Christmas Decorations Return to Downtown Disney for the Holidays

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November 26, 2022

Christmas Decorations Return to Downtown Disney for the Holidays

The holiday season has returned to the Disneyland Resort and that means Christmas decorations adorn Downtown Disney for the holidays! The Downtown Disney District is the ideal destination to get your dose of Disney, make memories and find the perfect gifts!

The promenade is brimming with brightly decorated trees in an array of red, green, silver and gold that sparkle with snowflakes, ornaments and icicles in planters with larger-than-life candy canes, glittering presents and colorful Christmas nutcrackers.

Along with festive holiday decorations, guests can enjoy specialty boutiques, live entertainment, holiday foods and festivities! The Downtown Disney District is offering more than 25 seasonal food and drink items for a limited time.

As another extension of Disney Festival of Holidays, little ones will have fun making paper garland in the colors of Christmas/Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali and Kwanzaa at the complimentary holiday crafts table, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, near the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage. Enjoy the evening listening to live entertainment throughout the season featuring Holiday Harmony donning their fun holiday sweaters, along with The Moonrays and The Sugarplums in their holiday finest, performing near the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage, Fridays through Sundays, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 25-Dec. 25, 2022.

If you’d like to celebrate the holidays at the Disneyland Resort, 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!

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Approved for Theatrical Release in China

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Kaitlyn

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November 26, 2022

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Approved for Theatrical Release in China

20th Century Studios has confirmed that James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water‘ will have a theatrical release in China. The news was corroborated by popular Chinese social media site Sina Weibo, which also shared new posters and a trailer for the upcoming film.

Previously, Cameron had expressed concerns that the film needs to become the “fourth or fifth-highest grossing film in history” in order to cover cost of productions and advertising. This comes as a surprise, give the film reportedly cost the studios roughly $250 Million to create (not counting advertisement/media coverage), and was filmed simultaneously with the additional 3 Avatar films on the way, all of which remain untitled at this time.

Currently, parent company, The Walt Disney Company, has the Avatar sequels set to premiere in theaters in alternating years, with the original intent to swap holiday releases with upcoming Star Wars films. The studios have seen additional changes to the theatrical release schedule over the last few years due to production delays and cancellations, but it seems the future Avatar titles will stay put for the time being.

Avatar: The Way of Water will premiere exclusively in theaters on December 16, 2022 in North America, China, and other territories. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for updates and all things Avatar!

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Backstreet Boys Holiday Special ‘A Very Backstreet Holiday’ Coming to ABC and Disney+

By

Kaitlyn

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November 26, 2022

Backstreet Boys Holiday Special ‘A Very Backstreet Holiday’ Coming to ABC and Disney+

Grammy Award Winning Artists The Backstreet Boys have announced that in addition to their first Christmas Album ever, fans would get a behind-the-scenes look at their journey to reconnect and record new music for fans with a new special coming to ABC and Disney+!

The Backstreet Boys‘ new album, Backstreet Boys: A Very Backstreet Christmas is available now and features titles such as “Last Christmas”, “The Christmas Song”, White Christmas”, Silent Night”, and “Winter Wonderland”, with two new originals, “Happy Days” and “Together”.

The new special, called “Backstreet Boys: A Very Backstreet Holiday” will premiere on ABC on December 14, 2022, at 8:00 PM EST and will be available to stream for Disney+ subscribers the following day.

Related: Pop Star Aaron Carter dead at 34

Check out this sneak peek below and be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for updates and all things Disney+ and ABC!

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New Animated Series ‘SuperKitties’ is Coming Soon to Disney Junior

By

Kaitlyn

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November 26, 2022

New Animated Series ‘SuperKitties’ is Coming Soon to Disney Junior

“SuperKitties” is an adorable and action-packed new series about four fierce and furry superhero kittens — Ginny, Sparks, Buddy, and Bitsy — who are on a mission to make Kittydale a more caring and “pawesome” place. Defeating villains and imparting important messages of kindness, empathy, friendship, resilience, and problem-solving, the “SuperKitties” voice cast includes Emma Berman (Disney-Pixar’s “Luca”) as Ginny, Cruz Flateau (“CoComelon”) as Sparks, JeCobi Swain (ABC’s “Home Economics”) as Buddy and Pyper Braun (“Country Comfort”) as Bitsy.

In more news, JUSTIN GUARINI stars as the Cat Burglar!, who is, as his name suggests, a thief. If someone has it, he wants it. Always one step ahead, he enjoys playfully teasing the SuperKitties in their never-ending game of cat and mouse. He is all swag until you surprise him, then… cue the scaredy-cat!

“SuperKitties” is created and executive-produced by Emmy Award winner Paula Rosenthal (“Peter Rabbit”). Emmy Award-winning producer, director, and storyboard artist Kirk Van Wormer (“Transformers: Prime) is co-executive producer. The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television – Kids (formerly known as Silvergate Media) in association with Disney Junior.

Check out the new trailer below and be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for updates and all things Disney Branded Television!

Living with the Land Glimmering Greenhouses Holiday Overlay Day & Night First Look

By

Greg Gately

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November 26, 2022

Living with the Land Glimmering Greenhouses Holiday Overlay Day & Night First Look. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays 2022 has started and we were at the park to enjoy all the fun and food. From strolling around getting cookies, to enjoying all the Holiday Story Tellers around the World Showcase, it was quite an enjoyable time. Capped off by the new Holiday Beacon of Magic Frozen show on Spaceship Earth.

One of our favorite things about the Festival is the Living with the Land Glimmering Greenhouses Holiday Overlay. Since it is our favorite, we rode it two times. Once during the day, and then again at night time, when the overlay shines bright. Check out some of the images from both rides.

Ride along video of the night time attraction.

A Taste of the Future

See firsthand how Walt Disney World horticulturalists are using innovative growing techniques and cross-breeding high-yield crops to help feed a growing planet.

Discover a cornucopia of fruits and veggies from around the world—some modified to jaw-dropping effect. Feast your eyes on edible food crops from around the world. Glimpse hybrid striped bass, tilapia, catfish, and freshwater shrimp in our fish farm.

On this eye-opening tour, you’ll be inspired by a hopeful vision of farming’s future.

During the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, celebrate the most bountiful time of the year on a special voyage through greenhouses glimmering with dazzling lights—starting November 25, 2022.

Living with the Land Glimmering Greenhouses

New Chip and Dale Spork Debuts at the 2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

By

Greg Gately

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November 26, 2022

New Chip and Dale Spork Debuts at the 2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Our favorite chipmunks are featured this Festive Holiday all over the parks. You can find them on various decorations around World Showcase, Including the World SHowcase Bridge signs greeting guests. This year they are also the spork characters.

The holiday season is upon us! The only thing missing from the Walt Disney World Resort holidays is the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Presented by AdventHealth but fear not because it soon will be giving us our seasonal fix. From Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, you can enjoy holidays worldwide with this classic festival.

In addition to the food, a staple of the festival is the entertainment. As you travel throughout the World Showcase, be sure to take the time to listen to the holiday storytellers sharing each country’s holiday traditions.

Listen to the joy of Christmas and Kwanzaa with the lively JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season or grab the whole family for some holiday searching with Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt. As the sun goes down, you can’t miss Candlelight Processional – a moving retelling of the story of Christmas featuring a celebrity narrator and stirring songs performed by an orchestra and choir.

New Chip and Dale Spork

Bob Chapek Confidante and Speechwriter Arthur Bochner Next to Exit Disney

By

Chip

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November 26, 2022

Bob Chapek Confidante and Speechwriter Arthur Bochner Next to Exit Disney

It is no surprise that more cast members that worked with Bob Chapek are leaving Disney. According to Variety the next executive to leave Disney is Bob’s confidante and speechwriter Arthur Bochner.

Bochner is behind much of former Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s communications as his main speechwriter. Bochner had served as Chapek’s chief of staff until this past August, then he had been promoted to a vice president of strategic communications position as Chapek faced mounting controversies including his response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

More recently, Bochner was behind Chapek’s remarks on Disney’s fourth-quarter earnings call. Chapek’s performance on that call, and a follow-up memo to staff on layoffs and freezes, is believed to have led to his removal as Disney’s CEO.

Bochner spent a little more than nine years total at the Walt Disney Company. Prior to taking on the chief of staff job for Chapek in March 2020, he was director, of public affairs and executive engagement, at Disney Parks Experiences and Products. He first joined Disney in October 2013 as Senior Manager, Executive & Licensing Communications, Disney Consumer Products.

Bochner is not the only Disney Executive to leave this past week, Kareem Daniel Chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution also left Disney following Bob Chapek’s Departure. It is expected we might see more people leave Disney in the coming weeks.

Iger shared that restructuring at the Walt Disney Company would begin just after the Holiday.

New Cocktails Available at Cinderella’s Royal Table & Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom

By

Sara

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November 26, 2022

New Cocktails Available at Cinderella’s Royal Table & Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom

New cocktails are now available at Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom! Magic Kingdom was a dry park until 2012 when Be Our Guest opened. Beer and wine was then served at table-service restaurants in the park. Now, these two restaurants are serving cocktails as well.

The new drinks are available during dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table and during lunch and dinner at Be Our Guest.

French 75 – $14.50: Fords Gin, Lemon Juice, and Pure Cane Sugar topped with Charles de Fère Réserve Chardonnay Tradition Brut
Bloody Mary – $14.50: Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Bloody Mary Mix garnished with Cucumber, Grape Tomato, and Green Olive

There is another cocktail only available at Be Our Guest:

Boulevardier – $16.50: Knob Creek Rye Whiskey, Campari Liqueur, and Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth garnished with Luxardo Cherries

What do you think of cocktails now being served at Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table?

If you’d like to visit Magic Kingdom, 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!

Disney Files Patent for Park Ride with Drop Swing Propulsion

By

Sara

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November 26, 2022

Disney Files Patent for Park Ride with Drop Swing Propulsion

A new patent Disney filed for in May 2021 was recently published. This new patent is for a park ride with drop swing propulsion. Disney files patents for new inventions every year and some of those become reality.

According to the patent, the new invention is “a park ride for use in theme parks, amusement parks, and other settings.” The ride includes “a track defining a ride path for a passenger vehicle” that is configured “with two or four or more wheels, to roll upon and engage the track.” This new system would also have a “drop swing propulsion system that is adapted to drop a section of the track upon which the passenger vehicle is supported from a first elevation to a second elevation that is lower than the first elevation.”

This new system will drop a ride vehicle to a lower track and the force from that drop will propel the vehicle forward. The drop could be between 5 and 20 feet. This system could be used to drop a vehicle and propel it forward or “provide a concurrent change in direction”. The patent says this new invention would work well on roller coasters, water rides, and the like. It also states that the drop swing propulsion system “provides a new attraction experience never before seen in theme or amusement parks.”

Disney is always looking for new and innovative ways to surprise and entertain guests. This new system would do just that! There has been no official announcement regarding this patent or what attraction it could be used for. We’ll just have to wait and see!

What do you think about a new drop swing propulsion system for a ride?

If you’d like to plan your next Disney vacation, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!

Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays Storytellers Share Traditions From Around the World

By

Joey Tarsan

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November 25, 2022

Storytellers from Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays are sharing their country’s traditions, stories, and songs with guests. Children and adults are captivated by these animated storytellers as they tell tales about what the holidays are like in their part of the world.

Canadian Holiday Voyagers in Canada

This musical tour brings the history and holiday traditions of the Great White North alive.

Father Christmas in the U.K.

Father Christmas rings in the new year and invites guests to sing along while sharing tidbits about English holiday traditions and history.

Père Noël in France

This French Santa tells the story of a young girl’s Christmas letter written to him and shares the traditions of how the children of France celebrate the holidays.

Hanukkah Storyteller Between Morocco and France

Learn about the celebration of Hanukkah, its food, traditions, and music.

Daruma Storyteller in Japan

An animated Japanese storyteller shares the story of the Daruma Doll and talks about the traditions of the New Year.

La Befana in Italy

This kind-hearted witch visits sleeping children on the heart of the Epiphany. Join her as she sings and tells stories of Italian holiday traditions.

Chinese Lion Dancer in China

It’s hard to not be impressed by the energetic Chinese Lion Dancers. A narrator tells of the good fortune the Dancing Lion brings to spectators as it welcomes the Chinese New Year.

Mischievous Magical Barn Santa in Norway

This Mischievous Barn Santa will make you laugh as he teases poor Sigrid the storyteller who cannot see him as a non-believer. Songs and silliness ensue as the Norwegian holiday traditions are told through songs and stories.

Las Posadas Celebration in Mexico

Storytelling, dancing, and the music of Mariachi Cobre come together in this telling of Mexican holiday traditions.

And More

You can meet a traditional Santa over in the Odyssey building through December 24th.

Joyful! A Celebration of the Season is a gospel and rhythm and blues ensemble playing holiday music in celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa. You can catch them over at the entrance to World Showcase playing at set times throughout the day.

Storytellers Showtimes

If you want to catch all the storytellers you will have to plan ahead of time. Guest services can provide you with a current list of showtimes as they are not listed in the festival guide. You may have to do some back and forth to catch them all but I do believe it is well worth it. The storytellers are very animated and are really captivating. I learned quite a bit listening to them and enjoyed all the shows thoroughly.

Have you ever seen any of the storytellers perform? Which country was your favorite? I think I really enjoyed the Chinese Lion Dancer was really cute and I loved watching how the kids reacted.

Be sure to check back with Chip and Company to keep up to date on all the latest Disney news.

DVC’s Boulder Ridge Decorated for the Holidays

By

Greg Gately

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November 25, 2022

DVC’s Boulder Ridge Decorated for the Holidays. The Holidays are officially in full effect here at Walt Disney World Resorts with the start of Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays. While all the festivities are going on at the Parks, one of the best, but slightly overlooked Disney Vacation Club Resorts, Boulder Ridge has been fully decorated for the Holidays.

Recalling the 1860s railroad hotels of the American West, Boulder Ridge Villas offer the comforts of home amid the rustic beauty of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Dine on traditional Pacific Northwest cuisine, explore trails through lush meadows, and delight in the enchanting Copper Creek Springs Pool. Just a breezy boat ride to Magic Kingdom park, this Resort hotel celebrates the ethos of traditional craftsmanship and the great outdoors.

The resort is a smaller version of Wilderness Lodge and the tree may not be as tall, but it is still impressive. Check out all the images below.

Delightful Holiday Decor Abounds

Almost everywhere guests look they will be immersed in festive holiday decor at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Theme parks, resorts and the Disney Springs dining, entertainment and retail district are transformed into all that is merry and bright.

Decor highlights include:

Jolly trimmings and theming throughout Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park.
Holiday glamour on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and festive touches in Toy Story Land.
Animal-inspired décor, luminaries on Discovery Island and holiday cheer that expats from Earth have brought to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Dazzling international decor around World Showcase at EPCOT.
Nightly snow flurries and Disney-themed Christmas trees at Disney Springs.
Iconic Gingerbread displays and embellishments at Disney Resort Hotels.
And Christmas trees seemingly everywhere – more than 1300 at last count, some towering 65 feet.

Boulder Ridge Decorated for the Holidays

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International Festival of the Holidays Brings Christmas Magic to Epcot

By

Joey Tarsan

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November 25, 2022

The Festival of the Holidays Begins

Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays has officially kicked off! The food, decorations, and performers really got us into the spirit of the season. Even the weather being in the 80s couldn’t ruin our Christmas cheer.

One thing Disney is known for is its gorgeous holiday decor. Epcot is no exception. Each of the countries is beautifully decorated. With the kick of the Festival of the Holidays, we noticed some additional decor.

Festival of the Holidays Decor

A large sign greets you as you enter the park. As you make your way to World Showcase there are signs wishing you happy holidays in the different languages of the World Showcase countries. Chip and Dale play in the foilage amid Festival of the Holidays signage with gifts scattered about.

Once you enter World Showcase there are many areas decorated for the festival performers. Each country has a storyteller or performer that shares the traditions of that country’s holiday traditions. You will see little vignettes decorated for the performers but they also make for great photo-ops in between shows.

Aside from the festival decor, there were so many beautiful garlands, trees, and even window displays.

Of course, the start of the festival also means food booths. Each of the booths was decorated with garlands and ornaments too.

I love how the decor in each country is themed to each country’s traditions. From the red lanterns in China to the elves on the tree in the U.K. each county’s story is told through decorations, storytellers, and even the themed food booths.

I have to say that the Festival of the Holidays at Epcot is truly one of my favorite Epcot festivals.

Do you enjoy the festival of the Holidays? What is your favorite thing about it? let us know in the comments below.

Please make sure to check back with Chip and Company and follow us on social media so you don’t miss out on any of the latest news.