New Holiday Tribute Store is Now Open at Universal Orlando

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November 16, 2022

New Holiday Tribute Store is Now Open at Universal Orlando

A new Holiday Tribute Store is now open at Universal Orlando! This holiday season the Tribute Store is modeled after a New York department store during the holidays. The store is located in the New York section of the park so it fits in perfectly with its surroundings.

The facade of the store features two “gold” statues on either side and a window display with mannequins dressed in holiday attire. There are four rooms inside the store, each featuring its own theme: New York holiday marketplace, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Who-ville, and Earl the Squirrel.

The New York-themed room is filled with window displays featuring Christmas trees and nutcrackers. And of course, there is plenty of themed merchandise like ornaments, socks and more.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter room features decor inspired by the Wizarding World. Visitors will find all kinds of Harry Potter themed merchandise.

Who-ville from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” makes up the third room. It features items such as popcorn buckets and plushes of the “mean one.”

In the last room, guests will venture “north of the border” to find a marketplace filled with items inspired by Universal’s own Earl the Squirrel. The decor includes tree cutouts, large squirrel statues, lights and more. It is a holiday overload!

The Holiday Tribute Store is open now and the holiday celebration at Universal Orlando runs through January 1, 2023.

Yule want to see this!
New Holiday Tribute Store is Now Open! 🎁 #UniversalHolidays pic.twitter.com/V70Jo62Nz6
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) November 15, 2022

If you’d like to visit Universal Orlando during the holidays, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan an epic vacation!

Pizzeria Bella Notte at Disneyland Paris will soon include elements from Pixar’s Luca

By

Sara

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November 16, 2022

Pizzeria Bella Notte at Disneyland Paris will soon include elements from Pixar’s Luca

Pizzeria Bella Notte Restaurant at Disneyland Paris is undergoing an expansion to include touches from Pixar’s Luca.

Since its opening in 1992, Fantasyland has been a vibrant homage to the European fairy tales and storytellers, a timeless place where the magic of animation meets the architectural styles and cultures of the countries they are inspired from. Pizzeria Bella Notte is no exception with its peaceful and romantic atmosphere which pays homage to various regions of Italy. This iconic restaurant features nods to the classic Disney stories “Lady and the Tramp” as well as “Fantasia” and will now be home to another classic that has charmed families around the world: Pixar’s “Luca.”

Taking place in the Italian Riviera, “Luca” (streaming on Disney+) tells the story of a young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.

When the opportunity to expand the restaurant arose, Imagineers naturally thought about the fan-favorite sea monster to add to the variety of characters represented in the park. This new themed area will bring a seaside atmosphere with lots of details and objects evoking the local fishing culture and cuisine that you can find in Luca’s hometown of Portorosso, in addition to providing further space for guests to enjoy Italian specialties.

“’Luca’ is a beautiful coming-of-age tale that reminds us of the beauty of acceptance, of one another but also from within. Discovering who we are can be a daunting challenge, but friendships can help us on that journey,” shares Tracy Eck, Art Director at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris – Design & Show Quality. “I’m really happy that we are able to bring elements from the story of ‘Luca’ here to Fantasyland.”

If you’d like to plan your next visit to Disneyland Paris, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.

Holiday PhotoPass Magic Shots available at Disney Springs

By

Sara

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November 16, 2022

Holiday PhotoPass Magic Shots available at Disney Springs

Holiday PhotoPass Magic Shots are available all over Walt Disney World and that includes Disney Springs! Guests can enjoy special Magic Shots, holiday props, and backdrops.

These special Magic Shots are available now through January 7. Special Christmas lights and mistletoe can be added to your photos. There’s also a “Joy” prop to liven up your photos.

There are some festive backdrops also available with some fun magical additions. Magical snowflakes, an open gift box, and some of our favorite Frozen friends make an appearance.

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A post shared by Disney PhotoPass Service (@disneyphotopass)

Which PhotoPass Magic Shots do you like best?

If you’d like to visit Walt Disney World during the holidays, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Wins 2022 TEA Thea Award

By

Greg Gately

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November 16, 2022

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Wins 2022 TEA Thea Award. The Themed Entertainment Association announced its 29^th annual Thea Award recipients this week in front of an international crowd at the IAAPA Expo in Orlando.

IAAPA Expo 2022 started on November 14th here at the Orange County Convention center. Fueled by a passion for fun, IAAPA Expo allows you to explore the sights, smells, tastes, sensations, and thrills of the amusement industry. Professionals from the world’s most respected theme parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, and attractions come to see innovation at work, connect with leaders, and source new products.

Disney actually relieved 2 THEA Awards today.

Brand Experience: Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida, USA

Classic Award (celebrating a guest experience that has stood the test of time):

Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade, Anaheim, CA – USA

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a revolutionary new 2-night experience where you are the hero. You and your group will embark on a first-of-its-kind Star Wars adventure that’s your own. It’s the most immersive Star Wars story ever created—one where you live a bespoke experience and journey further into a Star Wars adventure than you ever dreamed possible.

Arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort terminal, board a launch pod and rendezvous with the magnificent Halcyon starcruiser. Stay in a cabin or suite with an exquisite view of space. Throughout the ship, you’ll interact with an eclectic collection of characters, sit down to exotic galactic cuisine and perhaps even plot a secret mission together.

As the itinerary continues, you’ll take the story further and deeper. Choose your path. Seek out the inner workings of the legendary starship, learn the traditional art of wielding a lightsaber and even jump on a transport to the planet Batuu—where your mission continues at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Guest Jumps Out of Ride Vehicle on Spaceship Earth to Sit with Animatronics

By

Chip

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November 15, 2022

Guest-Jumps-out-of-Ride-Vehicle-Spaceship-Earth

Guest Jumps Out of Ride Vehicle on Spaceship Earth to Site with Animatronics

Caught on video a guest decided to jump out of their ride vehicle on Epcot’s Spaceship Earth to Sit with the Animatronics Characters while the ride was stopped.

The person was caught on video by pharmd23 on Twitter:

pic.twitter.com/Phe8fmPMjJ
— Neel’s no.1 stan (@pharmd23) November 15, 2022

In the video, you can see the guest sitting there while the ride was stopped in the Ancient Greece Section of Epcot’s Spaceship Earth.

There is no mention of how long the ride was stopped but it is strongly discouraged to get out of your time machines when it does stop.

FhofEwSXEAEmf8_ — Photo Credit – @pharmd23

There is no word on what happened to the guest when the ride resumed.

This is not the first time guests have decided to jump out of Ride Vehicles at Walt Disney World. Last year a Guest jumped from the Boat on Living with the Land in Epcot for a cucumber.

Disney Working on New Princess Diaries Movie

By

Chip

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November 15, 2022

Disney Working on New Princess Diaries Movie

This just in Disney is working on a New Princess Diaries Movie! Very few details have been revealed at this time.

What we know so far is Aadrita Mukerji is working on the script for a new installment for Disney, which the Hollywood Reporter reports is a continuation of the Anne Hathaway-led series of films rather than a reboot.

Hathaway has not signed on to return (yet) but according to sources, she has publicly stated her support for a third film in the series.

Debra Martin Chase, who produced the first two Princess Diaries Movies has signed on to produce the new film.

Stay tuned to Chip and Company for more details on the New Princess Diaries Movie in the works!

Star Wars Andor coming to TV Networks and Hulu

By

Kevin Koszola

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November 15, 2022

Star Wars Andor coming to TV Networks and Hulu

To celebrate the highly anticipated “Andor” finale on Disney+, and to help kick off the Thanksgiving holiday, The Walt Disney Company will offer viewers a special opportunity to watch the first two episodes of the acclaimed series across its unparalleled distribution platforms including ABC, FX, Freeform and Hulu.

“Andor” episodes “Kassa” and “That Would Be Me” will be made available on the following schedule over the Thanksgiving holiday, with Hulu offering an extended streaming window:

ABC: Wednesday November 23, 9-10:30 pm ET/PT

FX: Thursday, November 24, 9-10:30 pm ET/PT

Freeform: Friday, November 25, 9-10:30 pm ET/PT

Hulu: Available from November 23 through December 7

“Andor,” a Star Wars series from Lucasfilm, is streaming on Disney+, where subscribers currently have access to the first 10 episodes, with Episode 12, the finale, premiering Wednesday, November 23.

The “Andor” series – set five years before the events of Rogue One – focuses on Cassian Andor and his journey toward becoming a rebel hero. The tale is set against the backdrop of a burgeoning rebellion against a ruthless Empire, where people and planets are drawn into a conflict that will have far-reaching effects across the galaxy. It’s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue, and one that will test the courage and resolve of a reluctant hero determined to make a difference.

Diego Luna returns as Cassian Andor and is joined by cast members Genevieve O’Reilly, Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Fiona Shaw, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis. The executive producers are Kathleen Kennedy, Tony Gilroy, Sanne Wohlenberg, Diego Luna and Michelle Rejwan. Tony Gilroy is also the creator and showrunner.

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

Disney looking to Revive Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise

By

Kevin Koszola

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November 15, 2022

Disney looking to Revive Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise

Even though plans for Margot Robbie’s movie have been canceled, Disney is still interested in returning to the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise.

It is rumored that Dylan O’Brien is currently the number one pick to play the leading role in Pirates of the Caribbean series as Disney+ looks to revive one of its most beloved franchises.

Dylan O’Brien first came to prominence as Stiles Stilinski on the MTV Teen Wolf series adapted from the 1985 Michael J. Fox movie of the same name.

Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer has claimed that another feature film is in the works, but there has yet to be update on that project. To clarify, it would be a sequel of sorts to the current franchise movies and was not related to the scrapped movie plans with Margot Robbie.

Many fans want Johnny Depp to return to his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow, but that seems unlikely to happen given statements he made during his trial earlier this year.

Would you like to see the Pirates franchise revitalized with a new cast of characters?

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

Peppermint Frosty is coming soon to Wendy’s

By

Kevin Koszola

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November 15, 2022

Peppermint Frosty is coming soon to Wendy’s

Wendy’s is releasing a new limited edition Peppermint Frosty to celebrate the holidays.

A merry take on the iconic treat, it’s joining the classic Chocolate Frosty on menus beginning November 15, for a limited time throughout the holiday season. It’s the first-ever holiday Frosty and only the third Frosty flavor ever introduced by the fast food giant in the past 16 years.

“Now who said you can’t eat a candy cane with a spoon?” the brand said in a news release.

“The Peppermint Frosty is our latest flavor innovation on the iconic Wendy’s Frosty that fans have come to know and love for over 50 years,” said John Li, Vice President of Culinary Innovation for the Wendy’s Company. “It’s the classic thick and creamy Frosty that our fans crave with bursts of fresh peppermint – every sweet bite will put you in the holiday spirit.”

Fans will be able to grab a Peppermint Frosty starting November 15 in restaurants nationwide or through the Wendy’s mobile app.

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

Concept art revealed for Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers replacing ESPN Club

By

Sara

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November 15, 2022

Concept art revealed for Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers replacing ESPN Club

Next year The Cake Bake Shop will be coming to Disney’s BoardWalk. The shop will replace the closed ESPN Club. Disney has now released concept art for what the shop will look like.

The concept art shows there will be multiple entrances – one for the bakery and one for the restaurant. You can see on the far left there are large French doors opened to the outside.

The other photo above is an interior look at an already existing Cake Bake Shop. We expect the new shop at the BoardWalk to have a similar look and feel. According to Disney, “In this photo of an existing restaurant, this restaurant will offer both savory and dessert menus, along with afternoon tea service, in a whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the idyllic charm of Disney’s BoardWalk that guests know and love.”

Are you looking forward to The Cake Bake Shop opening next year?

If you’d like to visit Disney’s BoardWalk, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.

Santa Mickey Mouse Cupcake is a perfect Holiday Treat

By

Kevin Koszola

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November 15, 2022

Santa Mickey Mouse Cupcake is a perfect Holiday Treat

A new festive cupcake is available for the holiday season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! It’s the Santa Mickey Mouse Cupcake!

You can take a closer look at the festive cupcake in our Instagram link below.

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A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

It’s available at Rosie’s All-American Café for $5.99 plus tax. The cupcake consists of chocolate cake filled with mocha fudge and topped with red almond buttercream, white chocolate, and dark chocolate Mickey Mouse ears.

We highly recommend you try the festive cupcake the next time you’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

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

Disney World Raising Annual Pass Prices – Still Unavailable for Purchase

By

Chip

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November 15, 2022

Disney World Raising Annual Pass Prices – Still Unavailable for Purchase

Earlier today Disney announced that they would be Introducing Park-Specific Ticket Pricing on December 8th.

Along with the news they also shared that Disney World Annual Passes would be raising their prices as well.

Here are the details:

On Dec. 8th, Annual Pass Prices for the Incredi-, Sorcerer, and Pirate Annual Passes will increase between $43-100. The Disney Pixie Dust Pass will remain at its current price.

The Disney Pixie Dust Pass remains available for purchase, as our other three Annual Passes remain unavailable for new sales for the time being as we stay focused on our current Passholders.

As a reminder, All Annual Passes continue to be available for renewal.