Tia Mowry’s The Mistle Tones interview

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December 17, 2012

Tia Mowry's The Mistle Tones interview

This month on ABC Family I had the pleasure to watch The Mistle Tones with Tory Spelling & Tia Mowry. If you haven’t seen it yet here is a little info:

Blessed with an extraordinary singing voice, Holly is all set to audition for the newly vacated place in the famous Ridgefield, Connecticut, Christmas group The Snow Belles, which was founded by her late mother forty years ago. Shocked and upset when the slot goes to someone else, the barely talented best friend of the group’s de facto leader, Marci, Holly winds up convincing the local mall manager to hold a competition for the best Christmas group to host the yearly Christmas festival at the mall. Putting together a hodgepodge group of her own with a few quirky members of her office, Holly finds herself on a journey to the real meaning of Christmas – with a new singing group and a new love thrown in for good measure.

I got the chance to ask Tia Mowry some questions about the holidays and her new movie The Mistle Tones on ABC Family, here is what she had to say!

1. Favorite holiday song?

My favorite holiday song is “O Holy Night”, so for me to be able to sing that in the beginning of the movie was so exciting!

2. How does being a mom make the holidays different for you ?

It makes the holidays more special because I’m not seeing Christmas though just my perspective anymore; I’m actually experiencing it through my son’s eyes, which makes it so much more special.

3. Favorite holiday memory

My favorite holiday memory is sitting down and watching “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2” with my sister. We would just laugh and laugh at these movies. We would laugh so loud that we would wake my mom up!

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Ricky Gervais Set to Join ‘The Muppets’ Sequel

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 17, 2012

Ricky Gervais

Here’s another reason to get excited about the new Muppets film. Last week we learned that ‘Modern Family’ star Ty Burrell was set to co-star in the film, playing an Interpol agent in the film, but we weren’t sure how big of a part he’d be playing. But we could possibly have our leading man now, because Ricky Gervais is in talks to star in the film. Not much is known about his character at this time, but he will be the lead human in the film, being our eyes and ears into the crazy world of the Muppets. He’ll be one of the three major human characters in the film, including Burrell as the “lazy Interpol Agent”, as we’ve learned. With two of the three major roles cast in the last two weeks, I’m sure we’ll be hearing who the third actor to take on the role will be fairly shortly.

I’m a huge fan of Gervais, he’s done some amazing work on television and film, and I’m a huge fan of the original version of ‘The Office’, which he starred in and created. He’s a huge fan of the Muppets, so having him come on board makes sense, especially following Jason Segal, who was also a self proclaimed Muppets enthusiast. The thing that makes this kind of funny is that Gervais originally shot a cameo for ‘The Muppets’, which was actually deleted from the film, and you can see on the blu-ray and DVD. I would have loved to have seen left in, just to see him interact more with the Muppets, but now I don’t have to worry about that because I can see him in a whole film acting along side them! There really isn’t a better leading man choice, at least in my eyes, to pick up where Segal left off, and I’m really glad to see Disney going to him. This movie just keeps shaping up to be better and better. ‘The Muppets’ sequel is currently untitled and has no release date, but will begin filming next year.

Are you excited to see Ricky Gervais in ‘The Muppets’ sequel? Let me know in the comments below, only here at Chip and Company!

Ty Burrell Set to Star in ‘The Muppets’ Sequel (chipandco.com)
Muppet News Flash – Muppets working out details for sequel movie (chipandco.com)

Ricky Gervais Set to Join 'The Muppets' Sequel

Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Get an Overhaul

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 17, 2012

On January 7th, Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain is set to close for the better part of the year as it gets a new paint job, tracks and vehicles.

This is the third major refurb of a ride at Disneyland in as many years. The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been open in the Frontierland section since 1979. The ride is themed as a runaway train that speeds through the Old West and is a park favorite.

The overhaul does include new vehicles similar to what Disneyland did with Matterhorn’s Bobsleds earlier this year. The new vehicles have received mixed review that the seats are cramped and provide little support or cushion.

A spokeswoman for the park said Big Thunder Mountain will get new trains, but they will probably resemble the existing trains, with no major changes to the seats.

‘Big Thunder Mountain’ Set To Become a TV Series on ABC (chipandco.com)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad To Get New Interactive Queue And Expanded Storyline (chipandco.com)
Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule for January 2013 (chipandco.com)

Disneyland's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Get an Overhaul

NFL Star Drew Brees Launches Elite Football Passing Academy and Tournament at Disney

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 17, 2012

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is launching his first football academy next summer, the Drew Brees Passing Academy and Tournament for high school players at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando.

The prestigious four-day academy, which is open to all skill levels but is expected to attract some of the most highly-ranked high school players in America from June 27-30, will involve elite-level instruction from Brees and other marquee NFL players and coaches. The academy participants will learn insider tips related to virtually every facet of the passing game, from the proper throwing motion to throwing on the run to taking command of the huddle, from one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.

Additionally, the athletes will have the unique opportunity to immediately put what they have learned to the test by taking part in three days of intensely-competitive 7-on-7 competition, a format which has been widely credited with helping accelerate the development of several current young NFL starting quarterbacks. The 7-on-7 competition will be run by KSA Events, the nation’s premier host of high school sports events.

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When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 17, 2012

We all know the crowds at Disney World can be horrible, especially in those hot summer months. So I wanted to share with you some tips to help you avoid the crowds which can definitely make for a more magical experience.

Try to avoid the summer – The parks are most crowded in the summer June thru August. This is the absolute worst time to visit the parks. The weather is disgustingly hot, I don’t know how anyone can enjoy the parks just from the heat alone. The resort prices go way up. I have seen the cheapest value resort room go for double the price then it was in the off-season, to me that is crazy for a small room. I live in Orlando and I have gone in the summer and I will never do it again.

The holidays are also a bad time to visit. However that can be a double edge sword because the holidays at Disney World are incredible but that also comes with higher prices and larger crowds. The holiday resort prices can go even higher during Christmas and New Years then in the summer. If you are brave and can put up with crowds I would definitely recommend experiencing the parks during the holidays. If you are not ok with very large crowds or have a phobia then I would say stay away. If you have to come I would do it the first 2 weeks of December before Christmas which is the worst week to go!

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Finding Nemo Bluray/DVD Giveaway x 2

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Chip

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December 17, 2012

Great News my little Dudes and Dudettes we are giving away 2 Copies of Finding Nemo on Bluray/DVD Combo Pack! Prepare to experience “Finding Nemo” all over again as it was released for the first time on Blu-Ray earlier this month. Of course my writer Courtney was able to check it out and review this killer title. Check out her review here.

To enter all you have to do is use the Raffle Copter form below. Please note if you are on an iPad or iPhone you might run into issues. I hear the Puffin Browser loads it just fine.

Contest runs till Wednesday December 19th, 2012 at 7am. As soon as I get to work I will pick a winner and start our next giveaway which is a Disney Christmas Movie Prize Pack.

As always if you have any questions let me know. Remember the more you comment and share the more entries you receive!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Finding Nemo” Blu-Ray Review (chipandco.com)
Finding Nemo coming to Blu-Ray/DVD/3D on December 4, 2012! (chipandco.com)

Disney Confidential – Be Our Guest Restaurant now has ADR’s for Lunch?

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Anonymouse

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December 17, 2012

Hey there Guys and Dolls it is I, Anonymouse! Delivering right to your computer the best in Disney News & Gossip.

Alas, what I have to tell you has given my sleepless nights and driven me to drink…Yoohoo of course. But, some of you youngsters will not even blink an eye but here it is…Be Our Guest restaurant is trying out a new fangled Advance Online Dining Reservation System…HORROR. So you want me to decide what I want to eat ahead of time? I can not even decide what shoes to wear (so sometimes I have to wear two different shoes just to please my spirit). Well, for those of you that are keen on new technology here is the deal.

You can make advance reservations online ahead of time for lunch at Be Our Guest which is a counter service lunch. You can do this online and as well put in your advance order. To be fair they are only testing the system now…the idea is you make your reservation for lunch in an advance, order your food and when you show up after checking in you are given your rose because the bachelor has chosen you…wait no, wrong show, anyway you are given your rose and sit down and your previously ordered food is brought to you.

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Pretty Little Liars Mid Season Premiere Review – She’s Better Now… possibly?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 16, 2012

Pretty Little Liars is back with its mid-season premiere entitled She’s Better Now. So the beginning of this episode starts off somewhat odd with sneak ins and rapid skateboarding. All I will say is if that happened to me I’m not sure I could be as calm as Hanna was but she handles it well. Skateboarding gone crazy is what I like to call this next scene and this is also the first time we see Toby in action which is interesting because he goes from crazy to talking to Spencer the next morning at school very easily. Let’s for a moment disregard Toby’s bipolar tendencies and focus on the plot forming for the episode.

We have a race taking place in Rosewood because everyone wants to run through the streets and woods of this town where everyone is harboring a deep dark secret… sounds legit. Things are hard for Aria this time around not only does she not know how to tell Ezra the truth but let’s say a certain person she does not get along with comes back to stir the pot just a little more. We also need to factor in that she has to deal with the girls suspecting her father of being involved with Allison a little too involved…

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Disney VoluntEARS Donate 35K Toys for Local Kids

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Chip

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December 16, 2012

With just 9 days until Christmas, Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney World VoluntEARS spread some holiday cheer today as they delivered nearly 35,000 toys donated by Cast Members and Disney for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

The brand new toys, games, books and plush dolls are meant to help spread the holiday spirit with kids in Orange and Seminole counties and are part of efforts by Walt Disney World Resort to make a positive impact on local children.

“With these gifts, our Cast Members want to send a message of hope to youngsters by ensuring they have at least one new present to open during the holidays,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort.

Besides adding “Toys for Tots” to their shopping lists, Disney VoluntEARS also donated more than 7,000 hours of their time to helping the Marines with everything from registering families to sorting and packing the toys. They will also assist with toy distribution the week of Dec. 14-19.

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Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule for January 2013

By

Chip

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December 16, 2012

If your heading to Disneyland soon be sure to check out the Refurbishment/Closure list below. Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available on the Disneyland website.

Current

Troubadour Tavern (Disneyland) closed through 5/22/13 for refurbishment.

Upcoming

Big Thunder Trail & Ranch Complex (Disneyland) closed 1/7/13-1/10/13, 1/14/13-1/17/13, 1/21/13-1/24/13, 1/28/13-1/31/13, 2/4/13-2/7/13, 2/11/13-2/14/13, 2/18/13-2/21/13 and 2/25/13-2/28/13 for refurbishment.
Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm (Disneyland) closed 1/7/13-1/17/13 for refurbishment.
Haunted Mansion (Disneyland) closed 1/7/13-1/17/13 to remove holiday overlay.
Primeval World (Disneyland) closed 1/7/13-1/24/13 for refurbishment.
Tom Sawyer’s Island Cider Mill (Disneyland) closed 1/7/13-2/4/13, 4/8/13-4/11/13, 4/19/13-5/2/13, 5/6/13-5/9/13, 5/13/13-5/16/13 and 5/20/13-5/23/13 for refurbishment.
Fantasmic! (Disneyland) closed 1/7/13-2/14/13 for refurbishment.

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Having a Walt Disney World Plan of Attack

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 16, 2012

Most guests visiting the Walt Disney World resort go into their vacations without a game plan. I think this is a big mistake. Disney World, as we all know and love, is huge and crowded! A little bit of planning can make all the difference in the amount of time you spend waiting in lines on your vacation. (And, let’s be honest, for me, this “little bit of planning” is months and months of obsessive planning.) Here are my suggestions for your early morning attack of each park.

Magic Kingdom

We start by arriving at the Magic Kingdom well before the park opens. If you’re driving, you’ll need to allow at least 20 minutes to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and take a monorail or ferry to the Magic Kingdom. 30 minutes may be better. Then you’ll need time for bag checks and getting through the turnstiles. Plan on being done with all of this at least 15 minutes before the park opens and snag a spot to see the morning opening show.

Once inside the park, you should head to the most popular location first. These days, that is going to be New Fantasyland. Check out the attractions over there before the masses of people start arriving in the next few hours. If you’re more of a thrill seeker, head to Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad first. You can get a lot done in the first hour the parks are open, so use that time to hit the most popular attractions.

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Le Cellier – Something Besides A Steak?!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 16, 2012

Le Cellier - Something Besides A Steak?!

On my last trip to Walt Disney World my family decided they wanted to eat at Le Cellier for lunch. Currently, Le Cellier is 1 table service for lunch but in January even the lunch menu will be bumped up to 2 Dining Credits. So this would be one of the last times we would eat there. I am not a known fan of Le Cellier for two reasons: 1. last time I ate there I was very very sick and honestly miserable and 2. I am not a huge steak fan. So can a person really eat there and not order a steak and still have a nice meal? Well the answer is Yes, you can!! The lunch menu has several options, it looks pretty much like the dinner menu only not as many fish selections I noticed. They also offer the Chefs pick menu and even on the dining plan you can enjoy an appetizer, entree and dessert. I opted to go with that menu.

For the started I had the Spicy Chicken and Chipotle Sausage with roasted corn polenta and sweet onion jam. Wow! It was amazing and big enough it really could have been a meal of its own. The chicken sausage is so good, but beware that it is spicy but not so hot it’ll burn your mouth. The roasted corn polenta was so creamy with just enough sweetness from the corn to balance out the flavors from the spicy sausage. I’m telling ya, skip the soup next time and give this a try! Yum!

For my entree I picked the Le Cellier House Burger. I know what you are thinking, what no steak?! But if you are not a steak lover, why choose one just because you are at a steak house. It is not a rule. The burger was topped with roasted mushrooms, smokey bacon, maple barbecue, cheddar cheese, crispy onions, and served with a side of french fries. They will cook your burger to order and I ordered mine well done and it was perfect. The burger is huge, I could barely put down half of it after the appetizer. I offered up samples to other people at my table and everyone enjoyed it. The burger is a winner in my book!

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