We Try Out the New Ducktales World Showcase Adventure in Epcot

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December 15, 2022

We Try Out the New Ducktales World Showcase Adventure in Epcot. Let us explore Epcot without giving away the whole story of the new interactive MyDisney Play app game. With only enough time to complete 2 Pavilions in Epcot’s World Showcase, Japan and Germany, we had the opportunity to join a Cast Member for a preview of Ducktales World Showcase Adventure yesterday.

Yes, this is just Agent P with a new story and some fun new interactive experiences. It is fully played on the MyDisney App. The story is replayable and kids will really enjoy exploring all the pavilions and seeing new things, they, and maybe you, have never seen before. The big takeaway is the Sorcerer of the Kingdom card we received.

Check out the Instagram Reel below, it shows the Singing Steins that have made a return.

Join Scrooge McDuck, his nephews and friends as they travel around EPCOT World Showcase on a quacky quest to find the Seven Plunders of the World —and return them to their rightful owners. This expedition is about adventure and faraway destinations, not plunder. Life is better when we explore the world around us. The treasures are hidden in each country pavilion:

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Mexico
Norway
China
Germany
Japan
France
United Kingdom

Each country has three assignments and one finale; each mission takes approximately 25-30 minutes to complete. Guests are encouraged to replay countries at their leisure as there are variables to the set of missions a Guest can receive. When a country is completed, guests will receive an achievement within the Disney Play App. Once all the countries have been completed, guests will unlock the finale mission which is playable within the app itself!

Ducktales World Showcase Adventure

To play Disney DuckTales World Showcase Adventure, guests will be required to create an account for the Play Disney Parks app. Download the latest version of the Play Disney Parks app through either the App Store on iOS Devices or the Google Play Store on Android Devices.

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Many High-Ranking Universal Executives Take an Early Retirement

By

Sara

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December 15, 2022

Many High-Ranking Universal Executives Take an Early Retirement

Many high-ranking Universal executives are retiring early. Universal Creative, the division responsible for rides, shows and attractions at Universal parks worldwide, is losing several executives as they take advantage of an early retirement initiative.

Senior vice president and chief creative officer of Universal Creative, Thierry Coup; president of Universal Creative, Mike Hightower; and vice president of engineering and safety at Universal Studios Florida, Mike Harrington, are among the executives who are taking voluntary early retirement packages.

The retirement packages are available to employees who are over 57 and/or who have worked at the company for more than 10 years.

Universal Creative is Comcast’s equivalent to Walt Disney Imagineering. One difference, however, is how fast Universal Creative is. It took two years from start to finish for the VelociCoaster to open compared to the 5+ years it will take for Tron Lightcycle Run to open at Walt Disney World.

While it may be confusing why so many executives are retiring from Universal when a brand new theme park is in the works (Epic Universe), the rumor is thoughtful transition plans are in place. Universal Creative is known for its strong talent development and succession training.

If you’d like to visit a Universal theme park, contact me today! I am the preferred travel partner with Chip & Co and my services are complimentary. I’d love to help you plan an epic vacation!

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Making of Disney Wish Documentary Coming to National Geographic on December 24th

By

Sara

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December 15, 2022

Making of Disney Wish Documentary Coming to National Geographic on December 24th

There is a new documentary coming to National Geographic on Christmas Eve! Making the Disney Wish: Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship will debut on December 24th at 9 pm.

The only information that has been revealed about the documentary is this brief description:

“At a shipyard on Germany’s North Sea, a marvel of modern engineering is taking shape; hundreds of construction workers, engineers, architects, designers, animators, cast and crew are transforming 144,000 tons of steel.”

We aren’t sure when the documentary will come to streaming services like Hulu and Disney+ so be sure to tune in live your set your DVR.

Will you be watching Making the Disney Wish: Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship?

If you’d like to sail on the new Disney Wish, contact me today! I am the preferred travel partner with Chip & Co and my services are complimentary. I would love to help you plan a magical cruise!

Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Closing for Extended Refurbishment in January 2023

By

Sara

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December 15, 2022

Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Closing for Extended Refurbishment in January 2023

Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be closing next month for an extended refurbishment. The ride will close for its annual refurbishment on January 9, 2023.

Every year in January, Kali River Rapids closed for an extended refurbishment. The ride is typically closed until sometime in April, though we don’t have a scheduled reopening date for this closure.

The Disney World website describes the water ride as:

“Raft Down a Rip-Roaring River
Skim across an erupting geyser, drift below a canopy of lush vegetation and be whisked along fast-moving rapids. Graze gushing waterfalls and bedrock amid the raging current. Then, as the harmony of nature is disrupted, you’ll plummet down a dramatic 20-foot slope!

You Will Get Wet
You will surely get splashed on this attraction—and you may even get soaked. Guests wishing to remain dry are encouraged to bring a waterproof poncho, extra clothes or a towel to dry off.

Lockers for mobile devices and other items you want to stay dry are located across from the entrance to Kali River Rapids and are available during your ride (on a first-come, first-served basis).”

Will this closure impact your next Disney World trip?

If you’d like to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, contact me today! I am the preferred travel partner with Chip & Co and my services are complimentary. I would love to help you plan a magical vacation!

Best 3 Quick Service Spots to Hit During Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll

By

Joey Tarsan

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December 14, 2022

Quick Service to Go When You’re on the Go

Eat, drink, and be merry this holiday season at one of Disney Springs many delicious quick service spots. The holidays are hectic and with the clock counting down the days til Christmas we are all in a rush.

While you are visiting Disney Springs and getting all that last-minute shopping done make sure to slow down and enjoy the beautiful decorations and grab a bite to eat. Disney Springs is home to some of the best eateries in the area and even if you are short on time you can always pop into some of these great quick service locations and find some yummy bites that will keep you going.

Pepe by José Andrés

Offering delicious Spanish food truck fare from international culinary innovator José Andrés, Pepe by José Andrés features an extensive menu of hot and cold Spanish-style sandwiches like bocatas and bikinis, plus salads, soups, sides, and desserts for Disney Springs guests. Red, white, and frozen Spanish sangria are also available to-go for those looking to enjoy a refreshing beverage while enjoying the fresh air and holiday cheer at Disney Springs.

Pizza Ponte

A perfect place for quick-service, Italian specialties, Pizza Ponte provides an assortment of house-baked sweet-and-savory pastries and handmade sandwiches, plus Pizza al Taglio and Sicilian-style pizza by the slice, ranging in toppings from tomato, cheese, and basil to spicy salami or forest mushroom. Fan favorites include the Big Roman, the biggest slice of pizza on Disney property. Italian beer and wine are available for guests, as well.

Morimoto Asia Street Eats

Providing guests with gourmet Pan-Asian cuisine on-the-go from legendary Japanese Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Morimoto Asia Street Food’s fast-casual menu features Morimoto’s iconic ramen selections, small plates, rice bowls and more. Savory dishes range from the Morimoto Baby Ribs and BBQ Pork Buns to the famous Spicy Chashu Ramen and Chicken Chimaki. Guests may pair these authentic offerings with refreshing Popping Boba Tea or Morimoto Easycup Junmai Sake.

These are just some of the great places to grab some good bites no reservation is required!

Holiday Treats Available Throughout Disney Springs

During the holidays you can find all sorts of holiday treats and beverages in Disney Springs. Check out this adorable Santa Cake complete with tiny milk and cookies! If you enjoy frozen treats you might enjoy this Holiday Frozen Hot Chocolate Float.

Take a Stroll

Don’t forget to slow down and enjoy all the beautiful decorations. You can stop in any one of these four locations listed above to pick up your complimentary Christmas Tree Stroll Map. 20 spectacularly themed trees are spread out all around Springs and you can mark each one on your map as you locate them. Once complete you can visit the map locations to redeem a Christmas Tree Stroll button.

Disney Springs is also the perfect place to finish up your shopping. From 103 shops that include names like Lego, Sephora, The World of Disney, and more it’s easy to finish up your list in one stop.

Whats your favorite place to grab a quick bite to eat at Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments below.

Make sure to subscribe to Chip and Company on social media so we can keep you updated on all the latest Disney news.

The Santa Clauses Picked up for a 2nd Season on Disney+

By

Kevin Koszola

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December 14, 2022

The Santa Clauses Picked up for a 2nd Season on Disney+

Disney+ announced today a season two greenlight for the Original series “The Santa Clauses,” following its first season finale. Disney Legend Tim Allen will executive-produce and continue in the beloved role of Santa/Scott Calvin and Elizabeth Mitchell will reprise her role as Mrs. Claus/Carol from Walt Disney Pictures’ blockbuster franchise. Alongside Allen, award-winning Jack Burditt (“30 Rock,” “Modern Family,” “Frasier,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) will continue as executive producer and showrunner, and, Kevin Hench (“Last Man Standing”), Richard Baker (“Last Man Standing,” “The Santa Clause,” “The Santa Clause 2”) and Rick Messina (“Last Man Standing,” “The Santa Clause,” “The Santa Clause 2”) will serve as executive producers along with Jason Winer and Jon Radler for Small Dog Picture Company. Season one, which premiered on November 16, is currently streaming on Disney+.

“This franchise has had a lasting impact for so many families, truly becoming part of their annual holiday traditions,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “Bringing it back as a series has been a true gift, and I’m grateful to our producing partners at 20thTelevision and, of course, Tim Allen and team, that we have yet another reason to celebrate this holiday season.”

Tim Allen first portrayed Santa/Scott Calvin in the 1994 film “The Santa Clause.” Mitchell is introduced as Carol in the 2002 sequel “The Santa Clause 2” when Allen’s character must find a Mrs. Claus in order to continue being Santa.

In season one of “The Santa Clauses” Scott Calvin returns after being Santa Claus for nearly thirty years, and he’s as jolly as ever. But as Christmas declines in popularity, so does his Santa magic. Scott struggles to keep up with the demands of the job, as well as being there for his family. Upon discovering there is a way to retire from his post, Scott considers stepping down as Santa Claus and finding a worthy successor so that he can become a better father and husband.

Come back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Co-Host Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Passes Away at 40

By

Chip

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December 14, 2022

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Co-Host Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Passes Away at 40

Tonight we mourn the passing of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, Co-Host of ‘Disney Fairy Tale Weddings. Stephen passed away at 40 years young.

Stephen was an Artist, Dancer, Husband, Father, Son, Brother, and most of all a SmileSpreader.

His last post on his Instagram was just 3 days ago with his wife Allison and was titled HOLIDAY SUNDAY FUNDAY DANCE!

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Most recently Stephen was the DJ on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” and a dancer who rose to fame on “So You Think You Can Dance.

Stephen was also one of the hosts of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. He also recently appeared in Disney’s The Hip Hop Nutcracker.

His wife and cohost, Allison Holker Boss, confirmed the tragic news on social media:

“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt,” she continued. “I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children.”

“Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Iron Man, Little Mermaid and More added to National Film Registry

By

Kevin Koszola

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December 14, 2022

Iron Man, Little Mermaid and More added to National Film Registry

Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989) and Marvel Studios’ Iron Man (2008) are among the 25 films named today to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.

Each year since 1989, 25 films have been chosen by the Library of Congress for preservation, based on their cultural, historic and aesthetic importance to America’s film heritage. The National Film Registry includes dramas, comedies, musicals, documentaries, animation, experimental and student films, and music videos, originating from Hollywood studios, independent producers and amateur filmmakers.

Twenty-two Disney films have previously been added to the National Film Registry: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs(1937) in 1989; Fantasia (1940) in 1990; Pinocchio (1940) in 1994; Steamboat Willie (1928) in 1998; Beauty and the Beast (1991) in 2002; Toy Story(1995) in 2005; Three Little Pigs (1933) in 2007; Disneyland Dream(1956) in 2009; Bambi (1942) in 2011; Mary Poppins (1964) in 2013; The Old Mill(1937) and The Story of Menstruation (1946) in 2015; The Lion King (1994), Rushmore (1998), and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) in 2016; Dumbo (1941) in 2017; Cinderella (1950) in 2018; Old Yeller (1957) and Sleeping Beauty (1959) in 2019; and Flowers and Trees (1932), Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983), and WALL-E (2008) in 2021.

In 1989, The Little Mermaid kicked off Disney’s renaissance of animated musical films. In the title role as Ariel was Disney Legend Jodi Benson, a young Broadway actress who was encouraged to audition for the part by the film’s lyricist, Disney Legend Howard Ashman. Some 33 years later, Benson said she still performs Ariel’s big song, “Part of Your World,” every week.

“When Harry Met Sally,” one of the most quoted rom-coms, was deemed as a defining work in its genre. It has managed to endure, according to Crystal, because “the movie is beautiful and simple and appropriate and every shot is just right. The timing, which is in the hands of Rob, who is, for this movie, a modern-day Billy Wilder… and it’s New York, it’s the fall, it’s the music.”

Iron Man, the story of the origin of wealthy inventor Tony Stark’s superhero persona, was released in 2008. It launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which now encompasses 30 feature films. Portrayed by Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr., Stark went on to appear in two direct Iron Man sequels and four Avengers films, as well as Captain America: Civil War(2016) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). The character’s saga ended in Avengers: Endgame(2019).

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige says he’s delighted that director Jon Favreau’s “Iron Man,” the film that popularized the Marvel Cinematic Universe, made the National Film Registry list.

“Iron Man was the very first film Marvel Studios independently produced,” Feige said in a statement. “It was the first film that we had all of the creative control and oversight on and it was really make or break for the studio.”

He adds, “All of our favorite movies are the ones that we watch over and over again and that we grow up with. The notion that here we are, almost 15 years after the release of ‘Iron Man,’ and to have it join the National Film Registry tells us it has stood the test of time and that it is still meaningful to audiences around the world.”

We are thrilled to see these films added to the National Film Registry.

Come back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!

Josh Gad Joins Olaf on Frozen Ever After in Epcot

By

Kevin Koszola

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December 14, 2022

Josh Gad Joins Olaf on Frozen Ever After in Epcot

Actor Josh Gad certainly had fun at Walt Disney World this weekend!

Josh Gad paid a visit to Epcot and rode “Frozen Ever After.” You can watch his hilarious interaction with the Olaf animatronic in the Instagram video below.

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The Olaf voice actor uploaded other clips of his recent visit to Disney, including a video of one of his final Splash Mountain rides. Splash Mountain is closing in January 2023 and being replaced with a new Princess and the Frog ride called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

But wait, there’s more! Josh Gad also shared a clip of his ride aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Of course, he had to visit “Fantasmic!” to see Olaf’s friend, Elsa.

Josh Gad was the narrator at Epcot’s Candlelight Processional last weekend. Did any of our followers get the chance to see him narrate?

Come back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Walk of Colorful Cuisine

By

Sara

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December 14, 2022

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Walk of Colorful Cuisine

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns next month! Guests enjoying the festival can also experience the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. They can stroll around Epcot tasting 7 vibrant dishes—and one technicolor treat to enjoy at the end of the journey.

Guests can use the Festival Passport as a guide to look for specially-notated menu items. Collect a stamp after each purchase to track your progress. Once you enjoy at least 5 of the 7 dishes and collected the corresponding stamps, you can take your Passport to the Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary Artist Palette Cookie.

At each location, delight in a delicious dish while collecting stamps representing all the colors of the rainbow.

Gourmet Landscapes – Red Stamp
Blood Orange-Braised Beet Tartare with Mustard Vinaigrette, Pickled Clamshell Mushrooms and Golden Beets
Moderne (NEW) – Orange Stamp
Pan-Seared Scallops with Vanilla-Butternut Squash Purée, Brown Butter Cauliflower Purée and Lime Foam
Vibrante & Vivido: Encanto Cocina – Yellow Stamp
Chorizo and Potato Empanada with Turmeric Aïoli and Annatto Aïoli
The Deconstructed Dish – Green Stamp
Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key Lime Curd, “Key Lime” Mousse, Graham Cracker Cake and Meringues
Deco Delights – Blue Stamp
Orange Mousse with Lemon Cake and Raspberry Meringues
Pop Eats – Indigo Stamp
Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Belgian Chocolate
Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic (NEW) – Violet Stamp
Pop’t Art: Sugar Cookie with Blueberry Filling

The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine can be completed at your leisure, and you can even bring back your stamped Festival Passport to EPCOT any time through February 20, 2023 to complete your stroll.

Will you be participating in the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine?

If you’d like to visit Walt Disney World during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, contact me today! I am the preferred travel partner with Chip & Co and my services are complimentary. I would love to help you plan a magical vacation!

Opening Date Announced for Toy Story Roundup Rodeo BBQ

By

Chip

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December 14, 2022

Opening Date Announced for Toy Story Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Hey Howdy Hey! We finally have an opening date for Toy Story Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Hollywood Studios!

Andy’s backyard is getting ready for more toys! Roundup Rodeo BBQ will open in Spring 2023 to welcome guests for delicious barbecue and toy-sized fun. We’re excited to share more details about the world’s first “Toy Story” table service restaurant, coming to Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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Here’s a closer look at Roundup Rodeo BBQ, and how Imagineers collaborated with Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage to design this one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Using his imagination, Woody’s Roundup toys, and other playthings, Andy has built a rodeo restaurant for all his pals. We are excited for guests to enter the dining room and discover just how much fun Andy had creating a rollicking place for honorary toys to enjoy barbecue-inspired comfort foods served family-style, with platters of house-smoked meats, a roundup of sides and some miniature sweet surprises along the way.

In this wild, western setting, you can find a steam train supported by colored pencils, a suspiciously impressive house of cards, and game boards featuring beloved characters from the “Toy Story” films. To fill the stands of his rodeo arena, Andy decorated the cardboard box with hand-drawn audience members! The dining room also features the rodeo’s star performers: Jessie, Trixie, and Bo Peep with her leapin’ sheep Billy, Goat, and Gruff!

What we are really excited about with bringing these toys, games, and sets to the park is the collaboration with our pals at Disney Pixar Animation Studios to design figures unique to this restaurant and artwork that can only be found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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Imagineers worked closely with animators and designers at the renowned animation studio to bring characters and art from the films to life in new ways unique to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They even designed full comic strips about Woody’s adventures, which Andy has used as part of the dining room ceiling!

Are you excited to wrestle up some grub at Toy Story Roundup Rodeo BBQ?

Magical Mickey Candle Burner To Warm Up Your Home!

By

Ana Leal

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December 14, 2022

Magical Mickey Candle Burner To Warm Up Your Home!

This Mickey candle burner is perfect to stay cozy and warm up at home! It’s created by TheMagicalHomeCo on Etsy for $20.74 and you can order yours here.

This piece is made of ceramic with a beautiful white finish and Mickey shaped holes that will project Mickey’s all around! You can burn your favorite wax or oil and create a cozy and magical environment in any room in your home.