Construction update on Disney’s Newest Ship the Disney Wish

By

-

August 5, 2021

Construction update on Disney's Newest Ship the Disney Wish

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, is scheduled to sail for the first time in the summer of 2022. The ship is currently under construction in Papenburg, Germany. Today, Disney shared a construction update for the Disney Wish. Take a look!

Wheelhouse Installation

The wheelhouse, also known as “the bridge,” is an incredibly important part of any ship. The captain and officers command the entire ship from this location.

The wheelhouse for the Disney Wish is nearing completion and is part of a huge block to be installed on the ship in the building dock. We have all eagerly awaited this moment, as this block will truly give the Disney Wish an identity.

The wheelhouse was very carefully designed both from a navigational and functional means but also from an aesthetical point of view. With the lifting and installation of this very large and very wide block, the next milestone in the impressive construction process is achieved. The second main building part of the Disney Wish, the entire foreship, has now been constructed.

The next step will be to get the first building part, the so-called gigablock, to be “married” to the foreship. Following this, the remaining aft blocks will be lifted and installed to complete the entire ship. So more to come very soon!

Bow Installation

All the ships in Disney’s fleet have very elegant lines with sleek hulls and long bows, and the Disney Wish will certainly carry on this tradition. As construction of the newest ship is progressing at full speed, another important milestone has been achieved.

Just installed is the impressive bow of the Disney Wish, where Captain Minnie will be featured in a beautifully designed medallion and filigree. As part of the shipyard’s high-tech block building principle, the bow block has been lifted and installed to reveal the graceful bow of the Disney Wish. This block is just one of nearly 100 total blocks, and the tip of the bow alone weighs an impressive 500 metric tons!

The entire process of lifting, installing and fully welding the bow block, while being suspended from the overhead gantry crane, took just under 10 hours.

Following the successful installation of this bow block, there are just over 30 blocks remaining to be installed in the coming weeks to complete the Disney Wish in time for the ship’s maiden voyage in June 2022. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on this progress!

Are you excited to sail on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship next year? For help with planning your next Disney vacation, contact me today! I am a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations and can help you plan a magical vacation at no extra cost to you!

Walt Disney Imagineering Named a Best Workplace for Innovators

By

Kevin Koszola

-

August 5, 2021

Walt Disney Imagineering Named a Best Workplace for Innovators

Disney Imagineers contribute to help make a history of firsts as they inspire the next generation of inventors and creators. We can see their impressive displays at Disney Parks across the world. Now they are being honored for their designs.

Walt Disney Imagineering was selected as one of Fast Company’s 2021 Best Workplaces for Innovators. This honor recognizes companies that successfully foster cultures of innovation and encourage employees to discover, explore and invent.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zach Riddley (@thezachriddley)

Around every corner of Imagineering, innovation can be seen through a collaboration of talent all over the world. It’s an environment where making the impossible possible continues to happen year after year.

“When people come to visit Disney, they want to enter a world where anything is possible,” says Josh Gorin, who leads Imagineering’s Blue Sky and Creative Strategy. “As Imagineers, it is our challenge to apply both creative and technical skills to make that magical world come to life. We have to keep upping our game—that means innovation in storytelling and technology.” Today, Imagineers across Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development hold more than 500 U.S. patents.

One of the secrets to Imagineering’s success is the pairing of diverse backgrounds and expertise to create experiences that make guests wonder, “how did they do that?” Just a few of these pairings within Imagineering’s more than 100 disciplines include engineers who work with writers, programmers who work alongside designers, and choreographers in meetings with roboticists.

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

A New Walt Disney Animation Studios is Coming to Vancouver, Canada

By

Kaitlyn

-

August 5, 2021

A New Walt Disney Animation Studios is Coming to Vancouver, Canada. Welcome to Canada, eh! Walt Disney Animation Studios is opening a second location in Vancouver, Canada. According to the post shared by WDAS Careers verified Twitter account, “Walt Disney Animation Studios is increasing production with a new Vancouver studio. Our Burbank studio will lead all feature film projects, and our Vancouver studio will focus on long-form series for @DisneyPlus. For more information, go to http://DisneyAnimation.com/Careers.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios is increasing production with a new Vancouver studio. Our Burbank studio will lead all feature film projects, and our Vancouver studio will focus on long-form series for @DisneyPlus. For more information, go to https://t.co/SqFi8RCzKU. pic.twitter.com/7vU2odCDSS
— Disney Animation Careers (@DisneyAnimJobs) August 4, 2021

The company is currently hiring for most positions on the opening team. More information on open positions at the new studio in Vancouver can be found by CLICKING HERE to visit jobs.disneycareers.com. Be sure to tag anyone you know who would be the perfect fit at Disney Animation and check back here at Chip and Company for updates and all things Disney!

Featured Photo Credit – Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

‘Disnenchanted’ Has Finished Filming and Will Premiere in 2022 on Disney+

By

Kaitlyn

-

August 5, 2021

‘Disnenchanted’ Has Finished Filming and Will Premiere in 2022 on Disney+. Director Adam Shankman shared the news that Disney’s Disenchanted has finished filming in Ireland and will premiere on Disney+ in 2022! Shankman shared a photo of him and Lead Actress Amy Adams at an undisclosed filming location in Ireland aling with the caption: “Myself and Giselle…errrr….@amyadams would just like to say: And that’s a wrap. #Disenchanted Coming to you in #2022 @disney @disneyplus @disneystudios”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adam Shankman (@adamshankman)

“Disenchanted” features the much-anticipated return of Giselle, the princess from the fairy tale world of Andalasia banished to Manhattan who found her real Princess Charming in divorce lawyer Robert Philip. 15 years later, Giselle moves to the suburb of Monroeville with Robert and their teenage daughter Morgan, where she must juggle the challenges that come with a new home and discover what happily ever after truly means to her and her new family.

“Disenchanted” will feature new songs from Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, whose work on “Enchanted” garnered three Academy Award® nominations. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney+!

Featured Photo Credit: Disney

Source: ComicBook

D23 Celebrates 50 Magical Years of Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

-

August 5, 2021

On November 15, 1965, Walt and Roy Disney announced their “Florida project” to the largest media aggregation in Florida history, and this year, on October 1, Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Disney twenty-three marks this milestone with more than 20 pages dedicated to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Stories include a deep dive into the festivities in store for guests when they arrive at the celebration, including a revealing look at the new EPCOT nighttime spectacular, Harmonious. Also included is a “bonus” chapter from the upcoming book A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of the Most Magical Place on Earth, looking at some of the park’s most beloved entertainment through the years, as well a glimpse at classic park collectibles through the years. The front cover—featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in front of Cinderella Castle in their EARidescent attire—and back cover—with Remy and Emile from Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille welcoming guests to their new attraction at the EPCOT France pavilion—were shot exclusively for Disney twenty-three.

This fall also marks the arrival of two epic films from Marvel Studios, and Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings star Simu Liu and Meng’er Zhang preview the story of a man who learns he cannot outrun his destiny. And Eternals leads Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Kumail Nanjiani, and Lauren Ridloff to reveal details about the immortal alien race that reunites to save humanity.

D23 Celebrates 50 Magical Years of Walt Disney World Resort

The new issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also offers a spook-tacular look at all the Halloween-themed programming coming to Disney+, including The LEGO^® Star Wars Holiday Special follow-up LEGO^® Star Wars Terrifying Tales, Just Beyond, and Muppets Haunted Mansion. And Muppets Gonzo and Pepé the King Prawn talk about their time cavorting with 999 happy haunts. Plus, D23 previews its upcoming Halloween Invasion, creeping up soon.

And Disney Theatrical Productions’ Thomas Schumacher and Feld Entertainment’s Kenneth Feld look back at 40 dazzling years of Disney on Ice—and share their vision for the future.

Also included in the Fall issue of Disney twenty-three:

Peyton Elizabeth Lee picks up a stethoscope for Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.
The team behind Ron’s Gone Wrong previews the delightful, new animated film
Imagineers celebrate 20 years of Tokyo DisneySea—and reveal what’s to come
Regular features including By the Numbers, Character Analysis, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives

Additional details will be available at D23.com. Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of August.

Biden Administration to require foreign travelers to be vaccinated to visit the US

By

Chip

-

August 5, 2021

Biden Administration to require foreign travelers to be vaccinated to visit the US

The Biden administration plans on requiring all foreign visitors to the United States to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as part of eventually lifting travel restrictions that prevent much of the world from entering the United States, according to Reuters.

International travel restrictions have been in place since 2020 and with the surge in Delta Variant cases in the past month this would be one step to allow international visitors back into the US.

Some countries, like Canada and the United Kingdom, are relaxing or lifting restrictions for vaccinated Americans to travel.

The United States currently prevents most non-U.S. citizens who within the last 14 days have been in the United Kingdom, the 26 Schengen nations in Europe without border controls, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran, and Brazil from visiting the US.

Currently, the only travelers allowed to enter into the United States are from Mexico and Canada are essential workers such as truck drivers or health care workers.

At this time no further details have been revealed.

Disney+ Orders Season 2 of ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’

By

Kaitlyn

-

August 5, 2021

Disney+ Orders Season 2 of ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’. Today, Disney+ announced the second season of the critically acclaimed animated series “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” which will launch in 2022. “Fans have enthusiastically embraced the action and drama of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” and we are excited to see the Star Wars animated universe continue to expand on Disney+,” said Michael Paull, President of Disney+ and ESPN+. “As the dedicated streaming home for the Star Wars franchise, we can’t wait for the second season of this fan-favorite animated series.”

Commenting on the second season announcement, executive producer Dave Filoni said, “The entire Lucasfilm Animation team and I would like to thank Disney+ and our fans for the opportunity to continue telling the story of the Bad Batch.”

Part 1 of the two-part finale of Season 1 of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” will be available to stream tonight at midnight (PST), only on Disney+.

“Star Wars: The Bad Batch” is executive produced by Dave Filoni (“The Mandalorian,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”), Athena Portillo (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”), Brad Rau (“Star Wars Rebels,” “Star Wars Resistance”), Jennifer Corbett (“Star Wars Resistance,” “NCIS”) and Carrie Beck (“The Mandalorian,” “Star Wars Rebels”) with Josh Rimes (“Star Wars Resistance”) and Alex Spotswood (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”) as producers. Rau is also serving as supervising director with Corbett as head writer.

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Star Wars and Disney+!

Featured Photo Credit – Source: Disney+

Halloween Horror Nights Icon coming to Universal Orlando

By

Greg Gately

-

August 5, 2021

Halloween Horror Nights Icon coming to Universal Orlando. HHN30 is the must-do Halloween Event in Central Florida. If past events are any indication, people are frothing for this to start. With tickets on sale now and now Universal has the Rush of Fear pass, and the Frequent Fear Pass, you can enjoy Halloween Horror Nights multiple times for one low price.

Click Here for a Glimpse of the Horror and Here to Purchase Tickets

The most notorious Halloween Horror Nights icons in Universal Orlando history will join forces to inflict unimaginable terror upon guests in the all-original haunted house – Halloween Horror Nights Icons: Captured. The sinister new experience will thrust guests into a monstrous “Hell of Fame” where they’ll face The Caretaker, The Director, The Usher, The Storyteller, Jack the Clown, Chance, and more as part of Halloween Horror Nights 2021, celebrating 30 years of fear select nights from September 3 through October 31.

Halloween Horror Nights Icon

The Caretaker, a once well-respected surgeon who has become eerily infatuated with the removal of internal organs – especially while his patients are conscious
The Director, an aspiring filmmaker obsessed with capturing the suffering and torture of his victims on film – placing them in their very own living horror movie
The Usher, who seeks to invoke violent vengeance on those who don’t follow the rules of his theater
The Storyteller, who stops at nothing to entrap guests into her latest tales of terror, where no one lives happily ever after
Jack the Clown – the original Halloween Horror Nights icon and the most feared of them all – and his assistant Chance, a deadly pair who thrive on tormenting victims in ways that embody their sick sense of humor

This fall, the brutal cruelty and madness of this collection of foreboding figures will be unleashed in Halloween Horror Nights Icons: Captured. Guests will quickly realize they’re the hunted as they desperately try to escape the grasp of each character within its ominous domain. From The Storyteller’s infamous bed of razor-sharp nails to the cadaver-filled mortuary run by The Caretaker, harrowing horrors will await guests at every turn – giving them no choice but to face the most horrifying legends in Halloween Horror Nights history.

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights begin Friday, September 3, and runs select nights through Sunday, October 31 – featuring 10 elaborately themed haunted houses, five scare zones, and live entertainment based on everything from horror and pop culture greats to original abominations that go beyond guests’ darkest nightmares. And when they need a break from the screams, guests can enjoy access to Universal Studios’ most exhilarating rides and attractions.

All tickets and vacation packages for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights are on sale now, including a variety of Fear Passes that allow guests to visit the event on multiple nights starting at $129.99. Tickets and packages can be purchased here.

Tickets are also on sale for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, running select nights Thursday, September 9 through Sunday, October 31.

Due to popular demand, event nights are expected to sell out and tickets should be purchased in advance. Additional details about this year’s event will be revealed soon. For more information, visit www.Orlando.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

HOUSE REVEALED: The Dream Team of Your Worst Nightmares.

HHN ICONS: Captured. Prepare to meet some of the most terrifying characters from 30 years. If that wasn't terrifying enough, ALL tickets are now on sale: https://t.co/kzBZ7maAuN pic.twitter.com/GI6RjKVb7M
— Halloween Horror Nights (@HorrorNightsORL) August 5, 2021

Donald Duck statue coming to the Magic Kingdom for Disney Fab 50 Collection

By

Kevin Koszola

-

August 5, 2021

Donald Duck statue coming to the Magic Kingdom for Disney Fab 50 Collection

Quack! Donald Duck is joining the celebration for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary!

Our favorite sailor duck will be joined by 50 characters as part of the “Disney Fab 50,” a new collection of golden sculptures debuting Oct. 1, 2021, across all four Walt Disney World theme parks as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale will be part of a new collection of special golden character sculptures debuting Oct. 1st across the four Walt Disney World theme parks.

There will be 50 characters featured overall, and guests will be able to interact with the “Disney Fab 50” in surprising ways as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration.

During the magical celebration, which begins on Oct. 1st, you’ll be able to find these golden character sculptures throughout all four of the Resort’s parks. And leading up to their appearances, friends from around the Disney company will be announcing which characters you can expect to see.

You can also virtually “collect” each golden Disney character sculpture on Instagram. To add a sculpture to Instagram Collections, just tap and hold the bookmark icon. Then, on the “Save to” screen, tap the collection where you want to save the image or create a new collection. Happy hunting!

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

Head Back To School With Loungefly

By

Danielle

-

August 5, 2021

It’s just about time to head back to school, and Loungefly is ready to send us back in style! Obviously, Loungefly has the cutest backpacks around, but these Disney cuties will make back to school extra adorable and fun.

Back To School With Loungefly

You can bring your favorite Disney pals to class with a fun cosplay back. Vanellope and Stitch make a statement while keeping things playful and fun.

If you need a little bit of The Force to get you off to class, the Mandalorian can protect your supplies, while Grogu gives you the strength of The Force!

Keep your mood and style uplifting with the Winnie the Pooh balloons backpack! This fabulous bag features our friends from the Hundred Acre Woods as sweet mylar balloons!

One of the ultimate Disney-style icons is none other than Marie from the Aristocats! Because she’s a lady, that’s why! These Marie accessories are also accented in gorgeous pink flowers!

Lastly, we have lanyards! Lanyards are a handy and stylish way to keep student ID badges handy. I’m sure my son is going to want a Marvel one for his student ID this year!

Will you be heading Back To School With Loungefly this school year? You can find all of these fabulous goodies and more for back to school and Loungefly.com now!

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Disney Vacation Club Preview dates announced

By

Chip

-

August 5, 2021

Disney Vacation Club Members will get a sneak peek at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in Epcot before it officially opens on October 1st.

Preview dates have been announced and they are September 5th, 17th, and 20th. If you are a DVC Member and have a trip planned during that time you should receive an email this morning letting you know how to register.

DVC Members will be able to reserve a preview time for themselves and all guests attracted to their resort reservation.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Disney Vacation Club Preview dates announced

Disney Cast Members and Disney World Annual Passholders will also receive a sneak peek of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure before it opens to the public. We expect Disney World Annual Passholder dates to be announced soon.

Stay tuned to Chip and Co for more details.

Construction continues on Beauty & the Beast Castle in the Magic Kingdom

By

Kevin Koszola

-

August 5, 2021

Construction continues on Beauty & the Beast Castle in the Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is quite busy preparing for Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Guests can see many refurbishments taking place, such as Beast’s castle, which sits on top of the iconic Be Our Guest restaurant. The castle area is getting some refurbishment work to make it look majestic for Disney World’s big anniversary.

Crossing the bridge to the restaurant, you can see the work being done. The scaffolding covers the left side of the entranceway and is quite noticeable. Crews are clearing the area of debris and dirt build-up over the years. This is just another step towards Disney making the whole park magical.

The exterior work is shaping up quite nicely, so Be Our Guest will be looking great for theme park visitors. It’s always magical to walk through Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland!

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