Disney Interactive and Gameloft Announce Disney Magic Kingdoms for Smartphones and Tablets

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August 22, 2015

At the D23 EXPO, Gameloft, a leading digital and social game publisher, and Disney Interactive announced the development of Disney Magic Kingdoms for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Android, and Windows Phone.

Disney Magic Kingdoms will allow players to build the theme park of their dreams by recreating and placing iconic attractions in a fun animated landscape. With influence from the Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Paris and more, the game reimagines Disney Parks for mobile, letting fans experience an authentic and magical experience anytime, anywhere. Gameloft and Disney Interactive worked with Walt Disney Imagineering to bring Disney attractions such as Space Mountain, “it’s a small world”, California Screamin’ and many more to life in the game.

In Disney Magic Kingdoms, fans can also interact with characters from more than 90 years of Disney history, including Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and countless others. Players will also face numerous quests that will unravel an exciting tale of adventure to save the park from villains including Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent, Toy Story’s Emperor Zurg and Tangled’s Mother Gothel.

Lucky visitors of D23 Expo were given an exclusive sneak preview of the game, and fans everywhere can look forward to their sneak peek to the game soon!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

More Details release in fatal Disney World Speedway Crash

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Disney News

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August 22, 2015

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Florida Highway Patrol releases more details in the crash on the speedway where instructor Gary Terry, 36, was killed. He was killed when the driver, Tavon Watson, 24, lost control of the very fast Lamborghini and crashed into the guardrail. He had just completed a lap going 102 mph when he lost control and the fatal accident occurred.

In a 4 page report, investigators say they were going about 100 mph and the decision to drive the cars in the wrong direction was a factor in his death. They wouldn’t have been near the end of guardrail if the cars were driving counterclockwise. Some experts say he may have been going the opposite direction to slow the car down.

No mechanical issues were found and the death was ruled an accident. No charges were filed because it was an accident and it happened on private property.

Gary Terry was very experienced and had been employed at the track for more than 15 years.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to those involved.

The ‘Great Irish Hooley’ Comes Back to Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant This Labor Day Weekend

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 22, 2015

The “Great Irish Hooley” means that we are getting closer to St. Patrick’s Day, about half way. This year is the fourth year you can celebrate this authentically Irish weekend at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant.

In case you have not heard of this or never attended, here is a quick run down of what you can expect. There is top Irish bands, step-dancing, craft beers, stellar Irish cuisine, and Celtic face-painting, all in one weekend.

If music is your thing, they have got you covered:

Screaming Orphans, a quartet of talented Irish sisters, they are headlining.
A new Raglan Road house band, The Raglan Roots Coalition.
JigJam, The West Coast Trio
The Blaggards
Cooney & Ryan,
The Blarney Stones

The lead singer of The Blarney Stones used to be a Raglan Road Irish Dancer.

I am sure you want to know about the food. There will be some classic Irish goodies. Like beer-battered fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie, seafood and gluten-free dishes.

Last, but certainly not least is the drinks! There will be 4 limited-edition craft beers brewed especially for the Hooley by Ireland’s Rye River Brewing company, a Raglan Road Saison, a citrusy Raglan Road Fruit Salad Weiss Beer, a McGargles Jims CO2 Stout and a McGargles Francis Tropical American IPA, and more!

For the kids, or the kids at heart, there will be face painting. You can get this done Saturday though Monday.

This event also marks the 10 year anniversary of Raglan Road! So go celebrate!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Finds – Handmade Disney Earrings

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Chip

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August 22, 2015

Probably one of the most talked about and shared articles on Chip and Co is the Handmade Disney Jewelry we find on Etsy. I enjoy finding unique items to share with you guys and the Disney Fashionista enjoys ordering them. Today is no different… I stumbled across GiundaCreazioni as I just loved their store name. While browsing their products I was in awe in how beautiful their handmade polymer clay creations were. Today I just want to focus on just their Disney Earrings.

Here are some of their designs:

and more. Just click here to check out their store and as always Happy Shopping!

Top 10 Ways to Get The Dining Reservation You’ve Always Wanted

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 22, 2015

As a foodie at heart, no Disney trip is complete without making sure I at least attempt to have dinner at ‘Ohana, order a Dole Whip, enjoy an ice cream cone while waiting for Festival of Fantasy, buy popcorn while walking along Main Street, and have a meal at Crystal Palace on the last day of our vacation. (Okay, you’ve got me, I also have a secret obsession with the pork shank from Gaston’s Tavern.)

Regardless of what your food traditions are during your vacation, chances are, you may need to make a reservation or two at some of Disney’s amazing restaurants. But as many of us Disney fans know, some of these reservations are notoriously difficult to get. If your dining list includes Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey’s, ‘Ohana, or any other number of popular Disney restaurants, it will pay off to do a little bit of homework on the front end. Here are some tips to make sure that you get that dining reservation you’ve got your eyes set on:

If you have booked your vacation on Disney property, you have a great advantage. Use it! You can make your Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR) 180 days in advance of your check-in date, and you can make up to 10 days of ADRs and/or the entire length of your stay, whichever is shorter, all on the same day. Guests who are not staying on Disney property can also make reservations 180 days in advance, but they do not have the 10-day benefit. A quick tip for those staying on property: your best chance in securing hard-to-get reservations is when you look at dates closer to the end of your trip. For example, if you are looking to book a dinner at ‘Ohana and you can’t find availability on the first day of your trip, start looking towards the end of your trip and work your way backwards.
Have a game plan. Know your schedule, like which parks you would like to be on a particular day and which restaurant you’d like to go to. For example, if I know I’m going to be at Magic Kingdom for the second day of our vacation, I will note down that I will look for availability at Crystal Palace before park opening (so I can score those precious pictures of an empty Main Street!). I also like having a back-up restaurant and/or back-up time, in case there is no availability for my first choice.
Know which restaurants fill up on reservations quickly. There are some restaurants that are particularly notorious for being booked quickly. Here are a few: Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Le Cellier, ‘Ohana, Chef Mickey’s, and California Grill. Booking pre-park opening breakfasts in the park restaurants (i.e. Tusker House, Akershus, Crystal Palace) can fill up quickly as well. If you have your heart set on one of these restaurants, make sure you get to these reservations first! And back to #1, if you are a resort guest and are not able to find availability towards the beginning of your trip, you might have better luck working your way backwards.
Be aware of your options to make reservations. There are two ways to make reservations, by phone through (407) WDW-DINE or online. You can book online beginning at 6:00 am EST and you can book on the phone starting at 7:00 am EST. Try booking online first as that first hour advantage can make a difference!
Make sure your information on My Disney Experience is up-to-date. If you are booking online, this is key. You will want everyone in your party to be included in your profile, so it is easy to connect them up front with your reservation. Have your credit card information readily available too, if it is not already connected to your profile. Every minute counts, so the less time you spend completing the reservation process, the more time you’ll have to move on to the other restaurants on your list and get those booked.
Prioritize your wish list. If you know your vacation won’t be complete without breakfast at Chef Mickey’s, and you know that the restaurant books up quickly, you will want to book that first. Have a list of the have-to-haves and nice-to-haves, so you can prioritize which bookings you will go after first.
Remember – you can also make reservations for special experiences and events. Thinking about booking an experience at Bibiddi Bobiddi Boutique or Pirates’ League? Call (404) WDW-DINE and you can also score those reservations under the same 180+10 rule.
Don’t give up! If at first you don’t succeed…well, you know how the saying goes. Cancellations happen all the time. Disney has a cancellation penalty where you have to pay $10 per person if you don’t cancel the day before your reservation – so there are bookings that open up even the day before.
Walking up is an option, too. Making reservations ahead of time is always the ideal, but some people have had success with walk-ups as well. I remember one day during our last vacation just walking up to the Chef Mickey’s podium right when the restaurant opened for dinner. They told us there may be a wait since we didn’t have a reservation, but lo and behold, we were seated within 20 minutes. It does happen, so if you have not been successful in getting that reservation on the phone or online, there’s still a glimmer of hope.
Use a travel agent. We travel agents make it our mission to score the hardest-to-get ADRs for our clients. For us, it’s almost like a contest and we will do everything we can to get that reservation, including being up at 5:30 am to get ready once the 180-day window opens! If you have a travel agent, take advantage of the services they offer.

So there you go, my fellow Disney Addicts. I hope this gave you some extra tricks up your sleeve the next time you are planning on scoring those ADRs. Do you have any additional tips that has worked for you? Sound off in the comments below!

Hi there, I’m Myra and I’m a huge Disney nerd and addict! I’m also an Independent Travel Agent at World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts. I’m happy to help you plan your next vacation, including securing reservations at many amazing Disney restaurants! Visit my page or send me an email at [email protected] to get started!

Disney Adds some Sparkle to Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 21, 2015

This year Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will receive a Diamond Celebration infusion, making the season shine as never before with Diamond Celebration décor and entertainment. The Halloween Time celebration of chilling, family-friendly fun begins Friday, Sept. 11, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 1, with 17 nights dedicated to Mickey’s Halloween Party.

Mickey’s Halloween Party, a popular separate-ticket event, has been expanded to 17 nights beginning Friday, Sept. 25. The after-hours party features an array of special entertainment, along with traditional Halloween Time fun. In addition to the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, the “Paint the Night” parade and a new superhero-themed dance party at Tomorrowland Terrace will be offered during the party. All guests, adults and children alike, are encouraged to wear costumes for the party as they trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland park.

Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party include:

Early entry to Disneyland: You’ll get the opportunity to experience Disneyland park for three hours before the party starts, then go trick or treating – for candy and healthy treats – in the ultimate Disney neighborhood.
“Paint the Night – All-New Electrical Parade”: The dazzling, all-new Disneyland nighttime parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., for Mickey’s Halloween Party. The parade features favorite Disney and Disney●Pixar characters and songs, along with more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights that flash and glow as Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to “Paint the Night.”
The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular is hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington and is exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party.
An all-new superhero-themed dance party comes to Tomorrowland Terrace. The party is hosted by Super Goof and features a DJ, dancers, lively music and superhero dance moves. Super Goof is super-excited to host his very first dance party in Tomorrowland and he is bringing to the stage all of his special “BAM!” “POW! and “ZAP!” Be sure to show off your “superhero side,” no matter what costume you choose to wear.
“Villains Square”: Disneyland Town Square becomes “Villains Square” throughout the evening and the Disney villains will arrive as the “Bad Apple Party Crashers,” riding a black horse-drawn carriage accompanied by thunder, fog and special lighting effects. These favorite wicked tricksters will appear for photos and character greetings, and guests are invited to “Party Like a Villain.”
New animated Halloween images – ghosts, bats, pumpkins, skeletons – will be projected on the facades of Main Street U.S.A. buildings throughout the evening, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
The Dapper Dans become the ghoulish Cadaver Dans quartet and will perform Halloween tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft on the fog-filled Rivers of America in New Orleans Square and Frontierland.
There will be special photo locations with popular Disney pals, as well as Disney villains. For Mickey’s Halloween Party only, Disney characters will be dressed in their Halloween costumes. During the day and on non-Halloween Party nights, Disney characters will wear their special Diamond Celebration attire.
Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, will be operating.
Complimentary parking for one standard-size vehicle is included with the ticket.

During Halloween Time, on non-party nights, you’ll be able to see the “Paint the Night” parade along with the new “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular.

Also for Halloween Time, Jack Skellington will make his annual appearance in Disneyland to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring Haunted Mansion Holiday back to New Orleans Square. This year, for the first time, Jack is joined by the Hatbox Ghost, who took up residence in the Mansion just as the Diamond Celebration was getting underway. Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas”.

Spooky Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland is a guest favorite during Halloween Time. You’ll be launched into a haunted section of the universe and try to escape the clutches of a freaky ghost! This version of the ride is slightly scarier than the regular version, so take that into account before letting your younger children ride.

In Frontierland, the traditional Dia de los Muertos is observed with a beautiful display.

This year Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will be extra special as it happens during the Diamond Celebration. It’s a time not to be missed! Email me today to start planning your next spook-tacular Disney vacation!

Have you Heard of the Man Bun Craze at Disneyland?

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Disney News

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August 21, 2015

Yes, this is a thing! There are many beautiful and amazing things to see at Disneyland, but lately there is a new attraction out in Cali, and it is the man bun! There is a new Instagram where people can post and share pics of men wearing a hair bun.

This account has over 33,000 followers and shows candid shots of men with their kids or enjoying the parks while sporting a man bun.

What do you think?

Photo Credit: @manbunsofdisneyland on Instagram

P.S. – Don’t forget to follow Chip and Co on Instagram too! @chipandco

Women Who Left her Dog in a Car at Animal Kingdom will not be Arrested

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Disney News

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August 21, 2015

If you have been to Florida, you know how hot it can get here. I live in Florida and I am shocked that every year we still have people who leave kids and animals in their car. In late June, on yet another hot and humid Florida day, Shawanda Pierce, owner of a Nissan Altima, left her adorable little mix Maltese dog in her car while she went in to enjoy the day at Animal Kingdom.

The windows were open a few inches. The estimated temp in the car was over 100 degrees. No one saw the dog’s owner return to the car to check on it. There were food and water bowls but they slid under the seat.

Disney security called Police. When they got there the dog was unable to stand and looked to be in distress. The dog was already in the car for hours by the time they got there. They removed the dog from the car and Animal Services stayed there until an hour after the park closed, waiting for the owner. The dog was impounded at the shelter but was picked up 2 days later by the owner.

Shockingly, she was not arrested but she was given a fine of $265 for animal neglect.

Please do not do this to your pets! For those you of you that don’t know, Disney has a pet care center. Best Friends Pet care is an amazing 17,000 sq foot facility, It is air-conditioned and has 10,000 sq feet of covered outdoor runs and pet play areas. All the employees are highly trained in pet care. They offer overnight luxury accommodations, day care, various activities, and a grooming salon. Keep in mind you do have to prove that your pets are up to date with their shots. Call (877) 4 WDW-PETS or (877) 493-9738 for more info.

Disney Pick a Pearl Cage Jewelry and more

By

Chip

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August 21, 2015

How many people have done the Pick a Pearl demonstration in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion? If not you can read about it here. For those that have and often wondered now that I have a pearl what can I do with it, we got you covered! Our friends at AOSDESIGN have some adorable Disney themed Pick a Pearl Cage Jewelry just for you…

AOSDESIGN also has other Disney inspired jewelry as well. From Disney Princess to Disney Villains they even have Haunted Mansion inspired designs and my favorite handmade Mickey necklaces.

Prices for this handmade Disney Jewelry is very reasonable too. So just click any of the links above to check them out and as always Happy Shopping!

Help Take Care of Toy Pets with the New “Doc McStuffins Pet Vet” App

By

Danielle

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August 21, 2015

Get ready to help the newest vet in town, Doc McStuffins! Help Doc, Hallie, Stuffy, and Lambie run their Pet Vet clinic in the all new app from Disney Junior, “Doc McStuffins Pet Vet“!

This adorable new app allows you to to take care of your toy pets, with all your favorite Doc McStuffins Characters. Join Doc and the gang to heal, groom, and train your toy pets! You’ll also get to collect fun badges by caring for your pets, and level them up to earn Doc’s Special Pet Vet stethoscope!

Features include:

Diagnose, prescribe, and take care of all your toy pets – Findo, Squibbles, Whispers, Carrots, Marla, Wilma, and Tallulah!
Heal the toy pets by removing thorns, changing batteries, giving x-rays, tooth brushing or grooming!
Join Lambie in the Nap Corner, where your toy pets can dream up a feast, chase their tails, and play catch!
Help Stuffy improve your toy pets’ agility and guide them through zany obstacle courses!
Train pets to perform tricks and earn fun badges for your personalized Pet Vet scrubs!

This fun new app will show a whole new side of Doc McStuffins and her favorite helpers in the clinic! Check out the cute video below for more highlights!

“Doc McStuffins Pet Vet” Is available for both iPhone and iPad for only $4.99, you can find it on iTunes here!

Disney Finds – Disney Animators’ Collection Mini Dolls

By

Chip

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August 21, 2015

Have you seen these dolls at the parks or the Disney Store? While I was at Disneyland this weekend I tried to pick up an Ariel Animator Doll for my daughter and they were completely sold out EVERYWHERE! These mini Disney Animators’ Collection Dolls seem to be a hot item! Looking on the Disney Store they did have some in stock take a look.

Disney Animators' Collection Cinderella Mini Doll Play Set - 5''

Disney Animators’ Collection Cinderella Mini Doll Play Set – 5”

Disney Animators’ Collection Snow White Mini Doll Play Set – 5”

Disney Animators’ Collection Elsa Mini Doll Play Set – 5”

Disney Animators’ Collection Rapunzel Mini Doll Play Set – 5”

Disney Animators' Collection Jasmine Mini Doll Play Set - 5''

Disney Animators’ Collection Jasmine Mini Doll Play Set – 5”

Disney Animators' Collection Ariel Mini Doll Play Set - 5''

Disney Animators’ Collection Ariel Mini Doll Play Set – 5”

To learn more just click any of the links above.

More “Frozen Ever After” and Royal Summerhus Details Released

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 21, 2015

Are you looking forward to the new “Frozen Ever After” ride and the new neighboring Royal Summerhus that are being brought to life currently at Epcot? The all new Frozen Ever After ride will take you to the land of Arendelle. How amazing would it be to feel like you are visiting Anna and Elsa in their homeland? This is in time for the “Winter in Summer” celebration.

Disney is also expanding the Norway pavilion with the addition of the Royal Summerhus – a charming cabin where guests will be able to meet Anna and Elsa. This cabin is based on an actual historic log cabin in Norway. In fact, in order to make sure Disney gets the character and detailing right, they sent their project team to Norway on a research trip to study the country and its cultural arts and crafts in person, just as the film team did.

Disney is confident that this attraction will bring more guests to the Norway pavilion and increase their interest and knowledge of Scandinavian culture, just as the World Showcase was intended to do.”

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

I can not wait for this! How about you?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria