More Aristocats Merchandise Spotted At Walt Disney World!
This Aristocats collection is the purr-fect addition to your home! It features Parisian details and pastel colors with gold accents, so cute! We recently spotted more pieces of this collection at Animal Kingdom, and some of them are still available online at shopDisney so check them out:
This set of four plates will make dinner time purrr-fect. This porcelain plate set features designs of lovable characters like Marie, Berlioz, Toulouse, and Roquefort.
ARISTOCATS DESSERT GLASS
Dine in Disney style with this dessert glass with artwork featuring Marie, Toulouse and Berlioz around the rim plus “oui, oui” wording and flower details adding charm to your table.
This jar set will be perfect for all your tea parties and elegant gatherings. Designed in collaboration with Ann Shen, these stackable jars feature artwork of Marie and Roquefort the mouse, complete with rose handle lid and blue ribbon.
This napkin set inspired by Disney’s The Aristocats will make your table setting extra elegant. Designed in collaboration with Ann Shen, these napkins feature artwork of florals and kittens from the film with lace edges. Comes rolled and secured in goldtone napkin rings with rhinestones
Part of the Aristocats Artist Series Collection designed in collaboration with Ann Shen, this elegant pitcher features artwork of pretty florals with notable cats from the film and is finished with a goldtone handle.
Artist Ann Shen has created this purr-fectly adorable lantern inspired by Disney’s The Aristocats. The classic design features kitty cut-outs in the top and Marie painted in pink on the outside, while the inside features a faux candle with an LED light.
This pet bowl is purrr-fect for serving your four legged friends. Designed in collaboration with Ann Shen, this porcelain bowl features Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz on both sides with ”Bon Appetit” and ”L’eau” text, so your furry friend can enjoy meal time in elegance.
Super cute right? Perfect to treat yourself this Christmas season! You can take a closer look at all the Aristocats merchandise in our instagram post:
Dapper Day Guest Surprises Mickey Mouse in Disneyland Dressed as Walt Disney
Cosplayer and Disney lover Bill Burns shared a magical moment with Mickey Mouse that is going viral online! While visiting Disneyland for Dapper Day, Bill (@billburnzcosplay) had a surprising interaction with Mickey Mouse after he entered the park dressed as Walt Disney.
The two had a touching reunion as Mickey stopped and stared at Bill’s impressive cosplay, including the iconic Walt smile. After what seemed like “forever” for Burns, Mickey embraced him, then stood back and posed while holding Bill’s hand. After photos were taken, Mickey stepped back and pretended to wipe away tears and hold his heart, expressing his love for the uncanny impression. Bill and Mickey moved on to the Disneyland Fire Dept. to recreate the “Partners” statue. The pair were later met with Minnie Mouse and posed for additional photos to remember the magical moment. Check out Bill’s post, as well as a video shared by a witness, below:
We love Bill’s cosplay and teared up at Mickey’s sweet reaction. What are some of your favorite Disney-inspired cosplays? Which disneybounds and cosplays did you enjoy on Dapper Day? We would love to hear your stories and see your photos in the comments. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for updates and all things Disney Parks!
Mr.Toad Popcorn Bucket is Still Available at the Magic Kingdom. If you are still wanting to get a Mr. Toad Wild Ride Popcorn Bucket at Disney’s Magic Kingdom there is still a chance. According to the mobile app, you may still mobile order the bucket for $30.00 and pick it up on Storybook Circus.
Mr. Toad, of Toad Hall, is one of the main characters in the 1908 novel The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, and also the title character of the 1929 A. A. Milne play Toad of Toad Hall based on the book.
The Walt Disney World version of this attraction closed back in 1998, and you can still find callbacks to Mr. Toads Wild Ride around various parts of the park. Including Disney’s Haunted Mansion and the Winnie-The-Pooh ride.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was one of the Magic Kingdom’s opening day attractions on October 1, 1971. It made sudden turns and often the vehicle would move at full speed toward an obstacle, which would move out of the way at the last second.
At one point the vehicles on different tracks would head directly toward each other, giving the sense of an oncoming collision. It was a very stylized attraction and resembled a cartoon more than any other Disney ride. It contained highly ornate plywood characters and sets that were very reminiscent of the multiplane camerawork featured in many Disney films.
We talked with the Director & Cast of Disney’s Zootopia+ Series
The world of Zootopia is back thanks to the new series “Zootopia+” that arrived on Disney+ this week.
“Zootopia+” heads back to the fast-paced mammal metropolis of Zootopia in a short-form series that dives deeper into the lives of some of the Oscar®-winning feature film’s most intriguing residents, including Fru Fru, the fashion-forward arctic shrew; ZPD dispatcher Clawhauser, the sweet-toothed cheetah; and Flash, the smiling sloth who’s full of surprises. The series is directed by Josie Trinidad (Co-Head of Story, “Zootopia”; Head of Story, “Ralph Breaks the Internet”) and Trent Correy (Director, “Once Upon a Snowman” and “Drop”), and produced by Nathan Curtis (Associate Producer, “Encanto” and “Raya and the Last Dragon”).
The set of shorts take audiences into different places within the Zootopiauniverse to offer a look at the lives of various characters from the 2016 film that make up the larger world they live in. But while there are plenty of familiar faces in Zootopia+, there are some characters from the film that don’t appear in the series and now, directors Josie Trinidad, Trent Correy, and Nathan Curtis are addressing the characters that they didn’t get to use for Zootopia+.
“We kept trying to find a space for Finnick and it just never… we had him in a couple of scenes here and there and it never panned out,” Correy said. “That’s what jumps to my head.”
Six years after the original film everyone loved, the mammals are back in Zootopia+. These six short stories aren’t a sequel to Zootopia nor do they focus on Judy Hopps or Nick Wilde. This miniseries shows off the world of Zootopia through the eyes and ears of fan-favorite side characters. And what is even more fun, is the fact that all of them fit neatly within the original story.
During our interview, the trio discusses how they came up with the show’s unique premise, playing around with different genres, the long-awaited return of Flash, and what they love about working at Disney Animation. We also learn why it was a priority that each of the six episodes was completely different from the rest, exploring new sides of Zootopia in the process.
1. Hopp on Board – When Judy boards the train from Bunny Burrow to Zootopia to begin her life as the big city’s first bunny cop, Stu and Bonnie’s youngest daughter, Molly, hitches a ride atop the train, forcing the down-to-earth duo out of their comfort zone and into an action-packed rescue mission.
2. The Real Rodents of Little Rodentia – Newly engaged, Fru Fru kicks off wedding planning with enthusiasm and flourish—at least until her scene-stealing cousin Tru Tru arrives to assume the role of Shrew of Honor. A battle for the spotlight ensues until a close call with a giant donut reveals that for better or worse, no one knows you better than family.
3. Duke the Musical – After being wrangled and arrested in a giant donut—compliments of Officer Judy Hopps—clever criminal weasel Duke reevaluates his life, pondering where he went wrong—in song. In a musical aptly staged in his own mind, Duke contemplates how to go from a small time crook to the Big Time!
4. The Godfather of the Bride – A touching tale about the powerful arctic shrew known as Mr. Big revisits Fru Fru’s big day when he delivers a revelatory father-of-the-bride speech. Taking guests back in time to his days as Mr. Small, a new immigrant to Zootopia, he imparts the wisdom he gained then about the importance of friends, family and community.
5. So You Think You Can Prance – ZPD dispatcher Clawhauser persuades his boss, Chief Bogo, to audition for “So You Think You Can Prance.” The stakes are high as the ultimate prize is a dream-come-true opportunity to dance on stage with megastar pop sensation Gazelle.
6. Dinner Rush – As super server Sam urgently tries to finish her restaurant shift to make a once-in-a-lifetime Gazelle concert, Flash and Priscilla show up at the last minute with hopes of a once-in-a-lifetime dinner.
We certainly enjoyed watching the Zootopia+ series on Disney+ and hope our fans check out the show this weekend! If you watched the cartoon shorts, then tell us what you thought of Zootopia+ in the comments!
James Cameron Prepared to Wrap Up Avatar Franchise if New Films Don’t Do Well
The long-awaited sequel to James Cameron’s 2009 Avatar movie will be hitting theaters this December. James Cameron originally planned on making five films for the Avatar franchise, but he is prepared to shorten it to a trilogy if the sequel underperforms in theaters.
“The market could be telling us we’re done in three months, or we might be semi-done, meaning: ‘OK, let’s complete the story within Movie 3, and not go on endlessly,’ if it’s just not profitable,” Cameron told the magazine. “We’re in a different world now than we were when I wrote this stuff, even. It’s the one-two punch — the pandemic and streaming. Or, conversely, maybe we’ll remind people what going to the theater is all about. This film definitely does that.”
James Cameron’s first follow-up to his “Avatar,” the highest-grossing film of all time, will open in theaters on December 16. Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.
Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the film stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement and Kate Winslet.
A new Harry Potter Scentsy Warmer is swooping in soon! Everyone’s favorite Snowy Owl, Hedwig is the inspiration for the bewitching new warmer! The new collection debuted Monday, November 14th!
Harry Potter Scentsy Warmer
This intricately detailed warmer features the iconic Snowy Owl perched wisely on a stack of books, as she fixes a protective gaze on you. Details include a cutout on the back that casts a crescent moon-shaped pattern when lit, and large vent holes to help release fragrance. The new warmer will retail for $75.00!
Santa Arrives on the Christmas Floatilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here comes Santa Clause right down Rivers of America lane? The Holidays returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom today, and that means Merry Menagerie, Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition, and more. We were over at the Park this morning and got to get the first look at Santa on his Flotilla.
Experience the magic of nature with a holiday twist. Be sure to swing by Discovery River to wave hello to some of your favorite Disney Characters aboard decked-out flotillas during the 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort.
Merry Menagerie – Delight in winter wonders as Discovery Island springs to life with artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals—like penguins, reindeer, foxes and polar bears.
Santa Claus Festive Flotilla – See Santa Claus as he sails down the Discovery River to a jolly, world-beat holiday soundtrack.
Discovery Island Drummers Festive Flotilla – Feel the beat as a colorful group of percussionists cruise along the Discovery River, entertaining Guests like you on the shore.
Plus, be sure to check out holiday-themed décor and Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition, where our beloved tree shimmers and sparkles each evening, accompanied by a heartwarming musical score.
Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy has died at age 66 after a “short battle with cancer,” his representatives confirmed on Friday. He was best known for voicing DC’s iconic superhero in “Batman: The Animated Series” and the Batman Arkham video games.
Kevin Conroy’s work in the role is the basis for every iteration of Batman popular culture has seen since. He played Bruce Wayne and his superheroic alter ego for years on TV, including on the beloved “Batman: The Animated Series,” and his influence can be heard in the performances of Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson and many more who’ve played the character.
He often played against Mark Hamill, who regularly voiced the Joker in animated projects along with Kevin Conroy.
Stunned by the loss of this brilliant actor. Words can't express my admiration and respect for the man. I loved him like a brother.#RIPKevinConroy 💔 pic.twitter.com/THlaZ2uTSh
Conroy was so beloved for his Batman voice role that he continued with the character in various other DC projects, including the “Batman: Arkham” and “Injustice” video games franchises. He also appeared in various DC Universe Animated Original Movies, including “Batman: Gotham Knight” (2008), “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies” (2009), “Justice League: Doom” (2012), “Batman: The Killing Joke” (2016) and “Justice League vs. the Fatal Five” (2019), among other films. The 2019 “Justice League” animated film is Conroy’s last credited feature as Batman, and his most recent video game credit as Batman is Warner Bros.’ “MultiVersus” from earlier this year.
I personally met him at a comic con a few years ago. I grew up as a huge fan of “Batman: The Animated Series” and enjoyed meeting him in real life since he was quite genuine with fans.
We offer our condolences to his family and friends.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek Plans Layoffs and Job Freeze according to Memo
Disney CEO Bob Chapek Plans Layoffs and Job Freeze according to Memo. CNBC has learned, one day after Disney Stock took a hit after the 4th Quarter Earnings Report came out, CNBC reports that a Memo that went out to Division Leaders Friday afternoon.
“We are limiting headcount additions through a targeted hiring freeze,” CEO Bob Chapek said in a memo to division leads sent Friday and obtained by CNBC. “Hiring for the small subset of the most critical, business-driving positions will continue, but all other roles are on hold. Your segment leaders and HR teams have more specific details on how this will apply to your teams.”
He added: “As we work through this evaluation process, we will look at every avenue of operations and labor to find savings, and we do anticipate some staff reductions as part of this review.” “I am fully aware this will be a difficult process for many of you and your teams,” Chapek wrote. “We are going to have to make tough and uncomfortable decisions. But that is just what leadership requires, and I thank you in advance for stepping up during this important time.”
Disney has around 190,000 employees across all platforms. From Parks to Disney +, Espn, ABC, and many others. Disney will establish a cost structure task force to work through these decisions, headed by Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy
New Theme Park Map at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Park maps are more than just maps to some Disney fans, they become memories of past trips, a way to plan future trips, and a way to connect to Walt Disney World. Yes, they are also maps to guide you through the parks. We are happy Disney still prints these in the day an age where everything is done through apps and digitally.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has updated the Park Map. The previous map had the return of Finding Nemo, the Big Blue and Beyond on the cover. Now it features a father and daughter having a special moment in front of the Tree of Life. The only other major change is Dino Diner is now missing from the map, since it has been permanently removed from the park.
Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to 34 species living on 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes, and rocky wetlands. Your rugged safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out animals and shares fascinating wildlife facts during this extraordinary 18-minute expedition.
Unique Animal Encounters Spot a shy hippopotamus nestled in a still pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a gentle giraffe grazing on the tall trees or wave hello to a swinging baboon. Other amazing animals you may encounter include rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas and zebras—and so many more!
Since animals have minds of their own, every expedition is a unique and unforgettable experience. Be sure to keep your eyes open and have a camera ready—you never know what you’ll see on a Kilimanjaro Safaris outing.
The Black Panther Wakanda Forever Cast sat down to talk about the blockbuster film.
The cast of Black Panther Wakanda Forever united on stage to talk about the latest MCU film. Director Ryan Coogler, Kevin Feige (Producer) and Nate Moore (Producer) along with the cast of the film. Together the cast and crew reflected upon their time spent in production and once again discussed the passing of their beloved friend Chadwick Boseman. The panel was moderated by Jacqueline Coley / Rottentomatoes.
Moderator: Jacqueline Coley: Hello, everyone and welcome. My name is Jacqueline Coley. I’m the Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes. It is my honor to welcome the cast and filmmakers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Joining us today, we have director, Ryan Coogler.
We have Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Tenoch Huerta. Producer and president of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, Mabel Cadena, Alex Livinalli, and also producer, Nate Moore.
Okay. I did the hard part. Now we can have fun.
Marvel Studios Black Panther Starred Chadwick Boseman (Center)
And it’s hard to say that, honestly, because this film, right from the very first moment, takes us to a place that I think we’ve all been thinking about. But it was still just, I think, shocking to see. But I wanna start with you, Ryan, because yesterday, I’ve already learned, as much as I would love to talk about the journey that you went on and the screenplay and then bringing this vision.
I know all you want to do is talk about your amazing collaborators because you are the most generous director ever. So, I’m actually gonna start with that question, which is, what was some of the favorite aspects of collaboration that you got to do on this?
Because I know, from everything from production design and craftsmen to as simple as giving the folks at Talokan their own version of Wakanda Forever. This was a collaborative project that you sort of went about. So, tell us about some of these fun collaborations y’all had on set.
It was great. [clears throat] And I think that’s one of the great things, when you get to do a series of films, is that you get to have these mini-reunions, you know? And it was such an amazing time that we had, making the first one.
And it was, you know, four years had passed. And it was just great to see everybody again and to catch up and to see how everybody had grown. See, you know, what kind of new things folks had went through. We were also coming off of a pandemic.
You know, we actually started the film, like, right smack in the middle of it. And, you know, I think everybody experienced a sense of loneliness, you know, during the years that followed, you know, that crisis. And it was just great to see some of these folks and give ’em a big giant hug again, you know what I mean?
And what we were all processing, you know, it’s things that people go through, this feeling of grief and loss. But it’s also great when you don’t have to do it alone, you know? So, we were able to build that sense of community and we were able to welcome new members, you know, with the actors that portrayed Namor and Talokaneel [phonetic]. So, it was awesome. It was awesome. I really feel grateful.
Moderator: Jacqueline Coley Yeah, I’ve learned now after doing a couple conversations with Ryan, it’s kind of impossible to get him to brag on himself. So, I’m gonna use the producers to do that a bit, if we don’t mind, because—
Director Ryan Coogler: Please don’t—
Moderator: Jacqueline Coley I’m gonna try. I’m gonna try. Because, look, sir, I will go ahead and say this. I was lucky enough to be there at the Oscars luncheon when Black Panther was nominated for an Oscar. There’s already been incredible heights that this franchise has done.
But Kevin, I know, after Chadwick’s passing, one of the things y’all had to deal with, on top of the grief, on top of mourning him, was the task of bringing this next installment. Which, I know for everyone, including Chadwick’s family and Ryan and everyone involved, was what you wanted to do. How did that process start, and how did it shift as you guys were going about the task?
Producer Kevin Feige: Well, I mean, Ryan and Nate really will be best to answer that. In my memory of it, it was, the shock turned into, well, you know, what do we do? What should we do? Should we do anything? And I think relatively soon, it was determined that this amazing ensemble of characters and this world that had been created onscreen needed to continue.
And Ryan pours everything and all of himself into everything he does, and had been working for almost a year, Ryan, right, on a version of the movie with T’Challa in it. And was finding and pouring his life experience from making the first movie into that. And then when we lost Chad, all of that, obviously, was then poured into this movie, as well. And keeping the idea of a celebration of Wakanda and the character at the forefront, in addition to the grief that, of course, is gonna come with that.
Moderator: Jacqueline Coley And Nate, I definitely wanted to talk to you. ‘Cause, for folks that don’t know, my very first set visit was actually to Black Panther, to motherland. They didn’t let me talk to you, Ryan. You were too busy makin’ a movie. He was like, “I ain’t got time for these press folks today.” But I did get to talk to Nate.
And in that meeting, you definitely talked about the world we were about to get in. You were so excited about it. And I just think of that joy. And at that time, you were thinking of, like, the joy of Shuri. And you were so excited that folks were gonna get to meet her. I have to think going into the process of this one, it has to feel very much on the opposite end of the spectrum.
Nate Moore Producer: Yeah. I mean, I think, as storytellers, you just wanna be as honest as possible with what the characters would experience in the film after they experience the loss of T’Challa. And that is not just grief, to your point.
It’s also sometimes joy, sometimes humor. It is all of the emotions anyone feels with any profound loss. But we had such a collection of talent and such a collection of characters, who all have a different point of view with that loss, that I think Ryan found ways to express all the different colors of grief through the ensemble. And that’s not just the Wakandans, by the way, who definitely feel it, but it’s the loss that Namor and the Talokan feel because of the loss of their homeland.
So, I think Ryan was savvy enough as a filmmaker and storyteller to weave all those themes across the entirety of the film. Which is, I think, why hopefully the film will be powerful for people.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Moderator: Jacqueline Coley Yeah. It’s not all, I don’t wanna make anyone feel like it’s all doom and gloom. Because there is so much levity. There is so much joy. And I do have to say, some incredible action in this film. Like, legitimately very incredible…
Universal Orlando Salutes Active Duty and Retired Military Members with the 2023 Military Freedom Pass
As a thank you for their service to our country, Universal Orlando Resort is honoring active duty and retired military with the 2023 Military Freedom Pass and additional special offers. Introduced in 2021, this exclusive offer gives military personnel and their families a chance to visit the award-winning theme park destination from November 10, 2022, through December 24, 2023, with limited blockout dates.
Military Freedom Pass, vacation packages and hotel discount details are as follows:
2023 MILITARY FREEDOM PASS The 2-Park 2023 Military Freedom Pass can be purchased for $199.99 per adult and provides access to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Members of the military and their families can enjoy the destination’s incredible thrill rides and attractions – including braving the all-new species of rollercoaster while racing alongside a ferocious Velociraptor pack on Jurassic World VelociCoaster, flying through the Forbidden Forest on the epic “story coaster” Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, rocking out to hit songs at 65 m.p.h. on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and encountering the action-packed adventures of Jason Bourne in The Bourne Stuntacular.
For an additional $35, military personnel and their families can purchase the 3-Park 2023 Military Freedom Pass which includes admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park, a tropical oasis where guests can enjoy a variety of relaxing and thrilling experiences, including taking in the views of a 200-foot volcano while relaxing on the sands of Waturi Beach and conquering a 125-foot drop on the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.
The 2023 Military Freedom Pass is now available for purchase. Ticket blockout dates include December 26, 2022 – January 1, 2023, and April 3 – 9, 2023. This offer cannot be purchased at the Universal Orlando Front Gate and is only available with valid identification at participating sales outlets on Military Base installations throughout the United States.
MILITARY VACATION PACKAGES With two options available, military members and their families can take their vacation to the next level with either the Military Create Your Own Vacation Package or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Military Vacation Package. Both packages come complete with the Military Freedom Pass, allowing guests to visit all year long. (Block out dates apply.)
The customizable Military Create Your Own Vacation Package includes accommodations at any Universal Orlando hotel and Early Park Admission to select parks and attractions, with valid theme park admission. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Military Vacation Package includes hotel accommodations at any Universal Orlando hotel with a Special Themed Keepsake Box, breakfast at both the Leaky Cauldron inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and The Three Broomsticks inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and one Shutterbutton’s Photography Studio session.
UP TO 40% OFF A UNIVERSAL HOTEL STAY Military members and their families can make the most of future vacations by staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, which comes complete with exclusive theme park benefits like Early Park Admission, complimentary transportation across the destination and more. Military members and their families are eligible to receive a discounted rate at select Universal Orlando hotels including up to 40 percent off their room rate at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
If you’d like to visit Universal Orlando, 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!