Baby Yoda Scores More Social Media Interactions than 2020 Democratic Candidates

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December 2, 2019

At a time when people often talk about political divisions, we all need a unifier. And as it turns out, that unifier is a little green alien from a galaxy far, far away. That’s right, it’s our new favorite character from Disney+‘s runaway hit, The Mandalorian: Baby Yoda.

In a roundup of data provided by Axios, Baby Yoda has about twice as many social media interactions as any Democratic Presidential candidate in the 2020 race. Baby Yoda for president, anyone?

He currently leads the pack with 1671 interactions on Facebook, trailed at a distance by millennial-preferred Bernie Sanders at 850. Interestingly enough, the data may not do Baby Yoda complete justice since it only takes interactions with news stories into consideration. The younger generation prefers to communicate via memes and GIFs, and Baby Yoda has proliferated in both.

But to focus on story interactions alone, it is notable that presidential hopefuls Michael Bloomberg and Deval Patrick have both announced their candidacies late in the game, around the time that The Mandalorian first aired and Baby Yoda fever spread. By comparison, their interactions would need to be 10 times higher to be in league with “the child”’s. Apparently, Americans are far more interested in the fate of an adorable intergalactic baby than whatever politicians are saying to get elected. Maybe the candidates should take note and start incorporating a little more cuteness in their agendas.

All things considered, it’s a refreshing change when the internet can all agree on something. We all want to believe that we have things in common, even if it’s seemingly small. Let’s keep up the trend and show our little friend even more love in the weeks to come. You never know, he could end up being a president (or emperor) someday!

Photo courtesy of Disney

Disney+ Launch Has Not Slowed Down Netflix and Other Streaming Services

By

Kaitlyn

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December 2, 2019

Disney+ Launch Has Not Slowed Down Netflix and Other Streaming Services. Despite previous predictions, the launch of Disney+ has not had a negative impact on other streaming services such as Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video, within its first three weeks. There is still plenty of time to see how Disney+ changes the game for streaming, particularly after consumers decide to part with existing accounts after their subscriptions expire during varying lengths of time.

Variety reports, “From Nov. 12-24, the Disney Plus mobile app for iOS and Android was downloaded an estimated 15.5 million times, with 86% of those in the U.S., according to app-analytics researcher Apptopia. That’s an average of nearly 1.2 million per day over the 13-day period. Disney Plus has ranked as the No. 1 overall free app in the U.S. on Apple’s App Store and Google Play since launch.

In the past week, Disney Plus has averaged 25.6 million sessions per day — a sign users “have been highly engaged” with the service, says Apptopia VP of insights and global alliances Adam Blacker.”

Disney+ Launch Has Not Slowed Down Netflix and Other Streaming Services — Photo Credit: Disney+

So far, reports do not show any drastic changes in service to Netflix, though many Disney Fans have stated once all Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and related content is removed from the service they will be ending their subscriptions. Current contracts have some titles connected to Netflix until 2021.

“While early trends indicate that Netflix is weathering the impact of the Disney+ launch, we are still in the early innings of major competitive launches as new services come online in the U.S. and expand to other key markets,” shares Instinet analyst Mark Kelley in a Nov. 22 note. “We think that investors will remain cautious until reported results tell the same story.” The analyst maintains a “neutral” rating on Netflix, citing “concerns around valuation and capital intensity.”

While there are many fans who will leave these services, most have decided to keep their current services and add Disney+ out of convenience and variety of content at their fingertips, myself included.

Have you been enjoying Disney+ as a streaming service? Did you cancel any other subscriptions with other streaming services or just add Disney+ to your services? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Be sure to check ack here at Chip and Co. for all things Disney+

Featured Photo Credit: Disney+/Netflix

‘Avatar’ Sequels Crew Celebrates Film Wrapping With Special Set Sneak Peek

By

Kaitlyn

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December 2, 2019

‘Avatar’ Sequels Crew Celebrates Film Wrapping With Special Set Sneak Peek. James Cameron and the cast and crew of Avatar 2, Avatar 3, Avatar 4, and Avatar 5, have been hard at work to bring the ‘Avatar‘ sequels to life. The films are currently being filmed simultaneously, with alternating release dates in December 2021-December 2027.

To celebrate the end of the 2019 filming for the films, @officialavatar shared a sneak peek of one of the sets that will appear in one of the sequels.

“That’s a wrap, Na’vi Nation! It’s our last day of live-action filming in 2019, and we’re celebrating with a sneak peek. Check out this photo of the aft well deck section of the Sea Dragon, a massive mothership that carries an array of other sea-going craft in the sequels.”

That's a wrap, Na'vi Nation! ?

It's our last day of live-action filming in 2019, and we're celebrating with a sneak peek. ?

Check out this photo of the aft well deck section of the Sea Dragon, a massive mothership that carries an array of other sea-going craft in the sequels. pic.twitter.com/AXgAve6aTG

— Avatar (@officialavatar) November 29, 2019

Executive producer, Jon Landau spoke with Comicbook.com about the films and his excitement for the sequels.

“We’re well into production,” Landau explained to CB, “We’ve completed our performance capture with Sam [Worthington] and Zoe [Saldana] and Stephen Lang and Cliff Curtis and Sigourney Weaver and a great group of young kids. We’ve been capturing not just on a stage but in a 500,000-gallon water tank, below the water, above the water. Jim [Cameron] has written into the scripts all of the stuff that people would expect from an Avatar sequel. A story that completes itself, an emotional journey in a world like you’ve never seen.”

We are still months, if not a year or so, away from seeing a trailer for ‘Avatar 2‘, but these teases are getting us excited for the long awaited sequels!

What do you think of this sneak peek? Are you excited for the Avatar sequels? 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: Fox

Machete Brawl During a Screening of Frozen 2!

By

Tessa H

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December 2, 2019

According to the Independent, on Saturday afternoon five teenagers one of which was a 13-year-old girl were arrest during a machete brawl during a screening of Frozen 2 in the United Kingdom. Families were watching the new Disney animated classic when a fight broke out involving up to 100 teenagers, resulting in a mass evacuation of the complex.

In response to a 999 call reporting a machete brawl between youths during a screening of Frozen 2, dozens of Police officers were called to the complex. According to a witness “two machetes and a knife were seized” and “seven police officers left with minor injuries” such as “facial injuries” while other officers dealt with the crowds around the complex. Witnesses also said that they saw lots of young children crying.

Investigators believe the cause of the mass fight was due to an organised fight between rival groups. Five teenagers have been arrested. Including a 13-year-old girl, another girl and boy aged 14, and a 19-year-old man were held on suspicion of assaulting police officers. Another boy, aged 14, was arrested for obstructing police.

Cinema managers closed the complex for the rest of the evening and police issued a dispersal order, giving them powers to move crowds on and arrest those who refused. The Police have urged people with footage or information to come forward so suspects can be identified.

For other Disney news click here!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Rise of the Resistance Dedication Ceremony Live Stream

By

Chip

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December 2, 2019

Disney will be sharing a live stream of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Rise of the Resistance Dedication Ceremony on Wednesday, December 4, 2019: at 6:55 pm EST | 3:55 pm PST.

Tune in here for an inside look at the new attraction, surprise celebrity guests, and of course the Rise of the Resistance Dedication.

Just click the link above on Wednesday to watch it LIVE!

New Frozen 2 Doll Set and Costumes Available From Disney Store

By

Danielle

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December 2, 2019

Disney Store and shopDisney has released a new Frozen 2 Doll Set and Deluxe Costumes for Kids! These gorgeous Frozen 2 items are available now, just in time for the holidays. The costumes and dolls feature the queenly airainments of both Anna and Elsa, as seen at the end of Frozen 2.

Paytime is empowered with the new Anna and Elsa classic dolls. The sisters are finely costumed as Queen Anna and Snow Queen Elsa as seen in Frozen 2. This set comes with two classic dolls, Queen Anna and Snow Queen Elsa. The dollars have finely detailed features Elsa’s Snow Queen costume includes a satin frost print dress with shimmering lavender organza cape and sleeves. While Queen Anna’s costume includes a layered green satin gown with glittering bodice, lined cape, and tiara. The Classic Doll Set retails for $34.99.

Elsa and Anna’s gorgeous new gowns have been recreated as stunning deluxe costumes as well. Elsa’s Snow Queen gown will bring a flurry of delight. Faceted gems, sheer cape panels, and a pair of ice blue leggings make this magical costume a glamorous and powerful fashion statement. Anna reigns as Queen of Arendelle with this deluxe costume. The satin and velvet dress is accented by embroidery, faceted gems and pleated organza. A satin-lined velvet cape also completes the regal look. Both costumes retail for $79.99.

Do you have a Frozen fan who would love these Frozen 2 Doll Set and Costumes?

Epcot’s Refreshment Port boasts new Holiday Treats

By

Julie

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December 1, 2019

Two new holiday treats have rolled into the Refreshment Port in Epcot’s World Showcase: the Warm Caramel Stuffed Salted Pretzel and the Coca-Cola Cinnamon Float. Both include ice cream and are perfect for warm Florida winter days.

Let’s start with the Coca-Cola Cinnamon Float. It’s a pretty simple float. Your choice of vanilla, chocolate or swirl soft serve topped with bottled Cinnamon Coca-Cola. I enjoyed the little spice that the cinnamon added to the traditional Coca-Cola float. This float costs $5.75 or you could use a snack credit from the Disney Dining Plan.

Second up, the Warm Caramel Stuffed Pretzel with soft serve and chocolate sauce. Although more sweet than salty this is a delicious treat. The flavor is so rich that it is easy to share. The warm caramel-filled pretzel is delicious and is complemented well with the vanilla ice cream. But again, you have the choice of vanilla, chocolate or swirl ice cream on top. This treat is $8.25 or a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Both snacks are found at the Refreshment Outpost that is between China and Germany in the World Showcase. Stop on by before Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays ends.

Julie de la Fé

@justamomandboyatdisney

Find us park-hopping during the most magical time of year at the happiest place on earth!

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‘Frozen II’ Remains #1 at the Box Office Over Thanksgiving Weekend

By

Kaitlyn

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December 1, 2019

‘Frozen II’ Remains #1 at the Box Office Over Thanksgiving Weekend. Already securing its position as the third highest grossing animated film debut of all time, Frozen II has continued being a smash hit in theaters and continued to dominate the box office over Thanksgiving Weekend.

Frozen II earned over $143 Million at the Domestic Box Office over the course of its opening weekend. With earnings like that, Frozen II became the highest grossing animated film released in the month of November. Frozen II has earned a total of $350 Million in Global Box Office standings. That’s more than DOUBLE the next leading film released in November. The record was previously held by Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs which earned $152 Million at the Global Box Office during its opening weekend back in 2009.

As of Sunday night, Box Office Mojo is reporting that Frozen II now sits at approximately $287,573,344 USD in total earnings at the domestic box office, with nearly $100 million of that made from ticket sales over Thanksgiving Weekend (Thursday-Sunday). Globally, Frozen II has earned roughly $738,573,344 USD since its premiere on November 22, 2019.

“Why was Elsa (Idina Menzel) born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna (Kristen Bell), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Olaf (Josh Gad), and Sven, she’ll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In “Frozen II,” she must hope they are enough.

From the Academy Award®-winning team—directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, producer Peter Del Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, comes Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen II” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.”

Frozen II is now playing in theaters. You can order tickets via Fandango.com, AMCtheatres.com, preferred theater mobile app, or at a theater box office window near you.

Did you see Frozen II during opening or Thanksgiving weekend? Without spoiling the film, did you enjoy the story and new characters? Which new song is already playing in your head on repeat? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments, but remember, please don’t share spoilers, Thanks!

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

Featured Photo Credit: Disney

‘The Last Jedi’ Director Wants to Direct An Episode of ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2

By

Kaitlyn

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December 1, 2019

‘The Last Jedi’ Director Wants to Direct An Episode of ‘The Mandalorian‘ Season 2. Recently, The Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson sat down with CinemaBlend to discuss his newest film, Knives Out, a modern day “who-done-it” that has been killer at the box office. Pun intended.

During the podcast, Johnson was asked if he would consider directing an episode of The Mandalorian for Lucasfilm and Disney+ to which the director replied, “Hell yeah! Man, if I had the time, I would get in there in a heartbeat. I had a set visit for Season 1 and it looked amazing. It looked like so much fun!”

Rian is referring to being busy with his current work on a new Star Wars trilogy for Lucasfilm, set to take place outside of the “Skywalker Saga”. Though Rian’s films have been very successful in theaters, Johnson has been the focus of extremely negative comments and reactions from fans online for “ruining” the new Star Wars trilogy. Rian and CinemaBlend dug into the “bad stuff” he has had to deal with and how he is using the feedback to grow and do better on future Star Wars projects.

'The Last Jedi' Director Wants to Direct An Episode of 'The Mandalorian' Season 2 — Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

“In terms of the bad stuff, I’ll tell you it’s interesting. That’s been one of the really healthy things for me about the past couple of years, is getting exposed to it,” Johnson began. “Before I made The Last Jedi, I had never had anyone hate me on the internet. If during the course of a year I got one negative tweet I would go into a panic. I’d be like ‘Oh my god, someone out there doesn’t like me. I need to fix this!’ The thing is though, I am really really thankful. Because what that meant is that my sense of self-worth was attached to the notion of everybody liking me online. And the fact that this process has made me, out of survival, disconnect from that.”

Rian continued, “And also it’s given me a more realistic view of the system that is social media. There’s a lot of great, genuine interaction that goes on,” Johnson continued. The bad stuff, the systematic trolling, the almost gamified abuse that some people devote their entire online presence to; honestly, once you’ve seen enough of it, you see the pattern of it. It just sort of gets boring after a while. It doesn’t even give me that little negative ping anymore. And I don’t think it’s even my skin growing tough. It’s just I’ve put in perspective. I realize this is kind of a byproduct of this social Twitter system. There’s going to be some degree of people where this is their hobby, basically. So overall I found it made me adjust to social media where I’m seeing it and using it in a healthier way.”

What do you think of Rian wanting to direct an episode of The Mandalorian? Do you feel he could redeem himself or should he stay in a galaxy far, far away from any more Star Wars projects? We would love to see your thoughts in the comments. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for all things Star Wars!

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree Scavenger Hunt

By

Kevin

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December 1, 2019

Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays started this weekend. The festival brings many forms of seasonal entertainment to the theme park, including Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree. This is a fun scavenger hunt for guests to play while traveling through World Showcase.

Playing this Christmas scavenger hunt is a good way to pass the time while you wait for seeing the Candlelight Processional, or if you’re working on trying all the cookies on the Cookie Stroll. The game’s theme is about Chip ‘n’ Dale gathering up holiday items in each country to add to their Christmas tree. There are eleven (11) Christmas wreaths to find and each country in World Showcase has one.

Scavenger Hunt

Look everywhere! Because the Christmas wreathes are hidden fairly well. Some of them are indoors and some are on the outside of buildings. The best advice to keep in mind is to look in places where you think a Christmas wreath might be normally hung. The stickers that come with the map represent each wreath and features Chip or Dale (or both) holding a Christmas ornament. Once you find all the wreaths and identify their locations, then you can go claim a special prize.

This scavenger hunt is similar to the other two seasonal games Epcot offers for Easter and Food & Wine Festival. These scavenger hunts are similar in nature and you can claim your prize when you complete your map.

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree is optional for guests and costs $6.99 plus tax to play. It is eligible for AP discount. You can purchase your game map at Disney Traders, Gateway Gifts, or World Traveler at International Gateway. To claim your prize, then bring the completed game map back to any of these store locations. The scavenger hunt is available while supplies last until December 31, 2019.

Prizes

There are three Christmas ornaments offered as prizes and you can choose one of them to bring home. The Christmas ornaments are Chip ‘n’ Dale, Mickey & Minnie Mouse, and Figment with Spaceship Earth. Which one will you pick? They make a nice addition to a Christmas Tree!

“Canada Far and Wide” Coming Soon to Epcot

By

Allison Luna

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December 1, 2019

“O Canada! Our home and native land.” Whether you sing this song as a native or simply listen along with respect as a visitor, we can all agree that Canada has unparalleled beauty and wonder. It is with this in mind that Walt Disney World’s Epcot has decided to update its Canada Pavilion with a brand new Circle-Vision 360 film: Canada Far and Wide.

The attraction is coming to replace the previously-titled “O Canada” film, which closed August 1st, 2019. That film showed Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil, beautiful landscapes such as the Bay of Fundy, as well as dynamic cities like Vancouver. Narrating the experience was Martin Short, the famous Canadian comedian. Since then, the cinema has been used as an indoor marketplace during Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival.

The new show will be opening in January 2020, which isn’t very far from now! Guests are excited to see how this new experience will differ from the last, and hope that Epcot‘s Canada pavilion will be enhanced by the update. The film will be appropriate for all members of the family, as well as an educational experience, and a great way to escape the crowds and heat in the rest of the park.

So many changes are coming to Epcot in the next year! Are you excited to see all the new additions?

Photos courtesy of Disney

Holidays At Legoland Florida

By

Melissa Welt

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December 1, 2019

The holidays at Legoland Florida have arrived! This fun and festive event is presented by the Hallmark Channel. All across the park are various holiday activities and fun for the whole family to enjoy. We had the opportunity to experience it for ourselves and wanted to share some highlights of what to expect!

Entertainment

Legoland Florida offers three specific holiday-themed shows on top of the already existing offerings that occur daily.

Two fun stage shows happen throughout the afternoon. Holly Jolly Jubilee and North Pole Nonsense follow the stories of the elves of the North Pole. While Holly Jolly Jubilee is a musical following the elves preparing Santa for his big day, North Pole Nonsense is filled with fun acrobatic style acts of two elves trying to find their place.

Our personal favorite show we experienced was Rockin’ Around. This takes place at the Lego built Christmas tree that’s at the front of the park. It’s a dazzling light display set to fun Christmas songs. This show occurs in the evening so it could be an excellent way to end your day!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ge4FfFot6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Characters

We had an amazing time hanging out with some of the holiday-themed Lego characters. New for this year is the Lego Gingerbread Man and Holiday Unikitty. The meet and greet area for the Lego Gingerbread man even smelled like gingerbread. It was amazing!

Of course, no trip to Legoland for the holidays would be complete without meeting Lego Santa! He was just bricktastic and holly jolly as ever. Surprisingly there wasn’t a large line to meet Lego Santa. If you have little ones this may be an excellent opportunity to get a fun Santa photo with a minimum wait time, unlike other parks.

Holiday Treats

Throughout the park are fun festive-themed treats. We were grateful that a few were cooler treats geared towards our occasionally warm Florida Decembers. We tried out the Ho-Ho-Hot Chocolate Freeze and it was so good! Very similar to a chocolate milkshake and very much appreciated since it was warm out.

Other treats you could find around the park were the Merry Mint Twist and the Oatmeal Creme Pie. Both looked so good!

Activities

Something unique to Legoland we found was the fun Christmas activities. There was a variety of Lego-themed building opportunities. A really unique one was the Holidays Around The World Lego Mosaic Build. Families were able to build a small section of legos to add to a mosaic and by the end of the day, a full picture would be complete.

We also loved the Lego Holiday Build. Families are given the opportunity to help decorate a 19 foot tall Lego Christmas tree! There were a few ornament options to choose from to build for the tree.

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Other activities included a fun scavenger hunt in the Miniland section of the park, letters to Santa, and a fun holiday-themed competition build.

Shopping

Of course, it isn’t the holiday season if we didn’t talk about some shopping. In the stores near the front of the park, we found a few ornament options. A couple was pre-built including Hallmark branded ornaments.

The ornaments we really enjoyed were the Lego ornaments you take home and build. This could be a great gift for someone that really loves Legos. They had many options including Santa, a penguin, a snowman, and a reindeer.

Final Takeaway

We had a really great time experiencing the holidays at Legoland Florida! The decor was adorable and the variety of activities, entertainment, and festive treats got us in the holiday spirit. Legoland Florida should certainly be put on your holiday wish list this year!

To check out the full Legoland Florida Holiday guide click here.