New Features For The 20th Anniversary of The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

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July 10, 2015

The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival was a soaring success, but now it is time to look forward to my favorite time of year at Walt Disney World : FALL! This fall will mark the 20th anniversary of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, full of exciting new additions! This year the festival will last a remarkable 53 days, from September 25- November 16 so there is plenty of time to schedule a visit.

The Travel Channel has celebrated the event as one of America’s top food festivals, and for good reason. The festival features inspired food and drinks from around the world served at more than 25 outdoor marketplace ‘kiosks’, signature wine tasting events and a nightly concert series. Disney chefs and festival organizers are promising a feast of surprises to celebrate the 20th annual event in style. Whether you are a seasoned festival-goer or a first timer, there will be something new to experience at this year’s celebration.

Festival guests can pair wines and beers with savory and sweet dishes as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade and earn stamps on their complimentary festival passports. Champagne, cocktails and “mocktails” also will bubble up on festival menus.

In Future World, the popular Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog returns for a fourth year so that families can discover the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage and learn fun facts about the tart fruits.

The most exciting addition to the festival is the arrival of ABC’s hit show The Chew! Hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall and Daphne Oz will tape shows Oct. 7-9 from the festival. Along with the taping of the show, “The Chew” will be featured in two marketplaces throughout the festivities.

For the first time in the festival’s history, marketplaces will expand into Future World in the new Next Eats festival area with three delicious dishes from “The Chew” in their Sustainable Chew Marketplace: Savory Pork Spareribs with Cheesy Mascarpone Grits; Ricotta & Zucchini Ravioli with Tomato Sauce, and Vanilla Panna Cotta with Fresh Figs and Pistachio Brittle. (Herbs and veggies from The Land pavilion will flavor the marketplace dishes when harvested.) The eco-home-inspired marketplace will offer a chance for guests to learn more about how food is grown and the importance of sustainability.

Also in Next Eats, Disney chefs are collaborating with “The Chew” for the Chew Lab , a cutting-edge marketplace inspired by food-science labs and the hottest culinary tech trends.

Ratatouille rocks — Last years ‘Muppets Most Wanted scavenger hunt was a huge success so Disney is bringing back the fun with a new hero! Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak invites kids of all ages to join a World Showcase scavenger hunt for little Remy statuettes hidden around the park’s World Showcase while using maps and stickers to chronicle the hunt!

Festival Center gets cookin’ – Guests can join culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars and mixology seminars daily for a nominal fee. More festival fun will include the complimentary Back to Basics weekend series featuring epicurean tips and tricks from the pros.

Chase Lounge offers perks – Anyone who owns or wants to own a Chase debit or credit card will find complimentary refreshments and interactive fun at the Chase Lounge at American Adventure.

Eat To The Beat Concert Series returns to the American Gardens Theater in World Showcase. The following performers are scheduled to perform:

David Cook- September 25-27, 2015
Wilson Phillips – September 28 to 29, 2015
Christopher Cross – September 30 to October 1, 2015
STARSHIP Starring Mickey Thomas – October 2 to 4, 2015
Smash Mouth – October 5 to 7, 2015
The Pointer Sisters – October 8 to 9, 2015
38 Special – October 10 to 11, 2015
Rick Springfield – October 12 to 13, 2015
Sugar Ray – October 14 to 16, 2015
The S.O.S. Band – October 17 to 18, 2015
Air Supply – October 19 to 21, 2015
Fuel – October 22 to 23, 2015
Tiffany (NEW!) – October 24 to 25, 2015
Dennis DeYoung (original member of STYX) – October 26 to 28, 2015
Jo Dee Messina – October 29 to 30, 2015
Everclear (NEW!) – October 31 to November 1, 2015
Boyz II Men – November 2 to 4, 2015
Sister Hazel – November 5 to 6, 2015
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – November 7 to 9, 2015
Hanson – November 10 to 12, 2015
Maxi Priest (NEW!) – November 13 to 14, 2015
Chaka Khan (NEW!) – November 15 to 16, 2015

Daily show times take place at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM. Entertainment and appearances are subject to change without notice.

There is so much to experience at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival and if you are a runner, the 2015 Wine And Dine Half Marathon Weekend takes place November 6-7 with the Half Marathon finish line inside of World Showcase! There is no better way to celebrate the completion of the 5K or Mickey Mile that a trip to EPCOT to experience this festival!

This event is not to be missed. Stay connected to Chip and Co. for more updates and upcoming events. If you would like to plan a trip to Orlando this fall and include a stop at the Food and Wine Festival, contact me! I would love to help you plan your magical visit to EPCOT! [email protected]

Oscar D’ León and Sheila E. To Entertain Guests at SeaWorld Orlando

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 10, 2015

The “Celebrating America” Concert Series at SeaWorld Orlando announces the artists for July 18 -19 weekend and they will be musical talents, Oscar D’ León and Sheila E.

Oscar D’ León will dazzle audiences on July 18th as one of the most prominent authors and performers of salsa and Caribbean music. For more than thirty years Oscar D’ León has recorded more than fifty albums and is a recipient of the Award of Excellence from the Recording Latin Academy. Now, Oscar D’ León is getting ready to present his latest album with a twist of Big Band Classics consisting of songs inspired by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin and more.

Sheila E. a world-class drummer and percussionist who has worked with legends such as Marvin Gaye, Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Gloria Estefan and many more will take the stage at SeaWorld on July 19th. This Grammy and Emmy Award-nominated singer/songwriter is the star behind the seminal hits “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre.” In 2014 she released her first CD in over 10 years, appropriately titled, Icon and her autobiography, The Beat of My Own Drum was just released in paperback.

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 5:00 and 7:30 PM, and are included with park admission.

The future concert schedule now includes:

July 11-12 – Foghat
July 18 – Oscar D’ León
July 19 – Sheila E.

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.

AQUATICA, SeaWorld’s Waterpark

Aquatica heats things up with Island Nights presented by Coca-Cola® – an all-new beach party taking place every Friday and Saturday through August 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy live DJs, dancing on the beach and an evening menu sizzlin’ with flavor at Waterstone Grill. All included with park admission to Aquatica.

Guests can enjoy Summer Nights and Island Nights with an Annual Pass offering unlimited general admission and free parking to the parks all year long. Florida residents can purchase an annual pass with EZPay, a convenient payment option starting at $16 per month for both parks. Pass holders can enjoy a variety of other perks, including discounts on food and beverage and savings on admission to Discovery Cove.

Special Summer Offer for Active-Duty Military and Veterans

Now through September 10th, U.S. active-duty military service members and veterans can purchase up to six SeaWorld Orlando single-day tickets for only $59 each plus tax. The new special offer is available for purchase and redemption through September 10, 2015 and must be purchased on WavesofHonor.com. Offer is not available at the front gate, and parking is not included. This new offer is in addition to the park’s on-going Waves of Honor program, which offers U.S. active-duty military complimentary admission to SeaWorld for their families once a year (including the service member and up to three direct dependents). Redeemable at WavesofHonor.com

Have you been to Summer Nights at SeaWorld? If not you should check it out!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

“Star Wars” is Coming to Little Golden Books

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 10, 2015

These Little Golden books would make a great gift for the littlest Star Wars fan in your life. For the first time ever Star Wars stories will be available in child friendly format.

The first six books in this series will be released on July 28:

The Phantom Menace
Attack of the Clones
Revenge of the Sith
A New Hope
The Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi.

Check out the adorable covers:

SW little golden books 1

SW little golden books 2

SW little golden books 3

SW little golden books 4

SW little golden books 5

Star Wars A New Hope 9780736435383.m

“The Star Wars franchise has woven itself into the hearts and minds of generations of fans, many of whom read Little Golden Books as children,” said Jeanne Mosure, Senior Vice President, Group Publisher, Disney Publishing Worldwide in a release. “We’re very excited to be incorporating Little Golden Books into our overarching strategy so parents can now introduce their own children to the wonders of the galaxy through this classic format.”

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

New Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s Opens at the new Disney Springs/Downtown Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 10, 2015

An ice cold glass of freshly brewed sweet tea sounds so good in the Florida heat! Now at the new Disney Springs is, The Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s, a brand-new tea café, and is located in The Landing.

You can get loose leaf tea served hot, iced, blended, spirited or edible. Yes there will be edible tea, in the form of cookies and other treats.

The Tea Traders Cafe is modeled after a 1940s warehouse setting. This modern-meets-Old World tea café will feature teas from the finest tea gardens around the globe. Joffrey’s CEO Ted Abrams promises “complex flavor profiles” and hopes to “introduce guests to the vast world of tea that cannot be found in local grocers.”

The Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s is now open!

Sounds good!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Top 10 Hands-On Experiences for Kids at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 10, 2015

Walt Disney World offers rides and experiences like no other place on the planet. The beauty of taking your children to the parks is that in addition to the rides, Disney Imagineers really understand that kids like to touch things and get involved. From the littlest kids to even a pre-teen, there is a variety of hands-on experiences for your family to partake in…you just have to know where to look!

Here are my Top 10 Hands-On Experiences for Kids at Walt Disney World!

Enchanted Tales with Belle, Magic Kingdom- If your little one is a fan of getting involved this is the attraction for them! The Cast Members assign “roles” to the crowd and then reenact the tale of Beauty and the Beast. Participants get to meet Belle herself and Photopass photographers capture it all.
Casey Jr Splash and Soak Station, Magic Kingdom- Found towards the back of New Fantasyland in a circus themed haven. It’s the perfect place for your kids to run around and cool off in the hot sun. You may want to bring towels- your kids will get soaked!
Tomorrowland Speedway, Magic Kingdom– This attraction was always high on my wish list growing up. Not only do you get to ride in a mini race car but if your kid is over 54 inches they can drive YOU around! This is like a dream come true to the average 8 year old.
ImageWorks Lab, Epcot- After riding Journey into the Imagination you will exit right through the lab. There are all kinds of interactive experiments and musical games for your kids to play. Even the very little ones will find something to enjoy. A favorite is music conducting with Figment!
Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, Epcot- Your kids can grab a F.O.N.E. (Field Operative Notification Equipment) device from Italy, Norway or the UK and play along with the interactive mission to save the world. There is no charge for this game and it’s great way to get your older kids involved with the World Showcase.
Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, Hollywood Studios– A tried and true favorite of my family, this soft yet oversized playground is a perfect place to sit back and rest for a few minutes while the kids run around and climb blades of grass that are super-sized. All the props on this “set” are designed to make your kids feel like they are in the movie!
Jedi Training Academy, Hollywood Studios- If your kids are Star Wars fans and fall between ages 4 and 12 you’ll want to get the timing for the park and this exhibition during your visit and get there early! The Jedi training master offers light sabre training and there may be a special visit from the Dark Side.
Wilderness Explorers Experience, Animal Kingdom- Become a sworn in Wilderness Explorer like Russell from Up at the Oasis Bridge. Guests will receive a field guide of a variety of challenges to complete during their visit. There are 30 different badges to collect and though aimed at 7-10 year olds the whole family will enjoy this!
The Boneyard, Animal Kingdom- Great for very young guests (my two year old loved it and so did her 4 and 8 year old cousins!) there is plenty of fun places to crawl, climb and explore. Fashioned after a dinosaur bone excavation this fun filled playground includes some surprises. Be careful if you step in a dinosaur footprint!
Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Animal Kingdom– In the village of Harambe you will board the Wildlife Express for a quick ride and a behind the scenes tour. When you arrive at your destination there are many activities for your little explorers. Tour the Habitat Habitat! Discovery trail and get your hands on some real wildlife at the Affection Section. There are also Animal Cams and a 3D rainforest show and more inside the Conservation Station.

If your kids don’t love rides there is still so much to do! Contact me today and we can chat about planning your next magical vacation! As an Independent Travel Magcian with World of Magic Travel I can give you a FREE quote today! Follow me on Facebook or Email me!

Is A Prince Charming Live Action Movie Coming Our Way?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 9, 2015

The live action movies, Walt Disney Studios has adapted from many of our most loved fairy tales, have brought us a variety of stories with many more on the way. Some have been direct adaptations (Cinderella) some pre or sequels and there have even been movies with a different perspective to the original fairy tales (Maleficent).

To keep the momentum going, the studios are adding heroes to the list with the announcement of a Prince Charming script. Although Prince Charming has appeared several times in recent movies, Richard Madden was the perfect, Prince Charming in Cinderella, while Billy Magnussen and Chris Pine made impressive appearances as Princes in “Into the Woods”.

Still in the early stages, Prince Charming will be joining the long list of upcoming fairy tales coming to theatres in the next few years. Jungle Book on April 15, 2016 and Beauty and Beast on March 17, 2017 head the list with Pinnochio, Mulan, Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo and a sequel to Alice in Wonderland in May 2016 on the schedule. Not to be left out a live-action Tink with Reese Witherspoon in the title role is one that I can’t wait to learn more about.

Walt Disney Studios continues to keep this Entertainment Writer busy with news and excited about all the amazing magical adventures headed our way. Follow us on www.chipandco.com for all the Disney news and promotions.

Chef Arts Florida Fish Camp is Coming to Disney Springs in 2016

By

Anonymouse

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July 9, 2015

Hey fellow Disney Addicts. How are we? Good I hope. I have to say I am loving how the new Disney Springs is coming along. Have you checked it out yet? If not you totally should. Get there before Chiperoo, he may empty out the bars and restaurants especially the Indiana Jones themed one.

Back to the topic. I heard it through the grapevine that there will be a Chef Arts Florida Fish Camp on its way to Disney Springs next year. It seems to be located across from Raglan Road in The Springs area.

Art Smith has been personal chef to Oprah Winfrey, served as a judge on the TV show BBQ Pitmasters and last but not least, he has 3 award-winning cookbooks. He also operates, Table Fifty-Two in Chicago, Art and Soul in D.C. , Southern Art and bourbon Bar in Atlanta and LYFE Kitchen Palo Alto.

What do you think? Would you eat here?

No official word has been released from Disney as of yet, when they do just file this under gossip for now.

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.

Photo Credit: wdwmagic.com

A Sikh Employee Has Won the Right to Wear a Turban and Full Beard at Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 9, 2015

The ACLU has announced that a Sikh employee has won the right to wear a turban and full beard while on the job and in front of guests. You may know that Disney World has a very strict dress code, called the “Disney Look“.

He is not technically a Disney World Cast Member. He is a mail carrier named Gurdit Singh. Disney prohibited him from running mail routes where he is visible to park guests because his appearance violated their strict policy. Disney began allowing beards in 2012 but they had to be very short and neat in appearance.

Disney attorney Armando A. Rodriguez-Feo sent a letter saying they have approved Singh’s request to work “all distribution routes in the regular rotation, while wearing his turban and neatly-gathered and tied beard.

Disney has made no comment.

According to the ACLU, for 7 years Singh was restricted to delivering mail to the corporate offices only because that kept him out the sight of guests. They said that meant a mail route with more work than others. That created some problems with co-workers because he was not able to help with their routes.

What do you think?

Walt Disney Pictures “The Finest Hours” Trailer Now Available

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 9, 2015

The new Walt Disney Studios herioc thriller “The Finest Hours” has just released the trailer. Although short, it is just enough to get my heart racing and my excitement level rising. This is my kinda action, suspense, thriller that I look forward to from Disney Studios.

An all star cast including Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana heads up this true story about the four members of the coast guard who headed out in one of the worst storms to hit the East Coast to rescue 30 sailors who were trapped inside the stern of the rapidly sinking, SS Pendleton. The T-2 Tanker was making its way to Boston when it was ripped in half during a massive nor’easter storm off the coast of New England. Against all odds the men on both sides must find the strength and courage while facing death, freezing temperatures, 60-ft waves and hurricane-force winds, to survive.

Directed by Craig Gillespie and produced by Jim Whitaker and Dorothy Aufiero, The Finest Hours bring us the story of one of the most dramatic true story rescues in the history of the coast guard. Presented in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D, in U.S. theatres, January 29, 2016. Follow your Entertainment Writer, Loretta Garcia at www.chipandco.com and Disney’s The Finest Hours on Facebook.

A Whole New Tsum Tsum World

By

Danielle

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July 9, 2015

Tsum Tsum Tuesday in July brought us the Lilo and Stitch Tsum Tsum Ohana, and a sizzling sneak peak at August’s Tsum Tsum Tuesday.

Last Tsum Tsum update, I mentioned that we might be getting a taste of Arabian Nights for August, and it looks like August will not disappoint! Aladdin, Jasmine and many other characters from the Classic Disney Movie “Aladdin” will be taking a magic carpet ride to Disney Stores and Disneystore.com! 8 new Tsum Tsum friends will be headed our way, and I couldn’t be more excited! I love villains, so I’m loving that Jafar will be slithering in with our Heroes, and their companions! The Sultan, Raj, Iago, Abu and the one the only Genie will also join Jafar, Aladdin, and Jasmine. With the Aladdin Diamond Edition Blu-ray being released in October, these new plush toys are sure to be a hit!

I can’t wait to see what the sneak peek is next month, I’m hoping for a trip to Neverland, how about you?

New Star Wars App Puts the Star Wars Universe in Your Pocket

By

Danielle

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July 9, 2015

Lucasfilm and Disney Interactive have launched the official Star Wars app, a new free app featuring the Star Wars universe that immerses fans into the vast universe right on their mobile devices.

Star Wars fans can experience the world of Star Wars on their mobile devices with the new interactive app that provides breaking news, social updates, special events, and even a countdown to Star Wars: The Force Awakens. by bringing together the Star Wars universe in a familiar mobile experience, Lucasfilms and Disney interactive are giving fans a portal to access Star Wars anytime, anywhere. Not only will the app feature exclusive content, it will also share news and posts from Star Wars’ vast network of digital channels including StarWars.com, along with the official channels on social media. No Star Wars app would be complete with out customization! Choose your theme, will you choose the Light Side, Dark Side, or just hang out with the Droids? Depending on the theme you choose, there will be different designs, sounds and animations, how cool is that?

The app will update daily and in real-time.

Features include:

News: Get instant notifications on big announcements from across the franchise, including trailer releases, movie updates and game news. The news feed is fully customizable, so users can filter which platforms their updates are coming from, and which aspects of the Star Wars franchise they’re hearing about.
Augmented Reality: Bring the Star Wars universe to life by unlocking 3D characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens using an exclusive augmented reality camera feature.
Videos: Watch official Star Wars videos, including movie trailers, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and more.
Force Trainer: Wield a lightsaber and hone your skills by playing with the Force Trainer, an interactive activity where users can duel a training remote, as seen in Star Wars: A New Hope.
Star Wars “Selfie”: Take and share a Star Wars “selfie” in various iconic costumes and settings, including Jedi, Princess Leia, Han Solo’s carbon-freeze, and more.
GIFs: Share animated GIFs with friends and family of memorable scenes and characters from the Star Wars movies and TV shows, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars Rebels.
Soundboard: Play classic sound clips and sound effects from your favorite Star Wars characters, creatures, weapons, vehicles, and scenes.
Star Wars History: Discover behind-the-scenes fun facts with This Day In Star Wars History.
Weather: Get Star Wars-themed weather and five-day forecasts, featuring original art and parallax effects of in-universe planets and locales.

For those heading to San Diego Comic-con, a special augmented reality experience through the Star Wars app will be available. Head to the Lucasfilm booth (#2913-A) and find the poster featured below, and trigger a life sized correspondence with a Storm Trooper or BB-8. Attendees will also receive a limited edition version of the poster, so they can take the action home! If you can’t make it to SDCC don’t fret! You can also try a smaller version of the interaction from digital versions of the poster. Fans can record or take photos of their experience to share with family and friends! The augmented reality feature will transition over time, bringing new characters, objects and even new triggers!

Disney Finds – Dole Whip Ceramic Treasure Keeper

By

Chip

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July 9, 2015

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Who doesn’t love a Dole Whip? The blend of Ice Cream and Pineapple is delicious. I love Dole Whips so much I made a shirt – Please Stand Clear of my Dole Whip. I am not the only one, our friend Courtney at Mouse to your House loves them too. While shopping at Walt Disney World she picked up this Dole Whip Ceramic Treasure Keeper to share with our fans.

As you can see it would be perfect for those late night bowls of Ice Cream, Storage, or you can just leave it out with all your other Disney Knick Knacks. Cost is $29.

To learn more and to order yours today click here.