Disney Settles Discrimination Lawsuit

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August 25, 2015

Michael Smith was a houskeeping manager at Coronado Springs Resort at the Disney World Resort. In 2013, he sued Disney claiming discrimination. He is white and claims that his African American female supervisor discriminated against him because he had to take time off, under the Family Medical Leave Act, to care for his sick wife. He also claims his supervisor favored other female African American employees over him. He did complain and was fired.

A settlement was recently reached but the terms were not made public. However, records show that the discrimination claims were dismissed, but did allow his claims of retaliation under the Family Medical Leave Act to stay.

In an odd twist of events, it turns out the supervisor, Maxcine Bell also sued Disney for discrimination in 1997. The case was dismissed because of lack of prosecution, which for us just means that nothing was filed for a long time.

We Love Disney Album coming this October

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 25, 2015

Like most Disney Addicts, I listen to my large collection of Disney music on my cell phone, in my car and every chance I get. My ringtones are all Disney and I can be heard singing (off key) in the shower and on long road trips. Imagine my excitement to discover the news that Disney Music is releasing a compilation album “We Love Disney” featuring 12 musical superstars singing many of my favorites.

Check out the list below and pre-order your copy on iTunes right away. We Love Disney will also be available in stores beginning Oct 30th.

1. Friend Like Me (From Aladdin) – Ne-Yo
2. Part of Your World (From The Little Mermaid) – Jessie J
3. Can You Feel the Love Tonight / Nants’ Ingonyama (From The Lion King) – Jason Derulo
4. The Rainbow Connection (From The Muppet Movie) – Gwen Stefani
5. Zero to Hero (From Hercules) – Ariana Grande
6. In a World of My Own / Very Good Advice (From Alice in Wonderland) – Jhené Aiko
7. I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song) (From The Jungle Book) – Fall Out Boy
8. Colors of the Wind (From Pocahontas) – Tori Kelly
9. Spoonful of Sugar (From Mary Poppins) – Kacey Musgraves
10. Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat (From The Aristocats) – Charles Perry
11. A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes (From Cinderella) – Jessie Ware
12. Let It Go (From Frozen) – Rascal Flatts & Lucy Hale
13. It’s a Small World – We Love Disney Artists
14. It’s Not Easy Being Green (From The Muppet Show) – Brenna Whitaker
15. A Whole New World (From Aladdin) – Yuna

Hard for this Entertainment Writer to choose a favorite. How about you? Check us out on chipandco.com for the latest and greatest news and share your favorite Disney music.

New Shop Disney Parks Mobile App allows you to buy Authentic Walt Disney World Resort Merchandise

By

Chip

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August 25, 2015

We broke the news a couple of months ago at the D23 Expo that the Shop Disney Parks Mobile App went live. One of the designers was in line with me at the Disney Dream Store and give us the scoop!

Shop Disney Parks app lets you shop your way, making it easy and convenient to find favorite Walt Disney World Resort authentic products. The app offers access to thousands of products, including some of the newest arrivals created especially for Disney Parks. New products will be added weekly.

The app also provides delivery options which let you ship directly to your home.

The coolest part of Shop Disney Parks is the online map that can be used to locate products in theme parks and resorts. I searched for my favorite Orange Bird figurine and found it located in several shops as seen in the images above. You can also scan a barcode in a shop, purchase the item through the app and have that item sent directly to your home.

Look for additional enhancements in the coming weeks including delivery to the front of theme parks and delivery to your Disney resort hotel. At this time, products from Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line are not available via Shop Disney Parks.

The app is available for iPhone, iPad and smartphones for Android. Look for it in your favorite app store.*

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

Goldie and Bear to Debut on Watch Disney Junior!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 25, 2015

GOLDIE & BEAR - "Goldie & Bear," a fairy tale-inspired adventure series for preschoolers premiering in Fall 2015, follows the fairytale adventures of newfound friends Goldie and Bear, following the renowned porridge incident of "Goldilocks and The Three Bears." (Disney Junior) JACK, BEAR, GOLDIE — GOLDIE & BEAR – “Goldie & Bear,” a fairy tale-inspired adventure series for preschoolers premiering in Fall 2015, follows the fairytale adventures of newfound friends Goldie and Bear, following the renowned porridge incident of “Goldilocks and The Three Bears.” (Disney Junior)
JACK, BEAR, GOLDIE

Disney Junior will debut the first six episodes of fairytale-inspired “Goldie & Bear” on the popular WATCH Disney Junior platforms, beginning Saturday, September 12, with one new episode premiering on the WATCH Disney Junior app and WATCH Disney Junior.com each Monday from September 21 through October 12. Set in the magical world of Fairy Tale Forest, the animated series for kids age 2-7 reunites Goldie and Bear, after the renowned porridge incident featured in “Goldilocks and The Three Bears.” The series premieres in November on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

Reflecting Disney’s deep roots in storytelling that resonates across generations, “Goldie & Bear” captures the timeless appeal of sharing stories through fairy tales, folk tales and nursery rhymes. Each episode features two 11-minute stories that showcase the new, unexpected friendship between Goldie and Bear as they seek out fun and adventure along with their friends and neighbors, all of whom are drawn from beloved storybook characters. Whether it’s helping the Big Bad Wolf learn to consider others before blowing down their houses, helping Jack and Jill get up that hill, or rescuing accident-prone Humpty Dumpty after his great fall, Goldie and Bear enjoy living in a fairytale world filled with real-life situations, humorous mishaps and heartfelt moments.

Beginning where the classic tales leave off, “Goldie & Bear” celebrates the distinct personalities of Goldie, Bear and their quirky pals, and encourages children to develop their own enchanting friendships. The series is populated with a diverse cast of storybook characters who model friendship, community, respect for individuality, resilience in the face of adversity and compassion for others, and is meant to spark conversations among kids and parents about the narratives and morals highlighted by Goldie and Bear’s unlikely friendship and their comedic interactions in Fairy Tale Forest.

Maria Tatar, chair of Harvard University’s program in Folklore and Mythology and series consultant, advising on storytelling, fairy tales and folklore, said, “When we are stumped, a story often provides the answer – not in the form of a one-liner but in a conversation about the things that mattered to us in the tale.”

DisneyJunior.com and WATCH Disney Junior will roll out a suite of more than 20 “Goldie & Bear” micro-games throughout the fall, with the first six debuting with the series. Housed in a storybook containing an interactive map of Fairy Tale Forest, each game centers on a classic fairy tale or nursery rhyme character.

“Goldie & Bear” stars Natalie Lander (“The Middle”) as Goldie and Georgie Kidder (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars”) as Bear. Recurring guest stars include Lesley Nicol (“Downton Abbey”) as Fairy Godmother, Isabella Day (“Cristela”) as little witch Rosita, Debby Ryan (“Jessie”) as Thumbelina and Miles Brown and Marsai Martin (“black-ish”) as Jack & Jill. “Goldie & Bear” was developed for television and is co-executive produced by Jorge Aguirre (“Giants Beware!” graphic novel series); Chris Gilligan (“Frankenweenie”) is executive producer and director; Joe Ansolabehere (“Recess”) is story editor and Rob Cantor (from the band Tally Hall) is songwriter.

Stay tuned for more!

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side is coming to Walt Disney World Resort!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 25, 2015

runDisney is summoning the Force today to announce another Star Wars-inspired intergalactic journey, this time to the dark side.

The “Star Wars Half Marathon – the Dark Side” enters the galaxy April 14-17, 2016, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and pays homage to the dark side forces of the Star Wars universe. This new race follows the debut of the popular Star Wars-themed race at Disneyland Resort, which will return in January as the “Star Wars Half Marathon – the Light Side”.

“Ever since we launched the Star Wars race at Disneyland Resort, runners have been clamoring for more, so we’re thrilled to bring the Star Wars franchise together with the runDisney brand to Walt Disney World Resort,’’ said Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. “If the inaugural Star Wars race at Disneyland Resort is any indication, this new running adventure to the dark side is sure to be the out-of-this-world experience that runners have come to expect at runDisney events.’’

The new Star Wars race at Walt Disney World Resort will be a journey of personal achievement all its own, involving kids’ races, a 5K and a 10K in addition to the half marathon, plus a variety of Star Wars experiences, medals, events and merchandise inspired by a galaxy far, far away. Among its many features will be a unique 13.1-mile course that propels runners through Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and finishes at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There will also be a Star Wars Dark Side Challenge — running the 10K and the half marathon on consecutive days – that offers each finisher a Death Star-themed medal.

Jedi and Sith Lords who dare to experience both Star Wars races will have the chance to take on the Kessel Run Challenge — completing the Star Wars half marathon missions on both coasts. Kessel Run Challenge runners can earn a commemorative “Coast to Coast” medal inspired by the Millennium Falcon starship. Race registration opens Sept. 22 at www.runDisney.com.

The addition of this second Star Wars race continues the recent wave of significant growth and popularity of runDisney events domestically and internationally. This is the second new runDisney race announced for 2016, joining the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend (Sept. 23-25 at Disneyland Paris), and the fourth addition to the runDisney series in the last two years (Star Wars Half Marathon at Disneyland Jan. 2015 and Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend Nov. 2014).

Each year more than 200,000 runners sign up for runDisney events, which often sell out in record time.

“We are committed to creating extraordinary experiences and events that appeal to runners of all ages and attract even more fans of our various brands and franchises to the sport of running, creating opportunities for them to live a healthier and more active lifestyle,’’ said Bisienere.

My friends and I at World of Magic Travel is working on getting Disney Addicts Race bibs! So stay tuned!

My name is Jamie and I’d love to help you get your runDisney on! I’m an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel, and a WDW local and a Disney Addict myself! I’m also a writer for Chip & Co. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] or follow me here on Facebook!

Hasbro unveils all new ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ toys available on ‘Force Friday’

By

Chip

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August 25, 2015

Friday Sept. 4th is going to be a big day for “Star Wars” fans nationwide!

At midnight on Friday Sept. 4th or “Force Friday,” Hasbro’s new line of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” toys go on sale to the general public. The new toys include masks, figures, Nerf guns, vehicles, new Lightsabers and tons of special editions items. Many retailers will remain open late so fans can pick up these goodies. I for one am going to Target on Friday night and the Disney Store on Saturday morning to pick up some of these goodies.

You can check out the full collection of merchandise below:

Hasbro Force Friday Catalog

Disney Finds – Handmade Disney Crossbody/Tote Bags

By

Chip

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August 25, 2015

Today I had a little help with my Disney Find. The wonderful Disney Fashionista shared with me these Handmade Disney Crossbody/Tote Bags and said I needed to post them as my fans would go crazy over them. Etsy designer sewtrendyrose has some very cute designs you need to check out and what you are going to love the best is the price, they are all under$30!

Here are some of the fun designs:

and many more. Sewtrendyrose has a bunch of fun Disney and non designs to choose from. Check them out and as always Happy Shopping!

Chip and Co Tee Public T-Shirt Giveaway

By

Chip

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August 25, 2015

We love coming up with fun Disney themed shirts for our fans to wear. I know for me I love wearing all the different designs when I go to the parks. People always come up and ask me about them. This week we are giving away 3 of our Disney Shirts from our Tee Public Store thanks to our good friends at Tee Public! Entering is super easy all you need to do is:

Like Chip and Co on Facebook
Like Tee Public on Facebook

Then find the photo above on our Facebook Page and leave us a comment letting us know which Chip and Co shirt design you like the best. You can see them all here.

As with all of my giveaways I always give you more chances to enter.

On these you need to let me know in the comment box below Who and How you followed. Each one counts as 1 entry!

So that is a total of 10 entries per person. Not bad for just following a few pages.

I will post bonus entries all week long so if you don’t have Twitter, Instagram, etc you can atleast Like, Comment and Share our post on Facebook for some additional entries.

I will pick 3 lucky people on August 31st and notify them on Facebook or Twitter that they won! You have 24 hours to respond or I will pick another person.

Good Luck and if you have any questions just email me at [email protected]

Marvel Bringing Fans New ABC Spinoff “Marvel’s Most Wanted”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 25, 2015

The Marvel Universe continues to announce new movies and shows to excite fans. The latest announcement brings us a spin off to the popular ABC series – Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, which is now in its third season. The new show titled “Marvel’s Most Wanted” will focus on S.H.I.E.L.D. characters, Bobbi “Mockingbird” Morse (Adrianne Palicki) and Lance Hunter (Nick Blood). The pilot will be written by S.H.I.E.L.D. series writers/producers Jeff Bell and Paul Zbyszewski. Bell and Zbyszewski will be joining Marvel’s head of television Jeph Loeb as executive producers if the series is picked up.

While Marvel’s big screen movies have a strong influence on the television series, the small screen is holding its own with the success of Agent Carter starting a second season. On Netflix, we have Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist all original series. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. which stars Ming-Na Wen as Agent Melinda May, Brett Dalton as Grant Ward, Chloe Bennet as Agent Skye, Iain De Caestecker as Agent Leo Fitz, and Elizabeth Henstridge as Agent Jemma Simmons. premieres the fourth season on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 9 p.m. EDT on ABC.

Fans of Marvel have so much to look forward to in the coming months and years. Which movie or TV show is your favorite? Share your comments below and visit us at chipandco.com for all your Marvel and Disney news, promotions and updates.

Anaheim Marriott – Stay at this Good Neighbor Hotel when visiting Disneyland

By

Chip

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August 24, 2015

I had the pleasure last week of staying at the Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel the Anaheim Marriott. Only 2 blocks from the magical Disneyland Resort this hotel is perfect for anyone looking to stay near Disney without breaking the bank.

Like with all of my posts they always start with food… They have a full service restaurant called nFuse which has a wonderful All American Buffet. Which for the week we were there was a life saver. They also have a Trendy Bar, Pizza Hut and my 2nd stop every morning…

Starbucks! This was the first time I had a Coconut Mocha Frappachino. This became my drink of choice for the D23 Expo. This is a full service Starbucks so expect to find all of your favorites here!

It was so nice walking in exhausted every night from the D23 Expo to see this. I love the personal touches of the resort and the staff was very helpful and attentive.

It was extremely hot last week when we were in Anaheim so the pool was a great place to relax and unwind. I brought my laptop down with me, grabbed a drink from the bar and sat in those chairs and worked on my website. There were lots of families and kids staying here which was nice. They were never loud and many of them looked exhausted coming back from Disneyland.

Ok so here is a few things I learned from my stay here.

If you pay for the Concierge level of room you have access to a Free Breakfast, Evening Snack, and Late Night Dessert. Yes that is sausage and bacon on the FREE breakfast bar. Also if you do Concierge grab some water and bring with you to the parks. They have the smaller water bottles that is perfect for your pocket.
Ok this is my only complaint about staying here. The wifi is not free. Well it is sorta. If you are a Marriott Rewards Member the basic internet is free. You just select the basic paid internet and then when you check out or when you make the reservation let them know you are a Marriott Rewards Member. Then it will be free. Luckily I was already.
There is a CVS just a block away. If you forget anything just pop over and get what you need. This was a lifesaver for the blisters on my feet!
Finally get the Anaheim bus pass. We did the walk a few times but when you also factor in walking around the parks all day and a visit to Downtown Disney by the end of the day you will have walked 7-10 miles. The last thing you want to do is walk back to the resort. Pay the $5 per day to take the bus. You can pick up the pass at the front desk and charge it to your room. Your feet will thank you. The stop is just outside the hotel or you can get off at the Hilton across the street and walk like we did.

Overall the Anaheim Marriott resort was top notch! It had everything we could have wanted in a Hotel. The closeness to the parks, a Starbucks in the lobby, shuttle service to Disneyland, and even the coolest elevator system ever. You walk up, punch in your floor number and you had 1 of 6 elevators always waiting on you. I wish more hotels would install this system.

So if you are coming to Disneyland, want to save some money, want to be near the parks, and have all comforts of home might I suggest the Anaheim Marriott. It will feel like your home away from home. A+

The “Skippers Cantina” Might Serve Alcohol

By

Anonymouse

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August 24, 2015

Hiya! Anonymouse here. Yes, I am back yet again. You can not get rid of me. Why would you want to get rid of me? I bring you amazing Disney Gossip. I am loving what I recently found out. So will Chip, we all know what is really in that “water bottle”! Anyway, I heard that the new “Skippers Cantina” restaurant in Adventureland, will serve alcohol!!

I know Magic Kingdom is not known for serving alcohol. Everyone went all crazy when Be our Guest started serving alcohol and see everything is fine. The world did not stop spinning. Everything in moderation.

I can’t wait to see this place and enjoy a drink or two or four. Who is gonna join me?

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.

Disney Finds – Fun Disney Tees

By

Chip

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August 24, 2015

There is a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day! Who doesn’t love that line from Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom? Our friends at makeitfestive has some fun Disney shirt designs that will make you want to fly your Disney Addict Flag high! Here are some of the other fun designs Mandy has in her store:

and many more. Her shirts are fun and festive that is why she calls them FestiviTees! To see more and to order yours just click any of the links above.

Happy Shopping