Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Returns With Even More To Enjoy

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September 23, 2014

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic returns for the fifth year to the Epcot Resort Area hotel October 31 – November 1, featuring more than 40 food and wine stations; 10 food and wine seminars and the opportunity to meet the masters behind the culinary magic.

Amidst a backdrop of live entertainment, celebratory surprises and even some spooky fun on Halloween night, guests will enjoy numerous opportunities to sip and savor all weekend as they stroll along the hotel’s causeway.

The two-night event offers an enticing array of culinary options from the hotel’s award-winning signature restaurants: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula’s Steak House and my favorite Todd English’s bluezoo, as well as wine and spirits sampling from around the globe.

The food selections are as innovative as they are enticing, ranging from Italian arancini, marrying Carnaroli rice, Osso Buco and spicy tomato sauce, and the Asian-inspired grilled scallops with puffed rice, edamame and ponzu jelly; to barbeque handcrafted bacon, accented with sweet potato puree and caramelized onions. And, the hotel’s World Champion Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard, provides intrigue on the sweeter side with finishing touches like a chocolate crunch Napoleon with hazelnut daquoise and chocolate whipped cream, and a lemon peel mousse dome with blueberry cream and lemon angel food cake at its center.

“We’re excited about the fifth annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic,” said the hotel’s Director of Food & Beverage, Tony Porcellini. “This year, we’ll present even more intriguing wine selections from around the globe; showcase our culinary creativity with exciting new dishes; expand on our seminar offerings, and introduce a beer garden! Our goal is to make this event bigger and better each year and have fun doing it!”

New to the event this year are:

A beer garden, featuring a variety of local and seasonal brews from around the world, alongside homemade bar snacks made by the hotel’s culinary experts. An upgraded ticket option provides guests access to the beer garden.
The Cheese Course seminar, which pays homage to fromage with a unique look at the art of wine and cheese pairing.
The Fine Art of Sushi and Sake seminar, which will teach guests how to identify quality sushi and sake flavor profiles and pair the two.
A hands-on Caipirinha seminar, where guests will learn both the traditional recipe and try some unique twists to this ever-popular Brazilian cocktail.
Tequila University, offering an in-depth look at tequila, its different styles, the artisans who make it and the secrets to making the perfect margarita.

Returning seminars include: pasta-making, Italian wines, modern mixology, beer, wine-blending and champagne. All seminars require separate tickets in addition to the causeway tickets, and space is limited.

To add to the event’s appeal, guests can enjoy a meet and greet with celebrity chef Todd English, the namesake of the hotel’s Todd English’s bluezoo restaurant. Guests can also meet and enjoy world-class desserts from the hotel’s very own executive pastry chef, Laurent Branlard, the world’s only two-time World Champion Pastry Chef. Barbeque fans shouldn’t miss the Cib’s Smoke House station for signature barbeque dishes from the hotel’s executive chef Robert Ciborowski.

With 17 restaurants and lounges, a distinguished culinary and beverage team and unmatched customer service, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel continually receives national recognition for its food and beverage program. The hotel boasts more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections, including organic and rare vintages. The hotel’s restaurants are annual winners of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence including Shula’s Steak House, a three-time recipient of the exclusive Best of Award of Excellence.

Tickets to the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic are available as part of a hotel package or individually. For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500.

What: Fifth Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

Info: The Fifth Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel returns October 31 – November 1, showcasing a vast array of food and beverage options along with informative seminars conducted by members of the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage team. Highlighting the event is the appearance of celebrity chef Todd English.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic consists of 10 food and beverage seminars, live entertainment, a new beer garden and more than 40 food and beverage stations, featuring appetizing selections from the hotel’s signature restaurants: Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino New York Trattoria and Todd English’s bluezoo, as well as wines, beers and cocktails from around the world.

When: Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1 5:30–9 p.m. (for seminar schedule, check www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com)

Where: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Causeway

1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.

Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Ticket Information:

One and two-night packages, including tickets to the outdoor festival for two and overnight accommodations, are available starting at $315 per night
Advance purchase event-only tickets are available for $95 per person, including taxes and include unlimited food and beverage samples on the causeway
Upgraded tickets that include the beer garden are $115 per person, including taxes
Beverage seminars are $45 per person, per class including taxes
Pasta making and pairing seminars are $60 per person including taxes

– For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500

Disney shares new video clip from ALEXANDER and the Terrible, Horrible, NO GOOD, VERY BAD Day.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 23, 2014

Walt Disney Pictures has just released a new video clip from their upcoming new movie, ALEXANDER and the Terrible, Horrible, NO GOOD, VERY BAD Day. The movie is based on book by Judith Viorst, and tells the story of 11 year old, Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) who is having one of those days. Along the way he realizes that he is not alone, as it seems his entire family are having – terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days of their own.

Starring Steve Carrell (dad), Jennifer Garner (mom) and siblings (Dylan Minnette and Kerris Dorsey), this movie is guaranteed to have us laughing in our seats as the family is placed in one bad situation after another. Directed by Miguel Arteta and produced by Shawn Levy, Lisa Henson, Dan Levine with executive producers Philip Steuer, Jason Lust, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day will be in theatres beginning October 10, 2014.

Click here to enjoy the new video.

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

The 22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns March 2015 to Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 23, 2014

Epcot Flower and Garden Logo

The 22^nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival runs March 4 to May 17, 2015, at Walt Disney World Resort.

There will be dozens of character topiaries, like Chip and Dale to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. There will also be the popular Outdoor Kitchens, with refreshing beverages and tasty morsels from the garden and grill.

Home and garden seminars, children’s play gardens and other popular festival features will return for the 75-day event. At the Festival Center, interactive gardening workshops will set the stage for outdoor do-it-yourself inspiration, and guest speakers will cover the latest in outdoor trends and home and garden topics.

Guests can try new food and beverage tastes from Outdoor Kitchen menus and pose for selfies among whimsical topiaries, multiple themed gardens and children’s play areas. Disney-crafted “flower towers,” herb gardens and beds of multi-colored blooms will add to the floral splendor of the park’s landscape. On the park’s Future World lakes, more than 200 mini-gardens will be set afloat.

Don’t forget about the hundreds of butterflies of several species that will dazzle guests at the festival’s screened butterfly house.

For more information about the 22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).

The Festival events are included with regular Epcot admission.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Rock out to My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks this Saturday 9/27

By

Chip

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September 22, 2014

As MY LITTLE PONY EQUESTRIA GIRLS: RAINBOW ROCKS shreds their way to a theater near you Saturday, September 27th! To set the tone we have some fun music videos, sneak peeks and the official trailer to get you in a Canterlot kind of mood. Visit here for local listings – http://www.screenvision.com/cinema-events/my-little-pony-equestria-girls-rainbow-rocks/

Here are some video clips to rock out to:

Official Trailer

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND XPRIZE ARE LOOKING FOR REAL-LIFE “BIG HERO 6”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 22, 2014

WD Animation Studios and XPRIZE are looking for real life Big Heros. The launching of a nationwide video contest is going live today to find the real-life counterparts to the upcoming new movie “BIG HERO 6”.

The Disney BIG HERO 6 – XPRIZE Challenge is for youngsters aged 8 to 17 who can come up with creative and innovative ideas on how to take on the world’s biggest challenges using science, technology, art, math an engineering.

The contest that opens today through October 12, 2014 requires a video submission that will be judged on creativity, innovation and presentation. Twenty finalists will be selected based on the highest scores received from their video submissions. From there, six winners will be chosen based on the judges’ scores and public voting, held Oct 15th to 19th.

Prizes include a trip to Los Angeles to walk the red carpet at the film’s Hollywood premiere in early November, visits behind the scenes to meet the creative minds at both Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, joining a special “Visioneering™” experience at XPRIZE headquarters, plus other incredible prizes, including one (1) Contestant registration for FIRST® LEGO® League for the competition season 2014-2015 in the US or Canada, and a Special littleBits® NASA Space Kit and cloudBit™ Starter Kit.

Video submissions will compete in two divisions: Junior Division (8-12 years of age), and Senior Division (13–17 years of age). All entrants must have prior consent from their parent or legal guardian in order to participate in the challenge. Registration details are available at xprizechallenge.org/bighero6.

The video submissions may involve a short story, sculpture, drawing, model, robot or whatever method best communicates the idea in the most creative way (please see Official Rules for further details, restrictions and limitations). They will be scored on how well they explain the problem, show their solution, and explain what they learned and the impact their idea would have on themselves and the world. The more creative and engaging their presentation is, the better their chance of winning.

I can’t wait to see all incredible ideas today’s young geniuses have to offer.

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

Florida State to host USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 22, 2014

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Logo

The Florida State men’s tennis program is hosting the third annual USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando from Oct. 30-Nov. 2.

“We are excited about the opportunity to host the USTA Clay Court Invitational for the third consecutive year,” said Florida State head coach Dwayne Hultquist. “The partnership between the USTA, Disney, and Florida State makes this a unique event. We are looking forward to extended ESPN3 coverage and are hoping the Orlando and central Florida community get behind the event.”

The tennis complex at ESPN Wide World of Sports includes 10 world-class clay courts, including a stadium court which can seat more than 1,000 spectators. The facility has hosted a variety of major tennis events over the years featuring global tennis stars such as Venus and Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Billie Jean King and Andy Roddick.

Joining the No. 37 Florida State men’s team at the event are 15 other schools that finished the 2014 season in the ITA rankings, including No. 15 Florida, No. 23 USF, No. 55 Miami and No. 69 UCF. Also participating is defending national champion Southern California, NCAA Tournament semifinalist Virginia and quarterfinalist Columbia

The Florida State women’s team, ranked No. 31 in the final ITA poll of 2014, is one of 22 women’s teams participating, including 20 that finished last season ranked. Among them is national finalist North Carolina, national semifinalist No. 5 Florida, No. 12 Miami, No. 13 Clemson and No. 35 USF.

Between the men’s and women’s draws, the event will host over 40 schools around the country, the most in the event’s three-year history.

“This popular collegiate tennis event further underscores our commitment to hosting top-flight events at our sports complex,” said Kevin Weickel, Manager, Sports Development at Disney Sports. “Having the tournament shown live on ESPN3 creates tremendous national exposure for the schools and their student-athletes, and is one of the unique benefits of staging events at our sports complex.”

A collaboration between Disney, the USTA and Florida State, the Collegiate Clay Court Invitational is the most televised collegiate tennis event in the country, airing over 20 hours of live footage on ESPN3.

Sponsorship packages are still available for fans hoping to help ensure the event’s success for this year and coming seasons. Each sponsorship package includes tickets to each day of the event as well as parking passes and can include tickets to the opening night welcome dinner on Thursday, October 30^th.

Fans can purchase tickets for general admission each day at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office.

For more information, visit www.seminoles.com.

Men’s Teams participating (with 2014 final ranking):

USC (1)
Virginia (4)
Florida (15)
Columbia (17)
Clemson (22)
USF (23)
Penn State (24)
South Carolina (27)
Tulsa (36)
Florida State (37)
Virginia Tech (38)
Michigan (39)
Auburn (44)
Princeton (61)
UCF (69)
North Florida (72)
Denver
Florida Gulf Coast
Georgia Tech
Stetson

Women’s Teams participating (with 2014 final ranking):

North Carolina (3)
Florida (5)
Virginia (7)
Miami (12)
Clemson (13)
Baylor (14)
Northwestern (15)
Oklahoma (20)
Oklahoma State (21)
Pepperdine (24)
Auburn (27)
Texas Tech (30)
Florida State (31)
USF (35)
Columbia (39)
Illinois (45)
DePaul (50)
Virginia Tech (56)
Arkansas (59)
Syracuse (64)
Stetson
UCF

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Studios Backlot Tour at Hollywood Studios to Close on September 27th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 22, 2014

Disney has confirmed the Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studies will close on September 27 to make room for a new development. The announcement, which came on September 19, only gives guests another 8 days to get one more chance for this attraction.

Included in this new development is to move Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post and expand upon it. Could this mean another Frozen attraction is hitting Disney Parks? Beyond moving the trading post, Disney has provided no other details on the expansion.

The Studio Backlot Tour opened at Hollywood Studios in 1989 and originally was a much larger attraction. Over the years the attraction has been scaled back. In 2008 live tour guides were replaced with automated narration and many of the special effects demonstrations have been scrapped. No word on what will happen to the prop warehouse that makes up a part of the queue, or the large scale props that make up the tour.

What do you think? Are you happy to see more updates and developments coming to Hollywood Studios, or will you miss the Studio Backlot Tour? Let us know your thoughts 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.

New Disneyland Resort Hotel Promotion!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 21, 2014

Disneyland Resort just released their newest promotion. The Disneyland Hotel is on sale with savings up to 20% on the Premium Rooms. Book a new reservation for your premium, deluxe and woods, garden, and courtyard rooms as well as select Concierge and Paradise, Artisan and Regal suites to enjoy the discount pricing. Savings are also available on other room types.

Discount rooms can be booked from September 17 to November 19, 2014 with travel dates available select nights – Sundays through Thursdays, from October 26 thru December 18, 2014. There are some block out dates – 10/31/14, 11/1/14, 11/7/14,11/8/14, 11/13/14 through 11/16/14 and 11/21/14 through 12/13/14 and the promotion is subject to availability. Limited to two rooms per reservations and five people per room, the promotion is one of Disneyland Resorts popular discounts for the holidays. Add park hopper tickets or annual passes to your reservation to enjoy all the incredible and amazing decorations and fun activities, Disneyland Resort has to offer during the upcoming holiday season.

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, tips and promotions for your favorite Disney Parks.

Sneak Preview of ‘Big Hero 6’ Coming to Disneyland Park September 26th!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 20, 2014

A Sneak Preview of “BIG HERO 6” is Coming to Disneyland Park beginning September 26th. During my visit to Disneyland, last weekend, I heard the news of the upcoming sneak preview at the Magic Eye Theatre, located in Tomorrowland.

At the media event at the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif., last month, we learned that filmmakers are still putting the finishing touches on “Big Hero 6.” I can’t wait to see the finished product. But with a few months to go until the movie hits the theatres, I will be getting my exclusive sneak preview of the film on my visits to Disneyland.

“Big Hero 6,” the story of Hiro Hamada and his best friend, a robot named Baymax, who take us on an action-packed comedy-adventure along with super buddies – GoGo Tomago, Wasabi, Honey Lemon and Fred. Disney’s “Big Hero 6” opens in theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.

My name is Loretta Garcia and I am the Entertainment Writer with Chip and Company. Follow us on Facebook and our website for all the news, tips and promotions for your favorite parks and entertainment.

Beautiful Pandora Jewelry Coming to Disney Parks

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 20, 2014

We recently told you about Disney teaming up with Pandora. Coming this fall there will be new selection of hand-finished .925 sterling silver and 14K gold charms which are inspired by some of Disney’s most loved characters. There will be 16 pieces created for the parks, they can be found at select stores throughout Disney Parks. An additional 25 Disney-themed designs will also be hitting certain retail locations at Disney Parks and at Pandora stores throughout North America.

To start your collection, you must have the Pandora charm bracelet. Of course, Disney will release a sterling silver Disney Parks Bracelet which will have Pandora’s unique threading system and a ball clasp engraved with the castle logo.

Let’s take a look at some of the beautiful new charms:

There will be several themed charms, including some for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts (pictured above). The new sterling silver charms are hand-finished with flush-set cubic zirconia star detail.

Pictured above entitled “Mickey Mania”. It is a sterling silver openwork Mickey charm with red, light yellow, black and white enamel.

The one pictured above is my favorite so far. It is the Minnie Sparkling Ear Hat dangle. This charm is crafted in sterling silver with 105 pave-set black crystals and nine pave-set, red-cubic zirconia in the bow detail.

Which one is your favorite so far?

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

New Disney Dining Experience: Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 20, 2014

Next year there will be a new dining experience to Walt Disney World Resort when Trattoria al Forno opens at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.

It is technically Opening late in 2014. The restaurant will have Italian cuisine with authentic ingredients and recipes from Italy’s various regions. This new spot will showcase Old World techniques, included handcrafted mozzarella made daily, a variety of Neopolitan-style pizzas baked in wood-burning ovens, and other classic favorites such as risotto, baked lasagna, chicken Parmigiana with tagliatelle pasta and more. They will also have an extensive wine list with more than 60 offerings by the bottle and more than 25 wines by the glass. We can’t forget about desserts like, tiramisu and gelatos round out the menu. Trattoria al Forno will be located on Crescent Lake near Epcot in the heart of property.

Sounds so yummy!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Marriott Hotel at Cal State Fullerton has Spook-tacular Disney Deals

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 19, 2014

The Marriott Hotel at Cal State Fullerton has Spook-tacular Disney deals available. Room package deals starting at $239 per night with a 2 night minimum include room and park hopper tickets for 2 adults. Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are available for an additional $63.00 per person to enjoy all the parks’s goulish events and treats. Beginning on select nights September 26th through October 31, the Happiest Place on Earth is transformed into the spookiest place on earth with Mickey’s Halloween Party. The annual event is a scary yet fun filled family party hosted each year at the Disney Parks. To help families get ready for the party, Fullerton Marriott at Cal State Fullerton, is the perfect choice for your stay during the holidays.

At the Disneyland Halloween Party, guests will be able to enter the parks up to three hours before the start of the party. Once evening sets in, the party starts with trick-or-treating, dance parties and lots of excitement on your favorite Disney Park rides. Halloween Screams, the park’s fireworks show is a must for all Halloween party goers.

For more information about Mickey’s Halloween Party, click the following link: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort/

The Fullerton Marriott at Cal State University is just a short drive from Disneyland. Located at 2701 Nutwood Avenue, Fullerton, California 92831 and reservations are available by calling 1-714-738-7800.

My name is Loretta Garcia and I am the Entertainment Writer for Chip and Company. Visit our website or Facebook page for all the greatest news, tips and entertainment news from your favorite Disney parks.