Best Quick Service Restaurants: Disney Parks Edition

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June 7, 2015

With so many choices in each Disney World park for Quick Service, it’s hard to know where to go. I like to go to certain ones that I KNOW are good instead of just opt for the nearest place with a menu.

I have tried almost all of the Quick Service spots in the Parks, and this list is strictly my opinion (and my children’s, because if they’re happy I’m happy, right?!) I’m going to leave Be Our Guest off the list because it’s not a quick-serve since it requires a reservation. This list also doesn’t include any Resort Restaurants. Reminder: QS means any food court, walk up restaurant, fast food, counter service, etc.

Magic Kingdom:

EPCOT:

Hollywood Studios:

Pizza Planet
Starring Rolls

Animal Kingdom

We eat most of our lunches in the Parks at QS spots. Two reasons- by mid-day we are in full Park-Mode and don’t want to spend a lot of time eating. Second, we like to save our Table Service Credits for a nice breakfast buffet OR a fine dining character meal. I do like to stop at a Bakery such as Gaston’s Tavern or Main Street Bakery for brunch sometimes too. They have snack and QS credit options like Gaston’s amazing vinnamon rolls!

*Bonus Tips for QS restaurants:

Kids can often split an adult-sized meal
Take baggies for leftovers
You get a drink and dessert too
Order a bottled water so you can take it with you when you leave
If you aren’t that hungry, just order a la carte, just the sandwich, with no sides or dessert

What is your favorite Quick Service Spot?

If you are new to Disney World Trip Planning and wold like some expert advice and free price quotes, please contact me. I would love to be your personal Travel Specialist and work with you to plan your magical getaway! Email me today at [email protected] or click HERE to follow me on Facebook for more planning tips and giveaways!

Inside Out Trailer Gives Us A Look At Our Emotions

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 7, 2015

Disney Pixar’s original new movie “Inside Out” is coming to theaters later this month. To make the wait easier, Disney has shared a new trailer where we can get a glimpse inside Headquarters and meet the emotions who live there. Eleven year old Riley is your typical tween who’s family has just moved to San Francisco causing a bit of emotional upheaval. To keep things in control, Riley’s 5 emotions work hard to try to keep things under control at Headquarters (the control center inside Riley’s head). Each emotion has a special duty: Joy (voice ofAmy Poehler), whose mission is to make sure Riley stays happy. Fear (voice of Bill Hader) heads up safety, Anger (voice of Lewis Black) ensures all is fair and Disgust (voice of Mindy Kaling) prevents Riley from getting poisoned—both physically and socially. The 5th emotion, Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith) isn’t exactly sure what her role is, and frankly, neither is anyone else. When Joy and Sadness are swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind—taking some of her core memories with them—Fear, Anger and Disgust are left reluctantly in charge. Will Joy and Sadness get back to Headquarters or be lost in the far corners of Riley’s mind forever? Don’t miss the movie premiere in theaters, June 19th.

Loretta Garcia, Entertainment Writer for Chipandco.com sharing all the news and movie updates.

Florida Senator Wants Disney Investigated for Outsourcing

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 6, 2015

Florida Senator Bill Nelson wants Disney investigated by Homeland Security for their recent lay off of 250 people and replacing them with tech workers from India through a visa program. Senator Nelson wrote to the Dept of Homeland Security after he read an article about it.

“I plan on delving further into this issue in the Senate and request that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also investigate potential misuses of the H-1B visa program. I want to know if there are abuses going on in the system.” -Senator Nelson.

Many laid off workers reported they felt humiliated by having to come to work everyday and knowing they had to train their replacements. Which also served as a reminder that they would be out of a job in a few months. Disney is supposed to be magical but yet these people dreaded going to work everyday. I could only imagine how they felt.

In case you are wondering: Congress created the H1B visa program in 1990 to allow a limited number of high-tech workers to enter America in order to fill jobs with a shortage of U.S. workers.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected. We hope everything works out for them!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

PBS to Air Walt Disney Documentary

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 6, 2015

PBS new season will be pretty good because they will air a documentary about the man himself, Walt Disney! The Walt Disney Company gave producers “unprecedented access” to material from the archives, Hoppe said, even though the company was not given any oversight of the show’s research or execution. “It’s a warts-and-all biography,” The documentary will reportedly show all sides of the legend known as Walt Disney. The show will debut on Monday, September 14th at 9pm/8pm central and the second part will air the next day.

Check out the trailer:

I know I will watch! How about you?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition: Star Wars Rise Against the Empire

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 6, 2015

Disney Interactive released new information and assets for Star Wars™ Rise Against the Empire, one of three Star Wars Play Sets to be released for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition this year. Developed by Studio Gobo, in partnership with Avalanche Software, the game takes iconic moments inspired by the original Star Wars trilogy, Episodes IV-VI.

Star Wars Rise Against the Empire will take players on galaxy-spanning missions with legendary Jedi Luke Skywalker, Rebel leader Princess Leia Organa, heroic smuggler Han Solo and his trusty co-pilot Chewbacca to help defeat Darth Vader and overthrow the evil Galactic Empire.

Non-stop, action-packed adventure awaits players as they explore open world planets like Tatooine on foot or on a Bantha, take down AT-AT walkers aboard a snowspeeder on Hoth, out-maneuver stormtroopers on a speeder bike on Endor, and partake in epic space battles in an X-wing starfighter to destroy the Death Star.

The Star Wars Rise Against the Empire Play Set includes Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa figures. Han Solo, Chewbacca and Darth Vader will be available and sold separately.

Two additional Star Wars Play Sets will be available for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition this holiday, including Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic 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 Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic Play Set, rated E10+ by the ESRB, is included in the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack available this fall for $64.99, which also includes the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Base, Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker character figures, and a web code card that unlocks content for PC and mobile devices.

A Play Set based on Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film Inside Out and a Marvel Play Set featuring Hulkbuster, Ultron, and other Marvel characters will also be available. Additional Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition figures and Play Sets will be announced in the coming months.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney World’s Policy Regarding Character Confidentiality is Being Questioned

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 6, 2015

A Union rep from Disney World Performers is challenging a policy they have in place that forbids the characters performers from saying what character they portray online and in print media.

They have always not been a fan of a character performer revealing what character they play in the parks. Disney is very big on not killing the magic. When you work there they make sure that it is very well known that under no circumstances are you to ruin the magic for any reason.

They have now put in writing that cast members are not to disclose online or in any kind of media, including social media, print publications or TV — what characters they play in the parks. Disney called it “proprietary information.”

The Union has filed a grievance with Disney’s labor relations department last week. They will also file an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. They say this change was never negotiated.

This could interfere with what a cast member does on their day off and possibly what they could or could not include on a resume for a future job. This list goes on.

Fun fact: There are more than 1,200 costumed character cast members at Disney world. That includes fur characters and face characters.

What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Top Mid-Day Break Spots at Hollywood Studios

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 6, 2015

Hollywood Studios has been undergoing some serious changing and re-branding this past year. With the upcoming name change, the closing of Studio Backlot Tour, and the removal of the Sorcerer’s Hat, it’s hard to keep up with all the changes. But, I love the movies, and this park will always be near and dear to my heart. In between running to Toy Story Midway Mania, plummeting down through the Tower of Terror, and racing to the gig on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, sometimes I need a break! Here are my top picks for mid-day break spots at Hollywood Studios.

Magic of Disney Animation: This attraction is completely indoors, air-conditioned, and laid back. Perfect for a mid-day break from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. The attraction begins in a cozy theatre where Mushu hosts an informative and fun presentation on Disney animation. After the brief show, there is a section with interactive displays, a place where you can use your voice to bring a character to life, and for the inner artist, a place where you can try your hand at painting. Located throughout the building are opportunities for character meet and greets. Currently, you can meet Baymax and Hiro from Big Hero 6, Minnie Mouse, Sorcerer Mickey, and Doc McStuffins.

One Man’s Dream: Added during the 100 Years of Magic, this attraction houses never before seen memorabilia, and takes you through the journey of Walt Disney’s life. You are able to tour the displays at your leisure, much like a museum. The tour finishes with a film that features rare footage that was collected specifically for this attraction. I love this attraction for a mid-day break because it is rarely busy, it is air conditioned, and it provides some Disney education. This is also a great place to escape an afternoon rain storm because you are able to linger as long as you like.

Echo Lake: Located near the center of Hollywood Studios, this mini-lake is a great place to sit and just relax. There are many quick-service restaurants and food carts around this area, so grab a Mickey Premium Bar, scout out some shade, and enjoy the breeze while people watching.

Writer’s Stop: This little bookstore and coffee shop is tucked away in a little corner of Hollywood Studios. This is a great mid-day break spots for adults looking for a little break. Grab a coffee, or a bottled beverage, and seriously consider the Carrot Cake cookie. Find a nice, comfy chair, and recharge for the rest of your day. The theming of this shop, and the uncrowded atmosphere will make it feel as if you are a local, living at Disney World, visiting your favorite coffee joint.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid: Take a mid-day trip under the sea and enjoy the cool, dark theatre of Voyage of the Little Mermaid. This 15 minute show uses live action puppetry to really make you feel a part of Ariel’s world. This is the perfect attraction to kick back and rest your feet while still enjoying all that Hollywood Studios has to offer.

It’s all about lights, cameras, and action in Hollywood, but there are still plenty of places to sneak away for a quick break. On your next visit, I hope you will enjoy some of these mid-day break spots. Where do you like to relax at Hollywood Studios? Let us know!

Be sure to check out all 4 of my Mid Day Break Spot articles; Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

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.

Condor Flats at Disney California Adventure Becomes Grizzly Peak Airfield

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 5, 2015

Condor Flats at Disney California Adventure has received a makeover. The test pilot’s airstrip is now called Grizzly Peak Airfield. The area now has more of a national park feel that fits in better with the timber and mining company theme of Grizzly River Run and the campground feel of Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

Soarin’ Over California has become more of a smokejumper firefighter’s headquarters and the restaurant next door (formerly the Taste Pilot’s Grill) is now the Smokejumper’s Grill which pays tribute to firefighters who battle remote wildfires in California. Even the music in Soarin’ Over California’s queue has changed. It’s now more of a nature film soundtrack and less of a jet fighter anthem.

Humphrey’s Service & Supplies, the one gift shop in the now Grizzly Peak Airfield, remains mostly the same. There are a few nods to Smokey Bear and camping along with the standard Disney souvenirs. One of the great additions to this area is parked next to Humphrey’s-a powder yellow Rambler station wagon with a canoe strapped to the top and camping gear stuffed inside. It makes you feel as if you’re on a mountain retreat.

There are other less noticeable changes and touches. The cement runway of Condor Flats is now a weathered mountain road. A new billboard proclaims Grizzly Peak the “Land of Scenic Wonders”, and a propeller plane has been repainted with park service logos. Even the bathrooms have received a more naturalistic color scheme of browns and greens.

The renovation of Condor Flats has turned two smaller lands into one bigger land. Grizzly Peak Airfield is now a part of the serene Grizzly Peak area of Disney California Adventure. Be sure to visit this new land, especially if you’d like to be whisked away to a rustic retreat! For help booking your next Disneyland Resort vacation, contact me today!

*All photos courtesy of Disney Parks Blog*

Jiko Wine Dinner June 11, 2015

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 5, 2015

Jiko is pleased to announce their next wine dinner on Thursday June 11, 2015. The host will be Peter Clinton of Cederberg and Fairvalley wines!

Thursday June 11, 2015

6:00PM Reception – Asante Terrace
6:30PM Dinner – Jiko Cape Town Wine Room
Dress Code – Business Casual Evening Attire

$160 inclusive of tax and gratuity.

Chef is still finalizing the menu, but here is a preview of what will be included!

Reception: Fig and Apple Stuffed Quail, Nigerian Spices, Rocket Cured Fish, Carolina Gold Rice Beet Panakoeke, Mushroom Duxelle

Fairvalley Chenin Blanc

First Course: Pheasant

Cederberg Shiraz

Second Course: Tuna Three Ways: Tuna Frikadelle, Saffron Tomato Sauce; Mitmita-spiced Seared Tuna, Peppadew-lemon Coulis; Bhuna Masala-infused Ahi Poke, Pickled Hearts of Palm and Sweet Peppers, Petite Greens

Fairvalley Pinotage

Third Course: Rooibos Salad, Local Greens, Goat Cheese, California Peaches

Cederberg Chenin Blanc

Entree: Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin

Cederberg Cabernet Sauvignon

Dessert: Stone Fruit in Brik, Corn Panacotta, Corn Custard, Summer Berries

Cederberg Bukettraube

For reservations please contact

Victoria Thompson [email protected]

Reservations will be on a first come basis. A credit card is required to guarantee the reservation, and there is a 3 day cancellation policy.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Theme Park Attendance Goes Up at Universal, Plummets at SeaWorld

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 5, 2015

Last year’s Theme Park attendance numbers have been released. Disney did great, of course. Universal’s numbers also went up. SeaWorld’s number went down.

These numbers are according to the 2014 TEA/AECOM Theme and Museum Index report.

Universal Studios attendance went up 17% from 2013 to 2014
SeaWorld Orlando attendance went down by 8%
The Magic Kingdom had a 4% attendance gain. Magic Kingdom is still number 1 in the world!
Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom had a 2% increase

Disney lost about 2% of its market share in Orlando to Universal. Overall attendance at Orlando’s “big three” went up by 6%.

Universal Studios Florida saw a high percentage gain in visitors. This year’s increase of 17 percent is credited to the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, and was the largest. Universal’s Expansion cut a chunk out of Disney’s profits. Overall attendance at Universal parks worldwide went up 10%. SeaWorld Orlando is still losing due to “Blackfish” being released.

Needless to say, Walt Disney World is still on top of the world. The Magic Kingdom stayed the No. 1 theme park in the world last year. Magic Kingdom saw a 4% increase and saw a whopping 19.3 million guests!

Attendance at all of Disney World’s parks accounted for 70.9 percent of visits to Orlando’s “big three” theme park destinations last year.

In total, Orlando’s big theme parks welcomed 72.6 million guests in 2014. WOW!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection on Blu-ray on 8/18 and Digital HD & Disney Movies Anywhere 8/11

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 5, 2015

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes an extraordinary new collection of award-winning and beloved short films featuring Disney’s Frozen Fever, starring Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven and Kristoff, and the Oscar-nominated Lorenzo (Best Animated Short, 2004). The Short Films Collection includes contemporary shorts starring classic characters, such as the groundbreaking 2013 Mickey Mouse cartoon, Get A Horse! And the holiday treat Prep & Landing: Operation: Secret Santa, as well as celebrated Oscar winners Paperman (2012) and Feast (2014). Enjoy them together for the first time in this must-own collection with all-new extras including an inside look at the Disney Animation shorts, featuring introductions and interviews with the acclaimed filmmakers themselves.

Shorts (and filmmakers appearing in each Shorts Introduction):

Frozen Fever (2015) – Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Peter Del Vecho, Aimee Scribner
Feast (2014) – Academy Award® Winner, Patrick Osborne, Kristina Reed
Get A Horse! (2013) – Academy Award® Nominated, Dorothy McKim, Eric Goldberg, Adam Green
Paperman (2012) – Academy Award® Winner, Kristina Reed, John Kahr
Tangled Ever After (2012) – Nathan Greno, Aimee Scribner, Mark Kennedy
The Ballad of Nessie (2011) – Kevin Deters, Stevie Wermers-Skelton, Dorothy McKim
Tick Tock Tale (2010) – Dean Wellins
Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa (2010) – Kevin Deters, Stevie Wermers-Skelton, Dorothy McKim
How to Hook Up Your Home Theater (2007) – Kevin Deters, Stevie Wermers-Skelton, Ian Gooding
The Little Matchgirl (2006) – Academy Award® Nominated, Dave Bossert, Tom MacDougall
Lorenzo (2004) – Academy Award® Nominated, Mike Gabriel
John Henry (2000) – Mark Henn

Bonus Features: FILMMAKER INTROS – The filmmakers behind the shorts share their journeys and introduce their films.

@DISNEYANIMATION: A SHORT STORY ON SHORTS – Continuing a legacy started in the earliest days of the Studio by Walt Disney, the Shorts Program is thriving today at the Animation Studios that bears his name, producing award-winning shorts that tell new stories and experiment with artistic and technical innovations. This latest chapter in the @DisneyAnimation series gives us an inside look at the process of developing and producing a short. Hosted by actor/comedian T.J. Miller (voice of “Fred,” Big Hero 6), we will meet a few of the artists and filmmakers who make the shorts, and learn why they are such an important part of the fabric of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Round Table Panelists include Lauren MacMullan (Get A Horse!), Mike Gabriel (Lorenzo), Kristina Reed (Feast, Paperman), Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters (the team behind The Ballad of Nessie, Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa, How to Hook Up Your Home Theater).

RUNAWAY BRAIN (1995) – DMA DEBUT – Short film originally released in 2004 as part of the Walt Disney Treasures Collection: Mickey Mouse in Living Color, Vol. 2 DVD set. This short was nominated for an Academy Award® and screened during 1996 Cannes Film Festival.

Release Date: August 18th, 2015

Release Formats: Disney Movies Anywhere, Digital & Blu-ray

Languages/Subtitles: English Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio/English SDH, French and Spanish Subtitles

Studio WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS

I can’t wait to check this out!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Sneak Peek at Tom Hanks’ Bridge of Spies

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 5, 2015

Walt Disney Pictures shares the new movie poster for Tom Hanks‘ upcoming spy thriller, Bridge of Spies. Academy Award®-winning director and producer, Steven Spielberg and Dreamworks Pictures/Fox 2000 Pictures brings us one of my all time favorites, Tom Hanks in the starring role.

Interwoven into a series of historic events, Bridge of Spies tells the story of a Brooklyn attorney, James Donovan who is thrown into the middle of the Cold War when the CIA recruits him on the impossible mission to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot.

Producing the film alongside Spielberg are Marc Platt and Kristie Macosko Krieger. Adam Somner, Daniel Lupi, Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King are executive producers. Screenwriters Ethan and Joel Coen and Matt Charman have taken Donavan’s story and bring it to the big screen capturing the highs and lows of a man who risked everything.

Bridge of Spies gives us two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as James Donovan; three-time Tony Award® winner Mark Rylance as Rudolf Abel, a KGB agent defended by Donovan; Scott Shepherd as CIA operative Hoffman; Academy Award nominee Amy Ryan as James’ wife, Mary; Sebastian Koch as East German lawyer Vogel; and Academy Award nominee Alan Alda as Thomas Watters, a partner at Donovan’s law firm.

Bridge of Spies will be released in theaters on October 16, 2015.

Bridge of Spies is at the very top of my list of upcoming movies I just have to see! What is your top must see movie? Let your favorite Entertainment Writer bring you all the updates and entertainment news by signing up for our newsletter at www.chipandco.com. See ya at the movies!