The Sorcerer’s Hat Will No Longer be at Hollywood Studios

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October 24, 2014

Anonymouse was right again..

Well, it is going to become a reality. Yes, the iconic Sorcerer’s Hat at Hollywood Studios will be no more. Disney has said they are going to “reimagine” the area where that hat stands right now.

I know people on both sides feel strongly, but I do think the park needs some updating. On the other hand I will miss it! A lot of people did not like it from the beginning. They felt it blocked the Chinese Theater and ruined the feel of the park.

The hat was first installed in 2001 and will meet it’s demise in 2014.

This is one of the many changes that Hollywood Studios will be undergoing. American Idol and the Studio Backlot Tour are also gone. It is said Disney will be taking Hollywood Studios in more of a “Star Wars” direction.

What are your thoughts?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Suspicious Device Causes Evacuation at Walt Disney World Swan Hotel

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2014

The Walt Disney World Swan evacuated 200 rooms on the morning of Oct 21^st in response to a suspicious device found on the hotel’s seventh floor.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office was called at 10:00 a.m. by a member of the hotel construction crew working on hotel renovations. Local bomb squad was called to the scene to investigate and evacuated the fifth through ninth floors as a precautionary measure.

Though no description of the device was released, it was quickly deemed a hoax. It is not known who left the device and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call local authorities.

Now Available – Disney Frozen Hairstyles book

By

Chip

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October 24, 2014

Disney’s film, Frozen, has been nothing short of a phenomenon, and heroines Anna and Elsa have become hugely popular worldwide.

For the first time, anyone will be able to replicate their gorgeous hairstyles, thanks to the step-by-step instructions in the beautifully photographed book, DISNEY FROZEN HAIRSTYLES: Inspired by Anna and Elsa (Edda USA; October 2014; $12.95). Also being released at the same time is DISNEY PRINCESS HAIRSTYLES: 40 Amazing Princess Hairstyles with Step by Step Images, which features the lovely “do”s made famous by eleven other Disney princesses, including Ariel, Jasmine and Mulan. Review copies of both books will be available shortly; would you like to receive one, or both?

Truly unique, DISNEY FROZEN HAIRSTYLES is the first book to reveal the secrets behind Anna and Elsa’s different looks. Each of the twenty-eight hairdos is created on a real child and meticulously photographed in full color to make even the most complicated coiffure easy to achieve. DISNEY PRINCESS HAIRSTYLES features instructions for forty different hairdos — from Cinderella’s beautiful bun to Jasmine’s ponytail, and from Rapunzel’s endless curls to Pocahontas’ hidden braid. Again, the styles are photographed on real girls.

For an early review of this book be sure to check out the Disney Fashionista review here.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks Video Clips

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Chip

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October 24, 2014

Get amped as the new full-length film My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks debuts October 28th on DVD and Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo in US and Canada from Shout! Factory Kids in collaboration with Hasbro Studios!

Here are some fun video clips from the movie!

I saw this with my girls in theaters and loved it. Did you get a chance to check it out in theaters too? or are you waiting for the bluray/dvd? Let me know in the comment box below.

Big Hero 6 New York Comic Con Explodes with New Trailer!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 24, 2014

Big Hero 6 New York Comic Con Sizzle includes Fall Out Boy’s new song, “Immortals”. Check out the video above and get ready to take off on November 7th with Baymax on the adventures of a lifetime.

Based on Marvel characters, “BIG HERO 6″ is the story of Hiro Hamada (voice by Ryan Potter) and his plus-sized inflatable robot (voice by Scott Adsit), who along with their buddies, adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago (voice of Jamie Chung), neatnik Wasabi (voice of Damon Wayans Jr.), chemistry whiz Honey Lemon (voice of Genesis Rodriguez) and fanboy Fred (voice of T.J. Miller) join forces to discover the mystery behind the catastrophic event that turns Hiro’s worldupside down. “BIG HERO 6″ soars into theatres, November 7, 2014.

My name is Loretta Garcia and I am the Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co. Follow us on Facebook and our website for all the news, updates and promotions.

Disney Animation Studios ready to set sail with the new movie “Moana” in 2016

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 23, 2014

Walt Disney Animation Studios has pushed up the release date of the newest film, Moana, a CG-animated comedy about a spirited teenager on an impossible mission to fulfill her ancestor’s quest, from 2018 to 2016. The film will be directed by the team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “The Princess and the Frog” and “Aladdin”). They are both thrilled to pair up once again to bring Moana and her adventures, set in the beaautiful world of Oceania, to life. The story of Moana is one of her navigation skills in trying to locate a fabled island. She teams up with the demi-god, Maui, in a quest to overcome the treacherous open seas and dangerous characters to find this island. Musker says “Moana is indomitable, passionate and a dreamer with a unique connection to the ocean itself. She’s the kind of character we all root for, and we can’t wait to introduce her to audiences.”

With the popularity of recent female dominated movies such as Brave, Tangled and FROZEN, Moana is set to be another blockbuster for Disney.

Stay tuned for more information as the movie release date nears.

Should I do online check in at Disney World?

By

Chip

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October 23, 2014

One thing Disney offers is online check-in beginning 60 days before your stay at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. When you arrive, simply head to the Online Check-In Desk, where your Welcome Folder and possibly Magic Band will be waiting. Show your valid photo I.D., complete your check-in and you’re on your way! Pretty convenient huh?

Many fans ask me if I do online check in and I tell them NO!

Over the years I have done the online check-in at Walt Disney World and from what I have noticed is the times I have done the online check-in I had to wait longer for my room, and I have never received a room upgrade. Keep in mind most times when I travel it is during the non busy times of the year so there is no reason I should be waiting.

I am not saying that with online check-in you will never get into your room early, or that there is no chance of a possible upgrade, all that I am saying is that over the years I have stopped and it seems that miraculously my room is waiting on me when I get there (usually around the same time) and the trip before last I was able to get a Preferred room at the Pop Century Resort.

My thought process is this and it could totally be wrong:

When you do online check-in you are assigned a room in the computer system. Depending on when the people leave before you, how long it takes for the cleaning staff to clean the room, etc. All those variables can effect when you can get into your room. So if you are assigned a room already, you are there waiting on it to be ready for you.

If you don’t do online check-in then when you get there they look for the first available room according to your reservation, and most times it is sitting there ready and waiting for you. The cast member does a little Disney Magic, and bam you’re in like Flynt. If there are no rooms available under your preference there might be an upgraded room ready or possibly they overbooked your choice and then a little more Disney Magic and now you are in a upgraded room.

Keep in mind I have no idea how the computer system at Disney World works these are just my thoughts and ideas, your situations might be the total opposite. I know for me I don’t do online check-in anymore and have always come out ahead. Being a Disney Planner I can be rough when you want to finish all your planning long before it is time to go, but for me this is my story and I am sticking to it.

What about you? Do you do the Online Check in? Have you just winged it like me and received an upgrade? Let me know in the comment box below.

When planning your next Disney Vacation let my friends at World of Magic help you. Use the box in the top right of this page for a Free, No Obligation Quote. See why WOM does all of my vacation planning and they could do yours too!

6 Reasons to Check out Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents CIRCUS XTR EME and How to Get a Free Ticket for Your Baby!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 23, 2014

Today we have 6 Reasons to Check out Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents CIRCUS XTR EME and How to Get a Free Ticket for Your Baby!

Brought to you by the same producers from Disney on Ice; Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents CIRCUS XTR EME – tickets are on sale now and you can get yours by clicking HERE! The circus comes to Amway Center in Orlando January 8-11, 2015 as well as cities all along the east coast through May of 2015. Prepare to be astonished and amazed by some of the coolest acts that can only be seen at The Greatest Show On Earth. Children Of All Ages can let their imagination go wild in an exhilarating adventure with extraordinary circus artists and exotic animals! Here are 6 more reasons to check it out!

1. You get to take a quest around the world!

In Ringling Bros. Presents CIRCUS XTREME, Ringmaster Andre McClain guides audiences on a quest around the world with the help of hilarious adventure seekers, Alex and Irina Emelin.

2. Flying arrows and real live camels!

The show will thrill you as the Mongolian riders send arrows flying across the arena sky. This all-female troupe displays their skills in one of the most unique acts this year, performing a series of tricks and maneuvers atop elegant two-hump camels.

3. Tumblers, acrobats and bikes!

Jaw-dropping freestyle BMX riders and free running tumblers fill the arena floor performing crazy-stunts mixed with acrobats leaping through a 15-foot transparent tower – and this is just one act!

4. Who doesn’t love elephants?

You will get personal introductions to the circus elephants, also known as performing pachyderms! You’ll get on a first name basis with these amazing animals. All this and more happens during the most unexpected circus experience at Ringling Bros. Presents CIRCUS XTREME.

5. Free All Access Pre-show and win a painting that an elephant painted!
The party starts an hour before the show at the All Access Pre-show, which is free with your ticket purchase. You and your family can meet the international cast of performers and get up close to the animals. Try on custom costumes, learn circus skills – like juggling – from the famous Ringling Bros. Clown Alley. You will also have the opportunity to win a one of a kind masterpiece created by one the Ringling Bros. painting pachyderms!

6. Three full hours of fun!

Together with the show, your family receives over three hours of extreme family fun not to be missed.

The circus also has an amazing offer where you can get a free ticket to this or any Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey performance, anytime, anywhere. No expiration date! You’ll also be able to print a very special commemorative certificate, that you can personalize with your child’s name! Ringling Bros. celebrates children of all ages. Give a special gift to your older children by signing them up, and you’ll be able to print a free personalized Ringling Bros. commemorative certificate for them also. Click HERE to get yours!

Getting your free ticket voucher and personalized certificate is easy, so sign up today and prepare for a lifetime of fun with The Greatest Show On Earth!

Disney’s Feast Trailer is Here!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 23, 2014

Disney’s newest short ‘FEAST” will be premiering alongside the Big Hero 6 movie in theatres beginning November 7, 2014. I first met and fell in love with Winston, during the media event at the Walt Disney Studios. “FEAST” is the story of a Boston Terrier named WINSTON, who loves to eat. The movie shows WINSTON sharing his meals with his human friend and seeing life through Winston’s eyes. WINSTON is an excitable little dog that will win the hearts of the viewers. I can’t wait to see the entire short in front of the Big Hero 6. Directed by Patrick Osborne, FEAST made me want to adopt a puppy and take it to lunch. Don’t miss FEAST and BIG HERO 6 in theatres, November 7, 2014.

My name is Loretta Garcia and I am the Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co. Follow us on Facebook and our website for all the latest and greatest news, tips and promotions.

Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party at Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 23, 2014

Beginning October 24, 2014, the long-time favorite “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” Street party parade at Magic Kingdom is amping it up. The new and improved “Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It!” Street Party will travel down Main Street, U.S.A with new characters, new music, and a chance for guests to be involved in the party.

The parade of gift boxes travels down Main Street, U.S.A. to the Central Plaza in front of Cinderella Castle, and guests are asked to join the procession, dancing along. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy will be there, along with some added friends – Stitch, and Phineas and Ferb! Move It! and Shake It! down the procession, then vote for the next song in the playlist and you can Dance and Play It! The play list includes a variety of remixed classic party songs, and guests can vote on which of three choices they want to Dance and Play It.

This exciting street party will be available several times a day, so don’t miss your chance to join in!

10 Magical Experiences for the Holidays at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 23, 2014

Walt Disney World does nothing in a small way, but makes special things, especially holidays spectacular. Check out these 10 special offerings for the holidays.

1. The Jungle Cruise becomes “The Jingle Cruise” – This nostalgic ride dresses up in holiday decorations, the boats take on special holiday names, and the boat captains even make their jokes more festive and holiday flavored. This transformation begins on November 7.

2. Get “Frozen” at Hollywood Studios – While the Frozen takeover has been going on since summer, this is the first year it has been available for the holidays. At the Premier Theater you can enjoy “The Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” along with characters from the popular film. Or, if singing is not your cup of cocoa, you can shop at “Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post” or play in the snow (yes, snow in Florida!) in a nearby play area.

3. “The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights” – This display of millions of lights dancing to music, along with some snow falling on the Streets of America at Hollywood Studios is simply too good to miss! Catch the holiday spirit beginning November 7.

4. “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade“ – From December 20 -31, this replaces the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade as the daytime parade.

5. Epcot’s World Showcase Promenade and “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth“ – Explore the various traditions and celebrations of the countries represented in the World Showcase, including storytellers, and shop for holiday merchandise, food, and beverages. A Gingerbread village is displayed at The Land pavilion in Future World. And the nightly video and fireworks extravaganza, “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth shares a holiday finale with a special guest narrator and the song “Let There Be Peace on Earth” each night at 9:30.

6. The Festival of Seasons at Downtown Disney – Holiday decorations, entertainment, and a chance to visit with Santa Claus. You’re likely to find special holiday treats as well.

7. JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season – Jazz, urban, and R &B music combine with gospel and inspirational music on Epcot’s Future World Fountain Stage from November 28 – December 29.

8. Queen Elsa Turns Cinderella Castle into a Festive Ice Palace – In this new-this-year stage show, “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” guests at Disney’s Magic Kingdom view the Castle Dream Lights, and Frozen’s Queen Elsa uses her powers to “freeze” the 200, 000 lights on Cinderella Castle, giving it an icy glow. This spectacular takes place nightly and begins November 5.

9. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – This special ticket event takes place on select nights November 7 – December 19. After regular park hours, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” brings characters from Frozen, along with Disney favorites all dressed in winter holiday finery. As snow flurries fall, guests can enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa. The evening culminates in a “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks show. Tickets for this event are available by calling 407-WDW-7679, or at WaltDisneyWorld.com

10. Epcot Candlelight Processional – a multi-generational choir, a live orchestra, and a celebrity narrator retell the Christmas story each night from November 28 – December 30 with three performances per night – at 5:00, 6:45, and 8:15 in the America Gardens Theater. Guests who purchase a Candlelight Dining Package are guaranteed a reserved seat, and a preferred viewing location for fireworks.

Celebrity Narrators:

Jodi Benson 11/28 – 11/29
Neil Patrick Harris 11/30 – 12/2
Jonathan Groff NEW! 12/3 – 12/4
Whoopi Goldberg 12/5 – 12/6
LeVar Burton 12/7– 12/9
Edward James Olmos 12/10 – 12/11
Joe Morton NEW! 12/12 – 12/14
Chita Rivera 12/15 – 12/17
Ana Gasteyer NEW! 12/18 – 12/20
Marlee Matlin 12/21 – 12/23
Isabella Rossellini 12/24 – 12/25
Blair Underwood 12/26 – 12/27
Steven Curtis Chapman 12/28 – 12/30

For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE or visit Walt Disney World

Which of these opportunities is your favorite? Your can’t miss? Are there other offerings you can’t do without? Let me know!

I’m Jeri – I’m a wife, a mom, a nana, and a lover of all things Disney! I love writing for ChipandCo, and I’m thrilled to be an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel, the preferred travel agency of Chip and Co. If you’re ready to plan your holiday trip to Walt Disney World, contact me at [email protected]. I’d love to help make your trip more magical!

Lasso some savings with this special Disneyland® Resort offer.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 22, 2014

Chip and Co brings to you the latest Chase Visa Reward Disneyland Offer. For more details read below..

As a Disney Visa® Cardmember, you can save 25% on select rooms on most weekday stays (Sunday–Thursday) and 10% on most weekend stays (Friday–Saturday) between 1/4-3/26/2015 at a Disneyland® Resort hotel (subject to availability).1 Travel must be completed by 3/27/2015.

Book by 3/5/2015. Start planning your rootin’ tootin’ vacation today!

Call 800-450-4002 and use your Disney Visa® Card and mention code VIS.

Say yee-haw to even more Disney magic when you stay at a Disneyland® Resort hotel:

As a guest of a Disneyland® Resort hotel, take advantage of an Extra Magic Hour and get a head start on the action with early admission to a designated Theme Park one full hour before the park opens to the general public (valid Theme Park admission and active hotel key card required).2
Enjoy easy access to Disneyland® Park, Disney California Adventure® Park and the Downtown Disney District. You’ll be footsteps away from the attractions that the Disneyland® Resort has to offer.
With more to do and see at the Disneyland® Resort than ever before, there’s something for everyone! Round up the gang and plan your vacation today.