Disney Channel starts production on “How to Build a Better Boy”!

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August 3, 2013

PRODUCTION HAS BEGUN ON DISNEY CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE “HOW TO BUILD A BETTER BOY,” STARRING CHINA ANNE MCCLAIN AND KELLI BERGLUND

Disney Channel taps into a three-dimensional “geek chic” comedy adventure with “How to Build a Better Boy,” a present day take on a futuristic story starring Disney Channel star China Anne McClain (“A.N.T. Farm”) and Disney XD star Kelli Berglund (“Lab Rats”). Set in Washington, DC, the storyline follows high school sophomores Mae Hartley (Berglund) and Gabby Harrison (McClain), two tech-savvy best friends who devise a plan to create the perfect boyfriend with just a few strokes of the keyboard and a wireless connection. What Gabby and Mae don’t realize is that the computer they use is set up to generate a robotic super soldier, which they have inadvertently activated in the form of Albert, a macho yet sensitive super cute boy.

Production has begun in Toronto, Canada for a premiere in 2014. The movie is directed by Paul Hoen (“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam”), executive produced by Robin Schorr (“The Pretty One”) and Adam Kossack, co-executive produced by Dan Seligmann and written by Jason Mayland (“Space Chimps”).

In addition to McClain and Berglund, the movie stars newcomer Marshall Williams (contestant in “Canadian Idol”) as Albert Banks, Noah Centineo (“Austin & Ally”) as Jaden Stark, Ashley Argota (“True Jackson, VP”) as Nevaeh Barnes, Matt Shively (“True Jackson, VP”) as Bart Hartley and Roger Bart (“Revenge”) as James Hartley.

Futuristic story = AWESOMENESS! Who else can’t wait to see this?

PUMA and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Team Up for Youth Soccer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 3, 2013

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Logo

The sport-lifestyle brand PUMA and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort have teamed up for a multi-year agreement. This partnership will showcase PUMA soccer and elite soccer players, giving the soccer athletes who compete at the complex early exposure to PUMA’s newest soccer products.

As part of this collaboration, PUMA will become the official soccer equipment sponsor of Disney Soccer, who hosts tournaments for players from around the world each year. The agreement also includes a co-branded soccer ball that will be used for all youth tournaments, matches, and events at the ESPN World Wide of Sports Complex. In addition, PUMA will help promote Disney Soccer and have a major presence at certain soccer events and tournaments.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Disney Sports on this exciting venture,” said Jay Piccola, President of PUMA North America. “We are looking forward to teaming with one of the country’s leading organizations for world class youth soccer programming and bringing this combination to young soccer players and fans alike.”

The widely acclaimed ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has hosted more than 8,000 soccer teams, 100,000 athletes and approximately 200,000 spectators, coaches, and enthusiasts over the past five years. Disney Soccer has expanded to become the most popular sport at the complex. Disney youth soccer tournaments include elite events such as Disney Soccer Showcase and Disney Cup International as well as other events, such as Disney Soccer Academy, that are open to all ranges of athletes.

“We’re excited to work with PUMA, which is known for its innovative approach and commitment to athletes who have a passion for soccer,” said Tom Wolber, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. “The addition of PUMA’s soccer equipment will complement the Disney Soccer experience for the athletes who play on our fields.”

As the official soccer equipment sponsor for the complex, PUMA will even host special events at the complex, including PUMA soccer equipment launches and retailer events.

For PUMA’s first official event at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, PUMA brought the Women’s Elite Showcase to the Disney Cup International event this week. PUMA’s Women’s Elite Showcase brings the country’s top high-school aged female players and their coaches together for a unique opportunity to play in front of the soccer community and many college scouts.

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 VoluntEARS Concert to Benefit A Gift For Music

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 3, 2013

Almost 500 Walt Disney World Cast Members who share a passion for the performing arts are currently in rehearsing for a musical performance to benefit local children with an interest in music. This Disney VoluntEARS concert will benefit a local charity.

The Encore! Cast Performing Arts group, known for staging entertaining concerts for charities, is getting ready to present “The Art of the Possible – The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Premier Theater. This year, the group has chosen A Gift For Music as their beneficiary. The non-profit organization gives free musical instruments and instruction to disadvantaged students in six Orange County public schools.

The Encore! Cast Performing Arts group was founded in 2002. The group enables Walt Disney World Cast Members and their families to showcase their talents and perform for worthy causes. The group includes volunteer singers, instrumentalists, dancers, actors, flag performers and support staff who donate more than 50,000 hours annually to create, rehearse and produce each Encore show.

Since its creation, Encore has donated all proceeds from ticket sales to local charities, raising more than $200,000 presently. Past recipients have included the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, United Arts of Central Florida, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Base Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation, among others.

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!

Star Wars Celebration Convention Returns to US in 2015

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2013

Lucasfilm revealed during closing ceremonies of Star Wars Celebration Europe that the next official Star Wars Celebration will take place in Anaheim, California, from April 16-19, 2015. The timing couldn’t be better with the release of Star Wars: Episode VII. The event promises to be the biggest and best one yet!

Walking Your DVC Room Reservation?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2013

Have you heard about “walking” your DVC room reservation? Some people think it is not acceptable and should never be done as it messes with the reservation system and seems kind of like cheating the system. Other folks never give it another thought and walk their reservation every day until they get what they want. Where do you fall?

For those who have never heard about walking your Disney Vacation Club room reservation, it is a relatively easy process. However, it becomes time consuming if you are doing it over several days. Basically, you have the dates in mind that you want your room reservation for and you want to increase your chances of making sure you get the dates you want. So what do you do? You make the first day of your reservation start 7 days out from when you really intend your vacation to start. You then call in to Member Services every day moving the start date of your reservation back one day and extending it on the end by one day. Eventually, when you get to the actual vacation dates you wanted to book in the first place, viola! You now have the room request booked for the dates you really wanted.

Why might someone walk the reservation you ask? A couple reasons I have heard are as follows. At popular resorts and/or at certain popular times of the year, rooms go quickly. If you don’t have the 11 month booking window at that special resort your family wanted to stay at, then people have walked their reservation for a better chance at beating the booking crowd when the real booking 7 month window opens up. Maybe you have the 11 month booking window where you want to book, but there is a certain room type you want to make sure you get like a concierge level or value room at Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House. Again, you decide that booking early and walking the days will hopefully secure the intended reservation. In those scenarios, it is easy to see why walking the reservation may prove invaluable to obtaining your prized room.

While we have never walked a DVC room reservation, I can appreciate both side of the conversation and reasoning behind both sides. What do you think about the practice of walking your DVC room reservation – is it acceptable, never to be done, or maybe okay depending on the situation?

Senses, a Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Now Open

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2013

Senses, a Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, offers guests a therapeutic haven of pampering and wellness at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The two-story, full-service spa is now open. The spa was inspired by the healing properties of natural springs. Senses, a Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, incorporates the springs, nature, and the storyline of health in its design and theme. The spa has natural stone, pebbles and rich woodwork, to “connect with the earth and speak to the serenity and tranquility associated with nature,” according to Ginger Mclean, spa director.

Upon entering, you will be greeted with the soothing sounds of a trickling fountain, branch-like fixtures, and soft amber lighting setting the mood for this new oasis for rejuvenation and relaxation.

Walt Disney Imagineers incorporated nature throughout the design of the spa by using a hummingbird motif showcased in wood carvings and furnishings as well as authentic Native American artwork.

Each treatment is guided by one of the spa’s core themes – relax, renew or imagine – to create a custom experience. All the senses are engaged to complete the ultimate relaxation experience.

Senses, a Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, features 10 treatment rooms offering an array of therapeutic services including water therapy, massage and facials. An intimate couple’s room is perfect for honeymooners. There’s also heated loungers and a steam room. A glass doorway leads you to three manicure and four pedicure stations, a great way to relax after a day in the theme parks.

Signature treatments at Senses, a Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, include:

Saratoga Springs Signature Bamboo-Fusion massage (80 min $200): Combining the soothing effects of warm stones and the ancient technique of bamboo massage, this signature Bamboo-Fusion treatment is guaranteed to create a deep state of relaxation. The Bamboo massage technique incorporates bamboo stalks providing deep-tissue work.
Saratoga Springs Signature Revitalizing Blueberry Facial (80 min $195): This unique facial experience incorporates a double mask, hydrating lip treatment, acupressure and facial massage. Antioxidant and tannin-rich blueberries purify and tighten pores for a luminous, revitalizing youthful glow.

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!

Gravity falls gets a second season!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2013

Disney Channel Orders Second Season Of “Gravity Falls” Dipper, Mabel And Grunkle Stan To Return For More Weird And Wonderful Adventures As Disney Channel Orders Second Season Of “Gravity Falls”

A second season of the hit Disney Channel series “Gravity Falls” has been ordered, it was announced today by Eric Coleman, Senior Vice President, Original Series, Disney Television Animation. The animated comedy, created and executive-produced by Alex Hirsch, follows twin brother and sister Dipper and Mabel Pines as they spend summer with their eccentric great uncle Stan (voiced by Hirsch), in the wondrous town of Gravity Falls. The series’ growing fan base looks for the unique “secret message” at the end of each episode’s credits. The key for decoding the message is incorporated in various episodes.

Throughout the month of August, Disneyand SUBWAY restaurants, the world’s largest restaurant chain, will bring fans “Gravity Falls” characters and promotional items through SUBWAY Fresh Fit for Kids Meals. Each low-fat meal will include one of six reusable bags, with a specially designed “Gravity Falls” window decal or sticker.

Stay tuned for more Gravity Falls!

Tables in Wonderland Receive Discount to Epcot Food & Wine Festival

By

Chip

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August 2, 2013

Tables in Wonderland Members are invited to make reservations for Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mixology Seminars ONLY beginning on Friday, August 9^th, 2013 at 9:00am. This pre-sale offer will only be available over the phone, so please call 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) for reservations.

All Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival Events will go on sale on Tuesday, August 13^th at 7:00am. For reservations, please call 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378). Additionally, the below events will be available online, via www.epcotfoodfestival.com

Culinary Demonstrations
Beverage Seminars
Scotland: Land of Food & Drink (General Admission Only)
“3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery (General Admission Only)
Party for the Senses (General Admission Only)
Spirits Confidential (General Admission Only)

As a “Thank You” for your continued membership, Tables in Wonderland Members are eligible for a $2.00 discount off of Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mixology Seminars, Mondays – Thursdays throughout the Festival. To receive your discount, please be sure to book over the phone as this offer is not available when booking online.

Cheers!

Cast Members Take the Stage at a National Hula Competition

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2013

The spirit of aloha was alive and well this past weekend as several Cast Members took the stage at the Hoike Hawaii 16^th Annual Hula Competition in Central Florida.

This annual event brings Hawaiian and Tahitian dancers and dance teams from around the United States to Orlando to participate in a friendly dance competition. Hula is a dance unique to Hawaii and is used to tell the state’s stories and history through movement.

For Cast Member Rose Monahan, that love began the first time she was introduced to hula dancing at a class taught by another Cast Member Auntie Kau’i who is the Hawaiian cultural ambassador at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Auntie Kau’i is also the team’s hula coach and mentor.

The group spends every Saturday morning with Auntie Kau’i at the Polynesian resort preparing for the competition. After practicing, they often join resort guests and teach them some hula moves.

Auntie Kau’i has been instrumental in bringing the spirit of the islands to Walt Disney World Resort since she was part of the team that helped open Disney’s Polynesian Resort in 1971. As an experienced hula dancer and a native of Hawaii, Auntie Kau’i teaches Cast Members and guests the spirit of aloha.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

D23 Expo Red Carpet Arrivals

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2013

D23 Expo 2013 red-carpet arrivals, featuring Disney execs, filmmakers, special guests and stars from Disney’s slate of upcoming live action and animated films.

Who and When:

Friday: Dane Cook (“Disney’s Planes”), Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell (“Frozen”), plus Bob Iger and John Lasseter and more to be announced.

Saturday: Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak (“Saving Mr. Banks”), Ty Burrell (“Muppets Most Wanted”), Tom Bergeron, Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Brad Bird, plus Alan Horn, Bob Iger and more to be announced.

Where:

ANIMATION

Fri. Aug. 9, 2013 Anaheim Convention Center Lobby

Press Check-in: 8:30 am 800 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim 92802

Red Carpet: 9:30 a.m

Live action & Disney Legends

Sat. Aug. 10, 2013

Press Check-in: 9 AM 800 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim 92802

Red Carpet: 12:30 p.m

Disney Legends Red Carpet

Details:

Animation

Art and Imagination: Animation at The Walt Disney Studios (Fri., Aug. 9, 10 a.m.): Disney and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter, filmmakers and star talent will take guests on a journey through The Walt Disney Studios’ slate of upcoming animated features, including Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen” and Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur.” Plus, catch the U.S. debut of the new Mickey Mouse short “Get A Horse,” major movie announcements and a not-to-be-missed live musical performance.

Live action:

Let the Adventures Begin: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios (Sat., Aug. 10, 10:30 a.m.): The Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn will showcase the Studios’ exciting live-action release slate, including Disney’s “Saving Mr. Banks” and “Tomorrowland,” Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World,” and much more.

Disney Legends:

Disney Legends Awards Ceremony (Sat., Aug. 10, 2:30 p.m.): Hosted by Disney CEO Bob Iger and noted television personality Tom Bergeron (host of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos), the Disney Legends Award is a tradition that pays tribute to the talented people who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy. Since 1987, 249 men and women have been named Disney Legends in honor of their work at The Walt Disney Company. This year, “Monsters, Inc.” and “Monsters University” stars Billy Crystal and John Goodman, technology visionary Steve Jobs, television icon Dick Clark and others, including Tony Baxter, Collin Campbell, Glen Keane, and Ed Wynn, will be named and honored as official Disney Legends.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

ABC Family renews Twisted and The Fosters!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 1, 2013

ABC FAMILY ANNOUNCES THE THIRD SEASON OF “SWITCHED AT BIRTH” AND GIVES BACK-ORDER PICK-UPS TO BREAK-OUT SUMMER HITS “THE FOSTERS” AND “TWISTED”

ABC FAMILY ANNOUNCES THE THIRD SEASON OF “SWITCHED AT BIRTH” AND
GIVES BACK-ORDER PICK-UPS TO BREAK-OUT SUMMER HITS
“THE FOSTERS” AND “TWISTED”

CHARLES PRATT JR. JOINS “TWISTED” AS A WRITER AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

ABC Family, the Millennial-skewing network, continues its forward momentum. The network has ordered a third season of its Peabody Award winning drama, “Switched at Birth,” and has given back-order pick-ups to the critically acclaimed and successful summer hits, “The Fosters,” and “Twisted,” it was announced today by Michael Riley, President ABC Family. The series will premiere alongside “Pretty Little Liars” in January 2014.

“ABC Family has always been a home for groundbreaking storytelling with iconic characters and families and we’re thrilled to have ‘The Fosters’ and ‘Twisted’ join our line-up as breakout summer hits,” said Riley. “We are very proud of the original series we continue to foster, bringing real and relatable characters to life for our viewers and know they are destined to become part of the zeitgeist alongside “Switched at Birth” and “Pretty Little Liars.”

“It’s thrilling to count our two freshman series, ‘The Fosters’ and ‘Twisted’ among our stable of strong, must-see, must-tweet series,” said Kate Juergens, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Development and Chief Creative Officer, ABC Family. “‘Switched at Birth’ is like no other show on television and we are so proud to have it as part of our family. Adding additional seasons and episodes of our returning series spotlights how well our programming resonates with our audience.”

The drama pick-ups join the comedy pick-ups announced earlier this year including the fourth season of “Melissa and Joey” and the third season of “Baby Daddy.”

YAY I’m so excited i love all these shows and can’t wait to see more! The only sad thing is we have to wait till January! Can it be 2014 yet?

Stay tuned for more ABC Family!

Fall Free Dining Released For Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 1, 2013

Walt Disney World has released the dates for the Fall Free Dining this morning.

Book Through

September 15th, 2013

Valid Travel Dates

This offer is valid for arrival most nights:

September 29 to October 2, 2013
October 18 to November 2, 2013
November 11 to November 23, 2103
December 12 to December 22, 2013

Package Includes:

Room
Theme Park Tickets
Disney Quick – Service Dining Plan (if you book a select Value Resort) or Disney Dining Plan (if you book a select Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa)

Important Details

Number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited
Some table-service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.

Ticket Requirements

Tickets are valid for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.

Offer Restrictions

Advance reservations are required.
No group rates or other discounts apply.
Offer excludes campsites, 3 – Bedroom Villas, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Let me help you plan your Walt Disney World Vacation with FREE DINING this fall. At DIF we offer personalized travel planning, lots of extras and kids get the first Mickey Mouse Ice Cream on me. Call me at 832-233-4468 or check out my page, here and we can get started on making me your personal travel assistant for free !