Top 5 Gift Shops at Downtown Disney

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June 30, 2015

Walt Disney World isn’t just parks and resorts! If you haven’t spent some quality time shopping at Downtown Disney (soon to be renamed “Disney Springs”) you’re missing out. With 58 stores, restaurants that serve up quick service, sit down meals and desserts you’ll always have something to do. Plus it’s all rapidly expanding to offer even more places to shop. Set aside some time to browse the area, especially my Top 5 Favorite Shops!

World of Disney– If this wasn’t my favorite I know you’d all be questioning my credibility! It’s the largest Disney merchandise store in the world. This wonder of the World has 12 rooms with everything from kitchenware to clothing to a location of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!
Disney’s Days of Christmas– Regardless of a visit in May or December this shop is a must. You’ll be able to stock up on ornaments and accessories and stockings to deck your halls as you wish! Chose nearly any ornament sold in the store and you can have it expert and beautifully personalized for a fee on site. Quick tip: make this one of your first stops so you can have your order personalized while you shop and pick up your finished items later!
The LEGO Store- Holy LEGOs. This place has so many options for purchase and play! Your kids can build at stations outside the store to “test out” some of the products. My favorite part of this spot is the amazing LEGO figures constructed outside. Get your picture taken by a larger-than-life sea serpent coming right out of the water or with Buzz and Woody- all built entirely of LEGOs!
Goofy’s Candy Company- If you have a sweet tooth make sure this is on your shopping list! You can purchase prepackaged candies and novelties if you’re in a hurry or want to take items to go. However, the fun starts when you order from the custom menu! Items including gingerbread cookies, Rice Krispie treats, pretzels, apples or marshmallows. You then chose the dip- caramel, dark or milk chocolate- and then the topping! Crushed cookies, M&Ms, coconut and walnuts to name just a few.
The Art of Disney- Though many items within this shop will be under the “Splurge List” there is always a chance to pick up a souvenir for a good price here. Limited edition prints, cels and figurines are all available here. If you would like a nice piece of art to add to your collection this is the place to go.

BONUS: Basin- You can’t walk through the Downtown Disney Marketplace without passing through Basin (if not a whole shopping spree!). You’ll find fabulous bath bombs, specially designed soaps, shampoos and all other things beauty here. You’ll feel like a million bucks just by walking through the doors!

With so many wonderful shops it’s hard to narrow down favorites! Where do you go first? Which ones do you pass by?

Autumn here, with World of Magic Travel! When I’m not reading, writing or thinking about Disney I’m planning trips for my clients! Contact me today to discuss your 2015 or even 2016 dream vacation! Email me or follow me on Facebook!

Disneyland Resort Generates $5.7 Billion for the California Economy

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 29, 2015

An independent study recently concluded that the Disneyland Resort generates $5.7 billion annually for the Southern California economy. The study was conducted by Arduin, Laffer & Moore Econometrics, they also concluded that the Disneyland Resort contributes more than $370 million in state and local taxes.

As Orange County’s largest employer with 28,000 cast members, the Disneyland Resort has been an economic engine for Southern California for 60 years, drives 80 percent of hotel occupancy in Anaheim, and accounts for one-third of all Anaheim Transient Occupancy Tax revenue.

“The Disneyland Resort has demonstrated its ability to grow amidst lukewarm growth in the State of California since the theme park’s last economic impact analysis was conducted for fiscal year 2009. As a prime example of its impressive growth performance, total employment at the Disneyland Resort grew at a rate of 34.3 percent between fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2013, far faster than the 6.7 percent employment growth for the State of California during the same period,” said Ford Scudder, chief operating officer at ALME.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Just a Reminder Selfie Sticks Are Now Banned at Disney World and Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 29, 2015

Just a friendly reminder that selfie sticks will be under a universal ban as of June 30th, 2015.

First Disney banned selfie sticks on the rides but that was not enough because they were still having problems with people using them on rides, and causing incidents in the parks. So Disney decided to ban them all together last week. You can not even enter the park with a selfie stick. You will have to leave with it or you can leave it at guest services and then come back and pick it up on your way out.

How do you feel about the ban? Let us know in the comment box below.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Spider-Man: New Actor and Director All Wrapped Up

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 29, 2015

A new actor is swinging into the role of ‪‎Spider-Man after much debate about who would play the hero after Marvel made a deal with Sony back in February. After a world wide search Sony ‪Pictures and Marvel Studios have found a new face to hide behind the web-slingers mask as well as a director for the next film.

Newcomer Tom Holland has been cast as Spidey and Jon Watts is set to direct the Next Spider-Man film. Holland is best known for 2012’s “The Impossible” and is also starring in Ron Howard’s upcoming film “In the Heart of the Sea.” Directing credits for Watts include “Cop Car,” the upcoming thriller that made its debut earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival.

The two may be fairly unknown, but Sony and Marvel are happy with their selections. Commenting on the announcement, Tom Rothman, Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group Chairman, said,

“It’s a big day here at Sony. Kevin, Amy and their teams have done an incredible job. The Marvel process is very thorough, and that’s why their results are so outstanding. I’m confident Spider-Man will be no exception. I’ve worked with a number of up-and-coming directors who have gone on to be superstars and believe that Jon is just such an outstanding talent. For Spidey himself, we saw many terrific young actors, but Tom’s screen tests were special. All in all, we are off to a roaring start.”

Sony and Marvel were looking for a talented young actor capable of embodying one of the most well known characters in the world and they believe with Tom Holland they have found the perfect actor to bring Spider-Man’s story into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The next installment of the $4 billion Spider-Man franchise will be financed and released by Sony Pictures in IMAX and 3D on July 28, 2017. The film will be co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. They plan to spin a new web and collaborate together on a new creative direction for the iconic hero

Marvel Studios has also officially confirmed that Tom Holland’s will make his first onscreen appearance in the role of Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War scheduled for release May 6, 2016.

Animal Kingdom No Longer Selling Animal Poop Treats Due to Guest Complaints

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 29, 2015

Well very shortly after Zuri’s Sweet Shop, located at Harambe Village in the Animal Kingdom, opened they had to stop selling animal poop treats. Sounds odd right?

In case you have not heard they were selling various types of animal poop treats. Ok, not actual animal poop. Edible and yummy treats that are made to look like animal poop. There was an overwhelming amount of complaints about the poop shaped treats, so Disney pulled it from the shelves.

Some guests that complained used words like, disgusting, classless, not Disney friendly etc. I suspect they might re-appear for a limited time here and there in the future but I think it is safe to say they are gone. As you can imagine, this is causing mixed reactions.

How do you feel about the treats being pulled from the shelves? Don’t you think it’s pretty crappy?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

STAR WARS REBELS: Complete Season One on Blu-ray and DVD September 1st

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 29, 2015

You won’t have to “force” anyone to watch this one! The release of “Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season One” on Blu-ray and DVD has been confirmed by Disney and Lucasfilm and will be on store shelves September 1st. It will contain all 15 action-packed episodes plus never-before-seen bonus material and cast and crew interviews revealing the magic behind the making of Disney XD’s hit series.

In the first groundbreaking season of Star Wars Rebels, young hero Ezra Bridger joins the clever but motley crew of the starship Ghost in their resistance against the Empire. As the series begins, Imperial forces have occupied a remote planet, ruling with an iron fist and ruining the lives of its people. Ezra and his new rebel friends — Hera, Kanan, Sabine, Zeb and Chopper — embark on daring adventures in their fight against oppression across the galaxy, receiving help from familiar heroes such as Lando Calrissian, Ahsoka Tano, and Jedi Master Yoda. Pursued relentlessly by the Imperials and a Jedi hunter called the Inquisitor, this tenacious ragtag band of rebels will find itself in the crosshairs of none other than Darth Vader when season one closes in a shocking two-part finale.

Star Wars Rebels is created by Dave Filoni (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars”), Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Sherlock Holmes”), and Carrie Beck. The Lucasfilm Animation production is also executive-produced by Filoni and Kinberg as well as Greg Weisman (“Gargoyles”).

Featuring the voices of Freddie Prinze Jr. (“I Know What You Did Last Summer”) as Kanan, Vanessa Marshall (TV’s “Young Justice”) as Hera, Steve Blum (“The Boxtrolls”) as Zeb, Tiya Sircar (“The Internship”) as Sabine, Taylor Gray (TV’s “Bucket and Skinner’s Epic Adventures”) as Ezra, David Oyelowo (“Selma”) as Agent Kallus and Jason Isaacs (“Harry Potter”) as the Inquisitor.

Bonus Features:

Blu-ray:
Rebels Infiltrates Star Wars Celebration (Exclusive to Blu-ray)
Season One shorts: “The Machine in the Ghost,” “Art Attack,” “Entanglement,” “Property of Ezra Bridger”
All DVD Bonus (see below)

DVD:
Rebels Recon: 14 behind-the-scenes featurettes
Star Wars Rebels – The Ultimate Guide
Star Wars Rebels Season 2 – A Look Ahead

Coming Soon! Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Monster Musical

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Danielle

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June 29, 2015

Just in time For Halloween Disney Junior’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Monster Musical “creeping onto shelves on DVD September 8th, 2015! This new full length adventure is available for pre-order now!

Put on your favorite Halloween costume and get set for a spooktacular full-length adventure. Visit the creaky castle of kindly “Count Mickula” and help your Clubhouse pals solve a puzzling riddle: Who, or what, is making a curious clanging, banging noise? With the right Monster Mouseketools and help from YOU, this mystery will soon be history! Then, enjoy two more exciting episodes as you search for pirate treasure with Captain Mickey and don your dungarees for delightful fun down on the farm. Packed with singing, dancing, laughter and surprises, Mickey’s Monster Musical is a high-spirited treat that can’t be beat.

This haunting new DVD contains Mickey’s Monster Musical, Part 1 & 2 and Mickey’s Pirate Adventure, Part 1 & 2 and Mickey’s Farm Fun Fair! PLUS an exclusive Trick-or-Treat Mini Tote! I know what I’ll be collecting Halloween candy in this year!

Voice Cast:

Bret Iwan as Mickey
Russi Taylor as Minnie Mouse
Bill Farmer as Goofy and Pluto
Tony Anselmo as Donald Duck
Tress MacNeille as Daisy Duck.

Director: Donovan Cook

Executive Producer: Rob LaDuca

Producer and Story Editor: Mark Seidenberg

Be sure to check out Mickey Mouse Club House online and on the Disney Junior App. All episodes are now available!

Disney Finds – Disney Princess Castle Cutting Board

By

Chip

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June 29, 2015

I am always looking for Disney Kitchen items, from Mickey Pancake Molds, Reusable Mickey Ice Cubes, and much more. While browsing on Etsy I came across this very cool item from LetsEngrave, a Personalized Disney Themed Princess Castle Cutting Board. You can choose from Beech and Bamboo wood and is treated with Mineral Oil so it will last. One of the things I love the best is how you can customize it to make it your own. This would also make an excellent gift for weddings and birthdays too!

Beech wood will run you $32 and bamboo will set you back $38 which is not bad for a customized item.

If the castle isn’t you think you can always opt for old timey Mickey & Minnie Mouse or classic Mickey & Minnie.

LetsEngrave has a ton of designs so head over and check them out.

Top 5 Attractions that I Hope Never Close at Epcot

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 29, 2015

With all the changes coming to Walt Disney World in the next few years, there are some attractions that I hope do not change.

Here are my top 5 attractions that I hope never close at Epcot.

Ellen’s Energy Adventure: Many would call this attraction outdated, but I thoroughly enjoy the wit and humor of this show. Going back in time with Ellen Degeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy – who could refuse an opportunity like that? I agree that this attraction could use a bit of updating, but I hope that Disney will not change it too much in the years to come.

Soarin’: This attraction definitely has a loyal fan base! Soarin’ at Epcot is one of my favorite rides at Disney World. I love the feeling of soaring over California and smelling the orange groves, pine trees, and ocean air. Although it’s rumored that Soarin’ may be getting a new video, I welcome the change as long as the attraction keeps going.

Spaceship Earth: “If you can read this, thank the Phoenicians!” Spaceship Earth is so iconic – it’s housed in Epcot’s Park Icon after all! I love the cool, dark atmosphere and learning about the past, and the future. I always get a good laugh at the end of the ride as my ride-mate and I see our faces come to life on the screen and act out a possible future as we journey through the last leg of our trip. I really hope they don’t change a thing with this classic attraction.

Living with the Land: Another attraction where you can learn something; Living with the Land shows guests a bit of behind the scenes magic. Providing guests with a close up view of the food being grown that helps to supply the different restaurants of the Parks, it’s a great opportunity to think a little more about where all of our food comes from. Again, I feel that this could use a bit of updating, but overall, I hope the attraction stays basically the same.

Test Track: I was nervous with the last refurbishment of Test Track, but of course, Disney did an amazing job to update this attraction and add a hands-on aspect for guests. I like building my own test car and competing with my ride-mates to see who can build the better vehicle. This attraction will have to continuously be updating as technology and automotive trends progress, but I think that Disney is more than up to the task of making sure this attraction becomes a classic.

Did I cover your favorites as well? What 5 Epcot favorites would you like to see stick around? Let us know if the comments!

In case you missed my series here are my other posts:

Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.

Don’t Miss The Hollywood Premiere of “Ant-Man”

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 28, 2015

Marvel”s Ant-Man World Premiere is coming to Hollywood – Monday, June 29th. Marvel would like to invite the world to watch LIVE as your favorite stars of one of the best Marvel movie ever, arrive at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

Tune in this Monday, June 29, 2015 at 6:00 pm (PT) / 9:00 pm (ET) for the live stream and don’t miss the debut clip of Marvel’s Ant-Man at the end.

Marvel’s Contest of Champions is sponsoring this incredible opportunity to hear from the film’s cast, including, Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Judy Greer, Michael Peña, David Dastmalchian, Tip (T.I) Harris, Director, Peyton Reed, Producer, Kevin Feige and many more.

Co-hosted by Marvel.com’s Tamara Krinsky and Lorraine Cink, we will also be able to see and hear from special guests: James Gunn, Karen Gillan, Frank Grillo, Maximiliano Hernandez, Thomas Kretschmann, Chloe Bennet, Shaun Toub, Ty Simpkins, J. August Richards, Neal McDonough, Adrianne Palicki, Enver Gjokaj, Garry Brown, Tara Butters, Dave Callaham, Chris Dingess, Michele Fazekas, Drew Pearce, Eric Pearson, Doug Petrie, Marco Ramirez, Melissa Rosenberg, Jon Spaihts, Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon, Sara White, Nicole Perlman, Cheo Coker, Tim Heidecker and more!

Follow chipandco.com and Ant-man on Facebook (facebook.com/antman) for all the exciting fun and updates from your favorite Marvel movies.

Marvel’s “Ant-Man” opens in theatres, July 17th. Don’t miss this action packed and very funny, movie. One of the best yet!

Disneyland’s New Innoventions Rumored to Open in November

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 28, 2015

One of my favorite places to visit is Disneyland’s Innoventions in Tomorrowland. Here my family and I spend hours enjoying all the fun and exciting exhibits and things to do in the 2 story building. Last March, Disney closed the exhibit hall and rumors began as to what would become of location.

One of the most popular rumors is that Disney will re-open the hall with a Star Wars/Marvel theme. This rumor stems from the fact that Disneyland’s Innoventions has already included several meet and greets with Marvel characters, including Iron Man, Capt. America and one of my personal favorites, Thor on the second floor of the building. The new make-over could add to the above and could include some of the more popular and recent characters, including Starlord and Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy who have appeared at the park and I hope, Ant-Man (which premieres in theatres July 17th) and is one of the best Marvel movies yet.

As for the Star Wars section, with space to incorporate a theme on each floor, I can imagine that Disney would take the first floor and bring in favorites like Han Solo, C3PO, R2-D2 and Chewbacca and of course, the Stormtroopers roaming around.

While the final designs are still not revealed, this Entertainment Reporter can’t wait for the re-opening in November to see what magic, Disney has come up with for the all new Innoventions.

Come down and join me for a few days at the “Happiest Place on Earth” and enjoy all the 60th Anniversary celebrations.

Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Secret Warrior?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 28, 2015

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will be introducing new friends and enemies in the third season by adding “Secret Warriors” to the show. The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D will quickly discover they are not the only ones battling the Inhumans, when Director Coulson assembles an extraordinary new team.

To introduce the Secret Warriors, ABC and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D will be hosting a special event at San Diego Comic-Con. Beginning Thursday, July 9th through Saturday, July 11th, S.H.I.E.L.D ambassadors will be looking for the biggest fans and giving them a limited edition “Secret Warriors” pin.

Fans lucky enough to be “recruited” at Comic-Con will have to complete their first mission by posting a selfie wearing the pin on social media using the hashtag #SHIELDSecretWarriors.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D cast members will then select their favorite pictures and post on the show’s official Twitter page, @AgentsofSHIELD

Don’t miss your chance to be chosen as a “Secret Warrior” at Comic-Con. Find out all about the “Secret Warriors” and exciting new season updates at the “Marvel Television Presents” panel at the San Diego Comic-Con, Friday, July 10th starting at 3:00 pm.

Follow the S.H.I.E.L.D ambassadors @AgentsofSHIELD and chipandco.com for more news and information.

Loretta Garcia, Entertainment Writer for www.chipandco.com, bringing you the latest and greatest Marvel news