Disney Mousekeeper Caught Stealing from Disney World All Star Resorts Guests

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August 21, 2013

A Disney World hotel “Mousekeeper” has been charged after an undercover operation proved she was stealing from guests, authorities said.

Authorities said 29-year-old Bruna Francois was a Mousekeeper at All-Star Resorts and was stealing money out of rooms.

“There were several guests complaining there was money stolen out of their rooms,” said Osceola County sheriff’s spokeswoman Twis Lizasuain.

So Disney security and Osceola County Detectives set up a sting Tuesday afternoon inside a room. Investigators said they recorded Francois accessing a safe where they put $400 in cash. They said she then hid some of the stolen money in her cellphone case.

“She did not cooperate with the investigation and did not admit to taking the money,” said Lizasuain.

Francois was arrested and charged with theft by a hotel employee. She is suspended without pay.

I want to know how she got into the safes? I always use the safes, but never for cash. Now I will think twice before I use the room safe.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Thor: The Dark World’ Coming to Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 21, 2013

In anticipation of “Thor: The Dark World” coming to theaters November 8, guests at Disneyland will be able to come face-to-face with Thor.

This summer at Disneyland park, Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries has given us a close-up look at Tony Stark’s Hall of Armor and get a chance to virtually “suit up” in the Mark 42 armor shown in, “Iron Man 3.”

Captain America will also be appearing at Avengers Academy on the re-imagined Disney Magic.

Check out disneyparksblog.com for more info.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Returns to the Magic Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 21, 2013

Halloween’s happiest haunts will be back for 23 “spook-tacular” nights of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.

From Sept. 10 through Nov. 1, the after-hours special ticket event is full of Halloween spirit. The “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks show will light up the sky with Halloween inspired fireworks. In “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” the Headless Horseman rides again down Main Street U.S.A. for a happy haunted Halloween season.

The Headless Horseman is our favorite part of the parade. I recommend getting to the parade earlier than usual because he rides about 15 minutes or so before the parade starts. Be sure to listen for the announcement because he will be there and gone in a flash.

There are some new additions to look for this year including the debut of Jack Skellington and Sally (from“The Nightmare Before Christmas”), along with “Monsters, Inc.” scarers Mike and Sulley hosting their own Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball.

The fun begins at 7 p.m. and runs until midnight, with guests encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat around the Magic Kingdom.

Chips Tips 1: You can get into the park at 4pm with a party ticket but the festivities do not start until 7pm!

Chips Tips 2: Go to the second parade, it is less crowded. Since the event is far less crowded than a normal park day, you can pretty much walk on rides while the first parade is going on.

I highly recommend this event. It is so much fun even if you do not have small children.

Party dates in 2013 are:

Sept. 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, and 29
Oct. 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, and 31
Nov. 1

To purchase advance tickets visit disneyworld.com/halloween.

DreamWorks Picture’s The Fifth Estate

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Chip

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August 21, 2013

Triggering our age of high-stakes secrecy, explosive news leaks and the trafficking of classified information, WikiLeaks forever changed the game. Now, in a dramatic thriller based on real events, “The Fifth Estate” reveals the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned an Internet upstart into the 21st century’s most fiercely debated organization. The story begins as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Daniel Brühl) team up to become underground watchdogs of the privileged and powerful. On a shoestring, they create a platform that allows whistleblowers to anonymously leak covert data, shining a light on the dark recesses of government secrets and corporate crimes. Soon, they are breaking more hard news than the world’s most legendary media organizations combined. But when Assange and Berg gain access to the biggest trove of confidential intelligence documents in U.S. history, they battle each other and a defining question of our time: what are the costs of keeping secrets in a free society—and what are the costs of exposing them?”

“The Fifth Estate” is presented by DreamWorks Pictures and Reliance Entertainment in association with Participant Media and is produced by Steve Golin and Michael Sugar, with Bill Condon directing. The screenplay is by Josh Singer, based on the book “Inside WikiLeaks” by Daniel Domscheit-Berg and the Guardian book “WikiLeaks” by David Leigh and Luke Harding. The film will be released in U.S. theaters on October 18, 2013.

2013 Eat To The Beat Concert Series Lineup

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 21, 2013

Disney chefs and beverage experts will serve up 220 different foods and beverages at the 18th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which takes place from Sept. 27-Nov. 11, 2013 at the Disney World Resort.

Some Festival highlights include:

Culinary demos from a high-powered lineup of celebrity chefs such as Cat Cora, Gale Gand and Buddy Valastro.

Daily wine tastings and mixology seminars, which will cost you extra.

Special culinary programs that showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers and guest chefs.

A lineup of premium seminars, including the popular Party for the Senses.

Check out the full schedule below:

Sept. 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Go-Go’s
Oct. 2-4 – Air Supply
Oct. 5-6 – Sister Hazel
Oct. 7-9 – Sugar Ray
Oct. 10-11 – Edwin McCain
Oct. 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer
Oct. 14-15 – Wilson Phillips
Oct. 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters
Oct. 18-20 – Night Ranger
Oct. 21-23 – Boyz II Men
Oct. 24-25 – Survivor
Oct. 26-27 – 38 Special
Oct. 28-30 – Smash Mouth
Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Spin Doctors
Nov. 2-3 – Christopher Cross
Nov. 4-5 – Hanson
Nov. 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung
Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Just to sweeten the pot a little, this is all included with your admission to Epcot. How cool is that?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Dreamers Academy Celebrates 7 Years

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 21, 2013

Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine is seeking its next class of teens who are looking to make their dreams a reality. Applications are available now for U.S. high school students ages 13-19 to attend the program March 6-9,2014.

Students must submit their applications on www.disneysdreamersacademy.com by October 31, 2013.

Disney Dreamers Academy is entering it’s 7th year and it continues to stick to its mission to inspire and fuel the dreams of teens, help them discover a world of possibilities and prepare them for the future. Each year, 100 students participate in hands-on workshops.

Each participant learns important skills such as communication techniques and networking strategies from established professionals and celebrity speakers in a magical setting at the Disney World Resort.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

‘Castle: The Complete Fifth Season’ Comes to DVD September 10, 2013

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 20, 2013

One of my favorite shows on TV the last few years has been ‘Castle’, starring Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic. The crime dramedy follows crime novelist Richard Castle, who shadows Kate Beckett, his muse for his Nikki Heat novels. It’s a show I look forward to watching every week, and I get even more excited every year when they release the new season of the show on DVD. Well, it’s that time a year again, because Disney has announced that ‘Castle: The Complete Fifth Season’, is coming to DVD on September 10, 2013. Season five sees Castle and Beckett navigating the rocky waters of being in a relationship together, as well as Castle dealing with his daughter leaving for college. It’s a funny, eye opening, and shocking season full of mystery and intrigue that the series is known for. Are you excited to add ‘Castle: The Complete Fifth Season’ to your DVD collection? Let me know in the comments, and read the full press release below!
Caught in the Act

CASTLE:
THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON
Solving Murder Has Never Been More Fun When
Season Five Breaks Onto DVD September 10, 2013

Synopsis: Together at last! After four seasons, the action and the passion heat up like never before when “Castle: The Complete Fifth Season” arrives on DVD.

Now that Castle and Beckett, aka “Caskett,” have finally given into their true feelings for each other, how will it affect their work? As they try to keep their new relationship under wraps, the unlikely duo continues to fight for justice. Escape into the action and mystery with all 24 unforgettable episodes and never-before-seen bonus features, only available on this spectacular five-disc set.

Talent/Cast: “Castle” stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective
Kate Beckett, Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers, Molly C. Quinn as Alexis Castle,
Penny Johnson as NYPD Captain Victoria Gates, Tamala Jones as
Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan.

Bonus Features: NEBULA-9 – Through production design and time-lapse footage, discover the hidden secrets of the Nebula-9 spaceship being built for the SuperNovaCon experience.

Martha’s Master Class – As a part of this unique in-world feature, Martha (Sullivan) will walk fans through footage of her acting students in a dress rehearsal of the class’ staged murder morality play, and will also guide viewers through the footage, direction and performances seen in Castle’s birthday murder surprise.

Your Home Is Your Castle – Take a behind the scenes tour with Production Designer Alfred Sole and Architect, Designer and HGTV Host Vern Yip as they reveal the details and inspirations behind the creation of Richard Castle’s New York City loft. This bonus also features interviews with cast members as they share their favorite details about their various “home away from homes.”

Lot Cops – In this fast-paced and fun bonus feature, “Castle” stars Jon Huertas and
Seamus Dever join on-set tactical advisers for an advance course in Lot Cop 101 where they brush up on essential skills to becoming crime-stoppers.

Commentaries – Tune in to the cast and crew commentary as the stars of “Castle” share their on-set filming experiences.

Deleted Scenes – These exciting deleted scenes will reveal more crime-solving secrets from the hit series.

Bloopers – Fans will love these sidesplitting moments from the set of the hit show’s fifth season.

Release Date: 9/10/13

Release Format & 5-Disc DVD
SRP:

Rating: TVPG DLSV

Run Time: Approximately 1,032 minutes (24 episodes)

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1

Languages/Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Drink Around the World Showcase – American Adventure Pavilion

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 20, 2013

The American Adventure Pavilion provides the fewest options for Drinking Around the World Showcase, if you’re looking strictly for alcoholic beverages. This is surprising because you probably expect this to be an excellent spot if you’re enjoying a beer-centric DAWS excursion. However, this is definitely not the case. Don’t expect to get more than mildly nutty at this pavilion.

The best spot to grab an alcoholic beverage is going to be the Fife & Drum Tavern located in the front left of the pavilion, directly behind the American Gardens Theater (it’s a good spot to score a drink while watching a show). The only unique alcoholic beverage that they carry is the Frozen Red Stag Lemonade ($9.00) which is a frozen lemonade made with Jim Beam Bourbon. The frozen beverages are terrific for hot Florida summers, and you have the option to purchase non-alcoholic versions including the Frozen Slushes (Fanta Blue Raspberry or Fanta Strawberry, both $4.25), Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade Slush ($4.25), and the American Dream made with Frozen Strawberry, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Frozen Blue Raspberry Slush ($4.50). The good news is that many of these are listed as snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan.

Beer choices are rather limited considering. You can choose from Bud Light ($6.50), Yuengling ($7.25), and Sam Adams Seasonal ($7.25). The Sam Adams seasonals are your best bet for beer. If you are a wine drinker, just avoid this location all together. The only wine option is Sutter Home for $7.50 a glass. Considering you can buy an entire bottle of Sutter Home for this price at home, save your money and DAWS points and head to another location that has more unique options (Italy anyone?).

When it comes to snacks, you can load up on your DAWS excursion here, though like the drinks none are particularly unique. Grab a turkey leg, popcorn, or a soft pretzel. They have some really cute Fineas & Pherb kids options at the Fife & Drum Tavern right now, including a really cool non-alcoholic beverage called the Doofenslurper made with the blue raspberry topped with a passion fruit sorbet foam served in a beaker. This might actually be the coolest thing served here!

The American Adventure only has one restaurant, and it is a quick service location. Liberty Inn offers mostly hot dogs, burgers, and fries. Try the 1/3 pound Angus Smokehouse Burger ($9.99). It’s served with BBQ pulled pork, fried onion rings and American cheese. If you’re looking for additional alcoholic beverages, you’ll be sorely disappointed. The only options here are Bud Light & Sam Adams beer.

The only other kiosk worth visiting here on your DAWS experience is the Funnel Cake Kiosk. This goes perfectly with a cold beer, and it’s the best thing this pavilion has to offer snack-wise. Get yours plain with powdered sugar ($6.50), add ice cream (+$2.50), or apples (+$2.25) or chocolate sauce (+$1.25). They even have Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cakes ($7.50) which are terrific for the fall or winter season.

Overall, the American Adventure Pavilion is not a great place to score DAWS points on your excursion. However, if you’re stopping in for a show at the American Gardens Theater, it’s the perfect pavilion to grab a beer and a funnel cake while enjoying a show. For die-hard DAWS goers, head to the other pavilions to gain most of your points.

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.

Disney Quick Tips – Share An Entree at Disney World To Save Money

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 20, 2013

Sharing entrees at Disney World is a great idea! At many Disney restaurants, the portions are huge. Whole entrees at Disney are often just too much food for one person to eat. I almost always share an entree with a family member at Disney and have never felt like I didn’t get enough to eat. If someone else in your party is interested in the same entree as you, just order one to split. Chances are you will both get more than enough to fill you up.

Splitting entrees is also a great way to save money at Disney. Depending on how many meals you split, you could essentially cut your food budget in half! Even if you only split one meal a day with someone else, this will still save you quite a bit of money over the course of your vacation.

Do you have any other tips for saving money on food at Disney? Let us know in the comments below!

ESPN Wide World of Sports Old Spice Classic Tickets on Sale Now

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 20, 2013

Tickets for the 2013 Old Spice Classic scheduled for Nov. 28, 29 and Dec.1, are on sale. Single sessions are $20 and entire tournament tickets are $100.Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Box Office.

This year’s tournament features Butler, LSU, Memphis, Purdue, Oklahoma State, Saint Joseph’s, Siena and Washington State.

The eighth annual Old Spice Classic starts on Thanksgiving Day, with the first game scheduled for noon at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The championship game is Sunday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

ESPN2 will broadcast six of the tournament games. ESPNU will carry four and ESPN and ESPN3 will each carry one game.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Sephora’s Ariel Collection Review

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 20, 2013

Chip’s friends at Sephora were kind enough to send me a sample of the new Sephora’s Ariel collection, part of Disney’s Reigning Beauties line to provide a review of the new make-up. Sephora’s Ariel collection includes numerous eye shadows, nail polish, lip gloss, and perfumes.

I was able to try the Mermaid’s song lip gloss set and the Part of Your World eye shadow palette. The Mermaid’s song lip gloss set includes four shades- dream girl (pink), sea witch (purple), red head (red), and mermaid (coral). The Part of Your World eye shadow palette includes four shades as well- who’s it, what’s it, dinglehopper, and snarfblat.

One of my favorite things about Sephora’s Ariel collection is the little attention to detail Disney is known for. For instance, along the bottom of the mirror of the eye shadow palette, “dreams are realities in waiting” is engraved. The packaging is all inspired by the Disney film as well. As you would expect from Sephora, this is quality make-up with a bit of Disney magic.

You can now look like your favorite Disney princess with one of Sephora’s collections, too!

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!

My Little Pony Equestria Girls Full-length Feature Film Coming To Blu-ray and DVD August 6, 2013

By

Chip

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August 20, 2013

My Little Pony Equestria Girls, the full-length feature introducing an exciting dimension to the incredibly popular My Little Pony brand, is coming to Blu-ray and DVD in the US and Canada on August 6th from Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios. The DVD, which includes outstanding bonus features, is priced at $16.99 SRP and the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital combo at $24.97 SRP. My Little Pony: Equestria Girls is now available for order at Amazon.com, Target.com and Walmart.com.

When Twilight Sparkle’s crown is stolen from the Crystal Empire, she pursues the thief, Sunset Shimmer, into an alternate world where she finds herself turned into…a teenage girl! To regain her crown and return to Equestria, Twilight must learn how to fit into this strange, new world and defeat Sunset Shimmer in a competition to become crowned Princess of the Fall Formal at Canterlot High. Luckily, she will have the assistance of Spike and five teenage girls who remind her of a certain group of ponies back home.

For more information on My Little Pony: Equestria Girls, please visit www.mlpeg.com.

Bonus Features:

Through The Mirror Of Equestria Girls
Karaoke Songs
Pony-fy Yourself
Printable Movie Poster

Also available on DVD from Shout! Factory Kids:

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic – Princess Twilight Sparkle
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Pinkie Pie Party
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Adventures in the Crystal Empire
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Season One
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Season Two
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Royal Pony Wedding
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – The Friendship Express
My Little Pony – Twinkle Wish Adventure