Taste the Magic of Disney Snacks at Home

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February 28, 2013

Do you find yourself craving your favorite Disney snack after you’ve returned home? Does your mouth water at the thought of your favorite dish at that must-do Disney restaurant? Don’t fret! You can recreate many of your favorite Disney snacks and dishes in the comforts of your own home!

Recently my oldest was tasked with a cooking project for a class at school. When trying to come up with recipes together we decided if we had to take a break from Disney planning it might as well be with Disney snacking! We wanted to recreate the Magic Cookie Bars from Roaring Forks at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. Now you can too!

Here is the official Disney Recipe:

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Look for New Disney World Park Maps Starting March 3, 2013

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 28, 2013

Walt Disney W orld will be releasing new, updated versions of park maps next week. This will be the first time since the 1990’s that any major changes have been made to the Disney Parks maps. The front of the map will have a QR code in the bottom left corner that will connect Disney World guests with the My Disney Experience app.

Our friends at WDW News Today has a sneak peek at them here.

Have you heard about the new My Disney Experience app? This app allows guests to view theme park maps, theme park hours, make dining reservations, and even view wait times for attractions. This app contains information on all four Disney theme parks, both water parks, Downtown Disney, and even all of the Disney resorts. You can also find dining information including menus. This app has inspired these changes coming to Disney Parks Maps.

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For a Limited Time Only! Disney Parks Rolls Out Unexpected Delights for a Little Extra Magic

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 28, 2013

Guests will find an extra sprinkling of pixie dust each week when they visit Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts in 2013.

While it is already a momentous year for Disney Parks – with the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history at Walt Disney World Resort and the first full year of a reimagined Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort – Disney parks are adding to the excitement with Limited Time Magic: 52 weeks of magical experiences big and small that appear, then disappear as the next special surprise debuts.

Imagine an Independence Day celebration – only it lasts an entire week….Main Street mainstays the Dapper Dans rocking out with boy band hits in barbershop style….a Friday the 13th dance party with Disney villains that lasts to the 13 hour….a Valentine’s Day in 2013 that became Valentine’s Week with Disney castles blushing pink, surprise meet-and-greets with Disney princes and princesses, and candlelit dinners for couples in love.

These and many more special experiences to surprise and delight Disney Parks guests will roll out each week in 2013. Unique, magical, memory-filled – and each for a limited time only.

Disney officials noted that Limited Time Magic was inspired by the reality that many of life’s most cherished memories are made during those special, but fleeting moments when families spend time together with shared experiences.

Here’s a sampling of Limited Time Magic in store for guests in 2013 — for a limited time only:

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Star Wars Comics and Phenomenal Franchises on Deck for Dark Horse at Emerald City Comiccon 2013

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2013

Dark Horse Comics is headed to the Pacific Northwest’s foremost and fastest growing pop culture convention – Emerald City Comicon, March 1-3.

Join the Dark Horse crew for signings at booth #1102! Free comics and/or prints with each signing while supplies last. Please note that lines may be capped or tickets issued as needed; ask early about your favorite signings!

Comics, books, and collectibles will be available for purchase from Dark Horse or your favorite retailer.

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Studio Ghibli’s ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ Comes to Blu-ray May 21, 2013

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2013

Another great Studio Ghibli film is finally coming to blu-ray, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios. Considered by many to be one of the best film’s made by Studio Ghibli, the film follows adventures of Sophie, a quiet girl who works in a hat shop, who is one day whisked away by a mysterious wizard named Howl. The film, like all that come from this studio, is one of enchantment, wonderment, and fun, as well as being strikingly beautiful to look at as well. This is another one of my favorite animated features, and I’m glad to see it finally coming to blu-ray, featuring a brand new high definition transfer. Not only will the film finally be available in high definition, but it’s going to look absolutely striking to boot, thanks to a new remaster done on the film.

As with all the previous releases, Disney will release the film with its original Japanese voice over work, as well as the English language dubbing. This is great for those who don’t enjoy reading subtitles, or are just enamored with the English language cast that they usually put together for these films. For the people in that group, you’ll be excited to know that the English dub of the film features a truly extraordinary cast, with the likes of Christian Bale, Billy Crystal, Jean Simmons, and Emily Mortimer. It’s a very strong ensemble cast, and one of the best made for a Studio Ghibli film. I really can’t wait to add this to my shelf, and I really look forward to being that much closer to finishing my Studio Ghibli collection on blu-ray.

Hit the jump to get a look at the special features of the film, as well as the trailer for the film. Are you excited that ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ is coming to blu-ray? Let me know in the comments below, only here on Chip and Company!

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Aulani Now Offering Four Nights for the Price of Three

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2013

If a cold and snowy winter has you thinking about a spring getaway at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai`i, a new offer will help you spend extra time in the Hawaiian sunshine. For a limited time, you can stay four nights for the price of three when you purchase a minimum three-night stay April 7 through May 23 and May 27 through June 8, 2013.

That means a total of four nights and five days to enjoy all there is to do at Aulani – pools and waterslides, restaurants and lounges, the relaxing beach and cove, entertainment, excursions,

You can book this offer now through April 6, 2013. To book, call toll-free (866) 309-2384, or your travel agent, and mention offer code AVW. You can also find it online at DisneyAulani.com. This offer is available for stays April 7 through May 23, 2013 and May 27 through June 8, 2013.

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High School Student Dies Suddenly On Disneyland Band Trip

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2013

A 15-year old Seaford High School Sophomore died suddenly, last week, during a trip to Disneyland with members of his school band. Joseph Tutaj, who played trumpet for his school band, got sick during the trip and suddenly passed out. He was too sick to fly home and was sent to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he later died.

Tutaj had called home at the beginning of the band trip to tell his parents that he was not feeling well and had been taken to the hospital.

“It’s devastating news. It was a terrible shock for the entire community and we’re going to do our best to support Joseph’s family. It’s a pretty senseless and unspeakable tragedy,” said Seaford School District Superintendent Brian Conboy.

As if this story is not sad enough, this was not the only ordeal the Tutaj family is facing. Joseph’s father Robert is battling late stage cancer. The family was also forced to relocate from their home after Hurricane Sandy.

Tutaj’s mother is in California preparing to bring his body home.

What is sad about this story to me, is here is a high school kid doing the right thing, being a member of the school band, supporting the band on the trip to Disneyland, and probably having a great time as kids should. The suddenness and senselessness of his death makes it tragic and I am sure the band members and his family will be grieving this loss for a long time.

Whether Tara is helping people make a memory with a trip to Disney (or anywhere else for that matter) or she is helping to write all the news and gossip to keep you in the know! She also has a brand new facebook page for even more tidbits on Disney and travel, so visit her at Magical Memories and the Mouse.

Boy dies of mysterious illness on Disneyland school trip (cbsnews.com)
Disneyland Cancels Southern California Ticket Discounts (chipandco.com)

High School Student Dies Suddenly On Disneyland Band Trip

New Trailer For Disney’s ‘Cars’ Spin-Off Planes

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2013

The world of ‘Cars’ is about to reach new heights with Disney’s new film, ‘Planes‘. The film follows a crop dusting plane, named Dusty, who’s goal in life is to “enter the most epic around-the-world air race… despite his fear of heights.” Originally conceived as a direct to video spin-off of the ‘Cars’ franchise, Disney has decided to give the film a proper theatrical release. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the idea of a ‘Cars’ spin-off in the first place, and the fact that it was going direct to video originally had me worried. But, direct to video doesn’t always mean a film will be bad, looking at the recent ‘Tinkerbell’ series of films that are actually quite good, as well as ‘Toy Story 2’, which started life as a direct to video sequel, before getting a theatrical release.

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Disney On Ice Presents Treasure Trove

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2013

Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove sets the gold standard with a magical medley of Disney tales in one jam-packed ice show that commemorates the legacy of Disney animated films. Treasure Trove is one of the many Disney On Ice shows touring the US right now. If it hasn’t made it to your area it will soon.

On Sunday, February 24, 2013 the Treasure Trove made its way into my city and with two Disney loving little boys they were ready. I groaned at the thought of spending money on another ice show that was directly mostly to the princess. We put on our mouse ears and attended the 1:00 PM show. Tickets start around $16.00 and go up. Much to my disappointment floor and VIP were sold out so we got 100 section tickets for a reasonable amount and a good view. Then as you enter let all the cool light ups and special pop corn buckets begin. This show had popular music that is on the radio today, the traditional stories of Disney, stunning skating, and great special effects. At the end of all of it I must say this has been one of my favorite Disney on Ice shows to date. I say this being a mom of two boys I thought it was a great balance for boys and girls and makes the whole family have a wonderful time. It was a show that transports families on a journey they’ll never forget.This show tells great Disney stories and brings families together to create wonderful memories.

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Ill Boy And Family Are Going To Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2013

Thanks to the Make-A-Wish foundation and the generosity of local businesses young David Zachmann and his family are getting a long overdue vacation to Walt Disney World.

David Zachmann, 11, has struggled his entire left with chronic illness. He suffers from a rare disease called Hirschsprung’s, that prevents his digestive system from properly functioning. David also has Down syndrome and autism. He was born with a heart condition and then when he was 3 weeks old his doctors discovered he had Hirschsprung’s. He has had surgeries to remove parts of his colon and has undergone numerous exams, tests and procedures over the course of his life.

His mother, Dawn Zachmann said “If any kid is a candidate for that (Make-A-Wish Trip), it’s David,” “He really wants to see Cruella De Vil,” she added.

David’s illness has not been the only hardship for the Zachmann family. In July of 2006 Dawn’s husband and David’s father Shannon was killed in a motorcycle crash. Then in November of 2007 the kitchen of their house was destroyed in a fire. David, who was 5 at the time, alerted his older brother of the fire and they were able to get their other siblings safely out of their home.

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Are Disney World Ticket Prices About to Increase?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2013

A few months ago that gossip hound, Anonymouse, reported that we should be on the ready for Disney World ticket price increase in the near future. That gossip is now starting to look a little more like the truth. There have been rumblings recently of ticket price increases happening earlier than they did last year. In 2012 we saw prices increase in June. This year many sources are saying that an increase could come as early as April 2013!

In the recent Mousesavers newsletter they state “I think it’s possible the Orlando parks price increase could happen at the beginning of April this year. So you may have about 2 months before prices go up, but I’d suggest buying sooner.” Mousesavers is a great source for current deals and discounts and is usually pretty good with these types of predictions as well.

It has also been suggested that no expiration tickets could become a thing of the past. If you are a person who takes advantage of this option to stretch your ticket over a few trips, you should think about buying this sooner than later.

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Studio Ghibli’s ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ Comes to Blu-ray on May 21, 2013

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 26, 2013

One of my all time favorite animated movies is finally coming to blu-ray this spring, and I couldn’t be happier. The Studio Ghibli film, ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ is a beautiful animated film that explores the meaning of friendship and sisterhood. The film follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who discover their new neighbor, Totoro, is actually a forest spirit, and only children can see him. As they get to know him more, and Totoro introduces him to more of his friends, the sisters are swept away into an extraordinary adventure like nothing they’ve ever dreamed of. I’m a huge fan of Studio Ghibli, so I’m glad to see more of their films finally getting a blu-ray release over here state side. I find their films to be on par with everything that Pixar produces, telling truly wonderful tales that delight fans of all ages, and ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ is no exception. In fact, this film may be one of the best family films of all time, and I don’t say that lightly.

The film is directed by Hayao Miyazaki, who has directed many of the best Studio Ghibli films, and all of my favorites, including ‘Castle in the Sky’, ‘Spirited Away’, and ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’. One thing I’ll always love is the fact that Disney always includes both the original Japanese voice over work, as well as the English counterpart for those who don’t want to read subtitles. For those interested in the English language version, the dub is one that many will enjoy, which features both Dakota and Elle Fanning, who play the sisters in the film, and also features the voices of Tim Daly, who is best known for his voice work as Clark Kent and Superman in ‘Superman: The Animated Series’, and many subsequent DC shows and films, as well as Lea Salonga, the famous Broadway star, who most Disney fans will know as the woman who was the singing voice for both Mulan and Princess Jasmine in ‘Mulan’ and ‘Aladdin’, respectively. It’s a spectacular cast for an already spectacular film, and I for one can’t wait to see how this looks in high definition. As Disney continues reaching into their vaults, pulling out many of their classic films, as well as many of the Studio Ghibli films, my blu-ray collection feels that it is one step closer to being completed.

Hit the jump to get a look at the special features that will be included. Are you excited for ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ coming to blu-ray? Let me know in the comments below, only here on Chip and Company!

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