Super Low Rates Available for Select Disney Cruises This Fall/Winter

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March 8, 2014

Disney has released super low rates for select Disney Cruises this fall and winter. You can start planning your next Disney Cruise Line vacation now and escape the cold! These rates won’t be beat and you’ll have more time to plan your exciting vacation!

3-Night Bahamian Cruises (Port Canaveral, FL departure)

From $175 per person, per night
Based on double occupancy
Total price for two Guests $1,050
Available most sail dates January 9 – 30, 2015
Category 6B Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, Disney Dream

4-Night Bahamian Cruise (Port Canaveral, FL departure)

From $175 per person, per night
Based on double occupancy
Total price for two Guests $1,400
For January 26 & February 2, 2015 sailings
Category 6B Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, Disney Dream

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise (Port Canaveral departure)

From $218 per person, per night
Based on double occupancy
Total price for two Guests $3,052
For September 27, 2014 sailing aboard Disney Fantasy
Category 5A Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise (Port Canaveral departure)

From $155 per person, per night
Based on double occupancy
Total price for two Guests $2,170
Available most sail dates November 2 – 16, 2014
Category 11A Standard Inside Stateroom, Disney Magic

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise (Port Canaveral departure)

From $180 per person, per night
Based on double occupancy
Total price for two Guests $2,520
Available most sail dates November 2 – 16, 2014
Category 9B Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom, Disney Magic

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise (Port Canaveral departure)

From $222 per person, per night
Based on double occupancy
Total price for two Guests $3,108
Available most sail dates November 2 – 16, 2014
Category 5B Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, Disney Magic

Please note that these prices do not include government taxes and fees and are subject to availability. Gratuities and port excursions are also an additional cost.

Have you heard about the Chip and Co Land and Sea package this fall? We will be at the Walt Disney World Resort October 11-16, 2014 and then on a 3-night Bahamian Cruise October 16-19, 2014! You can enjoy exclusive events just for our fans. Plus, we have discounted rates that you won’t find anywhere else! Contact me for details!

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 orDisney World vacation? Siera, a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, would love to help you! Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!

Beware: Fake Pizza Fliers Circulating at the Disney World Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 8, 2014

I am an Orlando resident and I have been hearing about this scam on and off for a few years now. It seems as though they are starting it up again.

Have been to a Disney World Resort and found Pizza Fliers under your door? Or maybe heard someone slip something under your door late at night? Well chances are they are not legit. Disney always advises that you do not use those fliers and that is not just because they want you to spend all of your money there, they are looking out for you as well.

These fliers look real, they have glossy food pictures and look very professional. Most of the time they will have a phone number but no address. Don’t be fooled by the pretty picture, these people are looking to get your debit/credit card info and rack up a bunch of charges while you are distracted by your magical vacation. They also take this opportunity to check for unlocked doors, in the resort and in the parking lot. In a few instances they have stolen the identity of some unaware customers.

F.Y.I. They use pre-paid cellphones and change the phone number on the fliers every week.

Disney and Law Enforcement are aware of the situation and are cracking down. Mousekeeping does a good job of throwing away the fliers when they find them.

If you want to order from an outside pizza delivery restaurant, the Front Desk/Concierge can connect you to a real restaurant.

Disney also asks that if you see one of these fliers, or someone passing them out, call the front desk and report it.

Remember not everyone at Disney is magical!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Interview with Disney Fine Artist Greg McCullough

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 8, 2014

Jason @MedicMayhew had the chance to visit Disney Fine Artist at his studio to talk about his past, present, and where Greg is going in the future! Jason also had the chance to view the new upcoming pieces of art Greg is working on including pieces for Star Wars Weekend and some pieces that are coming soon from the new hit movie Frozen!

Greg, When did you start drawling?
My mother acquired a 1964 (born 1962) Childcraft How & Why book set which included a crafts book. I understand that is all we did was create things such as carving a turtle out of the bar of soap. My grandparents and great grandparents also encouraged me doing crafts and artwork at a very early age and I still have some of the early drawings of spacecrafts. I remember teaching my fellow kindergartners how to draw a TeePee.

At 15, I was employed by Six Flags over Texas in 1978 to do caricatures for their guests. That continued for the next three years as a summer job and i continued to caricature at events and conventions up to 2010.

What was your first Disney sketch?
in 1988 I produced my first national illustration project. It was the Looney Tunes characters done for Tyson kids meals. Frito-Lay contracted me in 1994 to illustrate Buzz and Woody for Frito-Lay’s grocery store promotion which included the two characters being printed on their chip bags.

How did you get to draw for Disney?
My illustrations of Buzz and Woody got me additional work with Mattel doing their toy packaging for Toy Story II and A Bugs Life. That work continued to get me additional Disney related projects through ad agencies and corporations for their Disney tie-ins and promotions. Disney parks contacted me in 2007 to illustrate the 2009 dated logo for Disney World and Disneyland. This started a five year relationship between myself and the Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Lines, producing high profile logos and advertising pieces with a lot of them still seen today.

Did you ever work for Disney other than drawing?
With one exceptions (a gas station for 3mos @ 21) I have worked as an artist throughout my life. To date, I have never worked for Disney in any other capacity than to create art for them.

Favorite character to drawl?
By far my favorite character to work with is Donald. His attitude allows me to take him places that other characters do not get to go.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
As an artist with a passion for Disney, the inspiration is “endless” and often overwhelming. My challenge is narrowing down which paintings to create out of the multiple lifetimes of Disney images I want to paint!

Favorite attraction to ride?
My passion for the parks lie in it’s architecture, design and engineering more than the rides themselves. A couple of years back I was walking down Main Street taking photos when I noticed a few people following me with things in their ears. On the outskirts of Frontier Land I was stopped and questioned why I was taking so many photographs. Passion.

Favorite attraction to draw?
I’m considered a character driven artist however I love the architecture of the Disney parks and at some point I hope to produce a series of paintings celebrating the buildings of the Disney parks.

Most memorable Disney experience?
As Artifx (my studio, started in ’94) was finishing up the illustrations for the Toy Story II toy packaging with Mattel. I received an email from John Lasseter’s “people” asking for prints of all of our work for his private collection. To this day, I keep a copy of the email on my hard drive.

10. Favorite part of your job?
The chance to inspire others. As an advertising illustrator for over 25 years there is not a lot room for anything other than deadlines and revisions. Unexpectedly and happily the signing events get me in touch with guests, fellow creatives and young artist who have an appreciation and respect for the work I do which only increases my want of giving back of my experiences and talents.

Future works
In July 2013 I officially began my business as a resident, Disney Fine Artist for the Art of Disney galleries. Which means… “I have just begun”! There are over 25 concepts, approved pencils and paintings in the works including three paintings for Frozen. Very soon, I will be doing live painting during my Disney park signings. Beginning with limited edition, original portraits of 12 of the Disney Villians. An overdue blog, connected to the social media sites will house my signing schedule, thoughts/insights and sneak peeks will soon be available at gregmccullough.com.

Greg will be launching his website, as well as social media site soon! Please check back and see this amazing guy when your in the parks! He does a great job and is one of the nicest Disney artists I have ever met! If you do stop by and see him and his work make sure you tell him Jason from Chip and Co sent you!

Owners of Caribe Royale pledge 3 million to Give Kids The World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 8, 2014

The California-based Don and Lorraine Freeberg Foundation recently pledged $3 million to support the expansion efforts of the Give Kids The World Village, based in Kissimmee, FL.

On Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, Shirley Hough, president and CEO of Sierra Land Group, Inc., along with the foundation’s board of directors, presented Pamela Landwirth, president of Give Kids The World, a check for $1 million, along with the commitment of an additional $2 million over the next two years. The Freeberg Foundation funds will be used to sponsor the 13,000-square-foot, multi-purpose, entertainment-show room section of its new Towne Hall that will house the food service and entertainment components for the entire Give Kids The World Village.

In 2013, the Freeberg Foundation donated $380,000 to Give Kids The World Village to fund the construction of two brand-new villas. Employees of its three Orlando hotels have also raised an additional $100,000 through various fundraising activities, which was used to refurbish the villas they adopted. “On behalf of the Freeberg Foundation and our three Orlando properties, we are honored to continue our partnership with Give Kids The World Village to help make a difference in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses,” said Hough. “And we appreciate the efforts of our employees who have supported the Village for the past five years, which is how we learned about this outstanding organization.”

Founded in 1989, Give Kids The World Village is a 70-acre resort with 146 villa accommodations, entertainment attractions and whimsical venues specifically designed for children with special needs. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 125,000 families from all 50 states and 75 countries, and continues to expand in order to accommodate more families annually.

The Don and Lorraine Freeberg Foundation was established by the late Don Freeberg, the founder of Sierra Land Group, based in Glendale, CA. Sierra Land Group, Inc. owns and manages three all-suite hotels in Orlando, FL: the Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center, Buena Vista Suites and the Embassy Suites Orlando – Lake Buena

For more information on the Caribe Royale and to make a reservation go to http://www.cariberoyale.com/

Disney Dreamers Academy Starts at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 8, 2014

This weekend, Walt Disney World Resort will host an exclusive group of teens for the Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine. The teens, along with a parent or guardian, received an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort March 6-9, but they aren’t vacationing. Instead, they will be participating in a once-in-lifetime, innovative, outside-the-classroom, educational and mentoring program.

Entering its seventh year, Disney Dreamers Academy continues to hold true to its mission to inspire and fuel the dreams of teens, help them discover a world of possibilities and help them prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops related to a bevy of career paths ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills such as communication techniques and networking strategies.

It all takes place in a magical setting: the Walt Disney World theme parks. Both on stage and behind the scenes, the parks become vibrant classrooms, leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Motivational speakers and celebrities share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and Dream big. Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while they gain first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives.

“Over the past six years, we have helped 600 Dreamers unlock their potential and get started on their journeys in life,” said Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion Tracey D. Powell. “The seventh Disney Dreamers Academy marks another year of continued motivation, education and success. Steve Harvey and Essence Communications share in our vision of enriching lives. Everyone leaves this program inspired to live their best life.”

Walt Disney World Resort along with Steve Harvey, syndicated television and radio personality, and Essence Magazine will host the selected Dreamers during their four-day power packed career and educational exploration. Harvey, speaking on the program, says, “Disney Dreamers Academy gives hope and inspiration and exposes youth to a world of possibilities. We are excited about another opportunity to transform lives and give students an inside look at what their future can hold.”

This year’s students were selected from nearly 10,000 applicants – the most applicants in the history of the program.

If you want to see a full list of the participants, check them out here.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney’s Boardwalk Bakery Tips & Tricks

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 7, 2014

Disney’s Boardwalk Bakery has some of the best sweets anywhere on Disney World Property. It also is a great place to grab breakfast or lunch. Whatever you come for , here are some tips on some of the best items from this special gem:

They have some of the best donuts anywhere. But get here early, when they run out, they run out.
Their cupcakes more specifically, the Oreo bon bon cupcake. If you loved the Oreo bon bon from the Beach Club, you will love this cupcake. Vanilla cake with an Oreo bon bon center, and yummy vanilla icing rolled in Oreo cookie with two Oreo cookie “ears”.
One of my favorite times to come here is for lunch after a day in either Hollywood Studios or Epcot. If you go during this time, I highly recommend their Fresh Mozzarella sandwich or their Roast Turkey.
Try them for breakfast, from the traditional cinnamon roll to apple tarts, they offer a great selection of pastries. My tip for the pastries is to stock up with drinks so that no matter where you are staying, you can have breakfast in your room. I also like how they do a great job in preparing the pastries so that they do not harden or stale fast. Lastly, they are a great stop on the way to the parks, especially when taking the boat over to Epcot or Hollywood Studios.
Whether you are celebrating a special event, or just in the mood for some cake, getting a cake at this bakery is a must do at least once! I do not know what they do different, but it is the best cake I have ever had on property! If you want, you can even order a custom cake that can range from a simple birthday cake, to a more elaborate wedding cake. The sky is truly the limit at this bakery.
They have some of the best salads and most variety of salads on property. I especially enjoy the iceberg lettuce salad. I also highly recommend their salads to the health conscious visitors.

Now that you have a brief overview of the Board Walk Bakery here are some tips to make the most of your visit:

Try and visit during slower hours. The lines can get pretty long here during the morning and early afternoon as many guests utilize it for Breakfast and Lunch.
Stock up on pastries and other breakfast favorites and have breakfast in your room covered for your stay.
If you are ordering a cake, order it as soon as you can. Simple cakes can be ordered within 24 hours. More intricate cakes take much longer. Call the bakery directly for more information.
I highly recommend it for break times from Hollywood Studios and Epcot. It is just a short boat away and is very relaxing.
A cupcake a day keeps the doctor away. Not really, but the cupcakes here are numerous and the best way to taste a variety is make it a point to try a different one every night of your stay. It will be worth it.
This is a great place to use your snack and quick service dinning plan credits!
They have a lot of gluten free options!!!! Just ask!
Lastly, the seating area outside is great for people watching. Grab a coffee and a pastry and watch people as they go about the resort. Also, during the evening, the boardwalk is filled with entertainment. If you want a great spot for it, this is it !

What are your favorite treats from Disney’s Board Walk Bakery? Let me know in the comments below 🙂

Kidfresh is Collaborating with Disney to Promote the “Frozen” Blu-Ray Combo Pack

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 7, 2014

It’s Frozen Food Month so it’s fitting that Kidfresh, the healthy frozen kid’s meal, is helping to promote the “Frozen” Blu-Ray release on March 18, 2014.

Families will be able to save up to $6.00 during this exclusive promotion. Through the purchase of any two Kidfresh meals and the Frozen Blu-ray Combo Pack, parents can save $5.00 by mail-in rebate. In addition, an extra $1.00 off coupon for any two Kidfresh meals will be available at point of purchase in over 2,200 participating retailers, including Stop & Shop, Giant, Kroger, HEB, ShopRite, A&P, Pathmark, and Harris Teeter.

“We are so thrilled about this collaboration with Disney to promote the launch of the home entertainment release of the hit movie, Frozen,” said the Kidfresh CEO, Matt Cohen. “It just makes perfect sense that Kidfresh – with our healthy frozen kids’ meals, and Disney – with such a wonderful hit movie as Frozen, would collaborate during
Frozen Food Month.”

The Frozen Blu-ray Combo Pack will be available for purchase in all major retailers nationwide including BestBuy, Walmart, Target and Kmart.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Chip and Company/Disney Addicts Meetup a success!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 7, 2014

The first Chip and Company/Disney Addicts meetup at the Walt Disney World Resort held a few weeks ago was a huge success! Over 35 Chip and Company and Disney Addicts showed up to spend some time with Chip and Jason around the kingdom. We took over the kingdom and made a huge impact on the park. Most of the people came and stayed the entire day with Jason, enjoying rides, attractions, food and even a dessert supplied by Chip and Company of Dole Whips! They ended the night with a view of Wishes, a ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Main Street Electrical Parade! More meetups will be coming soon including a meetup this Friday for a night visit at the Magic Kingdom!

Want to know more about the meetups? The meetups will be on the Disney Addict Facebook Page under events, or you can follow @chipandcompany on Twitter, Instagram or Tumblr for more information, also don’t forget to follow Jason on twitter @medicmayhew. When talking about the meetups or posting pics use the hashtag #CCDAMeetup so we can follow along with your fun!!!

Who came to the first meetup? What did you think? Who wants to come to one in the future?

Poly

Pins

Monsters

DoleWhip

Ariel

Sword

New TV Spot for ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 7, 2014

We’re now less than a month away from the debut of Marvel Studios’ newest film, ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’. In order to ramp up the anticipation, Marvel released a new minute long TV spot during tonight’s episode of ‘Agents of SHIELD’. This will probably be the final long look we’ll have at the film before next month’s release, but it sure is spectacular. The film certainly looks action packed, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ is directed by The Russo Brothers, and stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Redford, and Anthony Mackie. It opens nationwide on April 4, 2014.

Are you excited about ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’? Let me know in the comments below, only here at Chip and Company!

Disney Centerpiece is Coming to Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 7, 2014

You might remember late last year Disney announced that Marketplace Co-Op will be coming to Downtown Disney.

Today we are going to tell you about one the stores you will find there, it’s called Disney Centerpiece. This store will sell Disney themed gear for your home. It will be open in just a couple of months.

Check out some of the adorable merchandise:

I will admit I am not the biggest fan of Adventureland, but I do love the Dole Whips! You must admit those little Dole Whips are adorable even if you are not a fan of the actual Dole Whip.

The collection below is inspired by Adventureland and The Enchanted Tiki Room.

You may recognize the designs on the plates and cups below, because they feature posters from the attractions.

Last but not least there will also be a line of retro-inspired goods from Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom.

Some items will also be sold online (disneystore.com) in the future.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Marvel Announces New Spin on Classic Designs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 6, 2014

Marvel has formed some new US licensing collaborations in the drinkware category. A couple of these deals include Thermos and Zak Designs.

These cool new products will feature characters from Marvel, the Avengers and Spider-Man with a classic design.

Thermos will feature a wide range of these characters on insulated containers, starting this summer. The products will have characters from The Avengers, Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises.

Zak Designs will also feature a range of characters from the Marvel Universe. New drinkware designs for Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy will be released when the movies hit theaters.

For both, the products included will be drinkware and food storage.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

SeaWorld Lowers the Price of a One Day Ticket

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 6, 2014

Seaworld logo

Well this is a twist, while other parks are raising the price of their 1 day ticket. SeaWorld lowered theirs to $50.00 but only for a limited time.

This deal is good for 1 weekday ticket valid March 21 through May 5, 2014. Regular ticket prices at SeaWorld Orlando is $92 for a 1 day pass.

F.Y.I. You have to get this deal online, you can’t get it at the window. Click here to learn more.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine