Additional Panel, Presentations, Exhibits and Events announced for D23 Expo

By

-

August 1, 2019

Whether you enjoy “Two Worlds” or “A Whole New World,” there is something for every Disney fan at D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. During the three-day spectacular, which takes place August 23–25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, guests will have the chance to enjoy the 20th anniversary of Tarzan, take part in a musical celebration of Aladdin, explore the world of Avatar in exciting new ways, and honor Disney heroines. Plus, the Walt Disney Archives will once again host three days of historical presentations on its own stage. And the “Ultimate Fan Street Party” returns for its daily parades through the show floor—with a special twist.

Panels:

Mousequerade – Presented by Raw Threads

Friday, August 23, 11 a.m., Stage 28

Mousequerade, the fan-favorite costume competition that invites participants to create their own Disney-inspired designs, returns to D23 Expo 2019. Join judges Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars Rebels),Yvette Nicole Brown (Disney’s upcoming live-action Lady and the Tramp), Jennifer Leonard (owner and designer of Raw Threads), and the contest’s host, Disney’s Jim Babcock, to watch dozens of finalists compete in five exciting categories for the $2,300 Best in Show Prize!

Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series – Episode II First Look

Friday, August 23, 2 p.m., Stage 28

Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series lets you become the hero of your own personal adventure as you step into the role of a Force-sensitive smuggler recruited by Darth Vader himself. Director Ben Snow, Senior Experience Designer Jose Perez III, and Lucasfilm Story Group Creative Executive Matt Martin take the stage for an in-depth discussion about the upcoming second episode, including an exclusive sneak peek that will be available only to those at D23 Expo.

A Musical Celebration of Aladdin

Saturday, August 24, 5:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena

To celebrate the in-home releases of the all-new live-action Aladdin and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Aladdin Walt Disney Signature Collection hosts Scott Weinger (“Aladdin”) and Linda Larkin (“Jasmine”) take us on a musical-magic-carpet ride through your favorite tunes from Aladdin both on stage and on screen. Special guests include Brad Kane (“Aladdin” singing voice), Deedee Magno Hall (“Jasmine” in Disney’s Aladdin—A Musical Spectacular), Jamal Sims (Choreographer, Aladdin live-action), Clinton Greenspan (Broadway’s next “Aladdin”), Lillias White (Hercules), and Norm Lewis (Scandal, The Little Mermaid on Broadway). You never know what surprises the Genie may conjure up.

Heroines of the Disney Galaxies – Presented by BoxLunch

Sunday, August 25, 10 a.m., Stage 28

Join Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, creator of Her Universe) and some very special guests—including Sana Amanat (VP of Content & Character Development, Marvel), Ally Maki (Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, Toy Story 4), and Christy Carlson Romano (Kim Possible, Even Stevens, Big Hero 6: The Series)—for a celebration of some of the most inspiring and empowered heroines from the worlds of Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and more!

Disney Character Voices, Inc: The 30th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, August 25, 3 p.m., D23 Expo Arena

For 30 years, Disney Character Voices has kept the voices of Disney characters alive and well for fans through toys, games, apps, theme park attractions, and much more. Take a journey with Rick Dempsey, SVP of Character Voices, and many of those beloved voices—including Tony Anselmo (“Donald”), Jodi Benson (“Ariel”), Bill Farmer (“Goofy” and “Pluto”), Bret Iwan (“Mickey Mouse”), and Linda Larkin (“Jasmine”), with more special guests to be announced—as they step out from behind the microphone to celebrate this joyous anniversary through stories and amazing voices!

Two Worlds, One Family: The Making of Tarzan

Sunday, August 25, 5:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena

Twenty years later, the team who brought the animated classic to life “swings” into the D23 Expo to give a behind-the-scenes look at how the Walt Disney Animation Studios film came to be! Guests include directors Chris Buck (Frozen 2) and Kevin Lima (Enchanted); animators Bruce W. Smith, Ken Duncan, and Disney Legend Glen Keane; and producer Bonnie Arnold, as well as a very special performance by Matthew Morrison (Glee) from his forthcoming Walt Disney Records album.

The Art of Disney Storytelling

Sunday, August 25, 6 p.m., Stage 28

A panel of master storytellers—including Disney Legends Tony Baxter and Floyd Norman, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Paul Briggs (head of story, Frozen and Big Hero 6), and legendary producer Don Hahn—discuss Walt Disney’s impact on their careers and the entertainment industry, highlighting the ways they leverage those lessons to spark creativity today.

Also coming to D23 Expo…

Inside the World of Avatar

The astonishing world of Avatar is one of the most indelible ever created in film and a celebration of all that is possible in cinema and storytelling. Avatar’s visionary director, James Cameron, has created a spellbinding, immersive world that transports audiences to a never-before-imagined place inhabited by jaw-droppingly original characters. At D23 Expo 2019, the spectacular world of Avatar comes to life once again with rarely-seen props, costumes, and models used in the making of Cameron’s groundbreaking film, paired with the iconic movie moments where they are brought to life. Fans will also get a glimpse at the making of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Walt Disney World Resort, making this one-of-a-kind exhibit, located on the second floor of the Anaheim Convention Center, a must-see stop for anyone who appreciates the very best in movie and theme park storytelling.

Walt Disney Archives Stage

The popular Walt Disney Archives Stage returns, hosting 16 panels and presentations throughout the weekend. Disney notables, such as Disney Legend Bill Farmer, author J.B. Kaufman, designers Kevin Kidney & Jody Daily, Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline, Walt Disney Imagineering President Bob Weis, and Imagineers Daniel Jue and Kevin Rafferty, plus many more, will offer peeks “behind the magic” throughout the weekend. Fans will enjoy exploring many of Disney’s worlds, from holiday magic in the Disney Parks and secrets of Walt Disney’s Fun and Fancy-Free to a celebration of 50 years of Haunted Mansion collectibles and a preview of the final book by Disney Legend and Imagineer Marty Sklar with his friends and family. Visit D23expo.com for the complete schedule.

Center Stage

Located in Hall A, Center Stage will once again be the heartbeat of the Expo and a hub of activity throughout the weekend. K-pop star Tiffany Young will celebrate the launch of her new single and upcoming music video. Radio Disney Presents will bring some of today’s hottest talent to the stage, including Booboo Stewart, Meg Donnelly, and Asher Angel. Disney on Broadway stars will drop in to reminisce about bringing some of Disney’s most beloved tales to the stage. And, back by fan demand, Bill Rogers, the “voice of Disneyland,” will be on hand each day to record fans’ outgoing voicemail messages in his signature dulcet tones. The complete lineup will be available on the D23 Expo app.

D23 Expo’s Ultimate Fan Street Party – Presented by Alamo

D23 Expo’s one-of-a-kind street party returns to the show floor with a disco twist! Twice each day the cavalcade will travel down Mickey Avenue, with a live band, beloved Disney characters, high-energy dancers, and celebrity grand marshals! In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Disco album, Mickey, Minnie, and several of their friends will be wearing their disco duds as they delight guests along with Disney stars. Newly inducted Disney Legend Kenny Ortega will lead the 4:30 p.m. parade on Friday, August 23, and Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Andi Mack) and Skylar Astin, who star together in the Disney+ film Secret Society of Second Born Royals, lead the 2 p.m. Street Party on Saturday, August 24. Additional talent and times to be announced in the coming weeks and will be available on the D23 Expo app.

Talent and times subject to change. Additional details are available at D23expo.com.

Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children ages 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $79 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children ages 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.

New Secret Annual Passholder Treat at Sunshine Seasons

By

Katelyn G

-

August 1, 2019

There’s a new secret Annual Passholder treat! This scrumptious dessert can be found at Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion and Walt Disney World’s Epcot.

Belly up to the bakery counter at Sunshine Seasons for this treat that is exclusive to AP’s only. Because it is a “secret”, you must ask for it specifically. It will not be on display in the bakery case.

This new item is made up of a heaping scoop of vanilla gelato sandwiched between two soft sugar cookies. The gelato sandwich is then dipped in tri-color chocolate pearls and drizzled with melted chocolate.

The secret Annual Passholder treat will cost you $4.39 plus tax. It will only be available until August 28th, so grab it while you can!

Source: Disney.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

Actress Lexi Rabe, Who Played Morgan Stark in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, Asks Fans to Stop Bullying Her and Her Family

By

Kaitlyn

-

August 1, 2019

Actress Lexi Rabe, Who Played Morgan Stark in ‘Avengers: Endgame‘, Asks Fans to Stop Bullying Her and Her Family. You may not know her name, but if you have seen Avengers: Endgame you certainly know her for her talent and for delivering one of the most popular lines from the film “I love you, 3000” as Tony Stark and Pepper Potts daughter, Morgan Stark.

Lexi Rabe is a 7-year-old actress who dreams of one day having her name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame while still being able to enjoy her childhood as normally as she can. She enjoys trips to the beach, hanging out with her friends and family, and most of all, should be the LAST person a grown adult should be picking on.

Unfortunately, the world doesn’t seem to be of the same mindset and Lexi and her family received complaints on social media for refusing the sign autographs on a busy day when Lexi was having a rough time and wanted to be left alone. With the help of her parents, Lexi released this heartbreaking response online about how she is just a kid and messes up sometimes The video was posted to her verified Instagram account: @lexi_rabe

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lexi Rabe (@lexi_rabe)

“Hi, I’m Lexi Rabe, and I’m only seven years old, and I mess up sometimes. So my mom and dad give me tons of talking to’s and time outs, believe me. And if I go anywhere and I’m acting a little silly or messed up or anything like that, um, I’m just seven years old. Please don’t bully my family or me. Bye, love you 3000!”

Luckily as noisy as the complainer have been, the responses to her message have been very uplifting and encouraging as she learns to navigate her fame at a very young age.

Hopefully those kind words have reached young Ms. Rabe and she knows that she did nothing wrong. We do all make mistakes and learning from our mistakes is what’s important. We love you 3000, Lexi!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lexi Rabe (@lexi_rabe)

Photo Credit: Marvel Studios/@lexi_rabe

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge added to Hollywood Studios Interactive Park Map

By

Chip

-

August 1, 2019

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge has now been added to Disney’s Interactive Park Map.

As you zoom in you can see the locations for Ronto’s Roasters, Smugglers Run and more!

The Theme Park Maps have not been updated but I would expect they are coming soon!

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge open on August 29th in Hollywood Studios! I know I can’t wait! How about you?

New Disney Halloween Finds Now Available On shopDisney

By

Danielle

-

August 1, 2019

Some haunting new goodies have slowly started to materialize on shopDisney! Disney Halloween Finds like Spirit Jerseys, plush toys, and decor for the home are now available, and looks like the start of a very spook-tacular haunted beginning.

New Disney Halloween Finds Now Available On shopDisney

This year Mickey and Minnie get a new costume update! The Minnie Mouse Cat, and Mickey Mouse Werewolf plush are boo-tiful toys for Halloween.

We did mention a new Halloween Spirit Jersey! Mickey Mouse Halloween Spirit Jersey has a spider web theme like last year’s but with a twist. Now there is a spider web shaped like a Mickey icon, with a lone spider hanging from the web. The spider even has a hidden Mickey on it! The back of the jersey says “BOO CREW” and all of the white puffed ink glows in the dark!

You’ll be able to give a spooky welcome to guests and trick-or-treaters to your home with the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Halloween Doormat. The pumpkin shaped mat is as cute as candy corn is sweet!

Dish out trick-or-treat candy or serve candy as a display at your party from this Mickey jack-o’-lantern bowl. It’s big enough to hold everyone’s favorite treats.

Mickey and Minnie dare to decorate the kitchen with this set of two Halloween-themed towels that will spook away spills!

Take mummified Mickey and Minnie along on your Halloween 2019 trick or treating! The limited release Mickey and Minnie Halloween pin features a dimensional design and glow-in-the-dark elements.

You can catch all of these spooktacular Disney Halloween Finds and more at shopDisney now!

All New Quick Service Restaurant and Drink Venues coming to Disney’s World Swan and Dolphin Resort

By

Chip

-

August 1, 2019

Two new quick-service food and drink venues are coming to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in the next few months. A new grab-and-go dining location serving coffee, ready-made sandwiches and snacks will debut in late summer, followed by a new frozen drink counter in the fall. Both will be located in the Swan lobby.

The new grab-and-go, Java, will feature sweet and savory breakfast options as well as sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts throughout the day. The venue will also serve a variety of teas, espressos, frappés and coffees, including a special Nitro Brew, cold brewed with liquid nitrogen, as well as wines, beer, juices and more.

“The demand for quick food and drink options has continued to grow among our guests,” said the resort’s Director of Food and Beverage Luciano Sperduto. “Whether they’re headed to the theme parks for the day or are in and out of meetings, these two new options will give guests, delicious ways to stay energized while they’re on the go.”

The additions are among the latest food and beverage changes at the resort, following the recent redesign and new menu launch at Shula’s Steak House earlier this year, and the additions of the grab-and-go, fuel, and Phins lounge at the Dolphin in 2017.

Universal’s Epic Universe is coming to Universal Studios Orlando

By

Chip

-

August 1, 2019

Universal Orlando Resort is building a new, fourth, theme park to be called Universal’s Epic Universe. The vision: create an entirely new level of experience that forever changes theme park entertainment.

Universal’s Epic Universe will take guests on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands – and where that journey is as much a part of their adventure as the ultimate destination.

“Our new park represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation. “It reflects the tremendous excitement we have for the future of our theme park business and for our entire company’s future in Florida.”

The new theme park will also feature an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants and more. It will be located within a larger 750-acre site that nearly doubles Universal’s total available acreage in Central Florida. Universal’s Epic Universe is just a few miles from the existing resort in Southwest Orange County. Specifically, it will be south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard.

“Our vision for Epic Universe is historic,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Universal Parks & Resorts. “It will build on everything we have done and become the most immersive and innovative theme park we have ever created. It is an investment in our business, our industry, our team members and our community.”

The new park was announced Thursday in an event attended by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Tom Williams and Brian Roberts.

“We look forward to the new level of entertainment and innovation Universal’s Epic Universe will bring to one of our state’s most important industries,” said Governor DeSantis. “We look forward to Universal’s continued contribution to our state’s economic growth and development. And we are especially grateful for Universal’s partnership in improving Shingle Creek, which plays a critical role in serving the Everglades.”

“The investment Universal is making in our community and the benefit all of us will see is substantial,” said Mayor Demings. “This will benefit nearly every segment of our economy – from tourism to high-tech.”

Mayor Demings also spotlighted Universal’s role in the Kirkman Road extension. This is a 50/50 public-private partnership in which Universal is investing $160 million to extend Kirkman into the area where the new park will be located.

“The Kirkman extension will improve transportation through a busy and growing portion of our county and open up the entire area for additional development – including an important expansion of our Convention Center,” he said.

During the announcement, Governor DeSantis, Mayor Demings and Tom Williams released information about Universal’s economic contribution to the state and local economy.

Universal Orlando currently employees 25,000 people and will hire an additional 14,000 team members as part of Epic Universe, including professional, technical, culinary and other specialized positions. The company currently contributes more than $302 million in annual state and local taxes – a number that will nearly double when the new theme park opens.

The majority of the businesses Universal relies on are either regional firms or national firms with a large regional presence. An economic impact study for Universal conducted by UCF Economic Professor Sean Snaith found that Universal Orlando’s combined direct and indirect economic benefit to the Florida economy since Universal Studios opened in 1990 is $73 billion. He also found that construction of the new park alone will contribute a total of $11.5 billion in direct and indirect economic benefit into the Florida economy.

More details about Universal’s Epic Universe will be revealed over time. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Our Universe is expanding. See concept art for Universal's #EpicUniverse at https://t.co/sWJsO99Osb pic.twitter.com/yPsXG4AEE3

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) August 1, 2019

Universal’s ‘Epic Universe’ Theme Park Coming to Universal Studios Orlando

By

Chip

-

August 1, 2019

An all-new theme park is coming to Universal Studios Orlando! Announced just moments ago, Universal’s Epic Universe is coming to Universal Studios Orlando and will be the biggest and best theme park ever according to Tom Williams CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts.

Not many details have been released yet other than the theme park will be bigger than Islands of Adventure and will employ over 14,000 people, and their base pay will be $15 per hour.

See the video here:

Our Universe is expanding. See concept art for Universal's #EpicUniverse at https://t.co/sWJsO99Osb pic.twitter.com/yPsXG4AEE3

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) August 1, 2019

We should have the official news soon so stay tuned to Chip and Co for more details!

Scentsy Is Releasing Star Wars, Marvel, And More!

By

Danielle

-

August 1, 2019

This week it was announced to consultants that Scentsy will be launching even more collaborations with Disney this year! Fans of Scentsy can look forward to Star Wars, Marvel, and more Disney character releases throughout the year.

As part of the continued partnership, Scentsy will also be donating $7 of select items to Make-A-Wish. Details are still unclear on the donations, but we’re excited to see which pieces will be part of the campaign!

New scents, with warmers will debut for Star Wars and Marvel later this year, and it looks like there will be Disney Warmers coming also! We can confirm there will be a Mickey, Minnie, and Peter Pan melt warmer to look forward to. There may even be some friends of Mickey joining the collection this fall as well too.

Also be on the lookout for the new launch for back to school, featuring Mickey and Minnie!

Are you excited for new Scentsy collections inspired by our favorite Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney friends?

Boozy milk? Milk Stand opening in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Disney World

By

April Crews

-

August 1, 2019

As some of you already know, ( and if you don’t, then maybe you’ve been living under a rock) Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be opening August 29th. When it opens we will get a wide range of different rides and places to grab a snack. One place sticks out though.

This is the Milk Stand, where you can get your cup of Batuu’s legendary blue or green treat (served frozen of course). I know what you’re thinking, “Why would I willingly drink milk on a hot Florida day?”.

That’s the thing though, it’s not even made with real milk. It’s a plant-based Dairy blend of Coconut and Rice Milk. Depending on what color the milk you choose is what flavor you get. While the Blue Milk ($7.99) is fruity flavored, the Green Milk ($7.99 ) has zippy citrus and tropical characteristics.

If you are over the age of 21, you can enjoy Alcoholic versions of the milk. The Blue Milk Cooler ($14) features Bacardi Rum. While The Green Milk Cooler($14) features Corazon Blanco Tequila. You can also choose to get your milk in a Bubo Wamba Family Farms Light-Up Souvenir Sipper ($24.99).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

The Countdown for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is on (28 days people!). For more Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge news (or any other Disney news) check out Chipandco, on any of our social media platforms.

New Pup Academy Coming to the Disney Channel

By

Chip

-

July 31, 2019

Air Bud Entertainment (ABE), the creators of the iconic ‘Air Bud’ Golden Retriever films that became a staple for generations of moviegoers, and the groundbreaking ‘Disney Air Buddies’ talking puppy adventures, proudly announce ‘PUP ACADEMY,’ an exciting all-new live-action family adventure to air on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW. Fittingly, the action-packed pilot episode debuts on ‘National Dog Day’ — August 26th (2:00-3:00 P.M. EDT/PDT). After the premiere, the series returns with new episodes on weekdays at 2:00 P.M. EDT/PDT, beginning September 4th.

The action-packed ‘PUP ACADEMY’ story centers around three pup friends — Spark, Corazon, and Whiz — who meet in their first year at the Academy. The puppies attend the Academy to learn how to become man’s best friend, but the new students quickly discover a mysterious threat to not only the academy but to the very core of friendships between dogs and humans everywhere.

‘PUP ACADEMY’ also stars Don Lake (Zootopia) and Aria Birch (Freaks). It is created and executive produced by Anna McRoberts and directed and co-executive produced by ABE founder and CEO, Robert Vince. The film arrives more than 20 years after the debut of the original ‘Air Bud’ film debuted, introducing the world to basketball playing Golden Retriever, ‘Buddy.’ The start of an entertainment franchise that has become nothing short of a phenomenon, Air Bud Entertainment-branded content connects universal themes of family, friendship, and the triumph of the soul. It can now be experienced in 190 countries, in over 20 languages.

The company’s portfolio currently features 22 films, also including the Air Buddies features that were produced in partnership with Walt Disney Home Entertainment, that has consistently been the #1 selling live-action direct-to-home titles during their releases. ABE also created the MVP franchise with Warner Brothers, and most recently four movies from the Pup Star franchise which have been popular on Netflix.

‘PUP ACADEMY’ will be supported by an extensive slate of partnerships. They include Extended Stay America hotels, Dogsters Ice Cream Style Treats for Dogs and Color Me Mine pottery studios.

Here is a first look at Pup Academy:

Frozen 2 Ultimate Fan Experience Sweepstakes

By

April Crews

-

July 31, 2019

Attention Frozen fans( you may want to be sitting down for this one ); Disney Movie Rewards is having a sweepstake and the grand prize is a private screening of Frozen Two. For you and your 99 friends.

Entry

Entering the sweepstakes is super easy too, go (here) you’ll be instructed to either log in (to your already existing account), or you can create an account. Once you’re in your account you will already be entered into the contest. You will be entered one time for free automatically. For any additional entries, you can use your Disney Movie Rewards points. Each additional entry is 5 points. You may submit a maximum of 99 entries into this Sweepstakes.

If you’re wondering, “Hey I’m just now signing up for this and I’m not really sure how this works.” let me explain. “Rewards is a promotional program by Disney, that rewards those who purchase Disney DVDs and music, or who watch Disney films, with points that they can redeem for prizes on the Disney Movie Rewards website. Additionally, a number of other promotional offers are made available to members only. The 11-figure codes are traditionally found on the left-hand inside of the DVD or Blu-ray case.- https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Disney_Movie_Rewards

Rules

So of course, everything awesome has to have a couple rules. The sweepstake will be open to Disney Movie Rewards Members who are legal residents of the 50 US/DC/PR or Canada (excluding. QC) You have to be at least 13 or older to enter. (All official rules & odds will be posted on the sweepstakes page)
This sweepstake starts 7/1/19 and will last until 8/31/19, (as of today, that’s one month).

“Photo source – https://www.disneymovierewards.com”

If you want to find out who won the contest (or if you just want to hear about other Disney news). You can check out Chipandco on whatever social media platform you prefer. ( We’ve got most of them)