Surprise Your Little Ones with a Walt Disney World Vacation This Fall

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July 21, 2015

Fall Walt Disney World Vacation for Little Ones

We love taking our toddler to Disney World! He’s been several times and now asking to “go to Disney World” on a daily basis. There is really something magical about seeing Disney through the eyes of the smallest Disney fan!

Disney is now making little dreams come true in big ways with the Fall Kid-Size Package ideal for preschool families. The vacation package provides special savings to experience all that little ones love at Walt Disney World Resort including the fun of Disney Junior during the golden days of the harvest season.

The Kid-Size Package includes three nights at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and two-day theme park tickets for a family of three for $903*. Guests can book this package beginning July 20 through September 18. This package is available for Sunday – Thursday nights during select travel dates: Oct. 4- 8, Oct. 12- Nov. 5, and Nov. 29- Dec.10, 2015.

There’s a bounty of festive offerings just right for preschool families. Guests can play along with favorite experiences including many Disney Junior offerings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

“Disney Junior Live on Stage!” is an interactive sing-along stage show with enchanting puppets from the popular Disney Junior shows, favorite Disney Junior songs, and lots of dancing and fun for everyone.

Meet Disney Junior pals in Animation Courtyard for fun-filled photos, hugs and autographs with Sofia, Jake and now Doc McStuffins.

Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine Character Dining at Hollywood & Vine is an entertaining interactive dining experience for kids to eat, play and dance along with friends from Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Jake and the Never Land Piratesand Handy Manny. For reservations, visit com/dine, or call 407-WDW-DINE.

Here’s more ways to make little dreams come true during a stay at Walt Disney World Resort:

Enjoy a poolside good time with the new Disney Junior Pool Parties at all Walt Disney World Resort hotels. This 22-minute dance pool party includes sing-a-longs and games inspired by favorite Disney Junior shows.

With princess transformations at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney, and pirate recruiting at Pirate’s League at Magic Kingdom, a princess-in-training or adventurous scallywag can experience a special makeover fit for the Captain of the Seas or Queen of Arendelle.

Walt Disney World Resort hotels make travel easy for preschool parents, with complimentary parking and transportation, close proximity to the theme parks, Extra Magic Hours for resort guests, and early access to Disney Fastpass+ planning (complete with complimentary MagicBands). Family-friendly resort amenities, including water slides and splash zones, children’s activity centers and character dining, provide preschoolers with Disney fun around the clock.

The Kid-Size Package is available for select dates throughout the fall season, one of the most exciting times of the year at the Walt Disney World Resort. With Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights in September October and November, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights beginning Nov. 8, fall is the perfect time to surprise little pirates or princesses with a Walt Disney World vacation.

For more information about the Kid-Size Package, I’d be happy to help. I’m a Travel Planner with World of Magic Travel Services and I love planning “Kid-Size” Disney vacations! You can email me at [email protected]. Or you can visit DisneyWorld.com/Preschool, or call (407) 827-7183 for information about other great rates and dates.

*Sample package price is based on a family of 3; 2 adults and 1 child (ages 3-9). The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Tickets are valid for 1 theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.

Planning a visit with the youngest of Disney Addicts? Let me help! I am the mother of a Disney-loving toddler so I know all the tips for a successful vacation with the under 5 crowd! I am a Travel Magician with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co and the Disney Addicts! Email me today at [email protected] to start planning your “Magical” vacation!

The Big Three Orlando SeaWorld Parks Named Top 10 Winners

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 20, 2015

All 3 SeaWorld parks in Orlando have won a 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award for amusement parks in the U.S.A. The 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ awards are based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for amusement parks worldwide over a 12-month period. Discovery Cove won 2nd place, Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark won 4th and SeaWorld Orlando was ranked 10th.

Each park connects guests with the sea in a different way, yet all three blend up-close animal encounters with world-class entertainment to inspire guests to care for and conserve nature. Families interact with animals in unique ways, whether it is walking among a colony of hundreds of penguins in their 32-degree snowy habitat at SeaWorld Orlando; floating in a lazy river past a grotto of colorful fish at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, or sharing a swim with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at Discovery Cove.

“Thrill-seekers can get their tickets to excitement at these Travelers’ Choice award-winning attractions that have received rave reviews from the TripAdvisor community,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “Appealing to the young and young at heart, these entertaining enclaves offer a variety of budget-friendly accommodations and dining options that are highly-rated on TripAdvisor.”

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Never Stop Dreaming

By

Chip

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July 20, 2015

2015 07 20 19 34 12 T Shirts Never Stop Dreaming TeePublic

Now on sale on the Chip and Co Tee Public Store.

Never Stop Dreaming in Disney Magic! Our latest design is available in a variety of colors and styles. As you can see below the cost is $14 but only for the next 48 hours. Click here to order yours today!

Save with a Walt Disney World 3-Night/2-Day Kid-Size Package for $903 for a Family of 3

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 20, 2015

The Room Only offer for the fall went live this week but there are some other great offers out there for the youngest of Disney World visitors!

The stories and Characters your little ones love—including special Disney Junior experiences—come alive at Walt Disney World Resort. And you can get in on all the fun for as little as $903* for a 3-night/2-day room and ticket package for a family of 3 in a standard room at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort.

Valid for stays on most Sunday through Thursday nights October 4 through October 8, October 12 through November 5, November 9 through November 19 and November 29 through December 10, 2015.

Explore savings for valid offer dates at other Disney Resort hotels below.

Select Disney Value Resorts: Starting at $903
Select Disney Moderate Resorts: Starting at $1,124
Select Disney Deluxe Resorts: Starting at $1,471
Select Disney Deluxe Villas: Starting at $1,573

*Sample package price is based on a family of 3; 2 adults and 1 child (ages 3-9). The number of guests and ages of child(ren) can be changed to fit your needs. The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Tickets are valid for 1 theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.

Important Details

Sample package price is based on 2 adults and 1 child (ages 3-9) for a 3-Night/2-Day room stay.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Tickets are valid for one theme park day and must be used within 14 days of first use.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Advance reservations required.
Moderate and Deluxe suites may be available at a lesser discount.

Offer Restrictions

Offer excludes campsites and 3-bedroom villas, campsites, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Little Mermaid Standard View Room and Polynesian Villas & Bungalows –Bungalow.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

Planning a visit with the youngest of Disney Addicts? Let me help! I am the mother of a Disney-loving toddler so I know all the tips for a successful vacation with the under 5 crowd! I am a Travel Magician with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co and the Disney Addicts! Email me today at [email protected] to start planning your “Magical” vacation!

Disney Finds – Mickey Mouse Sparkling Stone Earrings

By

Chip

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July 20, 2015

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These sparkling Mickey Mouse earrings give you a reason to celebrate Disney every day of the year. Now available from the Disney Parks our friend Courtney from Mouse to your House have these for sale for only $33.21!

Click here to learn more and to pick them up today!

Save Up to 25% on Select Walt Disney World Resorts This Fall!

By

Chip

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July 20, 2015

Have you been waiting (maybe not so patiently) for Disney World to release a fall promotion? Well that day has arrived!

With so many special seasonal events, there are lots of great reasons to visit Walt Disney World Resort this fall. And now you can save up to 25% at Select Walt Disney World Resorts as well!

Save up to 25% on select Deluxe Villas including: Animal Kingdom Villas (Jambo and Kidani), Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas, Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows — Studios only, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, The Villas at Fort Wilderness Resort

Save up to 25% on select Deluxe Resort Hotels including: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Inn, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Contemporary Resort, and Polynesian Resort

Save up to 20% on select Moderate Resort Hotels including: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, The Cabin’s at Fort Wilderness

Save up to 15% on select Value Resort Hotels including: All Star Movies, All Star Music, All Star Sports, Art of Animation – Family Suites only, Pop Century

Ready to book your Fall Walt Disney World vacation and take advantage of this great offers? Contact World of Magic Travel Services and a Travel Magician will be happy to help you book the trip of your dreams – and make sure you’re getting the best deal too!

Book Through
September 18, 2015

Valid Travel Dates
October 4 through November 24, 2015 and November 28 through December 23, 2015.

Important Details

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Savings is based on the non-discounted price for the same room.
Additional per adult charges may apply if there are more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts.
Advance reservations required.
Moderate and Deluxe suites may be available at a lesser discount.

Offer Restrictions

Length of stay requirements may apply.
Offer excludes 3-bedroom villas and campsites.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

A First Timer’s Guide: The Disney Dining Plans

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 20, 2015

We think we have everything figured out for our Walt Disney World vacation and then we find out that Disney has dining plans! Walt Disney World designed the dining plans for convenience! Although they offer a lot of this, it can be overwhelming to figure out which plan will work for your family! In the first, A First Timer’s Guide we will explore these dining plans and how they will fit into your Walt Disney World vacation step by step!

Step 1: Select a dining plan that is right for your family.

Disney offers three dining plans to choose from. These are the Quick Service Dining Plan, the Disney “Plus” Dining Plan and the Deluxe Dining Plan. Let’s explore the Quick Service Dining plan first.

The Quick Service Dining Plan for 2015, during the regular season costs $41.99 for an adult and $16.03 for a child. For 2016 that price will increase to $42.84 for an adult and $17.47 for a child. This plan includes two (2) Quick-Service Meals and one (1) Snack per person, per night of your package stay for everyone in the party ages three and over. The plan also includes one (1) Rapid Fill Resort refillable drink mug per person, that is valid for the length of your stay (eligible for refills at self-service beverage islands at Quick-Service locations at any Disney Resort hotel).

The Disney “PLUS” Dining Plan will cost $60.04 for adults and $19.03 for children during the 2015 regular season. A slight increase will take place for 2016 costing adults, $61.84 and children, $20.94. This tends to be a very popular plan! The Disney Dining Plan includes one (1) Quick-Service Meal, one (1) Snack and one (1) Table-Service Meal per person, per night of your package stay for everyone in the party ages three and over. The plan also includes one (1) Rapid Fill Resort refillable drink mug per person, that is valid for the length of your stay (eligible for refills at self-service beverage islands at Quick-Service locations at any Disney Resort hotel).

The Deluxe Dining Plan is costing $109.53 for an adult and $29.86 for a child during the 2015 regular season. This also so a slight increase in cost for 2016 costing adults $111.73 and children $32.56. This elaborate plan includes three (3) Meals and two (2) Snacks per person, per night of your package stay for everyone in the party ages three and over. The plan also includes one (1) Rapid Fill Resort refillable drink mug per person, that is valid for the length of your stay (eligible for refills at self-service beverage islands at Quick-Service locations at any Disney Resort hotel).

I highly recommend the Disney “Plus” Dining Plan! This plan allows you to experience some of the amazing character meals and the thematic dining at Walt Disney World Resort! It is very nice to be able to sit down and relax with a good meal! Waiters and waitresses at Walt Disney World do an outstanding job to make your dining experience exceptional!

Step 2: Advanced Dining Reservations

The Quick Service Dining Plan does not require any reservations unless you would like to eat at Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom for breakfast or lunch. All other dining plans require advance dining reservations and you will want to make these far in advance. Most dining locations begin accepting dining reservations 180 days prior to your vacation. It is important to have done some research on restaurants and their locations before your booking day! Guests who have booked a Walt Disney World Vacation with a dining package can make their dining reservations for up to 10 days at the 180 day mark. It is important to book at the 180 day mark for popular restaurants. These tend to fill up very quickly and can even sell out within 15 minutes of opening reservations! These can include and are not limited to Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest and Chef Mickey’s. At the 180 day mark you can either make your dining reservation online via your My Disney Experience account at 6am EST or call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 at 7am EST. The other option is to have a resourceful travel agent take care of this for you! After all, this is your vacation and you want to eat at the best locations! 🙂

Step 3: How do I redeem my dining credits?

Once your reservations have been made you will want to know how to use these credits in the park. All dining credits will be linked via your MagicBands! MagicBands work like a mini computer system! Let’s pretend we have the Disney “Plus” Dining Plan for our upcoming vacation! For lunch, a quick / counter service meal consists of a entrée, dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage. Currently, the dessert and the non-alcoholic beverage may be substituted for any item that is an eligible snack at the location. A table service credit for dinner entitles you to an entrée, dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage – or – one (1) full buffet. If available, buffet excludes Specialty Beverages that are sold separately. If you would like to purchase specialty drinks or additional add-ons, you are welcome to do so! These will be added onto your bill. You will present your MagicBand to your server when it is time to pay. Be sure to tell them how many credits you are using. Also, be sure to check your receipt upon payment to keep track of your credits. Disney does an amazing job of listing the amount of credits you have at the bottom of your receipt.

Most table service restaurants are one credit. However, there are some dinner shows and specialty restaurants that require 2 credits per diner. The following are locations that require 2 table service credits.

Jiko, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Dinner)
Flying Fish Café, Disney’s BoardWalk (Dinner)
California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Dinner)
Citricos, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort (Dinner)
Narcoossee’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort (Dinner)
Artist Point, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Dinner)
Yachtsman Steakhouse, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts (Dinner)
Le Cellier Steakhouse, Epcot (Lunch & Dinner)
Monsieur Paul, Epcot (Dinner)
The Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Lunch & Dinner)
Fulton Crab House, Downtown Disney (Lunch & Dinner)
The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck Grand Café, Downtown Disney (Dinner)
Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

You may also use your Dining Plan credits for Private In-Room dining. This will cost 2 Table Service Credits for a meal consisting of an entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage. In-room pizza delivery can also be utilized on the Dining Plan. One pizza, two desserts and two non-alcoholic beverages will cost 2 Table Service credits. Dining Credits can be used to experience some of Disney’s Dinner Shows. The Hoop Dee Doo Revue, Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ are each 2 table service credits for category 2 or 3 seating. Dinner shows do require advanced dining reservations and gratuities are included for them! That is a nice added bonus!

One very nice thing is the flexibility of the Disney Dining Plan. With the Disney “Plus” Dining Plan you receive a quick service and a table service credit for each night of your stay but you can use them how you wish and when you wish. This means you can use 2 credits at a time per person. It will just leave you with one less meal per night. This is a huge for families who wish to do a dinner show, dine at a signature restaurant or even eat with Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table located in Cinderella’s Castle!

Always be sure to ask your server what is included with your dining plan! Sometimes a bottomless milkshake or an amazing dessert might even be included. You do not know unless you ask! 🙂 There can also be chef selections / specials that can be included!

Children 3-9 will be required to order off of the children’s menu where available. Children under 3 are not on the Dining Plan and can share from an adult plate or a meal can be purchased for them.

Step 4: What is a snack credit?

This symbol will become a very big part of your life while on your Walt Disney World Vacation! Check it out here:

This symbol will indicate a snack credit for you at counter service restaurants, snack carts, and in shops / merchandise locations! Snacks can include soda, a bottle of water, an ice cream, smoothie or even a cupcake! The possibilities are endless and you can be creative with these! Just be sure to be on the look out for the symbol above!

You have just learned all about the Disney Dining Plans! You should feel very accomplished! Your vacation is off to a great start and now you have some amazing insight into the dining plans available to you!

Here are some great tips!

Table-Service restaurants, character dining and dinner shows book quickly and the restaurant and seating of your choice may be limited or may not be available during your visit.
Please make reservations online at disneyworld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE up to 180 days prior to your visit for the best options.
When dining with another party who is also using their MagicBand or card to redeem their meals, please notify the server which meals should be redeemed on each valid Disney Resort ID (either a MagicBand or card) upon ordering dessert.
You can continue using meals/snacks in any order during your package stay until each person has depleted his/her allotted meals/snacks. For example, if you use all your snacks on the first day, that will leave zero snacks for the remainder of your stay.
Locations for all dining plans are subject to change without notice or liability. Theme Park admission is required for some dining locations. Operational hours may vary.
Remember that gratuities are NOT included with the Dining Plan except for Dinner Shows, In-Room Dining and Cinderella’s Royal Table. These will need to be paid out of pocket at the time of service. You can charge the gratuity to your room account.
You may have left over credits at the end of your vacation. Don’t let them go to waste! Even if you are about to leave for your return home, you can spend any remaining snack credits in the gift shop of your resort. Just look for that handy purple and white square.
Use the dining plan to savor cuisine you may not otherwise try!
The dining plan can make your Walt Disney World experience an all-inclusive vacation!
Be sure to take advantage of your refillable mug! You can use a snack credit for a muffin or a danish. Then refill your mug and you now have breakfast!
Most of all enjoy the experience of Disney Dining! It is like no other!

Happy Disney Dining!

Be sure to be watching for more A First Timer’s Guide articles coming soon! 🙂

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. If you have any questions regarding the Disney Dining Plans, 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!

Preorder the 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Guide

By

Chip

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July 20, 2015

The Epcot Food & Wine Festival has 46 days of special events, over 30 tasting booths, celebrity chefs, and a ton of fun events to attend! How do you fit it all in without breaking the bank?

Pre-order the DFB Guide to the 2015 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and start your planning NOW – as an added bonus you’ll also receive a FREE instant download of the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival!

The DFB has the very best tips, information, and advice to be sure you enjoy every minute of your time at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival in our DFB Guide to the 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book! With over 220 pages of information, you’ll be more than ready to dive right into the festival!

So much is going on at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival this year – find out how to make the best of your time there!

The 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is quickly approaching! It’s the biggest Food and Wine Festival of its kind in the world and can be overwhelming, but with a bit of pre-planning with the DFB Guide to the 2015 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, you’ll be able to determine what events, demonstrations, and menu items are most important to you and your family, and create a strategy to make sure you experience them.

Time is money on a Disney Vacation, get the most out of both!

This book includes plenty of insider tips and details they have discovered through years of attending the Food and Wine Festival! From special events to culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars to World Showcase booth grazing, if it’s at the Festival, we’ve done it! And they can’t wait to share their hard-earned tips and tricks so that you can avoid any Food and Wine Festival pitfalls.

Planning ahead is the best strategy for tackling an event as huge as the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Read reviews of special events and seminars, and see photos of the food that will be available at the 2015 World Showcase booths before you go so that you can make the best use of your time and money in Disney World.

They are on sale now for $14.95! Click here to order your copy today!

For a full list of upcoming events be sure to check out our 100% Free Epcot Food & Wine Festival Guide.

Meet ABC Family Stars at the D23 Expo!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 19, 2015

Fans can meet their favorite ABC Family stars and collect exclusive pin sets at D23 EXPO 2015, the ultimate Disney fan event, August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

ABC Family will give away exclusive pin sets each day at the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, from our much anticipated new series “Shadowhunters” on Friday, August 14, from the network’s hit series “Pretty Little Liars” on Saturday, August 15 and from the network’s annual event 25 Days of Christmas on Sunday, August 16.

Fans can also meet some of their favorite network stars throughout the weekend in the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, located on the show floor. Following is the appearance schedule (subject to change):

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
11:00 – 11:50am
“Young & Hungry” stars Jonathan Sadowski and Aimee Carrero

1:00 – 1:50pm
“The Fosters” stars Sherri Saum and Hayden Byerly

5:00 – 5:50pm
“Switched at Birth” stars Constance Marie and Lea Thompson

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
12:00 – 12:50pm
“Stitchers” stars Emma Ishta, Kyle Harris, Ritesh Rajan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Allison Scagliotti

6:00 – 6:50pm
“Baby Daddy” stars Jean-Luc Bilodeau, Chelsea Kane and Melissa Peterman

*Schedule is subject to change.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

Additional details and updates about ABC Family star appearances and special activities will continue to be updated on www.D23EXPO.com and on Facebook and Twitter at “DisneyD23” as well as the ABC Family Media Relations Twitter and Instagram handle @ABC Family.

Photo credit

D23 EXPO Brings New Alex and Ani Collection

By

Chip

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July 19, 2015

If you’re a fan of ALEX AND ANI and you’re attending D23 EXPO 2015, August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, the Disney Dream Store is the place to be.Here’s your first look at the new collection from ALEX AND ANI.

Up first is the Rafaelian Silver finish Celebrate Wrap created in commemoration of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Featuring the word “Celebrate” in an elegant script, this magical piece is accented with metal and blue glass beads.

Some of you may remember the Mickey Filigree line from D23 EXPO 2013 when it made its debut. I know I do! I still recall learning the details on how each product is manufactured in the USA from recycled materials and, of course, comes with the accompanying Mickey Mouse icon tag. They say the magic of the Mickey Filigree Wrap is in the design, and I agree. You can choose a subtle approach with a whimsical piece accented in metal beads or add a little color with the Mickey Filigree Beaded Wrap accented in metal and pink beads. Either option will no doubt bring endless joy. Look for both of these styles in Rafaelian Gold and Rafaelian Silver finishes.

Now, the Mickey Filigree Gypsy Wrap is bound to become an instant classic. Made entirely of Mickey Filigree beads, this piece not only reminds you to believe in your dreams, but allows you to show your love for Mickey Mouse while wearing your heart on your sleeve. This style will be available in both Rafaelian Gold and Rafaelian Silver finishes.

There are so many choices. Which ALEX AND ANI pieces will make their way home with me? I’m not sure yet, but I still have time to decide.

What will you add to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Top 5 Walt Disney World “Must Try” Sweet Snacks

By

Catie

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July 19, 2015

There are plenty of amazing snacks and treats everywhere you turn at Walt Disney World, and it’s a great place to try new things, or to grab some of their tried and true favorites too! I have a HUGE sweet tooth – and love all the sweet treats at WDW. If you’re like me and love that sugar rush, then read on for the Top 5 Walt Disney World “Must Try” Sweet Snacks:

Cupcakes: These are everywhere at Walt Disney World, and there are some really amazing flavor combos that are a must try. For me, the Butterfinger Cupcake from Starring Roles Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the best of the best – moist chocolate cake with a fudge center, a pile of vanilla frosting topped with a chocolate shell and Butterfinger pieces. It’s intense, but amazing. Most WDW Resorts and dining locations offer some kind of cupcake – and they range in flavor from plain vanilla to carrot cake, or lemon ginger, or s’mores, and the flavors change frequently, so be sure to keep an eye out for what offerings are available on your next WDW trip

Caramel Anything (or EVERYTHING): If you’re a caramel lover, then Karamell Kuche in Epcot’s Germany is the place for you! Werther’s Caramels are the star here – appearing in everything from freshly made Caramel Corn, to salted caramel, to caramel apple tarts, to caramel drizzled cookies and strawberries…I could go on and on about how awesome the treats are here. There’s usually a line, but it’s worth the wait – especially for the Caramel Corn!

Dole Whips: This iconic Disney snack has somewhat of a cult following – they are loved by all, and they really are the perfect treat on a hot Florida day. It’s a soft serve frozen dessert that comes in Vanilla, Pineapple and orange flavors, and you can swirl two flavors together, or get it served as a float with pineapple juice (my personal fave!). A few select locations serve these in the Magic Kingdom (some of which have recently changed – Click here for more info!), and while they’re not a fancy treat, they are simply amazing and special – a uniquely Disney treat that you’ll want to make sure you try at least once on your next trip. Not going to Disney World anytime soon? Then make your own dole whips at home

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches: Two freshly baked cookies with cool creamy ice cream in the middle? Um…yes please. In fact, you had me at “cookie”. This treat is available at various spots throughout the World, but Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in the Magic Kingdom is the best place for these (in my opinion anyway). You can customize your sandwich with different cookie and ice cream options – which is really fun around the holidays (chocolate chip cookies with peppermint ice cream perhaps? Or gingerbread cookies maybe?). Ok, so you might be thinking “an ice cream sandwich? That’s not that exciting” – but honestly, IT IS! First of all, it’s HUGE – the cookies are really big, and they are NOT skimpy with the ice cream scooping either. And did I mention they are freshly baked cookies? Like – super fresh, and super delicious. This is a big snack with big sweetness and flavor – enough to share (but I won’t judge if you want to keep it all for yourself)

Zebra Domes: A layer of cake is covered with a “dome” of chocolate/espresso flavored mousse, and then covered a while chocolate ganache and a chocolate drizzle. This is an “adults only” sweet treat – as the some portion of these also contains Amarula Cream Liqueur (an African liqueur similar to Kahlua) – and it’s only available at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Boma and their counter service dining location – The Mara. I have never tasted anything like these – they are super sweet, and the mousse has a great creamy texture. It’s a must try for all you adults out there, and if you think you’re up to the challenge – then check out this DIY Zebra Domes recipe

An “honorable mention” shout out to the Mickey Ice Cream Bar – It is a classic treat that those of all ages will love – vanilla ice cream with a chocolate shell, in the shape of everyone’s favorite mouse!

For those of you with a hankering for a Disney Sweet treat, I hope you check out my “must try” treats next time you’re in Disney, and that you love them as much as I do!

ABC Family Orders Second Season of Stitchers!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 18, 2015

logo abc family

ABC Family today announced that the hit original drama series “Stitchers” will return for a second season. The first procedural program for the network, “Stitchers” is currently airing Tuesdays at 9:00PM – 10:00PM ET/PT. The summer finale will air August 4, 2015.

“Fans are enjoying the camaraderie of the Stitchers team and a lead character that is unapologetically smart, focused and a great role model to young women,” said Karey Burke, Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, ABC Family. “We look forward to seeing more of the Stitchers team tackling diverse cases as they unravel the mystery behind the program’s creation.”

Launch to date, “Stitchers” is cable TV’s #1 scripted series on Tuesdays at 9 o’clock in Adults 18-34, Women 18-34, Viewers 12-34 and Females 12-34.

“Stitchers” follows Kirsten, a young woman recruited into a covert government agency to be ‘stitched’ into the minds of the recently deceased, using their memories to investigate murders and decipher mysteries that otherwise would have gone to the grave. Working alongside Kirsten is Cameron, a brilliant neuroscientist whose passion for the program is evident in his work. The secret program is headed by Maggie, a skilled veteran of covert operations, and includes Linus, a socially immature bioelectrical engineer and communications technician. Kirsten’s roommate, Camille, a gifted computer science grad student, is also recruited to use her skills to assist Kirsten in her new role as a ‘stitcher.’

“Stitchers” is executive-produced by Jeffrey Alan Schechter (“Overruled!”), Jonathan Baruch and Rob Wolken. The series stars Emma Ishta as Kirsten Clark, Kyle Harris (“Carrie Diaries”) as Cameron Goodkin, Ritesh Rajan (upcoming “Jungle Book” feature) as Linus Ahluwalia, Salli Richardson-Whitfield (“Eureka,” “I Am Legend”) as Maggie Baptiste, and Allison Scagliotti (“Warehouse 13”) as Camille Engelson.

Stay tuned for more Stitchers!