New Festival Disney Solo & Small Ensemble Virtual Competition in 2020

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December 23, 2019

There is a NEW Festival Disney Solo & Small Ensemble virtual competition coming in 2020! Festival Disney is a competitive music festival produced by Disney Performing Arts. Hundreds of schools compete to achieve performance excellence and recognition.

For the first time ever, student performers now have the chance to compete in a virtual competition for groups with 9 performers or less. Categories for competition include Band, Strings, and Choral. Middle school and high school performances will be adjudicated separately.

Each performer will receive a new and exclusive Festival Disney Solo & Ensemble medal to commemorate their participation. The highest-rated entry within each Division and Classification will be recognized and presented with a Distinguished Performance medal during the awards ceremony.

Specific guidelines and an application form for this new and exciting competition have been sent to directors of all confirmed groups for 2020. You can learn more and register your student performance group here.

Guillermo del Toro tweets Muppet Christmas Carol is the Best Version of Dickens Holiday Classic

By

Chip

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December 23, 2019

Recently Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro tweeted that Muppet Christmas Carol is the Best Version of Dickens Holiday Classic.

Because IT IS- https://t.co/UQPEPKJxYi

— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) December 21, 2019

Many fans online quickly agreed with him, me being one of them!

The Muppets Christmas Carol is based off the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Other Muppets — Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Sam the Eagle — weave in and out of the story, while Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases — past, present and future. They show him the error of his self-serving ways, but the miserable old man seems to be past any hope of redemption and happiness.

Do you agree with Guillermo del Toro’s take on The Muppet Christmas Carol?

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Carrie Fisher’s Brother Shares A Recently Found Note From ‘Beyond the Grave’

By

Kaitlyn

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December 23, 2019

Carrie Fisher’s Brother Shares A Recently Found Note From ‘Beyond the Grave’. Recently, Carrie Fisher‘s family has started to sort through her belongings and her brother, Todd Fisher, stumbled upon a letter seemly written by Carrie from “beyond the grave.”

“I know Carrie’s writing inside and out,” Todd said. “It’s unmistakable. Either it was something Carrie wrote long ago because she was doing a story on death, or it just materialized from beyond. She was writing as if she was dead and what it was like.”

Fisher’s brother share the note with The Post by reading out loud, “‘I am dead. How are you? I’ll see you soon … I would call and tell you what this is like, but there is no reception up here.’ Then it says, ‘Cut. New scene, new setup, new heavenly location. I have finally got the part that I have been rehearsing for all my life. God gave me the part. This is the end of the road I have been touring on all my life.’”

“It just blew my mind,” Todd said. “I thought, ‘Wow, why am I finding this right now?’ ”

Likely, the letter was written before Carrie’s passing, but her family has found some comfort in knowing that she left a note to comfort those she loved and has been able to remind them of her fun-loving and quirky personality. We miss you, Princess. May the Force be with you.

Be sure to check back here at Chip and co for all things Star Wars!

Featured Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

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‘I Lava You’ Float is Flowing Into the Magic Kingdom

By

Jessica Jones

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December 23, 2019

Here at Chip and Co, we love the Pixar shorts, especially the ones that really pull at our heartstrings! Now we can have a little piece of a very special Pixar Short, Lava, with this new ‘I Lave You’ Float that has made its way to the Magic Kingdom.

The float is, of course, made with Strawberry Fanta Soda at the bottom acting as the lava preparing to erupt with the carbonated bubbles, next add the strawberry and red passion fruit syrup flowing down the side of the cup, then top with Orange Dole Whip swirl or Orange and Strawberry Dole Whip swirl.

Lastly, the float is then topped with Strawberry Pop Rocks giving the lava inspired drink the illusion as if the volcano is erupting inside of your mouth.

Guests can purchase the new float at the Sunshine Tree Terrace for $6.99, plus tax, or for a dining plan credit!

Take a look at our video below!

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This looks absolutely delicious and we want one now! Will you be trying the new ‘I Lava You’ float at the Sunshine Tree Terrace at the Magic Kingdom?

Disney Christmas Tree Trail Celebrates 1 Million Guests

By

Jessica Jones

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December 23, 2019

Well, Ho-Ho-Holy Moly! The Christmas Tree Trail celebrates 1 Million guests!! The trail celebrated a magical milestone today at Disney Springs with more than 1 million guests visiting the Christmas Tree Trail since its opening last month!

The Christmas Tree trail began in 2016 designed by Disney Imagineers. Since it’s opening, the trail has seen holiday services, live entertainment, 166,000 photos with Santa captured by Disney Photopass, 500 hours of snowfall, 23,000 treats served, plus 20 plus trees themed to Disney stories and the addition to two new trees this year!

This year, the Christmas Tree Trail features all-new trees to the line-up, starting with The Lion King! As a nod to the animated, Broadway, and new live-action all in one, guests can pick out many iconic characters throughout the tree. This tree is then topped with a tree topper that we need to go on our trees at home, Rafiki’s hands holding up baby Simba. We are in love!

Also new this year we are excited that the Christmas Tree Trail features special photo opportunities, kids’ activities, treats and merchandise celebrating “Noelle,” the new Disney+ original holiday movie.

After the last guest visits on Christmas Eve, Santa will head back to the North Pole to complete his journey around the world before taking a long-needed break until next Christmas, but guests can still enjoy the trail through January 5, 2020!

Check out some fun facts about the 2019 Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail and the reason the Christmas Tree Trail celebrates 1 million guests today below:

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Peppermint White Chocolate Eclair is a Delicious Holiday Treat

By

Julie

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December 23, 2019

Disney has delivered a plethora of holiday cookies and cupcakes but this eclair is the best holiday dessert I’ve tasted! The eclair is filled with this rich, white chocolate peppermint filling that was cool and so satisfying. Not too thick and not too creamy. Just eclair perfection.

Topped with chocolate glaze and candy cane sprinkles, the dessert doesn’t just taste good but looks good too. I really enjoyed the balance of the topping with the pastry and filling. Honestly my favorite holiday treat on property.

The eclair can be found at the Gasparilla Island Grill quick service at the Grand Floridian Resort. This pastry case has many grab and go dessert options including a cute Minnie Mouse holiday cupcake. It is $5.49 or you can use a snack credit from the dining plan. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Julie de la Fé

@justamomandboyatdisney

We just love being in the Happiest Place on Earth during the Most Magical Time of Year!

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New Star Wars Refillable Mug has Landed at Walt Disney World

By

Jessica Jones

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December 23, 2019

Just in time for the release of Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, Disney has debuted the newest refillable mug to land at Walt Disney World, the Star Wars Refillable mug. This mug is fantastic! It will make you feel as if you are headed off to a galaxy far, far, away with its beautiful design.

The new mug features the iconic classic characters, such as R2-D2, C-3PO, and Luke Skywalker. In addition, the mug also features Luke’s X-34 Landspeeder against a Tatooine backdrop.

The new Star Wars Refillable mugs are vacuum insulated! Which means, this mug can keep your cold drinks cold for up to 12 hours or your hot drinks hot up to 4 hours! That is pretty impressive and much needed when you are exploring the galaxy.

These mugs are similar to the Disney Skyliner mugs that were also recently released. Each mug costs $29.99 OR you can just pay $10 to upgrade if you’re redeeming your resort refillable mug included with the Disney Dining Plan! I don’t know about you but both options are a steal in our book and we will be upgraded to these refillable mugs.

Currently, these mugs are available at select resort quick-service locations but should be landing soon at all eligible resort locations. In addition, these mugs are eligible for refills at any resort self-service beverage location for the length of your resort stay.

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What are your thoughts on the new Star Wars Refillable mugs?! Do you like the new options or would you prefer the plastic “generic” Dining Plan mugs?

New Remember The Magic Collection Celebrates Disney Parks History

By

Danielle

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December 23, 2019

It’s a blast from the past with the new Remember the Magic Collection at Walt Disney World. Memories in Disney history are celebrated like special dates, and also the 25th anniversary cake castle! This is an assortment of apparel featuring t-shirts and sweatshirts.

It’s time to remember the magic, or the CAKE with this throwback sweatshirt. I can’t believe it’s been over 20 years since I first laid eyes on the hot pink makeover of Cinderella’s Castle. While this castle design was controversial I absolutely loved seeing the castle as a cake on my 14th birthday!

We can also remember the opening year of Epcot with the Walt Disney World 1982 football jersey! A distressed design gives it a vintage feel.

You can also flash back to fond memories of family visits to Disney’s vacation kingdom with this vintage-look tee. It features Mickey and the gang enjoying a day at Walt Disney World. This tee really does look like a classic WDW shirt from the 80s, I love it!

You can find these fun finds from vintage inspired Remember the Magic Collection, along with many others now at Walt Disney World! We found these shirts at Hollywood Studios, but the collection is available throughout the parks! Select pieces are also online.

First Phase of Epcot’s Entrance Complete

By

Jenna-lee Languirand

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December 23, 2019

The construction for the redesigned Epcot is well underway. The first phase of the East side entrance is now completed and accessible to the public. This entrance is part of the new concept for the World Celebration area of the park. Noticeably missing are the leave a legacy monuments that will be revamped, and relocated to outside the park entrance. The new entrance is going to have a big nature design elements as you can see the new planter boxes, filled with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Right now they are also spruced up for the holidays with some festive decor. This layout will also change the flow of guests entering and exiting the park. It will lead you thru a forest including a wishing tree among the greenery.

There will also be a new fountain in this neighborhood of Epcot. A new pavilion will be built as well that will be utilized for festivals, and events. It will have great views of the fireworks and the newly designed park. The entrance will also gain a new statue that will honor Walt and his vision. Space Ship Earth is also receiving enhancements including new music and narration.

The entry area is slated to be completed sometime in the spring of 2020. It is coming along rather nicely so far. It will be an innovative beautification of the park’s entrance once fully complete. For now the east side is open for your enjoyment.

First half of the redo of the Epcot entrance plaza open. Notice some Christmas decorations in first photo. pic.twitter.com/NBxKRHNrzx

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 21, 2019

Big things are happening in Epcot. Follow Chip and Co for all the newest updates on the transformation of Epcot.

Photos courtesy: bioreconstruct

Sneak Peek Into The Beaches & Cream Soda Shop Refurbishment

By

Jessica Jones

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December 22, 2019

We recently revealed in August the extensive refurbishment the popular Beaches & Cream Soda Shop will be undergoing. Well, know we have a sneak peek and an opening date for the newly renovated Beaches & Cream!

The Instagram account of Josh D’Amaro, president of the Walt Disney Company, gave us the sneak peek with his caption, “Glad some really fun Cast Members helped me with this giant “Kitchen Sink” sundae today. Proud of the whole Cast of this legendary soda shop as they prepare to welcome our guests back here on Tuesday!” Which means, the soda shop will be opening Tuesday, December 24th!

Guests won’t have to wait long to see inside, but we are grateful we can get a quick sneak peek while we wait until Tuesday.

We are loving the more modern feel. Some may not like that it is no longer giving that retro soda shop feels, but we are really loving the soft, subtle cream colors and cute Mickey paintings hanging on the wall.

I am sure the Cast Members of the Beaches & Cream also enjoyed being able to enjoy an Ice Cream Sundae as they toured the new establishment! They certainly didn’t leave hungry!

You can read the full Instagram post below.

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What are your thoughts on the sneak peek of the new Beaches & Cream Soda Shop refurbishment? Will you be going on Tuesday?!

Source: @joshdamaro

‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ Earns $175.5 Million During Domestic Opening Weekend

By

Kaitlyn

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December 22, 2019

‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker‘ Earns $175.5 Million During Domestic Opening Weekend. In an unexpected turn, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker earns the lowest opening weekend earnings from the latest trilogy. Despite this turn of events, the film has been very successful during it’s first weekend at the theater, and is projected to make a considerable amount of money, potentially joining the other 6 Disney related films that earned over $1 Billion during their theatrical runs in 2019.

According to Box Office Mojo, globally the film has made $374 million, showing that The Rise of Skywalker is still trending lower than the previous films in the new trilogy around the world, but the earnings are nothing to sneeze at. Several other factors could be leading to the trend. Many fans around the world are traveling for the holidays and have lengthy winter breaks with plenty of time to see the film and simply are not rushed to flock to the theater.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is still expected to make huge earnings during its theatrical run, and though critics were less than kind to the film, it appears fans are having the opposite reaction to the negative chatter of the critics. Most fans even stating that J.J. Abrams has done a wonderful job giving the beloved franchise a justifiable ending.

Have you seen Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker? Or do you plan to see it over the course of the holiday? We would love to hear your SPOILER FREE thoughts in the comments. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for all things Star Wars.

Featured Photo Credit: Lucasfilm/Disney

Marvel Studios Reportedly Seeking Daniel Radcliffe as ‘Moon Knight’

By

Kaitlyn

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December 22, 2019

Marvel Studios Reportedly Seeking Daniel Radcliffe as ‘Moon Knight‘. The Harry Potter and Now You See Me 2 star is reportedly being eyed for the role of Marc Spector, aka Moon Knight in an all new series on Disney+.

Daniel Richtman shared to his Patreon, “Daniel Radcliffe is one name in the mix for Moon Knight.”

The idea of Daniel Radcliffe being cast as Moon Knight/Marc Spector makes complete sense, especially since it is also being reported by Murphy’s Multiverse that Moon Knight will begin filming in the U.K., the famed brits homeland. Moon Knight is expected to begin filming at Pinewood Studios UK, the same studio being used to film Marvel’s The Eternals and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

For those who find themselves going, “Who’s Moon Knight?” Comicbook.com shares this short description, “Moon Knight is actually Marc Spector, a former CIA agent who was almost killed by a terrorist named Bushman but was saved by the Moon God Khonshu. After he defeated Bushman he would become the Moon Knight and wear the all-white costume that has become his trademark.

The other major element to Spector is that Spector isn’t his only personality. Inside Marc’s head reside four personalities that are variations on the core person. In addition to Spector, his mind holds Steven Grant, Jake Lockley, and Khonshu himself, and all four interact and at times cooperate and at others vie for control. This is what sets the hero apart from so many others, and is also why Moon Knight goes to places that other heroes aren’t comfortable going.

Do you think Daniel Radcliffe would be a valuable casting choice for the MCU? Are you excited for Moon Knight coming soon to Disney+? What other Marvel stories are you waiting to see on Disney+ or in theaters? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for all things Marvel and Disney+

Featured Photo Credit: Comicbook.com

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