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New Cupcakes Just for Upcoming Holidays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Leave it to the creative pastry chefs at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to come up with adorable, delicious confections for the holidays.

March 8 – March 17: Check out the clever St. Patrick’s Day chocolate cupcake, iced with green-tinted peppermint buttercream and topped with a white chocolate hat (also St. Paddy’s green). Mickey ears are the perfect finish, two round Vanilla wafers dipped in dark chocolate.

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March 18 – March 31: Almost too pretty to eat (but not quite) is the pineapple-coconut cupcake for Easter, yellow cake with white buttercream, coconut shavings and colorful confetti, with a pair of adorable, white chocolate bunny ears and pink polka-dot bowtie perched on top.

The holiday cupcakes are $4.99 at ABC Commissary, Pizza Planet, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Co., Starring Rolls, Rosie’s and Fairfax Fare. They are a “snack” on the Disney Dining Plan.

New Cupcakes Just for Upcoming Holidays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Registration Opens for Ultimate Night Out at Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

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Runners can now register for this year’s Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort, Nov. 8 -9, by going to www.rundisney.com.

More than 20,500 runners are expected to register for weekend races, including 14,000 for the nighttime half marathon, increasing the number of registered runners for runDisney races in 2013 to more than 175,000 – a single-year record for runDisney, which has seven event weekends. Last year more than 125,000 runners competed in runDisney’s seven event weekends at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

The 13.1-mile Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon course takes runners through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. After crossing the finish line runners can join family and friends for a special ticketed post-race party inside Epcot until 4 am (friends and family must purchase party ticket for entry). The Finish Line Party features more than 25 kiosks offering fine cuisine and wine from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, plus Disney characters, music and the opportunity to ride various attractions such as the newly reimagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’. New this year is the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste on Friday, Nov. 8, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This special ticketed event offers runners and fans a private reception on the set of Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, featuring food and beverages from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, music and Disney characters.

In addition, Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend features the runDisney Kids Races, Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K and the half marathon which starts at 10 pm at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

There’s also Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 – 9, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The expo offers the latest in running apparel, technology and a speaker series featuring running experts such as runDisney official training consultant Jeff Galloway and runDisney nutritionist Tara Gidus. Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo is free and open to the public.

To register for Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend races and to purchase tickets for the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste and Finish Line Party at Epcot,visit www.runDisney.com.

Schedule of Events

Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo
Nov. 8 – 9
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
 
Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste
Nov. 8, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
 
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K
Nov. 9, 7 am
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
 
runDisney Kids Races
Nov. 9
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
 
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
Nov.9, 10 pm
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
 
Finish Line Party
Nov. 9, 10 pm – 4 am
Epcot
 
Registration Opens for Ultimate Night Out at Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Is This the End for Star Wars: The Clone Wars Animated Series?

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Cast
The cast of Star Wars: The Clone Wars

There has been a lot of internet buzz regarding the future of  “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” animated series since Cartoon Network aired the season finale last week. Rumors of the show’s cancellation ran wild while others speculated an announcement from Disney about the move to one of its channels. Today we know that Lucasfilm animation is “moving in another direction.” While not specific, it does sound as if there are no immediate plans to have season six on broadcast television.

We do know that various voice actors as we as supervising director Dave Filoni have gone on record working on season six and beyond. In the video clip below Filoni says, “Even though we are winding things down on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, it’s not over yet. In fact the best is yet to come!” This is good news.

Disney Infinity Starter Pack Sweepstakes

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Are you looking forward to Disney Interactive’s upcoming game, Disney Infinity? We’ve talked a little about it just what exactly Disney Infinity is, and offered you a trailer for it.

Now we’re getting closer to launch, and Disney has opened up a sweepstakes for three lucky people to win a starter pack of the game, featuring ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, ‘The Incredibles’, and ‘Monster’s University’. All you have to do is click here, like the Disney Infinity page, and then enter for your chance to win.

It’s that easy! Disney Infinity is looking to land sometime around June, so keep an eye out. Are you excited for Disney Infinity? Let me know in the comments below, only here at Chip and Company, and good luck with the contest!

Related articles

 

Disney Infinity Starter Pack Sweepstakes

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ 2 Movie Collection Blu-ray Review

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When people talk about Disney’s back catalog of animated feature films, most think of the films like ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Aladdin’, and ‘The Lion King’. But for every great, and critically renowned film the animation division releases, it seems there’s always two or three that fall by the wayside, never quite getting the following that they deserve out the gate. But over time, many of them gain a following, and one that seems to finally getting appreciation is the severely underrated film, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame‘, Walt Disney Animation’s 34th animated feature.

The film features some of the studio’s best animated work, featuring some incredibly beautiful and majestic art that is nothing short of breathtaking, as well as some of Disney’s most sweeping music, and an all star cast, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ proves that Walt Disney Animation is still the best at what they do. Its movies like this that always deserve some of the best treatment, and its good to see that Disney has given ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ done just that.

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’, which is loosely based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel of the same name, follows the film’s namesake, Quasimodo , who starts life as an deformed child. He’s confined to the bell tower of the Notre Dame Cathedral, where he spends his entire life, believing he should hide from the world, thanks to how he was raised by the Master of Justice Frollo (Tony Jay). When Quasimodo finally steps outside the walls of the Cathedral, his life is changed forever. When a gypsy named Esmerelda (Demi Moore) befriends him, it starts to break down the walls of his world, and it begins to show Quasi that the man he once to be a saint may be more of a cruel and terrible person. As revolt and unrest begin stirring in Paris, Quasi is forced to look at his life and make the ultimate decision between the man who raised him, or the woman he loves.

Hollywood Studios Snack Attack – Where To Head When Hunger Hits

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So you’re spending the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and you already had lunch, but you’re starving and about to have a meltdown (we’ve all been there!), and dinner is hours away…so what do you do? I recommend you take a break and grab a snack at one of these Top 5 Hollywood Studios Snack Spots:

1. Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner – Head over to the this spot in the Echo Lake area of HS for some delicious milkshakes, and the infamous pretzel hot dogs and italian sausages served with peppers and onions. Need something to quench your thirst on a hot Orlando day? I recommend a frozen lemonade to go with that pretzel dog.

2. Tune In Lounge – Located adjacent to the 50’s Prime Time Cafe in the Echo Lake Area, this lounge serves up some killer bloody marys, and an assortment of other adult beverages. Plus you can order drinks and food selections off the Prime Time Cafe menu, like their infamously delicious PB&J Milkshake. The Lounge is open daily from 11am-10:30 pm for your drinking and dining pleasure.

 

3. High Octane Refreshments – Between the Backlot Tour and the Honey I Shrunk The Kids Play Area you’ll find this stand that may not exactly be a “snack” spot, but it IS attached to the Studio Catering Company counter service eatery which serves up sandwiches and salads to the hungry HS lunch crowds. High Octane is the “liquid” refreshment portion of this restaurant, serving up a “High Octane” Long Island Iced Tea, and a “Stoplight Margarita” which is a delicious layered green, yellow and red fruity drink that really packs a punch. Stop here from 11:30 am- 5:30 pm to give it a go.

4. Writer’s Stop – Located near the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater, this quaint little spot is a great cool spot to relax (the AC is always blasting, perfect place to go on a hot day!), and it is reminiscent of a little privately owned bookshop, where you can buy merchandise, books, oh and snacks too – their bakery case is alway stocked with muffins, cookies, cupcakes, and the infamous carrot cake cookie (a GIANT cookie sandwich with cream cheese frosting in the middle!) is available here, as well as assorted coffee drinks. Its a great place to stop and grab a bite and take a break!

5. Starring Roles – You’ll find this little Cafe on Sunset Boulevard serving up sandwiches, sushi, wines, coffee drinks, sodas and other beverages. However, I must say, the “Star” of this show has to the their baked goods – from eclairs, to tarts and fudge, cheesecake, and some truly amazing cupcakes – I highly recommend you head over to Starring Roles between 9am and 4pm to use up some of those snack credits! You can also grab breakfast here when the Park opens.

So If these are the best PLACES to grab a snack at Hollywood Studios, then what, exactly, is the BEST SNACK? Well, in my personal opinion, it HAS to be the Butterfinger Cupcake available at Starring Roles

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It’s a chocolate cupcake with a dense fudge filling thats piled high with fluffy vanilla frosting and a hard chocolate shell that is covered in Butterfinger candy pieces….aka HEAVEN, all for the price of one little snack credit

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…And if you happen to be between WDW trips and going through butterdfinger cupcake withdrawal, then try your hand at making your own for a little bit of the Disney Magic at home!

What about you – Where do you like to grab a bite while at Hollywood Studios?

 

 

Hollywood Studios Snack Attack - Where To Head When Hunger Hits

Top 5 Nap Spots for Little Ones in Hollywood Studios

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Continuing our series on the Top 5 Nap Spots for little ones we head to Hollywood… If you are at Hollywood Studios for the day and your Fast Pass for Toy Story Mania isn’t until 4pm, where do you take your little ones for a quick snooze?  With its lack of shade and noisy performances, it’s not the most conducive for sleep.  But even Hollywood Studios has some hiding places for peace and quiet.

  1. Streets of America-Find a back alley (which are more shaded) and park the stroller, or simply wander the streets until your little one is down.  Avoid the Mater and McQueen, they make noise!
  2. Echo Lake-While featuring some of the noisiest attractions, Echo Lake is abound with quiet shaded areas and quiet benches.  It’s also centrally located for the rest of the family.
  3. Walt Disney:  One Man’s Dream-An indoor self-guided tour of Walt’s artifacts and memorabilia.  Indoor, Low Lighting, Air-Conditioned.  What else does your little one need?  There is also a movie, which may or may not do the trick.
  4. Studio Catering Company-Covered patio with Dining tables and Chairs.  Honestly, it’s hardly ever open and you are right near bathrooms and Honey I Shrunk the Kids.
  5. Take a Boat Ride-The same Friendship boats that leave Epcot, make a stop at Hollywood Studios.  Therefore you can ride the boat with your child in their stroller as stops are made at Epcot, Boardwalk Resort, The Swan and Dolphin, Beach and Yacht Club.  There is also a walking path which if the weather isn’t miserable  makes a great option.

These are just some of my suggestions for Nap Spots at Hollywood Studios.  Any places you’ve found in Hollywood Studios for a snooze?  Please share with our readers in the Comments section of this article.

If you missed my other articles in the Nap Spot series, you can check out Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

Top 5 Nap Spots for Little Ones in Hollywood Studios

Second Harvest Food Bank Dedicates New Distribution Center Supported by Disney

Second Harvest and Disney

“Disney’s support went the extra mile. Their financial contribution, commitment to volunteerism and their Imagineers providing incredible creativity to make our space come alive is just phenomenal,”  said Dave Krepcho, president/CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank.

In 2012, more than 730,000 people, half of them children, received emergency food in the six Central Florida counties served by Second Harvest. To help meet Central Florida’s growing need, the new facility’s features include increased warehouse space, increased refrigerator and freezer capacity and a community kitchen.

For more than 20 years, Disney has donated several million pounds of food through its “Disney Harvest Program” which collects prepared and unserved food from eateries throughout the resort’s properties and delivers it to the food bank. Disney Cast Members also participate in food drives and volunteer their time to sort food at Second Harvest.

 

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Second Harvest Food Bank Dedicates New Distribution Center Supported by Disney

More Fake Tickets to Disneyland Found on Craigslist

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According to the LA Times, Alisa Yenokyan, 22, resident of Hollywood, CA, was arrested on suspicion of selling fake tickets to Disneyland via Craigslist. She was arrested last Wednesday, after meeting with undercover officers who were posing as potential Disneyland ticket buyers. The undercover officers had responded previously to one of her Craigslist ads inquiring about purchasing two adult and two kids tickets for well below retail value at $50 per ticket.

Yenokyan was accused of selling fake tickets to at least 6 different families. Most of these families did not even learn of the ticket scam until they were turned away at the gates to the park.

Celebrate your stay at WDW with a great Disney Cake!

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How many of us go to Walt Disney World to celebrate a birthday or anniversary?  We usually go to Disney around my son’s birthday; since we were not at home we used to wonder how we’d be able to sing “Happy Birthday” without a cake.  We like to make it as special as possible for my son.  We found that we could purchase a Disney Cake at any of Disney’s restaurants.   There are two ways you can have a cake; a Celebrate Today! Cake or you can order a specialty cake.

The “Celebrate Today! Cake”

Be spontaneous! Have an instant celebration with a 6-inch cake — available in both chocolate and vanilla. No notice is necessary; you can order upon arrival at most table-service restaurants; cost is $21.00 for this special cake (and it’s oh-so-yummy too!)

A custom cake can be the icing on your celebration. A few years ago, we went to ‘Ohana and had a cake for a large group of friends, and Disney really personalized the cake!  You can choose from a variety of cakes and shapes, personalized for your special occasion.  If you plan on celebrating at Cinderella’s Royal Table (in the Castle) you can purchase a Glass Slipper cake for your little princess.  Just give 48 hours advance notice so they can make your customized creation.   Pricing varies depending on the cake, but it’s so worth it.

Disney’s A.N.T Farm is back with an all new season

JAKE SHORT, CHINA ANNE MCCLAIN, SIERRA MCCORMICK, STEFANIE SCOTT, CARLON JEFFERY

SEASON THREE OF DISNEY CHANNEL’S TOP RATED SERIES “A.N.T. FARM” PREMIERES FRIDAY, MAY 31 WITH A SPECIAL ONE-HOUR EPISODE

Season three of “A.N.T. Farm,” the hit comedy series for kids and tweens, premieres FRIDAY, MAY 31 (8:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel with a special one-hour episode. Starring China Anne McClain, the new season follows musical prodigy Chyna Parks and her friends, Olive Doyle, Fletcher Quimby and Angus Chestnut, as well as cheerleader Lexi Reed, who reveals her own prodigious talent, as they move away from home to attend a prestigious A.N.T. (Advanced Natural Talents) boarding school. The episode features the new original song “Stars Aligning,” performed by Hollywood Records recording artist McClain.

In the premiere episode, the ANTs are excited when billionaire former child prodigy, Zoltan Grundy, announces the opportunity for Webster High students to audition and attend his exclusive A.N.T. boarding school. Chyna, Olive, Fletcher, Angus and Lexi all audition for the new school, but soon after, Chyna is heartbroken when she discovers she didn’t make the final cut.

Stay tuned for more on Disney Channel

Disney's A.N.T Farm is back with an all new season

From the Disney World Vault: King Stefan’s Banquet Hall

King Stefan's Banquet Hall Image courtesy of Imaginerding
King Stefan’s Banquet Hall
Image courtesy of Imaginerding

Any Chip and Co fans born after 1990 are going to have no idea what I’m talking about.  So I’m going to get you all ready for the Double Jeopardy Question.  When Disney World opened in 1971, the restaurant in Cinderella Castle was… If you guessed Cinderella’s Royal Table you would be wrong. The answer is…

King Stefan’s Banquet Hall

Yes, the restaurant featured in Cinderella Castle was named after Sleeping Beauty’s father.  It only took until 1997 for Disney to get sick of answering all the questions and change the name to Cinderella’s Royal Table.  Apparently the Disney Imaginers wanted to give the restaurant a regal name to match the dozens of Coat of Arms on the wall.  Since Cinderella’s father isn’t named in the movie, they decided on King Stefan.  Hence 25 years of confusing tourists and Cast Members.

The menu was known for its Beef and Barley Soup and Fried Brie.  The Fairy Godmothers Vegetarian Plate was a gnocchi and vegetable combination, a favorite among diners.  The Kid’s menu resembles a fast food chain “crown” and joins other King Stefan’s Banquet Hall collectibles on Ebay.  Check here for recipes of old favorites from the original Royal Table.

As my first Disney visit was as an adult, I never knew King Stefan’s Banquet Hall.   Please share your stories, menu items and collectibles with Chip and Co in the comment section below.

 Photo credit Imaginerding.com

From the Disney World Vault: King Stefan's Banquet Hall