“Into the Woods” Arrives on *DMA and Blu-Ray on 3/24

By

-

February 25, 2015

From the director of “Chicago” and the producer of “Wicked” comes “Into the Woods” which is a modern twist on the fairy tales you thought you knew. Academy Award-Winning actress Meryl Streep, leads an all-star cast in this enchanted adventure.

SYNOPSIS: Iconic characters, such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel, find their fates intertwined with a humble baker and his wife, whose longing to have a child sends them on a quest to reverse a witch’s (Streep) curse. With an all-star cast, this spellbinding adventure is everything you could ever wish for!

CAST: Meryl Streep as the Witch (The Devil Wears Prada, August: Osage County), Johnny Depp as the Wolf (The Lone Ranger, Sweeney Todd), Emily Blunt as the Baker’s Wife (Edge of Tomorrow, The Devil Wears Prada), James Corden as the Baker (Broadway’s One Man, Two Guvnors, The Three Musketeers, Gavin & Stacey), Anna Kendrick as Cinderella (Pitch Perfect, Up in the Air), Chris Pine as Cinderella’s Prince (Star Trek Into Darkness, Jack Ryan), Lilla Crawford as Little Red Riding Hood (Broadway’s Annie), Daniel Huttlestone as Jack (Les Misérables), MacKenzie Mauzy as Rapunzel (Brother’s Keeper, Broadway’s Next to Normal)

PRODUCER: Marc Platt (Wicked), Rob Marshall (Academy Award-winning musical Chicago), John DeLuca (Nine), Callum McDougall (Wicked)

DIRECTOR: Rob Marshall (Chicago, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides)

COMPOSER: Stephen Sondheim (Sunday in the Park with George)

SCREENPLAY & James Lapine (Passion)

RELEASE DATES: March 24th, 2015

PRODUCTS: Digital HD/SD, Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA), Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD

and On-Demand

BONUS: Digital HD/SD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)

· Never-Before-Seen Sondheim Original Song: “She’ll Be Back”

Meryl Streep performs a compelling new song that sheds a little more light on the Witch’s relationship with Rapunzel. This never-before- seen composition was penned especially for this movie by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, and is seen here exclusively on Blu-ray and EHV. With introduction by Director Rob Marshall.

· There’s Something About The Woods

Journey into this mysterious forest to discover how this compelling, new musical was made. Meet Director Rob Marshall and his award-winning team of artists and craftspeople, see how the woods were brought to life…and what they represent to the story…and to all of us.

· The Cast As Good As Gold

Emily Blunt. Anna Kendrick. Chris Pine. James Corden. Johnny Depp. Meryl Streep. Meet the remarkable cast of this musical movie, and hear of their affinity for this Broadway classic.

· Deeper Into The Woods

Journey even further into the development of the film in these 4 segments

From Stage To Screen
Magic of the Woods
Designing the Woods
The Costumes of the Woods
Filmmaker Commentary

Film commentary with Director Rob Marshall and Producer John DeLuca.

Music & Lyrics

Get direct access to the musical song segments from the film, with optional sing-along lyrics.

5 Golden Eggs (Easter Eggs)

*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer

DVD:

Deeper Into The Woods
Magic of the Woods

FEATURE RUN TIME: Approximately 125 min.

*In case you are wondering DMA is Disney Movies Anywhere

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Planning a Disney World vacation can be exhausting and time consuming, especially if you don’t know all the ins and outs of Disney World. I am a Disney World pro. I am an Annual Passholder, I am local, and goes as much as I can. I would love to help you plan your next vacation! Contact me at [email protected] for your FREE no obligation quote.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Amazing Manatee Rescue

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 25, 2015

Have you heard about the amazing rescue of 6 manatees that were somehow pushed into a pipe? The incredible SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team, government officials and the local community joined together through the night to rescue 19 manatees stuck in a drain pipe in a residential area of Satellite Beach, Florida.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) called on SeaWorld to lend their expertise to help assist with this massive manatee rescue attempt.

The successful rescue lasted nearly nine hours and included six manatees being pushed through the pipe into a nearby pond that empties into the Indian River Lagoon. Members of the local public works agency had to drill through the pipe in order to lift the remaining 13 manatees out and relocate them into the pond. Also participating were local firefighters and police as well as Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute.

Manatees need warm water, above 68 degrees F, in order to survive. With the recent cold snap in Florida, the manatees needed to find a warm water source and ended up congregating in the pipes.

In collaboration with the government and other members of stranding networks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue ill and injured marine animals, with the goal to rehabilitate and return to their natural environment. SeaWorld animal experts have helped more than 24,000 animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned – for more than five decades.

Check it out:

SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team assists with the rescue of 19 Manatees out of drainage pipe

SeaWorld Orlando assisted with the rescue and relocation of 19 manatees

SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team Assists with Rescue of 19 Manatees

SeaWorld Orlando assisted with the rescue of 19 manatees trapped inside drainage pipe

SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team assists with 19 manatee rescue

As part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), SeaWorld Orlando is an acute care rehabilitation facility that provides life-saving medical care to rescued manatees.

The MRP is a cooperative group of non-profit, private, state, and federal entities who work together to monitor the health and survival of rehabilitated and released manatees. Information about manatees currently being tracked is available at www.manateerescue.org. The endangered Florida manatee is at risk from both natural and man-made causes of injury and mortality. Exposure to red tide, cold stress, and disease are all natural problems that can affect manatees. Human-caused threats include boat strikes, crushing by flood gates or locks, and entanglement in or ingestion of fishing gear.

How awesome!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Haven’t been to SeaWorld in a while? Why not take a day out of your Disney vacation and visit SeaWorld? The animals are incredible! My favorite is the Dolphins! I can take all the stress out of planning your vacation because I will handle everything for you. Contact me at [email protected] for your FREE no obligation quote.

Tsum Tsum Tuesday is About to Get Frozen!

By

Danielle

-

February 25, 2015

The month is almost over, and that means a new Tsum Tsum Tuesday is almost here! Next month will be an ice cold theme with Frozen!

Tsum Tsum Tuesday has become a day I eagerly await, not only to get new adorable cuties added to my collection, but to also too see the sneak peek of the collection that comes next! Coming in March Frozen will breeze in with Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Sven, Kristoff, and Hans Tsums! I love that not only do we get our beloved heroes in each of the new collections, but that a Villain has made their way in each set as well! January we had Cruella De Vil, February we had Lucifer, and in March we shall have Hans! I’m very excited about the Sven Tsum Tsum, he has a lot of detail added to him, and he has big emotion filled eyes! These adorable little cuties will retail for $4.95 and be available in participating Disney Stores, and Disney Store Online beginning March 3, 2015.

What do we think April will bring us? I was hoping to see some Spring themed Tsum Tsums in March, but I guess I’ll just keep hoping for April!

Goldie & Bear A Fairytale Inspired Series Coming This Fall on Disney Junior

By

Danielle

-

February 25, 2015

Production has started on”Goldie & Bear” a new Fairytale-inspired animated series for preschoolers is set to debut Fall 2015 on Disney Junior.

This new series will center on Goldie and Bear, picking up after the infamous porridge incident we all know and love from our childhoods. Journey along with Goldie and her Best friend Bear as they encounter well known characters from other famous nursery rhymes and tales including Little Red Riding Hood, Humpty Dumpty and The Three Little Pigs. New adventures will await our heroes in the Fairytale Forest to inspire the imaginations of all little heroes.

An announcement was made by Nancy Kanter, exexcutive Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager of Disney Junior Worldwide.

“Disney Junior embraces strong storytelling and memorable characters,

and nothing reflects that more than classic fairytales. We are excited to continue the

story of ‘Goldilocks and The Three Bears’ from a new perspective and hope to inspire

kids to create their own ‘happily-ever-afters’ by giving them new stories featuring

classic characters they already know and love.”

Maria Tater, John L. Loeb Professor of Germanic Languages and Literatures at Harvard University and Disney Junior Advisory Board Member, will serve as teh series consultant, advising on fairytales, storytelling, and folklore. Story telling will be an important and central theme to the show’s curriculum, with episodes referencing original fairytales, and nursery rhymes, while giving new insights to their underlying messages. Goldie and Bear will model friendship, and community, demonstrate problem solving with a creative touch, and showcase critical thinking skills, like logic and strategy.

Starring:

Natalie Lander (“The Middle”) stars as Goldie.
Georgie Kidder (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars”) as Bear.

Reoccurring Characters:

Lesley Nicol (“DowntonAbbey”) as Fairy Godmother
Debby Ryan (“Jessie”) as Thumbelina
Miles Brown and Marsai Martin (“black-ish”) appear as Jack & Jill.

Created by Children’s book author Jorge Aguirre (“Giants Beware!”) and developed for television by Aquirre and Rick Gitelson (“Handy Manny”). The Story editor is Joe Ansolabehere (“Recess”) and songs are composed by Rob Cantor (from the band Tally Hall). Chris Gillgan (“Frankenweenie”) serves as supervising director and executive producer. Produced by Milk Barn Productions in Association with Disney Junior.

Disney Junior has long reflected the emotional connections we have to Disney Storytelling and Disney characters, modern, and classic. This new series is sure to give us the same magic of heartfelt stories and characters as before. I’m looking forward to enjoying new twists on classic tales with my children.

Dates for the 2015 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

By

Anonymouse

-

February 25, 2015

Aloha boys and girls! I need no introduction. You know who I am! That is right Anonymouse is baaaack! I love MNSSHP so this has been my favorite piece of gossip so far! I have the dates for 2015 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! Can you believe it? I am screaming right now!

Without further interruption, I present you with the dates:

September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27
October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
November 1

I can’t wait!

Remember nothing has been officially announced yet, but my track record speaks for itself!

Are you going to the MNSSHP this year? Let me know in the comment box below.

Well that’s all the Disney gossip I have right now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at [email protected] or on my Facebook page.

Enter the Alexander Funny Family Photos Sweepstakes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 24, 2015

Show Disney your funny family photos! Now you can share those silly, awkward, funny photos that capture the moments that make you laugh out loud! Enter the Alexander Funny Family Photos Sweepstakes.

Enter today through March 4, 2015 for the chance to win a four-day, three-night relaxing vacation for four to the Aulani Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. The package includes hotel, roundtrip airfare and airport/hotel transfer.

Please note, the vacation must be taken from May 21-25, 2015.

Check out the contest Do’s and Don’ts before entering on Disney.com or through the Disney Applause app (available for iOS and Android).

Grand Prize includes:

4-day/3-night stay for 4 at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i

Roundtrip airfare

Airport/hotel transfers

Must travel before 9/15/15

Enter here.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to persons of all ages, who are, as of entry, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 United States or D.C. Minors must get parent’s permission to enter. Sweepstakes begins on 2/11/15 at 12:00:00 (noon) PM (PT) and ends on 3/4/15 at 11:59:59 PM (PT). Limit one (1) submission per person per day. Many Will Enter. One Will Win. Winner will be selected at random. Click here for Official Rules for full eligibility and submission details.

Good Luck!!!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Visiting Hawaii would be a dream come true! Visiting Hawaii and staying at Aulani would be magical! There is no magic like Disney Magic. I am an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel Services. Contact me at [email protected] for your FREE no obligation quote.

Updates and Changes to Walt Disney World Resort Park Tickets

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 24, 2015

There have been a few updates and changes to some of Walt Disney World Resort park tickets this past week and we wanted to give you the full details to help you plan your next Walt Disney World vacation.

First off the price of a one-day ticket to the Walt Disney World Resort’s most popular theme park, the Magic Kingdom, now costs $105, up from $99. The increase applies to anyone 10 years and older. Younger children, aged 3 to 9, pay $99 to enter the Magic Kingdom, compared to $94 last year.

There are also ticket increases for the other Disney World theme parks, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom Park and Hollywood Studios jump to $97 for visitors aged 10 and older, up from $94 last year, and children aged 3 to 10 now pay $91 for a single-day ticket up from only $88 last year.

To put things in perspective a concert will cost you over $100 per ticket so the price increases for Walt Disney World is minimal in my opinion. I am not saying they can raise the ceiling as much as they like but some small increases are going to happen. Most people are going to buy the multi-day passes anyway, which can knock the price down to $96 per day for a two-day ticket, or $63 per day for a five-day ticket. So it’s not that bad…

Next up Disney is making some changes to some of their Theme Park ticket extras…

They are as follows:

The No Expiration Option will no longer be offered as a theme park ticket option.

Guests using a 1-day Water Park ticket will now be able to visit both Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park on the same day if they wish when both Water Parks are open. (This does not apply to the Water Park Fun & More Option. The Water Park Fun & More Option is unchanged.)

What do you think of the price increases and the removal of some extras? Let us know in the comment box below.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Price increases are always annoying, but it is a part of life. I am sure many of you agree that Disney is worth every penny. I always do Disney on a budget so let me help you plan an amazing vacation without breaking the bank. Contact me [email protected] for your FREE no obligation quote.

Pirates of the Caribbean will be Shut Down All Summer

By

Anonymouse

-

February 24, 2015

Hiya! Your favorite gossip columnist is back! Finally! You know my slavedriver boss, Chippy, always keeps me busy! Today I have some gossip that will annoy many of you because I know this ride is very popular. It may or may not be Pirates of the Caribbean.

I have been hearing big rumors that Pirates will be closed all summer, and then some. I hear the ride will be shut down due to some safety concerns that recently popped up. The ride was recently shut down for a few days to assess what was going on. A little birdie told me the suspected closure dates are May 11th to Sep 26th 2015. That is quite the long refurbishment.

You might remember, a while back, a guest had lost the tips of a couple of fingers because he probably had his hands where they should not have been. But anyway I was told that this happened because the new boats were rubbing against the old tracks. Did they not check that? Oh well, no one is perfect! But Disney is pretty close.

Many guests also complained that they got too wet on the new ride vehicles and it turned to rough. So, maybe that has something to do with it as well.

Who knows there might even be a change of scenery on the ride too.

What do you think?

Well that’s all the Disney gossip I have right now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at [email protected] or on my Facebook page.

Big Hero 6 Takes Home the Gold

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 24, 2015

Have you heard? This weekend at the Academy Awards Big Hero 6 took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature!

Big Hero 6 was Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name. The award winning movie was directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, and was produced by Roy Conli.

The Blu-ray, Digital HD and DVD release is happening today and we wanted make sure you get your copy!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Did you know that you can meet Baymax and Hiro at Disney World and Disneyland? You can meet them in a recreation of Hiro’s Garage Workshop at The Magic of Disney Animation in Hollywood Studios and at Tomorrowland in Disneyland. Your little ones would love that! I can work my magic and make that happen for you. Contact me at [email protected] for your FREE no obligation quote.

New Village Causeway is Now Open at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 24, 2015

The Village Causeway, which is a bridge connecting the area near The LEGO Store across the water to Rainforest Café, is now open at Downtown Disney Marketplace. The new area is becoming a favorite spot for photos, sunset viewing and shopping.

These new merchandise kiosks are now open on the Village Causeway:

Flour & Sugar – featuring baked items with Florida flavors

Florida Bath Co. – offering bath products made with home-grown ingredients

Icon Jewellery by Bico – including fine grade pewter and enhanced with Swarovski Crystals

Kate & Leo – featuring items inspiring curiosity, creativity and imagination

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

The new Downtown Disney/Disney Springs is turning out to be beautiful. You should take at least one day out of your vacation and relax, do some shopping, take in a meal and a drink! I am a Disney World pro! Let me help you plan your next getaway. Contact me at [email protected] for your FREE no obligation quote.

Top 8 Walt Disney World Dining Experiences – Resort Edition

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 23, 2015

I recently shared with you my Top 8 Walt Disney World Dining Experiences in the theme parks. Now I’m back to give you a peak at my Top 8 Walt Disney World Dining Experiences at the resorts! We tend to eat at resorts a lot just because I think it give more flexibility when planning a trip (it doesn’t matter what park I’m at I can still eat at any resort and they are just a boat ride, bus ride or monorail ride away!).

1. Yachtsman Steakhouse (Disney’s Yacht Club Resort): Located just a short walk from Epcot, Yachtsman Steakhouse is a Signature Dining experience you don’t want to miss! Between the delicious food and elegant atmosphere, this is my go-to pick for a fun adult’s only date night while visiting Walt Disney World. As the name implies, it is a steakhouse so of course the steak options are my top pick (the 32 oz Porterhouse is on my Bucket List!) but all of their offerings are delicious (like the Truffle Macaroni and Cheese). As with other Signature Restaurants, their menu does change seasonally which I love! Again, since this is a Signature Dining experience it will use 2 Table Service Credits for the Standard and Deluxe Disney Dining Plans.

2. California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort): Before your meal even begins you will be whisked to the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort by private elevator. Once inside you’ll be treated to a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Floridian woodlands and Cinderella’s Castle. And if you like sushi, California Grill is where you will find, in my opinion, the best sushi in all of Walt Disney World! The Spicy Kazan Roll is sure to please and the Pork Belly Nigiri is a fun twist on traditional sushi. If sushi isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other things to choose from including the Oak-fired Filet of Beef and the Braised Lamb Hind Shank. And of course, if you can time it right, you can watch Wishes over Magic Kingdom from inside the restaurant. It’s something everyone should get to see once! This is a Signature Dining experience and uses 2 Table Service Credits from the Standard and Deluxe Disney Dining Plans.

3. Cape May Cafe (Disney’s Beach Club Resort): This is probably my favorite of all the buffets at Walt Disney World. Serving both breakfast and dinner, either meal is sure to please. Join Goofy, Donald and Minnie in their beach gear for a fun and delicious character breakfast that is sure to please. In the evening you are invited to a good ole fashioned clambake with a seafood buffet and other amazing dishes including some amazing pasta creations. If we can we try to visit Cape May for both breakfast and dinner during our trip.

4. ‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Resort): This all you care to enjoy restaurant is full of Polynesian flair! While breakfast is pretty standard fare, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, breakfast meat and waffles, dinner pays tribute the island inspiration of both ‘Ohana and the Polynesian Resort. The Sweet and Sour Pour and Honey-Corriander Chicken Wings are amazing but the meal’s star is the ‘Ohana Bread Pudding à la mode with Bananas-Caramel Sauce. Breakfast is a character meal featuring Lilo and Stitch while dinner guests are entertained with family games, storytelling and music.

5. Whispering Canyon (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge): Whispering Canyon is anything but quiet! If you’re looking for a fun, family meal this is the place for you. The food is good (the Build Your Own Family Platter is my recommendation for sure!) and the services is great, with a snarky twist! Try a refillable (yes, refillable!) milkshake and don’t forget to ask for Ketchup! And make sure you take in the beauty that is Wilderness Lodge. It is my favorite resort to visit and just “take it all in” even if we are staying elsewhere.

6. Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort): A trip to Walt Disney World just isn’t complete for my family without a stop at Chef Mickey’s! Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto all decked out in their culinary best for breakfast or dinner. The atmosphere is wonderful – make sure you have your napkins ready to join in on any celebrations that may be going on! The characters are wonderful and this is a great way to spend some time with the Fab 5 in a less hectic setting than the parks. Honestly, I prefer Chef Mickey’s for breakfast over dinner but the dinner menu is good as well. I do think, however, that the character interactions and the atmosphere are the key selling points of this restaurant and the food is slightly above average.

7. Boma (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge): Boma is one of three restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. While all three are amazing, I love the variety the buffet at Boma provides. And there are so many options, even the pickiest of eaters should find something they will like. The African vibe can be felt through the restaurant with the decor and seating. And oh my, the food! The Curried Pasta Salad is a favorite along with the Couscous Salad. There is also always a wide variety of soups and side dishes to choose from. The main dishes and meats, especially the carving station meat, is always full of flavor and delicious. But the favorite for me is the dessert – specifically the Zebra Domes. I’m pretty sure a few of those are worth the entire cost of the buffet in my opinion! They are a must try if you plan to visit Boma.

8. 1900 Park Fare (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort): Serving both breakfast and dinner buffets, and following in the Victorian theme of the Grand Floridian, 1900 Park Fare provides delicious food, an elegant atmosphere and wonderful character interactions. While at breakfast you may meet characters from Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins or even Peter Pan, dinner is all about Cinderella, Prince Charming and the Tremaine ladies. Overall, I’m a bigger fan of the dinner buffet and I think Lady Tremaine and the step-sisters are some of the best characters to meet. That said, breakfast is a great way to start your day before heading off to a park.

How do your list compare? What did I miss? Share your top picks with us in the comments below!

My name is Alissa and I am a Writer for Chip and Company. I’m also an Independent Consultant with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and the Disney Addicts. Email me today at [email protected] to book your next “Magical” vacation to your favorite destination.

Disney Finds – Disney’s Pictionary Board Game

By

Chip

-

February 23, 2015

Those who follow Chip and Co will notice how I love board games. I grew up playing them all the time and it’s a tradition I am teaching to my girls. We love playing board games together, especially Disney Board Games! Today I take a look at Disney’s Pictionary Board Game.

The classic game of Pictionary just got a little more Goofy! Add Disney magic and excitement to the classic game of quick draw! Perfect for the whole family, Disney Pictionary features more than 400 clues with your favorite Disney characters — plus fun Mickey slap hands! Kids and adults will have hours of fun with popular Disney icons.

One of the best things about this game is the Mickey Dry Erase Board! Cost of this game is only $15 which any board game under $15 is a must have.

Click here to learn more and to snag your copy today!