Special Holiday Photo Ops Featured Around Walt Disney World

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December 14, 2019

‘Tis the season to be Jolly, Fa La La La La, La, La, La, La! Walt Disney World has been completely decked out in Christmas, why not add special holiday photo ops too! The Disney Parks Blog is showcasing all of the new photo ops located throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Springs

The Photopass studio located in Disney Springs is always a great spot to stop to get professional style pictures while on vacation. Honestly, they come out amazing. Now, the Photopass studio features a holiday overlay which will make the perfect pictures to use in those last-minute family Christmas cards!

Guests can choose this beautiful garland framed picture featuring Mickey ornaments around the garland. This would be our choice if we were to go there. It is so pretty!

Guests can also choose a picture in front of Santa’s Workshop.

Magic Kingdom Park

Speaking of perfect Christmas cards, we are in love with the special holiday photo ops at the Magic Kingdom!

We have to start with this photo in front of what looks like a castle window with a winter scene in the background. Not sure what it is about this picture, but it just feels like the absolute perfect picture for the holidays.

Guests can also ask for a mistletoe picture in front of the castle decorated by Elsa!

Hollywood Studios

If you are a Nightmare Before Christmas fan, over at Hollywood Studios you can ask for this special holiday photo op featuring Zero!

Guests can also ask to be featured in their very own snowglobe.

Epcot

Two of our favorite characters are, of course, Chip ‘n Dale! We were drooling over the new spirit jersey for the Festival of the Holidays featuring the duo getting into mischief in the lights. Now we can even take a picture with the pair!

Guests can also take a picture with the ever-popular Mickey-shaped food, like this giant cookie for instance! Too bad they don’t actually come this big!

Animal Kingdom

We love the Animal Kingdom! These special photo ops at the Animal Kingdom makes us want to run over there right now!

Meeko is a very underrated character, so we were very excited to see a special photo op featuring him! Look how cute he is popping out of that present!

Although the Disney Parks Blog does not tell us exactly where this next photo is located in the Animal Kingdom, this is one amazing photo that we want to find!

Which new special holiday photo op are you hoping to find around the Walt Disney World Resort?

Guests should ask a Photopass photographer for these special photo ops, not all photographers have the ability.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Robert Downey Jr. Surprises Soldier and his mother on Ellen Greatest Night of Giveaways

By

Chip

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December 14, 2019

Airing on the final night of Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways on NBC, Iron Man himself Robert Downey Jr. surprises huge Iron Man fan United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Roy Gill and his mom.

Roy talks about how Iron Man was his favorite Super Hero and Ellen proceeds to ask if they have a DVD player before opening his present… Robert Downey Jr.

RDJ also posted about it on his twitter account:

And now we're all Roy's biggest fans. I may have gotten a little misty-eyed at this one… https://t.co/g6iZ7FynBo

— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) December 12, 2019

See the video below:

Not only did he get to meet Iron Man he is going to meet his third-grade teacher inspired him to become the man he is today.

Bret McKenzie Set To Reboot ‘Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas’

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Kaitlyn

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December 14, 2019

Bret McKenzie Set To Reboot ‘Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas‘. Variety has shared an exclusive report that will see the revival of Jim Henson’s 1977 special, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas.

According to Variety, “Flight of the Conchords’ own Rhymenoceros, Bret McKenzie, has signed on to pen the script and write the music for Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, based on the 1970s ABC special from The Jim Henson Company. Henson’s 1977 TV special was based on the children’s book of the same name by Russell Hoban. McKenzie also has the option to direct the new adaptation, which follows a poor otter family who risks everything for the chance to win the cash prize of a talent contest for Christmas, but a decision has not yet been made. The ABC special used the classic Henson puppet technology that made Henson’s The Muppets famous and even included an introduction by Kermit the Frog.”

“The ABC special used the classic Henson puppet technology that made Henson’s “The Muppets” famous and even included an introduction by Kermit the Frog,” shared Variety.

For those who may not be familiar with the 70’s holiday special, here is a brief and spoiler free synopsis of the film: “A poor otter family risks everything for the chance to win the cash prize of a talent contest for Christmas. Emmet and Ma Otter are very poor, but they are very happy and talented singers. Christmas is just around the corner, and both Emmet and Ma want to get the other a very special present. The prize in the talent show is $50. To win the prize both Emmet and Ma prepare a song ready for the competition; Emmet forms a jug band, and Ma practices alone, to vie with the Riverbottom Gang.”

The original 70’s special was showcased on ABC as a Christmas Special for the network. The story of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas was based off the book by Russell Hoban of the same name. No studio has formally picked up the project for production, but the film is currently being co-produced by the Jim Henson Company, Pacific Electric Picture Company and Snoot Entertainment.

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for the latest and greatest in entertainment!

Featured Photo Credit: The Jim Henson Company

New Disney Cruise Line Holiday Merchandise

By

Ana Leal

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December 14, 2019

It’s time to celebrate the Holidays at sea with this new Disney Cruise Line merchandise!

If you are sailing on a Very Merrytime Cruise this year then you definitely need some festive gear to show your Christmas spirit while you enjoy seasonal décor, food and fantastic events.

The holiday Disney Cruise Line spirit jersey is the perfect piece of clothing to show some holiday cheer around the ship, it’s a beautiful red color with white snowflakes all around. But if you prefer something less bright then the gray zip-up hoodie is perfect for you! It features Captain Mickey and a snowman! So cute!

If you are looking for something to take back home with you then you need to check out this nice holiday tumblr that will help keep your beverage of choice hot or cold or if being warm and cozy is more down your alley then you need this Very Merrytime fleece throw that will definitely bring some joy to your house.

And of course Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a Christmas Tree so what better souvenir to take home then an adorable Disney Cruise ship ornament and the best part is it lights up!

If you want to find out more information about everything that’s being offer on the Very Merrytime Cruise you can visit the Disney Cruise Line website.

Credit: Disney

Celebrate Christmas with the Arendelle Castle Yule Log

By

Chip

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December 14, 2019

Each year we like to share the Christmas Yule logs from Disney to Star Wars and beyond. You can see them here.

New for 2019 Disney+ has a very special Frozen 2 Yule Log you will want to check out.

The Arendelle Castle Yule log is the perfect way to spend a cozy Christmas Eve night or even when you are opening Christmas presents on Christmas Day.

I thought maybe we would see some of the cast from Frozen 2 pop in and attend to the Yule log but unfortunately not.

Still, I plan on grabbing my hot cocoa and enjoying this on Christmas Eve.

To find this just hop on Disney+ and search for Yule Log. It is the only one on there.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Religious Services Offered On and Off WDW Property

By

Jessica Jones

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December 14, 2019

Disney has announced they will be hosting Christmas Religious services on Walt Disney World property at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Located in the Fantasia Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests will have the opportunity to attend the following services while on vacation:

9 p.m. on Christmas Eve: Catholic Mass
9:15 a.m. on Christmas Day: Protestant Service
10:30 a.m. on Christmas Day: Catholic Mass

Currently, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the only on-property resort offering Christmas religious services at this time.

If you are looking for services off-property in the Kissimmee/Orlando area the following locations are available:

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe (Catholic)
8300 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 239-6600
First Baptist Church of Orlando
3000 S John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32805
(407) 425-2555
Community Presbyterian Church in Celebration
511 Celebration Ave, Celebration, FL 34747
(407) 566-1633
Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church (Eastern Orthodox)
5135 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-0133
The Cathedral Church of St. Luke (Episcopal)
130 N Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 849-0680
First United Methodist Church
142 E Jackson St, Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 849-6080
Grace Fellowship Church (Non-Denominational)
2551 Westside Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34747
(866) 369-1100

In addition, guests can find services at the following locations:

The Lake Reams Ward (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando
The Islamic Society of Central Florida
The Apopka Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Source: ITM

Star Wars Mega Fan Builds His Own Landspeeder From ‘A New Hope’

By

Kaitlyn

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December 14, 2019

Star Wars Mega Fan Builds His Own Landspeeder From ‘A New Hope’. DailyMail shared the story of Colin Furze, an inventor and mega Star Wars fan who built a landspeeder, much like Luke Skywalker’s in Star Wars: A New Hope.

DailyMail shares, “Inventor and YouTuber Colin Furze spent five weeks building the giant 3.7-meter-long replica of the model, which featured in the first Star Wars film A New Hope. The 40-year-old from Lincolnshire is renowned for his inventions, including the world’s fastest mobility scooter and a drivable hot tub car.”

The entire landspeeder is believed to be the only full scale metal replica in existence and weights just shy of 1,000 lbs! Furze shared, “I built it by adapting a golf buggy and as far as I know it’s the only full-scale model in existence which has jets and is made from metal, the others are made from fibre glass.”

According to Furze, the vehicle can travel 25mph using its wheels and 40 mph with assistance from the jets. Colion found most of the parts on eBay, saying he was “very pleased” with the result and that it was the first time he had shaped metal in that way before.

“It’s very comfortable to drive as the golf buggy has suspension, but I would have liked a bit more leg room,” Furze said.

You can check out Colin’s video showcasing the construction of his Landspeeder, and be sure to check out his channel for other Star Wars related projects, including building an AT-AT!

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

Featured Photo Credit: Colin Furze/Bay Media

Live-Action ‘Aladdin’ and ‘The Lion King’ Coming Soon to Disney+

By

Kaitlyn

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December 14, 2019

Live-Action ‘Aladdin’ and ‘The Lion King’ Coming Soon to Disney+. Disney+ just added two new titles set to join the Disney+ roster in early 2020. 2019 saw many new Disney titles, including some of the biggest box office numbers seen in a single year.

Two of those titles included live-action remakes of 90’s Disney Classics, Aladdin and The Lion King. Both films made over $1 billion at the global box office, but were equally met with “controversy” including changes to significant story elements in Aladdin and the use of CGI overlaying real footage and being called an “animated” movie in The Lion King. Both films also included new music that was not included in the original films.

Check out when you can stream these films on Disney+:

Aladdin– January 8, 2020

Live-Action 'Aladdin' and 'The Lion King' Coming Soon to Disney+ — Photo Credit: Disney

The Lion King– January 28, 2020

Most new Disney films are expected to join Disney+ 6 months or so after their theatrical premiere. Some titles may vary.

Are you excited to watch these live-action films on Disney+? What other new titles would you like to see on Disney+? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for all things Disney+

Featured Photo Credit: Disney

Video First Look at Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

By

Jessica Jones

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December 14, 2019

Disney Channel’s “ZOMBIES” stars Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim have shown us our first look at Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway! During the Disney Channel holiday special, “Disney Channel Holiday Party at Walt Disney World”, viewers were shown the first look and it looks amazing!

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be the first Disney ride-through attraction that will draw guests inside a Mickey cartoon. Guests will be able to enjoy a fun-filled adventure as they follow along with Mickey and Minnie, starting with a picnic at Runnamuck Park!

This new Disney attraction will be rolling into Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World on March 4, 2020, and at Disneyland park in California in 2022.

Take a look at the first look video below!

Are you looking forward to the new attraction opening in a few short months? We know we are and this video has us even more excited!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Shimmery New Disney Kate Spade Collection Sparkles At Disney Parks

By

Danielle

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December 14, 2019

A sparkling new Disney Kate Spade collection has hit the shelves just in time for the holidays! There is always something about a shimmery bag for holiday outfits, and these are perfection! The collection features four different silhouettes to match any occasion.

You can add a little sparkle to your wardrobe with these bags at Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories in Disney Springs. Available for purchase is a satchel, a crossbody, a tote, and a zip around wallet clutch! The design is similar to the Spring collection you can find online at shopDisney. This time the bags are a beautiful creamy white, with silver Mickey icons! The silver Mickey icons are a shiny silver, topped with glittery silver ears! Two of the purses have a Mickey hangtag, that is also a mirror! You’ll find the mirror hangtag on the large tote, and satchel. The tote also comes with a coordinating change purse! Prices for the collection range from $158.00 to $298.00 depending on the style.

These styles are currently Disney Parks exclusives, and can not be found online at this time.

What do you think of the shimmery new Disney Kate Spade Collection? I have my eye on the satchel for my holiday outfits this year!

Santa Hat Cotton Candy Comes to Epcot Just in Time for the Ho Ho Holidays

By

Rebekah

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December 14, 2019

As everyone knows, Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays is in full swing and there are so many different goodies to try. A very popular, and sweet, item is the Santa Hat Cotton Candy! We have an up-close look at this season’s coolest delicacy.

This festive treat can be found at the China Pavilion’s House of Good Fortune. Each Santa Hat, created by the very talented Wenbo Zhang, is $15 and is hand-crafted right in front of your eyes!

Zhang was also behind the Flower Cotton Candy that everyone obsessed over during Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival, so we know his work is nothing short of amazing.

Watch him work here:

Zhang and his wonderful Cotton Candy will be available at certain times each day (except Wednesdays) for the rest of the Festival of Holidays.

Be sure to check the Festival of Holidays time guide so you don’t miss out!

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Disneyland Paris Wins Family Travel Excellence Award!

By

Tessa H

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December 14, 2019

Disneyland Paris, Europe’s top destination for entertainment wins the Family Travel Excellence award! Awarded to Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain for top attraction, Marvel Season of Super Heroes and Villages Nature Paris for top experience, voted by more than 100,000 people against the top 50 exceptional family experiences around the world!

Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain at Disneyland Paris

Alongside Disneyland Paris winning the Family Travel Excellence award, they have also been named the World’s Leading Theme Park Resort for the second consecutive year by World Travel Awards, which celebrates excellence across the global travel and tourism industry, highlighting Disneyland Paris’ incredible attractions, unforgettable experiences and award-winning guest service!

Ratatouille: The Adventure at Disneyland Paris

But that’s not all! Disneyland Paris received the title of 2019 Best Family Park in Europe by European Star Awards in recognition of entrepreneurship, courage and innovation within the European theme park industry. As well as four of Disneyland Paris’ attractions entering the Top 10 for Best Dark Rides in Europe, they are Ratatouille: The Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Phantom Manor.

The Lion King & Jungle Festival at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris wins another award from Parksmania Awards for its The Lion King & Jungle Festival which was named European Top Attraction following its premiere at the resort this summer. Which will return to te resort in 2020!

Behind the magic, Disneyland Paris received a 2019 Disability Matters Europe Marketplace Award and Villages Nature Paris received a Silver Award from the World Travel Market Responsible Tourism Awards. Both awards are a great honour for Disneyland Paris as they commit to providing the best experience for all guests as well as exploring innovative solutions to minimize their impact on the environment!

Congratulations to Disneyland Paris! For more Disneyland Paris news click here!