Cast Member Receives special memento for her outstanding service with guests after post goes viral

By

-

September 9, 2019

Cast Member Samantha was recently recognized with a special memento from Disney’s Animal Kingdom executives for her outstanding service she gave guests last week when their post went viral on Facebook.

This post from Jessica D. Thomas on Facebook sharing her wonderful experience from Cast Member Samantha went viral last week:

I am asking all 2,254 of you to share this post. Because I want this young lady at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to receive the highest recognition and for other moms not to feel alone when we aren’t perfect.

I am claustrophobic. Anyone who really knows me, knows this. It’s bad. I can normally control my panic attacks with breathing and visualizations but theme parks keep me anxious from the moment we park.

My children have never been to any Disney Parks. Today was their first time. As a mom we feel a TON of pressure to create these “memories” for our children. We feel obligated to overcome our shortcomings for them. We do everything in our power to remove their worries or fears, so ours take a backseat.

I am claustrophobic. I hate rides, most all of them cause me to have severe panic attacks. This is the Avatar boat ride. I researched the ride, asked a ton of questions and even sat down. Then I looked up and I immediately was triggered from a grade school field trip to the Mariana Caverns. My heart was racing, my breathing was hard and I felt genuinely scared of being trapped. It looked like a small cave. I stood up and got off asking my friends (Yaunee Okuneye and Ken Yinka) and husband, (David Thomas) to take our 1 year old so she could ride. She cried as I got off. So, I grabbed her and headed for the exit. I was embarrassed, sad for her and sad that I also wouldn’t get to see my 3 year old enjoy yet another experience because I was scared.

That’s where this changes for me. Samantha saw me tearing up as I was walking out. She stopped me and asked if I was okay. I cried and explained all of the above. She stopped whatever she was on her way to do and 1st offered to let me sit in the ride briefly to test the actual space while explaining all the details of the ride, but that was not the ABOVE AND BEYOND part. She said “Do you want me to ride with you?” Dadgum I’m tearing up again right now in the hotel. She asked that question with such sincerity and understanding and overall compassion. All I could muster was a nod. She walked over with me and my baby to the front row. She not only held my hand the entire time but she also pointed out every single exit to me, told me about the all the ways I was safe and how the cast members could come get me out if any of my worst fears came true. Here is where she is an out right Godsend While she was helping me through this, she simultaneously pointed out every detail of fun for my little girl and didn’t miss a beat.

See, everyone, that’s the hard part. At 33, I don’t mind missing rides at parks. I am happy to take the stairs. I am always content to wait for the next bus or for a tight spot to pass for a more open option. But I am a mom now. And I don’t want my children to miss out on anything or me to miss moments of their childhood. So as I was trying to breathe and get through this, my baby didn’t miss a beat. Because Samantha was gripping my hand and using her other hand to point at fun things for my daughter and making her laugh and smile the whole ride.

I just can’t thank her enough. Your friends and family love you and try to understand; but after years, sometimes even they get worn down with accommodations or inconveniences associated your “issue”. But a perfect stranger immediately knew what to say and do. Today, I didn’t feel like less of a mom or less than at all. She made me feel…well.. just magical at Disney today.

Thank you so much Samantha.

Her post was liked over 72,000 times with 3,400 comments and 14,000 shares!

With a post that huge and with such a touching story Disney took notice.

In honor of her positivity and readiness to go above and beyond for this guest, Samantha was recognized with a special memento from Djuan Rivers, vice president of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Joe Kalla, general manager of Park Operations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

What a wonderful memory for not only the guests but also for Cast Member Samantha!

Hilarious Grandmaster Meme Changes ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Title

By

Kaitlyn

-

September 9, 2019

Hilarious Grandmaster Meme Changes ‘Thor: Love and Thunder‘ Title. The meme shared via /r/MarvelStudios on Reddit has garnished over 27.9K upvotes and has been shared on several social media platforms with fans around the world saying the new title inspired by The Grandmaster has a better ring to it, and would be a fun reference to Thor: Ragnarok.

The post read with the following image:

“Wow I didn’t hear any thunder, but…”

Of course, for those familiar with the films, the meme is in reference to The Grandmaster referring to Thor’s new found lightning abilities as “sparkles” in Thor: Ragnarok when Thor is presented by Valkyrie to The Grandmaster on Sakaar.

Thor: Love and Thunder will see the return of Taika Waititi as director, and the biggest surprise, the MCU return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster who will become Lady Thor in this new adventure. Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie) will also star in the film along side Portman.

We love seeing Marvel Fans create clever memes but this one is top notch and would definitely get the approval of The Grandmaster!

Are you as excited as we are for Thor: Love and Thunder? What are some of the best Marvel Memes you have seen? Please feel free to share them in the comments for everyone else to enjoy and be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Marvel!

Photo Credit: Marvel Studios

Original Harry Potter Trio Set to Return For ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Film

By

Kaitlyn

-

September 9, 2019

Original Harry Potter Trio Set to Return For ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child‘ Film. According to WeGotThisCovered.com, the popular screenplay of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is moving from the stage to the big screen in a film adaption by Warner Brothers Studio.

The source close with the site also claims that the original trio from the Harry Potter films, Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) are expected to reprise their roles.

It is currently unknown if other previous cast members in the cast that would be featured in the film, such as Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) or Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), will reprise their roles for the featured film along side Radcliffe, Watson, or Grint.

The story of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child takes place nineteen years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and follows Harry Potter, now Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, and his younger son Albus Severus Potter, who is about to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Albus becomes friends with Draco Malfoy’s son, Scorpius Malfoy. After feeling the pressure of living under their fathers shadows, the two hatch a plan to change the past and try to save Cedric Diggory.

The play is considered to be the eighth official story in the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been a smashing success in London, Melbourne, and New York City. With regularly sold out performances and queue lines filled with fans wrapped around the theaters.

Would you like to see the original cast reprise their roles for the film? Are you excited to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child come to the big screen? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Harry Potter!

Photo Credit: Warner Brothers/Playbill

Harry Styles Shares Why He Passed On Playing Prince Eric

By

Kaitlyn

-

September 9, 2019

Harry Styles Shares Why He Passed On Playing Prince Eric. Recently, Harry Styles recently spoke with The Face about his career from One Direction, to his new direction in music and film.

Since his departure from One Direction, Harry Styles has been working on a solo album, as well as making his film debut in Dunkirk. Even getting a recommendation from Disney Legend, Sir Elton John, urging him to diversify his career and branch out into other avenues besides music.

“Why do I want to act? It’s so different to music for me,” Harry shares, “They’re almost opposite for me. Music, you try and put so much of yourself into it; acting, you’re trying to totally disappear in whoever you’re being.” The conversation quickly turned to Styles passing on the role for Prince Eric and what he was thinking since he does seem to be working towards making more appearances in film.

“It was discussed,” Styles said of the role as Eric for the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, “I want to put music out and focus on that for a while. But everyone involved in it was amazing, so I think it’s going to be great. I’ll enjoy watching it, I’m sure.” Harry is set to release a solo album soon, having finished recording and chosen which single will be featured.

Disney is still on the lookout for their Prince Eric to parallel Halle Bailey’s Princess Ariel. Joining Bailey is Jacob Tremblay (Flounder), Awkwafina (Scuttle), and Javier Bardem rumored to play King Triton and rumors that Melissa McCarthy will portray the villainous Ursula.

Who would you like to see as Prince Eric in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid? What other Disney Classics would you like to see as a live-action remake? Do you think Disney has gone too far or do you like the remakes? Let us know in the comments, we would love to hear your thoughts.

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

Walt Disney Archives Celebrates 50 Years At Bowers Museum

By

Monique Lopez

-

September 9, 2019

Walt Disney Archives Celebrates 50 Years At Bowers Museum

The Walt Disney Archives is getting ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the year of 2020!

Starting March 7, 2020 the Walt Disney Archives will host a special exhibit at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. The exhibit, titled Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic, will offer guests rare never before seen artifacts. The museum will hold over 400 items. Fans will get to see rare original artwork, film props, and costumes.

Disney Legend, Dave Smith, founded the archives in 1970. For 50 years, the archives have kept the most rare and memorable items that have shaped Disney history. From scripts, to costumes, to archival photographs, these items along with some of Walt Disney’s personal items have been kept safe throughout the decades.

The exhibit will be open to the public through August 30th before it tours throughout the country. However, D23 Gold Members will get and exclusive first look of the exhibit during a special preview event. D23 Gold Members will also get a special ticket discount for the exhibit.

Even though the exhibit will be on tour after August, there are other ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary. The archives will be partnering with the El Capitan Theatre to host El Cap Throwback screenings. At Walt Disney World’s D23 Expo, a special exhibit of the archives will debut. A special D23 behind the scenes event titled A Day at the Studios Lot will be offered. Last, all official Walt Disney Studios toured in 2020 will come with a 50th anniversary gift.

There are so many ways to celebrate the Walt Disney Archives next year!

What experience are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: The Walt Disney Company

Leaning Tower Of Donuts At Disney Springs!

By

Ana Leal

-

September 9, 2019

Who doesn’t love ice cream and donuts right? This new treat at Disney Springs is like a dream come true!

This insane dessert is called The Leaning Tower of Doughnuts and you can find it at Vivoli il Gelato.

You can choose two scoops of your favorite gelato, one scoop will be sandwiched inside a donut and the other scoop will be on top next to a stack of donut holes, drizzled with chocolate sauce and sprinkles and topped with whipped cream!

Sounds delicious right? Remember that calories don’t count at Disney so go get yourself this treat!

Photo credit: Disney

Come celebrate the start of Halloween Time at the AP Corner with a magnet and special photo op!

By

Chip

-

September 9, 2019

Great news Annual Passholders! You can celebrate Halloween Time in Disneyland with a special Halloween Annual Passholder Magnet and photo op!

Here are the details:

Celebrate the most happily haunted time of year… with a sinister twist! This September, Annual Passholders are invited to stop by the AP Corner at the Tomorrowland Expo Center for ghastly goodies starring the ultimate gambling ghoul, Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. Don’t miss the chance to score spooktacular swag that includes:

Special Passholder Halloween-themed magnet (while supplies last)
2 Collectible buttons (while supplies last) – first design available September 15; second available September 22
Oogie Boogie photo op

So hurry on over—these limited-time treats will be gone faster than a roll of the dice!

EVENT DETAILS

AP Corner During Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
Located on the second floor of Tomorrowland Expo Center at Disneyland Park
September 12 through September 30, 2019
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Valid Annual Pass required
One magnet per Passholder—one collectible button per week per Passholder (while supplies last)
Please check the Blockout Calendar prior to your visit

Important Annual Passport Information

Annual Passports do not guarantee theme park admission, especially during high attendance periods. Admission to the theme parks and availability of theme park parking are subject to capacity and other closures. Other restrictions apply.

Annual Passport types are limited in quantity, and certain types may no longer be available for purchase and/or renewal at any time. Benefits and discounts are determined solely by Disney, are subject to restrictions and exclusions and may be valid at only select locations. The Annual Passports and their benefits are nontransferable, subject to restrictions and change without notice, and may not be combined with any other discount, offer or promotion. Annual Passports are for personal use only, and the passes and their benefits may not be used for commercial purposes or for the benefit of others including, without limitation, the purchase of merchandise with the intent to resell such merchandise or the sharing of benefits with persons who are not the Passholder. See full Annual Passport Terms and Conditions.

Subject to change without notice.

Drunk Hollywood Studios Guest slaps Taxi Driver in Parking Lot over a cigarette

By

Chip

-

September 9, 2019

Last Thursday night in the Parking Lot of Hollywood Studios a drunken guest attempted to slap a Taxi Cab Driver for not having a cigarette and later kicked an Orange County Sheriff upon arrest.

Ellen McMillion of Brandon FL was exiting Hollywood Studios and walked over to the Taxi Cab area where she began yelling at one of the drivers when he said he didn’t smoke and did not have a cigarette for her. She began swinging at the Cab driver when Orange County Deputies arrived on the scene.

The Police report states that she had bloodshot eyes, smelled of alcohol and had trouble standing.

According to Click Orlando, she would not comply with the officers until she got a cigarette. When she couldn’t get a smoke she then began to become belligerent with the officers and started yelling profanities at them with children around and eventually kicked at the deputy.

McMillion was arrested on charges of disorderly intoxication and battery on a law enforcement officer. Records show she’s also trespassed from Walt Disney World property previously.

Source

Keystone Clothier is now open in Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

-

September 9, 2019

After a lengthy refurbishment Keystone Clothier in Hollywood Studios is now open in Hollywood Studios.

The whole inside is now themed for Star Wars!

Here you can find all of your Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge merch such as robes and lightsabers.

The store has a fresh new look to go with the new merchandise.

Gone is the dark and drab interior and it has been updated with bright colors and lots of Star Wars merch.

Take a little tour of the new store:

Mickey’s of Hollywood is still under refurbishment and I would expect them to open soon.

New Florida Resident Offers for Fall and Winter at Walt Disney World

By

Katelyn G

-

September 9, 2019

There are new Florida resident offers at Walt Disney World!

First, Florida residents can save up to 40% off 4-Day Theme Park Tickets and 30% off 3-Day Tickets! This savings is compared to non-Florida resident prices of 3 or 4-day tickets.

Next, check out the Seasonal Flex Ticket. This new special ticket offer is great for guests who want more flexibility on their vacation and do not want to be locked down to a ticket start date. Florida residents can purchase these tickets through February 29th, 2020. Blockout dates apply (December 18-January 2, November 21-28).

Seasonal Flex tickets must be purchased through December 17th, 2019 and used by February 29th, 2020. The “seasons” for the Seasonal Flex Tickets are September 3rd – November 20th, November 29th – December 17th, and January 3rd – February 29th. Tickets can be used on non-consecutive days. Pricing as follows:

3-Day 1-Park Per Day Seasonal Flex Ticket – $249 plus tax ($83 per day plus tax)
4-Day 1-Park Per Day Seasonal Flex Ticket – $269 plus tax ($68 per day plus tax

Lastly, Florida residents can also get an awesome deal on Annual Passes! Residents have the privilege of taking advantage of the monthly payment program for Annual Passes. Residents will also receive free standard theme park parking, up to 20% off merchandise, and 20% off select dining.

Source: Disney.

Photos: Epcot Construction Walls Have Gone Up For Newly Revised Epcot

By

Jessica Jones

-

September 9, 2019

As we learned during the D23 Expo, Epcot will be undergoing a new transformation and as promised the Epcot construction walls have gone up overnight.

The beginning of the construction is starting to take place with construction walls surrounding Colortopia, Club Cool, and Fountain of Nations.

Walt Disney himself always meant for Epcot to be a place that changes with the times. We can expect the theme park to live up to that promise over the next few years! This will be the biggest transformation of any Disney park in history.

The re-imagining of Epcot will see four “neighborhoods” Each of these neighborhoods will touch on important aspects of the world and its people:

World Showcase
World Celebration
World Nature
World Discovery

These neighborhoods will delight guests with new experiences that center on authenticity and innovation by taking guests on a journey to new destinations, where real-life meets fantastic possibilities!

World Celebration is a “neighborhood” that will offer new experiences to connect one another to the world around us. Spaceship Earth will still be the voyage through time, but the journey will transform to reflect the power of storytelling to unite the human experience with a welcomed new narration with a new musical score that will focus on the moments and ideas that define our story.

The entrance plaza of Epcot will be transformed with new experiences designed to connect us to the world around us. Highlights will include a reimagined fountain, new pathways, and welcomed green spaces! Disney promises that the new designs will still pay homage to the origins of Epcot, which is what Walt would want.

As you leave Spaceship Earth, you’ll be enchanted by a beautiful view of the World Showcase from Dreamers Point. A new statue celebrating Walt Disney, sitting in reflection will also be featured at the World Celebration.

Are you excited about the Epcot construction walls to go up for the new transformation?

For more information, follow ChipandCo here.

Jermaine Bell Surprised with WDW Vacation After Using Vacation Money for Hurricane Evacuees

By

Katelyn G

-

September 9, 2019

Jermaine Bell was surprised with a dream Walt Disney World Vacation after he used his vacation savings to feed hurricane Dorian evacuees!

Jermaine Bell is only six years old from Jacksonville, Florida. He spent over a year saving money to go to Walt Disney World for his birthday. Hurricane Dorian got in the way of his big plans, but Jermaine’s selfless act of compassion has inspired millions.

As Dorian moved in closer towards South Carolina, Jermaine purchased hundreds of hot dogs, bags of chips, and bottled water with the money he had saved to go to WDW. He served the food and drink free of charge to hurricane evacuees in South Carolina where he was visiting his grandma.

Jermaine Bell celebrated his 7th birthday on Sunday, September 8th. He got the surprise of a lifetime! Mickey Mouse and a group of Walt Disney World cast members showed up at his door to announce that he and his family will finally get the chance to visit Walt Disney World after all! The Bell family will enjoy a VIP getaway at the end of this month.

Luckily, Disney will be highlighting their trip so stay tuned!

Check out the video below:

Source: Disney.

Photos taken at Encore Resorts at Reunion.