Former Disney Cruise Line Employee Sentenced to 6 years in prison

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July 18, 2015

Ahmad Sofyan is a 37 year old former Disney Cruise Line employee was sentenced to 6 years in prison Thursday after entering a guilty plea in court.

He admitted to charges that he molested a 13-year-old girl aboard the Disney Dream where he worked as a cabin steward while they were docked in Port Canaveral last year. He plead guilty to lewd and lascivious molestation and false imprisonment. The state wanted 10 years, but he took a plea deal and ended up only getting 6 years.

The victim’s family read a statement to the judge during his plea hearing about how the incident has affected their lives.

“Our family is currently still picking up the pieces, making phone calls and praying for resolution,” the victim’s brother said. “I am unable to talk about the details of this crime without crying or shaking. None of us want to discuss this cruise, which has definitely turned into a nightmare.”

“The last thing they had on their mind was that a crew member of a Disney company boat would assault their daughter this way,” Assistant State Attorney Russ Bousch said.

Once Ahmad serves his sentence, he will be immediately deported back to Indonesia by the federal government.

Disneyland Celebrates 60th Anniversary – Announces Million Dollar Program Benefitting Local Nonprofits

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 18, 2015

Sixty years ago today, Walt Disney dedicated his dream project: Disneyland – a land beyond the boundaries of the motion pictures with which he’d made his reputation, a park where families and guests of all ages could be immersed in worlds of fantasy and adventure.

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As part of its Diamond Celebration, the Disneyland Resort honored 60 years of that dream by announcing “Million Dollar Dazzle” at a ceremony at Sleeping Beauty Castle. Each month during the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, the Million Dollar Dazzle Crew will surprise one or more local nonprofits that exemplify Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ Better Together philosophy with a $60,000 gift, totaling more than $1 million. Girl Scouts of Orange County was surprised with the first gift earlier today. The funds will support the organization’s Comadres outreach program that helps the Girl Scout experience transcend language and cultural barriers for girls in low-income neighborhoods.

“What makes our Diamond Celebration so special is the opportunity to share even more Disney magic with our guests in the parks, and our neighbors in the community,” said Michael Colglazier, president of the Disneyland Resort. “Our ‘Million Dollar Dazzle’ program proudly supports local organizations that enrich the lives of children and families.”

The ceremony at Sleeping Beauty Castle also included the tradition of playing the recording of Walt Disney’s July 17, 1955 welcome to the first Disneyland guests. Mickey Mouse and all his friends were in attendance, and Disney Legend and Academy Award-winning composer Richard M. Sherman (“Mary Poppins”) was joined by actress and singer Ashley Brown (star of “Mary Poppins” on Broadway) singing “Feed the Birds” and leading Disneyland park guests in singing “Happy Birthday.”

Later in the day, a cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A., featured current Disneyland Resort cast members along with those who worked at Disneyland in 1955. Guests were invited to show their 1955 Disney side by dressing up ‘50s-style in the elegant manner of the guests on Disneyland opening day, and to enjoy special anniversary photo locations and ‘50s-inspired entertainment. Large video screens in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks and the Downtown Disney District displayed anniversary moments of the day. In addition, all guests were treated to special Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration cupcakes. More than 100,000 were prepared for the occasion.

For six decades, Disneyland Resort has explored the frontiers of interactive storytelling and entertainment technology, bringing exciting attractions and inventive entertainment to life for guests from around the world. The Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration is highlighted by three new nighttime spectaculars that, once again, raise the bar on creativity and entertainment technology to keep the resort and its guests forever young.

Disneyland Lights Up the Night for Diamond Celebration

“Paint the Night – All-New Electrical Parade” – When the lights go down in Disneyland, the Diamond Celebration illuminates the park with a brilliant, new parade. The luminescent parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., with an array of Disney characters and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights that flash and glow as Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to “Paint the Night.” With dazzling special effects, unforgettable music, energetic performances, fun surprises and spectacular floats, “Paint the Night” is more vibrant than any parade in 60 years at the Disneyland Resort.
“Disneyland Forever,” presented by Honda – The dazzling new fireworks spectacular “Disneyland Forever” is a street-to-sky, immersive experience like nothing seen before at the Disneyland Resort. Guests are surrounded by the worlds of timeless Disney tales, from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects. The “stage” for “Disneyland Forever” fireworks will extend from the sky above to the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A., the façade of “it’s a small world,” the Matterhorn and mist screens along the Rivers of America, with specially designed digital projections offering guests new experiences at each location.
“World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” – Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris joins Mickey Mouse on a magical water canvas to entertain guests in this fun-filled new presentation of the popular, nighttime “World of Color” spectacular in Disney California Adventure. Both epic and intimate in scope, “World of Color – Celebrate!” brings to life the remarkable story of Walt and The Happiest Place on Earth with animated imagery, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score.

All three of these electrifying new shows are presented nightly, making Disneyland Resort sparkle as never before during its Diamond Celebration.

Lego Celebrates Ant Man Movie Premiere

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 18, 2015

The Lego Company celebrates the premiere of Marvel‘s newest movie “Ant-Man”, with the release of Ant-Man lego bricks! Visit the Lego Facebook page for a look at all the Marvel sets.

Ant-Man in theatres, July 17th brings one of the original Avengers to the screen in his first movie. Paul Rudd stars in the role of Scott Lange/Ant-Man. A thief who has just been released for prison, Lange is trying hard to get his life back on track. A series of events, leads him to consider a heist with the help of his prison roommate, Luis (Michael Peña), and new friends, Dave (Tip “T.I” Harris) and Kurt (David Dastmalchian).

What Lange and his group discover is that Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) has set up the heist as part of a plan to recruit Lange as the next Ant-Man. Once trained, Ant-Man and his crew and Dr Pym and his daughter, Hope (Evangeline Lilly) set out on a mission to save the world and battle against Darren Cross/Yellowjacket (Corey Stoll).

“Ant-Man” is produced by Kevin Feige and directed by Peyton Reed. Be the first to check out “Ant-Man” tomorrow and visit your favorite location to your your Lego Ant-Man set.

Loretta Garcia, Entertainment Writer for Chipandco.com can’t wait to hear your comments about the movie

Disney Finds – More Handmade Disney Bracelets

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Chip

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July 18, 2015

It’s a tale as old as time. In my quest to highlight the Disney Designers on Etsy I found a cute little shop run by villinousCreations. Her designs are perfect for Disney bounding and can be customized to adult or child’s sizes. Some of her bracelets are:

Won’t you drop by her shop and check out some of her Disney Designs. Be sure to let her know Chip sent ya.

Happy Shopping.

All New Escape to Walt’s Wilderness Now Available at Walt Disney World Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 18, 2015

Are you ready for a wilderness adventure? The new Escape to Walt’s Wilderness experience gives you a glance at the natural surroundings that became the perfect setting to accommodate Walt Disney’s grand dreams.

The adventure begins at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Marina where tour guides will greet your Clients with a warm “Howdy! From there, the group will board pontoon boats for an eco-history tour of Bay Lake. After arriving at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, your Clients will head to the shore of Marshmallow Marsh for breakfast on the beach. After fueling up, the group will travel by horse-drawn wagon to the Settlement and Pioneer Hall before hiking over the railroad tracks into a clearing in the trees for an archery opportunity. Finally, your Clients will head to the Tri-Circle-D Ranch horse barn to meet the celebrity horses who live and work atWalt Disney World® Resort.

This 5-hour interactive experience is available twice a week and costs $109 per person, plus tax. Each experience is limited to 20 Guests. Participants must be at least 7 years of age. Transportation to Disney’s Contemporary Resort Marina and from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is available for Disney Resort hotel Guests only.

A photographer will be on hand to capture photos of the group during the experience. Photos are included in the Memory Maker product. If you have not purchased Memory Maker, they will be able to purchase the photos a la carte. Each Guest will receive a PhotoPass card with a 16-digit claim code, which will include all the photos taken of the entire group during the experience. Photos will be available to view on the Disney PhotoPass website within 24 hours of the event.

Book the Escape to Walt’s Wilderness experience by calling the Disney Reservation Center.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Let me take the stress out of your vacation planning. I am an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel Services. I go to Disney World often and would love to share my expertise with you. This new Wilderness Adventure seems so like so much fun. It is also a great way to spend a non park day. Let me work my magic for you. Contact me at [email protected] for your FREE no obligation quote.

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 25: Insidious!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 17, 2015

If you are a fan of the Insidious franchise then boy do I have an announcement for you! Universal Orlando has announced that the second haunted house is going to be a combination of the three Insidious films from the last six years rolled up into one scary house for this year’s Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 25.

Insidious: Chapter 3 was a big hit for horror fans at theaters, so I’m sure it will be a truly scary house. You might not want to open the “red door” where you’ll come face to face with the evil that lurks in the Further. And whatever you do make sure you don’t go too far or you might see some of your worst nightmares like the Long Haired Fiend, the Lipstick Face Demon, the Bride in Black or the newest evil that you’ll face in the further, The Man Who Can’t Breathe.

“Go into the Further, behind the red door is evil!” Ummm, NO! Who am I kidding, I can’t wait!

The only way out is in! As you open the door into the Further, the sinister world of evil spirits, be sure to hold onto those you love because many of these evil spirits crave souls of the living.

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 + Ticket Packages contact me anytime. Stay tuned for more updates about this amazing event including my “tips” and “must do’s” for this year’s 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 at [email protected]

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**

Hollywood & Vine Could Soon Host Minnie’s Holiday & Dine Dinner

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Anonymouse

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July 17, 2015

Hiya! How are all my little minions today? I know, I know, you missed me. I am back with some adorable and yummy gossip today. A few of my peeps have told me that there has been an unknown menu appearing on the My Disney Experience App. So I had to check for myself, and yep there it was, Minnie’s Holiday & Dine Dinner menu at Hollywood & Vine. However it seems to come and go. It might be a little early to think about this holidays but I am always up for some Disney holiday magic.

There menu sounds good. It seems as though there will be things like, Pork, Salmon, Pasta, Lobster and Shrimp Mac and Cheese. For desserts, Pastries, and soft serve ice cream.

Would you go? I would!

Don’t forget to check out my last article Is Dinner a Thing of the Past at Hollywood & Vine?

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.

Marine Murdered in Chattanooga was Honored at Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 17, 2015

Lance Cpl. Skip Wells, 21, of Marietta, GA., was the youngest victim to have his life taken in the senseless attack on the Chattanooga recruitment center recently. He was a Marine Forces Reserve member.

Cathy, his mom posted photos recently to Facebook of her and her son at Walt Disney World. She said these 2 photos were taken last week at Disney World when Wells was honored as a service member of the day. Cathy said that her son died doing what he loved for the love of his country and his family.

I am so happy he was honored for his service. We would like to thank his family for his service.

Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to all those affected by this senseless tragedy.

Lego Star Wars: The New Yoda Chronicles on DVD September 15th!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 17, 2015

Lego Star Wars The Yoda Chronicles Episode 3 Attack of the Jedi

Unleash the Force and engage in some more action packed thrills in LEGO STAR WARS: The New Yoda Chronicles coming to DVD on September 15, 2015! Your favorite Star Wars heroes are back with four complete episodes (plus a bonus alternate ending!) that unleash the lighter side of the Force.

I watched these episodes on TV with my kids and we loved them! They really enjoy playing with LEGO Star Wars sets that they got at the LEGO Experience store in Disney Springs, and watch the movies, especially the Classic 6.

Join Luke, Master Yoda and the ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi battle to find the last remnants of the secrets of the Jedi – to further Luke’s training. Who will find them first? The rebels, or Darth Vader?

Four 22 minute Episodes Included:

Escape From The Jedi Temple
Race For The Holocrons
Raid on Coruscant
Clash of the Skywalkers

I’m really excited to check out the DVD Bonus Features and Alternate Ending: Clash of the Skywalkers – In this alternate version, will Luke win against the Sith Lord or will Vader be victorious?

If your family loves STAR WARS and LEGO’s as much as mine does, then you will fly your podracers to the store and pick up LEGO Star Wars: The New Yoda Chronicles on September 15. If you want the ultimate Star Wars fan experience, head to Walt Disney World in May or June 2016 for Hollywood Studio’s STAR WARS WEEKENDS! Meet you favorite characters, ride Star Tours, have a lightsaber battle with Vader himself! Contact me today for a free price quote! Email me at [email protected] or find me on Facebook HERE! May the Force be with you my friends!

Enter to Win a Cruise Aboard the Disney Magic from the Disney Cruise Line

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 17, 2015

Enter for your chance to win a 4 or 5 night Disney cruise aboard the Disney Magic. Disney Cruise Line is offering activities and some amazing entertainment for your entire family. There are Broadway style shows, amazing fine dining, and activities for kids of all ages. Last but not least we can not forget Disney’s private Island Castway Cay!

Click here to enter!

Good luck!

Did you hear the news from earlier this week about the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Coming to the Disney Magic This Fall? Click the link to learn more!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

New Experiences During the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 17, 2015

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is celebrating it’s 20th year, returns to the Disney World Resort Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015 with more than 30 global marketplaces.

For the first time ever, the festival is stretching into the park’s Future World with four new food and beverage marketplaces.

Along the walkway toward Future World West, you can enjoy the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese festival area, which will feature the Cheese Studio (offering a cheese sampler served on an artist’s palette to pair with wines) and the Wine Studio with premium wines on tap.

Near the Epcot Character Spot, you can discover the new Next Eats area, featuring the Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab marketplaces inspired by ABC’s Emmy-Award® winning lifestyle series “The Chew,” starring co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz. Sustainable Chew will offer three dishes, and Chew Lab will show off hot culinary tech trends like a Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel.

While many festival events are included in regular theme park admission, including the new Back to Basics series, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discover Passport, as well as attractions and park entertainment, you can also look forward to over-the-top premium events, including:

Rockin’ Burger Block Party – Catch a glimpse of the cast of ABC TV’s “The Chew” at this new premium event on Oct. 8 in World ShowPlace. They’ll enjoy specialty burgers and sliders inspired by top names in the music industry such as Dave Matthews and his Dreaming Tree Wines and Carlos Santana’s Casa Noble Tequila. (Two additional Burger Block Parties are set for Sept. 25 and Nov. 6.) This event includes VIP seating with a specialty cocktail toast, premium bar and more.

Yelloween Masquerade Party for the Senses – This first-time event on Oct. 31 will be one in a series of popular Party for the Senses premium events. You can experience an elegant, dance-the-night-away, gourmet tasting party with Champagne, wine, craft beers and specialty cocktails paired with food.

Another Party for the Senses you won’t want to miss takes place Oct. 24, and features Disney chefs from the United States, Europe and Asia cooking their favorite cuisine that represents their cultures as well as the Disney Parks and Resorts they call home.

Additional Party for the Senses dates are Oct. 3, 10 and 17, and each evening starts with a reserved seat at the Eat to the Beat concert series at the America Gardens Theatre. Following the show, you will head to World ShowPlace for a sensational evening with more than 50 tasting stations, and performances by Cirque du Soleil.

What’s Cookin’ With …You can begin the morning with a delightful plated brunch and sparkling wine toast. Culinary celebs will demo a favorite dish and then sit down with the emcee to answer questions from the audience and share secrets of their successes. The brunch happens every Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. during the festival.

Guests include:

Sept. 27: Andrew Zimmerman

Oct. 2: Amanda Freitag presented by Mylan

Oct. 4: Bryan Voltaggio

Oct.9: Jamie Deen

Oct.11: Carla Hall

Oct.16: Gale Gand

Oct. 18: Cat Cora

Oct.23: Allen Susser

Oct. 25: John Ash presented by Verlasso

Oct. 30: Robert Irvine

Nov. 1: Erika Davis

Nov. 6: Buddy Valastro

Nov. 8: David Guas

Nov. 13: Alex Guarnaschelli

Nov. 15: Sarah Fioroni

Others premium events include the Mexican Tequila Lunch, Japanese Craft Beer Tasting and the new French Family Meal Traditions.

Check out epcotfoodfestival.com for more info.

Are you going?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Night Ranger will Rock the Crowd at SeaWorld Orlando

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 17, 2015

The “Celebrating America” Concert Series at SeaWorld Orlando announces Night Ranger for the July 25 – 26 weekend.

Celebrating more than 30 years, 17 million albums sold worldwide, 2,500 live shows and more than one billion listeners on US radio alone, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the sound and style of their era.

Over the years, Night Ranger has earned widespread acclaim and multi-platinum album status with legendary hits such as “Sister Christian,” “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” “When You Close Your Eyes” and the anthemic “(You Can Still) Rock in America.”

The band’s music has made notable contributions to popular culture. Night Ranger’s songs can be heard in the “Rock Band,” “Guitar Hero” and “Grand Theft Auto” video games; “Rock of Ages” hit Broadway musical and feature film; Oscar-nominated film “Boogie Nights,” “Friday the 13th” and “The Secret of My Success;” TV Shows “Glee,” “American Dad,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Parks & Recreation;” JBL’s “Hear the Truth” campaign; and many more.

During the summer series, every Saturday and Sunday guests will enjoy musical performances and daily happy hours. Concerts take place in the air-conditioned Nautilus Theater at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and are included with park admission.

The future concert schedule now includes:

July 18 – Oscar D’ León
July 19 – Sheila E.
July 25 – 26 – Night Ranger

Reserved Seating Package

Guests can take advantage of SeaWorld’s Reserved Concert Seating Package for all artists throughout the summer series. Starting at $29, the package includes one reserved seat to the concert plus a meal voucher valid at most in park restaurant locations. Package inventory is limited. Reserved seating packages can be booked in advance online or at the park on the day of the concert.

Other special activities for nighttime guests this summer include:

Clyde & Seamore’s Sea Lion High – Turn up the laughs with nighttime showings of this all-new sea lion comedy adventure. Full of fun and big personalities of sea lions, walruses and otters, the show takes place in an aquatic-themed high school where laughter and education go hand in hand (er, flipper).

Shamu’s Celebration: Light Up The Night – Experience this returning fan-favorite, a high-energy show featuring original music, amazing production elements and see SeaWorld’s majestic killer whales. Shamu Stadium will transform with stylistic lighting and colorful backdrops to create a social and celebratory atmosphere ending with a fireworks finale spectacle.

Late-Night Thrills –SeaWorld Orlando’s thrill rides are a whole different experience when the sun goes down. Guests can experience Kraken, a thrilling roller coaster, and Manta, a facedown, headfirst roller coaster where riders can skim, glide and fly like a manta ray, and many more.

I have been to Summer Nights and it is a pretty cool event. If you have not been you should check it out!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria