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Monsters, Inc., Returns to Theaters in 3D!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Monsters, Inc., Returns to Theaters in 3D!

I never stopped loving that Granny-Smith-apple-looking, single-googly-eyed monster Mike Wazowski, which is why I’m super excited to welcome Monsters Inc., back into theaters!

The 3D version of Pete Docter’s masterpiece (yes, I think it is a masterpiece) will be hitting theaters December 19. The film was originally released in theaters in 2001 by Pixar. (It’s been more than 10 years already. What in the…?) But even though a chunk of time has passed since the film’s original release, it’s still just as amazing as when it first debuted.

Be sure to be on the lookout for a review of the 3D version right here on Chip & Co. I’ll be seeing a special screening of the movie the weekend prior to release. Also be sure to look for tweets about the film on Chip & Co.’s Twitter account (@chipandcompany).

The re-release of this film is also getting me hyped for next year’s release of Monsters University, which tells the tale of how Mike and Sully became friends in college, not that I wasn’t super excited before. It will be fun to see these films back to back in the future! But in the mean time, we’ll see how big Sully looks in 3D. I think he’ll look like a furry, cuddly Hulk.

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Monsters, Inc., Returns to Theaters in 3D!

Christmas with Holly – All new Movie on ABC

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Christmas with Holly - All new Movie on ABC

 Premieres Sunday, December 9, 9:00-11:00 p.m., ET on ABC

Mark Nagle (Sean Faris), is the uncle and guardian of six-year-old Holly (Lucy and Jose Gallina), whose single mother passed away unexpectedly. Mark owns the local coffee shop in Friday Harbor, Washington State. Maggie Conway (Eloise Mumford) comes to Friday Harbor as a refugee of sorts from Seattle. Maggie was abandoned at the altar by her husband-to-be; it’s a perfect time for her to achieve her long-held dream of opening a magical toy store in the town where she spent her summers as a girl.

Mark has help raising Holly from his two older brothers. All three uncles have their hearts in the right place. But they’re charmingly inept in their new roles – and they’re not helped by the fact that Holly hasn’t uttered a word since losing her mother. That’s where Maggie comes in. Despite the approach of the busy Christmas retail season, she gives extra attention to Holly every time the young girl comes into Maggie’s welcoming shop.

Maggie assumes Mark is “spoken for” during the whole getting-to-know-you dance, because Mark is in a relationship with Shelby (Alex Paxton-Beesley). But that relationship is floundering, and Mark and Maggie keep bumping into each other, which is not surprising given the cozy size of the village of Friday Harbor.

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More Disney FastPass+ Testing Coming in December

By
Chip
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Here is news from Disney about the upcoming FastPass+ system that is rolling out to the parks:

At the Walt Disney World Resort we’re constantly looking for ways to make the Guest experience even better. As a part of these ongoing efforts, over the next several months we’ll be continuing our test of enhancements to our very popular Disney FASTPASS® service at the Walt Disney World Resort. The test, called Disney FastPass+, will allow a small number of Guests to make Disney FastPass+ selections for some of their favorite experiences at Magic Kingdom® Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® Park before they even leave home.

From Dec. 11-15, select Guests who are registered to use Disney’s Magical Express service will be offered the opportunity to go online to pre-select four Disney FastPass+ experiences at Magic Kingdom Park and three experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park. Guests eligible for this test will be notified via mail this week, at the mailing address on the booking. The mailing includes FastPass+ cards that your clients will use for the test. It’s important for you to pass along these cards to your Clients in order for them to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Information that we collect from your Clients solely through this test will not be used for marketing purposes. As always, we may send marketing communications to these Clients due to separate past or future interactions between us and these Clients.

While this exciting concept is currently only in the test phase, we’ll continue to share information on the wide range of new, innovative experiences we will be testing and implementing over the coming year, which are designed to make a Walt Disney World vacation even more magical!

So what do you think? Are you looking forward to Disney FastPass+?

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More Disney FastPass+ Testing Coming in December

Tips & Tricks for Flying to Disney

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Tips & Tricks for Flying to Disney

Recently, I shared a post about “Packing Your Carry On Bag” for Walt Disney World. Then, I started thinking more about packing for Disney when you will be flying, like things to do when you arrive at the airport, airline info, and more. I felt I needed to expand a little more on the subject to help those getting ready to fly to Disney World for the first time or maybe those people who have flown many times.

Here are a few additional thoughts on the subject:

  1. When you arrive at the airport, remember where you parked- write it down, take a picture of the area number, etc.  If you are a frequent flyer, try to always park in the same area so you aren’t always searching for your car after a long flight!
  2. If your airline allows your bags to “fly free”, take advantage of it!  Just remember to pack some necessities in your carry on bag, just in case!
  3. Head to Walgreens, Target or Wal Mart and purchase a travel neck pillow.  These help with naps in the terminals and on flight.  I suggest buying one where the ends snap together so you can snap it to your carry on bag.  One less thing to worry about.
  4. Women, pack a scarf.  Not a winter scarf, the lightweight “fashion” scarf.  It will help you look “in style” and it can double as a blanket in the airports and flights and can help cover up any embarrassing spills on your clothes!
  5. Take a few snacks (not drinks) with you in your bag.  Sometimes you’ll have to get to the next flight in a hurry and won’t have time to eat in the airport.
  6. Research the type of plane you’ll be flying in before you arrive at the airport.  This way you’ll know how much room you’ll have to stash your carry on bag.  If it’s a small jet, you won’t have much room under the seat in front of you and you will want your essentials within easy reach.
  7. If you travel with a laptop, smart phone or tablet and depend on wifi, make sure you have a back up plan during travel!  Download any important information, confirmation numbers, etc in case you can’t get online. Also have some backup movies, games, etc lined up to keep you busy.
  8. Don’t ever pack your park tickets, restaurant confirmation numbers or any other important travel documents in your checked bags.  Just in case your bags are later than you, you’ll want those important documents!
  9. Consider packing a pillowcase from home for your resort.  A friend recently told me she always packs a pillowcase and puts 2 hotel pillows in her pillowcase to make a “fluffier” pillow.  Plus the pillowcase from home is familiar and helps her sleep better.
  10. Make sure to travel comfortable. No need to get all dressed up just to fly. You are going to be sitting for long period of times both at the airport and on the plane so wear something comfy!
Well that is all I have right now. Do you have anything else to add to this list? Let me know in the comment box below!
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Tips & Tricks for Flying to Disney

Disney Confidential – News About Dining At The France Pavilion!

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Anonymouse
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Disney Confidential - News About Dining At The France Pavilion!

Bonjour!!!  Anonymouse here once again!!!   All the news, gossip and rumors that can be found, heard and talked of that is exciting to all of the Disney fans out there can be found right here!

There is more news coming out about the France pavilion’s new dining options over at EPCOT and if we do say so ourselves it’s tres bon!!!   A big “Merci” to our friends at the Disney Food Blog for breaking the news!

Looks like the  Bistro de Paris will re-open in December with a new name and look!  And by mid-December France will have a new bakery along with an ice cream shop! Yummmm!

The Epcot restaurant Bistro de Paris will be transformed and have a new name Monsieur Paul.  It will feature a less formal dining room, costumes for the servers, and a haute cuisine menu.  The New Bakery being constructed by the exit area of the “Impressions de France” film will feature a bread oven and show bakery and will now include salads and sandwiches so that guests can have a full meal there.  The bakery will also provide the baked goods for all three restaurants in France.  The spot where the old bakery was is going to be transformed into the new Glacier Ice Cream Parlor! What a great place to have dessert after lunch at the bakery!

As more news breaks from around the world (or in this case around the World Showcase) keep checking in!  Au Revoir!!!!

 

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Disney Confidential - News About Dining At The France Pavilion!

Gold Christmas Tree with Disney Motif On Sale For $4.2 Million

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Gold Christmas Tree with Disney Motif On Sale For $4.2 Million

Now here is one way the celebrate the holidays…

The Japanese jeweler Ginza Tanka has created the world’s most expensive Gold Christmas Tree complete with a Disney motif with a price tag of $4.2 Million Dollars (that’s 350 million Yen).  This beat’s the jewelers’s record last year where they created a Gold Christmas Treet worth nearly $1.95 Million.

The tree is made of pure gold (40kg worth) and stands 2.4 meteres high and 1.2 meteres in diameter.  It is adorned with 50 gold Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Tinker Bell along with ribbons made of gold leaf.  It took its creators two months to finish.

For those of you who may not have a spare $4.2 million lying around fear not!  There is a cheaper version that features 20 Disney characters that stand 25cm high and will cost you a mere $24,430.  While some of the miniatures have been purchased the larger tree sill needs an owner.  Any takers???

The Gold Christmas Tree will be on display through Dec. 25, at Ginza Tanaka jewelry store in Tokyo.

 

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The Brave Adventure Sweepstakes – Enter Here for a Chance to Win an Adventures by Disney Trip to Scotland

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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The Brave Adventure Sweepstakes - Enter Here for a Chance to Win an Adventures by Disney Trip to Scotland

Want to go to Scotland? Want to go with Adventures by Disney and have the grand tour of the Disney•Pixar Movie, “Brave”?…well if you answered yes to any of these questions (and I answered YES to all of them!) then read on fellow travelers as we have the contest for you!

The Brave Adventure Sweepstakes is where one lucky Grand Prize winner will win an Adventures by Disney trip to experience the land that inspired Disney•Pixar’s latest hit, “Brave.” In the film, the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland play a central role in the wonder of the story — a perfect setting for an epic adventure about family, tradition and destiny.

One lucky Grand prize winner will get to experience the excitement of Scotland first hand by receiving a nine-day/eight-night trip for two to the majestic country, including transportation and accommodations, plus a year of Time Warner Cable Digital TV and Internet service.

Between now and December 31, 2012 you can enter once a day for your chance at a once in a lifetime trip. To read the official rules or to enter the contest – Click HERE!

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D23 Unlocks The Magic Of Disney with a Year of Spectacular Events Across The Country

By
Chip
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d23

Starting in March, D23 takes the party on the road once again with our second D23’s Disney Fanniversary Celebration. The event, which played to crowds of enthusiastic fans across the U.S. earlier this year, will commemorate dozens of magical milestones, each celebrating an anniversary in 2013. Said The Hollywood Reporter of the 2012 event, “It’s a must for Disney fanatics and a fascinating look at Disney history.” Hosted by Disney Archivists and D23 Team Members, D23’s Disney Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Newark, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., and will revisit some of the most beloved theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, TV series, and nearly 90 years of Disney history. Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special admission and surprises created especially for D23 Members in attendance.
D23 will once again partner with The Walt Disney Studios, offering members access to advance screenings of the latest Disney animated and live-action feature films. In 2012, D23 Members were among the first to see Wreck-It Ralph, Frankenweenie, and Brave.

MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE, the Walt Disney Imagineering employee store in Glendale, Calif., will open its doors exclusively to D23 on Saturday, April 13 and Saturday, June 8. Members will have an opportunity to purchase limited-edition merchandise and view the park-like grounds at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts’ creative “think tank.” Additionally, in 2013, D23 will partner with Disney Store in key locations to host exclusive and one-of-a-kind events for our D23 Members.

Throughout the year, D23 will continue its popular series of movie screenings at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. D23’s 50 AND FABULOUS returns, honoring Disney favorites celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2013, including screenings of Son of Flubber (April 13), Summer Magic (June 8), and The Sword in the Stone (September 15). FROM THE VAULTS also returns, bringing favorite live-action films back to the big screen, including the digitally restored 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea on November 16.

The year also includes D23 DAY AT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND ARCHIVES, our popular member-only tours of the historic Studio Lot and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank. Tours will take place May 4, June 1, September 14, and November 2.

In the fall, during Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, D23’s SIP & STROLL event will return (September 2013). And during the holiday season, D23 will bring back the popular offering DISNEY AND DICKENS (in Burbank in December), and introduce the all-new festive D23’S HOLIDAY SPLENDOR at Walt Disney World Resort in December.

The grandest fan event of them all will take place August 9–11 at the Anaheim Convention Center when the D23 EXPO 2013: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT brings all the wonderful worlds of Disney together under one enormous roof for three days. From The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts to Disney Consumer Products and our numerous media networks, guests will revel in new discoveries, special panels and presentations, movie screenings, celebrity appearances and autograph signings, and gain fresh insights into movies, television, theme parks, animation, Disney history, and more. Special “early bird” discounted tickets are available through December 31, 2012, and D23 Members receive an additional discount on tickets as well as special perks at the Expo.

Look for dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events to be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2013 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com. All events and dates are subject to change.

D23 2013 Events Calendar:

  • March–April: D23’s Disney Fanniversary Celebration, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Newark, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C.
  • April 13: 50 and Fabulous—Son of Flubber, Burbank, Calif.
  • April 13: Mickey’s of Glendale shopping day, Glendale, Calif.
  • May 4: D23 Day at the Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • June 1: D23 Day at the Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • June 8: 50 and Fabulous—Summer Magic, Burbank, Calif.
  • June 8: Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Day, Glendale, Calif.
  • August 9–11: D23 Expo 2013, Anaheim, Calif.
  • September: Sip & Stroll, Walt Disney World Resort
  • September 14: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • September 15: 50 and Fabulous: The Sword in the Stone, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 2: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 16: From the Vaults—20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: Disney and Dickens, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: D23’s Holiday Splendor, Walt Disney World Resort

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present, and future of Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 unlocks the magic of Disney with a host of exclusive benefits, including a quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.D23.com; a weekly email newsletter; an array of discounts and special offers; free gifts throughout the year; as well as exclusive events created especially for its members.

Gold-level D23 memberships are $74.99, and Silver-level memberships—which provide all benefits with the exception of a Disney twenty-three subscription—are just $34.99 a year. All discounts and special promotions are available to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members. A membership to D23 makes the perfect holiday gift.

Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.D23.com, or at select shops at the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow “DisneyD23” on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

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D23 Unlocks The Magic Of Disney with a Year of Spectacular Events Across The Country

Daddy & Daughter Review of Epic Mickey 2 – The Power of Two

By
Chip
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ep2

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two,” the sequel to the critically acclaimed and commercially successful “Disney Epic Mickey” video game. “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” for Wii U™ is now available for digital download in the Nintendo eShop and for purchase at retailers nationwide for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and for the Wii™ and Wii U™ systems from Nintendo.  In addition “Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion,” the first Nintendo 3DS™ title for “Disney Epic Mickey”, is also available at retailers nationwide and for download in the Nintendo eShop.

When I originally sat down to play Epic Mickey 2 – The Power of Two I was going to hit it up solo like I normally do. Then I remembered when I was out in Disneyland for the Epic Mickey 2 event, Disney was nice enough to give me some goodies to bring home. As you can see in the picture above I received the Oswald Remote and the Mickey Paintbrush. So I figured why not do a Daddy & Daughter review of Epic Mickey 2 – The Power of Two, I mean both Mickey and Oswald are finally together so why not?

Daddy & Daughter Review of Epic Mickey 2 - The Power of Two

After some tough bargaining and promises of ice cream after dinner I got to use the Epic Mickey Paint Brush and she used the Oswald Remote. Since she is only 6 so I think the remote was a little more forgiving than the brush so that worked out better.

We both loved the opening movie. I don’t like to include spoilers in my reviews but I think Disney really needs to make a full fledged movie out of the Epic Mickey storyline. I wanted to go get some popcorn and watch it. We were both in awe on how good it looked even on the Wii.

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Disneyland’s Candy Canes is one Hot Holiday Commodity

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disneyland's Candy Canes is one Hot Holiday Commodity

A 35-year-old holiday tradition continues – hand-made candy canes at Disneyland!  As reported by the Disney Food Blog this year’s candy canes will be made in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Over at Disneyland the holiday treats will be made at the renovated Candy Place while at DCA they will be made at Trolley Treats.

One of the reasons the candy canes are so popular is because of the limited amount they make.  Before park opening wristbands are given away for each batch made.  There are 40 wristbands per batch and three batches per day are made. Each wristband is good for one candy cane and will have a date and batch time printed on it.  Once you have a wristband you can pick up your candy cane any time after your batch time (but you must pick it up by 4:00pm or it will be sold to someone else).

Dates that the candy canes will be made are:

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Celebrating Christmas at Walt Disney World

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Celebrating Christmas at Walt Disney World

Spending Christmas Day at Walt Disney World?  For many this is a once in a lifetime trip, for others a family tradition.  Either way, if you find yourself at Disney World at Christmas, here are a few tips for events and dining.

The Magic Kingdom is definitely the place to be on Christmas.  Prior to the holidays you can enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  However on Christmas Day, the park is one big party.  Be forewarned, the crowd level at this park on Christmas Eve and Day is the highest all year.  Often the park will be closed within hours of opening because they are at capacity.  If you brave the crowds, you will be rewarded with amazing holiday decorations and atmosphere.  The parades are Christmas themed as are the fireworks.  Cinderella’s castle is covered with a layer of LED snow and icicles.   While all restaurants are open for Christmas, many with holiday features, the following offer a special Christmas meal (don’t forget your reservations):

Last Minute Advanced Dining Reservations at WDW

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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GG

When it comes to planning a Disney vacation there is perhaps nothing more anticipated than making advanced dining reservations (ADRs) Often, people plan their entire day around eating  a special meal or dining in a popular restaurant. Dining reservations open for guests of the Walt Disney World resort 180 days prior to travel. Guests who have been planning their trip for weeks, months, or even years are prepared to make a dash for the computer or phone when this day arrives, ready to secure elusive experiences such as Cinderella’s Royal Table, Le Cellier, and Chef Mickey’s. But what happens when you have planned a last-minute trip or had a change of plans or dates? Is there hope? I am here to give you a few tips on planning last-minute dining reservations.

First of all, I  promise you there will be reservations open during your stay. You will not be subjected to eating quick service meals 3 times a day (though there are some spectacular quick service locations worthy of serving up many unique items!) The most important rule of thumb when planning last-minute reservations is to be open-minded.

  • If you are looking to get in Character Dining, try for restaurants that are off the beaten path or restaurants that are not headliners. Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club offers a spectacular Breakfast Buffet featuring Goofy, Minnie, and Donald all ready for a day at the beach. Another great choice is Tusker House at Animal Kingdom. You’ll get Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy doing the rounds here. Want Princesses? No problem! Try for Akershus in Epcot or 1900 Park Fare at The Grand Floridian.
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