Downton Abbey and Doctor Who Merchandise Now in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot!

By

-

August 27, 2013

Just in case I needed another excuse to head to the gorgeous UK Pavilion at Epcot – the Disney Parks Blog announced today that they now have Downton Abbey and Doctor Who inspired merchandise available for sale!

Keep an eye out for the September Chip & Company Walt Disney World Photo Tour. If you missed the August edition – check it out here. September will include photos of all the fun Doctor Who and Downtown Abbey items that are available, including themed mugs, shirts, scarves and more!

Countess Dowager warned that “at my age one must ration one’s excitement,” but I think SHE would even be excited about this news. How about you?

Cool Off On A Hot Disney Day With Delicious ICE CREAM at Walt Disney World

By

Catie

-

August 27, 2013

We talk a lot about how to “stay cool” at Walt Disney World, and while there are a lot of ways to keep your cool, sometimes the only one that works is to get your ice cream fix – so where can you go if you’re at WDW and hungry for ice cream?

Well, there are plenty of frozen treat carts that offer the always amazing Mickey Bars as well as assorted other popsicles, but if you’re more in the traditional ice cream sundae/cone mood, then I suggest you head to these Top Ice Cream Spots:

Magic Kingdom – There are some pretty great places to get ice cream in MK, but for me, nothing beats The Plaza Restaurant on Main Street – they serve up some amazing thick milkshakes, floats, and a classic banana split that’s out of this world! It’s a great place for lunch or dinner too, and one of the few places you can sometimes grab a sit down meal without an ADR

Animal Kingdom – Nothing beats a cool treat after spending a day checking out the animals and rides at this great Park, and I like to head over to Safari Ice Cream, where I can get a waffle cone, a “bug sundae” (ice cream with gummy worms and ‘dirt’ – aka cookie crumbles!), or an ice cream sandwich with fresh baked chocolate chip cookies

Hollywood Studios – Hollywood Scoops is the place to go here, where you can grab a cone or dish, or change things up a little with a delicious Apple crisp a la mode (a personal favorite of mine!), or a brownie sundae. They have regular sundaes here too

Epcot – Over in Italy at the World Showcase you will find the Gelato Stand where they are serving up sundaes and gelato sandwiches, as well as non-ice cream treats like smoothies, wine/beer, and Tiramisu and cannolis too. Never had gelato? Well then I highly suggest you try it – think of it as ice cream’s richer, creamier, tastier cousin!

Downtown Disney – Downtown Disney is a great place to spend a day, and while you’re there shopping and enjoying the scenery, you might want to stop at Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop – where you will find candy and much more! There are plenty of sundae options, as well as cones and shakes/floats, oh, and their hot fudge is made in house using their own chocolate (milk and dark varieties are available). Not sure what to get? The Gold Rush is a popular pick – it’s a sundae with both hot fudge and peanut butter sauce – and it is delectable! You won’t have much trouble locating Ghiradelli either, the smell of the freshly baked waffle cones/bowls will lead you there!

WDW Resorts – Most of the Resorts offer some form of ice cream at their Counter Service eateries – mostly cones, dishes, and basic sundaes are available here. Some Resorts offer a little more than that though, like Beaches and Cream for example. It’s located over at the Beach Club Resort, and they serve up Sandwiches/soups/salads and burgers for lunch/dinner, but don’t forget to save room for the star of the show – the ICE CREAM! Milky way, peanut butter, Hot fudge, bananas, strawberry, banana bread – these and many more are paired with ice cream for some delicious sundae options that make this spot a ‘must do’. They don’t take ADR’s here, so you may have to wait a bit for a table, but in my opinion, its well worth it!

Not sure if these places would fulfill your needs and desires? Well then check out one of these Top 5 Cold Treats at WDW

What about you – where do you head for Ice cream at WDW?

Disney Quick Tips – Check the Weather Before You Leave Home

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 27, 2013

While the weather in Orlando can be gorgeous, there are also plenty of times when it’s cold or raining. Don’t forget to check the Orlando weather forecast before you leave for your trip. Having an idea of what to expect will help with your packing. (And I know many Disney Addicts start packing weeks in advance!)

I usually start checking the weather 10 days before the trips and I try to remind myself that the weather forecast can and will change many times before and during the trip.Within a few days, however, the forecast gives me a decent idea of what to expect. I recommend packing sweatshirts for the winter as it can get cold at night or even during the day. In the summer and fall, you’ll want to bring rain ponchos for passing showers. And, you always need sunscreen, sunglasses and hats!

Have fun planning and I hope you’ve got great weather on your next Disney trip!

Amy

Disney Confidential – Disneyland Club 33 Closing and Expanding

By

Anonymouse

-

August 27, 2013

Hey there guys and gals, Anonymouse here. Serving us some Disneyland Gossip today!

I shared the news about Disneyland’s Club 33 closing last month and I was able to obtain even more news about the changes coming to Disneyland. Now keep in mind I have only been to Disneyland twice so bare with me. If I get a few of the details wrong just blame Chip.

Well the rumor is they are tearing down Disneyland Court of Angels in New Orleans Square to make a new entrance for Club 33. Also during the expansion they are getting rid of the trophy room to make it into a larger kitchen and expanding the club dining over Pirates of the Carribean. Finally, Disney is also building a Jazz Club (not private) somewhere in the area.

This refurb starts October 15, 2013. No date on when it is supposed to be finished.

Any who, 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.

Tomorrowland Starts Filming in Vancouver

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 27, 2013

Production has started on Disney’s mystery adventure Tomorrowland, starring two-time Academy Award winner George Clooney, and Hugh Laurie. The film is directed, produced and co-written by two-time Oscar winner Brad Bird. Damon Lindelof and Jeffrey Chernov are also producers. The screenplay is written by Brad Bird and Damon Lindelof from a story by Lindelof & Jeff Jensen and Brad Bird.

Bound by a mutual destiny, a optimistic teen full of scientific curiosity and a former genius inventor, embark on a danger-filled mission to uncover the secrets of a place somewhere in time that exists in their memory as “Tomorrowland.”

“Tomorrowland” is set to be released through Walt Disney Studios on December 12, 2014.

What do you think? Will you go and check it you?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

‘The Neighbors: The Complete First Season’ Comes to DVD on September 24, 2013

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 27, 2013

TheNeighborsCompleteFirstSeasonDVD.jpg cmyk

One of the more fun, and surprising, comedies of last year was ABC’s ‘The Neighbors’. The show follows the Weaver family, who move into a new community that turns out to be completely populated by aliens. Of course, when they realize the truth, the hijinks ensue, and it’s always good for a laugh. This is one of those shows that just leaves a smile on my face, and one I could see myself returning to many times down the line. So it’s great news to me to hear that Disney is releasing ‘The Neighbors: The Complete First Season’ on DVD on September 24, 2013. The three disc set will encompass the entire first 22 episodes of the series, as well as featuring a blooper reel and deleted scenes in the special features.

Are you a fan of ‘The Neighbors’, and will you be adding the series to your collection? Let me know in the comments below, only here at Chip and Company, and check out the full press release below.

A Down To Earth Family Comedy

The Weaver family moved from the city to the suburbs only to discover that their neighbors are aliens. From Dan Fogelman (Crazy, Stupid, Love, the writer of Cars, and Tangled) comes this new comedy about close encounters of the ultimate kind, in New Jersey. Own ABC’s The Neighbors: The Complete First Season on 3-Disc DVD on September 24th, 2013.

Marty Weaver (Lenny Venito) just wants the best for his wife Debbie (Jami Gertz) and their three ids. That’s why he’s moving them to Hidden Hills, New Jersey, a gated community complete with its own golf course. Marty is certain that their new home will be a dream come true. And then, they meet the neighbors. After Debbie and Marty frantically try to make sense of the weird neighbors (Very European? A cult? Amish athletes?), they discover that the entire Hidden Hills community is comprised of aliens from the planet Zabvron, Turns out the Zabvronians have been holed up in Hidden Hills for the past 10 years, awaiting instructions from back home. And the Weavers are the first humans who have ever lived amongst them.

Talent/Cast: “The Neighbors” stars Jami Gertz (“Debbie Weaver”), Lenny Venito (“Marty Weaver”), Simon Templeman (“Larry Bird”), Toks Olagundoye (“Jackie Joyner-Kersee”), Clara Mamet (“Amber Weaver”), Tim Jo (“Reggie Jackson”), Ian Patrick (“Dick Butkus”), Max Charles (“Charles Weaver”) and Isabella Cramp (“Abby Weaver”).

Free Vinylmation with Disneyland Resort Packages

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 26, 2013

When you book a Disneyland Resort vacation package this fall, you will receive a free Vinylmation Figure!

For a limited time, if you travel to the Disneyland Resort through a Walt Disney Travel Company Vacation Package between September 1- December 1, 2013, you will receive one Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” 3″ Vinylmation Figure.

Vinylmation figures are collectible designer toys, shaped like Mickey Mouse, that represent a variety of Disney attractions, movies, and stories, or showcase edgy, graphic-focused art. The free vinylmation included in this package features characters from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

You will receive a voucher for one Vinylmation Figure with your Vacation Package documents, which can be redeemed at select merchandise locations. You are also welcome to participate in Vinylmation trading at any Disneyland Resort merchandise trading location that sells Vinylmation items.

Book your next Disneyland Resort vacation package with me and you can take advantage of this offer to receive a free vinylmation! Email me at [email protected] for your free, no obligation quote!

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 thinking about a Disney vacation? Siera, a Disney travel specialist, would love to help you. Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!

Disney World Offers A Union Contract Extension

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 26, 2013

Magic Kingdom at night walt disney world 1753477 1119 1024 400x366

Disney World has offered its largest union group an early contract extension, in order to try and gain certainty while it tries to deal with health-care reform, also known as the Affordable Care Act.

Disney has offered a 16-month extension to the Service Trades Council, which consists of six unions that represent more than 30,000 employees across the resort. They represent housekeepers, bus drivers, quick-service cooks and costumed-characters.

The deal would guarantee raises of at least 3.5 percent which equates to about 35 cents an hour for most cast members, It would also allow Disney to raise health-insurance premiums from around $3 a week to $11 a week, depending on the health plan.

An extension would help Disney from not having to engage in contract negotiations while they navigate the details of the implementation of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act.

The Affordable Care act requires companies with 50 or more employees to offer coverage to workers or face fines. The Obama administration announced in July that it would delay that mandate until 2015.

Disney said a short-term contract extension also makes sense because they are in the middle of several major projects, including the very expensive MyMagic+ technology, the expansion of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, and the construction of an “Avatar”themed land at Animal Kingdom.

Labor is Disney’s biggest expense, it accounts for about 50 percent of operating costs.

The Service Trades Council represents more than 30,000 employees at Disney World.

Union leaders are unsure whether to accept Disney’s extension offer. The heads of three of the council’s six unions, those affiliated with United Food and Commercial Workers, Transportation Communications Union, and International Alliance of Theatrical & Stage Employees, recently voted to endorse Disney’s offer and bring it to a vote with the full membership.

But the other three, two locals affiliated with Unite Here! and one with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, opposed the idea, resulting in a disagreement.

“I thought it was a good and fair offer. I felt strongly that the membership should have been given an opportunity to vote on it,” said Service Trades Council President Ed Chambers, who is also president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1605.

The Unite Here! locals, 362 and 737, which represent housekeepers, attraction operators, custodians and restaurant workers, among many others, are opposed to Disney’s extension offer, according to union officials.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Redesigned Disney Magic Sets Sail in October

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 26, 2013

Disney Cruise Line’s flagship vessel, the Disney Magic, will be setting sail with new, re-imagined areas and additions on Oct. 20.

There is a new grand atrium lobby and children’s area to a three-story water thrill ride. There are plenty of surprises in store for cruise guests.

This is the first time Super Hero icons from Marvel have been on a Disney Cruise Line ship.

Following the transformation of the ship that takes place during dry dock Sept. 7-Oct. 10 in Cadiz, Spain, the Disney Magic will depart Oct. 20 from Miami on a special five-night voyage including two stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, and a stop at Nassau.

This first cruise after dry dock sets the stage for a schedule of two-, three-, four- and five-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Beginning Jan. 2, 2014 the Disney Magic will sail from Port Canaveral on alternating three- and four-night cruises including a stop at Disney’s private island.

These ships look beautiful. The only I will go on it is if it never leaves the dock. Would you rather have a one week cruise or one week at Disney World?

We would love to book your next Disney Cruise. Just use the Request a Quote box in the top right and let one of our agents help you!

Wishing you Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Review of Return to Neverland Blu-Ray/DVD

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 26, 2013

Let your imagination soar as your favorite characters from Peter Pan, Disney’s classic adventure, Return to Neverland!

Now, for the first time through the magic of Blu-ray, experience all the thrilling action with digitally restored picture and high-definition sound!

Wendy’s very practical and no-nonsense daughter, Jane, begins the adventure of a lifetime when the infamous Captain Hook whisks her away to the enchanted island of Neverland. It’s up to Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys to help Jane believe in faith, trust and pixie dust. With the first-ever Lost Girl at his side, will Peter Pan finally defeat Hook and his swashbuckling band of pirates? With faith, trust and Tinker Bell’s pixie dust, Peter teaches them how to fly and leads them to the “second star to the right” and beyond…to Never Land.

This movie is adorable. I had seen it before but never in its entirety. I love the theme behind this movie because really, I am just a big kid myself. We should all never forget how to have fun and release our inner child, at least every now and then. My favorite character is Jane because she reminds of myself in a lot of ways. Jane is always the practical one, while her mother is the one with the vivid imagination, who is always telling her brother Peter Pan and Captain Hook stories. After Hook takes Jane she embarks on her journey and she learns some valuable lessons along the way. The biggest lesson being that you should always believe, no matter what. Another important thing to remember is that your imagination can carry you through a lot in life, so never lose it!!

Now onto the bonus features:

The bonus features are pretty much the same between the DVD/Blu-Ray.

My favorite is Pixe Previews. It is a series of Disney Fairies shorts. If you are a Tink fan, like myself, than you will love these. They are adorable and funny. There is a 5 of them Hide and Tink, Dust up, Shooting Stars, Volley Bug, and Just Desserts.

There is a music video called “I’ll Try” by Jonatha Brooke. The video on the Blu-Ray starts off with an interview with the singer. Then it goes to scenes of her recording the song in the studio mixed in with scenes from the movie, featuring Jane of course.

There are a few deleted scenes:

First is where Jane and Hook meet for the first time. It’s a sketch mixed in with a scene of an alternate first meeting between the two. I must say I like the version they picked for the movie better so I see why this became a deleted scene.

Next up is a Gift for Tink, it is really cute. It’s a sketch where Peter leaves a gift for Tink.

I’ll Try is deleted scene where Jane is in the woods making a fire alone until it starts to rain than everything changes. This scene is almost the same as the one that made it in the movie.

This next one is one of my favorites. It’s called Hook’s Song. I’ll give you one guess what this song is about? You got it, it’s about Captain Hook. It’s a sketch where the pirates and Hook are singing about how great Hook is, we all know Hook loves himself. I don’t think this should have been deleted.

Second Star to the Right Lullaby. So adorable, it’s a scene where Jane is her room and her mom is singing a lullaby to her little brother. Another scene that I think should have made it in the movie.

I give this movie an A. I feel it is a must see.

I must say my usual closing is very fitting for this review.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

ABC Family greenlights 3 new comedy pilots!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 25, 2013

logo abc family

ABC FAMILY GREENLIGHTS PRODUCTION OF THREE NEW COMEDY PILOTS

ABC Family will produce three new comedy pilots, “Mystery Girls,” “Work Mom” and “Young & Hungry,” it was announced today by Michael Riley, President, ABC Family. These orders join the pick-ups announced earlier this year including the back-order greenlight of “The Fosters” and “Twisted,” the third season of “Switched at Birth” and “Baby Daddy” and the fourth season of “Melissa & Joey.”

“We have seen great success with our comedy series and look to grow our comedy offerings. These pilots offer a great mix of humor and iconic characters,” said Kate Juergens, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Development and Chief Creative Officer, ABC Family.

“Mystery Girls,” starring Tori Spelling, follows a former starlet who is roped into solving crimes with her former mystery TV show costar when a witness to a crime will only speak to the infamous ‘Mystery Girls.’ Tori Spelling and Maggie Malina will serve as executive producers. The story is by Shepard Boucher and Tori Spelling. The pilot was written by Shepard Boucher.

“Work Mom” is a half-hour workplace comedy following Heather, who finally gets promoted at her digital marketing firm and winds up hiring her recently unemployed mother. Her vivacious mother, Eden, mixes up the office in a way no one could have predicted. The pilot was written by Grant Levy and Dominik Rothbard (“Bunheads”).

Two worlds collide in “Young & Hungry” when Nick, a well-off young tech entrepreneur, hires Gabi, a feisty young food blogger, to be his personal chef. Executive producers are Eric Tannenbaum and Kim Tannenbaum , Ashley Tisdale, Jessica Rhoades and CBS Television Studios. The pilot was written by David Holden (“Accidentally on Purpose”)

Three new pilots how exciting! Any one stand out to you guys? I’m really intrigued by Young & Hungry it seems really different and by different i mean unique which always makes for good TV! which is your favorite?

Stay tuned for more ABC Family!

Stop by a Disney Lounge Even if you Don’t Drink

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 25, 2013

Over the past few weeks Sarah has been sharing tons of places to get a beverage on the Drink around the World Showcase challenge. While most drinks she recommends have alcohol I know not everyone drinks. That is no problem! There are still lots of reasons to stop by a Disney Lounge – even if you don’t drink!

Do it for the sushi and the Karoke!

The Disney Swan is home to Kimonos — the only karaoke spot on property! It is rumored to be the best sushi bar in Walt Disney World. You can even watch the sushi chefs for entertainment.

Do it because you don’t have to wait in line!

A Disney lounge can be a great place to unwind and be entertained without having to wait in line – or even needing a fastpass.

Do it for the food – and the kids!

Many Disney lounges are kid friendly. Are the kids hungry? With cheese plates, fondue, burgers, donuts, pasta, and more, you can find amazing menus at some of Disney World’s bars and lounges. Do some research to find which lounges you can order from the full menu of a nearby restaurant. One example is the Tune-In Lounge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here, you can get great shakes for the kids, and order from the full menu at 50s Prime Time Cafe next door!

Do it for the entertainment!

One popular location for an evening of fun is the River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Along with the family-friendly and hilarious antics of Ye-Haa Bob, you can also order a non-alcoholic beverage and/or appetizer!

Do it to relax!

If you are not a person that needs a drink to unwind, that is! A Disney World trip is always fun – but it can feel busy if you are running around. A WDW lounge can be a great place to escape the hoopla – which is the key to a relaxing vacation! Sanaa Lounge at the Animal Kingdom Lodge‘s Kidani Village is especially relaxing because it’s usually empty! There’s good food here too!

Do it because you want to stay by the pool!

While pool bars aren’t necessarily lounges, we don’t want to leave them out. Believe it or not, some of the pool bars at Disney offer awesome “room service” menus of food that can be delivered to you pool-side!

Do it for the continental breakfast!

You read that right! The Bellevue Lounge at the Boardwalk Inn is an out-of-the-way retreat that’s perfect for afternoon rests and family game nights! Pick up a continental breakfast here, too!.

Do it to cool off!

La Cava de tequila in Epcot is cozy and dark. It makes a great place to escape the heat and bright sunshine while touring World Showcase. Bonus: you can order tapas-style finger foods like mahi mahi tostadas, blue crab tostados, guacamole and ceviche However, it gets crowded quickly, so head over right when they open (at noon!) for your best chance at a table.

Do it for the music!

Jellyrolls can’t be missed if you love loud music, dueling pianos and improve music from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90’s! If you prefer a quitter, jazzy sound, stop in Mizner’s Lounge in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Here, you can get your fill of laid-back elegance and the chance to hear live entertainment in the Grand Floridian lobby.

Do it because you’re hungry!

No Advance Dining Reservation? No problem! Many Disney restaurant lounges offer delicious food in a hurry. A great example is the dark and intimate Crew’s Cup Lounge in the Yacht Club Resort. This place provides good food from a menu that offers more than just appetizers. Don’t miss the boneless buffalo wings, lump crab cake and chilled lobster sliders! Best of all, you can usually find a table here during hours of operation.

Do it for the People Watching!

When you need a break from touring, the Dawa Bar is an awesome people-watching location. Squeeze this in right after your journey to Harambe, Africa, in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It can be really fun to watch guests race towards Kilimanjaro Safari, and check out the African drummers and dancers from this shaded spot.

Last but not least, do it for the animatronic octopus!

You can travel back in time to the Shark Bar at the T-Rex Cafe in Downtown Disney. When you sit at this fun bar watch for the 45-foot, animatronic octopus! Now you know you are still on your Disney vacation.

What did we miss? Leave us a comment with some of your favorite reasons to stop by a Disney lounge even if you don’t drink!