Drink Around the World Showcase – Mexico Pavilion

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June 3, 2013

If ever there was a location in Epcot perfect for a “Drink Around the World Showcase” (DAWS) excursion, the Mexico Pavilion would be it. If you’re keeping score, you could easily get yourself to 33 points just at this pavilion, so it’s important to remember to pace yourself while there. In fact, it might be a great place to end your DAWS festivities rather than begin at; otherwise, you’ll be roasted and toasted before you know it!

If you are looking for alcoholic beverages, this pavilion has a great selection to choose from. The Margarita Stand offers several types of frozen margaritas made with tequila, Triple Sec, and fruit mix (Strawberry, Lime, Fiesta) at $9.50. If you prefer your margarita on the rocks, you can also order the Patron Lime Margarita for $14.50. There’s also a tequila flight at a reasonable $12. Not a fan of margaritas? You can also get a XX Lager Draft Beer here. Don’t forget to grab a snack. The chips here are a perfect salty accompaniment to your DAWS experience in Mexico.

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Disney’s Million Dollar Arm Film Begins Production

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 3, 2013

Walt Disney Pictures’ “Million Dollar Arm,” starring Jon Hamm, has began production. The film is being directed by Craig Gillespie and produced by Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray, and Joe Roth. Palak Patel and Kevin Halloran are serving as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Tom McCarthy. “Million Dollar Arm” also stars Bill Paxton, Lake Bell, Suraj Sharma, Aasif Mandvi, Madhur Mittal, Pitobash and Academy Award–winner Alan Arkin. A.R. Rahman is scoring the film. “Million Dollar Arm” will be filmed in India, Georgia, and Los Angeles.

Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm,” which is based on a true story, follows JB Bernstein. Bernstein is a once-successful sports agent who now finds himself edged out by his competitors. He and his partner Aash will be forced to close their business down for good if JB doesn’t come up with something fast. Late one night, while watching cricket being played in India on TV, JB comes up with an idea that just might work. He thinks, “Why not go to there and find the next baseball pitching sensation?” Setting off for Mumbai with nothing but a gifted but cantankerous scout in tow, JB creates a televised, nationwide competition called “Million Dollar Arm.” In this competition, 40,000 hopefuls compete before two 18-year-old finalists, Rinku and Dinesh, emerge as winners. JB brings the two back to the United States to train with legendary pitching coach Tom House with the goal of getting the boys signed to a major league team.

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Disney Interactive Releases Official Trailer for Disney’s Planes Video Game

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Chip

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June 3, 2013

“Disney’s Planes” is a flying adventure video game inspired by the upcoming Disney animated comedy adventure film. Available exclusively for Nintendo platforms including the Wii™ and Wii U™ systems as well as the Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ handheld devices on August 6th, just a few days prior to the film’s August 9th opening in theaters nationwide, the game will expand beyond the storyline of “Disney’s Planes,” offering players the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of flight as one of the popular characters from the film.

From above the world of “Cars,” the “Disney’s Planes” video game takes players on a high-flying, action-packed, fun-filled adventure with Dusty, a big-hearted, speed-loving crop duster who is voiced by actor and comedian Dane Cook. Players will take to the skies with Dusty and other characters, including Ishani, voiced by actress Priyanka Chopra; Echo, voiced by actor Anthony Edwards; and Bravo, voiced by actor Val Kilmer, as they embark on global missions, air races and grand adventures around the world.

Click below to see a video.

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Update on MyMagic+: You will be able to talk to Mickey!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 3, 2013

Everyone has been talking about and looking forward to the new MyMagic+ technology coming to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida sometime this year! Well, today I have an update on the MyMagic+ technology to share with you!

Walt Disney World’s new Magic bands are expected to become available sometime this summer, but they serve as so much more than just your theme park ticket. The Magic bands will be your park ticket, itinerary, and even your wallet. The latest feature we’re hearing about with the MyMagic+ technology is that your Magic bands will even allow you to talk to Mickey Mouse and the gang!

Disney has announced that the new RFID wristbands will even allow some of your favorite characters to know your names and acknowledge special events you may be celebrating such as birthdays!

What do you think of the upcoming MyMagic+ technology and Magic bands?

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A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas Now Open at Magic Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 3, 2013

Are there any pirate fans? If so, there’s a new adventure at Disney World you will love! The new interactive quest, A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas, is now open at Magic Kingdom!

Inspired by the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise, this new interactive quest allows you to turn into one of Captain Jack’s pirate recruits! You are then armed with magic talismans and treasure maps, and allowed to embark on one of five different pirate raids throughout Adventureland! You can prove your pirate worth by collecting valuable treasures all while fending off some of Captain Jack’s enemies, including the Royal Navy and Captain Barbossa.

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Disneyland cast member accused of causing explosion in Mickey’s Toontown has plead not guilty

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 2, 2013

The Disneyland cast member who was accused of causing a dry ice explosion in Mickey’s Toontown has plead not guilty to these charges. The employee plead not guilty to felony possession of a destructive device in a public place. The incident happened on Tuesday, May 28 when two water bottles with dry ice exploded in the theme park, authorities reported.

Christian Isaiah Barnes of Long Beach, California, was arraigned two days later, and his bail was set at $500,000, according to Farrah Emami, a spokeswoman for the Orange County district attorney’s office. Emami also said that his next court date is a pretrial hearing scheduled for June 7th. The charge Barnes has been accused of carry a maximum prison sentence of six years, the district attorney’s office reported.

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L’Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop Opens in France Pavilion at Epcot

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 2, 2013

Bonjour! It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that I bring you news from the latest addition to the France Pavilion in Epcot, L’Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop. With many recent renovations, much of the France Pavilion has been under construction for some time now. Boulangerie Patisserie les Halles recently re-opened, and now with the opening of L’Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop the France Pavilion has all sorts of wonderful treats to tempt your tastebuds. Wandering through the pavilion makes you feel like you are transported to Paris. And no trip would be complete without a travel buddy. I was lucky enough to have fellow Chip & Co. writer (and owner of Disneyways), Krista with me. She and I were both very excited to check out all the cool treats, which were perfect for the hot day in which we visited.

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‘The Muppets’ Director Eyeing ‘Alice in Wonderland 2’

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 2, 2013

Back in December, I reported that Disney had begun to develop a sequel to Tim Burton’s 2010 film, ‘Alice in Wonderland’. At the time, all we know about the film was that Linda Wooverton would return to write the sequel, but there was no word on whether Tim Burton would be back to direct. Word on the sequel had gone quiet since the announcement, with many speculating that Disney was in early negotiations with Burton to return for the sequel. For fans of Burton, they’ll be sad to hear he won’t be returning to direct ‘Alice in Wonderland 2’. That’s no reason to fret though, because word is that there is a very suitable replacement eyeing the director’s chair for the new film, and the film is working under a new title.

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Tastes So Good – Mickey Crisped Rice Treats

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 2, 2013

There are so many wonderful treats available at Walt Disney World. One of the best treats is the Mickey crisped rice treat. These delicious snacks can be found all over Walt Disney World and are available in several different varieties. What makes the Mickey crisped rice treats one of the best snacks at Disney?

All food tastes better when in the shape of Mickey Mouse! Crisped rice treats are no exception. Whether you decide on the small treats on a stick, the medium sized ones, or the giant Mickey crisped rice treats, there is no doubt that these treats come with a large amount of fun! They are fun to look at and fun to eat – starting with the ears first, of course!

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Disney Has Increased Theme Park Ticket Prices

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 2, 2013

It’s that time of year again… It’s time for Disney to increase their theme park ticket prices. As of today, Disney has increased theme park ticket prices at both the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California.

For the first time, Disney will charge more for a one-day ticket to the Magic Kingdom than the other three theme parks. A one-day Magic Kingdom ticket will now cost $95 for adults and children ages 10 years and above. For children ages 3 to 9, these tickets will cost $89. A one-day ticket for any of the other parks costs $90.

More details below…

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ABC Family TV Show updates – Switched at Birth, The Fosters, and More…

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 1, 2013

SWITCHED AT BIRTH

REGINA RETURNS UNEXPECTEDLY, IN THE SEASON PREMIERE OF “SWITCHED AT BIRTH,” MONDAY, JUNE 10 AT 8:00PM ET/PT ON ABC FAMILY

Catch Up on Episodes with the “Switched At Birth” Marathon Airing Monday, June 10, Starting At 2:00PM ET/PT

Regina returns from rehab and tries to transition back to life at the Kennish house, in the summer premiere of “Switched at Birth,” airing Monday, June 10 at 8:00PM ET/PT on ABC Family. The premiere follows a “Switched at Birth” marathon, starting at 2:00PM ET/PT. The groundbreaking drama was recently honored with a Peabody Award.

While Regina has been away at rehab, Daphne has grown closer to the Kennish family, spending her days at their country club and her nights in their guest room. This new family dynamic does not sit well with Regina, who unexpectedly returns home early in hopes of spending more time with Daphne. Bay begrudgingly starts working at her dad’s office and, when her car breaks down near a local carnival, runs into her ex-boyfriend, Ty (guest star Blair Redford, “The Lying Game”), who has returned from serving in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Travis talks Emmett into bringing some girls over to the house while Melody is out of town, and Kathryn’s elaborate ideas for Toby and Nikki’s rehearsal dinner rubs Nikki the wrong way.

YAY Switched At Birth is back who’s excited? Toby’s getting married and Regina’s back from rehab. What do you think is in store for these guys?

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Surviving the Sweltering Disney Heat

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 1, 2013

Okay, my husband will tell you that I don’t actually melt. However, when we are at Disney in the summer heat, it can sure feel like what is happening. While many families may tolerate the hot climate better than others, some families will have some adjusting to do with the high temps. How can you keep your cool and still enjoy the parks? Here are some of my family’s preferred ways:

Put wet washcloths with a little extra water in a plastic baggie and then into the freezer over night. The next morning take them with you in a small soft-sided cooler into the park. After they thaw out a little, you can use them to wipe off your face and neck during the day.
Purchase misting fans. We purchased misting fans at home and brought them with us to Disney. You can also find them in the Disney parks to purchase or locate a standalone misting station in the park (like the one in the picture above) to walk through.
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