Coming to Disney World & Disneyland in Summer of 2014

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April 4, 2014

Walt Disney World Resort guests have plenty of ways to show their Disney Side this summer — a bi-coastal all-night party, expanded Star Wars Weekends offerings, special events and new openings are just a few of the new things happening around the “World” this summer. Sizzling with excitement from June to August, festivities include:

Disney Parks Invites Guests to ‘Rock Your Disney Side’ With 24-Hour Kickoff to Summer on Both Coasts
Disney Parks guests are invited to show their “Disney Side” and kick off summer during a bi-coastal, all-night extravaganza — “Rock Your Disney Side: 24-Hours.” Taking place this Memorial Day Weekend, known as the traditional start of the family travel season, the event at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California features select parks for 24 hours nonstop.

Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure in California will be filled with great Disney heroes and villains from 6 a.m., May 23 to 6 a.m., May 24, 2014, local time** marking the beginning of a summer of fun at Disney Parks. The celebration on both coasts will feature a cavalcade of events showcasing the good-vs.-evil of classic Disney stories including character meet-and-greets throughout the parks, special entertainment, event merchandise, and food and beverage offerings. Along with the entertainment guests have grown to love every day, they’ll discover surprise additions and special events throughout the 24 hours.

Mickey Mouse and 139 of his best pals announced the 24-hour party Feb. 28 in their own inimitable style – with a 140-character-strong “Ultimate Tweet,” sending a #DisneySide message to all their fans on social media to come out to the park on May 23.

“Rock Your Disney Side” All Summer
Fans will be able to “rock” their Disney Side all summer long at Walt Disney World Resort. Guests will find new excitement including the completion of New Fantasyland – the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history – with the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train family roller coaster attraction. Other summer festivities include the New Fantasyland-inspired Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade and the rollout of MyMagic+, taking the Disney guest experience to the next level. And vacationers can stay in the middle of the magic this summer with a special savings at select Disney resort hotels. Guests can save up to 30 percent with resort stays up to five nights and up to 35 percent with six nights or more. An upgrade to a Magic Your Way room and ticket package offers additional savings. (Restrictions apply.)The offer is valid for most nights June 15 to Aug. 28, 2014, based on availability. Reservations must be booked by June 6. For reservations, contact 407-934-7639, or visit disneyworld.com.

The Force is Strong at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Star Wars Weekends Adds Another Weekend in 2014
The power of the Force returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for five consecutive weekends (every Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 16-June 15, 2014 for the park’s annual Star Wars Weekends.

Guests will enjoy a galactic event jam-packed with out-of-this-universe entertainment and their favorite Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions. More than 60 characters from the Star Wars saga appear in the theme park, and each evening will end with “Symphony in the Stars,” a special pyrotechnics salute to the films.

Continuing the galactic experience, Star Wars celebrities will make special appearances in star conversations, autograph sessions and photo opportunities throughout each day. Also a highlight: the “Legends of the Force” parade, which features a cavalcade of Star Wars characters, Disney characters and more parading down Hollywood Blvd. Fans also get the chance to purchase limited-edition and event-exclusive items in “Darth’s Mall.”

Most Star Wars Weekends activities are included in regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For more information and the latest updates, guests can visit DisneyTheForce.com, DisneyParksBlog.com and StarWars.com. Guests also can join the conversation online using the hashtag #DisneyTheForce.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Serves Up a Rocking Rendezvous for Epcot Guests this Summer
Chart-topping classics will fill the air at Epcot this summer when high-energy bands rock the mic during Sounds Like Summer concert series. Performing hits from U2, Journey, Boston, and more, seven acts will take the stage in June and July at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.

This year’s concert line up includes:

June 8-14: Hotel California ~ A Salute to the Eagles
June 15-21: Don’t Stop Believin’ ~ Journey Tribute Band
June 22-28: Good Vibrations ~ A Tribute to The Beach Boys
June 29-July 5: Don’t Look Back ~ Boston Tribute Band
July 6 to 12: Stayin’ Alive ~ A Tribute to the Bee Gees
July 13 to 19: Slippery When Wet ~ The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 20 to 26: 2U ~ A Tribute to U2

Show times are 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. – except on July 4 when show times are 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission (Entertainment subject to change without notice).

Summer Openings Around Walt Disney World Resort
Summer brings new shopping, shows and stays with special openings taking place throughout the season at Walt Disney World Resort.

The hugely popular Festival of the Lion King show re-opens by mid-summer to an all-new theater in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

A new Disney retail concept, The Marketplace Co-Op, will launch 6 unique boutiques within the location at Downtown Disney Marketplace including: Beautifully Disney, Cherry Tree Lane, D-Tech on Demand, Zoey and Pickles, The Trophy Room and Disney Centerpiece. Also new to Downtown Disney, Starbucks will add two locations — a storefront at Downtown Disney West Side and a kiosk near World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts also is planning a summer opening for a luxury resort hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will feature several dining venues including a rooftop restaurant with views to the Magic Kingdom, a 14,000 square foot spa, fitness center, three pools and a “lazy river” sports and recreational area, as well as meeting and event space, and a business center. This first Four Seasons in Central Florida is located within the Golden Oak residential community, created and master-planned by Disney.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Hosts Soccer, Volleyball and Football Events
Disney Soccer Academy: Beginning in mid-June, Disney Sports is offering four-day instructional soccer camps for kids age 5-18 years old. Participants will get instruction from world-class professional players from Brazil and the English Premier League. The three session options are June 16-19, June 23-26 and July 7-10.

AAU Girls Junior National Volleyball Championships: The most highly touted high school girls volleyball players in the nation will flock to Walt Disney World Resort this summer for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Volleyball Championship. The event runs June 16-24 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, features players age 10-18 years old and attracts top college scouts looking to recruit the nation’s top prep players.

Drew Brees Passing Academy: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees hosts his 2nd annual football passing academy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from June 26-29. The academy features elite instruction from Brees and other NFL players and coaches as well as a 7-on-7 competition expected to attract many of the country’s elite high school players.

Downtown Disney Celebrates Father’s Day with High-Speed Fun at Car Masters Weekend June 14-15
Car Masters Weekend is the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day as Downtown Disney hosts a classic car show with a modern twist June 14-15, 2014. Featuring all things “Cars,” the event showcases classic, muscle and exotic vehicles from across the country; a chance for guests to meet favorite “Cars″ characters such as Lightning McQueen and Mater; and special celebrity appearances. Completing the car-filled weekend, fans may purchase tickets for a ”Cars” & “Cars 2″ movie marathon at AMC Downtown Disney 24 and enjoy face painting, themed food and beverage, live entertainment and more. (Entertainment subject to change)

Orlando City Soccer Club Continues 2014 Regular Season at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Disney
Orlando City Soccer Club will continue to play its 2014 regular-season home games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex throughout the summer. To enhance the experience for spectators, additional stadium seating has been added to surround all four sides of the main soccer field at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, bringing seating to approximately 5,200.

This is the Lions’ final United Soccer League (USL) season before becoming the 21st Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in 2015.

Below is the Lions’ 2014 regular-season home schedule at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:

Saturday, March 29 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh
Saturday, April 5 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Rochester
Saturday, April 12 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Charleston
Sunday, May 4 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. OKC
Wednesday, May 21 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Charlotte
Saturday, May 31 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Charleston
Saturday, June 7 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Impact Reserves
Wednesday, June 11 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Orange County
Saturday, June 28 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. LA Galaxy II
Saturday, July 12 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Wilmington
Saturday, August 2 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Charlotte
Saturday, August 16 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Harrisburg
Sunday, August 31 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Dayton
Saturday, September 6 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Richmond

Disney’s Water Parks Add Fun To a Walt Disney World Vacation

Whether guests want to lounge on the beach or take the plunge and try every attraction, Walt Disney World Resort water parks are the perfect place to cool off this summer. At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon guests can snorkel with sharks, stingrays and tropical fish in a coral reef, plunge down rushing rapids, sunbathe on the sandy beach and glide down a lazy river. Themed as a melting ski resort where a freak snowstorm hit Florida, Disney’s Blizzard Beach is home to some of the most thrilling water rides in the United States, while also offering guests a tranquil river to float down or a great place to relax on the beach. For the most up-to-date park hours, please visit disneyworld.com/water-parks.

Don’t miss out on all the magical happenings of summer! For more information or to book your Disney vacation contact Kari at [email protected]! Make sure to mention Chip sent you!

Easter Sing-A-Long Marathon to Air on The Hub Network

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 3, 2014

The Hub Network is hosting an “Sing-Along Easter Marathon.”The marathon will have 6 back-to-back musically-themed episodes on Sunday, April 20 (8:30–11:30 a.m. ET/5:30–8:30 a.m. PT).

This marathon will be followed by the network premiere of “Tiny Toons Spring Break” on Sunday, April 20 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.

Episodes in the marathon will have music and songs from family-favorite series “Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures,” “Pound Puppies,” “Littlest Pet Shop” and “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic.” The Hub Network, will help kids join in on the fun by showing song lyrics on the screen during each song so that kids and their families can sing along at home.

The marathon will start Sunday morning with the episode “Starlight, Star Bright” from “Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures,” which will be followed by “Barlow” from “Pound Puppies,” “Russell Up Some Fun” and “Lights, Camera, Mongoose!” from “Littlest Pet Shop” and “Winter Wrap Up” and “Magical Mystery Cure” from “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic.” Then at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT, the Hub Network will air for the first time “Tiny Toons Spring Break,” where the Tiny Toons head to Florida for some fun in the sun during Spring Break, but their plans go awry when Elmyra mistakes Buster for the Easter Bunny and tries to capture him.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney’s Mickey Mouse VS. Deadmau5

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 3, 2014

I knew the day would come when Disney would have a problem with Deadmau5 (Dead mouse) . I am just shocked that it took so long. Disney has said that they are not happy with the recent trademark registration for Deadmua5.

Some of you may know Deadmau5 is the stage name of a popular D.J., whose real name is Joel Zimmerman.

He is trying to trademark an image that resembles mickey quite a bit. Judge for yourself, here is the Deadmau5 image:

This of course is Mickey Mouse:

Disney has been granted 3 months to investigate and file their legal response.

What do you think? Are they the same or is Disney over-reacting?

Photo Credit: Hollywoodreporter.com

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Enter Disney’s Magical Time in NYC Sweepstakes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 3, 2014

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Well this contest combines my 2 favorite things, Disney and NYC! Who would not want to go shopping at the Disney Store in Times Square?

Enter Disney’s Magical Time in NYC Sweepstakes and you could win a shopping spree at the Disney Store in NYC.

Here are the details:

You have to be a U.S. resident and 18 years of age or older

The contest is running from March 3rd to April 30th 2014

You can only enter 1 time per day

The prizes:

Grand Prize is a 3 day trip for 4 to New York City to go shopping at the Disney Store in Times Square. With that you get:

Airfare

a 2 night hotel stay

a $1,000 shopping spree at the Disney Store in Times Square with a personal guide

A Disney Junior prize pack filled with Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Stages products

A Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Tablet (Wi-Fi/16GB) to download the new Disney Magic Brush Timer application, and ground transportation. This is valued at over $5,000

5 Runner Up winners will get:

A Disney Junior prize pack filled with Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Stages products and a Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Tablet (Wi-Fi/16GB) to download the new Disney Magic Brush Timer app. this is valued at over $200.00

Try your luck and enter here.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 3, 2014

“The price of freedom is high… and it’s a price I’m willing to pay! You told me not trust anyone and this is how it ends: EVERYTHING goes!”

The best feeling in the world is going into a movie that you have high expectations, and walking out satisfied. It’s a whole other thing entirely to leave the theater slack jawed by what you just saw, just taken aback by how great a movie is. It’s one of the highest compliments you can give a film, and it’s one that ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, the ninth entry in the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe series, has earned. Chris Evans once again returns as Steve Rogers, a man out of time, dealing with what it means to be alone and who feels lost to the world around him. Along for the ride are returning cast members Scarlett Johansson as Agent Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, while also introducing us to Anthony Mackie, the man who will become known as the Falcon.

Following the events of ‘The Avengers’, Steve Rogers (Evans) has begun working as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. full time. But the longer he’s inside the system, the less he trusts it, because the farther in he digs, the more that seems to be hidden from him. It doesn’t take long for that paranoia to reach a new high when an attempt on Nick Fury’s (Jackson) life, by a phantom assassin known as The Winter Soldier, turns the world upside down. Steve finds himself on the run, and with the aid of Natasha (Johansson), and his new friend Sam Wilson (Mackie), the group plans on finding out the truth behind what S.H.I.E.L.D. is hiding, as well as finding out who lies behind the Winter Soldier’s mask.

The most impressive thing about ‘The Winter Soldier’, other than the fact that the movie is so great, is that it was directed by two guys who have never made an action movie before in their life. Joe and Anthony Russo, whose most notable work comes from work on sitcoms such as ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Community’, are in a whole new element with this film, but you would never know it. The film is so exceptionally directed, that you’d think it was being done by someone who had been making action movies their entire lives. You can tell that the Russo Brothers have a keen eye for action, and they deliver it beautifully here. It’s well shot, tense, and unrelenting, but never to the point that it’s too much. There are some larger than life set pieces in the film that rival some of the best action films, while bringing ‘The Winter Soldier’ incredibly close to ‘The Avengers’ level of fun. In particular, the freeway chase, and eventually firefight between Steve, Black Widow, and the Falcon, against the Winter Soldier and his men, really stands out as the most memorable action scene in the film. It’s just so well put together, and the hand-to-hand combat between Steven and the Winter Soldier is so well choreographed.

It definitely helps though that for all the action, there’s a very intriguing story underneath it all, giving it a chance to breathe, and settle down before it pushes us forward. There’s an aura of the classic political thrillers that many of us grew up that just fully encompasses this film. It’s part Tom Clancy, mixed with ‘Three Days of the Concord’, with a bit of ‘Enemy of the State’ thrown in for good measure, which makes the film twist and turn in the best of ways. While the middle does meander a little bit, making sure we’re always invested in the story, it’s never enough to hurt the film. The pace, even in the slower parts, moves solidly, and before you know it, the movie is off and running again, and you’re trying to catch your breath. It’s also really good when a film can suck you in using real issues we’re facing ourselves, which this film does magnificently. The idea of government surveillance, cyber spooks, and cyber terrorists is a very real problem that our world has been facing, and it’s one that fits this world so perfectly. Seeing the themes like that handled so well, and delicately, is really impressive, and makes for a really compelling viewing.

You can tell that one thing that the Russo Brothers did bring to the table from their TV days was how to work with actors, because they managed to get some of the best performances in the MCU out of this cast. Chris Evans is the best he’s ever been as Steve Rogers. The character’s high morales have always been a big part of him, and this film not only forces him to call them into question, but also call into question the morality of those he’s working for. It’s a great story arc, and it gives Evans a lot to work with. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role at this point. Samuel L. Jackson also got a lot more to do than he has before as Nick Fury, and he’s great this time around. His character has a great story, one that parallels much of Steve’s, but also dealing with the Sins of the past, and it works. It’s nice to see Fury really getting out behind the desk and into the action as well, really rounding out a character we’ve barely gotten to know.

Scarlett Johansson is quite good as the Widow, and while we don’t get a lot more of her backstory as we did in ‘The Avengers’, she’s still a lot of fun. She works will with Evans and Mackie, and her character gets a lot of action, and you can tell she’s really enjoying herself in the role. But it’s really Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, or The Falcon, who really steals the show. Mackie is so great in the role, and he’s a perfect fit for the MCU. The way he and Evans play off each other is electric, which makes you like the character even more. This could become a really great onscreen duo down the road, and it’s one that needs to be utilized even more in future films. It would be a shame to see so much potential not get used. Of course, you can’t not mention the great Robert Redford, who turns up as one of the head’s of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the film. The man is a legend, and he’s so good as Alexander Pierce, you never want him to leave the screen. It’s great seeing him doing a role like this, when he seems to be so choosy in his roles, and helping legitimize the comic book genre for people who may not see it that way.

‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ is easily in the top two of the Marvel Studios films to date. But not only that, it’s one of the top films in the comic book genre, period. Marvel has proven now that of all their characters, Captain America is the one they get the most, and he is the one who is really pulling the best films in the MCU series, thus far. Filled with excellent action, a fantastic script, and great performances from everyone involved, it’s hard not to absolutely love this movie. This is more than the typical popcorn blockbuster, which is something we should all be thankful for. The Russo Brothers have proven their skills to an insane degree here, and it’ll be great to see where they go from here. For those who may be disappointed in Marvel’s Phase 2 so far, this one will turn you around. This is just an insanely great film, check it out.

Star Wars Weekends Adds Another Weekend and a New Dining Experience in 2014

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 3, 2014

The Force is returning to Hollywood Studios for 5 weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 16-June 15, 2014 for the Star Wars Weekends.

There will be more than 60 characters from Star Wars appearing at the weekend events. Every night will end with “Symphony in the Stars,” a special pyrotechnics salute to the movies.

There are some new additions this year, you will now be able to eat with your favorite Disney characters at Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine at Hollywood & Vine. Mickey and his friends will be dressed as Star Wars characters and will be doing a meet and greet. Did I mention there will also be Star Wars themed food and decorations.

If you are a morning person you can get your Star Wars fix early, by attending Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. There will be surprise visits from Star Wars characters and thrilling movie moments from the Star Wars films.

Both dining experiences start May 4 and will continue daily, including event weekends, through June 15. Prices range from $29.99-$59.99, include a digital photograph and may be booked by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Continuing the galactic experience, Star Wars celebrities will make special appearances in star conversations, autograph sessions and photo opportunities throughout each day. Also a highlight: the “Legends of the Force” parade, which features a cavalcade of Star Wars characters, Disney characters and more parading down Hollywood Blvd. Fans also get the chance to purchase limited-edition and event-exclusive items in “Darth’s Mall.”

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Shipping Items to a Disney World Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 3, 2014

To save room in your suitcase, or to have a surprise waiting for you or a member of your travel party when you arrive at your resort, you can ship items directly to your Disney World resort. To prevent delays, I suggest using UPS or FedEx. If you ship something via the United States Postal Service, it will go to a general receiving facility and can take days to reach your specific resort. If you ship with a private company, however, your package will go directly to the front-desk of your resort.

To ship an item, simply click here to get the address of the resort; make sure you put your name on the package. Here is an example:

Ideas of what you can ship:

1. Ship all of your toiletries and sunscreens since they can add weight to your suitcase or open during transport and ruin your clothing.

2. Ship a package of Disney toys or trinkets to give your children each day. This will cut down on spending at Disney, and can be used as rewards for good behavior.

3. Ship some non-perishable food items. I have sent boxes of cereal, granola bars, fruit snacks, cookies, crackers, and snack cakes. This helps to cut down spending on breakfast foods and snacks in the parks.

4. Celebrating a birthday or special occasion while on vacation? Ship some party supplies, or a gift. Shipping this helps keep the celebration a surprise and prevents delicate items from being squished in your suitcase.

5. Ship a case of diapers or other bulky baby supplies. Don’t use up space in your suitcase.

Have you ever shipped something to a resort? Did it arrive on time? What are your ideas for things that can be shipped?

“Frozen” Becomes the Highest Grossing Animated Film Ever

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 2, 2014

Are you shocked that “Frozen” became the highest grossing animated film of all time? I’m not. It officially happened this weekend.

Fun Fact: It also made it to the top 10 biggest films of all time.

“Frozen” is the first billion-dollar film for Walt Disney Animation Studios and its first film to receive the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. “Frozen” opened wide domestically on November 27, 2013, posting the #1 all-time Thanksgiving debut. It remained in the top 10 films at the domestic box office for 16 consecutive weeks, the longest run by any film since 2002.

Internationally, “Frozen” is the biggest Disney or Pixar animated film of all time in 27 territories, including Russia, China, and Brazil. In Korea, where the film has grossed an estimated $77.1 million, “Frozen” was #1 for the first five weeks of release and is the biggest animated film, the second biggest non-local film, and Disney’s biggest release of all time. It’s also the highest-grossing animated film of all time in Denmark and Venezuela. Since its debut March 14 in Japan, “Frozen” has claimed the #1 spot in its first three weekends and continues to play strongly with an estimated $50.5 million to date.

Released on digital February 25 and on disc March 18, “Frozen” is the fastest-selling digital release ever and sold over 3.2 million Blu-ray/DVD units in its first day, putting it on track to be one of the biggest home entertainment sellers in a decade.

The Platinum-certified “Frozen” soundtrack returned to the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 album chart last week for a seventh time with more than 1.6 million copies and over 5 million individual tracks sold. The album has also held the #1 position for five nonconsecutive weeks at Spotify and is approaching 110 million streams worldwide. The Oscar-winning song “Let It Go” has sold over 2.6 million copies, and the film clip of the song has been viewed over 160 million times on YouTube.

Did you see our Top 10 Frozen Videos?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park-Stellar Entertainment for Your Walt Disney World Trip

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 2, 2014

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park for some families is a “half a day park”. But did you know that some of Disney’s best entertainment is tucked inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Just because Animal Kingdom doesn’t house as many attractions as the other parks, your family can still enjoy some fabulous entertainment at Animal Kingdom. Part of any great Disney trip is enjoying not only the attractions, but the shows and other entertainment that make it a magical vacation! So today I am going to share with you some of the best entertainment found at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Park.

Festival of the Lion King-Although it has been under refurbishment until further notice, it is a “must do” if you enjoy Broadway caliber entertainment. The acrobats, singers, and performers in tribal attire and vibrant costumes enact the the scenes from the Broadway show. The floats, audience interaction, and music will have you singing “I just can’t wait to be king” all day long! Our family loves the antics of the monkeys, the performers as giraffes, and the whole experience is awesome!

Finding Nemo the Musical-The creatively made puppets that clothe the human performers in Finding Nemo the Musical add whimsy and magic to this stage show of the well-loved movie. The novelty of the performance, and the bright colors from the coral reef are perfect for families. And, the nice thing, is parents can also enjoy some rest time and entertainment while the kids enjoy a familiar performance. You can use FastPass+ for this show, and it may not be a bad idea because the out door seating is huge, and with FastPass+ you get priority seating.

Flights of Wonder-This is an exotic bird ‘stunt’ show in an outdoor amphitheater. Flights of Wonder is entertaining and engaging, and the cheesy comedy gives an added bonus to the performance. The idea behind Flights of Wonder is conservation-so they try to balance it with bird stunts and funny jokes. The intelligence of birds is astounding, and pretty funny, too. It’s a great blend of Disney entertainment and wildlife. For the animal lover in your family, it is a “must do”.

It’s Tough to Be a Bug–This 3D show shares the benefits of insects with the cast of A Bug’s Life. With Disney entertainment, learning about bugs can be fun! One thing to note is, although it is very entertaining, It’s Tough to be a Bug can be a little overstimulating for young kids. It’s an all around sensory experience, and in 3D. FastPass+ is available, but you won’t need it for this.

Devine, character meet and greets, Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe, and more-All around Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is entertainment. In fact, I think it’s one of the best parks to meet favorite characters! Plus, the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe are wonderful entertainment-our family has never experienced Africa up close, and the Tam Tam Drummers give that experience. I love the authenticity and detail surrounding everything at Disney. Have you seen Devine? If not, you need to be on the lookout for her!

Are you ready to plan your Disney Vacation? Carrie is ready to get you started on your trip planning. When you book with Carrie at Destinations in Florida-an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner-you can be assured that you will have a magical trip that is perfect for your family! Email her at [email protected] today for a free quote and to get the trip planning started!

Disney’s My Magic+ System Undergoing More Great Changes for Guests

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 2, 2014

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Disney’s My Magic+ System is still undergoing changes for guests. For quite some time, only guests staying on Disney property were entitled to preselecting their FastPass Plus Options 60 days prior to arrival. More recently, Annual Passholders began receiving MagicBands, and now off-site guests can make FastPass Plus selections 30 days prior to arrival.

Now, Walt Disney World is going to begin making more great changes to MyMagic+! Many guests at Walt Disney World enjoy the ability to secure ride times in advance-it really helps with time management in the parks! As part of the ongoing testing phase of MyMagic+, guests have told Walt Disney World that they would like to add additional FastPass Plus entitlements, and Disney is listening! Walt Disney World is working on giving guests the ability to add more FastPass Plus options after they have chosen their three in advance. During your visit, once you have used the 3 you have chosen in advance, you will be enabled to select more at kiosks throughout the parks. Then, after the 4th has been used, you will be able to select another, etc.

Park hopping? Disney will have you covered, too. They are working on a way to add a Park Hopping feature to FastPass Plus as well.

Although MyMagic+ came as a wonderful change in the eyes of some Disney guests, and still needed some kinks worked out, all in all it has given Disney guests the ability to enjoy attractions with minimal waits or make changes in the parks.

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]. Be sure you ask Carrie about how to save an extra 5% off your Disney vacation!

Walt Disney World’s Night of Joy tickets are on sale now!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 2, 2014

Walt Disney World’s annual Night of Joy tickets are on sale now. Celebrate the best in Christian music with friends, family and most of all fun at the most magical place on earth. 17 of the biggest names in Christian music take over Magic Kingdom for two unforgettable nights.

As if the 17 amazing acts of Inspirational music were not enough, you can enjoy some Disney magic too. Classic entertainment, thrilling new attractions and the all new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster. No matter what your preferred musical genre, you are sure to discover a show that you don’t want to miss.

Artists Performing in 2014

September 5, 2014

Hillsong United
Chris Tomlin
Matthew West
for KING & COUNTRY
Mandisa
Building 429
Matt Maher
The Neverclaim

September 6, 2014

Casting Crowns
MercyMe
Britt Nicole
Israel Houghton & New Breed
Colton Dixon
Rhett Walker
We As Human
1 Girl Nation

The Need to Know:

Entrance to the Night of Joy concert series requires a separate ticket for admission. Each evening of the event runs from 7:30 PM to 1:00 AM. Artists and schedule are subject to change. Availability is limited. For more information on tickets, please call (407) 939-7679. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Advance Ticket Sales:

Reserve your place at an evening of Night of Joy and take advantage of advance savings—purchase individual tickets for just $59 plus tax.Book a 2-night ticket through August 5, 2014 and enjoy complimentary entry to a Disney water park or DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park.

Chip and Co. has joined up once again with Destinations in Florida to bring you a discounted rate at Port Orleans Riverside for this event. Contact us today to take advantage of our group discount before rooms run out.

Don’t plan on traveling yourself, but know someone that will, don’t forget about our referral program.

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!

Emeril’s Orlando to Offer an Expanded Easter Menu and Extended Hours

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 2, 2014

Emeril’s Orlando and Emeril’s Tchoup Chop restaurants at Universal Orlando will both be serving unique menu items and cocktail specials on April 20, Easter Sunday. Emeril’s Orlando will be serving the special menus for brunch only, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Emeril’s Tchoup Chop will serve the special menu alongside its regular dinner menu from 12–9 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Click here to see the full menu!

Easter brunch at Emeril’s Orlando:

Emeril’s Orlando is offering specials including a duck confit and mushroom gumbo; baked oyster Rockefeller; a brûlée goat cheese salad with strawberries and beets; Gulf shrimp and corn grits with bacon, mushrooms, herbs and Creole tomato glaze; crab cakes served with poached eggs and a red bean-sweet corn relish and cayenne hollandaise; a boudin-stuffed quail with collard greens and mustard-pear jus; and panéed veal with truffle fettuccini. The special menu will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. on April 20. Call (407) 224-2424 for reservations. View the full menu.

Easter at Emeril’s Tchoup Chop:

Emeril’s Tchoup Chop Easter specials include a Robata Tako with chick peas, sundried tomatoes, cannellini beans, charred ramps, yuzu dill vinaigrette; crab cake benedict with furikake biscuits, Asian guacamole kim chee hollandaise; chicken under a brick with spring peas, new potatoes, pipikaula, artichoke, cipollini onions charred ramp morel vinaigrette; a grilled Australian lamb T-bone with apple habanero “Waldorf” potato salad, mint lemongrass tamari drizzle huckleberry jam; a Lilikoi key lime meringue with huckleberry jam and huckleberry sorbet; and carrot cake trifle in a jar with macadamia nut brittle ice cream. The special menu will be served in addition to the regular dinner menu from 12–9 p.m. Call (407) 503-2467 for reservations.