Austin and Ally turns it up with the shows brand new album!

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November 28, 2013

Austin and Ally Turn It Up!!

With the holidays coming, “Austin & Ally” fans have something tuneful to be thankful for. Walt Disney Records is set to release Austin & Ally: Turn It Up, a new collection of songs heard on the hit Disney Channel series. Featuring 12 tracks performed by series’ stars Ross Lynch and Laura Marano, plus a bonus track from sisters Chloe and Halle Bailey (Season Five winners of Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing”), the album arrives at stores and online retailers Dec. 17, 2013.

Now in the midst of Season Three, “Austin & Ally” continues to dominate the Disney Channel airwaves, ranking as year to date, the #1 series among Kids ages 6-14. The series follows the adventures of budding pop star Austin Moon (Ross Lynch), songwriter and Austin’s secret weapon Ally Dawson (Laura Marano), along with their two best friends, as they pursue their dreams of stardom and success.

Featuring one of the most talented casts on TV, “Austin & Ally” highlights music in each episode. Last year, Walt Disney Records’ debut collection of songs from the show hit #1 on iTunes Top Soundtracks chart, while the video for “Heard it on the Radio” posted nearly 16 million views on VEVO. That album featured lead vocals by Ross alone. Now Laura joins the party on “Austin & Ally: Turn It Up,” which is akin to a musical conversation between the stars.

Songs included on the new album are:

“Upside Down” – A pop classic for the ages Ross sings of the feelings of love and the rollercoasters of feelings.

“Me & You” – Laura sings a pretty tune about a perfect relationship.

“Who U R” – Ross turns it up in this rock track about showing who you are and not being scared to do so.

“Superhero” – Ross brings the heat in this track about how capes and spandex doesn’t make a true superhero, someone willing to fight does.

“Parachute” – This ballad shows off Laura’s stunning vocals as she sings of that person who will never let you slip and fall through the cracks.

“What We’re About” – Ross celebrates life in this track all about what we’re about!

“Chasin’ the Beat of My Heart” – A track with an old beat and a rhythm to match about chasing that one person you love sung by Ross.

“Stuck on You” – An acoustic mellow track about that person you can’t forget sung by Ross.

“Redial” – In this track Laura sings of that one friend you know will never let you down, no matter how many times you call them.

“Steal Your Heart” – Ross brings the beat up in this sweet song about getting someone to open up their heart.

“Better Than This” – The acclaimed production team Rock Mafia wrote and produced this neo-disco track for Ross, who totally owns it as an anthem to living for this moment.

“I Think About You” – Ross Lynch rocks this ballad and sings of an unforgettable summer romance.

“Unstoppable” – This bonus track from sisters Chloe and Halle Bailey provides the perfect message on which to end the album: if we accept each other for who we are, then we are unstoppable.

Austin & Ally: Turn It Up will be available wherever music is sold on December 17, 2013. Pre-orders are now available at iTunes ( http://smarturl.it/aa1 ) and Amazon ( http://smarturl.it/aaAmazona3 ). For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, please visit Disney.com/music, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.    To purchase Disney music, visit the online store at www.disneymusicstore.com.

Disney World and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Team Up for the Princess Half Marathon

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 28, 2013

Walt Disney World Resort and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals have extended their long-term relationship with a new agreement naming Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit raising funds and awareness for North American children’s hospitals, as the presenting sponsor of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. The agreement gives Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals an opportunity to increase both awareness and fundraising for the Network’s 170 children’s hospitals. It also gives race participants another way to combine their passion for running with ways to support the charitable efforts of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Scheduled for February 20-23, 2014, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is geared toward women and girls of all ages. Featured events include the runDisney kids races, a Royal Family 5K, the new Disney Enchanted 10K race and a half marathon that traces a 13.1-mile course through Magic Kingdom and Epcot parks, plus the new Glass Slipper Challenge for runners completing both the half marathon and the 10K race.

The relationship between Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Disney dates back to 1987 when Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals hosted its annual Telethon at Disneyland Resort in California. The Walt Disney World Resort later hosted the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic, a PGA TOUR event, and currently hosts Celebration Week to honor the children of the charity’s Champions program.

In addition to being a celebrated part of the race weekend for thousands of runners and volunteers, the charity will receive up to 400 registrations for the sold-out race that will be reserved for athletes interested in fundraising for the group. Half marathon hopefuls must fundraise a minimum of $300 to participate in the event while runners who commit to raise more than $1,600 also will receive a two-day Park Hopper pass and a two-night stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

To learn more about this new collaboration and how to participate in Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, visit: princesshalfmarathon.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org or runDisney.com. Also there is still room to join the Chip and Co / Destinations in Florida Race Team!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

2013 Old Spice Classic Tips Off this Week at ESPN Wide World of Sports

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Chip

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November 28, 2013

Eight teams are scheduled to square off this Thanksgiving weekend at HP Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney.

The eighth annual Old Spice Classic, a premier Division-I men’s basketball tournament, features a strong field of eight, including No. 5 Oklahoma State (4-0) and No. 21 Memphis (2-1), in addition to Purdue (5-0), Butler (4-0), Washington State (2-2), Siena(2-4), LSU (3-1) and St. Joseph’s (2-1).

The action begins on Thanksgiving Day at noon, with four games scheduled for the opening day of the tournament. Games continue on Friday, with the first buzzer set for 11:00 a.m. The tournament concludes on Sunday, Dec. 1, with the championship game slated for 7:30 p.m.

All games will be broadcast on the ESPN network. Please see the schedule below for a complete listing of air times.

Tickets are still available for purchase through Ticketmaster, at ticketmaster.com or by calling (407)-745-3000, and are also available at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Box Office.

Old Spice Classic Schedule (subject to change)

For more information on the Old Spice Classic, please visit the official website at http://www.OldSpiceClassic.com, follow on Twitter @OldSpiceClassic

Support Toys for Tots by Donating a Toy at Disneyland Resort

By

Chip

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November 27, 2013

This December, make the holiday season brighter for children in need throughout Orange County, Calif., by donating a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more at the Disneyland Resort!

Disney was a founding sponsor of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves’ Toys for Tots when the program began in 1947. Disney artists even designed the first Toys for Tots promotional posters and Walt Disney personally supervised the creation of the original Toys for Tots logo, which is still in use today!

Toy collections will take place December 1 – 14 at the World of Disney store, Disneyland Resort hotels and the following locations at the Downtown Disney District:

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and Anaheim Fire and Rescue will be on hand December 7 and December 14 from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. to collect toys at the west end of Downtown Disney District, by AMC Theatres and ESPN Zone.

Try some free activities at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 27, 2013

Do the words “free” and “Disney” go together? They sure can! If you are planning a “non park” day, arriving late, or leaving early on the Tragical Express, then this list is for YOU! There are many free activities at Walt Disney World, you just have to know what they are!

Visit Disney’s Boardwalk area, just a few short steps away from the World Showcase entrance to EPCOT or a quick boat ride from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are some lively street performers along the Boardwalk. You can also explore the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, as well as the Boardwalk Inn Resort. Ride the boat to and from Hollywood Studios, and sit along the beach. If you time it right, you can watch the fireworks portion of Illuminations from the bridge on the Boardwalk!

Downtown Disney is FREE! Take a splash in the interactive water fountains found at Downtown Disney. Visit Ghiaradelli Soda Fountain and indulge in some free samples of chocolate. Do you have a LEGO fan? The LEGO store at Downtown Disney has several play areas where your children can build with LEGOS, and sometimes they can even build a FREE mini model and take it home!

Go on a resort photo hop. Grab your camera, and hop on a Disney bus to the All Star Movies or Pop Century Resort. Both of these have huge sculptures to pose with! Or, visit the Wilderness Lodge for some fabulous photo ops. The totem pole, as well as the lodge itself offer amazing opportunities for photographing your family. Take a stroll out the back door of the Grand Floridian, and to your left. You’ll see a boat dock that faces straight on to Cinderella’s Castle. That makes the perfect backdrop for a great photo!

Take a boat or monorail ride. You can take the boat from Downtown Disney to the Port Orleans resorts. Or you could take the boat around the loop in the Bay Lake area. Hop on the monorail, and take it for a spin around the Magic Kingdom Resorts or even through EPCOT park and back.

What have you discovered at Walt Disney World that is FREE? Please, share with us! We’d love to hear more about it!

Drink Around the World Showcase – United Kingdom Pavilion

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 27, 2013

When thinking about a Drinking Around the World Showcase (DAWS) experience, you can’t forget the United Kingdom. Like the Mexico Pavilion, this is an iconic place to get your drink on in Epcot. In fact, just like the Mexico Pavilion, you might easily score all of your DAWS points at this one pavilion. From the terrific Rose & Crown Pub, which will make you feel like you’ve landed in a London Fog, to the proper fish and chips shop – there is something for every kind of DAWS goer.

The most popular place to score a drink in the UK Pavilion is the Rose & Crown Pub. This typical British pub is almost always crowded, even early in the day. Seats are often hard to score, but you won’t miss that while you’re drinking a pint of your favorite beer or hard cider. There are several kinds of beers offered at this location, including Bass Ale, Boddingtons English Pub Ale, and Guinness, making it a terrific spot for those aiming for a beer-centric DAWS experience. In addition to these beers, you can also get beer combinations which are very popular at the pub. Try out a black & tan (Half Bass Ale and Half Guinness) or the Golden Fox (Half Boddingtons and Half Bass Ale) for something just a little bit different. Pints will run you around $8 or get a souvenir cup for $11. Hard cider varieties are also available and include Strongbow and Magners Irish Cider. The pear cider offers a unique taste.

For a more unique drink experience, check out some of the mixed drinks available here. The ever popular Pimm’s Cup ($7.25) features Pimm’s #1 and Sprite. Check out the Welsh Dragon ($9.75) which has a DAWS cult following. It includes: Peach Schnapps, Melon liqueur, Creme de Menthe, Orange Juice, and Pineapple Juice served in a souvenir cup.

Looking to grab a bite to eat while in the pub? It has a limited but hearty menu which includes traditional fish and chips ($9.19) and Scotch Egg ($8.99). Don’t forget the amazing live entertainment here! Sing along to your favorite British tunes.

For a sit-down meal, head next door to the full Rose & Crown Restaurant. There you can order an extensive British inspired menu, which still includes those fish and chips ($18.99) and many other classic dishes. You can also still order the same alcoholic beverages, as well. It also offers a terrific view of the World Showcase Lagoon and makes for a really nice way to watch IllumiNations. Order a dessert and cocktail while you watch the Fireworks (advance dining reservations are recommended for this location). The restaurant also makes for a great place for a group of DAWS goers to get together for a group meal.

Strolling through the pavilion and want a quick bite to eat? Head to the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. Located next to the Rose & Crown, you can get those tasty fish and chips, as well as Bass Ale and Harp Lager on draft. It’s not uncommon to say lots of people throughout the pavilion with these fish & chips and beer.

Looking to grab a beverage and go? As you head to your next DAWS destination, stop by the drink kiosk outside of the Rose & Crown. There you can order Strongbow and Woodchuck Hard Cider and several kinds of beers on draft. Fair warning, the lines get very long for this kiosk! While you’re waiting, you may even hear the sounds of the British Revolution, the pavilion’s house band which plays most evenings. Grab yourself a pint and rock out to your favorite rock songs of the 70s and 80s.

As far as Drinking Around the World Showcase excursion options go, the UK Pavilion offers a lot of solid choices. There may not be a ton of variety, but the pavilion makes up for this in distinct entertainment and the pub atmosphere. It’s no wonder you can see many DAWS drinkers begin and end in this pavilion. Either way, it’s sure to be a must-do on your personal DAWS excursion and one you’ll want to revisit over and over again.

When Sarah isn’t sharing planning tips about the Walt Disney World Resort, you can find her at Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW where she writes dining reviews and shares tips and tricks about dining at Disney with a special diet.

New Magic Kingdom Bus Stop Details

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 27, 2013

You may remember a couple of days ago we told you about the new Magic Kingdom bus stops. Well here is some more detailed info. It seems as though some stops will be double and some stops will be single. Before I give you the breakdown just remember to always check the signs before you head to your bus stop, just to be sure because you know things can change at any moment.

The new single stops are:

1 – Polynesian Resort and Grand Floridian Resort
2 – Wilderness Lodge and Contemporary Resort
3 – Old Key West
4 – Hollywood Studios
5 – Hollywood Studios
6 – Animal Kingdom
7 – Saratoga Springs Resort
8 – Saratoga Springs Resort
9 – Epcot and Fort Wilderness Resort
10 – Unload Stop
11 – Coronado Springs Resort
12 – Coronado Springs Resort
13 – BoardWalk, Swan and Dolphin
14 – BoardWalk, Swan and Dolphin
15 – Yacht Club and Beach Club
16 – Animal Kingdom Lodge
17 – Animal Kingdom Lodge
18 – Port Orleans Resort French Quarter

F.Y.I The stops for Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom do not open until the middle of December

New double stops are: ( Double means this stop can accommodate the new longer buses or 2 regular busses)

19/20 – Port Orleans Resort Riverside
21/22 – All Star Sports
23/24 – All Star Music
25/26 – All Star Movies
27/28 – TTC
29/30 – Pop Century
31/32 – Caribbean Beach
33/34 – Art of Animation

I think the changes are going to make a day at Disney easier and more magical.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

New Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Blends for Disney World & Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 27, 2013

The magical blends of coffee created exclusively for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are now available beyond the parks for guests to enjoy in their own homes.

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, the official specialty coffee provider of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Vacation Club invites guests to sip and savor their favorite Disney coffee blends at home by ordering them online at www.joffreys.com/disneyparksandresorts.

“While Joffrey’s existing customers look forward to enjoying our coffees, new customers are discovering us during their Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort vacations. So it’s exciting that all guests can now enjoy the specialty Disney Parks and Resorts blends in their own homes,” said Ted Abrams, Joffrey’s CEO. “We are excited to extend our relationship with Disney by making these quality restaurant blends available at any time to Disney guests as well as to our loyal customers.”

The proprietary coffee blends, created by Joffrey’s roastmaster Chris de Mezzo, in conjunction with chefs from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, were previously available only at signature restaurants throughout the resorts. Each coffee, such as the Flying Fish Cafe Espresso and Artist Point Blend, was inspired by the menu and restaurant in which it is served.

“We are thrilled to extend the Disney dining experience to our guests beyond their vacation,” said Mahmud Dhanani, vice president, Food & Beverage for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Joffrey’s has been able to capture the essence of our signature restaurants by creating high-quality, unique specialty coffees that you can enjoy in your own home.”

Don’t forget to check out this article about getting a good cup of coffee at Walt Disney World!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney VoluntEARS Help Build a Classroom in Ecuador

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 27, 2013

Last week, thirty Disney VoluntEARS from across The Walt Disney Company traveled to Ecuador for Disney’s first ever Global Service Project in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Disney VoluntEARS.

Among them were cast members Dave Smith, Agar Yanulaytis, Rachelle Allen and Mohammad Jaffrey from Disneyland Resort and Ian Craig and Toshia Mcgoldrick from Walt Disney World Resort. The group helped build a classroom for a Quichua community in the upper Amazon.

“In Quito, we piled into buses for a seven-hour ride down from the highlands and into the Amazonian jungle,” Dave, pictured above, said. “At the end of a long, gravel road we finally came to the Napo River where we loaded our gear into motorized canoes and headed down the river. By the end of the week, we had completed much of the foundation work, painted an inspiring mural and learned a lot about the Quichua culture and the community’s desire to find ways to get their children the education they need.”

Agar, above left, said, “At the beginning of each day, the children were so happy to see us, play games, sing songs and work with us.” Rachelle, bottom right, added, “The kids spoke a combination of the local Quichua language and Spanish, but as soon as they saw the Disney VoluntEARS Vinylmation I brought with me, they got huge smiles on their faces and yelled ‘Mickey Mouse!’ Mickey Mouse is all it took to break the language barrier and that warmed my heart.”

Mohammad, pictured below, said, “I was presented the challenge of a mural and asked the local children what they would like it to be. They wanted nature, music, books, soccer, and mathematics. I worked hard to make sure that the mural was their mural. The leaves on the tree include the handprints of all 30 Disney VoluntEARS and the locals.”

“It was amazing to be able to work directly with children and families in Ecuador”, said Ian, pictured bottom right. “We did a little bit of everything, from collecting gravel and digging holes to mixing and pouring concrete. Building this classroom helps provide better access to education for many kids and I certainly will cherish this trip forever.”

Check out Disney Parks Blog for more info.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

You Can Have a Disney Christmas at Home this Year

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 26, 2013

Have you ever seen the Disney Parks during the holiday season? It’s totally amazing. Some of my favorites are the Christmas parades, Main Street, U.S.A., transformed into a winter wonderland, which includes snow – oh, and Cinderella Castle twinkling in the dark! Seriously, if I could pack my bags and move into the castle just to be in the center of all the action, I would. However, due to the high volume of fairy tale royalty in Magic Kingdom Park, no vacancy!

But what if you can’t come to Disney for the holidays? Well, for you my friend, I wanted to find a way that Disney Floral & Gifts could bring the magic to you without leaving your home. Curious? Read on!

A few weeks ago we talked about our new Custom Gift Builder, a feature that allows you to create customized gifts with all your favorites.

Now we’re introducing our Ship to Home feature!

With this new addition to our website we can send your favorite holiday trees and gifts to your own front door.

What’s on our Christmas list this year? Let’s start with three Disney themed holiday trees. Each tree includes a story tracing back to Disney tradition and nostalgia.

First, take a look at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Tree. It features Mickey, holding Duffy, while climbing the tree to hang the holiday star. It’s vintage with a story full of tradition.

Or, you can extend your family tree with A Merry Character Gathering Tree! There are picture frames waiting to be filled with portraits of your loved ones surrounded by all of your Disney favorites, you’re sure to feel even more at home! With a family tree like this, you’ll have all your loved ones close for Christmas past, present, and future.

But check out our Mickey & Minnie Chrismouse Tree. At a “towering” 18” tall, you’ll get a BIG smile out of the story we created for this gift, which all began with a mouse.

We have gifts for the chef, hero, and sweetheart in your life, plus much more!

There are gifts for her like A Magical Wish – Fulfill a Dream, a perfect gift for your mom, aunt, grand mom or anyone who has always helped you fulfill your dreams. What better time than the Christmas season to fulfill one of hers! It’s a gift that’s just the right size and one she surely won’t return this year.

Or, our In the Kitchen with Mickey Mouse, the perfect gift for the Disney fanatic who knows how to slice, stir, and sauté.

For the first time ever, selecting the perfect gift for the man in your life will actually be easy! Gifts like our Honor your Hero will let him know how appreciative you are to have someone so special, a keepsake he’ll keep forever.

And when you’re looking to plan a future visit, Discover Disney Magic is a fun way to announce a family visit to Disney! With tips and tricks to ensure your stay is full of magic, you’ll be collecting autographs and trading pins like a pro.

The possibilities of creating, sending, and sharing gifts are almost endless and so simple to do! Check out our Celebrate at Home tab for ideas and gifts that are sure to knock your stockings off. Gifts can be sent anywhere within the continental US. (Oh, and by the way, these gifts can also be delivered on Walt Disney World Resort property as well.)

So if you can’t come to Disney, let us bring Disney to you! Let your family experience a one of a kind holiday, with plenty of gifts that warm the heart, and just may create a tear or two, but only the happy kind.

And don’t worry, when it’s time for your family to visit Disney for the holidays, we will still be here, ready to make new memories with you, some of which just may include Cinderella Castle.

Click here to learn more.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

DIY Disney – Christmas Crafting For Disney Lovers

By

Catie

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November 26, 2013

mickey snowman cards craft photo 420x420 cl 000d

It’s almost time to dust off the ornaments, string up the lights, and sing some carols – because Christmas is upon us! There’s always a lot to do this time of year, so I like to make sure I carve out some time to do (and make!) something fun! So roll up your sleeves, get out the glue sticks, and start spreading some holiday cheer and Disney love with these awesome Disney Christmas crafts:

Aren’t these cards adorable? They’re easy and kid-friendly, plus they are the perfect holiday greeting for all those friends and relatives on your Christmas Card list!

Mickey Mouse Snowmen Cards

You’ll need:

Mickey Mouse Snowmen Card Template

Scissors

Scrapbook paper or cardstock (white, black, and brown for the snowmen and additional colors for the cards)

Ribbon or thin strips of fabric

Glue stick

Colored markers

Tiny buttons (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fold the paper you plan to use for the cards into sizes that will fit into a standard size legal envelope.

2. Print the template and use the pieces as patterns to cut out a white paper snowman and black paper ears for each card.

3. Glue the ears to the top of the snowman. Then tie a ribbon or fabric scarf around the neck.

4. Glue the snowman to the front of the card.

5. Draw on eyes, a carrot nose, and a mouth.

6. Glue on a row of tiny buttons or use markers to draw buttons.

7. Cut out a pair of thin brown paper stick arms and glue them in place.

Looking for new décor ideas for your Tree this year? These Easy Pipe Cleaner Ornaments would make a perfect project for you and your kids to do together and then use them for your own tree, plus you can give them as gifts too. Check out the instructions here

Check out these other Disney Christmas Crafts, and if you get hungry from all that crafting, then I suggest you whip up a batch of adorably delicious Peppermint Swirl Cookies to get you in the holiday spirit!

Personally, I will be heading to Walt Disney World this Christmas, but I will still be “decking the halls” of my home with decorations, baked goods, and crafts, and can’t wait to usher in the Christmas season – just as soon as I wrap up the leftover Turkey that is!

Check out more Disney Christmas Crafts, and stay tuned here on Chip and Co for more Disney Holiday news and cheer!

Alice in Wonderland 2 Coming in May 2016

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 26, 2013

It has been announced by Disney that Alice in Wonderland 2 is set to hit theaters May 27, 2016. Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska will be joining the cast again, which will be directed by James Bobin. Joe Roth, Jennifer Todd and Suzanne Todd are producing.

The first Alice was a huge hit at the global box office, making $1.02 billion in 2010

Did you like the first Alice?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine