New entertainment complex coming to International Drive

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February 26, 2014

I-Drive’s new $200 million entertainment complex featuring the Orlando Eye is the latest addition to the world’s most popular family destination. Located in the heart of popular International Drive the Orlando Eye’s 400 foot iconic observation wheel is the centerpiece of the complex featuring restaurants, clubs, shops and attractions.

Joining the Orlando Eye is a spectacular SEA LIFE Aquarium and Madame Tussauds wax attraction. All three attractions will be operated by Merlin Entertainments. Popular restaurants include Yard House, Buffalo Wild Wings, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Sugar Factory and Seafood Republic. High energy entertainment will be on tap at Tin Roof and Cowgirls. Complementing the Orlando Eye as a unique feature of the complex is a $1.5 million dollar water show set to music and color-changing lights.

Free parking will be available in a 1600 space multi-level parking garage. Restaurants will open beginning in spring of 2014 with the main opening of the complex scheduled for spring of 2015.

A big announcement will be taking place in April and we will be there to give you the first in information in and around the Orlando area.

Spring Discounts Ending soon for Disney, Universal and More!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 26, 2014

Our weekly round – up includes a few discounts that will be ending soon, so take advantage of them before they end.

Disneyland® Resort

Ending Soon! Save Up to 25% on Rooms at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel: Save up to 25% on rooms at a Disneyland Hotel most Sunday through Thursday nights through April 10, 2014. Book by March 6, 2014.

Walt Disney World^® Resort

Free Memory Maker to Cherish Your Disney World Moments: Imagine capturing your favorite pictures from your Disney World vacation! You can do that with Disney’s Memory Maker. Book a package from August 15-September 30 for at least 3 nights with 2-Day tickets and get the new Memory Maker free. Prices start from just $899 plus tax for a family of 3 at a Disney Value Resort.
Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels: Savings apply for stays most nights March 14, 2014 – April 12, 2014 and April 20, 2014 – June 15, 2014. Upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket and get one more ticket day FREE! Visit Destinations in Florida for more details.
Florida Resident Rates: Florida Residents can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resorts hotels for stays through May 29, 2014. Plan a winter getaway to Disney or a Spring Break trip to the Disney Water Parks. Book today with this incredible deal, just for Florida Residents.
Military Discount: Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Disney Resort most nights through September 27^th, 2014. Thank you for serving our country.

Disney Cruise Line®

Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military: Take advantage of special deals from $135 per person per night plus tax/port charges for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military. Special cruises are available for select dates in February.
Last Minute Restricted Deals: If you are flexible about the location of your stateroom and willing to book last minute you may be able to save BIG! Disney offers Restricted Guarantee rooms 15-60 days before departure dates, sometimes just a few days before departure. These are very restricted and with many rules, but if you are not picky you can save up 40%.
Canadian Resident Deal: If you are a Canadian Resident, you can enjoy 20% off select rates on the May 24, 2014 Alaska sailing departing from Vancouver, Canada. Take advantage of this special deal, just for you!

Aulani Hawaii

Get a Free Night and Free Breakfast: For a limited time, when you purchase a minimum 4-night stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, you’ll get the 4th night free – including breakfast daily for two adults at the new Ulu Cafe. This discount is good for most stays through April 7, 2014.
Get up to a $500 Room Credit to Spend During Your Visit: Book a 1 or 2-Bedroom Villa from April 23-June 16, 2014 and receive up to a $500 resort credit for a 4-Night vacation. Book a Deluxe Studio or regular room for 4 nights and receive a $400 resort credit.

Universal Orlando Resort Discounts

4th Night and 3rd Day Free: Book a Universal Partner hotel for 3 nights with a 2 Day Base ticket and receive your 4th night and 3rd day at the parks for FREE!
Save up to $500 on your Universal Package: Stay at one of the Universal Hotels including Cabana Bay Hotel, Royal Pacific Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Portofino Bay Hotel with tickets and save up to $500 on your package. Now is the time to visit the movies at the Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal 1-Day or 2-Day Pass with Shuttle Transportation for 2014: Take a day away from the Disney World Parks to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Book a 1-Day or 2-Day Pass to Universal Studios with shuttle transportation included in the ticket. This special ticket is only available with select companies including Destinations in Florida.
“Take 2” Transfer: If you do not want to rent a car during your Orlando vacation, take advantage of the new “Take 2” Transfer ticket for only $39 per person. This transfer includes transportation from a Disney Resort hotel to Universal Orlando Resort for a Universal Studios vacation. After your Universal vacation, the transportation takes you back to the Orlando International Airport.

Sea World Discounts

Expedition Antarctica at SeaWorld®: Experience the Freeze! Package includes free Quick Queue (front-of-the-line) at SeaWorld’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™, dining at the Expedition Café, a free photo and a third hotel night FREE!

Orlando Attraction Ticket Discounts

Kids Eat Free Card: Save money on over 100 different restaurants in Orlando from the quick serve restaurants like McDonald’s to sit down restaurants like Nascar Cafe at Universal CityWalk. Purchase the Kids Eat Free Card and receive a free child’s meal with any adult meal at select restaurants. Click here for more details and to purchase this special card.
Kennedy Space Center Tickets: Pre-order your tickets to Kennedy Space Center and save money with special prices. Experience the Space Shuttle Atlantis, US Astronaut Hall of Fame, and more; just an hour from Orlando. Click here to more details and to purchase tickets.

Royal Caribbean Cruise

Ending Soon! Up to $300 to Spend During Your Cruise: Book select 2014 cruises by February 28, and Royal Caribbean Cruise will give you up to $300 to spend during your vacation. Use it anyway you choose. Go snorkeling, dive into a specialty dinner for two or discover pure bliss at the spa.
Ending Soon! Up to $400 to Spend During Your Cruise: Book select 2014 cruises in Europe by February 28, and we’ll give you up to $400 (based on your package total) to spend during your vacation. Use it anyway you choose. Dive into a specialty dinner for two or discover pure bliss at the spa.

Book your family memories today with Destinations in Florida!

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!

Discounted Rates Available for Select Disney Cruises

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 25, 2014

Are you ready for a break from this never-ending winter? Could you use some sunshine and palm trees? If so, you won’t want to miss these discounted rates for select Disney cruises! These low rates won’t last long and are only available for the following sailings:

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 12, 2015 sailing aboard Disney Dream
Category 6B Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruises (Port Canaveral departure)

From $172 per person, per night
Based on double occupancy
Total price for two Guests $2,408
For September 6 & 20, 2014 sailings aboard Disney Fantasy
Category 11B Standard Inside Stateroom

3-Night Bahamian Cruise (Port Canaveral departure)

From $214 per person, per night
Based on double occupancy
Total price for two Guests $1,284
For April 4, 2014 sailing aboard Disney Magic
Category 9B Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

3-Night Bahamian Cruise (Port Canaveral departure)

From $309 per person, per night
Based on double occupancy
Total price for two Guests $1,854
For April 4, 2014 sailing aboard Disney Magic
Category 5B Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

14-Night Panama Canal Cruise (San Diego departure)

From $151 per person, per night
Based on double occupancy
Total price for two Guests $4,228
For September 12, 2014 sailing aboard Disney Wonder
Category 9C Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

These prices do not include government taxes and fees and are subject to availability. Gratuities and port excursions are also an additional fee.

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!

Top 10 Free Things to do at Walt Disney World!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 25, 2014

Lets face it, a Walt Disney World vacation can be expensive, but did you know there are a ton of free things you can do while you are there? From things to do in the parks to fun things to do after you have wore yourself out walking around the parks I have put together this fun list for you.

Here are my Top 10 favorite free things to do at Walt Disney World.

10. Pinocchio’s Village Haus: Head over to the Magic Kingdom and you can sign the Blue Fairy’s book and make a wish. You never know, it may just come true!

9. Harmony Barber Shop: Free Pixie dust! If your little princess wants more than just the glittery pixie dust you can get at the castle, go to the barber shop! It is next to the fire station on Main Street USA hidden around the corner near the Emporium. The cast member will spray your princesses hair with hairspray and sprinkle lots of colorful confetti glitter all over their head! She will love it and you will love the smiles she has from ear to ear! This is definitely a must do for a Princess of any age!

8. Take a boat ride: Disney has a vast array of water craft to transport guests from place to place. These watercraft offer fun, free, and scenic ways to get around the massive 40 square miles of Walt Disney World. The most iconic of these is the ferry boat from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom. You can take a boat from the Magic Kingdom to the Wilderness Lodge to check out the amazing architecture, and if you are lucky you just might get to see Firerock Geyser going off. My personal favorite is to take a trip down the Sassagoula River from Downtown Disney to Port Orleans French Quarter. Once there, stop in to see the brightly themed Sassagoula Floatworks for some beignets and coffee!

7. Resort Campfire: If you are staying at a resort on property they have a campfire most nights with free marshmallows and sticks to roast them! Bring along some chocolate and graham crackers for some yummy s’mores. After you have had your fill of marshmallows you can enjoy a Disney movie on a large outdoor screen. My favorite is at the Polynesian, you cannot beat watching a movie on the beach, and not to worry, they will pause the movie during Wishes so you enjoy the fireworks!

6. Riding the Monorail: Disney’s trademark mode of transportation, and it’s completely free! You can resort hop to the three monorail resorts, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary Resort. Take a quick trip to Epcot for an elevated tour of Future World, and a quick look at the World Showcase. Finally the express monorail that serves Magic Kingdom will provide a quick trip around the Seven Seas Lagoon.

5. Club Cool: Just past the Starbucks in Epcot is a little gem called club cool. If you’re thirsty and need a sip of something sweet this is your place. You get free samples of soft drinks from around the world! My favorite happens to be Vegitabeta from Japan. Yummy! Try Beverly at your own risk.

4. Drop by Ghirardelli: Do you love chocolate? I know I do! At Ghirardelli in Downtown Disney as you walk in the door a friendly employee will hand you a square of chocolate for free! Pretty sweet deal! The flavors change seasonally, my favorite is the caramel!

3. Celebration Buttons: At any Guest Relations building you can get free celebration buttons! An anniversary, a birthday, your first visit, a family reunion, or any reason at all you happen to be celebrating. They write your name on it and Disneyfi it a little too! A great souvenir, and you can’t beat the price!

2. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom: Take your admission ticket, or Magic band to one of the two SOTMK locations to get a free pack of trading cards. These are part of a fun interactive game with portals all over the Magic Kingdom, except Tomorowland. The first location to get your cards is in the fire station on Main Street USA, the other is in Liberty Square behind the Christmas shop. You can get one pack of cards for each day you are at the Magic Kingdom. They do require that you play at least one portal to get more cards each day, but is it great fun so that should not be a problem!

1. Campfire Sing-a-Long with Chip and Dale: Get some one on one time with everyone’s favorite chipmunks, and sing-a-long to some campfire favorites at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. S’mores kits are available for purchase for about $10, or you can bring your own supplies along with you. You can also bring hot dogs and cook them over one of the two fire pits for an inexpensive dinner. After all the singing and dancing is done, stick around for a Disney movie! If visiting during the colder months be sure to bring warm clothes or a blanket because once the sun goes down it can get chilly fast!

So this is my Top 10 Free Things to do at Walt Disney World. Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comment box below!

Coming to Walt Disney World Spring 2014

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 25, 2014

Here are some new and exciting things coming to the Disney World Resort:

Magic Kingdom: Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade dances into the Magic Kingdom this March.

Epcot: Bands and blooms headline the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival; “Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection” expands

Downtown Disney: Irish eyes are smiling at Downtown Disney’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 7-17

Disney Sports: Orlando City S.C. takes the field at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the 2014 season

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Debuts at Magic Kingdom this March:

A colorful new Magic Kingdom daytime parade will make its grand entrance onto Main Street, U.S.A. in March.

Featuring seven unique units comprised of nine floats with a cast of more than 100 performers, Disney Festival of Fantasy parade celebrates the stories and characters of Fantasyland. The parade comes to life through fantastic and innovative new parade floats, vibrant costumes and an original soundtrack featuring beloved songs from favorite Disney films, including its very own theme song.

Disney Festival of Fantasy parade is the first of a new generation of parades for Disney Parks incorporating never-before-used technology on eye-popping floats adorned with Disney characters from more than a dozen fairytales. The dazzling parade floats will soar up to three stories tall with spirited performers donning dramatic costumes crafted at ten different design houses across the country.

Floats include a 53-foot-long steampunk-inspired Maleficent Dragon from the 1959 Disney animated classic, “Sleeping Beauty,” a Fantasia-themed balloon and gondola for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a giant “Brave” bagpipe, and a “Peter Pan” float featuring Skull Rock and Captain Hook’s The Jolly Roger pirate ship.

Rockin’ Flower Power Weekend Concerts Kick Start this March during the 21st International Flower & Garden Festival”:

This spring, guests can boogie to their favorite “far out” pop tunes and rock ‘n’ roll classics of the 1960s and ’70s at the Flower Power concert series during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

The lineup will feature two new-to-the-festival acts: Gary Lewis and The Playboys (“This Diamond Ring”) and Alan Parsons Live Project (“Eye in the Sky”).

Here is the 2014 lineup (subject to change without notice):

March 7-9 The Guess Who “American Woman”

March 14-16 NEW! Gary Lewis and The Playboys “This Diamond Ring”

March 21-23 The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”

March 28-30 The Lovin’ Spoonful “Summer in the City”

April 4-6 Paul Revere & The Raiders “Good Thing”

April 11-13 Village People “Y.M.C.A.”

April 18-20 The Grass Roots “Midnight Confessions”

April 25-27 Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII, I am”

May 2-4 Starship starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”

May 9-11 Chubby Checker & The Wildcats “The Twist”

May 16-18 NEW! Alan Parsons Live Project “Eye in the Sky”

Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and are included with Epcot admission.

Epcot Expands “Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection” Gallery this Spring

Walt Disney World Resort guests visiting The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot will see exciting new updates as part of an expansion of “Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection” this spring. Additional images, artwork and artifacts related to watershed moments in American history will soon be on display.

Walt Disney Imagineers, along with philanthropists Bernard, Shirley and Khalil Kinsey, have begun to add several new artifacts and display cases to the popular cultural exhibit and will continue to do so in coming months.

The new artwork and documents will be added and current pieces will be re-located to new pedestal displays during the next two months. Themed to hope, belief, courage, imagination and heritage, the exhibit provides empowering stories of American history from voices that are not commonly seen or heard. Art and artifacts pay homage to African Americans who helped build and transform a nation. Their stories of determination and courage, from the nation’s early days to the present, are at the heart of the exhibit.

New objects joining the exhibit this spring include:

Distribution of Population in New York, 1801

Noon Wash by artist Jonathan Green

Slave Songs of the United States

Tintype Photographs

Carte de Visite

“Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection” is included in Epcot admission.

‘Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival’ Brings Live Entertainment, Authentic Irish Food and Fun to Downtown Disney March 7-17

Music and merriment abound when the most authentic St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the land comes to Downtown Disney March 7-17.

The celebration at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant and throughout Downtown Disney pays homage to Celtic culture with nearly 10 top Irish bands and pro dancers performing on three stages during select days of the festival. With performances starting nightly March 7-14 from 5 to 1 a.m. and daily 12 p.m. until 1 a.m. March 15-17 on stages indoors and out, guests can don their finest green duds and join in a jig or two.

Also on tap: a hearty selection of beers, food by Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon of Raglan Road, complimentary face painting inside Raglan Road, stilt walkers, living statues, children’s activities and plenty of St. Patrick’s Day memorabilia.

New this year: the four Disney Food Trucks will serve up delicious eats each evening of the festival at Downtown Disney West Side. Guests can even purchase Fisherman’s Pie at the World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck, a favorite dish from the Ireland kiosk at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Highlights of the celebration across Downtown Disney will include:

Performances by The Willis Clan, Elevation, Goitse, Three Dollar Band, We Banjo 3, The Raglan Rebels, The Brazen Heads and Raglan Road house bands Creel and The West Coast Trio

The Raglan Road Dancers, seven full-time champion dancers, performing daily

Renowned Irish dancer and choreographer Ronan McCormack of the original Riverdance cast, leading Irish Dance Workshops “From Roots to Riverdance”

Ceili (kay-lee) traditional music and structured set-dancing event, during which host Ronan McCormack invites guest participation

Guests can order from the Raglan Road and Cooke’s of Dublin popular food and drink menus throughout the event. On Monday, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older.

Dreams Come True for High School Students

The seventh annual Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine takes place at Walt Disney World Resort March 6-9, 2014. During the event, 100 high school students from across the nation are immersed in career-inspirational program that includes motivational seminars, networking events, hands-on creative experiences shared with entertainment experts, motivational speakers and business professionals who encourage them to succeed and follow their dreams at Walt Disney World Resort.

Orlando City S.C. 2014 Regular Season at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Disney

Orlando City Soccer Club will play its regular-season home games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort this season. To enhance the experience for spectators, additional stadium seating is planned to surround all four sides of the main soccer field at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, bringing seating to approximately 5,200.

This will be the Lions’ final United Soccer League (USL) season before becoming the 21^st 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

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

“Let it Go” Live Nationwide Sing Along

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 25, 2014

On Wednesday, “Good Morning America” will broadcast a nationwide sing-a-long of the Oscar-nominated hit song “Let It Go,” from the popular movie “Frozen.”

Begining in Times Square, the sing-a-long will include musician Idina Menzel kicking the event off and surprise cameos from celebrities, You Tube versions from kids around the world, and “Frozen” character’s Princess Elsa and Princess Anna from Disney World.

All children and parents in the tri-state area are invited Wednesday, February 26, to Times Square for GMA’s nationwide sing-a-long of the Frozen hit “Let It Go”

Please arrive in Times Square by 7:45AM.

The sing-a-long will begin at 8:30AM and we will be outside so dress warmly! All voices and ages welcome!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Dining at Kimonos in Disney’s Swan Resort

By

Chip

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February 25, 2014

While at Walt Disney World last week I had an opportunity to drop by Kimonos at Disney’s Swan Resort. I have heard many great things from various Disney Fans who love sushi and thought it would be a great time to check it out. I am sure glad I did…

While not a huge restaurant it does have the Japanese Sushi Bar feel to it. With a full bar, sushi chefs preparing their fresh fish, kimonos adoring the walls, and karaoke up front, the design of the room has a very laid back atmosphere.

The sushi chefs were hard at work but we’re nice enough to look up and give me a nice bow while preparing all that wonderful fish. I am a huge fan of sushi and eat it almost every other week at home. There are quite a few places to get sushi at Walt Disney World will this place make my Top 5 list? Wait and see…

Jason and his family was nice enough to share dinner with me and we started with a bunch of appetizers. Fried veggies, shrimp, edamame, and Kobe beef. All were delicious but one stood out among the rest, the Kobe Beef. I can honestly say I have never had better beef in my life. They literally melted in your mouth. The sauce added a nice kick but I could have eaten a whole plate of that beef.

Like almost all places at Walt Disney World there is no such thing as sweet tea (living in NC has spoiled me). The server Leah was nice enough to bring me this which was delicious. It was so fresh and flavorful I drank a glass without putting sugar in it.

If you want something with a little more kick I suggest the Seasonal Sake Sangria, very tasty and original which I am a big fan of.

Most places at Disney World have many of the same drinks and it was nice to see something different. The General Manager Lindsay is a Mixologist and teaches some of the classes during the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic (which I hope we can an invite for this year) we enjoyed talking with her about some cool things happening this year, and I could tell really knew her stuff, considering she basically grew up at the Swan & Dolphin.

While we were waiting for the main coarse (sushi) people were having lots of fun singing karaoke. You had a good mixture of people and there were lots of laughing going on. I even heard a kid around 7-8 singing Johnny Cash which is one of my favorite artists. Loved it!

This is what I have been waiting for! I picked a Kimono Roll, Coconut Shrimp Roll, and my standby Dragon Roll. Jason and his family are not sushi people but did try some of the rolls I chose. The sushi was so fresh and melted in my mouth. The Kimono Roll was my favorite and had a good amount of heat which I love. The presentation was flawless and yes I did eat the meat out of that prawn, sorry Pepe.

Now onto dessert.

I am not a dessert fan myself not to mention I was stuffed from all that delicious sushi so Jason and his family ordered dessert. I did taste a bit of the creme brulee which was ok. Remember I am not a dessert person so many of these dishes are wasted on me.

I didn’t have any of this but the girls said the Triple Chocolate Cake was to die for. Looking over the dessert menu I was hoping for some original items like the rest of the meal. That would be my only complaint of the meal is they could have used some traditional Japanese dessert options.

Ok now down to the verdict. Like I stated above I eat sushi at Walt Disney World all the time and the same goes for me at home. So where does Kimonos fall on my Top 10 Sushi Spots at Walt Disney World? Drum Roll please….

I would put Kimonos down as #2, just behind Kona Cafe. What makes Kimonos so appealing? That would be the price. Their prices are much cheaper than most of the Walt Disney World Restaurants, which to me makes me feel that Kimonos has good food and is a value, which while you are on vacation is a BIG plus in my book. Did I mention they also do Tables in Wonderland which is another Big Plus, can you say free Valet Parking?

Will I be dining at Kimonos again, you better believe it. My oldest daughter takes after me so I can see on our next Walt Disney World Vacation the 2 of us stopping by for some good fun and some great sushi. Jason, his family and I had a great time even though it was late, we had some great food, and no I did not get daring enough to sing some karaoke, maybe next trip…

Special thank you to Lindsay aka @cocktailgal1 and Leah our sever for a great meal!

I want to hear what you think. Have you ever dined at Kimonos? What did you think? Let me know in the comment box below.

Smash The Half – New Half Marathon Coming Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 25, 2014

Today Disney announced another race weekend added to their already extension collection of events, Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon !

Riding on the huge success of all their other races, and 5th anniversary of the Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World, they decided to bring a half marathon event in the fall to Disneyland.

From runDisney:

“Join the Avengers team of Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Tony Stark for the Inaugural Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland® Resort November 14-16, 2014. This new race weekend will feature a Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Races, and yes, it will be eligible for the Coast-to-Coast Challenge, bringing a long-awaited Fall event to the West Coast. ”

There will be characters and entertainment at every mile.

Most importantly, sign-up for the runDisney email to be notified when registration goes on sale March 25 at Noon ET.

Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon

Sunday, November 16, 2014

5:30 a.m.

Start/Finish: Disneyland® Resort

“Join Earth’s Mightiest Heroes on the most extraordinary course on Earth!

Break out your inner Super Hero and team up with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes during the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon at the Disneyland® Resort. The Avengers team — Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Tony Stark — will be out in force to cheer you on along an amazing 13.1 mile run through the spectacularDisneyland® Resort and along the historic and colorful streets of Anaheim. Your heroic feats will be rewarded with a Super Hero victory celebration at the finish line and your very own Avengers Super Heroes Finisher Medal. Unleash the Super Hero in you! Join the fun during the first-ever Avengers Super Heroes Half-Marathon.”

The Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Highlights

13.1-mile course throughDisneyland® Resort and the surrounding areas
Entertainment on-course
Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters at the Finish Line
Race within walking distance when you stay at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel
Event transportation included when you stay at select Anaheim Area Hotels

Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Race Participants Receive

Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut*
Avengers Super Heroes Finisher Medal*
Official Digital Event Guide*
iGiftBag
Personalized bib (Must register before August 1, 2014 for name to appear on bib)*
On-course and post-race refreshments
ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking signup for friends and family
Personalized results website

The Avengers Super Heroes 5k

Saturday, November 15, 2014

5:30 a.m.

Start/Finish: Disneyland® Resort

“It’s going to be INCREDIBLE!

It’s the Avengers Super Heroes 5K for runners of all ages — adults, teens, and tweens – and it’s going to be INCREDIBLE! Here’s your chance to unleash your Super Hero abilities as you race along an extraordinary course throughout the Disneyland® Resort, cheered on by everyone’s favorite Incredible Avenger, the Hulk! The Avengers Super Heroes 5K is a great way to spend time together and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.”

Dates, times, prices and inclusions subject to change. All races are subject to capacity limits and may close at any time before the percentage can be updated.

Avengers Super Heroes 5K Highlights

5K course through the Disneyland® Resort
Entertainment on-course
Race within walking distance when you stay at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel
Event transportation included when you stay at select Anaheim Area Hotels

Race participants in the Avengers Super Heroes 5K Receive:

5K Unisex T-shirt*
5K Finisher medallion*
Official Digital Event Guide*
iGiftBag
Personalized bib (Must register by August 1, 2014 for name to appear on bib)*
On-Course and post-race refreshments

Dates, times, prices and inclusions subject to change. All races are subject to capacity limits and may close at any time before the percentage can be updated. Entry fees are non-refundable.

runDisney Kids Races

Saturday, November 15, 2014 Start Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: Downtown Disney® District

“Every kid’s an “incredible” winner!

Every child 8 and younger who participates in the runDisney Kids Races goes home a winner with a finisher medallion designed for the tiniest of runners. Encourage your child to join the excitement and sign up for any of the Kids Dashes during this fun-filled weekend. There’s even a Diaper Dash for crawlers! Space is limited. Parents are allowed to run with their children.”

runDisney Kids Races Age Groups

12 months and under – Diaper Dash for crawlers
1-3 years old – 100m dash
4-6 years old – 200m dash
7-8 years old – 400m dash

runDisney Kids Races Participants Receive

runDisney Kids Races T-shirt*
Kids Race Finisher medallion*
Personalized race bib (Must register by August 1, 2014 for name to appear on bib)*
Post-race refreshments

Pasta in the Park Party

Friday, November 14, 2014

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Disney California Adventure® Park

“Delicious buffet dinner PLUS photos and autographs with characters!

Enjoy an “Incredible” buffet dinner and have your photos taken with your favorite characters during the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend Pasta Party! It’s a great way to add a magical touch to your Half Marathon weekend. Festivities include a SUPER buffet dinner, special character appearances throughout the evening, plus autograph and photo opportunities with the characters. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now!”

I can’t wait, after running my first runDisney event this past weekend I am now addicted to runDisney events and this one seems to rank up there as a must do. I am also glad that they are adding an event that is a little more “boy”orientated. Don’t forget to check out our Chip and Co Run Disney Addicts Page for all the latest updates, news, running tips and our next event.

Email me and I will help get you and your fellow Avengers there to partake of this inagurual event ! At Destinations in Florida, as an Earmark agency we make it our job to make your vacation worry free. Contact me today and I can get started as your free personal travel assistant.

Transformers Prime: Ultimate Bumblebee

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 25, 2014

On February 25th, Hasbro in collaboration with Shout! Factory will be releasing Transformers Prime: Ultimate Bumblebee on DVD ! It’s not our normal Disney movie review, but one I am excited about for this house no less. My son LOVES Transformers and Bumblebee is close to the very top, I even love “Bee”. In celebration of this release we have some activity sheets to share with you guys. This DVD will be available to purchase at Wal-mart stores nationwide for$9.99

SPECIAL DVD DEBUTS IN STORES EVERYWHERE

OWN IT ON FEBRUARY 25, 2014 FROM SHOUT! FACTORY KIDS

Hasbro Studios’ Emmy® Award-winning series TRANSFORMERS PRIME! springs into action with every0ne’s beloved warrior and dedicated scout, Bumblebee. Beloved by legions of fans and kids, Bumbleebee serves as part of Optimus Prime’s elite squad of AUTOBOT. Though he may be one of the smallest and youngest of the Transformers, don’t let that fool you. Time and time again, this AUTOBOT proves that he has the bravery to fight for what is right and the tenacity to throw himself into action to battle against his opponents no matter where they appear. “On February 25, 2014, Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will release TRANSFORMERS PRIME: ULTIMATE BUMBLEBEE on DVD, featuring a collection of four best BUMBLEBEE adventures from the TRANSFORMERS PRIME lore. Packed with visually stunning CG animation and unforgettable characters, this new DVD delivers fun-filled home entertainment that kids and parents will enjoy! Bring home TRANSFORMERS PRIME: ULTIMATE BUMBLEBEE DVD at an affordable low price of $9.99. SRP. ”

Bumblebee VS Jet Plane

Bumblebee Can’t Transform

Four action-packed BUMBLEBEE adventures include:

Masters and Students
Operation Bumblebee, Part 1
Operation Bumblebee, Part 2
Deadlock

Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, Josh Keaton, Jeffrey Combs, Kevin Michael Richardson, Will Friedle, Sumalee Montano, Ernie Hudson, Markie Post and Steve Blum lend their voices to this hit series produced by Hasbro Studios. TRANSFORMERS PRIME is executive produced by Duane Capizzi, Jeff Kline, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. The series airs on The HUB TV Network in the U.S. and on Teletoon in Canada. I can’t wait for this to be released ! My son (and possibly me too) will love it.

I will keep him entertained until then with this activity sheets.

Activity Sheet 1

Activity Sheet 2

Are you excited for this release like we are? I will let you know what I think and how much of a huge success it is.

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!

Star Wars 10k and Half Marathon Coming in 2015

By

Anonymouse

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February 24, 2014

Hey there guys and gals Anonymouse here. I have some interesting Disney Gossip for those Marathon runners out there.

I have heard these are not the droids you are looking for… Just kidding what I heard was Disney is going to be bringing a new Marathon to Walt Disney World in May 2015 to coincide with Star Wars Weekend. They will be hosting a Star Wars themed 10k & Half Marathon for all you Star Wars Nerds. Not sure if a 5k is attached to this event so far all I have heard are the 2.

Chip was telling me there were many people dressed up in Star Wars outfits and what better time to run a marathon but Star Wars Weekends? Would you go?

runDisney is saying they have big news coming out tomorrow and I think this is it. As soon as I get more details I will post it, till then I am going to brush up on my Wookie.

Update 05/27/14 – The dates for the Star Wars Marathon will be Jan. 15-18 according to the Run Disney Twitter Feed. Stay tuned for full details.

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.

Photo credit rundisney facebook page.

First look ride video of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 24, 2014

I am on a chat now with Disney Imagineers about the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the Magic Kingdom and wanted to share the first look video view from the coaster! Check this out!!!

I can’t wait to ride it! More ride information will be released soon, and just as soon as it is I will have here on Chip and Co! That reminds me did you hear the latest gossip from Anonymouse when she thinks it is going to open? Do you think she is right?

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Kim Smith Shatters Disney Princess Half Marathon Course Record

By

Chip

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February 24, 2014

After the Disney Princess Half Marathon course record was clipped the past two years, three-time Olympian Kim Smith essentially shredded it Sunday, winning the event in a blistering 1:11:49.

Smith, a 32-year-old New Zealand native who lives in Rhode Island, lowered the event record by nearly six minutes, easily erasing Rachel Booth’s previous mark of 1:17:38 from last year.

Smith’s record-setting performance wasn’t unexpected. She ran a 1:07:36 in 2011, which still stands as the fastest half marathon run by a woman in the U.S.

The Disney Princess Half Marathon presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was basically a warm up run for Smith, who used the 13.1-mile trek through Epcot and Magic Kingdom – her first runDisney race – as a training run in preparation for the London Marathon in April.

“Running through the Magic Kingdom was probably the best part of the race. The crowds there were great and everyone is cheering you on,” Smith said. “It’s just a fun event and pretty low-key for an elite athlete to do. But definitely a lot of fun and I’d recommend it to people out there.”

Smith, who was greeted at the finish line by Miss America Nina Davuluri, finished ahead of more than 24,000 mostly women runners. Two sisters from Columbia, SC – Kimberly Ruck and Alyssa Kulik – finished together in second and third place, respectively, (1:26:15), nearly 15 minutes behind Smith.

In all, more than 40,000 runners competed in various events during the weekend. The weekend included the Cinderella Royal Family 5K, the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K, runDisney Kids Races and the inaugural Glass Slipper Challenge, which involved runners completing the 10K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday.

The weekend event also included the Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo which featured the latest running apparel and equipment, plus a speaker series involving running experts such as runDisney’s official training consultant Jeff Galloway.

The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is one of seven annual runDisney events and the second women-focused event. The other is the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, which takes place in May at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA. Both events are designed to celebrate and promote women’s empowerment, women’s health and an active lifestyle. And both are among the nation’s largest race weekends geared towards women.