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Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

Universal-Studios-Halloween-Horror-Nights

If you have never been to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights than this is for you. I have been several times, and each time I learn something new that I can share with you.

Planning ahead is the key to having a good time. You will need to think about the details of your visit weeks before you arrive. For example when are you planning to go, how many nights, and what type of ticket you will need. Lost already? No worries, if you follow my planning tips below you are sure to have a scary good time.

Event Description:
Halloween Horror Nights which is sometimes referred to as “HHN”, is an event going on it’s 24th year that takes place on select nights from mid-September through Halloween night. The event is usually held at Universal Studios theme park, and is considered a hard ticket event which is not included in your regular park admission ticket. The theme of the event changes from year to year, so you never know “who” is out to scare you. It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age because of the intense nature of the event, and theme. During the event alcohol is served at select locations too, so it tends to get a bit rowdy at times which might not be suitable for younger children. Also costumes or masks are not permitted into the event to help avoid confusing park guest with the scare-actors.

Entrance to Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
Entrance to Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights

Let’s talk about tickets:
If you plan on visiting the theme parks during the day, and Halloween Horror Nights on the same evening you could purchase a “Stay & Scream” ticket. With this ticket when the park closes for day guests it will allow you to stay in a select location within Universal Studios until the event starts. My favorite place to “hang” until the event starts is in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley. This area stays open a little later than the rest of the park, and tends to have less guests than during the day hours.This area closes at the opening of the event, so no seeing any Dementors during Halloween Horror Nights.

Diagon Alley
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley

Halloween Horror Nights has several ticket options to choose from:

  • The “Stay & Scream” add-on like mentioned above. This option is usually at a discount because you’re adding it to a regular admission ticket.
  • Individual-Single Night Ticket
  • Rush of Fear Ticket-Attend every event night for the first 3 weeks at a low price.
  • Frequent Fear Ticket-Multiple nights for a low price excluding Friday and Saturday nights with the exception of the first weekend.
  • Frequent Fear Plus Ticket-Get up to 22 nights for a low price excluding Saturday nights with the exception of the first weekend.

This is a rain or shine event, so if it rains don’t leave Universal will not issue a refund. Grab a poncho and have fun! The street scare-actors may not be available during the rain due to safety reasons but the houses will continue to scare if you can brave to rain.

Ticket Upgrades:
Much like the regular admission tickets you can also add the “express pass” to your Halloween Horror Night ticket for an additional price. If you’re only going for one night I highly recommend the express pass. This pass will give you access to the express line to each of the haunted houses. One visit per house as well as the select attractions, and shows during the event.

For a truly unique experience might I suggest you try the Behind the Screams Tours. This is a lights-on peek of select haunted houses. Including your chance to meet some of the designers of the event.

Want a little “red carpet” treatment then I have just the tour for you. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P Tour is just what any horror fan needs. The RIP Tour Guide will escort you to the front of the line of each haunted house. You will also have select VIP, I mean RIP seating for a really funny show: Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure. If that’s not enough you will also get the front of the line for up to 2 select attractions open the night of the event.These tours tend to sell out fast, and they have a few different options to choose from too.

Tips:

  • Arrive Early as the park entrance tends to get very busy for the opening or “Stay & Play.” In that case head to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley prior to 5:00 p.m, and explore this fun area prior to the event opening.
  • Select the type of ticket that works best for your trip. Whether it’s the single night ticket or the Frequent Fear ticket make the most of your night.
  • Purchase the Express Pass. Especially if you are only able to attend for one night.
  • Visit the houses that seem to be the most popular early in the evening because within a few hours the wait times become very long. Unless you have the express pass then your wait may be very short as it has been in the times I have visited. Some say luck, I say it’s the express pass.
  • Don’t forget to grab a park map once you walk in or you will surely get lost finding the locations of the haunted houses.
  • Don’t forget to buy your specialty themed Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise before you leave.
Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise
Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise
  • Go early in the season within the first 3 weeks and the crowds tend to be lower. The closer you get to Halloween it will get very very crowded.
  • Go to the early shows for less crowds.
  • Bring your own poncho because it’s Florida and it will rain!
  • Don’t forget to bring your camera. You don’t want to miss the look on your family’s face when they get scared by one of the scare-actors in the scarezones.
Maskerade Unstitched
Maskerade Unstitched
  • Be prepared to pay for parking: Full day parking is $17.00 and parking after 8:00 p.m is $5.00. Florida resident free parking is not valid during the event.
  • Stay on property and book the Halloween Horror Nights Hotel & Ticket Package. Advance purchase required. Or commonly known as the “Stay, Play & Scream” package.

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 releases new trailer for “INSIDE OUT”

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InsideOut53a3b12115080

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Disney has released a new trailer for their upcoming movie “Inside Out”.

Inside Out is about girl named Riley, who has to deal with not only growing up, but moving from her quiet life in the Midwest to a new place called San Francisco.   Riley goes through the ups and downs of childhood with the help of her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) all of whom live in the control center inside Riley’s head known as Headquarters.   The move and new life in San Francisco, causes chaos in Headquarters among the emotions as they try to deal with a new city, house and school.

Directed by Pete Docter who brought us favorites such as UP, Monsters Inc, Toy Story and Bug’s Life and Produced by Jonas Rivera who has worked on every Pixar film since he joined the Pixar Animation Studios in 1994, comes the funny and different movie “Inside Out”.

Check out the Trailer!

 

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, promotions and Disney news!

10 Things NOT To Do at Disney

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There are hundreds of planning tips and tricks on what you should do at Disney Parks. There are tips on what attractions to ride, where to eat, what characters to meet, where to stay, etc. However, let me provide some tips on the ten things that you should NOT do at Disney.

Have Tunnel Vision: There are so many things to do at Disney Parks; attractions to visit, characters to meet, and dining reservations to attend. It can all get overwhelming if you are not careful. Try to remember that you are on vacation and have spent a great chunk of change to have fun. Take a moment and look around you while walking to your next stop. Disney Imagineers include so many fantastic and slightly hidden details through the parks that taking time to stop and look around is always greatly rewarded. Some of your best memories may come from stopping to watch a performer at World Showcase in Epcot, or from marveling at the actors and actresses from 1920s Hollywood strolling down Sunset Blvd. at Hollywood Studios.

Forget to Drink Water: Dehydration is never fun! You get cranky, tired, and dizzy. Add to that waiting in line for forty of more minutes and then taking a plunge down the Tower of Terror: not a good time. Keep a water bottle full at all times and whenever you pause to wait in any line, take a drink. This will make for a much better and healthier trip.

Be Rude to Cast Members: As a former CM, I cannot tell you the number of times that guests were rude to me. Cast Members are not to blame for the Florida afternoon rain, and no, there is no magic weather machine that they can use to turn it off. They are not to blame for the price of the Cinderella dress that your child is in tears over. They are not to blame that there are long lines to meet Elsa and Anna. However, they are there to help make your trip as magical as possible! Some of my best Disney memories are interacting with guests and seeing the joy on a child’s face when I could do something to make their trip that much more special. Believe me, with Cast Members, kindness goes a long way – and may even get you some free stuff when possible. It’s much more rewarding to help out a great, fun, and kind family than it is to help out the family that is screaming at you.

Forget What It’s Like to Be a Kid: Maybe the Tiki Room isn’t your thing. Maybe It’s a Small World really grates on your nerves. That’s okay. Just remember to have fun! Remember the magic and wonder you felt as a child and enjoy every last moment of pixie dust at Disney. Skip down Main Street with your child. Sing along to the Carousel of Progress. No one will judge you. Disney is for the kid in all of us – embrace it!

Do Not Plan a Budget: There a many temptations at Disney Parks; food, drinks, souvenirs, photo packages, and so much more. Go into the parks with a budget and stick to it! It’s great to bring home tangible memories, but it’s not great to bring home unwanted debt. Try giving each child a budget by putting a certain amount on a gift card for them. Once the money is gone, that’s it. It’s a great way to teach them to be responsible with their money, while still allowing them to take home some treats and toys. Also, plan for large purchases. I know that I am always tempted by the Dooney and Bourke bags and it is very hard for me to leave the parks without one. Because of this, I plan for that money in my trip budget. That way, if I bend to temptation, I won’t feel guilty about the purchase, and if I don’t end up with a bag, that’s just that much more money that I can take back home with me or use toward something else.

Act Like You’re the Only Family on Vacation: Everyone at Disney Parks is on vacation. Maybe you’ve been waiting ten years and the next family comes every six months, but you are both still on vacation. If a character is taking a lot of time with the family before you, do not get impatient and huffy. Instead, think about how that means that they will probably be willing to spend more time with your family too. Take that extra time to get the camera ready and autograph books out.

Expect to Do It All: Walt Disney World is massive. I’m taking BIG. Do not expect to do it all in a week-long vacation. I don’t even think you could do it all in a two week long vacation. Do not run around like the White Rabbit saying “I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.” Instead, take time before your trip to research and plan your don’t miss attractions and events. That way, you know that you won’t miss out on anything you really care about, and you’ll still have time to sit back and enjoy the moments

Spoil the Magic: Even if you are on and adults only trip, or your children are now teenagers, please remember that there are small ears everywhere! Take care not to point at character flaws, or discuss the logistics of how Tinker flies from the castle while in the parks. Childhood is such a short amount of time – help to keep the magic alive for as long as possible.

Be Inappropriate: Similar to the previous but also very important. Use caution with your language while walking around. Not only is it just good manners, but nobody wants to hear your expletive laced tirade about your flight delay on the way to Orlando. In the same vein, holding hands in great, and sharing a kiss while watching kisses is romantic. However, having a full on make out session on the Pirates of the Caribbean boat is tacky. Save it for later.

Pack without Caution: I have seen so many people in the parks with bad sunburns, blistered feet, and uncomfortable looking outfits. Remember, you are there to have fun, not win a beauty contest. Pack sensible shoes that you can walk (a lot!!) in. Pack sunscreen and apply it regularly. And consider that Animal Kingdom may not the best venue to break out your new Channel jacket.

There is so much to do and see at Disney Parks no matter what time of year you visit or which park you choose. Just remember to have fun, be flexible and considerate, and you will have an amazing trip. Can you think of any other Do Not Do tips? Have you made any of these mistakes in the past? Let us know in the comment box below!

Monica is an Alumni 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.

Plan a Day at Universal Orlando Theme Parks

Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando

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How many of y’all are Disney Diehards? You’re at the Disney Parks every day of your Orlando vacation and you still don’t think it’s enough. You would never dream of visiting that “other” theme park, Universal Studios Orlando. Then, “that person” invites you to go to Orlando with them. You know the one (it could be a family member or just a friend), but they just don’t “get” the magic of Disney. They may even ask you to spend a day at EPCOT and a day at Disney World. Then, the dreaded questions and they’re bound to happen, ”Can we use our Park tickets at Universal?” and “Where do we catch the Universal Studios bus?” As soon as you pick your jaw up off the floor and shake off the shocked feeling, take a trip with me to Universal Orlando for a different type of magic.

Planning a visit to the Universal Orlando Theme Parks is much different than a visit to Walt Disney World, but if you follow these helpful tips you will have a very Magical time! Even if it’s just for the day.

TIPS:

  • First off don’t be afraid to be a kid again and HAVE FUN!
  • Arrive Early: Depending on the time of year you visit the Universal Orlando Theme parks may close much earlier than expected. However, Universal City Walk stays open until around 2 AM where you can enjoy a wonderful meal at one of the many restaurants or have a cocktail at one of the fun dance clubs or bars. They also have an AMC Cineplex with IMAX, Hollywood Drive-In Mini-Golf, and the Blue Man Group.
Universal CityWalk-Hollywood Drive-In Golf
Universal CityWalk-Hollywood Drive-In Golf
  • Purchase a Park-to-Park Ticket: You must have this type of ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express!
Hogwarts Express
Hogwarts Express
  • Purchase one of the refillable mugs/cups: Universal has 2 options to choose from too. My family always buys the 1 day Coca-Cola freestyle souvenir cup for $11.99 per person plus tax. This cup allows you unlimited refills at any of the select Coca-Cola freestyle locations. You can also add a day for an additional $5.99 at participating locations.
  • Bring your own poncho: It’s Florida therefore it will rain, and you really don’t want to buy a $10 poncho as your souvenir.
  • Purchase Universal’s Photo Connect Star Card: With this card you will be able to download all of the ride photo’s as well as any other photo’s that the Amazing Pictures employee’s take during your visit. They have several package options to choose from too. It’s a must. Here’s one of the pictures from my recent trip to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. When you download your pictures they include all the themed boarders too.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
  • If you drive be prepared to pay for parking: Regular parking cost $17, Preferred parking cost $25, and RV/Bus parking cost $22. Florida Residents park for free after 6:00 p.m. with proof of residency. Also don’t forget to take a picture of where you park. There’s nothing like spending all day in the parks only to get lost in the parking deck.
  • Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley first thing when you arrive to get the true feeling that Harry Potter got in the movies. Plus it’s less crowded in the morning.
  • Don’t Miss the shows: From the Superstar Parade to the many others throughout both theme parks. They are not to be missed. One of my favorites is the Frog Choir in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade
Frog Choir performs in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade
Frog Choir performs in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade
  • Don’t Miss the Character Interactions: My favorites include Scooby Doo, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Simpsons, and Curious George.
Universal Studios-The Simpsons
Universal Studios-The Simpsons

 

I would love to hear your favorite rides or shows that you like to do while visiting Universal Orlando, and I am always looking for more tips to share. Please feel free to comment below.

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.

Navigation Tips for Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World

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Downtown Disney has a lot to offer for Disney enthusiasts as well as those who would prefer to avoid the parks.  With the construction taking place as Downtown Disney transforms into Disney Springs, getting to the area can be a challenge.  So if you’re planning a day at Disney Quest, or you just want to enjoy the shopping and dining options available at Downtown Disney, here are some helpful hints for making your way through the mayhem that can be the approach and parking. During this period of construction, which promises to last into 2016, many of the parking areas are unavailable.

If you’re driving yourself:

  • From I-4, use exit 67: If you’re staying off property, or if you like to make “arrival day” a day at Downtown Disney, exiting I-4 at exit 67 will bring you into the area from a different direction than the local traffic.
  • Follow the signs:  Once off the highway, lighted signs will direct you to parking that is available. This may include parking areas across the street.
  • Use valet parking: If parking across the street is not convenient or feasible based upon your needs, you can choose to use valet parking. This is available for $20/vehicle at both The Marketplace (entrance 2 – 10am-1am), and the West Side (entrance 3 – 2:30pm-2am).

If you’re not driving yourself:

  • Use Disney Transportation:  If you’re staying on property, Disney Transportation is complimentary.  If you’re staying off property, but at one of the resorts along E. Buena Vista Drive, you might be able to walk to Downtown Disney. Disney Transportation includes not only the well-known buses, but also boats available from Disney’s Port Orleans, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs resorts.

No matter what:

  • Plan for it to take longer than you think:  Whether you’re driving yourself or using Disney Transportation, you will want to plan for delays, particularly if you have a dining reservation, or tickets to a movie or La Nouba by Cirque de Soleil. Remember also that if you plan to “just make a quick stop at Downtown Disney” prior to catching the Magical Express for the ride to the airport, you need a great deal of “cushion” time. Even Disney buses may get caught in traffic (especially on weekends, when crowds are high), and you don’t want the end of your vacation to be too stressful.

 

Jeri Chafin

Wendy drops in on Jake and the Neverland Pirates!

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cute

TINKER BELL, WENDY DARLING, JAKE, MICHAEL DARLING, CUBBY, IZZY, JOHN DARLING
Jake and his crew take flight over London! 

Jake and his crew of kid pirates take flight over London in Disney Junior’s “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Battle for the Book!” a primetime special premiering SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 (6:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Beloved Disney heritage characters Wendy, John and Michael Darling make their series debut in the music-filled special, with Maia Mitchell (Disney Channel’s “Teen Beach Movie” and ABC Family’s “The Fosters”) voicing the role of Wendy and performing new original song “Once Upon A Time.” Peter Pan and Tinker Bell will also appear.

A full-length preview of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Battle for the Book!” will be available on WATCHDisneyJunior.com and the WATCH Disney Junior app for smartphones and tablets beginning Sunday, October 19, followed by the debut of a new Hidden Objects game on Wednesday, October 22.

When the dastardly Captain Hook steals Wendy’s storybook from the Darling family home in London, Peter Pan enlists Jake’s help to save the day. With his trusted crew and the spirited Tinker Bell by his side, Jake meets the Darling children for the first time, and together they race to prevent Never Land’s most cherished tales from being lost forever.

Stay tuned for more on Jake and the Neverland Pirates!

Downtown Disney is Catching Fall Fever – Pumpkin Inspired Treats to Start The Season

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If you’re like me then you know that there is no feeling like walking outside in the crisp morning air with the smell of pumpkin spice drifting from shops all around you. Well, I am so excited to announce that the Downtown Disney Area is getting into the Fall spirit as pumpkin flavored inspirations begin to fill the counters and shelves in some of your favorite Walt Disney World Shops and Bakeries as Fall officially sets in!

If you’re looking for a sweet treat to start to the season with Disney style be sure to make your way to The Downtown Disney’s Ghirardelli Soda Fountain for the most creamy, ooey-gooey, Pumpkin Spice Caramel squares that you have ever tasted!

If you’re searching for a more classic approach to start your day (or night) you won’t have to look too far to find a Downtown Disney Starbucks location to get everyone’s favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte for a warm pumpkin inspired start to your Fall.

You won’t want to miss what Goofy’s Candy Company and the Candy Cauldron are brewing up this fall – Decedent, rich, melt-in-your-mouth Pumpkin Fudge – which is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Not in the mood for sweet treats? Stop by Downtown Disney’s Basin shop and pickup their new Pumpkin Shampoo and Conditioner Bars. These little beauties are packed with potassium, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and zinc to strengthen and shine your hair. Or try the seasonal pumpkin-patch soup for a relaxing and therapeutic way to celebrate the season.

 

There are many ways to enjoy and fulfill your pumpkin fix this Fall at the Downtown Disney Marketplace!

What are your favorite Pumpkin inspired ways to celebrate the Fall season? Leave us a message we love to hear from you!

Merchandise for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend

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The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler weekend is coming soon to Walt Disney World Resort. With the events drawing near Disney Merchandising has released some sneak peaks of what can be found!

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The runDisney events will take place October 3-4, and includes kids races, a family 5k, and a nighttime Disney Villain Hollywood Bash at Hollywood Studios after the 10-miler on Saturday. As with other runDisney events, there will be a mix of apparel items in both long and short sleeve options. I’m really exciting about the Maleficent theme in this years artwork.

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Other fabulous baubles will include limited edition pins including a glow-in-the-dark one of the Hitchhiking Ghosts from The Haunted Mansion.You can  also find a wicked cool car magnet, a handy water bottle, hat, and, the cutest most villainous shoe necklace ever styled after Maleficent. There is also have a black Disney ear hat for the Kids’ Races that sports Donald Duck dressed for Halloween and the logo that I am dying to see! My family are huge Donald Duck fans, so this is on the top of my list of things to check out!

To check out these items you can visit the Fitness and Health expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The Expo will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m On Friday, October 3, 2014, and 8:30 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday October 4, 2014.

I’ll be there for this exciting runDisney event, I hope to see some of your ghoulish faces there!

 

All images from Disney Parks Blog.

ABC Family picks up new show Stitchers and orders second season of Young & Hungry

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ABC Family today announced the network has picked up its first procedural drama “Stitchers” to series and has ordered a second season of new comedy series “Young & Hungry.”

“’Stitchers’ is new ground for us and I’m excited to bring procedurals to the network,” said Tom Ascheim, President, ABC Family. “We think our fans will love the intricate mysteries that ‘Stitchers’ will solve week to week as much as they love our relationship-driven dramas. We are also going back for seconds of our new comedy, ‘Young & Hungry.’ Good food, good laughs – of course we want more.”

“Stitchers” is a procedural drama series written by Jeffrey A. Schechter (“Overruled!”). “Stitchers” follows a young woman recruited into a covert government agency to be ‘stitched’ into the minds of the recently deceased using their memories to investigate murders and decipher mysteries that otherwise would have gone to the grave. The pilot was written by Jeffrey A. Schechter, who will executive produce alongside Jonathan Baruch and Rob Wolken.

“Young & Hungry” is an original comedy series where two worlds collide when Josh, a wealthy young entrepreneur, hires feisty Gabi to be his personal chef. “Young & Hungry” is produced by David Holden, Ashley Tisdale, Jessica Rhoades, Caryn Lucas and Eric Tannenbaum and Kim Tannenbaum in association with CBS Television Studios. Gabi Moskowitz, a San Francisco based food blogger, of BrokeAssGourmet.com, contributed to the development of this project. The show stars Emily Osment, Jonathan Sadowski, Aimee Carrero, Kym Whitley, and Rex Lee.

“Young & Hungry” ranks as basic cable’s #1 telecast in its time period in Adults 18-34, and Women 18-34, as well as other key demos. The show was nominated for two Teen Choice Awards for Choice Summer TV Show, and Choice Summer TV Star – Female for Emily Osment.

Stay tuned for more on Stitchers and Young and Hungry!

Casting for Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon”

Petes dragon casting
Petes dragon casting

Pete's dragon casting

Oakes Fegley and Oona Laurence are going to star in Disney’s remake of “Pete’s Dragon.

This movie is a re-make of the 1977 classic that tells the story of Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just happens to be dragon. The original movie was a musical, but they say this version will not be a musical. This version will be a live action CGI movie in order to bring the dragon to life.

You may have seen Fegley, he is currently staring in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” as Eli Thompson. He can also be seen as the younger version of Jason Batman in “This is Where I leave You”.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Photo Credit: Variety.com

Epcot Food & Wine Permanent Kiosk: Puerto Rico

Epcot food and wine
Epcot food and wine

food and wine

Many have asked when Epcot will add new pavilions to its World Showcase. Suggestions and wish lists have been made. Rumors have flown. Now it looks as though there may be some truth to one rumor. Puerto Rico is sponsoring a Food and Wine Festival kiosk at Epcot this year, and according to Puerto Rican newspaper, Metro, is committed to three years of kiosk sponsorship.

Metro also says that a group of investors, led by Michael Poma, President of Metro’s Puerto Rico International Events, are making a concerted effort to increase the presence of Puerto Rico. Several Puerto Rican companies have partnered with Poma to ensure that Puerto Rico becomes a permanent World Showcase pavilion. Construction on a Puerto Rico pavilion would begin in 2017, and potentially not be completed until 2027.

What do you think?  Is Puerto Rico a good addition to the World Showcase?

Ashdon, Inc. Unveils 2015 Disney Royal Ball Spring Quinceañera Dress Collection Featuring New Designs Inspired by Disney Frozen Characters Anna and Elsa

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Ashdon, Inc

Ashdon Inc., a leading force in the bridal and formal wear industry, today unveiled the 2015 Disney Royal Ball spring collection. The line includes new Quinceañera gowns inspired by beloved Disney characters including Anna and Elsa from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-winning, animated feature film, Frozen.

The Disney Royal Ball collection debuted in 2013 as the first ever line of Quinceañera gowns inspired by the inner qualities, personalities and stories of the Disney Princess characters.

Designed in collaboration with Disney Consumer Products, the gowns combine elements of fantasy and magic to deliver a fairy tale experience to young Latinas celebrating their Quinceañera. The spring 2015 line features 13 new gowns including a special edition design for “la Corona de la Princesa.”

“The Disney Royal Ball spring collection offers 13 new Quinceañera gowns that are as fun to wear as they are elegant with vibrant colors and exquisite detailing,” said Nick Yeh, CEO of Ashdon Brands. “With new dresses inspired by Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen , the collection offers reminders of even more inspiring and strong characters for Latina teens to channel on their special day.”

The 2015 Disney Royal Ball spring line includes:

  • Anna- Featuring contemporary “Rosemaling,” (decorative painting) beadwork and graceful symmetry, this gown captures Anna’s warmth and exuberance and shimmers with a natural and organic elegance.
  • Elsa- Inspired by snow and ice, this gown celebrates Elsa’s magical powers with its dramatic palette of icy blues and deep purples that deliver a cool elegance reminiscent of the beauty that sets in eternal winter.
  • Ariel- Cascading waves of organza ruffles and oceans of jewels pay tribute to Ariel’s courageous yet free-spirited nature.
  • Belle- Versailles-inspired beadwork and sophisticated silhouettes pay tribute to Belle’s elegance, intelligence and beauty.
  • Cinderella- Inspired by Cinderella’s graceful elegance, this timeless gown brings the magic of the ballroom to life, with embellishments including glamorous draping and delicate beadwork.
  • Jasmine- A whole new world awaits with this exotic gown’s shimmering beadwork and beautiful silhouette that celebrate Jasmine’s bold and adventurous spirit.
  • Mulan- This Chinoiserie-inspired organza ball gown captures Mulan’s heroic spirit and valiant heart.
  • Pocahontas- Inspired by Pocahontas’ courageous heart and love of nature, this gown celebrates the beauty of the earth and the sky, with cascading ruffles and elegant draping, adorned with dazzling beadwork.
  • Rapunzel- A tribute to Rapunzel’s passion and artistic spirit, the cap-sleeve, organza ball gown features exquisite beading and a skirt inspired by organic, hand-rolled flowers, while the strapless style features a ruffled detachable skirt.
  • Sleeping Beauty- As alluring and beautiful as Aurora herself, this dreamy gown features a sweetheart neckline, delicate beadwork and whimsical skirt.
  • Snow White- Inspired by the compassionate nature and grace of Snow White, this stunning gown makes a graceful yet dramatic statement.
  • Tiana- This enchanting gown captures Tiana’s confident attitude and independent spirit and is perfect for masquerading across the dance floor in a dazzling New Orleans style.
  • Corona de la Princesa-A special edition addition to the Disney Royal Ball Quinceañera Collection, this gown’s ornate details celebrate being the ultimate princess.

The 2015 Disney Royal Ball spring collection is available now at specialty and formal wear retailers across the U.S. and Canada and is available for pre-order through select retailers. Dresses will be available in sizes 0-20 with MSRPs ranging from $530-$999.

For more information on the Disney Royal Ball Quinceañera collection and retail outlets, please visit www.QuinceRoyalBall.com