Asylum have escaped and stumbled upon a Halloween Block party in the streets of New York. They quickly decide they’d kill for some costumes of their own. ICONS – HHN-The eeriest icons and most cadaverous characters of the last 25 years of Halloween Horror Nights® have returned. The Caretaker, The Storyteller, The Director, The Usher and more are back to relive every monstrous memory. SCARY TALES – SCREAMPUNK-Classic fairytale characters get a sinister Scary Tale twist immersed in the wicked world of steam punk. EVIL’S ROOTS-Your darkest fears will take root amidst the perilous paths of Central Park as you face evil fairies, humanoid bats, scarecrows and more horrors. ALL NITE DIE-IN – DOUBLE FEATURE-The Carey Drive-In movie theatre has been closed for decades after grisly murders during a double feature. It’s lights, camera, carnage as the theater nicknamed “Die-In” by the locals lives up to its name.
Outstanding Shows:
“From show-stopping satire to a heart-stopping gorefest, our 2 outrageous live shows will leave you screaming for more. As you enjoy a break from the mayhem outside, don’t get too cozy. Remember, there’s no rest for the wicked.”
BILL & TED’S EXCELLENT HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE-Party on as those two most excellent dudes return to skewer the biggest names in politics, show business and pop culture. THE CARNAGE RETURNS-Jack the Clown is taking Halloween Horror Nights® back in a blaze of murderous mayhem with his army of feared followers and his companion in carnage, Chance. Remember, Jack always has the last laugh.
Enjoy on-site hotel accommodations, Park-to-Park daytime admission to both theme parks,admission to Halloween Horror Nights and more from only $165* per adult, per night, tax inclusive. Advance purchase required for this amazing event as this special package tends to sell out fast.
*Rate is per adult, per night, tax inclusive and based on double adult occupancy for a 3-night stay at one of the on-site hotels or one of the many partner hotels available. Subject to availability, room type limited, hotel, and travel dates selected. The number of rooms available on this promotion is limited. Rates are higher on Friday & Saturday nights.
Perks of staying on-site with this amazing package include:
Early Park Admission grants access to select attractions at a single Universal Orlando theme park as determined by Universal one hour before scheduled park opening
Access to select live entertainment venues of Universal CityWalk
Be among the first to scream with special access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights entry gate each event night until 8:00pm
Complimentary shuttle buses to and from both theme parks and CityWalk, plus walking paths to make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time
Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to your hotel
Universal Orlando resort-wide charging privileges with room key
For more information about the ultimate Halloween getaway with On-Site Hotel + TicketPackages contact me anytime. This is my most favorite event, and I go almost every year. I can’t wait to be terrified this year!
Halloween Horror Night Event Ticket Prices: The ticket prices are currently out, and for more information please feel free to contact me!
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.
**The Official photographs and Youtube video provided by Universal Orlando**
