New Marquee Sign Installed for Tron Lightcycle Run
Attention Users: This morning Imagineers installed the marquee for TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom Park, as work continues ahead of the attraction opening on April 4th.
Climb aboard your very own Lightcycle and take off on a high-speed adventure, racing against the Grid’s most menacing Programs. Surge past your fierce opponents as you attempt to cross through 8 Energy Gates and secure your team’s victory—so you can survive to race another day.
Earlier today we shared a closer look at the Tron Lightcycle Run Lightning Lane and Standby Sign that is now visible from the Peoplemover.
Disney Receives Many Oscar Nominations for Avatar Way of Water and Black Panther Wakanda Forever
The 95th Oscar Nominations are out now and for Disney, Avatar: The Way of Water and Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever received many Oscar nominations for a bunch of different categories. Not really a surprise there…
From Best Supporting actress to Best Picture while Disney might not have many films in the running I think they are going to bring home the Oscar for both of these amazing movies.
The Walt Disney Company today received a total of 22 nominations from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the 95th Oscars®, which are set to take place on Sunday, March 12.
Disney’s film studios led the way with a total of two Best Picture nominations for 20th Century Studios’ “Avatar: The Way of Water” and Searchlight Pictures’ “The Banshees of Inisherin.”
“The Banshees of Inisherin” received a total of nine nominations, including Best Director (Martin McDonagh), Best Actor (Colin Farrell), Best Supporting Actor (Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan), Best Supporting Actress (Kerry Condon), Best Original Screenplay (Martin McDonagh), Best Film Editing (Mikkel E.G. Nielsen), and Best Original Score (Carter Burwell).
Searchlight Pictures also secured a nomination for Best Cinematography for “Empire of Light,” bringing its grand total of Academy Award®nominations to 10. To date, Searchlight Pictures has secured a total of 21 Best Picture nominations.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” picked up a total of five nominations, including Best Supporting Actress (Angela Bassett), Best Costume Design (Ruth E. Carter), Best Original Song for “Lift Me Up” (Tems, Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler), Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Visual Effects.
“Avatar: The Way of Water” had a total of four nominations, including Best Production Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.
Pixar’s “Turning Red” was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film and National Geographic Documentary Films secured a nomination for Best Documentary Feature Film for “Fire of Love.”
Rounding out the nominations was Disney Branded Television’s “Le Pupille” for Best Live Action Short.
A complete list of all TWDC nominations is below.
2023 NOMINATIONS
“THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN”| Searchlight Pictures
9 Nominations
· Best Picture – Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, and Martin McDonagh, Producers
· Best Director – Martin McDonagh
· Best Actor – Colin Farrell
· Best Supporting Actor – Brendan Gleeson
· Best Supporting Actor – Barry Keoghan
· Best Supporting Actress – Kerry Condon
· Best Original Screenplay – Martin McDonagh
· Best Film Editing – Mikkel E.G. Nielsen
· Best Music (Original Score) – Carter Burwell
“BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER”| Marvel Studios
5 Nominations
· Best Supporting Actress – Angela Bassett
· Best Costume Design – Ruth E. Carter
· Best Original Song for “Lift Me Up” – Tems, Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler
· Best Makeup and Hairstyling – Camille Friend and Joel Harlow
· Best Visual Effects – Geoffrey Baumann, Craig Hammack, R. Christopher White and Dan Sudick
“AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER”| 20th Century Studios
4 Nominations
· Best Picture – James Cameron and Jon Landau, Producers
· Best Sound – Julian Howarth, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Dick Bernstein, Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers and Michael Hedges
· Best Production Design – Dylan Cole and Ben Procter; Set Decoration: Vanessa Cole
· Best Visual Effects – Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett
“EMPIRE OF LIGHT”| Searchlight Pictures
1 Nomination
· Best Cinematography – Roger Deakins
“FIRE OF LOVE”| National Geographic Documentary Films
1 Nomination
· Best Documentary Feature Film – Sara Dosa, Shane Boris and Ina Fichman
“LE PUPILLE” | Disney Branded Television
1 Nomination
· Best Live Action Short – Alice Rohrwacher and Alfonso Cuarón
“TURNING RED”| Pixar Animation Studios
1 Nomination
· Best Animated Feature Film – Domee Shi and Lindsey Collins
M&M’s is Getting Rid of Polarizing Spokescandies taps Maya Rudolph Instead. And people call others Snowflakes. In news of the crazy and insane, M&M’s parent company Mars Inc has decided to pull back on their newest advertising campaign and focus on new upcoming advertising which will feature Maya Rudolph.
This is either a Super Bowl commercial stunt, or the company caved to right-wing political pressure. Might be both. There is either a lot to unpack here, or it is a nothing advertising stunt, either way, let us take a look at what’s going on.
The press release references a made-up controversy from last year when M&M’s redesigned their anthropomorphic candy mascots so that the “female” candies were wearing different shoes. This led to some controversy with Fox News host Tucker Carlson saying this change is evidence of Mars taking the liberals’ side (WOKE) in the culture war surrounding changing gender norms. Carlson was subsequently mocked for demanding candy mascots with sexier high heels and for calling the new Purple M&M fat. Oh, and the green candy is representing lesbians. These are just the facts of the story, not making this up.
The other side of the coin is this could just be a pre-advertising release to hype M&M’s upcoming advertising campaign, and the company has figured out how to use the political fighting in the country to divide us further. As in, this is just another advertising stunt. Below you can read the full statement.
Closer Look at the Tron Lightcycle Run Sign and Entrance. Word is the first major preview of Disney’s newest coaster will be on February 3rd, for Magic Kingdom Cast Members. Which means Disney has some major things to finish by that time. One of those major things is the entrance marquee. In the meantime, Disney is adding signs and Tron logos throughout the queuing areas.
We can now see the sign at the entrance has been uncovered to show it will be a wait time sign for the lightning lane and regular queue. Also, by the actual entrance to the indoor section of the attraction Disney has added the backdrop for the ride vehicle that guests will be able to test.
Tron Lightcycle/ Run is set for April 4th, 2023 opening day. Prior to that, there will be Annual Passholder, DVC, and Cast member previews.
Lean forward into the ultimate race of survival! Leave the real world behind and join Team Blue in an epic quest across the Grid—the dark, computerized world with no horizons from TRON. Here, there’s no limit to the excitement.
Climb aboard your very own Lightcycle and take off on a high-speed adventure, racing against the Grid’s most menacing Programs. Surge past your fierce opponents as you attempt to cross through 8 Energy Gates and secure your team’s victory—so you can survive to race another day.
Scheduled to open on April 4, 2023, TRON Lightcycle / Run will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.
From the Big Screen to the Theme Park
In 1982, Disney made filmmaking history with TRON, the first production of its kind to mix live action with computer-generated visuals and backlit animation. This iconic film went on to inspire video games, comic books, an animated series, and the 2010 sequel TRON: Legacy—as well as this new Disney theme park attraction.
On April 4, guests will enter the Grid and climb aboard their very own lightcycles on TRON Lightcycle / Run, one of the fastest coasters in any Disney park. As part of Team Blue, guests compete against fierce Team Orange to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates in a dark, computerized world.
Ewan McGregor Hopes for a Second Season of Obi-Wan Kenobi
Ewan McGregor hopes to say “Hello There” one more time with a return to the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi. McGregor has donned the mantle of Jedi Master most recently in the first season of Obi-Wan Kenobi for Disney+.
McGregor spoke with Disney Studio Awards and expressed hope that a second season of Obi-Wan will happen at Disney+. McGregor and co-star Hayden Christensen sat down with Eric Davis to talk about their experience working together again on the series. McGregor said, “I was so happy to do it again, and so happy to work with Hayden again, and I hope we get the chance to do it again,” he said. “In the old days, I would joke about, ‘There must be a good story to tell between ‘Episode III’ and ‘VI’.’ But, it’s true. I always felt that there was.”
We have heard about a second season before. Series writer Stuart Beattie has also publicly expressed interest in a second season of Obi-Wan Kenobi. While the show was initially conceived as a limited series, the creative team feels there’s plenty of room in the timeline to tell more story before the famous duel on the Death Star.
Season 1 of Obi-Wan Kenobi was a critical success for Lucasfilm. The premier drew record viewership, and the show’s finale pulled 1.8 million viewers in only 5 days. Currently, Obi-Wan boasts an 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Season 1 of Obi-Wan Kenobi is now streaming on Disney+.
Do you want to see more of Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi? Let us know in a comment if you need more Obi-Wan or if the Jedi Master should hang it up on Tatooine.
Disney News Round-Up: Moana Set for Fall 2023 Opening, Guests Selling Splash Mountain Water, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Walls Go Up, Bye Bye Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Da from the Magic Kingdom. Plus, Ariel’s Grotto reopened, and Avatar crossed $2 billion Worldwide.
WaterWorld Performer Rushed to Hospital from Universal Studios Hollywood
ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles is reporting that a WaterWorld performer at Universal Studios Hollywood was rushed to the hospital after a possible drowning today.
The incident happened during an afternoon performance and the Los Angeles County Fire Department said the man required CPR. A Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson said, “Details surrounding the event are under review. As always, safety is our top priority in our day-to-day operations.”
A witness told Eyewitness News that the performer was on one of the towers, and as part of the act, fell into the water. Other workers noticed he was missing and went into the water after him. They pulled him out of the water and into a backstage area. The show was then canceled and guests were escorted out.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Disney Springs with these specials
Guests celebrating the day of love at Walt Disney World will want to check out these specials for Valentine’s Day at Disney Springs. You and your loved on can enjoy a delicious Valentine’s Day meal.
On Valentine’s Day, Jaleo at Disney Springs will offer a special Valentine’s Day menu, featuring a variety of Spanish tapas and desserts to share.
Tapas
Tartelleta de coliflor y caviar ($18)
Tartelette of cauliflower purée and Royal Ossetra Caviar
Cono de higado de pato con membrillo ($8 each)
Foie gras and quince paste cone
Carpaccio de Vieras con frambuesas y pétalos de rosa ($28)
Scallop carpaccio with raspberries and rose petals
Lubina a la pobre ($38)
Branzino with sliced potatoes and onions
Chuletón a la parrilla ($158)
32 oz. Josper grilled ribeye served with confit piquillo peppers 158
Dessert
Sorbete de fresa y Cava con espuma de chocolate blanco ($16)
Strawberry Cava sorbet with white chocolate foam
Sopa de frutos rojos ($15)
Cold berry soup with olive oil yogurt ice cream
Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs
The pan-Asian destination by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto is offering a special menu on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, only:
Appetizer
5 spice candied Ice fish “SHIRAUO AMEDAKI” ($18)
Japanese ice fish , 5 spice powder, Tobanjan and Ginger
Entrées
Whole lobster lo mein noodle XO sauce ($50)
Whole lobster, lo mein noodle, Bok choy and Seafood XO sauce
Red Miso Glazed Faroe Island Salmon ($39)
Bok choy, Shaoxing gastrique, grilled rice cake and Morimoto duck broth
The Edison at Disney Springs
This nostalgic 20’s eatery with live entertainment nightly is offering a special menu on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, only:
Entrée
Butter poached lobster linguine ($42)
Sauteed broccolini, blistered, maine lobster, pistachio cream sauce
Dessert
Chocolate covered bacon ($22)
Maria & Enzo’s and Enzo’s Hideaway at Disney Springs
The Italian restaurant and neighboring speakeasy-inspired restaurant will offer a few specialty menu items on Feb. 14, only:
Arancini al Tartufo ($19)
Black truffle risotto, fior di latte mozzarella, parmigiano crema
Short Rib Lasagna ($36)
Fresh egg pasta, red wine braised short rib, besciamella, ricotta, fior di latte mozzarella, parmigiano, stracchino, extra virgin olive oil
Torta di Pane al Cioccolato ($16)
Brioche, dark chocolate custard, fresh raspberries
Will you be celebrating Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World?
If you’d like to celebrate with your loved one at Disney World, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
That’s not all Joffrey has going on. Right now Joffrey’s is offering four fun Festival of the Arts-themed beverages. The flavors are Magenta Frost, Jade Frost, Cerulean Frost, and Amber Frost.
There is even an Annual Passholder exclusive “Little Spark” themed one. This Figment-themed drink is available for a limited time during Epcot’s The Festival of The Arts.
Joffrey’s is my go-to place when I need a caffeinated boost. My favorite location is their main store located in Disney Springs where I can get a custom image or a Disney character on my coffee.
What is your favorite treat from Joffrey’s? Let us know in the comments below.
Be sure to check back with us at Chip and Company often so you don’t miss out on the latest Disney news and updates.
Pamela Anderson says Tim Allen flashed her on her first day filming Home Improvement in her upcoming memoir
Pamela Anderson is releasing a memoir entitled Love, Pamela where the model and actress alleges that her former Home Improvement Co-Star flashed her during her very first day on set. Anderson played Lisa, a Tool Time girl, on the popular sitcom back in 1991. At that time, Anderson was 23 years old, Allen would have been 37.
Anderson wrote in Love, Pamela, “On the first day of filming, I walked out of my dressing room, and Tim was in the hallway in his robe. He opened his robe and flashed me quickly — completely naked underneath. He said it was only fair because he had seen me naked. Now we’re even. I laughed uncomfortably.”
Allen was referring to Anderson’s time as a Playboy Model. Allen’s Rep provided a statement to Entertainment Weekly denying any allegations in the book. “No, it never happened. I would never do such a thing,” Allen says.
Pamela Anderson is opening up about her career in her new book and the Netflix series Pamela, a Love Story, both due on January 31, 2023. The book and documentary will highlight Anderson’s career and time in Hollywood. Anderson will discuss the highs and lows associated with her time in the spotlight as part of the book. Anderson says of the documentary, “I want to take control of the narrative for the first time.”
ABC’s Home Improvement ran for a total of 8 seasons and 204 episodes. “Home Improvement” is a sitcom that follows the life of Tim Taylor, a TV host raising three mischievous boys with his wife, Jill. The show centers around Tim’s comedic struggles as a father and husband, as well as his job as host of a home improvement show, in which he gives tips and advice on home repairs and renovations. The show also focuses on the relationship dynamics between the family members and Tim’s friends and co-workers. All 8 Seasons are available to stream on HULU.
The second Mandalorian Season 3 trailer premiered during the NFL Playoff halftime, and if the views of the trailer are any indication, ratings for the upcoming season will be record-setting for Disney+. Season 3 of the Mandalorian will follow Din Djarin and Grogu back to Mandalore, with Mando making amends for his transgressions.
In the first 24 hours after its debut on television, the trailer has amassed over 83.5 million views collectively. To offer some perspective, the Obi-Wan Kenobi Trailer had 58 million views.
We are excited to see where this next season of the Mandalorian takes its fans; apparently, we are not alone in our excitement. The Mandalorian Season 3 premiers on Disney+ exclusively on March 1, 2023.
Walls Now Up Around Splash Mountain as Work Begins on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Disney has not wasted any time, overnight walls were put up around Splash Mountain as work begins on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Earlier today we noticed that the Magic Kingdom Park Maps no longer shows Splash Mountain instead a logo for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is now shown over the attraction.
