Photos: Gateway Gifts in Epcot has Reopened

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January 20, 2020

Gateway Gifts in Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort was closed for a brief time while it received a refurbishment. Gateway Gifts is one of the shops flanking Spaceship Earth and even the ground outside the shop was repaved during the refurb.

Sleek new illuminated registers have replaced the old ones, and the carpet has been replaced with sleek, futuristic floors.

There is also a full wall of plush including a section of cute Figment plush.

The store has a wide assortment of clothes, hats, Mickey ears, and Minnie ear headbands.

Lots of great mugs to add to your collection, snacks to enjoy, and other souvenirs!

The assortment of merchandise remains about the same, with the store carrying a variety of the latest must-have items like Spirit Jerseys and Minnie Ears. What do you think of the new look and merchandise offered at Gateway Gifts in Epcot?

The World According To Jeff Goldblum Renewed For Season 2 On Disney+

By

Ana Leal

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January 19, 2020

New adventures await!

Disney+ just announced that “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” will return with a second season on January 24th! So get ready to travel around the world and learn about a new batch of everyday objects.

“Jeff has captured the imagination and curiosity of our audience with his distinct perspective and illuminating adventures” said Ricky Strauss – President of Content & Marketing for Disney+. “We can’t wait to see where Jeff and our partners at National Geographic take us in season two.”

The World According To Jeff Goldblum takes you on an entertaining, insightful and playful ride where you will discover the how, the now and the why of a familiar object with astonishing connections, fascinating science and history.

“Jeff genuine curiosity in the world make him a natural fit for the National Geographic brand. There is something special and intangible about Jeff, and his fascination with the world is infectious” mentioned Courtney Monroe – President of National Geographic. “We’re thrilled to be able to share his humor and sensibilities to a broader audience on Disney+.”

So are you ready to explore the ordinary and discover the extraordinary? Then don’t forget to log in on Disney+ on Friday January 24!

Credit: Disney+

Disney CEO Bob Iger Takes a Big Pay Cut in 2019

By

Rebekah

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January 19, 2020

Bob Iger pay cut

Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, has received a significant pay cut in 2019. According to Deadline, Iger received only $47.5 million this past year compared to his compensation of 2018 which was $65.6 million- an almost 28% decrease.

Iger’s compensation consists of $3 million in base salary, almost $30 million in stock, and $21.8 million in non-equity plan compensation. However, he received more in 2018 due to a bonus for staying with the company longer than he intended to (choosing to retire at a later time). Disney CEO Bob Iger Takes a Big Pay Cut in 2019

Iger’s salary is very controversial, people arguing that even with the pay cut he is making too much money and that lower level Cast Members barely earn anything.

According to Deadline, Disney has attempted to counter these statements by pointing out the company’s investment towards education for employees. This allows them to be able to climb the ladder at their job and potentially make just as much money.

What do you think about the pay cut and Iger’s current compensation? Let us know in the commnts below.

New “Avengers: Endgame” Iron Man Funko Pop Coming Soon

By

Kevin

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January 19, 2020

I. Am. Iron Man.

It’s been months since the blockbuster movie Avengers: Endgame hit theaters. Yet Avengers fans are still excited over the thrilling comic book adventure of the heroes banding together against Thanos. The final battle ended with Iron Man making the sacrifice play with the Infinity Stones while reciting his iconic line. Now Avengers fans can bring home the epic scene of Iron Man with a new Funko Pop.

Funko has a new Pop figure of Iron Man wielding the Infinity Stones on his armor’s gauntlet. It shows a determined Tony Stark just before he snaps his fingers. The new Pop is glow-in-the-dark, so you can see the bright colors of the Infinity Stones and his arc reactor. The Iron Man Pop is already being pursued by eager fans in preorders. It was just announced this week, but the Iron Man Funko Pop releases in March.

The “I Am Iron Man” Pop stands about 4” tall and features a battle damaged Tony kneeling on a base. Since it’s a Previews Exclusive POP, you’ll have to look for Iron Man at retailers such as Amazon and local comic book shops.

Will you be adding this Iron Man to your Avengers collection?

Disney Moving Forward with National Treasure 3!

By

Tessa H

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January 19, 2020

After nearly a decade from National Treasure 2, news has broken that Disney is finally moving forward with National Treasure 3! Fans of the series have adored following Benjamin Franklin Gates as he solves puzzle after puzzle. However, National Treasure 3 although mentioned, was never spoken about again-until now! According to The Hollywood Reporter, it appears as though Jerry Bruckheimer is producing once again alongside the Bad Boys for Life screenwriter Chris Bremner penning the long awaited script!

Furthermore, The Hollywood Reporter also mentioned that Sony is developing Bad Boys 4 and that Bremner will also be penning the script for the new film too! It then mentioned in the report that Bremner was also writing National Treasure 3 for Bruckheimer who just produced Bad Boys for Life! Whilst the article mainly focused on the Bad Boys series, there was little mentioned National Treasure, apart from the involvement from Bruckheimer and Bremner. However, this is the newest and most concrete evidence that confirms the movie’s existence!

The love for National Treasure runs deep as the producers are constantly asked if and when another instalment will arrive for the beloved series. According to ComicBook.com, an interview was held back in 2018 saying that director Jon Turteltaub, producer Bruckheimer and main star, Nicholas Cage were on board to make another instalment, but Disney was not prepared to spend the money. Jon said to ComicBook.com, “its a no… I would love there to be”, this was also echoed by Bruckheimer but that they would need to “come up with $80 million” to make it. However, since the arrival and success of Disney +, it is possible that National Treasure 3 might find its way onto the streaming service and answer all our prayers!

For more information on Disney + including new programmes and films, click here!

New Disney Skyliner Popcorn Bucket Debuts For National Popcorn Day

By

Danielle

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January 19, 2020

Happy National Popcorn Day!! Epcot has debuted the perfect treat for this tasty day, a new Disney Skyliner Popcorn Bucket! We all love Disney popcorn buckets, and this one is absolutely adorable! This fun bucket is a recreation of the Skyliner, and it also retails for $17.00.

You can find this snazzy new snack bucket over at Fife and Drum in Epcot, and I have to say we are already in love. Not only does it make a great snack bucket, this would also make a great decoration when you return home!

There are graphics that match the classic “model” Skyliner bucket on three sides, with an embossed design of the doors on the fourth. This also matches the other Skyliner merch we have seen as a toy, Funko POP, mug and more. It also comes with a blue carrying strap, that has the Skyliner logo all over.

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A post shared by Chip and Co (@chipandco) on Jan 19, 2020 at 10:40am PST

I always love new popcorn buckets, but this might be my favorite one of the year so far!

What do you think of the new Disney Skyliner Popcorn Bucket? Will you be adding it to your collection? I know I will!

Have a poptastic National Popcorn Day!

Special thanks to Julie for this delicious find and pictures!

Baby Yoda Geeki Tiki Is Landing Soon From a Galaxy Far, Far Away

By

Danielle

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January 19, 2020

The Child will be the newest character from the Star Wars universe to join the Geeki Tiki Family! Beeline Creative has revealed a sneak peek of The Baby Yoda Geeki Tiki mug! This will also be the only officially licensed The Child/Baby Yoda tiki mug!

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A post shared by BeelineCreative (@beelinecreative) on Jan 18, 2020 at 12:29pm PST

Geeki Tikis are always beautifully designed, and are also a pop culture phenomenon! They had hinted at a The Child inspired piece before, but now it is official! There is no official release date for this new mug, but subscribers will be the first to know! You can subscribe to news for Geeki Tikis on the Beeline Creative website HERE. So if you are interested in finding your own Geeki Tiki version of The Child, I would suggest signing up!

Will you be adding this adorable new Baby Yoda Geeki Tiki to your collection? I know I already have the perfect spot for it next to my beloved BB-8 Geeki Tiki mug!

If you are a fan of Star Wars Tiki mugs, be sure to check out the rest of the Star Wars geeki tikis available from Beeline Creative!

Teens Chosen for 2020 Disney Dreamers Academy Are Going to Walt Disney World

By

Rebekah

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January 19, 2020

The Disney Dreamers Academy, with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine, is an influential trip where teens participate in workshops to stimulate development and help them to get excited about their futures.

The 100 students that have been chosen to attend the 13th year of the event were revealed last Thursday, Jan. 16. One of the chosen teens, Myah Mitchell (NY), even received a surprise visit from Keke Palmer (on air) at her school to tell her that she was going to Walt Disney World!

The experience includes an all-expense-paid-trip to Walt Disney World for 100 students and their accompanying parent or guardian for four days (March 12-15). These “Disney Dreamers” will get to hear from influential speakers, participate in career-oriented workshops, as well as attend communication, leadership, and networking strategy classes.

According to Walt Disney World News, the Disney Dreamer’s Academy theme is “Be100,” encouraging teens to be positive, to be “all in,” and to carry what they learn back with them so they can relentlessly pursue their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.

It’s clear that Disney cares about raising the future generation to do big things!

Photo source Walt Disney World News.

Varsity Spirit After Hours Events Coming To Magic Kingdom

By

Sara

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January 19, 2020

In the coming months, the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort will host several after-hours events for Varsity Cheer competitors. All of the events will be similar, but offerings will vary based on event attendance. Each event will run from 10 pm to 2 am with the first one happening tonight, Jan. 19th.

Event Guests will have access to the following offerings:

Attractions:

Astro Orbiter
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Tomorrowland Speedway
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Mad Tea Party

Food and Beverage (until 1:30 a.m.):

Main Street Bakery
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
Tomorrowland carts (until 2 a.m.)

Merchandise:

Emporium
Buzz Lightyear Photo Shop
Space Mountain Shop
Strollers, Wheelchair, ECV & Lockers

The other Varsity Spirit after-hours events will take place:

Sunday, Feb. 2
Sunday, Feb. 9
Sunday, March 15
Sunday, April 26
Monday, May 4
Sunday, May 10

Will you be at Walt Disney World for any of the coming cheer competitions?

Test Track Refurbishment is Underway

By

Sara

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January 19, 2020

If you were hoping to design a SimCar and test-drive its capability, efficiency, responsiveness, and power in Test Track in Epcot on your upcoming Walt Disney World vacation, I’ve got some disappointing news. Test Track is now closed for a routine refurbishment to receive an upgrade to its software system.

There are construction walls, signage, and castmembers scattered around the entrance plaza. The sample ride vehicle has also been removed from the wheelchair Transfer Practice Area. Test Track’s gift shop, the SIMporium, is also closed throughout the refurbishment.

Test Track is set to be closed through Feb. 26th with it reopening Feb. 27th. Stay tuned to Chip & Co for all things Disney!

A Sneak Peek of the New Cirque Show “Drawn to Life” at Disney Springs Has Just Debuted

By

Rebekah

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January 18, 2020

The new Cirque du Soleil show, “Drawn to Life,” is coming soon to Disney Springs and some new photos of show elements have just debuted! Disney Springs just tweeted four photos on Thursday, telling followers to “take a sneak peek” at the show.

Take a sneak peek at a few creative elements from new @Cirque show "Drawn to Life" opening in April 2020 at @DisneySprings!🎨 🎪 🐭 ✨ Book your tickets now: https://t.co/drAIZgd8rf pic.twitter.com/oCYwcQiwrV

— Disney Springs (@DisneySprings) January 16, 2020

The show is coming very soon– officially premiering April 17 of this year. According to Cirque du Soleil, though, they’ll have previews for the show starting March 20. This means that you need to book your tickets now! Click here to grab them before they’re gone.

These concept photos allow Cirque fans to get an idea of what the new show will feature and a an idea of the story line. According to Cirque du Soleil, the show will feature the art of Disney animation while mixing “acrobatic sequences, dazzling choreography, musical masterpieces, and whimsical characters.”

You can even see some of the costumes that a few of the “Drawn to Life” stars will be wearing- and they look pretty unique!

As many know, Cirque du Soleil is an amazing high-energy and captivating performance. Combining that with creative team of Disney too? Now there is a whole WORLD of possibilities for this new show.

This isn’t the first Cirque x Disney show to debut! La Nouba premiered in 1998 at Downtown Disney (known now as Disney Springs) and was a hit. Hopefully this won’t be the last time they partner for a show, either! Let us know in the comments if you are planning on seeing “Drawn to Life” at Disney Springs when it opens in April!

Photo source Disney Springs Twitter. (@DisneySprings)

Lucasfilm Wants Taika Waititi To Direct A New Star Wars Story

By

Kaitlyn

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January 18, 2020

Lucasfilm Wants Taika Waititi To Direct A New Star Wars Story. The famed Director won the hearts of fans while directing Thor: Ragnarok and revitalizing the franchise and reshaping the future of the MCU. Now, Taika Waititi is reportedly being tapped to consider directing a new Star Wars Story for Lucasfilm, at least according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Currently, Waititi is set to return as the director for Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder and Akira with Warner Bros.

Supposedly this collaboration is partially due to the popularity of Taika Waititi‘s directed episodes of the popular Star Wars series, The Mandalorian on Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+. Taika’s character, IG-11 quickly became a fan favorite in the series, and his episodes were some of the highest rating of the season, along with director, Deborah Chow, who is already set to direct a new Star Wars Story for Lucasfilm.

It is currently unknown if Taika Waititi will take the open invitation to direct, but it must be nice to have some job security in the entertainment industry! Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for all things Star Wars!

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