Where to get your Cup O’ Joe (coffee) at Walt Disney World?

By

-

July 25, 2014

If you are a coffee enthusiast like myself there is nothing better than a good cup of coffee in the morning or really at any time. Some folks prefer iced coffee or frappuccinos, but not me, I’m an ole fashion gal and like my coffee hot, preferably a café latté. While there are alot of choices to where you can get a real good cup of coffee at Walt Disney World, I’m going to share with you some of my favorites and then give you all a chance to tell us yours..

Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort – Probably the best place at Disney World for coffee lovers. The Kona Coffee they serve there in the French Press Pot is phenomenal! It is shipped in from Hawaii and has made a lasting impression on me that I will never forget. If you are not in the mood for Tonga Toast just stop by the Kona Cafe Bar right next door for some coffee to go.
The Writers Stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – is a cozy little book store/coffee shop that has a barista on staff whipping up drinks for coffee fanatics. Many people know it more for their Carrot Cake Cookies, but that’s just because they haven’t discovered their delicious coffee.
Main Street Bakery at the Magic Kingdom– is now serving Starbucks coffee. So you now have another really good place to get those skinny half-calf, extra hot, no foam, sugar-free, vanilla lattés.
Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery at Disney Animal Kingdom – While most people have a hard time finding this shop, and it is more known for their cupcakes, the Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery has shade-grown gourmet coffees. It might be a long walk to get there but well worth it!
Fountain View at Epcot – is no longer selling Ice Cream, but instead is now serving up your favorite Starbucks Coffee. Grab yourself a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino or a Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte before heading out to the World Showcase.
Starbucks at Downtown Disney – this is a two for one kind of deal.. Now with two New Starbucks locations open at Downtown Disney there is more places to get your coffee fix. Are you a Grande Café Latté or a Triple Venti upside-down Caramel Macchiato? Which ever your craving you know that Starbucks is going to have the coffee for you.

There are a ton of other places to get good coffee at Walt Disney World like Contemporary Grounds, Grand Floridan Cafe and many more. But now it’s your turn. Where is your favorite place for a cup of coffee at Walt Disney World?

Let us know in the comment section below. 😉

Where to get your Cup O' Joe (coffee) at Walt Disney World?

Disney California Adventure Park Adds More Fun and Attractions

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 24, 2014

Cars Land and Buena Vista Street made their debuts in 2012 at the newly expanded Disney California Adventure Park, adding more fun and attractions such as Radiator Springs Racers and the Carthay Circle Theatre. These new lands capped a 5 year expansion at the Disneyland Resort.

“From the thrills of Cars Land to the romance of Buena Vista Street, the work that’s been done throughout this entire expansion is extraordinary,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. “Disney California Adventure is a testament to what we at Disney Parks do best – connect our guests to the iconic stories, characters and music they love, helping them make shared memories to last a lifetime.”

There are 4 new attractions, Radiator Springs Racers, Luigi’s Flying Tires, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and the Red Car Trolley, 8 new food locations including Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge, 9 new shops and more than a dozen new entertainment experiences along Buena Vista Street.

The 12-acre Cars Land is a fully detailed, three-dimensional re-creation of Radiator Springs, known to fans of the Disney●Pixar movie “Cars” as “the cutest little town in Carburetor County.” Cars Land has 3 new attractions: Luigi’s Flying Tires, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and the thrilling Radiator Springs Racers. This addition is one of the largest and most elaborate attractions created for a Disney theme park.

You can now enter Disney California Adventure through Buena Vista Street. The newly themed entrance brings the spirit of Walt Disney into the park as never before, immersing guests in a locale reminiscent of Los Angeles in the 1920s, a time and place full of hope and optimism. With its familiar shop names, period costumes and architecture, Buena Vista Street is inspired by the “city of dreams” Walt Disney found when he arrived by train in California.

Theicon of Disney California Adventure, the Carthay Circle Theatre, is a majestic building at the end of Buena Vista Street that recalls, in name and architectural style, the great California movie palace where “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” premiered in 1937. Carthay Circle Theatre, home to the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge, anchors the newly designed plaza from which guests set out to experience all the thrills, excitement and wonder of Disney California Adventure. Upstairs, guests enjoy Southern California cuisine and the ambience of a post-gala party at Carthay Circle Restaurant, while the ground floor Carthay Circle Lounge offers appetizers and bar service, along with historic photographs and exhibits.

The Red Car Trolley is based on Los Angeles’ historic Pacific Electric Red Car Line, transports guests from Buena Vista Street down Hollywood Boulevard, to the footsteps of the famed Hollywood Tower Hotel, home to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Street characters and entertainers such as the “Red Car Trolley News Boys” and “Five & Dime” add to the fun along Buena Vista Street.

The expansion of Disney California Adventure has produced a lot of new things to do:

Toy Story Mania! opened in 2008, inviting guests into an interactive, ride-through, attraction where they enter a 4-D carnival midway hosted by characters from the Disney●Pixar movie “Toy Story.”

“World of Color,” the nighttime water spectacular, debuted in 2010 and the popular show has been seen by more than 5 million guests.

In 2011, the park reached its next milestone with the premiere of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, a ride-through attraction based on the Disney animated classic movie.

Additional highlights include new entertainment such as “Phineas & Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party,” new restaurants such as Paradise Garden Grill, and the enhancement and re-theming of such attractions as Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Games of the Boardwalk, Silly Symphony Swings and Goofy’s Sky School.

The transformation of Disneyland Resort began in 2001 with the opening of Disney California Adventure, the Downtown Disney district and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Since then, the Disneyland Resort has continued to grow with the addition of popular attractions and shows such as Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, now in 3-D; Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage; Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror.

In 2009, the resort completed a major expansion of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which included the first West Coast destination for Disney Vacation Club. A magical renovation of the signature Disneyland Hotel was completed in early 2012, including re-imagined guest rooms, a new restaurant and bar, and a new pool with monorail-themed water slides.

What is your favorite new addition to the Disneyland resort?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Pirates of the Caribbean 5 Will be Released in 2017

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 24, 2014

Walt Disney Pictures has announced that Pirates of the Caribbean 5 will be in a theater near you on July 7, 2017.

Catch Me If You Can scribe Jeff Nathanson has provided the screenplay for the fifth installment. It will be directed by Kon-Tiki‘s Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

The film franchise launched in 2003 with The Curse of the Black Pearl, and Johnny Depp has been in every one, in the role of Captain Jack Sparrow and Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbossa.

The “Pirates of the Caribbean” films have earned over $3.7 billion at the worldwide box office.

Will you watch it?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Top 10 Best Things About Frozen Summer Fun Live Event

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 24, 2014

Heading to the Frozen Summer Fun LIVE Event in Hollywood Studios? I was just there last week and had a great time and wanted to share with you my Top 10 Best Things About Frozen’s Summer Fun LIVE Event!

10. The Drinks. New Frozen inspired cocktails and non-alcohlic beverages will be available throughout the run of Frozen Summer Fun. The Let It Glow is non-alcoholic, with pineapple juice, grenadine, ginger ale and a glow cube! There’s also a Summer Berry Margarita and the Blue Dream which citrus vodka, blue curacao, peach schnapps, sweet-and-sour mix, pineapple juice and a glow cube.

9. The Treats. Limited time cupcakes are back! Except this time they’re Frozen themed including chocolate cake with buttercream frosting for Anna, vanilla cake with buttercream frosting for Elsa and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting for Olaf! You can also find themed cookies, milk shakes and ice cream cookie sandwiches… just to name a few.

8. Kristoff. The real deal! And may I say he’s quite handsome.

7. Picture Spots. There are several Frozen picture spots throughout the park where you can take your own, use a Photopass photographer or download the Aurasma app to your smartphone and participate in virtual photo ops with all the characters!

6. For the First time in Forever Singalong. Take break from the summer heat to join a singalong with Anna, Elsa and Kristoff! Comedic newly appointed historians of Arendelle retell the story of Anna and Elsa and singalong with you to the movie’s soundtrack.

5. Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post. Yoo hoo, big summer blow out! Finally, Frozen merchandise is here! Head in to Wandering Oaken’s for the newest Frozen shirts, dolls and collectibles.

4. Frozen Funland. Do you wanna build a snowman in Florida? Well, now you can! You can also rent skates, get hot cocoa and pose for photos in this excellent Frozen funland.

3. #Olafsummervacation. When you enter the park, grab a take along Olaf (Olaf on a stick) and pose with him anywhere you can! Post him to twitter or instagram with the hashtag #Olafsummervacation for your chance to be featured on the big screen throughout the day or in the Finale!

2. Elsa and Anna/Sisterly Moments. The Frozen sisters have truly come to Hollywood Studios straight from Arendelle and there’s denying their bond. You can see Anna and Elsa several times throughout the day starting with the morning processional and stage show, the Frozen singalong and at the end of the night for fireworks.

1. Frozen Fireworks. This truly is a spectacular show with beautiful fireworks set to an amazing Frozen soundtrack medley! Definitely don’t miss this experience!

My only complaint, not even Sven! What’s your favorite part about Frozen Summer Fun?

Kohl’s is Getting D-Signed Just in Time for Back to School

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 24, 2014

Disney Consumer Products and Kohl’s announced they’re bringing the newest line of the tween brand “D-Signed” exclusively to Kohl’s. Offering a “mix & match” assortment of apparel that gives girls the opportunity to create their own styles, the “D-Signed” brand continues to be inspired by the fun fashions featured on Disney Channel shows. The hit tween brand will launch with the popular “Girl Meets World” collection and is available at Kohl’s stores nationwide.

“Disney Channel sets the pace with what tweens are watching and wanting to wear,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing at Disney Consumer Products. “Through creative collaborations with Disney Channel and Kohl’s, our ‘D-Signed’ brand continues to give girls the ability to express their individual style that’s trend right and mom approved.”

“D-Signed” is a true fashion brand and leverages the latest trends in the market. The first two “D-Signed” collections at Kohl’s will debut this summer, featuring free-spirited silhouettes mixed with a touch of rocker chic that draw inspiration from “Girl Meets World” characters Riley and Maya. Items such as leggings, fashion tops, sweatshirts and dresses round out the collection with prices starting at $28.

“Only ‘D-Signed’ offers tween girls the opportunity to wear the looks inspired by their favorite stars on the Disney Channel,” said Amy Kocourek, Kohl’s executive vice president of juniors and kids. “We couldn’t be more excited about working with Disney as it allows us to leverage the power of their exciting, ever-changing lineup of television shows to bring new, amazing and unexpected product to our tween shoppers.”

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Adventure Trading Company Opening Soon at Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 23, 2014

On August 1st there will be a new store opening at Disneyland, called the Adventure Trading Company. It is opening for a limited engagement only. Adventure Trading Company will be a provisions and publications company with a knack for selling things that send you on crazy adventures. These unique items reflect the ancient show the importance of storytelling in Adventureland. So go on an adventure and Collect some Juju!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney World is Removing Anna and Elsa’s Stand By Line

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 23, 2014

According to our friends at the Temporary Tourist starting today, July 23, Disney World will be trying out a new Stand-By line for the very popular Elsa and Anna meet and greet in the Magic Kingdom. The stand by wait times have been outrageous, so Disney decided to see if they can improve the situation. Now there is Fastpass+ but those seem to fill up out of nowhere.

The new system will start when the park opens. C.M’s will let guests to fill the standby line till it’s full. When it is full then the the line will be considered closed. If you get there after the line is full then you will be directed to the Magic Kingdom Park Support, which will be on the other side of the Courtyard Carrousel. Each guest will get a pass with a time to comeback but it’s on a “first come first serve” basis. Each ticket will give you a 30 minute window in which to return and get in the stand by line. From the time you enter the stand by line Disney says your wait should be about 30 minutes.

A few more bits of info:

The testing period will go from July 23 to the 25th.
Fastpass+ will still work like usual
ADisney will only be handing out 80 passes per hour for the entire testing day. Once they are all passed out then that is it and no more guests will be allowed to get in line. Remember Fastpass+ is not included in this. That is totally separate and will still work the same way like usual.
They will also be testing this same system out for some other attractions, like Soarin’, the other one is not known.

What do you think?

Info source: Temporarytourist.com

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Cool Off With These Top Disney World Frozen Drinks

By

Catie

-

July 23, 2014

I recently wrote about how the heat at Disney in the summer tends to drive people (myself included!) to as many indoor attractions as possible – but if you’re looking to stay outside and enjoy as much of that Florida sun as possible – then you are going to need two very important things – 1. A strong sunscreen, and 2. Hydration! Obviously there are drink carts and restaurants and kiosks around every corner at WDW, but I know that for me, only certain (frozen!) things can really hit the spot on a hot hot Orlando day – so here are my top picks for top Disney World super cold drinks:

Goofy’s Glaciers – This create your own slurpee station at Goofy’s Candy Co in Downtown Disney is an awesomely cold and refreshing treat during a long day of Park hopping. First, you customize your souvenir cup (different characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, etc are available!) then you get to fill it with your choice of 8 different slurpee flavors, and you can feel free to mix 2 or all 8 together for the perfectly customized drink! While you’re there, check out their huge sweets selection, and if you’re feeling creative you can even create your own treat, like a custom Mickey Krispie treat, candy apple, marshmallows, or pretzel rods! You can watch your creation be made before your very eyes while you enjoy your ice cold glacier drink (oh, and did I mention the store is indoors? Air conditioning woo hoo!)

Frozen lemonade – These are widely available throughout the Parks at various stands/kiosks, and they are basically a lemonade slushy served with a cool straw that doubles as a spoon! The taste is nice and tart but still sweet, and tastes really great overall. Various flavors are available too (I have seen strawberry, and blue raspberry versions). A great treat to enjoy while you wait in that long (and I mean REALLY long) line to meet your favorite Frozen characters (to go with your FROZEN drink of course!)

Stoplight Margarita – Head over to High Octane Refreshments (adjacent to Studio Catering Co) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for this adult beverage that looks – you guessed it – like a stoplight, with green, yellow and red layers. The red is strawberry flavored, the yellow is a golden margarita, and the green is melon flavored. If one of those flavors doesn’t thrill you, each one is available separately too, as well as an assortment of other drinks (wine, beer, etc). But I love the look of this one personally – and the flavor combo is actually pretty good, none of the elements are too strong and it combines into one great frozen cocktail

Lefou’s Brew – Served up at Gaston’s Tavern over in the New Fantasyland, this frozen apple juice drink is topped with a creamy passion fruit froth that is supposed to be the brew’s “head”. You can get it in a regular cup or a souvenir “stein” featuring Gaston himself! The apple slush is pretty plain, but has an extra kick of sweetness from a slight marshmallow-y flavor that is added to it. Gaston’s is a great place to stop and sit down for a “brew”, a delicious cinnamon roll, and a giant pork shank (if that’s’what you’re into!)

Pineapple Float: This concoction is available at Aloha Isle in Adventureland, and its basically a Dole Whip on top of a cup of pineapple juice. That may not sound fancy, but trust me, it’s awesome! I like to mix the soft serve in with the juice for more of a smoothie-like texture, and this is a great way to get a quick sugar rush and a drink all while enjoying the classic Dole Whip taste. The line here may be quite long on a hot day – but its worth the wait in me book!

Honorable mention goes to the Frappucccino collection at Starbucks – and yes I realize this isn’t exactly a “thirst quencher”, nor is it something unique to the parks – but hey, it’s cold, big, and contains caffeine – and some mornings that’s all that matters

Well there you have it, my top 5 super cold frozen drink picks at WDW – but I would love to know – how do YOU beat the heat at WDW?

Guardians of the Galaxy Special Online Fan Event

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 23, 2014

Are you ready for a special MARVEL’S “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY” LIVE ONLINE Q&A EVENT WITH CAST MEMBERS AND FILMMAKERS? Don’t miss your chance to ask questions and find out all about Guardians of the Galaxy on Tuesday, July 22, 2014.

Here is all the information you need to participate:

Twitter Fan Q&A will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. EDT/ 11:30 a.m. PDT. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, James Gunn and Kevin Feige will participate in a Twitter Fan Q&A from Twitter Headquarters in San Francisco. Use hashtag #AsktheGuardians to ask your questions.

Yahoo/Tumblr Fan Q&A will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. EDT/4:00 p.m. PDT. Yahoo Entertainment will host Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, director James Gunn, and producer Kevin Feige on the Yahoo campus in Sunnyvale, Calif., for a live Tumblr Ask Q&A. Submit a video question, for a chance to win a signed cast movie poster. Upload a video post to your Tumblr: use #GOTGask and tag @yahooentertainment in the caption, or via theYahoo Entertainment Tumblr Ask page. Live stream the event on Yahoo Screen on iOS, Android, mobile Web, desktop, and Smart TV platforms, including AppleTV, Roku and Xbox 360, using this link: The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Stars Answer Your Questions Live! and enjoy an exclusive clip from the film.

Charge up your phones, tablets, and grab your favorite snack and get ready for this special “Guardians of the Galaxy” event.

My name is Loretta Garcia and I am the Entertainment Writer for Chipandco.com. Follow me on Facebook for new, updates and promotions.

Late Fall Room Only Discount Released with savings up to 30%

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 23, 2014

Disney has just released the a Late Fall room only discount. You can now save up to 30% through the end of the year on most stays through Dec. 23rd.

The Booking Dates for this off are July 23 – October 3, 2014.

Travel Dates will be from October 4 – November 25 and November 29 and December 23, 2014.

Here are the actual discounts.

• Save 15% off at a Value Resort

• Save 20% off at a Moderate Resort

• Save 30% off at a Deluxe Resort

• Save 30% off at a Deluxe Villa Resort

The number of rooms allowed for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same room.

Offer excludes campsites, 3-Bedroom Villas and is not valid at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. 30% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available for other Resorts.

Contact me today to take advantage of any of these discounts. At DIF we offer personalized travel planning, lots of extras and fun just for you! Call me at 832-233-4468,check out my page, here, or email me at [email protected] and we can get started on making me your personal travel assistant for free!

Disney is Planning Ahead for More “Frozen”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 22, 2014

I am sure you have heard that “Frozen” has taken the world over. Rightfully so, because it is an incredibly awesome movie!

Just a few things that Disney is doing to reinforce your love of all things “Frozen”. Maybe you have seen the new video for “Do you Want to Build a Snowman”, it features some Disney channel stars.

Better yet, have you attended the event at Hollywood Studios called “Frozen Summer Fun“? In addition to that Disney will also be putting out new “Frozen” merchandise like a “Frozen Sing-Along Storybook,” “Frozen Crystal Kingdom Vanity,” “Frozen Sing & Swing Olaf ” and a “Frozen Cool Tunes Sing-Along Boombox.” There will also be a “Frozen” Disney on Ice, how fitting right?

Best of all Disney seems to be going ahead with their plans to turn Maelstrom into a “Frozen” themed ride in Norway at Epcot. I must say I can’t wait for this one!

Finally there is talk of a Frozen Sequel.

What are you most looking forward to?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Where to shop and how to make Disney Baby Clothes

By

Catie

-

July 22, 2014

Ok, so maybe you’re pregnant (like me!) or have a friend or relative who is, and you want to get some clothes for the new bundle of joy, and if they’re a fan of Disney (again, like me!), then why not get (or make!) them some Disney baby clothes? Check these out –

Making Your Own Disney Clothes: There are a few different techniques you can use to create some adorably Disney threads for your newest addition:

Knitting: If you’re a whiz with the knitting needles, then making a pair of yellow Mickey shoe booties would be a cinch, or how about a Mickey or Minnie ear hat? Patterns are available for download and purchase online

Embroidery: I personally wouldn’t know how to work a sewing machine if my life depended on it – but if you can (or have a parent or friend that can!) – then personalizing some onesies, blankets, and shirts with your favorite Disney characters would be a great gift for an expecting friend (or for yourself!)

Iron-ons: This is my favorite, and not just because it’s the easiest – but it’s also the most versatile option. You can buy packs of the iron-on sheets at pretty much any craft store, or even Target or Wal-Mart, and since baby clothes are so small, you can usually get a few designs out of a single sheet. My husband and I made a whole bunch of fun onesies, including a Darth Vadar “Who’s Your Daddy” version, and a “Future Mouseketeer” one too – you can really let you imagination run wild with these, anything you can create and print on the computer can be turned into a onesie for your newest little Disney lover

Where You Can Buy Disney Clothes: Ok, so maybe you don’t have the time or the DIY skills necessary to make your own Disney baby clothes. No worries, as there are TONS of places you can purchase miniature Disney duds: Wal-Mart, Target, Babies R’Us, K-Mart, Burlington, assorted department stores (JC Penney, Sears, Macy’s), or if you’re looking for something more personal, then head over to the baby section on the Disney Store website – where you can have hats, onesies, blankets, bathrobes and more personalized with your little one’s name. Another option for buying personalized Disney clothes is Etsy.com – if you haven’t discovered this website, then here’s how I would describe it “the world’s biggest and most addicting online craft fair” – you can buy almost anything from clothes to soap to jewelry to furniture, purses…the list goes on and on, and they have a HUGE selection of all kinds of handmade Disney items – plenty of clothes for babies to be found here!

Also – if you’re in the midst of planning for a new arrival – check out my recent Disney baby shower and Disney nursery articles for more great DIY ideas!