New Adventures by Disney Vacation to New York City

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July 6, 2014

Adventures by Disney has just added yet another exciting new itinerary to allow you to see more amazing destinations. You can now experience New York City in a whole new way with Adventures by Disney in 2015! This four day, three night vacation includes accommodations at The Manhattan Club as well as two breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners.

Here are some of the highlights included with the Adventures by Disney New York City itinerary:

Backstage Visit to “Good Morning America”- You can go behind the scenes at Disney’s Times Square Studios to get an exclusive first-hand look at the production of one of the nation’s most popular shows.
Broadway Dance Experience- You can check out a real rehearsal studio, learn choreography from a Broadway musical number, and even use props from shows!
See a Disney Broadway Musical- After your rehearsal, you can see a Disney Broadway musical live on stage at the New Amsterdam Theatre!
The Ride: A New York City Tour- You can ride on a multi-million dollar motor coach outfitted with 40 plasma TVs and more than 3,000 LED lights for an interactive front-row seat through the streets of Manhattan. You will get to see Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building and more!

The New York City itineraries with Adventures by Disney are available for travel from June 2015 through October 2015. These packages can be booked now though. To participate in this New York City vacation, you can fly in and out of any of the New York City airports (JFK, LGA, or EWR).

Would you like to visit New York City with Adventures by Disney?

If you would like more information on an Adventures by Disney vacation, contact Siera today at [email protected] or at 734-771-1290.

When Siera isn’t helping plan Disney vacations or sharing the latest Disney news, you can find her spreading magic on Facebook and Twitter. Are you planning a Disney vacation? Siera, a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, would love to help you! Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!

Can Adults Enjoy Disney Character Dining?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2014

Recently my husband and I were discussing Walt Disney World with a friend who is considering taking his family on their first trip to Disney. After several questions about why we love Disney so much, the topic of Disney Character Dining came up. He wanted to know more but thought we probably didn’t experience character dining on our vacations since my husband and I don’t have kids. I can easily see how it might look like character dining is an experience just for families with children; however, I’m here to tell you that’s not the case. Character dining is one of my favorite experiences at Walt Disney World!

No matter which character dining experience you choose, the food is phenomenal! Personally, I’m partial to character breakfasts. After all, who doesn’t love Mickey waffles?! In addition to Mickey waffles, most character breakfasts include traditional breakfast foods such as eggs, tasty sausages, bacon, and sometimes delicious potatoes. Depending on which restaurant you choose, there will most likely be selections to go along with the theme of the restaurant. At ‘Ohana, you will find a delicious POG juice made from passionfruit, orange, and guava juices. Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a character breakfast at Tusker House features some African inspired cuisine in addition to traditional America breakfast foods. At Tusker House, guests can try a coconut-sweet potato casserole, beef bobotie, basmati rice, sweet plantains, and more.

The lunch and dinner selections for character dining are just as tasty as the breakfast offerings and offer a wider variety of dishes. My favorite character dinner, Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest Feast at The Garden Grill features farm fresh foods served family style. Selections include char-grilled filet of beef, roasted turkey, garden fresh vegetables, a skillet dessert with vanilla bean ice cream, and more. At Epcot’s Akershus, guests can enjoy Norweigian selections such as Traditional Kjøttkake, Scandinavian seafood, and Noweigian inspired desserts.

The atmosphere at many of the character dining experiences is another great reason you will love character dining, even as an adult. No matter what age you are, Cinderella Castle is spectacular. Cinderella’s Royal Table gives guests the opportunity to dine in this iconic location surrounded by stone archways, medieval flags, and beautiful stained glass windows. Donald’s Dining Safari at Tusker House provides an atmosphere similar to that of an African market. Epcot’s Garden Grill has one of the most interesting atmosphere’s of any Disney character dining experience. The restaurant itself slowly spins while you dine! This allows for multiple views of The Land pavilion, including a view inside the Living With The Land attraction.

Despite what some might think, characters are not just for kids. I don’t know about you, but I love meeting Mickey Mouse just as much as any 5 year-old does. No matter your age, meeting a Disney character can instantly take you back to your childhood. Even if you’re not dining with children, the characters will still come visit your table to say hello and pose for photos. It’s almost guaranteed the characters will do something to bring a smile to your face during your visit.

Have you experienced character dining without kids? Let us know which dining experience is your favorite in the comments below!

Will there be a Hocus Pocus Sequel?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 5, 2014

Wow! The internet was all a buzz yesterday with rumors that Tina Fey would be producing a Hocus Pocus sequel, but to the disappointment of many, including myself, there is no truth to this rumor.

A representative for the Emmy winning Tina Fey said that the comedienne is not in development of a sequel to Hocus Pocus, however she is working with Disney on another witch themed movie. The untitled film, currently known as “Untitled Witch Project”, will be produced by Fey and Cinderella producer Allison Shearmur in what’s described as “falling in the vein of Ghostbusters” and it is also being said that Fey will be starring in the movie as well.

Now, that doesn’t mean that Hocus Pocus Fans can’t be hopeful. Maybe all the buzz talk will get to the ears of the Disney producers and imagineers and it will spark some Disney Magic to bring a sequel to life, but for now, we just wait to see what the future will have in store. 😉

Hope you all have a Magical Day! ºoº

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. ~Walt Disney

New Premium Package for Cirque Du Soliel La Nouba in Downtown Disney

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Danielle

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July 5, 2014

Disney has been offering lots of new premium and V.I.P. packages this year, the newest one will be for La Nouba by Cirque Du Soleil.

Beginning Friday July 11, 2014 Disney will be offering a brand new experience for La Nouba in Downtown Disney.

This package will be $250.00 ($215.00 for 9 and under) and will include the following:

Front and Center seating for the 6 pm show on Friday or Saturday evenings.
A meet and greet with a show performer.
Souvenir popcorn, and soft drinks.
A behind the scenes look at costuming and more.
A gift bag filled with Cirque Du Soleil merchandise.
10% off will also be available to use in the gift shop.

This experience will be available on Friday and Saturday nights beginning July 11th. There will be no performances September 14th to September 22nd. If you still would like to see the show but aren’t interested in this experience there is an offer available till September 27th, 2014 on the Cirque Du Soleil website for general admission tickets. Tickets for L’Experience is are available at the Cirque Du Soleil box office or by calling (407)-W-Disney.

How To Build a Better Boy Gets a Premiere Date!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 5, 2014

Recording artist China Anne McClain (Hollywood Records’ McCLAIN and Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm”) and Kelli Berglund (Disney XD’s “Lab Rats”) star as tech whizzes who computer-program the perfect boy and in the process trigger a national incident in “How to Build a Better Boy,” a Disney Channel Original Movie premiering FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

AP science and math tests are no sweat for Gabby Harrison (McClain) and Mae Hartley (Berglund) but fitting in at school doesn’t come as naturally. So, using design software that belongs to Mae’s father, the girls engineer a high-definition version of Mae’s fake boyfriend, Albert, who she’s dreamt up as everything a high school girl could want in a guy. However, when Albert comes to life as an advanced robotic soldier, the two best friends soon learn that Mae’s father works for a top secret military branch, which is now in pursuit of Gabby and Mae, as well as Albert, to ensure he doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

“How to Build a Better Boy” also stars Marshall Williams (contestant in “Canadian Idol”) as Albert; Noah Centineo (“Austin & Ally”) as Mae’s crush, Jaden Stark; Ashley Argota (“True Jackson, VP,” “Lab Rats”) as Mae’s arch-nemesis, Nevaeh Barnes; Matt Shively (“True Jackson, VP,” “Jessie”) as Mae’s brother, Bart Hartley; and Roger Bart (“Revenge”) as Mae’s father, James Hartley.

Two songs will be released from the movie – “Something Real” performed by China Anne McClain and Kelli Berglund, produced by Rock Mafia and written by Rock Mafia, Antonina Armato, Tim James, IN-Q, and Thomas Sturges; and “Stand Out” performed by Sabrina Carpenter (of Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World“), produced by Rune Westberg and written by Carpenter, Westberg and Stevie Scott. Both singles will be released by Walt Disney Records and available Tuesday, July 29 and Tuesday, August 12, respectively, on iTunes.

Beginning Tuesday, July 15, kids and families are invited to visit DisneyChannel.com/BetterBoy to play a “How to Build a Better Boy” game.

The multi-platform schedule includes the following:

MONDAY, AUGUST 11

“How to Build a Better Boy” will be available to verified WATCH Disney Channel users on WATCHDisneyChannel.com and the WATCH Disney Channel app for smartphones and tablets.
Friday, AUGUST 15

Television premiere of “How to Build a Better Boy” (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel with WATCH Disney Channel simulcast available to verified users on WATCHDisneyChannel.com and the WATCH Disney Channel app.
Saturday, AUGUST 16
“How to Build a Better Boy” available for purchase through Apple iTunes, Amazon Instant Video Store, Microsoft Xbox and Google Play.
“How to Build a Better Boy” is directed by DGA Award-winning Paul Hoen (“Let It Shine,” “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam”) and executive-produced by Robin Schorr (“Food, Inc.,” “The Pretty One”) and Adam Kossack. It is co-executive-produced by Dan Seligmann and Chris Ferguson, and was written by Jason Mayland (“Space Chimps”). It is a production of Princessa Productions, Ltd. and Schorr Pictures.

In Total Viewers, five of the top six movies in cable TV history are Disney Channel Original Movies. Disney Channel has also delivered TV’s #1 original movie telecast among Tweens for 12-consecutive years.

Stay Tuned!

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Returns this fall with 14 Nights of Mickey’s Halloween Party

By

Chip

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July 4, 2014

Disneyland is about to get spookier again, when Halloween Time returns September 12 through October 31. This year there will be even more thrills and chills with 14 nights of Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland park!

Halloween Time features the popular seasonal attractions, Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, along with some famous Disney Villains, Mickey Mouse and his friends in Halloween costumes, the Dia de los Muertos celebration and the special after-hours Mickey’s Halloween Party (a separate, ticketed event).

You can purchase your Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets early. Be sure to mark your calendars for the following dates:

July 16: Tickets on sale to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders and Disney Vacation Club members
July 30: Tickets on sale to general public
Mickey’s Halloween Party 2014 dates: Friday, September 26; Tuesday, September 30; Friday, October 3; Monday, October 6, Wednesday, October 8; Friday, October 10; Tuesday, October 14; Friday, October 17; Monday, October 20; Wednesday, October 22; Friday, October 24; Monday, October 27; Wednesday, October 29; and Friday, October 31.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog and Disneyland.com/Halloween for more updates on Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort and Mickey’s Halloween Party, and join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #HalloweenTime

Are you going? Let us know when in the comment box below!

Article source Disney parks blog

Travel + Leisure Names Disney Cruise Line Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 4, 2014

If you have ever had the chance to experience a Disney Cruise first hand, you know just how amazing they are! Disney Cruise Line has been recognized all over the world for their service, amenities, and activities and they have just been named the Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line and Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line for Families by Travel + Leisure readers in the magazine’s World’s Best Awards 2014. Although Disney Cruise Line has been recognized as a top cruise line for families for six consecutive years, this is the first time that they have received the Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line award.

“We are honored once again to be recognized as the ‘World’s Best’ for families by the readers of Travel + Leisure,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “This year is extra special because of the additional honor of Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line. These awards really speak to what Disney Cruise Line is all about – creating magical memories for guests of all ages onboard our ships and taking them to fantastic destinations around the world.”

Disney Cruise Line has truly pioneered the family market in the cruise industry by providing a unique vacation experience where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all Disney has to offer. Disney Cruise Line still continues to expand its offerings for family cruising with a fleet of four ships – the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Guests can sail out of ports around the world on exciting itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and more.

Disney Cruise Line is not only adding new itineraries, but also remains committed to reinvesting in their fleet by continuously making shipboard enhancements in order to elevate the guest experience. Most recently, the Disney Magic was reimagined to feature a new water thrill ride called the AquaDunk, new restaurants and technology to surprise guests such as “Drawn to Magic” at Animator’s Palate, and an all-new line up of nighttime fun for adults at the entertainment district After Hours.

Have you ever experienced a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Was it the best cruise you’ve ever been on?

If you would like more information on a Disney Cruise Line vacation, contact Siera today at [email protected] or at 734-771-1290.

When Siera isn’t helping plan Disney vacations or sharing the latest Disney news, you can find her spreading magic on Facebook and Twitter. Are you planning a Disney Cruise Line or Disney World vacation? Siera, a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, would love to help you! Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!

The Walt Disney Family Museum gets a Barker Bird from Garner Holt Productions

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 3, 2014

Walt Disney Museum Tiki Bird Exhibit Copy

Exciting News for The Walt Disney Family Museum as they announced the arrival of its very own Barker Bird. On Friday June 20th, 2014 the new interactive exhibit became part of the permanent galleries of the museum. “Pepe del Presidio” as they charmingly named him is a gift that was given to the museum by Garner Holt Productions, Inc., which is the world’s largest creator of animatronic characters, and is also the primary animatronics provider for all Disney theme parks.

A replica of the Audio-Animatronics Barker Bird that used to call the entrance to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland in California home, now calls the Walt Disney Family Museum, home. The museum decided to name him “Pepe del Presidio” in honor of it’s location in the Presidio of San Francisco.

This new interactive exhibit will be located in the 1964 New York World’s Fair and EPCOT Gallery in the museum, and it will showcase the Audio-Animatronics Magic that was brought to life with a working version of the bird that Walt Disney had greeting visitors at Disneyland while entering the Tiki Room. After a brief show and a newly created film about the history of Audio-Animatronics, guests will be invited to use an authentic programming joystick to bring “Pepe del Presidio” to life.

Walt Disney once said of Audio-Animatronics, “it’s just another dimension in the animation we have been doing all our life.”

What Kind of Disney Addict Are You?

By

Danielle

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July 3, 2014

There’s nothing better to pass the time than a Disney quiz, except maybe a Disney Addict quiz!

Sure you may know what princess you are, or what Disney song should be your theme song, or even which movie fits your personality, but do you know what kind of Disney Addict you are? Well now’s your chance with our First ever Chip and Co Disney Addict quiz! What kind of addict do you think you are? Let us know what you get!

Check it out here, or Below!

“Pixie Hollow Bake Off” Now Available on Disney Movies Anywhere

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 3, 2014

It’s time to reunite with your favorite fairies this July on Disney Movies Anywhere. Kick of the summer with this all-new Pixie Preview ‘Pixie Hollow Bake Off’ featuring ‘Fairy Gelata’ which is voiced by Giada De Laurentiis.

In their latest adventure our favorite fairies must use their talents to help Tink in a high-stakes, head-to-head bake-off. And come back each week to check out more flitterific Pixie Previews.

Check out the cuteness:

Download the free Disney Movies Anywhere app on your iPhone or iPad to find exclusive content, behind-the-scenes interviews and much more! And for a limited time, when you download Disney Movies Anywhere and link your iTunes account, you will get The Incredibles for free. You can download the App here.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Changes Coming Soon to Disney’s PhotoPass

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 3, 2014

Disney’s PhotoPass as you know it, is about to make a few changes. The PhotoPass print packages and table-side sales at Disney restaurants will soon be discontinued.

The changes will start on July 27, 2014 at the following restaurants:

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
‘Ohana
1900 Park Fare
Tusker House
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Chef Mickey’s

The PhotoPass print packages will still be available at:

Cinderella’s Royal Table and Akershus until Jan. 4, 2015

Don’t forget that Cinderella’s Royal table will be closing for a long refurbishment. The closing date for that refurbishment just happens to be the same day as the end date to the packages.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Squish and Sculpt with the New Squish Mickey Mouse Clubhouse App

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 3, 2014

I am always looking for some summer fun that pushes the limits of creativity and imagination? During those hot summer days, or long summer road trips, my 4 year old uses my iPad quite a bit! And of course, she has her favorite Disney apps! Now, Disney Publishing has released “Squish: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” the next app in its growing collection of Disney Junior’s creativity-based apps where children can sculpt and squish anything their imagination can dream up. This Disney Publishing product, based on a show from the #1 hit pre-school network, brings to life familiar characters for the younger ones in unprecedented ways!

“Squish: Mickey Mouse Clayhouse” invites users to stretch, push, and pull clay to make Mickey or Minnie, or start from scratch with dozens of fun clay shapes from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse universe. Once finished, you can twist, inflate, and melt your creation using fun and unique Squishers.

Additional features include:

• 3D clay molds of Mickey and Minnie with easy-to-use sculpting tools
• Character molds and shapes that help little ones make their favorite characters from the show
• Unique Squishers: the “Twisterator,” the “Melter,” and the “Inflaterator”
• Kids can save their clay creations to the Gallery to show-off to their family and friends

I can’t wait to check out this app and share my review with you all. See ya real soon!

Carrie believes that Disney travel is an experience unlike any other, and the best family memories are made at the Happiest Place on Earth. Book your next Disney vacation with Carrie at 937.209.9473 or [email protected]. Mention this article on Chip and Co for a free gift when you book with Carrie!