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Sofia The First En Espanol!

June 24, 2014

A Spanish-language version of the “Sofia the First: the Great Aunt-Venture” appisode is now live in the App Store for $4.99 on the groundbreaking Disney Junior Appisodes app, which allows fans ages 2-7 to touch, tap, swipe, tilt, shake and talk their way through various fun-filled activities embedded into full episodes of some of their favorite Disney Junior shows.

In “Sofia the First: the Great Aunt-Venture,” Sofia reluctantly agrees to help her Aunt Tilly bake a pie, but this is no dull day in the kitchen. In search of the perfect apples, Sofia and Aunt Tilly end up on a journey full of unexpected obstacles that kids can help Sofia navigate, including the following:

Trying on magic jumping shoes
Soaring through the sunflower maze
Flying through the air on a magic kite
Crossing a giant’s gorge to discover the Arabella Orchard
Speaking the secret phrase so that the Locus Pocus Map will reveal the Wombeast’s lair

The Disney Junior Appisodes app currently includes a free download of the original “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally” Appisode, as well as additional appisodes for such popular shows as “Sofia the First,” “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” and “Doc McStuffins,” all of which are available for $4.99. Well received by both fans and the industry, the Disney Junior Appisode app topped iTunes charts for weeks – making it to #1 on the Overall Free list – and won the 2012 Mobile Excellence Award for Best Content Extension Made for Mobile, as well as the iKids award for Best Web/App Series.

Disney Junior also recently launched Disney Junior en Español on the industry-defining WATCH Disney Junior app, marking the first time the network has made an entire block of programming available in Spanish on mobile devices. Disney Junior en Español kicked off May 30 with the world premiere of the new “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” episode “Donald Jr.” and includes Spanish-language versions of such popular shows as “Sofia the First,” “Doc McStuffins,” “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Henry Hugglemonster,” as well as short-form series “Minnie’s Bow-Toons” and “The Doc Files.” Android and Kindle Fire users can also draw, paint and color pages from their favorite Disney Junior shows with Disney Junior Color! en Español.

Developed by Disney/ABC Television Group, WATCH Disney Junior is part of the company’s ground-breaking WATCH services, which make it possible for fans to watch popular shows anytime, anywhere on demand via desktops, connected TVs, smartphones and tablets. Fans who verify with a participating TV provider can access a live stream of Disney Junior, as well as exclusive programming events and the all-new Radio Disney Junior. The WATCH app is available on multiple devices, including desktops, iPhones, iPads, iPod touch, select Android devices, Amazon Kindle Fire, Apple TV, Nabi, Windows 8 and Roku.

Disney/ABC Television Group’s Digital Media team has consistently unveiled innovative, award-winning multiplatform services and apps. In addition to WATCH Disney Junior, the group has launched WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney XD, WATCH ABC and WATCH ABC Family. Other notable DATG apps include “Doc McStuffins Time for Your Check Up” app, which lets kids use their device to help diagnose and treat Doc’s toys; the “Jake and the Never Land Pirate School” app; the ABC News app; and the Emmy Award-winning Oscars app, which provided unique backstage viewing experiences for the 83rd, 84th, and 85th Academy Awards.

Virtually Share A Cup of Starbucks between Disney World and Disneyland

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 24, 2014

I am unapologetically a geek… I tend to be an early adaptor of most technology, I love to share it with others and I will feel my life has been fulfilled once I have my own Jarvis… So I was pretty darn excited to see that Starbucks will virtually connect their Downtown Disney World store to their Downtown Disneyland Store via interactive touch screens. The screens will display at their counterpart store a chalk display of the environment and people in the area of the screen. Obviously broadcasting full on crystal clear images would make some hesitant.

Disney and Starbucks often speak of themselves as creative, people oriented businesses. This new way of storytelling with their customers from one side of the United States to the other is a living example of two innovative companies working together to bring their guests a new, unique and exciting experience.

As I read through the description on Starbucks Website I thought this could be so cool for opposite coast families. They can go into their Disney Starbucks Store on their own coast, hook up to the free wifi and video chat with each other. Or now they can create their own chalk outlines of their environments and themselves to have a fun whimsical moment together. What about doing that with a stranger as well? Since your a chalk outline and not a picture of yourself you’ll retain some anonymity, but perhaps you’ll make a great new friend too?

As one of those who used to ask consistently why two great companies like Disney and Starbucks hadn’t partnered together, I was jumping with joy when the first Starbucks at Disney was announced and am now thankful to hear that at least an additional 5 stores will be joining them.

So the only question is, which Disney Downtown do you want to visit first? Let’s get you there to experience this awesome technology right away!

When Daniel isn’t sharing Planning Tips about Disney Cruises, Disneyland, Aulani, and other Destinations, he can be found either wishing he was at Disneyland or planning his and other’s Disney Vacations. Contact him or Request a Quote on the right side of the ChipandCo Page.

Disney Pixar’s New Movie Inside Out

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 23, 2014

Disney Pixar’s new movie “Inside Out” takes us on a different journey than ever before. With Monster’s Inc and UP, Pixar took us into the world of Monsters and far away adventures. “Inside Out” has the movie audience going into one of the most extraordinary locations yet..inside the mind.

The movie is about Riley, who has to deal with not only growing up, but now having to move from her quiet life in the Midwest to a new place called San Francisco. Riley deals with this move 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 the control center inside Riley’s head known as Headquarters, where they help Riley deal with the daily ups and downs of life. 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”

Disney Pixar will also release their new short “Lava”, the musical love story that takes place over millions of years and features the beauty of tropical islands and the explosive allure of oceanic volcanoes. “Lava” will be featured as a short before “Inside Out”

Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” and the Disney Short “Lava” will be in theatres next June 2015.

My name is Loretta Garcia and I am the Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co. Visit my facebook page for the latest entertainment and travel news.

New “Olaf” Merchandise Coming Soon

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 23, 2014

It seems like ‘Frozen” merchandise is the hardest thing to get your hands on lately. Well, Disney had heard your cries for more merchandise and they are releasing some adorable Olaf merchandise. Just in time for Olaf’s favorite season, summer! Will he be getting gorgeously tan? I hope not he is perfect just the way he is!

In July, you will find the antenna topper (pictured above) and a new Olaf Magnet:

Also coming soon are these cute girls “Frozen” shirts, and the Olaf beach towel, where he is doing what he loves!

Coming in August, a tumbler, is an open edition pin. A pin trading starter set that has 4 pins (one them being Olaf) and a lanyard. Later in the summer look for an Olaf fuzzy bag with a spot to carry your phone. Last but not leas,t a coffee mug featuring Olaf with Anna and Elsa. Note: The coffee mugs will be out in early fall.

This amazingly adorable Olaf hat is also coming this fall.

I will take on of each please! What stands out to you?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Tables in Wonderland Event at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 23, 2014

With the 19th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival just around the corner, we would like to invite Tables in Wonderland members only to a “sneak preview” of this year’s Festival! Join us as we sample the food and hear speakers talk about the new and exciting things we have in store for you this year! Learn what new marketplaces will be added, as well as new special events. Be one of the first to be “in the know” as we taste our way around the world!

Where: East Hall, World ShowPlace Pavilion at Epcot

When: Saturday July 19, 2014 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Price: $143.78, tax & gratuity included

When you go to the website please have the following information ready:

Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number (number beginning with a W and includes a date)
First and Last Name of everyone in your party (you may purchase up to 10 tickets)
Home address
Phone number
Credit Card Number
Billing Address of the Credit Card
Personal Email Address
Food Allergies (if any)
Seating Requests: Please add the Name/Registration Number of any guests on a separate booking you wish to be seated with.

Please Note: Request’s will be accommodated as available and are not a guarantee.

The event is limited to 250 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members. Park admission not required.

The menu for this event is inspired by the International Marketplaces:

Buffet Reception

Africa: South African Bobotie with Turkey and Mushrooms
Scotland: Sea Scallop with Spinach Cheddar Gratin and Crispy Bacon
Puerto Rico: “Papa Rellena” Crispy Fried Potato Balls stuffed with Pork and Beef
Terra: Blackened Chick’n Breast, Farr, Spicy Gumbo Sauce featuring Gardein Chick’n Breast
Hawai’i: Aulani Sunset featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum
Terra: Paperboy Red
Block & Hans: The Great American Wine Company, Chardonnay
Block & Hans: Domaine Chandon, Brut Sparkling Blanc de Noir

Plated Dinner

Patagonia Course

Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimi Churri
Paired with Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier

Farm Fresh Course

Griddled “Yard Bird” with Braised Greens and House Made Habanero Sauce
Paired with the Chateau St. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica® Riesling

Puerto Rico Course

“Carne Guisada con Arroz Blanco” Slow Braised Beef with Puerto Rican Grown Rice Paired with Medalla Light

Dessert Trio

Hops and Barley: Fresh Baked Carrot Cake with Craisins® and Cream Cheese Icing
Refreshment Port: Croissant Doughnut
Bean to the Bar: Warm Drinking Chocolate
Paired with Rosa Regale

If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, which you have not already told us about, please send an email to [email protected]. Please send your requests as early as possible to give them to accommodate your requests.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Walt Disney World Loves Sharing the Magic!

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 23, 2014

Disney is a huge company with nearly 70,000 Disney Cast Members who live and work in Central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is committed to investing in its local community. Disney is focused on improving the quality of life in Central Florida, with a special interest in helping children and families.

Disney contributes to the local community in a lot ways – through the millions of dollars in taxes it generates for local governments, the leadership it provides on important community issues, the cash and in-kind support it provides local non-profit organizations and the thousands of volunteer hours given by Cast Members.

Economic Impact
A study by Arduin, Laffer & Moore Econometrics released in April 2011 shows the magic Disney makes for Guests at its parks and resorts and on its cruise ships translates into a strong economic impact not only in Central Florida but across the state.

The $18.2 billion in annual economic activity generated locally by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts accounts for 2.5 percent of Florida’s gross domestic product.

Of the 7.2 million Floridians in the workforce in 2009, more than one out of every 50 had a job that can be directly or indirectly tied to the operations of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Locally, 6 percent of all jobs in Central Florida can be attributed to Disney’s operations.

In Central Florida, Cast Members at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts earned a total of nearly $1.8 billion during FY2009. Across Florida, when direct and indirect jobs are taken into account, more than $6 billion in paychecks can be attributed directly or indirectly to Disney’s operations.

Each year Walt Disney Parks and Resorts purchases more than $2 billion worth of goods and services. Nearly $1 billion is paid to vendors with a presence in the state and approximately $500 million goes to vendors in Central Florida.

Spending by Disney Guests at businesses outside the resort area totaled nearly $1.7 billion in FY2009. This includes hotel and lodging expenditures, meals at local restaurants, retail purchases’ and transportation expenditures.

When taking the amount Disney pays in taxes and subtracting the money for the various government services used by Guests and Cast Members, the net benefit to Florida and all localities is more than $400 million. In Central Florida, Orange County sees a net benefit of more than $100 million and Osceola County sees a net benefit of almost $10 million.

Revenue for Central Florida Governments
Disney is the largest taxpayer in Central Florida, paying approximately $566 million in state and local taxes each year.

Walt Disney World Resort pays approximately $105 million annually in ad valorem taxes; an estimated $92.7 million is paid to Orange County and more than $10.9 million to Osceola County.

In Orange County, Disney pays more in taxes than the next 10 highest county taxpayers combined. Approximately $46 million of those funds go directly to education.

Disney generated approximately 33 percent of the Tourist Development Taxes collected in Orange Countyand approximately 24 percent of these taxes in Osceola County in 2013.

Disney paid or collected more than $495 million in state sales, use and communications taxes and local resort taxes for the surrounding communities in 2013.

In addition to the county taxes, Walt Disney World Resort paid more than $77.8 million in taxes to the Reedy Creek Improvement District in 2013. These tax dollars go toward building hundreds of millions of dollars worth of public infrastructure at no cost to taxpayers.

Community Leadership
Walt Disney World Resort is committed to providing leadership that will continue to help Central Florida thrive and grow. Approximately 100 Disney Cast Members serve on the boards of local nonprofit organizations.

Recent initiatives in which Walt Disney World Resort has played an active role include:

Building the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – Disney is contributing $12.5 million to sponsor the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater, the largest of the halls at the center. With a grand opening scheduled in 2014, the performing arts center will be significant to the cultural growth of Central Florida and a premiere destination for the arts in Orlando.

Contributing to the well being of children in Central Florida – The new Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children was made possible in part by a $10 million commitment by Disney. Disney Imagineers designed the hospital’s lobby, which features supporting characters from classic Disney films in a welcoming, healing environment that places young patients in the starring role. Walt Disney World Resort also contributed $1 million to build the Walt Disney World Clubhouse of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and $750,000 for a teen center in the Tupperware Brands Boys & Girls Club in Osceola County.

Support of Commuter Rail –Recognizing the region’s need for more mass transit options, Disney supports SunRail, which will create new ways for commuters to reach their jobs, new access to existing businesses and new chances to further diversify Central Florida’s economy and create jobs. SunRail started running in May 2014.

Further diversifying Florida’s economy – Walt Disney World Resort leaders were actively engaged in the development of a medical city at Lake Nona, working closely with Central Florida leaders to bring the Burnham Institute to Central Florida and help to make the dream of a University of Central Florida Medical School a reality. Both projects are expected to help diversify and drive the region’s economy for years to come.

Investing in Central Florida’s Children and Families
Walt Disney World Resort’s community programs and partnerships are focused on building better futures for local children, and ultimately, creating a stronger community for everyone. These efforts are geared toward helping families meet basic needs, youth development and education.

In 2013, the company donated $36.5 million in cash and in-kind support to local nonprofit organizations. Examples include:

Walt Disney World Resort gave a total of $1.5 million in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants to 59 local nonprofit organizations that work tirelessly to build better futures for more than 70,000 children in Central Florida. Among the top recipients were Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, A Gift For Music, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida.

Walt Disney World Resort is a valued partner to Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. As part of this recognition, the Coalition continues to receive ongoing comprehensive support from Disney, which includes board service, assistance in the maintenance and improvement of Coalition facilities, more than 18,000 meals donated annually and donations of warm clothing in the winter.

In 2013, more than 560,000 pounds of prepared and un-served food were donated to the local community through Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. 2013 marks the 21st year of the Disney Harvest program.

Surplus inventory from Walt Disney World Resort continued to meet the needs of many non-profit organizations in Central Florida. Merchandise and in-kind product donations in 2013 were valued at $4.4 million.

Disney continues to be the primary sponsor of the A Gift For Music program, which is part of A Gift For Teaching, with a $100,000 donation. A Gift For Music provides, at no cost, instruction on stringed instruments to students who normally could not afford such an opportunity.

In addition, Walt Disney World Resort is the largest corporate contributor to the Heart of Florida United Way. In 2013 Disney Cast Members donated more than $3.6 million to the United Way to help non-profit agencies meet social services needs in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties.

VoluntEARS Show Character
In 2013, Disney VoluntEARS gave more than 308,000 hours toward improving the lives of Central Floridians, ranging from donating more than 3.1 million school supplies to local students, to serving more than 9,000 meals to the homeless. More than 750 Walt Disney World VoluntEARS received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House for contributing more than 100 hours of service. VoluntEAR efforts include:

In July 2013, Disney VoluntEARS donated a total of $955,000 to 500 local non-profit agencies and community service groups through Disney’s EARS To You program. The grants from The Walt Disney Company annually recognize individual Cast Members and Imagineers for their VoluntEAR service (based on prior calendar year) through a contribution of up to $1,000 to the eligible charity of their choice. Top recipients included schools, animal rescue organizations and groups that support children and families.

Disney annually recognizes a VoluntEAR of the Year and VoluntEAR Team of the Year with $2,500 cash donations to the charity of their choice.

For 20 years, Walt Disney World Resort has supported Junior Achievement of Central Florida by raising more than $3.7 million through events such as the JA Bowl-A-Thon. VoluntEARS also teach Junior Achievement financial literacy classes for grades K-12 in Orange and Osceola Counties.

In Dec. 2013, Disney VoluntEARS helped make the holidays brighter for thousands of local children by collecting more than 36,000 toys for Central Florida Toys for Tots. Cast Members also gave more than 6,000 hours toward helping the U.S. Marines register families in need, sort and stock toys and assist with toy distribution.

Supporting Education
As part of Disney’s commitment to building a better future for Central Florida’s children, Walt Disney World Resort is actively involved in supporting education. The benefits for the region are far-reaching; money and time invested in educational programs show a return in higher graduation and employment rates, reduced crime and less reliance on public assistance.

Walt Disney World Resort has given more than $6 million to the University of Central Florida in the past 14 years, including contributions of $2 million to the UCF Rosen School of Hospitality Management and $1 million to the UCF College of Medicine.

Disney has donated more than $2.7 million to the scholarship funds of Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University. In addition, Disney contributed $250,000 to the Florida A&M University College of Law to sponsor the Children and Family Law Clinic.

Walt Disney World Resort contributed $1 million to Valencia College to support programs in culinary science and hospitality.

Walt Disney World Resort contributed $500,000 to Rollins College to benefit The Campaign for Rollins, The Rollins Fund for the Walt Disney World Scholars Program, the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business Scholarship Fund and the Hamilton Holt School Scholarship Fund.

In March 2013, public school districts and early learning coalitions in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties received a combined total of $320,000 in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants to enhance student performance from preschool through 12^th grade.

To date, more than 12,400 students have been named Disney Dreamers and Doers. The program recognizes exceptional students throughout Central Florida for their academic achievements and civic efforts.

Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members conduct an annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, last year donating an all-time high of more than 3.1 million school supplies. The items were combined with Walt Disney World Resort’s 13,000 donated backpacks and distributed to underserved youth in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk and Seminole counties.

Granting Wishes
Walt Disney World Resort works with children’s wish-granting organizations around the world to make Disney dreams come true. Whether it’s a desire to dance with Cinderella, or a chance to play football with Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney World Resort helps create special memories for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Disney-themed wishes continue to be the most popular requests from children with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

In 2013, Disney hosted more than 7,000 wish trips for children and donated complimentary tickets valued at more than $10 million to Give Kids the World Village and other wish-granting organizations.

That is why we love Disney. They are always spreading the magic!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Walt Disney Records Releases Aladdin Original Broadway Cast Recording with Bonus Content

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 23, 2014

The Aladdin Original Broadway Cast Recording is available for digital download and was released for physical purchase on June 17.

Aladdin has music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida) and three-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). This new production features a full score, including the Oscar and Grammy-winning hit “A Whole New World,” and four other cherished songs from the film and multi Grammy-winning original motion picture soundtrack. The cast album also includes four Menken/Beguelin songs written especially for the stage and three Menken/Ashman songs that were cut from the original film, plus exclusive bonus content created especially for the album.

Disney’s Aladdin, the Tony Award-winning new musical comedy based on the Academy Award-winning animated film, opened to critical acclaim on March 20th, 2014 at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre and went on to receive 24 major theatrical award nominations. USA Today raves, “Pure GENIE-US! Aladdin delivers a rush that will surprise you.” New York Magazine calls it “Musical comedy wish-fulfillment!” while The New York Times hails the show as “Fabulous… Extravagant!” Huffington Post says Aladdin is “the surprise hit of the season!” and the Daily News declares, “Seriously, it’s amazing!”

Aladdin stars Adam Jacobs (Les Miserables, The Lion King) in the title role, Courtney Reed (In the Heights, Mamma Mia) as Jasmine, James Monroe Iglehart (Memphis, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) in his Tony Award-winning role as Genie, and, as Jafar, Tony Award nominee Jonathan Freeman (Mary Poppins, The Producers, She Loves Me) brings to the stage the role he indelibly created in the animated film. The show also stars Brian Gonzales, Brandon O’Neill and Jonathan Schwartz as Aladdin’s sidekicks Babkak, Kassim and Omar, Clifton Davis as Sultan and Don Darryl Rivera as Iago.

Will you be picking this up?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

How Will you Experience the Magic at Walt Disney World

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 23, 2014

Walt Disney’s dream was to build a family resort destination like no other. His dream became a reality when Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971 featuring Magic Kingdom as the centerpiece. Today, Walt Disney World Resort and its Cast Members deliver an amazing one-of-a-kind experiences to millions of guests who come from around the world to enjoy visiting at the resort.

Spanning 40 square miles, Walt Disney World Resort is a world-class entertainment and recreation center featuring:

Four theme parks
Two water parks
Twenty-six resort hotels, including seven Disney Vacation Club properties
Four golf courses
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Downtown Disney

New Developments

Just as Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed,” Walt Disney World Resort “will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” New projects are always in development and on the horizon, including:

Fantasyland – The largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history began opening in 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort, featuring attractions and experiences in an area that doubles the size of Fantasyland. New elements include: The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Princess Fairytale Hall, Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern, Ariel’s Grotto, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Great Goofini and Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station.

AVATAR – At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney is teaming with visionary filmmaker James Cameron to bring the mystical world of AVATAR to life. Guests will encounter awe-inspiring floating mountains and wander through a nighttime jungle of bioluminescent plants that are alive with light and sound. Guests will alsodiscover what it feels like to soar into the sky riding a Banshee. And the new AVATAR-inspired land won’t be the only change coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The largest expansion in the history of the park also includes all-new entertainment experiences, featuring after-dark entertainment and an evening version of the Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Downtown Disney – Work is underway at Downtown Disney for Disney Springs. The multi-year transformation represents the largest expansion in Downtown Disney’s history. When complete in 2016, Disney Springs will double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences available and feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands.

Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort – Anchored by the prestigious Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the 900-acre luxury resort residential community of Golden Oak, is a one-of-a-kind residential community specially designed for family resort living, featuring whole ownership, single-family custom homes. The development, along the northeast border of the property, will include a luxury hotel, 18-hole championship golf course, single- and multi-family vacation homes and fractional ownership vacation homes.

New Experiences

Disney Parks offer new immersive experiences and updates to several guest favorites. Here’s what’s new:

Splitsville – Located in Downtown Disney, Splitsville offers an upscale bowling and dining experience that’s perfect for families and guests of all ages. Spanning 50,000 square feet and two floors, Splitsville has 30 lanes and an impressive menu featuring fresh sushi rolls, gourmet burgers, hand-tossed pizzas and salads.

Test Track Presented by Chevrolet – (Epcot) Puts guests in the driver’s seat for a thrilling experience and immersion into the world of auto design and performance. As part of an all-new interactive queue, guests can create their own virtual concept vehicles prior to buckling into their 6-person “SimCar” ride vehicle and putting their design through its paces on the exhilarating hills, switchbacks and straight-aways of the Test Track circuit.

“Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection” (Epcot) – Guests can journey through 400 years of African-American achievement and contribution at this recently opened exhibit at the American Adventure pavilion. Exhibits draw from an extensive collection of rare art, artifacts, documents and books amassed by philanthropists Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who share a passion for African-American history.

Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure (Epcot) – Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is based on the wily secret-agent alter-ego of Perry the Platypus – faithful pet to the title characters from Disney’ Channel’s animated series “Phineas & Ferb.” Transforming into secret agents, Epcot guests will use a “high-tech secret agent device” to scour World Showcase for clues, evil “Inators” and – with a little bit of luck – help Agent P defeat his nemesis Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow – The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow at Disney’s Hollywood Studios gives Walt Disney World Resort guests a chance to become immersed in the world of the four “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. Aspiring pirates experience the story of Jack Sparrow like never before to discover if they have what it takes to join Captain Jack’s crew.

Disney Junior – Live on Stage! – (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) Guests get a real summer treat as Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First have been added to the onstage fun – joining the latest, most popular characters and stories from the Disney Junior line-up on television. Sofia the First as a series premiered earlier this year on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

Wilderness Explorers (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) – Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests are invited to become Wilderness Explorers and experience the park in engaging and challenging ways aimed at deepening their understanding of animals and the natural world we live in. Inspired by Russell, the wilderness explorer in the Disney-Pixar film “Up,” park guests can earn approximately 30 badges as they accomplish activities ranging from habitats and animal nutrition at Conservation Station to fossils and signaling in DinoLand U.S.A.

New interactive queues (Magic Kingdom) – The all-new, innovative queue area at the reopened “Dumbo” completely redefines what it means to prepare for a Disney attraction as a “circus ticket” pager holds a guest’s place in line and notifies them when it’s their turn to fly with Dumbo. Our youngest guests can also play in the fully-immersive, transformed queue at the “Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh.” The entry to this classic Fantasyland attraction entertains youngsters with drum playing and gopher surprises in Rabbit’s Garden, tiny playhouses to climb through and amazing special effects at Pooh’s Hunny Hives. Guests who dare to enter “The Haunted Mansion” will find frightful fun in a new courtyard queue that brings them into an expanded, interactive graveyard. The area features a ghoulish organ, a wall of unusual musical instruments guests can “orchestrate,” a chance to complete a rhyme with the Decomposing Composer and photo opportunities with favorite spirits from the beloved attraction.

A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas (Magic Kingdom) – “A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas” is a new interactive adventure inviting Magic Kingdom guests to set a course for swashbuckling fun with Captain Jack Sparrow. At the Enlistment Quarters near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, adventurers sign on to join Captain Jack’s crew, choose one of five pirate “raids” (with accompanying treasure map) and set out on their journey to find the Treasures of the Seven Seas hidden around Adventureland in Magic Kingdom.

Senses, A Disney Spa – Joining its sister spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the new Senses Spa at Saratoga Springs is inspired by the healing properties of natural springs that have drawn people for centuries to Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. A completely redesigned space, Senses, A Disney Spa At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, features 10 treatment rooms offering an array of services including water therapy, massage and facials.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – A new resort hotel inspired by Disney animation features 1,120 family suites themed after “The Lion King,” “Cars” and “Finding Nemo,” and 864 themed rooms in “The Little Mermaid” wings. Animation themes carry throughout building exteriors and room interiors and feature larger-than-life icons from the animated films in courtyard areas. Crowned by a 35-foot-tall model of King Triton, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is located next to Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

New Niche Rooms Add Magic at Disney Resorts

Over the next year, new Walt Disney World Resort hotel rooms will enable guests to sleep like visiting Disney royalty during their vacation.

When Walt Disney World Resort guests stay in the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside, they’ll discover special treasures left behind by the stars of favorite animated films such as “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Princess and the Frog.” In quarters befitting not only the young Princes and Princesses of the family but also their grown-up King and Queen parents, guests can unwind amid remarkable décor. They’ll be able to watch “fireworks” swirl as they recline in ornate beds, curl up in custom linens and more. It’s majesty and fun, all rolled into one. Each of the 512 Royal Guest Rooms sleeps up to four guests in two queen beds.

Customization and Personalization

Walt Disney World Resort guests can personalize and customize their vacations like never before:

“Magic Your Way” ticketing and packages allow guests to create their own Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Ticket-holders can customize their Walt Disney World Resort theme park visits by adding components to the base ticket such as park-hopping, water parks or other vacation fun. The savings grow the longer a guest stays.

Specialized vacation planning tools addressing topics such as “Traveling With Little Ones” and “Affordable Vacation Options”. This resource has special offers and helps guests customize their vacation itinerary to suit interests as well as considerations such as age, height restrictions and medical needs.

Technology

Technology enables Walt Disney World Resort to continue to take storytelling and guest service to new heights:

My Disney Experience is a free mobile application designed to help guests make the most of their experience while visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. The app offers a digital guide to the magic, including detailed maps with GPS and in-park navigation that provide a vivid, accurate representation of the theme parks, resorts and other on-property points of interest. My Disney Experience helps guests find Character locations and times, park hours, wait times and nearby attractions and services. Guests can book dining reservations with the app, share plans with family and friends and get detailed attraction information. Some features will require guests to create an account and sign in to activate functionality.

Disney’s Handheld Assistive Technology Device – this first-of-a-kind Disney-designed device for guests who have hearing and visual disabilities uses wireless technology to combine handheld captioning, video-captioning activation, amplified audio and detailed audio description into one small, easy-to-use resource that seamlessly works with show elements in select attractions. Newly enhanced with an interactive audio menu, the device fits in the palm of a guest’s hand.

Ears to the World, Disney’s Show Translator – International visitors to Walt Disney World Resort may take advantage of a personal translation device called Ears to the World, Disney’s Show Translator. These units are lightweight headsets that with cutting-edge wireless technology that provides synchronized narration in five languages at several popular theme park attractions. Wireless signals throughout key attractions trigger digital audio recordings in each unit – providing real-time translation in French, German, Japanese, Portuguese or Spanish.

Disney’s PhotoPass – using the latest digital equipment and Disney-engineered technology, photographers take photos of guests throughout the theme parks. Instead of receiving a paper claim ticket, guests receive a Disney’s PhotoPass card that links all of their vacation photos taken by Disney photographers together into one online account.

Disney’s FASTPASS – Disney’s antidote to line-standing is offered at a selection of popular attractions in all four theme parks. Guests who choose to get a FASTPASS receive a ticket with a designated one-hour-long window of time when they can return and skip the regular line. Guests don’t have to choose FASTPASS: there’s a standby line at all attractions. Disney’s FASTPASS costs theme park guests nothing extra. Since its debut, more than 350 million FASTPASS tickets have been issued.

Resort Hotel Benefits

In all, there are 26 themed, Disney-owned-and-operated resorts, ranging from value to deluxe villas. While Walt Disney World Resort provides magical moments for everyone, guests staying at these Walt Disney World Resort hotels are able to take advantage of special perks:

An Online Check-In Service, designed to simplify and streamline guest arrivals, is complimentary and available to guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts. Within 10 days of their arrival, guests are able to provide check-in information, advise the resort of their arrival times and request room preferences. Guests can also register the names of all the people in their party and provide a credit card to cover charges. Upon arrival at their resorts, guests visit a special welcome location where their room keys and other registration materials are waiting for them.

The Walt Disney World Transportation System of buses, monorails and boat launches combines to connect virtually all areas of the Vacation Kingdom. With the convenience of “door-to-door” service throughout the resort, many guests enjoy their Walt Disney World Resort vacation without a car.

Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can add fun to their day with the Extra Magic Hours benefit. Each day, one of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks opens one hour early or stays open up to three hours later for Walt Disney World Resort guests, providing extra time in the parks to experience select attractions.

Guests who prefer to include dining in their vacation packages can choose from several Walt Disney World Resort Magic Your Way vacation packages that include a Disney Dining Plan, Disney resort hotel accommodations and Magic Your Way tickets. The Disney Dining Plans feature a variety of meal and snack entitlements – both in terms of the type of restaurants guests can visit and the number of meals and snacks included with the plans.

Dining

From fast casual to five-diamond, there are more than 300 places to dine across Walt Disney World Resort and more than 6,000 food items available for guests. The resort also is the largest single-site purveyor of wine in the world and has more sommeliers than any other company in the world.

Merchandise

Whether it’s an unforgettable souvenir or an extravagant gift for someone special, Walt Disney World Resort is a shopper’s paradise of more than 300 unique stores. Package pick-up located near the front entrance of each theme park and hotel delivery is available at no charge.

Services for Guests with Disabilities

Guests with disabilities are able to utilize many special services and facilities available to them throughout Walt Disney World Resort. From handheld captioning for the hearing impaired to unique ride vehicles at Toy Story Mania that provide access for guests using wheelchairs, Walt Disney World Resort is focused on meeting the needs of all guests.

And this ladies and gentlemen is why we love Disney!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Princess Leia coming to Disney Merchandise?

Anonymouse

June 22, 2014

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Hello ladies and gents! Anonymouse back again with some Disney Gossip for you. Star Wars fans have been all atwitter about Princess Leia merchandise not being available. Will Princess Leia be in the next wave of Star Wars merchandise?

That’s right, Princess Leia fans may soon see her merchandise in the Disney Store. My sources have been pretty confident in this Disney Gossip. I hear that LucasFilms did not want Princess Leia in the initial roll out of merchandise. However, they are working on Princess Leia specific merchandise for release.

“The current assortment of Star Wars products at the Disney Store launched earlier this year, and is just the beginning of what is to come,” Disney spokeswoman Margita Thompson told TIME. “We’re excited to be rolling out new products in the coming months, including several items that will feature Princess Leia, one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars galaxy.”

What other Star Wars Merchandise would you like to see? Please leave a comment in my comment section below. I’d love to read your thoughts.

Anywho, that is all the Disney gossip I have right now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at [email protected] or on my facebook page

5 Reasons Why More Guys Should Go To Walt Disney World

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 22, 2014

1. The food.

And lots of it. Us guys like to eat, and at Disney World, there’s definitely food to satisfy every man’s palette. You can find hearty foods like pizza, pasta, steak, BBQ chicken, fish, and–of course–the classic Disney Turkey Leg all around the parks. The snack selection is never-ending: from churros to pretzels to popcorn to pastries. For the more extravagant man, Disney offers frozen bananas, waffle sandwiches, and snacks from around the world. Don’t even get me started on the buffet options around the Disney World Resort. A man’s gotta eat, right?

2. The rides.

I know you might be thinking, “all Disney rides are for kids”. Well, try Rock n Roller Coaster or The Tower of Terror on for size. I took my 23 year old guy friend on The Tower of Terror and he screamed louder than any of the 12 kids on that elevator ride. Are you a competitive person? (aren’t all guys?) Toy Story Midway Mania & Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin are two rides that will unleash your competitive side. Like big drops? You can go on Splash Mountain (you WILL get wet) or Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom.

3. You can meet a princess.

Disney World might be the only place that it’s perfectly acceptable for a grown man to take a picture with a princess. The characters won’t find it weird and neither will the other Disney fanatics next in line (okay, some of them might). But who cares? You’re at Disney World. If your dream is to meet a princess, then this is the place to be. And you don’t even have to slay a dragon!!!

4. It’s perfectly acceptable to act like a kid

Ever watch Toy Story and wish you could go to Pizza Planet? Ever want to be as courageous as Indiana Jones? Or treacherous as a pirate? Walt Disney World is the place for guys to relive their favorite childhood memories.

5. It’s a great place for a date.

A lot of girls love Disney World. And if they don’t, then you wouldn’t want to date them anyway, right? (just joking…kind of) But seriously, Disney World has some of the coolest spots for a date. Downtown Disney has tons of great places for a first date. There are multiple restaurants, a bowling complex called Splitsville, an entertainment experience called DisneyQuest, and a concert venue called the House of Blues. They have shops and ice cream parlors and much, much more. Disney World is also a great place to have a romantic dinner with your girlfriend, fiancé, or wife. There are many great places to walk, sights to see, and food to eat–and don’t forget about the fireworks!!!

Contributed by Guest Blogger Christian Eissele

Club Disney Opens at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 22, 2014

Young Guests can discover favorite Disney stories in a new way at Club Disney at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

This new children’s activity center is inspired by classic Disney Little Golden Books such as Pinocchio, Lady and the Tramp and Alice in Wonderland. Imagination runs wild as timeless tales unfold in storybook-themed play areas. Young Guests will enjoy activities including storytelling, movies, crafts, dress-up and more while parents enjoy a night out at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Reservations are now available for kids ages 3-12. Contact the Disney Reservation Center for more information.

Don’t forget! The addition of Club Disney is just one part of an overall renovation of this iconic resort, which includes a re-imagined feature pool, new food and beverage offerings and an expansive new lobby area.

You don’t have to be a guest at the Polynesian to take advantage of this new feature, but you do have to have reservations.

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!

Once Upon A Dream By Charles Solomon Book Review!

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 22, 2014

Once Upon a Dream by Charles Solomon is a refreshing look at the history of Sleeping Beauty and her evil counterpart Maleficent!

The first thing that struck me about this book was the beautiful cover. On it we see not only scenes from the original Sleeping Beauty (1959) but from the amazing new retelling of the story from a different point of view Maleficent (2014). Although both movies are a stark contrast from each other the cover blends them beautifully with a royal blue background. When you take the jacket off you notice the book is printed with the same cover which is a bit more costly and rare but a beautiful addition to the book.

The book starts off with the history of Sleeping Beauty and how it came to be from the story to beautifully adapted ballet’s that paved the path for the story to become what it has. It’s a riveting history told beautifully by Charles Solomon who sums up the beauty behind the story in a way that makes you hope the book never ends. The equally beautiful illustrations catch your eye and make you want to keep turning the pages. What I loved most about them was that they weren’t all just one style of illustrations as it beautifully mapped out the different ways artists have interpreted Sleeping Beauty over the years.

The second part of the book chronicles how the classic Disney film came to be and the process behind the movie. Every Disney fan will love reading this part of the book as it takes you inside the process and the minds of the people who made Sleeping beauty what it is today. From Walt Disney’s amazing imagination to the screen you see every step of how it was made an even things you may not have known prior to reading the book.

The last part of the book takes you behind the scenes of the newly released movie Maleficent starring the impeccable Angelina Jolie. In this part of the book we see how the evil fairy’s side of the story was shaped and molded into the amazing movie. We see not only beautiful pictures but beautiful scenery and even a full page spread of Elle Fanning sleeping in the beautiful bed in the castle bewitched by the curse that haunts her which will leave you in awe. Although the story differs from the original we still see the same ambition and imagination thrown into this story that was crafted into Sleeping Beauty as well.

Overall I think as an avid reader I enjoyed this book an incredible amount. I recommend it for kids 11+ just because there’s a lot of paragraphs and some tough words but I also think it’s a great book to read to your kids before bed or nap time to give them pleasant dreams of beautiful castles and daring rescues. This is a book that will surely become a timeless classic.

Grade: A+

Stay tuned for more!

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