Best Table Service Restaurant at Each Disney World Theme Park

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June 18, 2015

Best Table Service at Disney World Parks

So this post has been a tough one to write – how do you pick just ONE Table service restaurant in each theme park and call it the “best?” To some extant it is a matter of preference but there is also atmosphere and over all experience to consider.

Because this was too big of a task to come up with on my own I turned to the Chip and Co Disney Addicts to get their opinions as well!

And the Winners Are:

Animal Kingdom: Tusker House (Africa) – One of the best character interactions in all of Walt Disney World and serving some of the best food – Tusker House is a family favorite and a must-visit on every trip for us. Join Safari Donald and the gang for a meal sure to please. This buffet style restaurant servers breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering both African and American cuisine. The theming is fantastic – you’ll feel like you really are in an African Marketplace and the food is top notch! Add to that the great character interactions you’ll experience and you can see why Tusker House is my favorite Animal Kingdom Table Service restaurant!

Hollywood Studios: 50’s Prime Time Cafe (Echo Lake) – Serving old fashioned comfort food as you sit around “Mom’s” kitchen table 50’s Prime Time Cafe is a can’t miss restaurant during your Walt Disney World vacation. The retro decor (and black and white television programs) make you feel like you’ve stepped back to a simpler time. And make sure you are on your best behavior or Mom might just come out and say “No desert for you!” My favorite meals include A Sampling of Mom’s Favorite Recipes which includes crispy fried chicken, fork tender pot roast and traditional meatloaf with all the fixings and the Chicken Pot Pie with a creamy filling and flaky crust. And no meal at 50’s Prime Time Cafe is complete without a Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake. Just make sure you clean your plate!

Epcot: Garden Grill (The Land Pavilion) – This was probably the hardest park to pick just one place from. Truthfully, the only reason I went with Garden Grill is because even though World Showcase has amazing places to eat, they really do depend on taste. Garden Grill is fairly standard (although amazing!) fare. The character interactions are beyond wonderful – you’ll have visits from Farmer Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale during you meal. Plus the restaurant revolves through scenes of the Living with the Land attraction. I’ve also had some of the best service at Garden Grill! Garden Grill serves dinner only and it is an all you care to enjoy meal served family style.

Magic Kingdom: Be Our Guest (New Fantasyland) – This one was a no-brainer! Probably the hottest dining reservation in all of Walt Disney World, enjoying a meal in the Beast’s Castle is something every Disney-goer should do once! From a prix-fixe, quick service breakfast to a quick service lunch or table service dinner, there is something for everyone at Be Our Guest. Visit all three dining rooms, the Ballroom, the West Wing and the Library – each full of Disney Magic and amazing things to see! Breakfast includes egg sandwiches and a few sweet treats, lunch is soups, salads and sandwiches and dinner includes entrees with a French flare! And don’t forget to try the grey stuff!

Want to check out these amazing restaurants? Let me help you plan a Walt Disney World vacation that includes visits to all of these delicious restaurants and more! 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!

Bungalows are Coming to Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 17, 2015

I am sure by now you have heard, or seen, the new bungalows at the Polynesian Village Resort. Even though they have a very high price tag they have been pretty popular. So it seems as though Disney has decided to make more of these same type of bungalows at Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge.

The Poly has 20 bungalows that go for around $2,100 a night but they can go up to $3,000 a night during holidays and peak days. The permits that were filed for the Wilderness Lodge are showing that they will make 26 bungalows there.

The new ones will be cut into 2 segments and will be tucked away on the sides of the resort. It seems like they are going to be out of sight so no views will get obstructed.

The Wilderness Lodge bungalows will probably keep the same outdoorsy rustic vibe that the resort has going on. They will be fully loaded. They will have full kitchens, and washing machines etc. The resort as a whole will be getting some updating. The permit documents also show other improvements coming like an improved shoreline wetlands area, updated pools and improved dining experiences.

Sounds amazing! What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney is testing new transportation for Signature Restaurants

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 17, 2015

Starting now through June 30th select guests that are staying at The Grand Floridian Resort, The Polynesian Village Resort, or The Contemporary Resort have been, or will be, asked to take part in a dining test. This dining test will provide direct transportation to other resort hotel signature restaurants.

If you are staying, or will be, staying the resorts mentioned above you are eligible to take part in the test. However, not everyone can participate. Only pre-selected guests will be be asked to participate. Disney never reveals how they pick their test subjects. I assume it is completely random.

A few signature dining locations are taking part in this test:

Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort.

If you take part in the testing you will get:

Complimentary round-trip taxi vouchers that will be delivered to your room when you arrive.

This will help Disney to better understand your interest in dining at a different resort. If the test goes well then the internal transportation system may get a few little changes in the upcoming future.

What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Jade Hassouné Cast in Shadow Hunters as Meliorn!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 17, 2015

ABC Family has cast Jade Hassouné (“Cyberbully”) as Meliorn. It was announced today by the network. Hassoune will be a recurring guest star on the series.

Based on the bestselling young adult fantasy book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, “Shadowhunters” follows 18-year-old Clary Fray, who finds out on her birthday that she is not who she thinks she is but rather comes from a long line of Shadowhunters – human-angel hybrids who hunt down demons. When her mother, Jocelyn, is kidnapped, Clary is thrown into the world of demon hunting with mysterious Shadowhunter Jace and her best friend, Simon. Now living among faeries, warlocks, vampires and werewolves, Clary begins a journey of self-discovery as she learns more about her past and what her future may hold.

Meliorn, a handsome and elegant fairy, also known as a Seelie, is a creature that is equal parts angel and demon.

“Shadowhunters” is produced by Constantin Film and executive produced by Ed Decter and McG. McG will also direct the first episode. The network has previously announced Katherine McNamara as Clary Fray, Dominic Sherwood for the role of Jace Wayland, Alberto Rosende as Simon, Emeraude Toubia as Isabelle Lightwood, Matthew Daddario as Alec Lightwood, Isaiah Mustafa as Luke Garroway and Harry Shum Jr. as Magnus Bane.

Stay tuned for more on Shadow Hunters!

Adventures by Disney Introduces New Ways to Experience Europe in 2016

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 17, 2015

Adventures by Disney, the newest and most magical wordwide vacation planners just added exciting European vacation itineraries for 2016, including an extraordinary England and France vacation, as well as additional departure dates for the recently announced all-new Danube river cruise itineraries.

Starting June 10, 2015, adventure-seeking travelers can book an enhanced England and France itinerary for 2016 that now includes even more immersive activities, such as scone making, a dragon “hunt,” a speedboat journey down the River Thames and more.

This newly reimagined England and France itinerary joins the recently announced lineup of European river cruise vacations planned for 2016, which have proved so successful that additional sail dates have now been added. On these exciting new adventures, travelers will sail down the famed Danube River to experience iconic locations and hidden gems in eight destinations across four countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

England and France Adventure

The newly enhanced 8-day, 7-night England and France adventure takes travelers to Paris to soak up art and culture in the City of Light, to London to visit the castles and cathedrals that have borne witness to historical moments both famous and infamous, and into the English countryside to enjoy splendor and serenity.

Newly reimagined elements of this itinerary include:

Tales from a Beefeater at the Tower of London
Speedboat journey down the River Thames
All-new immersive experiences in the English Countryside, including a proper high tea, scone making activity, archery, and an interactive hunt for dragons and knights at Windsor Castle

Danube River Cruise Adventure

The new Adventures by Disney 7-night, 8-day Danube River Cruise itineraries, sailing with AmaWaterways, the travel industry’s premier luxury river cruise line, offer guests the chance to discover the heart of Europe in a way that is active, immersive and easy. Now offering five sailings in the summer of 2016, as well as two holiday themed sailings in December 2016, these river cruises allow travelers to explore castle ruins in Slovakia, sip and savor wine from local vineyards in Austria, climb along a treetop path in Germany and more.

These sailings offer maximum port time in each city, arriving at dawn and departing late night. That means more time for travelers to discover the destination through guided activities and individual exploration for a customizable vacation experience.

Adventures by Disney guests will sail aboard the all-new, 170-passenger AmaViola, a river cruise ship being custom built by AmaWaterways with families in mind. New family friendly features include specific room configurations, including six sets of connecting staterooms, as well as some rooms and suites that accommodate three- and four-person families, and other exquisite details that allow families to feel luxury and comfort while onboard.

Endless shipboard activities await guests of all ages. From wine tastings, dancing, and an onboard fitness center, along with some of the finest cuisine and services, adults will feel the charm and luxury onboard. Exciting and exclusive activities for Junior Adventures include activity nights, karaoke, movies, video games, relay games, life-size chess and more. Teens will also find activities and themed nights created specifically just for them.

Adventures by Disney exclusive sailings will take place July 7-14, July 14-21, July 21-28, July 28 – Aug. 4 and Aug. 4-11, 2016. Highlights of the 8-day/7-night adventures include:

Tour of Mirabell Gardens and adventures through a salt mine (Austria)
Nighttime Illuminations Cruise (Budapest)
Horse show at Lazar Equestrian Park (Hungary)
Private marionette performance and strudel making demo at Schonbrunn Palace (Austria)
Falconry show at Hohenwerfen castle (Austria)
Oktoberfest event at a local brewery (Germany)
Themed meals and culinary activities, such as interactive goulash and strudel making
Biking in every port

Special holiday themed sailings will depart Dec. 15 and Dec. 22, 2016.

These new itineraries join a lineup of more than 30 other Adventures by Disney vacations around the globe. From exploring storybook villages on the Austria, Germany & Czech Republic vacation, to visiting the sites that inspired films such Frozen and Brave on the Norway and Scotland itineraries, there is a trip for everyone.

On every Adventures by Disney vacation, specially trained Adventure Guides, along with local experts, ensure that every detail of the vacation is expertly taken care of, allowing guests to create everlasting memories without the stress of planning. Between these guides, and myself, your vacation is just waiting for you to show up! No planning or worrying necessary.

Ready to see the world with Disney? They offer itineraries around the globe from NYC to Norway! For a free price quote and trip planning help, please email me at [email protected]. As a College of Disney Knowledge Graduate, I have studied the Adventures by Disney destinations and can match the perfect one to your family. Book your 2016 vacation today!

New to Cruising? Then you should check out the Disney Cruise Line!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 17, 2015

If you are looking for a way to change up your Disney vacations, then look no further then the Disney Cruise Line. Disney Cruise Line offers a unique vacation experience that offers entertainment and adventure that you have learned to expect and love from Disney. But…in a much more comfortable and convenient environment!

On your cruise, you and your family will visit a bunch of must-see destinations in a short amount of time, while someone else does the driving and you only have to unpack once. There are onboard activities, entertainment and dining options- most of which are included with the prices of your fare. Each evening, you will receive a newsletter in your stateroom outlining the following day and all the activities. Disney thinks of EVERYTHING!

Disney cruises offer something for everyone, whether it’s relaxing “me” time for adults, imaginative fun for the kids or exciting family activities for together time. Attention to detail and world-class hospitality can be found on each voyage, in a way that only Disney can provide.

Included with the price of your vacation are the following:

World-class accommodations
Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and more
24-hour complimentary soda, coffee and tea at the beverage station
24-hour complimentary room service
24-hour Guest Services
Wave Phones, a Disney Cruise Line technology, that allows you to call and text fellow passengers while you are onboard and at Disney’s Castaway Cay
First-run films at sea, including some in digital 3D
Broadway-quality shows and original Disney entertainment
Deck parties and fireworks at sea, on most sailings, weather permitting
A stop at Disney’s Castaway Cay, Disney’s private Bahamian island, on most sailings and reserved exclusively for Disney cruisers
Kid clubs for buccaneers ages 3+ featuring activities and entertainment
Private clubs for Tweens and Teens with programs and activities geared to them
Exclusive adult areas such as nightclubs, the fitness center and more!

To learn more about the Disney Cruise Line and find the right itinerary for your first cruise, email me at [email protected]. I’m ready to answer any and all questions you have to help your family set sail on a magical voyage! And be sure to follow me on Facebook to keep up with the latest Disney news, promotions and events!

‘Disney’s Halloween’ Celebration Plans Released for Tokyo Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 16, 2015

We have great news! Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will finally get a Halloween Celebration starting this year! Disney’s Halloween will take place from September 8th till November 1st, 2015 at both parks!

Tokyo Disneyland’s theme will be “Halloween Fair,” and will have your favorite Disney characters in their Halloween costumes. Don’t miss the “Happy Halloween Harvest” parade!

Tokyo DisneySea, will have a Villain theme. The normal magical and happy atmosphere will transform into more of a villain friendly park. There will also be a new villains show on Mediterranean Harbor.

Other events will include “Villains Halloween Party” on the American Waterfront and “Casbah Magical Treat” at the Arabian Coast section of the park.

Anyone going? Let us know in the comment box below!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Extra Magic Hours Might be a Thing of the Past

By

Anonymouse

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June 16, 2015

Hey everyone, your friendly neighborhood Disney Gossip columnist Anonymouse here. I know you have been hearing a lot from me lately, but you secretly love it! There is so much gossip swirling that I just can’t help myself. You know I live for the gossip, good or bad. This gossip is not so good. I know many of you are going to be upset but let’s remember that nothing is official until Disney says so. I digress… Extra Magic Hours might be gone in 2016! OMG!!

Yes, I said it, Extra Magic Hours might be gone next year. That is probably the best selling point and perk to staying on property! It was told to me by a trusted source that the Travel Agent provisional operating hours schedule that only they get does not include EMH for 2016. Now this could be an oversight on Disney’s behalf, because people do make mistakes. Or it could be that EMH will no longer be a perk of staying on property. If this does happen I suspect more people will stay off property.

You didn’t see this from me.

Extra Magic Hours have been a perk for quite a little while now, since 2004 I think. Through the years they have been scaled back here and there. So maybe that was an indication. Who knows.

What do you think about this latest gossip? Do you think Disney is going to drop Extra Magic Hours? Would you still stay on site if they do? Let us know in the comment box below.

Any who 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.

Star Wars Fans Rejoice Because Boba Fett will Join Disney Infinity 3.0

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 16, 2015

Disney Interactive, Lucasfilm and Sony announced that Boba Fett will be joining Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition as part of a new limited edition offering. The Star Wars Saga Starter Pack for PlayStation4 and PlayStation3 computer entertainment systems will be the only place that fans will be able to play as Boba Fett in Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition through the holidays, and will also allow fans to get the Star Wars Rise Against the Empire Play Set nearly a month before it hits store shelves. As part of the announcement, the company also debuted the world premiere of the official trailer for the Star Wars Rise Against the Empire Play Set.

Check it out:

One of the most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy, Boba Fett will use his martial arts skills and blaster rifle to help the Galactic Empire hunt and track down prey. Instantly playable in the updated and enhanced Disney Infinity 3.0 Toy Box, Boba Fett is also unlockable in all of the Star Wars Play Sets.

The limited edition exclusive Sony offering includes:

Star Wars Saga Starter Pack for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 (SRP: $114.99):

(1) Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition video game software
(1) Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic Play Set piece, (1) Ahsoka Tano figure, (1) Anakin Skywalker figure
(1) Star Wars Rise Against the Empire Play Set piece, (1) Luke Skywalker figure, (1) Princess Leia figure
(1) Boba Fett figure
(1) Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition base
(1) Web Code card (unlocks content for PC/mobile)

Additional Star Wars Play Sets will be available for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition and sold separately this holiday, including Star Wars Rise Against the Empire and Star Wars The Force Awakens™. In addition, players will be able to unlock the ability for all Star Wars characters to play inside all of the Star Wars Play Sets, as well as in the newly enhanced Toy Box, along with all characters previously released for Disney Infinity. The game is rated E10+ by the ESRB and will be available this fall.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Finds – Mickey & Minnie Sun Shade for your car

By

Chip

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June 16, 2015

Looking on Amazon this week I found these 2 adorable Car Sun Shades. Both are under $25 and perfect for dark colored cars like mine. I notice a huge difference when putting up my sunshade in my car even if its only for a few minutes. Check out the links below to learn more.

Do you use a sunshade in your car? Let us know in the comment box below.

ABC Launches “Summer of Creativity” Initiative!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 16, 2015

2015 06 15 21 16 17 Summer of Creativity Grants Apply by August 10 YouTube

Disney | ABC Television Group is mobilizing its division-wide resources to champion the potential of young, socially conscious individuals and their creative approach to strengthening their communities and changing the world. Through its newly launched “Summer of Creativity” initiative, Disney | ABC Television Group will commit programming content and public service announcements highlighting how creativity and action can inspire a better future. Disney | ABC Television Group will also fund over 100 Youth Service America grants to support individual youth-led projects that help make communities greener, safer, smarter, healthier or cleaner. Winners will receive $500 “Summer of Creativity” grants. More information, including the grant application with an August 10, 2015 deadline, is available at www.YSA.org/BeInspired.

During the week of July 13, several non-profit organizations that take creative approaches to building stronger communities will be showcased on ABC programs including “Good Morning America.”

Disney | ABC Television Group’s David Ambroz, Executive Director, Corporate Citizenship and Social Responsibility, said, “Across Disney, our concern for kids and families extends beyond their entertainment to the communities in which they live. Through our group’s powerful reach and impact, we can inspire and support individuals to create change in their lives and the world around them.”

A special one-hour broadcast, hosted by superstar Selena Gomez, originating from Free the Children’s “We Day” 2015 event in Chicago, will spotlight young change makers that embody the “Summer of Creativity.” The special will be presented Friday, August 21 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on ABC.

To invite applicants for the Youth Service America grants, Disney | ABC Television Group will showcase the “Summer of Creativity” initiative in its programming content and via public service announcements across its cable, broadcast and online platforms, including ABC Primetime, ABC News, ABC Family, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Radio Disney and related WATCH apps. ABC’s eight owned television stations and participating ABC affiliates will award Youth Service America grants to non-profit organizations that offer creativity-based programs.

Stay tuned for more!

Radio Disney Country to launch this fall!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 16, 2015

radio disney logo 2

Radio Disney will launch Radio Disney Country, a modern, multi-platform country music-focused network for families, this fall. It was announced at CMA Fest by Phil Guerini, Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Radio Disney, who was accompanied by country music’s youngest rising stars Hunter Hayes, Maddie & Tae and Kelsea Ballerini. The 24/7 network will feature chart-bound young artists and today’s biggest country hits, including Florida Georgia Line, Hunter Hayes, Maddie & Tae, The Band Perry, Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett and RaeLynn.

“Country music continues to grow in popularity among tweens and teens. As a trusted name in family entertainment, Radio Disney is delighted to introduce a new music outlet dedicated to country music and expand upon the engaging content we successfully deliver through Radio Disney’s multi-platform network,” said Guerini.

The channel launch will coincide with the 2015 Country Music Association Awards in November and will live on the Radio Disney App, as well as on third party digital platforms. Multi-platform offerings will include music videos, in-studio interviews and performances.

“I am so excited about Radio Disney launching a country channel,” said Ballerini. “It’s so cool to get a new generation and a new group of ears on my music…and all of the awesome music coming out of Nashville. I think it will be great for the format, it’s been great for me, and I’m hopeful to do more with them in the future.”