Zendaya Announced as Judge for 95th Annual Miss America Pageant!

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August 21, 2015

Television and recording star Zendaya will be a judge on the “2016 Miss America Competition.” She joins previously announced celebrity judges, including country star Brett Eldredge; author and wife of the late U.S. Navy SEAL “American Sniper” Chris Kyle, Taya Kyle; entrepreneur and businessman of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” Kevin O’Leary; and 2014 Paralympic snowboarding bronze medalist, Amy Purdy.

The “2016 Miss America Competition” returns to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 (9:00 – 11:00p.m./ET) on the ABC Television Network. The evening will be filled with glitz and glam as 52 women compete for the coveted crown and scholarship.

“It’s great to be part of a show that celebrates women who are in college or graduated, and striving to make the world a better place through their chosen platform, ranging from domestic violence and bullying to cancer research and female empowerment, while also embracing beauty and fashion,” said Zendaya. “I remember watching Miss America as a kid, so it’s an honor to help celebrate the 95th anniversary of the competition and to help select the next Miss America.”

Additional hosts and judges for the “2016 Miss America Competition” will be announced in the coming weeks.

For the first time in Miss America history, fans have the opportunity to cast their vote entirely on social media for America’s Choice. The winner of America’s Choice will move forward to the Top 15 in the competition. Fans can vote on both Facebook and Twitter by posting a status and/or tweet with the name of the state/territory they are voting for and the hashtag #MissAmericaVote. Voting is now underway and closes on Thursday, September 10 at 11:59PM ET.

Tickets for “The 2016 Miss America Competition” are now on sale and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. For more information on “The 2016 Miss America Competition,” please visit Miss America Organization’s website at www.missamerica.org.

For the latest news, be sure to follow Miss America on social and join the conversation by using the official hashtag for the show, #MissAmerica.

Stay tuned for more!

An Armed Man was Arrested Outside of Disneyland

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Disney News

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August 20, 2015

Anaheim police are reporting that an armed man, 44 year old Percival Aguilar Agoncillo, was arrested last month, right outside of the Disneyland entrance. He was arrested on suspicion of possessing a loaded weapon without a permit.

People going to enjoy the parks reported that there was a man who possibly had a gun to security on July 9th. He was in the esplanade area, which is between California Adventure and Disneyland.

After his arrest, a background check revealed that the San Francisco resident is currently on probation for carrying a loaded gun.

He was booked and released on $20,000 bail this is making news right now as he will be arraigned on Aug. 27.

Disney’s Night of Joy 2015: Entertainment Schedule at Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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August 20, 2015

Night of Joy 2010 Logo

Tickets are going fast for this years Night of Joy Celebration at Walt Disney World, make sure you get yours early. Here’s this year’s schedule – all times, artist and entertainment subject to change, of course.

Friday, September 11th, 2015

CASTLE FORECOURT STAGE

7:40 p.m. – Jeremy Camp
9:45 p.m. – MercyMe
11:55 p.m. – TobyMac

GALAXY STAGE

7:30 p.m. – Francesca Battistelli
8:50 p.m. – Francesca Battistelli
10:25 p.m. – Colton Dixon
12:05 a.m. – Big Daddy Weave

ROCKETTOWER PLAZA STAGE

8:10 p.m. – Josh Wilson
9:40 p.m. – I Am They
11:15 p.m. – Rend Collective

Saturday, September 12th, 2015

CASTLE FORECOURT STAGE

7:40 p.m. – for King & Country
9:40 p.m. – LeCrae
11:50 p.m. – Skillet

GALAXY STAGE

7:30 p.m. – Jamie Grace
8:50 p.m. – Jamie Grace
10:25 p.m. – Matt Maher
12 a.m. – Mandisa

ROCKETTOWER PLAZA STAGE

8:10 p.m. – Veridia
9:40 p.m. – 7eventh Time Down
11:15 p.m. – 7eventh Time Down

Night of Joy is an after-hours event that requires a special ticket. Event hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening. Tickets are $65 plus tax in advance for one night and $115 plus tax in advance for two nights.

While artists perform at several stages, many popular Magic Kingdom Park attractions also are available for guests. In addition, there are special pricing and other benefits for groups of 10 or more. Additional information about individual and group tickets is available at www.nightofjoy.com

Universal Orlando May Have Some New Attractions Coming

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Anonymouse

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August 20, 2015

Hiya! I am baaaack! You know you have been looking for my gossip. We all know that I live for some good gossip. Since Disney made some HUGE announcements at the D23 Expo, it was only a matter of time before Universal gets jealous and comes out with their own news and additions.

There has been some chatter making it’s way in the gossip world, saying that Universal has big announcements coming soon. Like possibly, maybe, a Fast & Furious ride or new experience based on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. We all know that the big 3 parks in Orlando always compete and try and one up each other, so it would make sense. Although, Disney World is always number one in my book!

Don’t forget SeaWorld’s new coaster “Mako” will be up soon as well!

What do you think?

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.

Remy’s Hide & Squeak Debuts Coming to Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 20, 2015

Beginning September 25, while supplies last, you can take part in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak. Sounds cute right? You can help Remy as he makes his way around World Showcase at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival collecting ingredients for his signature dish, Ratatouille, of course!

Here are the details:

Keep track of your discoveries as you help Remy find each ingredient by putting the matching sticker on the specially themed map to represent that spot.

Maps and stickers can be purchased for $9.95, plus tax at the following locations in the park. Note: Maps, stickers and surprise available while supplies last. No discounts apply. Purchasing limits may apply. You can find the goods at Disney Traders, Festival Center, Pin Central, Port of Entry and World Traveler.

You do not have to search for every ingredient if you don’t want to. Either way, take your map to the redemption location at Port of Entry by November 16, 2015 at Port of Entry to pick up your prize.

I am sure you are wondering what the prize is. Take a peek at these pins because one of these could be yours.

Theme park admission is not included, however is required to participate. Maps, stickers and surprise available while supplies last. Information subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Finds – Handmade Mickey Ears

By

Chip

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August 20, 2015

Are you a member of our Disney Addict Buy, Sell and Trade group? If not you should be because that is where I found today’s Disney Designer InspiredByAMouse. They have some of the cutest Disney Inspired Handmade Ears to choose from like the ones you see above. Here are some of the fun designs I found on their etsy store.

and many more. Cost for most of the Disney Inspired Handmade Ears run between 15 and 25 which is on par for the parks. InspiredByAMouse also has hairbows but I will save that for another article 😉

Happy Shopping!

New Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen Opens at SeaWorld Orlando

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 20, 2015

This all looks so good! Check out the new “Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen” inside SeaWorld Orlando.

Pretzel connoisseurs can now savor sweet and salty pretzel combinations while sipping on a variety of local and seasonal craft beers, frozen cocktails, wines and beverages.

The menu features a selection of both original and unusual soft pretzel creations, with mouth-watering options such as the:

Mama’s Meatball Pretzel Twist – A SeaWorld Orlando exclusive, three juicy meatballs woven in pretzel dough, baked and topped with fresh mozzarella cheese;

Bacon Pretzel Twist — two strips of cherry-wood-smoked bacon packed inside a soft, buttery pretzel

Pepperoni Pizza Pretzel

Pretzel-wrapped Bratwurst

Some more pictures to make you hungry:

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You also can enjoy a variety of specialty dipping sauces for their pretzels including beer-infused cheese and mustard, spicy mustard, classic marinara and sweet cream cheese.

Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen features a relaxing outdoor patio located near Shamu Stadium.

I will take one of each! What looks good to you?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Dwayne Johnson to Star in Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ Movie

By

Chip

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August 20, 2015

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We have some great news today! Disney has started production on an all new movie based off their classic theme park ride The Jungle Cruise. If that wasn’t excitement enough they have already brought in Dwayne Johnson to star in the film! You might remember another Disney project he is already working on Moana. I saw scenes from Moana at the D23 Expo and it looks beautiful…

John Requa and Glenn Ficarra have been hired to write the Jungle Cruise and as of right now no director has signed on. We have no further details on the movie but having The Rock sign on for another movie is pretty exciting!

Stay tuned for more…

The 5 Top Reasons To Stay At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 20, 2015

Walt Disney World has some amazing resorts, but have you ever checked out Disney’s Art of Animation Resort? Many of my clients rave about this resort! My family has had the opportunity to stay here numerous times! We have some first hand knowledge and we love it more and more with each stay. Art of Animation gives you that deluxe resort feel! It has amazing amenities and has 5 top reasons for staying! Let’s take a look at what makes this resort so special!

Have you ever wanted to step inside a Disney movie? This resort does that for you! Our first top 4 relate to the theming of this resort! You guessed it! Four sections make up the Art of Animation resort!

1. The Little Mermaid: The Little Mermaid rooms accommodate up to 4 guests. These rooms are considered a standard room. Your shower, sink and walls all resemble the movie. The headboard’s light up and the rug looks like the sea! If you have a Little Mermaid fan in your household, this is the room for you!

2. The Lion King: Next on the list is the Lion King Suites! Hakuna matata what a wonderful room! These are stunning! Suites accommodate up to six guests. The theming does not stop in the rooms. It goes all the way into the courtyard and walkways! Check out the entrance to one of the Lion King Suite buildings! 🙂

3. Cars: Many families I work with love Cars! While Walt Disney World does not have a Carsland, you can get your fill of Cars at Art of Animation Resort! Stepping into the Cars section is just like stepping into Radiator Springs. This section also houses suites for families of 6 or less. You will be amazed when you step into this area. The theming is just outstanding! Here are some photos to help you envision this area!

4. Nemo: Finding Nemo is a hit movie with many families. Beginning in 2016 Nemo Suites are considered a preferred location and will run you a little more money each night. However, they are centrally located at this resort. The Big Blue Pool is near this section of the resort and many people find themselves gravitating to this area mainly for the pool, amazing gift shop and food court that is close by! This section is also decked out with suites accommodating 6 or less. The suites are completely Nemo themed. The ocean is your main look! Imagine Nemo and Dory at every turn and you are in the Nemo Suites.

5. Pools: The Pools at Art of Animation take your experience here to an all new level! Each area has a specially designed pool! Can you imagine swimming with views of large icons and even music playing underwater?! Well, your wait is over! You can have all of this at the Art of Animation Resort! The Big Blue pool is centrally located and plays music underwater! The Little Mermaid pool has huge icons around it and the Cars pool is spectacular. The only section that does not have a pool is the Lion King section but it is very closely located to the Big Blue pool and The Little Mermaid pool.

There are many other reasons to stay at Art of Animation Resort. These top 5 reasons make the experience super magical! This resort offers an amazing food court and gift shop. There are also drawing classes, an arcade and much more for your enjoyment! Be sure to consider Disney’s Art of Animation when looking at a resort for your family!

Be sure to check out A First Timer’s Guide To Dining HERE!

For other First Timer’s Guide articles be sure to click here for planning tips!

My name is Jen Perkins. I am a travel agent with World of Magic Travel Services. I’m a Disney Destination Specialist. I am also a writer for Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts. I would love to help you plan your vacation at Art of Animation Resort. I specialize in the First Timer’s Guide to help people create magical vacations and memories. If you have any questions regarding Disney Resorts, please do not hesitate to ask! You can contact me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you and help you plan your next “magical” vacation!

You can also visit my facebook page here for more details on Disney World, updates on promotions, articles and upcoming events all related to Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios and much more! You will also find an array of photos of many of these amazing places that will help you with resort choices, dining and much more!

Universal Orlando’s-Halloween Horror Nights 25-The Purge!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 20, 2015

Here we go again with another update from Universal Orlando, and this one is a complete surprise to me. I really wasn’t thinking that they would make The Purge a house at this year’s Halloween Horror Night’s event because they just had it as a scarezone last year.

Are you ready for the violence or the chainsaw wielding citizens looking to purge? If it’s anything like the scarezone you’ll see chaos throughout the house. Be careful not to offend the citizens or you just might be hunted down by the masked vigilantes, and be purged! Will you survive or will you be purged? The citizens have one night to purge in the popular movies but this will be so much more as they can purge every night of the event. Something tells me that a few innocent will not make it out!

Check out this video!!

Halloween Horror Nights Hotel & Ticket Package:

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. Stay tuned for more updates about this amazing event! This is my most favorite event, and I go almost every year. I can’t wait to see what they release next.

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 offersto 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**

Sesame Street And HBO Joining Forces To Bring New Shows to television

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 19, 2015

Sesame Workshop, the group behind the world famous, Sesame Street program, has joined with HBO, the nation’s leading cable network. This partnership will not only bring fans, five seasons of the show on all of HBO’s channels – HBO, HBO GO, HBO on Demand and the new HBO NOW, but as part of the deal, Sesame Workshop will now be able to offer the show to PBS free of charge.

“Our new partnership with HBO represents a true winning public-private partnership model”, said Jeffrey D. Dunn, Sesame Workshop’s CEO “It provides Sesame Workshop with the critical funding it needs to be able to continue production of Sesame Street and secure its nonprofit mission of helping kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder“.

Along with the five seasons of Sesame Street, there will also be a Sesame Street Muppet series which will begin in the fall of 2015. As the exclusive distributor of the first-run episodes, HBO will show the Spanish and English series. PBS will also continue to show the episodes as part of their PBS Kids.

“We are absolutely thrilled to help secure the future of Sesame Street and Sesame Workshop’s mission for the nation’s kids and families,” said Richard Plepler, Chairman and CEO of HBO.

Your favorite chipandco.com Entertainment Writer will updating the cable subscription and adding HBO to enjoy all new episodes of Sesame Street and Sesame Street Muppets. Will you be watching?

The First Piece of the New “Mako” Coaster Track Arrives at SeaWorld Orlando

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 19, 2015

The first piece of the steel track for SeaWorld Orlando’s new 200-foot-tall hypercoaster – Mako – has arrived after traveling nearly 1,000 miles on an open flatbed semi-truck from the production facility in Ohio. Mako will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster when it opens in summer 2016. It will reach speeds of 73 mph along 4,760 feet of steel track.

Guests to SeaWorld Orlando can now witness the rise of this immense track over the park as designers build one of the world’s few true hypercoasters – a type of coaster known for high speeds and steep drops, and hills that create a feeling of weightlessness or “air time.”

Mako is supposed to open summer 2016 and will be the centerpiece of a two-acre, shark-themed realm at SeaWorld Orlando.

I can’t wait to see this, but I will not ride it. How about you?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria