Frozen Sing-a-long At The El Capitan Theatre In Hollywood!

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February 21, 2014

Frozen Sing-a-long at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California is a hit! Walt Disney Studios has taken our love of FROZEN to another level. FROZEN addicts – young and old are participating in this one of a kind spectacular opportunity to sing along with Anna, Elsa and the rest of the FROZEN cast.

I received an invitation to purchase tickets for this event and I hesitated. I have already seen FROZEN 3 times not including the special media event which started my addiction. I have had the soundtrack on repeat, both in the house and car, just like the rest of the world and have already pre-ordered my copy of the movie. A quick call to my daughter, confirmed the need, yes, need, to purchase tickets and continue to make FROZEN memories. Friends were emailed, PMs were sent back and forth and a total of 32 tickets were finally purchased. The day began with beautiful weather and the opportunity for us to wear our FROZEN dresses and t-shirts. After an hour of waiting patiently for the doors to open, we were allowed access to the incredible El Capitan Theatre. Front row seating for the 14 kids and I were quickly secured and lights were dimmed. Mickey’s Get a Horse cartoon started as the audience settled into their seats. Everyone enjoyed a good laugh and many oohs and ahhs were expressed at the genius of the animation team. House lights came on after the cartoon and suddenly there was Elsa on stage. With a quick way of her hands and a kiss blown our way, Elsa created magic and made it snow inside the theatre. After a few minutes of snow, Elsa waved good-by. The movie began and so did the singing. A packed house full of FROZEN fans sang along with each of the songs performed. As Elsa created her magical castle and sang “Let It Go”, snow once again started to fall adding an incredible touch of reality to the scene. The singing, dancing in the seats and look of pure enjoyment on the faces of the audience was priceless and made for an unforgettable afternoon.

Once again, Walt Disney Studios have created Amazing Magical Adventures for my family and yours. Have you taken your family to the sing a long? Don’t wait! Get your tickets, warm up your vocal cords and enjoy FROZEN sing-a-long at a theatre near you!

Southern Californians – Tickets are still available at El Capitan Theatre for the following dates –

Friday, Feb 21 at 10:00am // Saturday, Feb 22 at 10:00am // Sunday, Feb 23 at 10:00am Tuesday, Feb 25 at 10:00am // Wednesday, Feb 26 at 10:00am // Thursday, Feb 27 at 10:00am

Don’t forget to grab a treat before or after the show at Ghirardelli’s next door.

My name is Loretta. I am the Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co. and a Travel Agent with Destinations in Florida Travel. Email me today for information and help planning your next trip to WDW or Disneyland to visit Elsa and Anna and enjoy the magic of the parks. My email address is [email protected]. Visit my Facebook page for tips and promotions and ideas for your next Amazing Magical Adventures to your favorite destinations.

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Disney Quick Tips – Try The Classic Rides Disney World Rides

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 21, 2014

With so many attractions at Disney, it can be next to impossible to make time for them all. In fact, in my many trips to Walt Disney World, I still haven’t seen and done everything there is to do. While it might be tempting to skip some of the older attractions in favor of the newer, more thrilling attractions, I highly recommend you don’t do this!

For years I had never visited classic attractions such as The Jungle Cruise and The Country Bear Jamboree. On my last few vacations, I found out what I was missing. These classic Disney attractions are fabulous! I couldn’t believe I had been missing out on them all these years. Several of those attractions I used to skip are now on my must do list. In addition to The Jungle Cruise and The Country Bear Jamboree, some other great classic attractions you won’t want to miss are It’s A Small World, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, and The Carousel of Progress.

Which classic Disney attractions have made their way onto your must do list? Let us know in the comments below!

Frozen – A Musical Featuring Disney Princesses

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 21, 2014

Fair warning this is a Princess parody video, but I think many of you will appreciate the sentiment behind it.

I love the idea behind this video, it is something I have said on many occasions. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Princess Belle Reads to Preschoolers

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 21, 2014

Disney Princess Belle is doing her part to inspire a love for reading. As part of the WEE Read Early Literacy and Math Program (Wee Read), the beloved bookworm from Beauty and the Beast sat down with dozens of preschoolers at the Gingerbread House in Osceola County to share her favorite stories.

Wee Read is a 30-hour training program designed to prepare preschoolers for kindergarten. Through a key component called Family Events, parents are encouraged to be strong partners in their child’s development with a series of workshops promoting literacy, math and social skills.

“The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Osceola County is delighted to collaborate with Disney and the School District of Osceola County to strengthen early literacy and math skills in Osceola’s young children,” said Susan Sunka, Executive Director of the Coalition. “Helping parents better understand the importance of their role as their child’s first teacher by empowering them with tips and techniques to help their child learn is at the core of the Wee Read Early Literacy and Math Program.”

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Hong Kong Disneyland is Rolling in Profits for a Second Year in a Row

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 21, 2014

Hong Kong Disneyland recently said it is rolling in the profits for a second straight year. They have plans to build a third hotel to help deal with the growing number of visitors. The new resort/hotel will add 750 rooms and is expected to open in early 2017.

Hong Kong Disneyland has more than doubled its profit to $31 million (U.S. Dollars) last year.

The park has been struggling since it opened in 2005. The low numbers were blamed on the parks small size. That all changed in 2012 when they added some new attractions.

“Expansion plans are in place to sustain the momentum of growth and capture increasing demand especially in the light of growing tourism in the region,” said Andrew Kam, the park’s managing director.

The Walt Disney Co does not own all of the park. The Hong Kong government owns 52 percent of the park, and the Walt Disney Co. owns the rest. It’s the smallest of the Disney’s parks, but a recently completed expansion project added 25% to its size.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney World’s Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Update

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Anonymouse

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February 21, 2014

Howdy hi girls and guys! Anonymouse here with an update on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I know we’re all anxiously awaiting the opening of this fantastic ride. I can’t wait to ride it!

I’ve heard that Disney is holding a Press Review of Seven Dwarf Mine Train from April 30th – May 2nd. I suspect we will see the ride open soon after this preview event!

Who’s excited to see this new attraction open? Please comment in the comments section below.

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.

Marvel Unveils ‘Gardens of the Galaxy’ Trailer

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 20, 2014

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the moment that many have been waiting on pins and needles for. Marvel Studios has unveiled the first trailer for their new film, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Batista, and the voice talents of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel. Check out the trailer below, and read the official synopsis.

From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team—the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits—Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand—with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

Are you guys as excited about ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ as I am? That trailer is pretty great, and I can’t wait to see the film in its finished glory on August 1, 2014. I think this could be this generation’s ‘Star Wars’, something I have very little doubt of. What did you think of what you saw? Leave your comments below, only here at Chip and Company!

2014 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Coming September 19th – November 10th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 20, 2014

Great news! The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is going to run for 53 days this year! This tasty event will be going on from September 19th – November 10th. That’s give you an entire extra week to experience all of the extra magical events.

If you can’t wait the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be starting in about 2 weeks (March 5th – May 18th) and as reported last week they are going to have Outdoor Kitchens which will be a very different experience from fall’s Food & Wine Fest. Between the 2 events there is a total of 128 days of yummy goodness.

Stay Tuned to Chip and Co for more details as Disney releases them this summer.

Are you going to either the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival or the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this year? Let us know which one in the comment box below!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

You are Invited to The Biggest “Frozen” Sing – A – Long Ever

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 20, 2014

“Good Morning America” is having the biggest “Frozen” sing-a-long ever and they want you to join the fun!

Idina Menzel’s version of “Let It Go” is taking the world over. Not to mention the popularity of the movie.

If you want to join in, enter here and send them a video of your version of “Let It Go” and they might use it live on air.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

New Disney Consumer Products Ready to Hit the Shelves Soon

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 20, 2014

At the 2014 American International Toy Fair, Disney Consumer Products unveiled its new product lines that will dominate boys toy aisles this year with toys inspired by: Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue, Star Wars Rebels, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Special guests Dane Cook, voice of “Dusty Crophopper” in Planes: Fire & Rescue, Freddie Prinze, Jr., voice of “Kanan” in Star Wars Rebels, and Andrew Garfield and Jorge Vega of Amazing Spider-Man 2 introduced content that debuted exclusively at the event.

“Disney Consumer Products is firing on all cylinders across our diverse franchise portfolio, and at this year’s Toy Fair we’re building off a successful 2013 to showcase the best of our new and storied properties that will heat up toy aisles in 2014,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president, global licensing at Disney Consumer Products. “We’re excited to see these four properties take off at retail as we know these innovative products will resonate with kids and fans who want to create their own heroic stories.”

Planes: Fire & Rescue

Planes: Fire & Rescue is a new high flying comedy-adventure that debuts a dynamic new crew of elite firefighting aircraft that will fly into theatres in 3D July 18, 2014. Products take flight at mass retail starting in June.

Planes Fire Blastin’ Dusty Crophopper toy by Mattel (SRP $49.99, available June 2014): Help world famous air racer Dusty Crophopper save the day and put out the blaze by scooping up “water” balls and racing to the rescue. Take aim, pull the lever and shoot the “water” balls at the “fire” targets to take them out. Comes with multiple targets and “water” balls that store in plane pontoons. Realistic sounds and phrases triggered by “Smart Sound” technology enhance the play.

Star Wars Rebels

The animated television series Star Wars Rebels introduces a new audience to the epic generational franchise with all-new exciting, action-packed adventures that will release in the fall of 2014 on Disney XD. Beginning in February, fans will be able to find exclusive and licensed Star Wars products in Disney Store locations and on disneystore.com, with Star Wars Rebels items arriving this fall; all other Star Wars Rebels inspired products will be at mass retailers in September.

LEGO Star Wars Rebels Ghost Ship (SRP $79.99, available August 2014): Get ready to battle the Empire with the Rebel heroes’ awesome starship – The Ghost – as seen in the thrilling Star Wars Rebels animated TV series! Stay on course with Rebel minifigures in the two cockpits and put Zeb on patrol in the 360-degree rotating turret. Land the Phantom starship (not included) in the docking area at the rear. With 2 spring-loaded shooters and storage for a spare missile and a Lightsaber, this ship has plenty of tools on board. In an emergency, hurry to the escape pods and eject! Includes 4 never-before-seen minifigures with assorted tools.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy

The action-packed space adventure Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy unveils a ragtag group of heroes on a quest to save the cosmos on August 1, 2014. Fans can find products inspired by the film in mass retailers starting in July.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Star-Lord Quad Blaster by Hasbro (SRP $19.99, available July 2014): Create your own epic space adventure with the Star-Lord Quad blaster! Kids can pretend to be the leader of the galaxy’s newest team of Super Heroes with this blaster based on Star-Lord’s signature weapon in the film. The Quad Blaster expands to reveal double blasters and fires four included NERF darts.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 by Sony Pictures Entertainment

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 follows Marvel’s iconic Super Hero Spider-Man as his greatest battle begins as the new film hits theaters in the US on May 2, 2014. Products for web-slinging kids and fans of all ages will be available at mass retailers in April.

Amazing Spider-Man 2 Giant Web Slinging Spider-Man Figure by Hasbro (SRP $29.99, available Fall 2014): Kids will have a blast slinging webs and defeating villains just like their favorite masked Marvel hero with the Giant Web Slinging Spider-Man! The amazing, 14-inch scale figure blasts either Spidey Shot Web Fluid or water by activating the button on Spidey’s back. Figure includes water canister and one 3.8-ounce can of Spidey Shot Web Fluid.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Tables in Wonderland Event at Jiko

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 20, 2014

Jiko Presents: The Wines of Paul Culver featuring Jacqueline Harris on March 6th,2014

Paul Cluver is a family-owned, family-run wine business located in Elgin Valley which is approximately 70km south-east of Cape Town.

They are recognized as pioneers of wine in the area. Their focus is on producing elegant wines. In addition to their vineyards and cellar, there are apple and pear orchards, a Hereford stud and eco-tourism activities, including amphitheater concerts. Their 2000+ hectare estate forms part of the UNESCO world heritage site, the Kogelberg Biosphere. Half of the estate has been set aside for conservation.

6:00pm Reception/6:30pm Dinner

$160, plus tax and gratuity

Dress Code – Business Casual Evening Attire

Meet in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby, Sunset Lounge

For reservations please contact Victoria Thompson at [email protected].

This event is limited to 36 guests and requires a credit card guarantee. There is a 3 day cancellation policy

Reception:

Za’atar Crusted Goat Cheese, Ghee Brik Pillow, and Zough

Seared Scallop, Crisp Cassava, Berbere Crème Fraîche, and Kaluga Caviar
“Beef Seswaa” Osso Bucco, Braised Oxtail “Marrow” in a Mealie Pap “Bone”

Paul Cluver Encounter Riesling, Elgin

Dinner:

Preserved Citrus Roasted Duck Breast, Morel Mushrooms, Ramps, and English Pea Nage

Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc, Elgin

Grilled Lobster Potato Salad, Rock Prawn Crunch, Avocado Bisque, and Tikka Masala Air

Paul Cluver Gewürztraminer, Elgin

Herb Roasted Lamb Chop, Early Spring Greens, Chick Pea Croquets, and Coconut-Mint Jam

Paul Cluver Pinot Noir, Elgin

Harissa-crusted Butter Fish, Fiddle Head Ferns, Baby Corn, Delta Asparagus, and Green Garlic Emulsion

Paul Cluver Chardonnay, Elgin

Chocolate Pot de Crème with Almond Crème and Raspberries

Paul Cluver Late Harvest Riesling, Elgin

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Try these Good Eats at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 20, 2014

The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival starts March 5th and ends May 18th. All of the activities are included with your Epcot admission, but the food is extra.

Disney World has released the menu for the upcoming Flower & Garden Festival and it looks yummy.

Here is the “Outdoor Kitchen” lineup:

Florida Fresh (next to Germany pavilion): Watermelon salad with pickled onions, baby arugula, feta cheese and balsamic reduction; shrimp and stone ground grits with andouille sausage, sweet corn, tomatoes and cilantro; Florida kumquat pie.

Hanami (near the Japan Pavilion): Frushi – pineapple, strawberries and melon, rolled with coconut rice, topped with raspberry sauce, sprinkled with toasted coconut and served with whipped cream; Temaki hand roll – sliced Panko fried chicken, curry sauce, rice and pickled julienne carrots wrapped with Nori; Hanami sushi –combination of salmon, scallop and beef-topped rice balls served atop a shiso violet sauce; Japanese puffed rice cakes with green tea whipped cream and azuki.

Jardin de Fiestas (near the Mexico Pavilion): tacos al pastor – corn tortilla filled with achiote-marinated pork, garnished with grilled diced pineapple, onions and cilantro; quesadilla de hongos con queso – flour tortilla filled with mushrooms and cheese; flan de chocolate Abuelita (Mexican chocolate custard).

Fleur de Lys (France Pavilion): Gnocchi Parisien à la Provençal –dumplings with vegetables and mushrooms; confit de canard, pommes de terre Sarladaise – pulled duck confit with garlic and parsley potatoes; macaron à la fleur d’ Oranger – Orange blossom macaron with white chocolate ganache.

Lotus House (near the China Pavilion): Beijing-style candied strawberries; spring pancake with grilled chicken and green apple; vegetable spring rolls.

Pineapple Promenade (near Canada): Pineapple soft serve (with Myers’s dark rum, Parrot Bay coconut rum or without rum); sweet potato cinnamon waffle with pineapple soft serve.

Primavera Kitchen (Italy): Caprese – Fior di latte mozzarella, roasted peppers and olio verde; three-cheese manicotti; torta di ricotta – Lemon cheesecake with limoncello-marinated strawberries.

Taste of Marrakesh (near the Morocco Pavilion): Lamb brewat roll with prunes and sesame; Harissa chicken kebab with couscous salad; Moroccan pancake with honey, almonds and argan oil.

Urban Farm Eats: Pickled beet salad with goat cheese cream, mizuna and pistachios; land-grown eggplant “scallop” with romesco sauce and spaghetti squash; ghost pepper-dusted tilapia with crisp winter melon slaw and mint oil.

The Smokehouse (near the American Adventure): Pulled pig slider with cole slaw; smoked beef brisket with collard greens and jalapeño corn bread; smoked turkey “rib”; bacon cupcake with maple frosting and pretzel crunch.

The Buttercup Cottage (near the United Kingdom Pavilion): Baked potato and cheddar cheese biscuit with smoked salmon tartare; field greens with strawberries, toasted almonds and Farmstead stilton; pork and apple sausage roll; lemon scones with berry preserves and crème fraiche.

Intermissions Café (Festival Center): Grapes; fruit & cheese plate; vegan trio; Southwest chicken wrap; tuna salad with pita; side salad; Asian tuna salad with noodles: Caprese Push-Pop – tomato, mozzarella and balsamic.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine