Made With Magic replaces Glow With the Show at the Disney Parks this fall

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October 20, 2014

How many people remember Glow with the show? I myself purchased a pair of those Mouse Ears for the Fantasmic show at Walt Disney World. They were a great idea but not very comfortable. Well it seems Disney is replacing Glow with the Show with an all new technology called Made with Magic…

Made With Magic items will excite, delight, light up and interact with select Disney experiences at Disney Parks. Disney will continue to offer the original ear hat but now will include a new Minnie Mouse-inspired headband, a Mickey Mouse glove and, my favorite, a magical wand that looks like it came from Sorcerer Mickey.

The Sorcerer Mickey wand will have multiple light-up functions and will give guests the ability to change the light patterns of other Made With Magic items. Guests can also place the Made With Magic items in a color-changing demo mode, when they are not at a “Made With Magic”-enabled event.

As with the previously released ear hat, all Made With Magic items will interact with experiences at Disney Parks around the world regardless of where the items were originally purchased. I used my Disney World ears at World of Color in Disney’s California Adventure.

Each item will have a retail of $25.00.

Guests should look for the Minnie Mouse headband to arrive in late October and early November in select merchandise locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. The Mickey Mouse glove and the Sorcerer Mickey wand will be introduced in late November to early December at those same locations.

Big Hero 6 Stars Hiro and Baymax Are on Their Way to Disney Parks This Fall

By

Chip

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October 20, 2014

Great news for fans of Big Hero 6! Starting soon you can meet Hiro and Baymax at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Disney broke the news via the Disney Parks blog last week:

At Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can step inside The Magic of Disney Animation attraction to tour the lab from the San Fransokyo Institute of Technology, and then meet Hiro Hamada and his huggable buddy Baymax in Hiro’s garage workshop.

When Hiro and Baymax fly west to Disneyland park in California, they’ll find a home-away-from-home in a recreation of Hiro’s robotics workshop near the Starcade in Tomorrowland. Disneyland guests can also get an exclusive preview of the film at the “Special Extended Sneak Peek of ‘Big Hero 6,’” now playing in Tomorrowland’s Magic Eye Theater.

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Big Hero 6” is an action-packed comedy-adventure about robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who’s catapulted into the midst of a dangerous plot and must transform his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—and a diverse group of friends into a band of high-tech heroes.

So are you excited to see Hiro and Baymax at the parks? Will you be checking out Big Hero 6 in theaters on November 7th? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

The Goldbergs Stephanie Grant Interview!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 20, 2014

Below check out my interview with the incredibly talented Stephanie Grant who you can catch on ABC’s The Goldbergs!

Q: What has been your favorite project to work on in your time as an actress?

A: So far, my favorite job to work on has definitely been The Goldbergs! The cast, crew, writers and directors are so amazing to work with, and they really make me feel like such a family! I love the character I get to play, Emmy Mirsky, and Sean Giambrone (Adam Goldberg) is hilarious and a great actor!

Q: What did performing at dolly wood teach you about the craft?

A: Performing at Dollywood really taught me to always follow my heart, and go for it. Dolly has always believed in herself, and followed her heart. She has also taught me that no dream is ever too big to be achieved.

Q: Since the Goldbergs takes place in another decade what decade would you like to visit and why?

A: Oh, I would definitely love to visit 18th/19th century England, because of the culture, language, and art. During that time in England, there were such rich artists (writers, painters, and actors) that I would love to meet and get to know! I would also like to see a production at the Globe Theatre!

Q: What to you is the most rewarding part of being an actress?

A: The most rewarding part of being an actress, is when someone says I made their day a little brighter, or if they got inspired because of something I did. All the hard work is worth it when I hear that.

Q: When your not acting or playing cello what else do you like to do for fun?

A: I love to read and bake! I currently reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Alanna series by Tamora Pierce, which is about a young girl who trades places with her brother, and goes to a knight-in-training boarding school. I love fantasy/adventure novels! I also love to bake! I like to bake muffins, cakes, and cupcakes. I also try and do my own variation from the recipe which sometimes works. 🙂

Q: You speak Greek and French what foreign language would you like to learn next?

A:. If it was really a real language, I would speak elvish from Lord of the Rings, but since that is not a real language, I would like to learn mandarin!

Q: What was it like working with Jerry Lewis on the set of Max Rose?

A: Jerry Lewis is amazing, and he was such a great mentor to me! He really taught me how to stay in the moment, and trust my instincts. Plus, he is really, really funny, and brings a great energy on set!

Q: Which do you prefer film acting or tv acting?

A: I really love anything to do with acting, and film and television are both so different, so I really love them both!

Q: Is there any fictional character you would love to play in a movie adaption?

A: It would be amazing to play the character Alanna from the book series Alanna! She is such a strong-willed, tough girl, and she goes on these amazing journey’s all throughout the book series!

Q: Lastly where would you love to see your career go in the future and what kind of roles would you like to play?

A: I would love to be a feature film actress like Jennifer Lawrence, Cate Blanchett, or Kate Winslet, but I am really open to wherever my career will take me! I would also love to write and direct sometime down the road.

Stay tuned for more interviews!

World of Magic Travel Magical Mondays

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 20, 2014

World of Magic Travel and Chip and Co have a Magical Monday offer for you!

This week if you book a vacation package with one of our Travel Magicians you’ll be entered to win a Jake and the Neverland pirates toy set!

**Restrictions apply. Deposit must be paid on travel package by Friday Oct 24th, 2014

Request your Free Quote and let one of our Travel Magicians help make your Dream Vacation a reality. 🙂

“Because Everyone Deserves A Little Magic” ºoº

Universal Studios Opening a New Theme Park in China

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 19, 2014

Hey all you Universal Studios fans. I have some really cool news to report, so listen up! Universal Studios is planning to open it’s first Chinese theme park after 13 years of trying to break into China’s entertainment market. The company reported on Monday that Hollywood Director Steven Spielberg is set to help design the Beijing Universal Park. WOW!

Looks like Universal is giving The Walt Disney Company and Dream Works Animation a little competition with being the latest US firm to enter China’s very fast growing entertainment market.

The bad news is we will have to wait until at least 2019 before the newest Universal Theme Park is set to open. I would love to be the first in line. How about you? I would love to hear your thoughts or maybe some ideas of what you think would be cool in this new park.

My name is Leigh Saleh. I am a Universal Orlando, Seaworld, and Disney Specialist for Chip and Company. I am also a Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency used by Chip and the Disney Addicts. Email me today at [email protected] to book your next “Magical” family vacation to your favorite destination.

Trattoria al Forno opening soon at Disney’s BoardWalk — Reservations Open October 21

By

Chip

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October 19, 2014

Trattoria al Forno is set to open on December 18th in the old Kouzzina location. The new restaurant at Disney’s BoardWalk that will showcase classic Italian cuisine including handcrafted mozzarella made daily, fresh cavatelli pasta and pizzas baked in wood-burning ovens.

Open daily for breakfast and dinner, with reservations starting October 21, Chef Dee Foundoukis and her team in Trattoria al Forno’s kitchen are creating a true taste of all of Italy’s diverse regions.

Trattoria al Forno is open 7:30-11 a.m. for breakfast, 5-10 p.m. for dinner, and accepts the Disney Dining Plan. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE or www.disneyworld.com/dine.

The Clone Wars Is Back! The Lost Missions On Blu-Ray

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 18, 2014

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Star Wars The Clone Wars is back and the die hard fans should be very excited. Coming to stores on November 11th the final season of the show will be available to own on Blu Ray. Not only is it the final season with some of the most iconic episodes we ever saw but there is a never before seen 16 minute documentary in the bonus features. To find out more read the press release from Lucasfilm below.

FROM EXECUTIVE PRODUCER GEORGE LUCAS

THE EMMY^® AWARD-WINNINGSERIES ‘STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS‘

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS:

THE LOST MISSIONS

Blasts onto Blu-ray™ and DVD November 11^th, 2014

Synopsis: Against a backdrop of ever-shifting loyalties, uneasy alliances and ancient hostilities, the conflict between the Republic and the Separatists ramps up, setting the stage for Darth Sidious’ ultimate act of treachery against the Jedi. In these uncertain times, some of the deepest mysteries of the light and dark sides of the Force are revealed as an intrepid clone trooper uncovers a shocking conspiracy, Anakin Skywalker’s closest relationship is tested to its limits, and Master Yoda makes a discovery that could forever change the balance of power in the galaxy.

Voice Cast: Tom Kane as Narrator, Dee Bradley Baker (TV’s “Phineas & Ferb,” “American Dad,” “Ultimate Spiderman”) as Clone Troopers, Matt Lanter (TV’s “90210,” “Ultimate Spiderman”) as Anakin Skywalker, James Arnold Taylor (TV’s “Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.,” “Jonny Test”) as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ashley Eckstein (TV’s “Sofia The First,” “That’s So Raven”) as Ahsoka Tano

Creators/Executive

Producers: George Lucas, Dave Filoni (“Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Star Wars Rebels”), Steward Lee (“Batman & Mr. Freeze,” “Star Wars Rebels”)

Series Synopsis: Set between Episodes II and III of the iconic “Star Wars” saga, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” explores the untold stories that helped shape the galaxy far, far away. The series chronicles the adventures of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Ahsoka Tano and other “Star Wars” heroes as they struggle to maintain freedom and restore peace against the dark side of the Force. Joined by an army of clone troopers, the noble Jedi fight to protect the Republic against the Separatists and their droid army led by Count Dooku, hias assassin Asajj Ventress and the evil General Grievous. Each week, a new thrilling story is revealed, brought to the screen by supervising director Dave Filoni and executive producer George Lucas.

Bonus Features: Never Before Seen 16-Minute Documentary Covering All Six Seasons

Four additional story reels from “The Lost Missions” Season (Blu-ray only)

Release Date: 11/11/2014 (Direct Prebook: 9/16; Distributor Prebook: 9/30)

Ratings: TV-PG

Feature Run Time: Approx. 287 minutes

Aspect Ratio: 1:78 (Widescreen)

Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital

Languages: English, French & Spanish

Subtitles: English, French & Spanish

Southwest Airlines shares the Disney Magic

By

Chip

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October 18, 2014

So what happens when you combine Southwest Airlines & Disney Magic ? Just the approximately 140 Orlando-bound Southwest passengers who boarded Flight #887 at Dallas’ Love Field on Monday morning.

To celebrate the addition of Southwest Airlines’ first non-stop route from Dallas to Orlando International Airport, the unsuspecting group experienced some pixie-dusted moments as part of the inaugural flight. See the video below…

As bleary-eyed passengers began arriving to the gate during the early-morning hours, they were greeted by a giant backdrop of Cinderella Castle that served as a “Disney Side” family photo opportunity.

If that wasn’t enough to provide a magical wake-up moment, the world-famous Dapper Dans barbershop quartet made a surprise appearance, singing a selection of tunes ranging from the aeronautic (“Let’s Go Fly A Kite”) to the supercalifragilistic (“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”). The quartet even debuted its new arrangement of “Let It Go.”

Aboard the plane, passengers were introduced to Jungle Jane, a Jungle Cruise Skipper who made flight announcements in the attraction’s famous style of humor. (And it is true: when the plane flew through a passing shower, passengers saw the backside of water.) Mouse Ears and Mickey Mouse-shaped treats were given to passengers, as well as complimentary tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that evening in the Magic Kingdom. The Dapper Dans then roamed the aisle of the airplane, providing one-of-a-kind, in-flight entertainment.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Give Kids The World and Universal Orlando Resorts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 18, 2014

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Do you love Universal Orlando as much as I do? Do you love helping others? Have you ever thought about volunteering to help make a difference while on vacation? If you answered yes to any of those questions then you have found the right place. Universal Orlando invites your family to take part in a very unique volunteering opportunity “while on vacation” at a wonderful nonprofit “storybook” resort for children with life threatening illnesses called Give Kids The World Village.

At Give Kids The World Village, children and their families experience a memorable week long vacation cost-free. They also have a chance to visit several of Central Florida’s attractions during their stay.

This is where you come in! While you are visiting Universal Orlando your family can experience this life-changing opportunity and plan a visit to Give Kids The World to volunteer for a few hours at one of the many locations on campus. Have a child in High School or College who has the need to earn service hours for a scholarship? Then this is the perfect way to have fun on vacation, and earn your Volunteer Service Hours all while making a difference in several families lives. The connections you will make will stay with you forever.

Give Kids The World has several volunteer opportunities:

Gingerbread House– Volunteers help serve breakfast, run food, refill drinks, bus tables, and clean.
Express Breakfast– Located in the Ice Cream Palace, volunteers serve breakfast food “to-go” at the Express Start Breakfast station as well as greet guests, and take orders.
Character Photos– Help families capture a special moment when their children come face to face with their favorite characters on campus.
La-Ti-Da-Spa– Volunteers, 16 years of age and older, assist with makeovers, which include face-painting, nails, make up, hand massage, and airbrush tattoos.

Sounds like fun? YES! Now you are probably asking yourself “how do I volunteer?” No worries. I have all the details you need to start making dreams come true! Of course Give Kids The World Village has a few guidelines.

Volunteers must be at least 8 years of age.
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while volunteering.
Please wear family-friendly clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Ready to plan your Universal Orlando “Make a Difference Vacation?” Well, you’re in luck! The Universal Orlando Resort has offered this life-changing opportunity in on convenient vacation package.

Package Details:

3-Night accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner Hotel
2- Day Park to Park Ticket
A four-hour volunteer opportunity for you and your family at Give Kids The World
FREE round trip transportation between hotel and Give Kids The World provided by Quick Transportation
Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on hour before the theme parks open
Valid for booking now- 12/24/14, bases on availability and travel now- 12/31/14.
Plus, Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations will donate $100 to Give Kids the World for every package purchased!

How to get started with your “Make a Difference” vacation? Simple, follow these steps below!

Step 1: Book your Universal Orlando Vacation. (See package details above)
Step 2: Submit the required volunteer application for all individuals in the traveling party.
Step 3: Submit your volunteer background check (Required for individuals age 18 or older). Parental agreements are required for all children 17 and under.

For prices and more details on this amazing opportunity for your family, and how to register to volunteer for Give Kids The World please don’t hesitate to contact me today! Just think of the lasting memories you and your family will have helping others.

My name is Leigh Saleh. I am a Universal Orlando, Seaworld, and Disney Specialist for Chip and Company. I am also a Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency used by Chip and the Disney Addicts. Email me today at [email protected] to book your next “Magical” family vacation to your favorite destination.

Disney’s Tomorrowland Movie Trailer and Poster!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 17, 2014

“Disney’s “Tomorrowland” movie trailer and poster are now available. “Tomorrowland” starring George Clooney, is a mystery adventure movie about a former boy genius (Clooney) who together with Casey (Britt Robertson), a young energetic teen full of scientific curiosity, sett out on a dangerous adventure to an unknown location in space and time known only as Tomorrowland.

Check out the movie trailer and don’t miss Tomorrowland in theaters May 22, 2015.

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

Ravello – Modern Inspired Italian Cuisine

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 17, 2014

Located on the lobby floor of the Four Seasons Orlando at the Downtown Disney Resort area – Ravello brings new meaning to Modern Italian Cuisine. This breathtaking new restaurant features an equally stunning menu offered for both breakfast and dinner. Which ever meal you choose, you can be confident that Ravello will deliver an unforgettable dining experience from beginning to end.

You can now reserve seats for your evening meal to taste these new and innovative-takes on Italian favorites like mouthwatering Pizzas baked straight from the restaurant’s wood-fired oven or a unique but equally delicious version of house-made pastas from the pasta bar. Ravello offers upscale/modern cuisine made from mostly fresh local ingredients to truly take their sleek Italian inspired dishes to the next level.

Looking for a unique way to start your day with family and friends? Try the new Good Morning Character Breakfast!

Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and His Pals

Thursdays and Saturdays 7:30AM – 11:00AM

Start your morning with some Goofy friends when you experience the fun new Character breakfast with Goofy and Pals at the Four Season’s Ravello. “Goof” around with delightful Disney company as you watch the chef prepare your omelet to culinary perfection in the breathtaking new open kitchen. Try family favorites at the All-You-Care-To-Enjoy full breakfast buffet along side some new healthy wellness options and uniquely inspired dishes served only at the Four Season’s Ravello.

This dining experience is not Disney Dining Plan eligible.
Kids 5 and younger dine Free program does not apply to Character Breakfast at the Four Seasons Resort.

Cost for breakfast is $38 per adult and $18 per child, ages 3-12. Taxes and gratuity not included. Reservations required.

Although breakfast is served daily, the Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and Pals is currently offered only on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Ravello Dining Hours

Breakfast
6:30 am – 11:00 am

Dinner
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm

This restaurant is now open for reservations and currently offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with stunning urban inspired accents and two private dining rooms which are also available for your next dining experience.

Call for reservations to schedule your next celebration or just stop by the bar to sample some new flavors from this breathtaking new dining experience offered by the Four Seasons Resort.

Reserve your dining experience by calling: (407) 313-7777

How do you feel about the modern inspired dining experience of Ravello? Do you plan to stop by and try the new restaurant? Leave us a comment we love to hear from you.

Kids Under 3 & The Disney Dining Plan

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 17, 2014

Promotions like Stay, Play and Dine (which was released to the general public on October 9, 2014) and Free Dining can make a trip to Walt Disney World an affordable reality for your family. At Disney children under 3 are free – they don’t pay park admission, and they are not counted toward room occupancy. However, it also means they are not eligible for a dining plan, even if you wanted to pay full price for it.

As a family of three, two adults and a two-year-old, we are very excited for our trip during the Stay, Play, and Dine promotion in early 2015. I wanted to make sure I fully researched how we could best stretch the dining plan to also accommodate our toddler. I came up with some great tips for keeping your child under 3 fed without spending a lot of extra money on food!

1. My number one piece of advice is to use your Table Service credits at buffets and all-you-care-to-enjoy (family-style) restaurants. Children under 3 can eat off of an adult’s plate at all of those places free of charge. And you don’t have to take that literally – you can get them their own plate of foods they would like, including those from the children’s items. A children’s drink is also included at no additional cost. There are so many wonderful options when selecting buffets or all-you-care-to-enjoy places. Some of my favorites include Garden Grill, Chef Mickey’s, Hollywood & Vine Play and Dine, and ‘Ohana.

2. For Quick Service options looking for meals that are big enough to share. As with Table Service resturants, children under 3 can share from your plate. Some meals at WDW are big enough for my husband and I to share, so sharing with a toddler is easy! Some of my favorites include the Ribs and Chicken Combo at Flame Tree BBQ (Animal Kingdom), the 1/2 Slab of Spare Ribs at Fairfax Fare (Disney’s Hollywood Studios), Oak-grilled Rotisserie Chicken at Sunshine Seasons (Epcot), and the Deluxe Cheeseburger, plus topping bar at Pecos Bill’s (Magic Kindgom).

3. At Quick Service restaurants ask if you can have a yogurt for dessert instead of something sweet. 9 times out of 10 the Cast Member will accommodate your request. Now I know that yogurt probably isn’t enough to fill your child but it can help stretch a meal that you’re sharing. Please keep in mind if it is not considered a dessert the Cast Member does not have to make the substitution for you but asking doesn’t hurt.

4. Opt for heartier snack options for the whole family. I’m not saying to always pass on a Dole Whip or Mickey Bar but there are several snack options that can serve as a light meal for an adult so they should be more than enough for you toddler. Favorites include: Chicken Fried Rice at Yak and Yeti Local Foods Cafe (Animal Kingdom) and Croissant Jambon Fromage at Boulangerie Patisserie les Halles (Epcot).

5. Pack extra snacks. Now I know this isn’t exactly using your meal plan, but keeping granola bars, cheese sticks or crackers on hand is a cheap was to keep your little one’s satisfied during your days at the Parks.

6. If you do decided to purchase a meal for your child out of pocket, the Power Pack option (yogurt, crackers, cereal bar, fruit and veggies plus a drink) at select Quick Service locations is a really great value! Plus if your little one doesn’t finish the whole meal it’s easy to bring the leftovers with you!

Do you have a tip for making the most out of the dining plan for the youngest visitors to Walt Disney World? Share them with our readers in the comments below!