Enter Cinderella’s Fantasy Sweepstakes to Win a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation

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July 23, 2013

How would you like to win a five-night/six-day Walt Disney World Resort vacation?

Now you have a chance, thanks to our friends at Disney Family Movies, who just launched the Cinderella Fantasy Sweepstakes. You can enter now for your chance to win a Walt Disney World Fairytale Fantasy Vacation that includes five nights/six days at the Walt Disney World Resort, one night in the Cinderella Castle Suite, a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover, a Pirate’s League makeover, breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table, a Disney Gift Card, and more.

The contest runs through August 26. You can enter here and read the full rules here. Best of luck!

D23 gets “Frozen” on next months D23 Magazine

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2013

Disneytwenty three 5.3 Fall2013.Cover sm copyright

Disney twenty-three—the flagship magazine of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club—welcomes winter early, celebrating Disney’s new animated film Frozen. The cover story features exclusive interviews with the film’s cool voice actors Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, as well as a visit with the filmmakers as they bring Frozen’s wintery wonderland to life in Disney’s 53rd animated feature, coming to theaters this November.

Walt Disney lives on in “Every Picture Tells a Story,” an article showcasing newly discovered photos Walt shot with his personal camera. D23 Members will also get a special treat as former International Ambassador for Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Legend Marty Sklar welcomes readers inside his home to discuss the fascinating new book about his career shaping timeless Disney icons: Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms.

Disney twenty-three’s Fall issue also offers a look at Disney parks around the world. Readers journey across the Pacific Ocean to Tokyo Disneyland to celebrate its joyful 30th anniversary in “Happiness in the Park,” and head to Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mystic Manor to explore one of Walt Disney Imagineering’s most multifaceted and exhilarating attractions yet.

Also included in the Fall issue of Disney twenty-three:

America’s Mouseketeer sweetheart Annette Funicello is remembered in “Forever Annette”
A look at Mickey’s latest cartoon escapades
On its 25th anniversary, we take look at how the instant Disney classic, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, spectacularly combined animation and realism
PHOTOfiles: See the picture often referred to as the “best photo ever taken” of Walt
“D Society”: Tailgate at the Monsters University world premiere; see Jerry Bruckheimer accept his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and head to Burbank to tour the Disney Studio Lot with D23 Members

The Disney magic continues at www.D23.com, which will feature unique and member-exclusive stories that amplify the contents of D23’s glossy magazine. D23 Web Extras, online August 9, will complement the Fall issue of Disney twenty-three:

Interviews with Dane Cook and Teri Hatcher, the voices of Dusty Crophopper and Dottie in the upcoming animated feature Disney’s Planes
An expanded photo gallery of the gorgeous artwork from Frozen

Delivered Only to D23 Gold Members, August 2013

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Senses, A Disney Spa At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort set to open this week

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Chip

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July 23, 2013

Senses, A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort set to open its doors on July 25 at Walt Disney World Resort.

The two-story, full-service spa is inspired by the healing properties of natural springs that have drawn people for centuries to Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. Senses will incorporate the springs, nature and the storyline of health in its design and theming. Design materials and textures, including natural stone, will “connect with the earth and speak to the serenity and tranquility associated with nature,” according to Ginger Mclean, spa director.

Each treatment is guided by one of the spa’s core themes – relax, renew or imagine – each of which will create a custom experience. A completely redesigned space, Senses, A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, will feature 10 treatment rooms offering an array of services including water therapy, massage and facials. Heated loungers, plus a whirlpool and steam room in the wet areas provide rejuvenation and renewal. Three manicure stations and four pedicure stations round out the services.

The opening of Senses, A Disney Spa at Saratoga Springs Resort follows the opening of its sister spa, Senses, A Disney Spa at the Grand Floridian Resort that opened in December, 2012 featuring 15 treatment rooms. To book a treatment guests can call 407-WDW-SPAS.

Photo credit Walt Disney World website.

Walt Disney Records set to Release Albums from the Vault

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 22, 2013

Walt Disney Records has teamed up with Amazon to release out-of-print titles and classic soundtracks on CD exclusively through Amazon’s CreateSpace. Currently, there are 18 titles available under the Disney CD Rarities section of the Disney Music Store on Amazon.com with more titles coming every month.

Disney will paying tribute to their most adored Mouseketeer and one of the biggest teen idols of the ’50s, They are re-releasing a collection of classic recordings by Annette Funicello. Best of Annette features 14 memorable tracks from her, including hits from her popular beach movies and Disney films and television classics in which she starred.

“We’re excited to be able to offer customers access to the great Disney music they love through Amazon’s CreateSpace service,” said Sarah Wood, head of U.S. Entertainment, Amazon.com. “CreateSpace gives customers access to hundreds of thousands of hard to find or out of print titles and we’re thrilled that Disney is now part of that mix.”

Best of Annette will be available on July 23, 2013 exclusively through Amazon’s CreateSpace service. For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, please visit Disney.com/music.

I think it’s great that they are re-releasing Annette Funicello’s classic hits but I think it really should be done while the person is still with us.

Wishing you Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Dining Wish List

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 22, 2013

If you are familiar with Disney Dining, you know that there are many experiences and cuisines from which to choose. Narrowing your choices can be quite a task.

Since there are not enough days during your Walt Disney World vacation to visit all of the restaurants, you may want to make a running Disney Dining Wish List. Select the Disney Dining that you want to reserve for your upcoming trip and keep adding to the list of restaurants that you would like to try on your future vacations.

Write or type your Wish List and post it on the fridge or a cork board. This process can be a fun craft activity and you can make your Wish List as elaborate as you like.

When you return from your Disney vacation, mark off the restaurants that you have enjoyed during your trip with a character sticker or glitter pen for a Tinkerbell pixie dust effect.

While planning your Advance Dining Reservations for your Walt Disney World vacation, it is important to make your selections as soon as possible. This will give you a greater chance of getting the times and locations of your choosing. Disney allows you to plan your Advance Dining Reservations, or ADRs are they are commonly called, up to 180 days prior to your visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. Call Disney Dining at 407-WDW-Dine for further details or to make your reservations.

Do you have a Disney Dining Wish List? Are there any restaurants that you are excited to try during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort?

Could Vin Diesel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt Join the Marvel Universe?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 22, 2013

There’s always rumors swirling around Marvel Studios, especially when it comes to casting their newest films. While we’ve just seen the start of their Phase 2 films, which launched with ‘Iron Man 3’, and will be bookended by ‘The Avengers 2’, all eyes are currently sitting on the official announcements of the films that will appear in Phase 3, which you can expect to come out of San Diego Comic Con this weekend. Even with that in mind, the rumors are already starting on just who might be joining the already dynamic cast of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and if they prove to be true, Marvel is going for two of the most talented men in the industry today: Vin Diesel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

First up is Vin Diesel. Many may not know this, but Vin loves his fans and is always updating them on the newest ongoings in his career through his Facebook page. Last week, he posted this picture to his profile, as well as this text:

“Marvel meeting today. Only the people in the room can tell you what was discussed…P.s. Thanks to Our page, for pushing to make it happen… you know I get tunnel vision with my work… and after that meeting today… wow!”

Diesel was very sly with his wording, using the word vision in his post. Many have been trying to get Marvel’s attention to use him as the villain, Vision, who is not only a nemesis for Ant-Man, but also The Avengers as well. Could Diesel be playing the big bad in ‘Ant-Man’ or ‘The Avengers 2’? Only time will tell. But it looks like whatever it is, he’s trying to make it happen. With all his fan support behind him, and how popular he’s becoming again as of late, you could see why Marvel would be so keen to add him into their cinematic fold.

As for Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the folks over at Latino Review have once again tried to pull out a new Marvel scoop. They do good work, but their track record isn’t always perfect, so be sure to take this with a grain of salt. The site reports that Marvel is setting their sites on making ‘Doctor Strange’ their newest franchise, and are looking to kick it off during Phase 3. Kevin Feige, the Marvel Studio head, has said numerous times that he’d like to make the character into a film, so there’s no surprise there, and many are expecting the big announcement to come from Marvel this weekend at Comic-Con. Now, Latino Review is reporting that Marvel has set their sites on getting Joseph Gordon-Levitt for the role of the Sorcerer Supreme himself. This doesn’t mean talks have begun, but it just means that Marvel is keen on the actor and would like to use him. This wouldn’t be the first time they tried to get Gordon-Levitt, as he was originally courted for the role of StarLord in the upcoming ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Only time will tell if this rumor becomes true or not, but it would be a great addition to the ever expanding universe if it was.

Are you guys excited about the potential of Vin Diesel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Let me know in the comments below, only here at Chip and Company!

Robert Downey Jr. To Return As Marvel’s Iron Man (chipandco.com)
Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’ Gets Honored As Best Film of the Year (chipandco.com)
Phineas and Ferb Mission Marvel coming in August! (chipandco.com)
IRON MAN 3 Rockets Onto Blu-ray 9/23 (chipandco.com)

Disney Extends Military Salute Discount for 2013-2014

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 22, 2013

The time many military families like mine have been waiting for has come! Disney has extended their fabulous Military Salute offer for 2013-2014! I am over the moon excited about this, as I’m sure other military families are! So, what are the details of this year’s offer, you ask? There are have been some slight price increases, however Disney continues to provide a great deal to military families!

Disney World Armed Forces Salute tickets will be:

Four Day Park Hopper Tickets for $169.00
Four Day Water Park and More Tickets for $169.00 (Base +Water Park, Fun & More Option)
Four Day Park Hopper, plus Water Park and More Tickets for $198.00

Disneyland Armed Forces Salute tickets will be $129.00

Hotel discounts will continue to be 40% for Deluxe properties, 35% off Moderate resorts and the Ft. Wilderness Cabins and 30% for Value resorts, including Art of Animation.

The Armed Forces salute is a room only offer and any level of the Disney Dining Plan can be added to this offer. Tickets must be purchase separately and are not included in a package or quote. As with any other discount if you have a package booked for late 2013-September of 2014 the discount can be applied to your booking.

My family has personally taken advantage of this offer since 2009 and we are so grateful to Disney for their recognition of military service members and their families! These discounts often make it possible for military families like mine to have a magical pre or post deployment experience. Time together is a precious commodity for service members and their families, why not add some extra magic and create memories to last a lifetime? Do you have a special celebration coming up? Why not take advantage of Disney’s huge thank you to our military and book a magical getaway for your family?

Special thanks to Steve at Military Disney Tips for sharing the news!

For help booking your Disney vacation with the Armed Forces Salute, please contact Gretchen, an experienced military spouse and travel agent with Destinations in Florida, at [email protected] or 818-519-0777.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives Presented by D23

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 22, 2013

TWDA MSIChicago Logo

D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, an exhibition which has nearly 300 artifacts from nine decades of Disney history, opens at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago on October 16, 2013 (the actual 90th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company) and continues through February 17, 2014.

Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives showcases the creative accomplishments and innovations of one of Chicago’s native sons, Walt Disney, and the ongoing legacy of the company that bears his name. From Mickey Mouse to Mary Poppins to Captain Jack Sparrow, the exhibition features many artifacts that have not been widely seen by the public.

In addition, the exhibition will feature hands-on, interactive stations that will bring Disney technological breakthroughs in animation and motion pictures to life.

“Through this exhibit we’re pleased to showcase Walt Disney as both a master storyteller and an impressive innovator whose creative legacy continues to inspire people of all ages,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. “Guests will be immersed in Walt Disney’s ‘can do’ spirit, optimistic outlook and never ending curiosity that propelled him through his impressive career.

Among the extraordinary items to be featured:

· Clips from several of Walt Disney’s earliest animated works, before there was a Mickey.

· The original script, written by Walt Disney, for the 1928 cartoon short Steamboat Willie, which introduced movie theater audiences to Mickey Mouse for the very first time.

· A partial recreation of Walt Disney’s formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., including original furnishings and many of his personal items.

· Hand-drawn artwork, hand-sculpted models and props used in the production of some of Disney’s most iconic and renowned animated features, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty.

· A recreation of a working animator’s office from the Disney Studios featuring authentic animator’s furniture, and models.

· Animation models and artwork from contemporary Disney animation film hits, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aladdin.

· Props from classic Disney live-action films, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Rocketeer, The Princess Diaries, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Enchanted.

· A special area of the exhibition that is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the release of Mary Poppins, with film clips, interviews with the movie’s creators and rare behind-the-scenes photos.

· A salute to Disneyland® Park in California and Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida, showcasing artwork, Audio-Animatronics® characters, and memorabilia from such popular attractions as it’s a small world, Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, The Hall of Presidents, as well as early plans and correspondence for Walt Disney’s vision of Epcot.

This exhibit is not included in Museum Entry and will require an additional timed-entry ticket, which is $9 for adults, $9 for seniors and $7 for children 3-11. Tickets will go on sale at msichicago.org on September 4, 2013. D23 Gold and Silver Members will receive a special discount on exhibit entry.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Couple Engaged at Disney World using Stolen Money

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 21, 2013

Sometimes the level of people’s stupidity amazes me, not to mention the lack of morals. We would all love a magical engagement but to steal from the elderly to get it is beyond wrong and not very magical at all.

The happy couple are alleged masterminds of an identity theft scam of senior citizens. They were arrested after they posted photos of their Disney World engagement and purchases on Facebook that was paid for with the stolen funds.

Amanda Zieminski, 27, and Clyde Forteau, 29, are from New York City, where they were arrested and indicted for 64 criminal acts including identify theft, falsifying business records, and grand larceny, the Staten Island District Attorney’s office said in a statement Wednesday.

The happy couple allegedly used the stolen money to pay for courtside seats at a 2012 NBA Finals game, a vacation to the Dominican Republic, and a vacation to Disney World, where they got engaged in front of Cinderella’s castle, according to police.

They are accused of stealing the Social Security numbers and credit card information of more than 80 elderly patients from a Staten Island medical center where Zieminski once worked, police said.

Forteau, an aspiring rapper who also goes by the moniker ‘C-Money CEO,’ used the information to file false tax returns and had the refunds sent to his personal bank accounts. Forteau allegedly had his victims’ Social Security payments sent to his own accounts. He posed as a Hurricane Sandy victim who lost his home to explain the diverted money to bank officials, police said. In every tragedy or natural disaster there is usually at least once scammer. It takes a “special” person to take advantage others when they are down.

It took police a year to identify these two. Their search included a Google search that revealed photos of their purchases and vacations posted on the couple’s public Facebook accounts. According to police their purchases and vacations the couple flaunted matched the items charged to the stolen credit card accounts.

When they were arrested they were in possession of more than 50 stolen credit cards and 20 fake I.D.’s

Amanda Zieminski stated on Facebook on June 28 that, ‘Seeing so many homeless people on my way to work makes me realize how blessed I am.’ She failed to mention that the blessings in her life were illegally obtained.

Police also charged and arrested three other alleged accomplices.

Needless to say they all pleaded not guilty.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Photo Credit: www.abcnews.com

Holiday Family Photos at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 21, 2013

Do you have an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World planned prior to December? During the December holiday season, many of us look forward to receiving photo cards from family and friends. It is never too early to start planning a family photo while at the Walt Disney World resort to use for your holiday cards or even gift giving. The best part of taking a family photo at the Walt Disney World resort is that you can be creative and choose from many locations.

Here are some suggestions for memorable PhotoPass holiday photos:

Main Street U.S.A. has some fantastic photo op locations just as you enter into the park. The train station makes for a nice holiday photo backdrop as well as Town Square and the store fronts.
Have your family photo taken in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Theme out your outfits in holiday colors and stash some Santa hats in your tote bag to use while taking your photo.
Do you have a favorite Disney character? Character Meet and Greets offer the opportunity for your family to pose with your Disney favorites.
Make silly faces for your action photos on rides like Splash Mountain, Tower of Terror and Expedition Everest.
Stand in front of Spaceship Earth at Epcot for an out of this world holiday theme!
Go wild and pose by the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney’s PhotoPass website has a wonderful selection of holiday cards and photo cards to make your holiday shopping easy and fun!

If you are looking for a family photo opportunity outside of the parks, you may want to think about scheduling a family portrait session with Disney Fine Art Photography & Video.

There are two magical portrait sessions available:

The Mini Portrait Session is a 20 minute casual photo session that allows you to take home the photos on a disc. The session can be held at the following resorts:

Disney’s Polynesian
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Beach Club Resort

The Enhanced Portrait Session is 1 hour long and offers a greater selection of portrait locations. Retouching is performed by the photographer and the photos are posted onto a website for future viewing. You also receive a 6”x 6” customized soft cover proof photo book.

For additional details on these photo packages or to schedule your session, please visit the Disney Fine Art Photography & Video website or call (407) 934-4004 .

Do you plan for a holiday photo shoot while at the Walt Disney World Resort? If so, please share your thoughts and ideas for a magical photo session.

Phineas and Ferb Star Wars!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 21, 2013

DOOF MEETS DARTH IN AN EPIC ODE TO STAR WARS FROM THE HIT ANIMATED SERIES “PHINEAS AND FERB”

On the heels of the Phineas & Ferb Marvel Crossover…

An epic ode to Star Wars from the creators of Disney’s animated comedy “Phineas and Ferb” is in production — the one hour event episode will premiere next year on Disney Channel and Disney XD. It places the characters of “Phineas and Ferb” in the same space and time as the world of Star Wars, all with the brilliant comedic perspective that has made the global hit “Phineas and Ferb” the #1 animated TV series for Kids 6-11 in primetime and Tweens across total day for the past five years.

The announcement was made today by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, creators and executive producers of “Phineas and Ferb” and ardent Star Wars fans, at Comic-Con International in San Diego.

Povenmire said, “May The ‘Ferb’ Be With You and with all of us who for decades have dreamt of a chance to work with the great characters and stories of Star Wars.”

The event episode’s story begins a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away – in summer. Phineas and Ferb are living happily on Tatooine, just one moisture farm over from Luke Skywalker. They love simply hanging out and creating new adventures under the twin suns but find themselves thrust into a global rebellion when the plans for blowing up the Death Star accidentally fall into their hands.

Now that fate has suddenly pulled them into the fight for freedom, they must go in search of a pilot who can take them to the rebels so they can hand over the plans. Complicating matters, Candace has a Stormtrooper-like intent on “busting rebels” and chases Phineas and Ferb across the galaxy in hopes of retrieving the Death Star plans.

Meanwhile, back on the Death Star, Darth Enshmirtz, a low level Darth, has created a Force-powered “Sith-inator” that he plans to use against the Rebel Alliance. Agent P, working undercover for the Rebellion, is dispatched to stop him, but quickly gets trapped in carbonite. Then, things take a startling turn when Ferb is accidentally hit by the full blast of Dr. Darth Enschmirtz’s “inator” and becomes….an evil Sith.

Stay tuned for more Disney Channel!

‘DuckTales: Remastered’ Lands Release Date and Collector’s Edition

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 21, 2013

One of my most anticipated games of the year right now is ‘DuckTales: Remastered‘. The game, which will land on August 13, 2013, for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PC, sees the return of Scrooge McDuck, his nephews, and Launchpad McQuack on a remastered journey of their original side scrolling adventure game. Capcom has worked very hard to preserve what fans of the original game loved while remastering it for an entire new generation of gamers. For a while, it was believed that the game would only be an online download from the various console stores, but Capcom has now unveiled the look of the Collector’s Edition of the game, which will be available on August 20, 2013, that includes a physical copy of the game, and a collector’s pin. You can see the artwork for the collector’s edition above, and it’s pretty cool! Hit the jump for a look at the collector’s pin, as well as a behind the scenes video of the making of the game.

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