Disney Shutting Down ‘Ice Age’ Creator Blue Sky Studios This Spring

By

-

February 9, 2021

Disney Shutting Down ‘Ice Age’ Creator Blue Sky Studios This Spring. In early 2019, Disney acquired Fox and associated properties in a historic buy-out for the entertainment industry.

Initially, Disney shut down several portions of the Fox properties and/or merged them with other Disney assetts. One of the properties that managed to dodge the initial shut down was Blue Sky Studios, the animation studio that helped create hit family films such as The Peanuts Movie, Rio, Spies in Disguise, Ferdinand, and the Ice Age franchise and shorts.

According to a report from Deadline, due to record losses caused by the pandemic, Disney is no longer able to maintain a third animation studio and has decided to close down Blue Sky Studios. The doors will shut forever on Blue Sky in April 2021. Though this spells the end of the studio, Disney has made sure to help the 450 Blue Sky employees who will be affected by the closure and is actively working to integrate displaced employees into open and available positions within other Disney owned studios and properties.

A spokesperson for Blue Sky Studios shared, “Given the current economic realities, after much consideration and evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to close filmmaking operations at Blue Sky Studios.”

Currently several titles including Horton Hears a Who, Ferdinand, The Peanuts Movie and more from Blue Sky Studios are available to stream exclusively on Disney+.

This is a developing story. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney!

Featured Photo Credit: Blue Sky Studios

Source: Deadline

Celebrate National Pizza Day With This Hidden Mickey Pepperoni Pizza You Can Make At Home!

By

Ana Leal

-

February 9, 2021

It’s National Pizza Day! Celebrate it with this adorable Hidden Mickey Pepperoni Pizza!

Plus its also perfect for Valentine’s Day because it’s heart shaped! Everyone will for sure fall in love with this pizza no matter the day.

And it’s super easy to make, you just have to follow this recipe we have for you, so it doesn’t matter if you want to make it for someone special or prefer to spend a night cooking with your family, this pizza its always a great idea!

HIDDEN MICKEY PEPPERONI PIZZA

INGREDIENTS:

Pizza dough
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Pepperoni slices
Pizza sauce
Fresh basil leaves
Kitchen scissors
A small pairing knife

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare and preheat oven according to pizza dough package instructions.
Knead and roll out pizza dough to about 1/2 inch.
Cut dough into a heart shape.
Pour pizza sauce into the center of the pizza dough and spread evenly, leaving about an inch for the crust.
Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the sauce.
Stack 3-4 slices of pepperoni and use kitchen scissors to cut them into a Mickey shape. Separate pepperoni slices and place on the pizza. Repeat until the pizza is completely covered.
Place basil leaves on top.
Bake pizza until crust is golden, about 10-15 minutes.
Let cool and enjoy!

Credit: Disney Family

Reservations are now available for the Star Wars Trading Post Legacy Passholder Preview.

By

Chip

-

February 9, 2021

Attention all Star Wars fans, reservations are NOW AVAILABLE for the Star Wars Trading Post Legacy Passholder Preview.

Spot Rey’s iconic speeder outside the entrance to this new shop, inspired by the look and feel of a hidden jungle Resistance base. Once inside, you’ll uncover an exciting variety of authentic Star Wars merchandise—from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge gear to novelties inspired by The Mandalorian.

Legacy Passholders will be able to bring 1 guest with them to this opportunity. Reservation dates: 2/16-2/18.

Reservations are now available for the Star Wars Trading Post Legacy Passholder Preview.

Visit http://di.sn/6000H5d8p for more details and to make your reservation. Limited reservations are available.

Know Before You Go

Important Details for Legacy Passholders Registered Disneyland Resort Legacy Passholders must show their eligible Passport and valid photo ID for access into the preview shopping opportunity upon arrival for their reservation time. Learn more about who qualifies as a Disneyland Resort Legacy Passholder. Legacy Passholders who are unable to show their eligible Passport and required ID will not be given access into the preview shopping opportunity. A guest of a Legacy Passholder may only enter the shopping opportunity with the registered Legacy Passholder.

Applicable Passport discounts on select merchandise apply based on Passport type. Legacy Passholders may receive a 30% discount on select merchandise on Mondays – Thursdays through February 25, 2021, but will not receive a discount on certain items including light sabers.

Legacy Passholders must present their eligible Passport and valid photo ID prior to purchases to receive any applicable benefits or discounts. Further identification may be required. Benefits and discounts are determined solely by Disney and are revocable, nontransferable, subject to exclusions, restrictions and change or cancellation without notice, and may not be combined with any other discount, offer or promotion. They are for personal use only and may not be used for commercial purposes or for the benefit of others including, without limitation, the purchase of merchandise or services with the intent to resell such merchandise or services, or the sharing of benefits with persons who are not the Legacy Passholder. View details about the Passport and its benefits, including restrictions and exclusions.

Check-in Please arrive to check in during your reservation time at the former location of the ESPN Zone. While there, you can also purchase the Batuuan Spira Gift Card* before being directed to your preview opportunity at the Star Wars Trading Post. This themed Disney Gift Card can be redeemed at Star Wars Trading Post and other participating Disney locations.

Be prepared to present reservation confirmation, eligible Passport and valid photo ID.

Limit one reservation per Legacy Passholder, and entry to the venue is limited to the Legacy Passholder with the reservation and 1 (one) guest.

Cancellation A valid accepted credit card number is required at the time of booking a reservation. You must cancel at least one day prior to your reservation to avoid a cancellation fee. If you fail to timely cancel and are a no show, the credit card provided at the time of reservation will be charged $10 per reservation.
Parking Guests may self-park in the Simba Parking Lot for a daily rate of $10 per car. Learn more about parking at Downtown Disney.
Downtown Disney District Please be sure to review Downtown Disney District: Know Before You Go for complete health & safety measures, including required temperature checks and appropriate that face coverings necessary for your visit.
General Late arrivals may not be accommodated. Early arrivals will be asked to return within the reservation shopping window.

Eligible Passport, valid photo ID and the credit card provided at the time of booking the reservation required.

Reservations subject to availability.

Reservations are nontransferable and may not be sold or bartered.

Walk-ins not allowed.

All prices, products, information, processes and offerings are subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.
Merchandise Merchandise may be limited and only available while supplies last. Availability of product and product selection may differ based on reservation period selected. Product availability is not guaranteed. Purchase limits apply.

Make-A-Wish Co-Founder Frank Shankwitz passes away at 77

By

Kevin Koszola

-

February 9, 2021

Frank Shankwitz, co-founder of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, has passed away at age 77.

The family of Frank Shankwitz made the following comment on his Facebook page since news broke of his passing:

“Frank’s passing has created a loss in our lives that will take time to heal. However, we are comforted knowing that the legacy he left will continue to carry on in all those who knew him.”

THREAD FOR A HERO

Officer Frank Shankwitz died today. He’s one of the nicest I ever met and here’s his story. It started with a boy named Chris Greicius. Chris wanted to be a police officer.
The problem was, he had leukemia. He was dying. pic.twitter.com/7Cy1C2ad5N
— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) February 7, 2021

Make-A-Wish, which grants the wishes of children with severe illnesses, traces its roots back to 1980. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, it was boy’s dream to be to be a Highway Patrol motorcycle officer. Just like the characters on his favorite TV show, “CHiPs.”

Shankwitz was among several AZDPS officers who made Chris’ dream come true. By making him the first and only Honorary Arizona Highway Patrol Officer. A position that came with his own uniform, a badge and motorcycle officer wings.

Chris died just a few days after his wish had been fulfilled, and Shankwitz led the funeral procession in Illinois, according to AZDPS.The experience inspired Shankwitz, along with his wife and several others, to found the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Shankwitz was the organization’s first president and CEO.

Today, Make-A-Wish says it grants a wish to a child every 34 minutes in the United States and its territories thanks to the help of thousands of volunteers and donors. The organization also grants wishes to kids in about 50 countries on five continents,

Photo Credit – Frank Shankwitz on Facebook

Disney expected to post respectable fiscal first-quarter results on Thursday

By

Kevin Koszola

-

February 9, 2021

Disney investors are hoping for positive news later this week. Despite closing the theme parks and interruptions in live-action filming, the Walt Disney Company has managed to adapt to challenges in the past year. By maintaining a diverse portfolio of entertainment assets, financial analysts are expecting strong first-quarter results on Thursday.

The Walt Disney Company certainly made a big splash in December during an investor day briefing. The surge in announcements pertaining to the company’s Disney+ streaming service gave confidence to both consumers and investors.

“We were wrong…We were simply blown away on investor day by the depth of content being created for Disney+ and the dollars behind it. Increasing content spread on Disney+ to over $8 billion by 2024 compared to a target of $4 billion set just a year ago is a dramatic acceleration.”

-Richard Greenfield, Lightshed Partners analyst.

In coming years, Disney+ will be home to 10 new Marvel series, 10 new Star Wars series, and 15 animated Disney-Pixar films branded as Disney+ Original.

As of December 2nd, Disney+ had 86.8 million paid subscribers, and Disney expects that figure to balloon to 230-260 million by end of 2024. Plenty of analysts are looking forward to sustained growth in the company’s investor value.

Source: Marketwatch

John Stamos Led Disney+ Series “Big Shot” Halts Filming Due to Positive COVID-19 Test

By

Kaitlyn

-

February 9, 2021

John Stamos Led Disney+ Series “Big Shot” Halts Filming Due to Positive COVID-19 Test. Once again, filming has been suspended for Disney+ Original Series Big Shot after an unnamed cast or crew member came back with a positive COVID-19. The news was shared by series lead, John Stamos who wrote an emotional twitter thread about the ordeal, sharing:

My son went to bed last night crying and woke up crying cause he can’t be with his father. I'm grateful to have a job, it’s a privilege at this time. I was exposed to the virus for the 3rd time, and have to isolate again for another 10 days! cont.
— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) January 29, 2021

I feel my job is doing what they can to keep us safe. But people, please follow the rules – your actions affect so many more lives than just your own. Thanks
— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) January 29, 2021

Production will most likely resume within the next few weeks. According to a description shared by Deadline, “[Big Shot is a] 10-episode series that follows a temperamental college basketball coach (Stamos) who gets fired from his job and must take a teaching and coaching job at an elite all-girls private high school.”

Jessalyn Gilsig will be playing the “good-humored and down-to-earth assistant basketball coach” Holly alongside Stamos’ Marvin. Jessalyn replaced Shiri Appleby in the role due to rumors that the characters Marvin and Holly may develop a romantic relationship down the line of the series. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney+!

Featured Photo Credit: Getty Images/Disney+

5 Reasons You Want to Visit Universal Orlando this Spring

By

Susan Wilson

-

February 9, 2021

5 Reasons You Want to Visit Universal Orlando this Spring

Spring is coming and with it comes warm weather and Spring Break. Spring is the perfect time to visit Universal Orlando. There are so many fun things to do around the resort. Here are five reasons to visit Universal this spring.

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval

Mardi Gras just kicked off and runs until March 28th. It may be one of my favorite celebrations at Universal. The entertainment and food is incredible. This year Mardi Gras has expanded to include international cuisine. There’s still floats, and beads, and the Mardi Gras Tribute Store. If you haven’t been to Universal during Mardi Gras you’re missing out. Here’s even more information about this years Mardi Gras: Internet Flavors of Carnaval.

Volcano Bay is reopening

Get those swimsuits ready! Volcano Bay is reopening on February 27th. This fun tropical-themed water park is a great way to spend Spring. Relaxing by the water and enjoying a Waturi Fusion ice cream cone seems like paradise to me.

The Weather

Spring weather. That’s all that needs to be said. Spring in Florida is gorgeous. Put away your snow shoes and pack those flip flops. The random cold winter days are gone and the horrible summer heat and humidity hasn’t fully arrived.

Lounge at your Hotel

Do we keep gushing about the weather? Yes. But no visit would be complete without a pool day. Universal has some amazingly themed pools. Each us uniquely themed to the hotel. A great Spring day must include drinks by the pool. Bonus points if it has a beach. The hotels also have some delicious food and a rest day between playing at the parks is chef’s kiss to a perfect vacation.

Amazing Savings

Universal currently has some amazing ticket deals! They have a combined $200 savings offer, which will save a family on tickets. They also have buy an annual pass and revive three months free! With great deals it’s the perfect time to visit Universal Orlando. For more information on ticket deals you can visit their website.

With so much happening Spring is the perfect time to visit Universal. I can’t wait to experience everything the parks have to offer. Keep following along for all the latest Universal news and deals!

Leave A Legacy returning to EPCOT!

By

Chip

-

February 9, 2021

Great news! Leave A Legacy is returning to EPCOT!

With the transformation of the EPCOT main entrance area, the original Leave a Legacy sculptures were removed, but now Leave A Legacy lives on in a beautiful new setting just outside the park.

These newly designed panels are the first of many that will be installed outside the EPCOT touch points, featuring vibrant hues from the park’s new color palette. Along with the fresh look for Leave A Legacy, the beautiful fountain and gleaming pylons further illustrate the park’s transformation and the magic of possibility.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Disney Parks (@disneyparks)

For anyone else who wants to search for a tile at the new location, guests can use their smart device to scan the QR code at the Leave a Legacy display. This opens up the tile finder search feature, which can provide the coordinates for a tile’s location. Guests can also visit the EPCOT guest Relations team for assistance.

Source DPB

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Will Be Available to All Disney+ Subscribers This June

By

Kaitlyn

-

February 9, 2021

'Raya and the Last Dragon' Will Be Available to All Disney+ Subscribers This June — Raya and the Last Dragon

Starting today, fans can pre-order Premier Access on Disney+ and purchase movie tickets to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon” to be among the first to stream or watch the film in select theaters on Friday, March 5. Additionally, brand-new key art for the movie is now available to share with your readers.

For the first time ever, Disney+ is offering pre-orders for Premier Access to “Raya and the Last Dragon” for an additional one-time fee of [$29.99] on disneyplus.com. Once subscribers get Premier Access to the movie, they can watch it as many times as they want on any platform where Disney+ is available, with an active Disney+ subscription. Raya and the Last Dragon will be available to all Disney+ subscribers on June 4th, 2021 for no additional cost.

Pre-order Premier Access on Disney+ for $29.99: disneyplus.com/raya

Fans can also purchase advance theater tickets through Fandango to see the movie on the big screen in select cinemas.

Advance theater tickets now on sale at http://bit.ly/RayaTix

“Raya and the Last Dragon” takes us on an exciting, epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together long ago in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” features an outstanding voice cast, including Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Sandra Oh, Benedict Wong, Izaac Wang, Thalia Tran, Alan Tudyk, Lucille Soong, Patti Harrison and Ross Butler. Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada are directing, with Paul Briggs and John Ripa co-directing. Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho are the producers, and Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim wrote the screenplay.

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

Featured Photo Credit – Source: Disney

Disney Home Items You Can Find At Walt Disney World

By

Danielle

-

February 9, 2021

There are some fun new Disney Home Items available now at Walt Disney World, and some old favorites have returned! These are fun items that was as functional for your home as they are cute!

Disney Home Items You Can Find At Walt Disney World

First up is this cute Main Street U.S.A. tray! There’s a bit of a debate over what to exactly call this. Some have said a sponge holder, other’s think it would b a great letter holder. Regardless of how you use it, it is totally cute! The forced perspective down Main Street design is really eye catching.

An old favorite that has returned is the Disney Castle ramekin. This is a microwave safe dish that you can use for adding an extra touch of magic to your table!

The Corkcicle bottles are also showing up in more places now. We usually only saw them at the hotels before, but you can find them a bit more easily now.

The Mickey glove corn holders have also returned!! These were super popular when they arrived on shopDisney last year, and were a sell out hit!

Keeping with the Mickey glove style is a new set of bag clips! Mickey will keep our snacks fresh and safe with his iconic white gloves.

There is also a new Tea Infuser! This cute looks like a Mickey balloon holding our favorite tea!

Another fun new gadget is a Mickey shaped egg and pancake mold! Who doesn’t want Mickey shaped breakfast foods?

There are also a few fun new tumblers to add a dash of Disney to your hydration.

What do you think of these fun Disney Home Items now available at Wald Disney World?

This Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookie Sandwich is All About Red Velvet

By

Allison Luna

-

February 9, 2021

Disney Springs is a double-edged sword in the food department. There is no end to fantastic restaurants and snack options, which means that every visit is delicious. That also means we might need to buy bigger pants while we’re shopping though! The new dessert at Vivoli Il Gelato is worth it though. It’s the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookie Sandwich. But they already had us at “new treat!”

The new sweet treat looks and sounds like a perfect Valentine’s dessert. It starts with two red velvet cookies that become a sandwich with a scoop of red velvet cheesecake gelato in between them. So much red velvet! The cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and the whole sandwich is a heavenly red-and-pink combination. It may be Valentine’s Day but that doesn’t mean you have to share! Tell your date they should order something of their own because this thing looks like it needs to be devoured solo.

Say hello to this new treat— the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookie Sandwich! ? Now available at Vivoli il Gelato through Feb. 28. ? #DisneySprings pic.twitter.com/CxEJRNhSTJ
— Disney Springs (@DisneySprings) February 8, 2021

We know Vivoli Il Gelato has some amazing gelato, so there’s no doubt anything they combine with it will be good! They are also known for creating some impressive shakes and cannolis. Their menu is one to watch because seasonal surprises come up and we don’t want to miss any of them!

The Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookie Sandwich is available now through February 28th at Vivoli Il Gelato in Disney Springs. Will you be trying this one? Let us know in the comments!

For more delicious Disney Springs news, check out some of our other articles:

Photo courtesy of Disney

You Must Try This Donut Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Disney Springs

By

Rebekah

-

February 9, 2021

You MUST TRY this Donut Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Disney Springs!

We tried out this unlikely pairing from Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew in Disney Springs and it was surprisingly satisfying!

Although the cheese was not as melted and ooey gooey as I would have liked, it was still very good.

“The Grilled Cheeeeeese” is typically served on a griddled sweet bun for $6, but customers can choose to upgrade to to this donut sandwich for an additional dollar. This is also is an option for the other sandwiches on the menu.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

If this does not sound like the sandwich for you, do not worry! Everglazed has plenty of other options- from donuts topped with all of your favorite cereals or candy to spiked drinks, they truly offer something for everyone to enjoy!

Will you be trying out this Donut Grilled Cheese Sandwich? Let us know in the comments!

To learn more about the latest Disney news, check out these articles below…

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