Bob Chapek, Josh D’Amaro, DCappella, and more to attend Destination D23 2021 at Walt Disney World

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July 26, 2021

Bob Chapek, Josh D'Amaro, DCappella, and more to attend Destination D23 2021 at Walt Disney World

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club just announced new details about Destination D23 2021 – Walt Disney World!

Special guests and presenters include Disney CEO Bob Chapek, Disney Park, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s acapella sensation DCappella, filmmakers from Encanto, Broadway’s Michael James Scott, a cavalcade of Imagineers, and more will be part of the three-day event at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Friday, November 19 through Sunday, November 21.

Plus, the Walt Disney Archives will be presenting a special exhibition curated just for the event. 50 Years of Bringing Home the Magic is an all-new exhibit that will take guests through a half-century journey of merchandise memories of the Walt Disney World Resort. And Mickey’s of Glendale, the Walt Disney Imagineering campus store, will be returning with a pop-up shop full of items created just for Destination D23.

EVENT LISTING

Destination D23 2021 – Walt Disney World

Friday, November 19 – Sunday, November 21, 2021

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Walt Disney World Resort, FL

Tickets on sale Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. EST / 10:00 a.m. PST

General Seating: $249 (plus $7 processing fee)

Preferred Seating: $399 (plus $7 processing fee)

Join D23: The Official Disney Fan Club at the Biggest Disney Fan Event of the year, as we celebrate 50 years of the Walt Disney World Resort and so much more!

Be the first to hear exciting announcements and see sneak peeks from the many worlds of Disney—and relive your favorite memories with behind-the-scenes stories, special guests, and so much more at this fan-favorite event!

Presentation Highlights of Destination D23 2021 will include*:

A kickoff welcome presentation with Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company.

What’s New and What’s Next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products—Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share what’s new and what’s next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The exclusive presentation will feature updates on some of the most anticipated projects around the world. And as D23 Members know, there is always a surprise or two in store!

A special look at what’s new and next from Disney+!

Musical Memories of Walt Disney World— A journey through 50 years of the Walt Disney World songbook with Walt Disney Imagineering, revealing the stories behind beloved fan-favorite melodies and a peek into the process of creating new ones.

Destination D23 audiences will also thrill to performances from Michael James Scott, Genie in Disney on Broadway’s hit Aladdin and Disney’s acapella sensation DCappella.

The Art and Imagery of Walt Disney World— Dive into the Walt Disney Imagineering Art and Photo collections for a look at over 50 years of the most gorgeous, stunning, and surprising artwork that inspired the most magical place on earth over the years.

The Magical Musical World of Encanto—Join filmmakers and special guests for a melodic Saturday evening celebration of the upcoming musical, the 60th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios!

Weird Disney World—The fan-favorite “Weird Disney” returns, as Director of the Walt Disney Archives Becky Cline digs into Disney history to bring you a half century of the wildest and wackiest Walt Disney World moments!

How the (Disney) World Began—Join Kevin Kern and Steven Vagnini, authors and historians behind A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth andDisney Legend Dick Nunis for a look at how Walt Disney’s dreams were translated into the Vacation Kingdom of the World.

Park Stars: Original Characters of Walt Disney World—Figment, Big Al, the Orange Bird, and Teddi Barra are just a few of the many Disney characters created specifically for Walt Disney World. Join Imagineers Diana Brost and Jason Grandt as they take you on a journey around the “world” to meet many of the fun personalities that appear in Walt Disney World attractions and shows.

Exciting Experiences at Destination D23 2021 will include*:

The Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Bringing Home the Magic—An all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives takes you through a half century journey of merchandise memories of the Walt Disney World Resort. From figurines and fanny packs to pins and plush, relive each exciting decade through the souvenirs that brought the Vacation Kingdom of the World home!

Mickey’s of Glendale—The Walt Disney Imagineering campus store returns with a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Destination D23 and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise. Trading pins for this event will be offered to attendees through a RSP opportunity.**

Special Screening—On Friday, November 19, event guests will also be invited to a special screening at Disney Springs.**

Disney+ Party—Join Disney+ for the grand finale of an incredible weekend with a special celebration you can’t miss!

Plus, more presenters and presentations to be announced soon!

*Please be advised: All schedules, events, and merchandise are subject to change without notice. For the enjoyment of all attendees, access in and out of the Fantasia ballroom may be limited during presentations.

**For the convenience of our event guests, you will be offered the opportunity to reserve a shopping window for Mickey’s of Glendale on Friday, as well as a show time for your screening at Disney Springs on Friday. Details to come closer to the event.

Lucasfilm Hired the Deep Fake Artist Who “Fixed” Luke Skywalker CGI in ‘The Mandalorian’

By

Kaitlyn

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July 26, 2021

Lucasfilm Hired the Deep Fake Artist Who “Fixed” Luke Skywalker CGI in ‘The Mandalorian’. YouTuber and Deep Fake Artist Shamook is known for some extremely viral videos featuring “improved” CGI remakes of popular scenes from hit films and shows. After the season 2 finale of The Mandalorian Shamook shared a video of his improvement of Luke Skywalker’s appearance in the series and caught the eye of the team at ILM/Lucasfilm. His work was so impressive the studio hired the famous YouTuber instantly and he has now settled into his new role with the company.

Shamook confirmed the news in a recent video comment, sharing with his fans and followers: “As some of you may already know, I joined ILM/Lucasfilms a few months ago and haven’t had the time to work on any new YouTube content. Now I’ve settled into my job, uploads should start increasing again. They’ll still be slow, but hopefully not months apart. Enjoy!”

Check out Shamook’s Deep Fake video from The Mandalorian below and be sure to look for his credits in future Lucasfilm projects! (For more videos from Shamook CLICK HERE!)

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Star Wars!

Featured Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

Source: Stealth Optional

New Leather & Suede Minnie Ears at Disney Springs

By

Greg Gately

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July 26, 2021

New Leather & Suade Minnie Ears at Disney Springs

New Leather & Suede Minnie Ears at Disney Springs. These new ears were spotted this morning at World of Disney for $29.99. Check out more photos and the Instagram Post below.

The Minnie Ears are all Leather, except the bow is suede with a really cute pattern. They are burnt orange in color or maybe yellow-brown. The inside band is a valor feeling material. These Rustic or Boho ears go great with so many different styles.

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‘Hook’ Star Dante Basco Honors the Late Robin Williams in Heartfelt Birthday Post

By

Kaitlyn

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July 26, 2021

‘Hook’ Star Dante Basco Honors the Late Robin Williams in Heartfelt Birthday Post. This last Saturday (July 24th) would have marked Robin William’s 70th Birthday, and fans and co-stars of the late actor paid tribute online to honor the late actor. One such post was shared by Williams’ ‘Hook’ co-star Dante Basco (Rufio).

Basco posted a backstage photo from the hit film to Instagram along with the caption: “I just wanted to say happy birthday to #RobinWilliams. This is a picture on the Sony lot during shooting when my brothers & cousin came to visit & we gave him a hat we made at Compton Indoor swap meet. We embroidered the name of our crew we created after watching #DeadPoetsSociety, it was the address of the garage we all lived in together growing up, “13607 1/2”. We wrote poems and raps and tried to live like they did in the movie & “suck the marrow out of life.” He’ll never know how much he’s impacted my life… O captain, my captain… You are the Pan!“

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A post shared by Dante Basco (@dantebasco)

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things entertainment!

Featured Photo Credit: Amblin Entertainment

Source: Dante Basco Instagram

Disney World is hosting an online hiring event with $1,000 sign-on bonuses

By

Chip

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July 26, 2021

Disney World is hosting an online hiring event with $1,000 sign-on bonuses

Walt Disney World is hosting an online hiring event! Now you can be a part of the Magic at Walt Disney World!

Disney is hiring for a variety of roles across their theme parks and resorts! From Culinary and Quick Service to Housekeeping and Custodial, you could be part of a team that brings one-of-a-kind experiences to life for guests of all ages.

Looking for a little extra magic? They are currently offering a $1,000 hiring bonus for full-time and part-time housekeeping positions and select culinary roles.

The Disney World Online Hiring Event runs through July 31st.

Click here to learn more!

Orange County Florida has seen a huge spike in COVID cases leaders urge Face Masks to return

By

Chip

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July 26, 2021

Orange County Leaders are on high alert as Florida has seen a huge spike in COVID cases in the past week. A recent report from the health department shows that Orange County Florida is in roughly the 14% COVID-19 positivity range.

Orange County Florida has seen a huge spike in COVID cases leaders urge Face Masks to return

As of July 22, 2021: 61.59% of Orange County residents 12+ have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Orange County’s 14-day COVID-19 rolling positivity rate is 13.96%.

During a news briefing on Monday, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said one month ago, the COVID-19 positivity rate was at 4.28% in Orange County, and now, as of Saturday, it was at 13.96%.

The mayor also noted that 95% of the new positive cases are unvaccinated individuals and is encouraging residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Orange County leaders are suggesting everyone to wear masks indoors and are considering making them mandatory once again. Both Disney World and Universal Orlando are in Orange County Florida. Neither theme park has changed its face mask policy yet.

Stay tuned to Chip and Co for more details.

WESH

‘The Lion King’ Cast Broke Out into Song Singing “Circle of Life” for the First Day of Rehearsal

By

Kaitlyn

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July 26, 2021

‘The Lion King’ Cast Broke Out into Song Singing “Circle of Life” for the First Day of Rehearsal. Theaters have been dark for nearly two years, but this fall the curtains will rise once again and rehearsals have begun for the returning shows. This week, the cast of Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway gathered for the first round of rehearsals and broke out into an emotional rendition of the iconic opening song Circle of Life.

Check out the full video of the impromptu performance below:

The Lion King returns to Broadway’s Minskoff Theater on September 14, 2021. Tickets are on sale now. Visit disneyonbroadway.com for tickets and information.

Minskoff Theatres will follow New York State and CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of all actors, production staff, theatre employees, and audience members. As public health conditions and the State’s guidance for performing arts and live entertainment changes, the theatre will remain flexible and adapt to applicable health protocols, such as face coverings, health screening, enhanced air filtration and ventilation, and rigorous cleaning and disinfection. For information on safety protocols at The Minskoff Theatre visit lionking.guide.

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney on Broadway!

Featured Photo Credit:

Source: What’s On Stage

Marvel’s ‘Black Widow’ Arrives Early on Digital 8/10 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD 9/14

By

Chip

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July 26, 2021

Marvel's 'Black Widow' Arrives Early on Digital 8/10 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD 9/14

Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow” arrives early on all major digital platforms on Aug. 10 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on Sept. 14. “Black Widow” fans can enjoy the film in stunning Ultra HD quality and immersive Dolby Atmos audio along with never-before-seen bonus footage, including nine deleted scenes, bloopers and featurettes.

Film Synopsis

In Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller “Black Widow,” Natasha Romanoff – aka Black Widow – confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger. Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow, Florence Pugh stars as Yelena, David Harbour portrays Alexei/The Red Guardian and Rachel Weisz is Melina. “Black Widow” – the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe – is directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige.

Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow” Bonus Features*

Bloopers – Take a look at some of the fun mishaps on set with the cast and crew of “Black Widow.”
Deleted Scenes
- Grocery Shopping – Natasha heads into a grocery store to prepare for her journey through Norway. After a long drive, she arrives at her destination: a mysterious trailer in the middle of nowhere.
- Bike Chase – Tailed by assailants, Natasha and Yelena speed through the city in order to escape their nemeses.
- Gulag Fight – Alexei squares up against several enemies and is quickly overpowered. When all hope seems lost, Natasha leaps in to lend a hand in the fight.
- Smile – The Taskmaster protocol is activated in a tense moment, and an iconic helmet is unveiled.
- Come After Me – Secretary Ross and Mason discover an important message Natasha left behind.
- Walk and Talk – Alexei and Melina have a playful exchange. The Taskmaster arrives and faces off with Alexei.
- Widows in Training – Yelena and Alexei awaken in captivity. Melina hands the Taskmaster vials while the Widows train.
- Kiss – Alexei and Melina reunite after the action. Natasha grieves over an untimely demise in the brutal aftermath.
- Ohio – Natasha witnesses the carefree nature of the Ohio suburbs through the neighborhood children.
Filmmaker Introduction Featurette – Director Cate Shortland introduces the film and her vision for it.
Sisters Gonna Work It Out Featurette – Watch Scarlett and Florence as they train, fight, and bond to become the sister duo in “Black Widow.” Listen as the cast and crew discuss the characters, rigorous training, and building the dynamic between the two fearsome siblings.
Go Big If You’re Going Home Featurette – Step back to appreciate the size and scale of “Black Widow”’s solo film. Shot around the world, the film balances family and drama with mind-blowing action. The cast and crew reveal the intricacies of stunts that made the film so action-packed.

*bonus features vary by product and retailer

Dining review of the newly reopened Sebastian’s Bistro

By

Greg Gately

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July 26, 2021

Dining review of the newly reopened Sebastian’s Bistro. Let’s make a bold statement right off the bat. Sebastian’s Bistro may be the best Family style meal on Walt DIsney World property. It rivals Sanaa in flavors and presentation, and also the price could make this the best-hidden gem restaurant. Get a reservation now, if you can.

Reservations are harder to come by because there is not a ton of seating, it is one of the smaller restaurants at Disney World. Clearly, though it is not impossible. We were able to get a last-minute time about 24 hours prior to eating. Also, we paid attention to walk-in availability and the times were at 20-minute wait at 6:00 PM Est.

The food is amazing, seriously. The stand-out of the appetizers and bread dish was the Onion Jelly. It is now my favorite bread topping. The guava butter is good. Not a big Kale salad with candied walnut person myself, but the taste was decent. Furthermore, the coconut shrimp add-on is delicious. A little lemon and the Creamy Chipotle Dipping Sauce are right on.

Dining review of the newly reopened Sebastian's Bistro

We also had fruity drinks with our appetizers. Which you have to do at any tropical Caribbean Beach Resort. Sebastian Island Paradise is basically frozen POG juice. Additionally, the Flounder Colada of Reason was refreshing and brought out the island vibes.

Sebastian's Bistro Bread with Onion Jelly

The main course is where this dinner stands out. The Island flavors pop out with citrus chicken. Little dry, but still good with the spices. Mojo Pork with Mango Sambal stood out for me personally. It reminded me of the bread course at Sanaa with all the flavors of spices and then the fruity sweetness. The Flank Steak with Mojito Relish adds a little bit of back of the throat tangy taste. Well cooked to medium-rare and we were very happy. The spices on all these meats were perfect, nothing that made our mouths on fire, but more of a symphony of flavors.

Sides included Brocolli florets which soaked up the butter nicely. Cilantro rice and beans were a perfect mixture of flavors of the islands. Undoubtedly, the dish we talked about after we got home though was the Vegetable Curry. We were skeptical of it when looking, but tasting it made us stop and literally debate what we were tasting for 10 minutes. We finally decided it reminded us of the best minestrone soup we ever had.

Buttery House-baked Pull-apart Rolls

with Guava Butter and Caramelized Onion Jam

The Spice Necklace Salad

Mixed Greens and Kale with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Grilled Pineapple, Orange, Spiced Candied Walnuts, and Radish with Key Lime Dressing

Taste of the Caribbean

A selection of our favorite recipes inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean. Oven-roasted Citrus Chicken, Slow-cooked Mojo Pork with Mango Sambal, Grilled Flank Steak* with Mojito Relish served with Cilantro Rice and Beans, Vegetable Curry, and Grilled Broccolini

Taste of the Caribbean Enhancement

Enhance your meal with an order of Fried Coconut Shrimp with Creamy Chipotle Dipping Sauce $8.00 more.

Our Celebrated House-made Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding

with Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Vegan Options are also available:

Taste of the Caribbean

A selection of our favorite dishes inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean. Impossible™ Kabob, Fried Jerk Tofu, and Impossible™ Sausage served with Cilantro Rice and Red Beans, Vegetable Curry, and Grilled Broccolini

Finally, we capped it off with dessert, which was Coconut Pineapple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream. Our waiter poured the warm sauce on the top of the ice cream and made it a little show. Check out the Instagram of it below. I have not tried the Ohana version, so I cannot compare them, but this one was just a perfect ending.

We cannot recommend Sebastion’s Bistro enough! It is truly the Hidden Gem restaurant at Walt DIsney World. With a price, you cannot beat.

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Super Cute Disney Loungefly Riviera Resort Minnie Ears by Loungefly Spotted

By

Greg Gately

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July 26, 2021

Super-Cute Disney Loungefly Riviera Resort Minnie Ears by Loungefly Spotted. We traveled around the resorts yesterday and came across these adorable new Minnie ears at the Riviera Resort. Available for $39.99 at La Boutique.

These delightful Disney Loungefly Riviera Resort Minnie Ears are Pink faux leather that glitter in the sunlight. The ears have a pink toile patterned, which has the Riviera Resort logo and includes Mickey, and Minnie scenes. Centered in the bow, is the Riviera Resort RR Logo.

Super Cute Disney Loungefly Riviera Resort Minnie Ears by Loungefly Spotted

The headband is royal blue valor on the inside, and the outside is the same blue leather feel. Featuring the DIsney Loungefly Logo plate that is blue with rose gold highlights. You can see in the images how it stands out when the sun or a good light hits it.

Check out the Instagram post below. Also, let us know what you think of these Ears? Cause we had to buy this pair and we love them.

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A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

Federal court lifts CDC rules for cruises out of Florida

By

Sara

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July 26, 2021

Florida-based cruise ships are currently free from the CDC’s pandemic restrictions. A federal court recently ruled that they are no longer mandatory.

Florida officials recently filed a lawsuit claiming the CDC’s restrictions would harm the cruise industry and the state itself. A court ruling last Saturday sided with the Florida officials but that ruling was then temporarily blocked by a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. That decision was then reversed on Friday. The Court said that the CDC failed to demonstrate an entitlement to put a stay on a pending appeal.

Federal court lifts CDC rules for cruises out of Florida

Attorneys for Florida urged the Court to reject the CDC’s request to keep its rules intact saying, “The equities overwhelmingly favor allowing the cruise industry to enjoy its first summer season in two years while this Court sorts out the CDC’s contentions on appeal.”

The CDC argues that keeping the restrictions in place will prevent COVID-19 outbreaks as cruise ships are vulnerable to the spread of the virus. “The undisputed evidence shows that unregulated cruise ship operations would exacerbate the spread of COVID-19, and that the harm to the public that would result from such operations cannot be undone,” the CDC said in a court filing.

Several cruise lines have already begun taking steps to resume sailing this summer. Disney Cruise Line recently announced that the Disney Dream would resume Bahamas sailings out of Florida next month.

We will continue to follow this story and update as more information is made available.

Source: Fox35

Behind the scenes look at the Progress for the Creations Shop in Epcot

By

Sara

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July 26, 2021

Behind the scenes look at the Progress for the Creations Shop in Epcot

Construction continues in Epcot as Disney works to expand and reimagine areas of the park. Imagineer Zach Riddley took to Instagram yesterday to share some behind-the-scenes looks at one of those areas! The Creations Shop is replacing Mouse Gears and has been under construction since earlier this year.

Riddley shared that the Creations Shop and some of the surrounding area will be some of the first completed elements in the new World Celebration Neighborhood. The World Celebration Neighborhood will be the center of three new neighborhoods in Epcot.

Riddley also shared a photo of the newest World Celebration Neighborhood popcorn kiosk. The kiosk is a beautiful shade of blue, the color of the World Celebration Neighborhood.

His Instagram post reads:

“Happy Saturday everyone!! Today I’m excited to share a few snapshots from behind the scenes of our progress at EPCOT. Our teams are hard at work on the construction for Creations Shop and the surrounding area development. These will serve as some of our first completed elements in the new World Celebration neighborhood (boldly announced in the blue of our new popcorn kiosk). I am proud of all the progress our Imagineers are making and we can’t wait to reveal all these final touches to you later this summer!”

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A post shared by Zach Riddley (@thezachriddley)

The Creations Shop is supposed to open sometime this summer. We can’t wait to see the finished product!

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!