Disney’s Acquisition of 21st Century Fox is Finally Complete

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March 19, 2019

At 12:02am ET on Wednesday, March 20th, the Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox will be officially complete.

The multi-billion dollar deal was first announced in December of 2017. After much consideration and negotiation, Disney will absorb the rights to all 21st Century Fox movie and TV divisions. This includes rights to entities like the X-Men, Deadpool, Fantastic Four, the Avatar franchise, the distributor Fox Searchlight, The X-Files, and Empire.

Fans are anxiously awaiting to hear what will happen to beloved characters after the merger. Will the X-Men characters join the Avengers’ Universe? What’s in store for Deadpool? Will the previously Fox-developed content end up on the upcoming streaming service Disney+?

According to Lauren Schuler Donner, X-Men franchise producer, “It’s all in Disney’s playground and they get to decide.”

In the meantime, at least Ryan Reynolds is excited for what the future has in store! He recently posted this photo with the caption, “Feels like the first day of ‘Pool”. The image shows his character, Deadpool, on a school bus heading to Disney.

Feels like the first day of ‘Pool. pic.twitter.com/QVy8fCxgqr

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) March 19, 2019

Source: Entertainment Weekly.

What do you think of the new combination of Disney and 21st Century Fox?

Let’s book your adventure today! Fill out the form below to receive a free no obligation quote from me – an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations from Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. As an agent with Key to the World Travel, I can help from everything to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 815-953-4804, via email at [email protected], my Facebook Page, or fill out and submit the form below.

Frozen Broadway Announces International Productions

By

Laura Mason

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March 19, 2019

On March 22, 2018, the new Broadway musical Frozen opened at New York’s historic St. James Theatre and became an instant hit. Frozen has been in the top 10 best-selling shows every week since its opening! It has also set four St. James Theatre house records in less than a year along with grossing more than any new Broadway musical since Hamilton. To celebrate, the musical’s incredible first year, Disney Theatrical Productions announced it’s worldwide expansion plans for Frozen. The plans include productions in Australia, London, and Germany.

“Jennifer Lee, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez have crafted a gorgeous stage musical and we’re so grateful that Broadway has taken it to its heart,” said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer, Disney Theatrical Productions. “That’s why every production will be handmade, with our brilliant director Michael Grandage and original creators working alongside the local teams to create the very best Frozen for each particular audience. We cannot wait to begin.” –The Walt Disney Company

The first international productions of Frozen will premiere in Sydney, Australia at the Capitol Theatre, July 2020. The musical will be in the West End in London, England in the fall of 2020, with the reopening of Theatre Royal Drury Lane after a 20-month refurbishment. A new production will be mounted in Hamburg, Germany in 2021. There is already a North American tour set to launch this fall, beginning at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California, on December 4, 2019.

Frozen on Broadway is the musical based on the 2013 animated Oscar®-winning film, with a book by Jennifer Lee, the film’s screenwriter and director; and music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (who created the Academy Award®-winning song, “Let It Go.”) Frozen is directed by Tony® and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage, and choreographed by Rob Ashford, Tony Award winner.

“Frozen, which is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, boasts an acclaimed creative team that includes two-time Tony- and Olivier Award-winning costume designer Christopher Oram (Wolf Hall Parts 1 & 2, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Evita), Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz (Aladdin, Hello Dolly!, Springsteen on Broadway), Tony-nominated sound designer Peter Hylenski (Moulin Rouge!, Beetlejuice), Tony-winning video designer Finn Ross (Mean Girls, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), puppet designer Michael Curry (The Lion King, Beetlejuice); hair designer David Brian Brown (Kiss Me, Kate; War Paint), makeup designer Anne Ford-Coates (On Your Feet!, On the Twentieth Century), and special effects designer Jeremy Chernick (Aladdin, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). Tony Award-winning music supervisor Stephen Oremus (Avenue Q, Wicked, The Book of Mormon) leads the music team, joined by Tony nominee Dave Metzger (orchestrations), Chris Montan (executive music producer), David Chase (additional dance arrangements) and Brian Usifer ( music director).” –The Walt Disney Company

To learn more about Frozen on Broadway, visit here.

Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company.

If you can’t make it to see Frozen on Broadway, there’s a smaller production of it at Disney California Adventure Park in the Hyperion Theater. The production is fantastic and worth cutting time out of your park day to see it! If you want to head to the Disneyland Resort to see it, fill out my form below, so we can start planning your magical vacation!

Buy memories, not things. That’s been my family’s motto for the last several years. If this is you, let’s chat. I am a full-service travel agent, but I specialize in Disney Destinations® and the Universal Orlando Resort®. I am a Senior Agent with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner of Chip and Company. I am here to make all of your travel wishes come true! If you’re jumping out of your seat with excitement for traveling in 2019, let’s chat. My services are entirely FREE! To receive a no-hassle, no-obligation quote, email me at [email protected] and/or follow me on Facebook.

Disneynature Coming to Disneyland Paris!

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Tessa H

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March 19, 2019

Disneynature is celebrating nature this April, by offering a month worth of festivities celebrating the beauty of nature whilst encouraging awareness of preservation of the environment. Disneynature wants to highlight the beauty of nature through unique entertainment experiences at Disneyland Paris as well as broadcast five Disneynature movies on Disney Cinema channel and run the Disneynature Photo Challenge. It is so important to encourage guests to fall in love with nature and protect it.

From March 30th to April 30th 2019, Disneyland Paris is collaborating with Disneynature to show an outstanding and breathtaking pre-show prior to “Disney Illuminations” nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Paris. Every evening the Disneynature show will project breathtaking images from Disneynature movies onto the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. All animals portrayed in Disneynature movies, namely Bears, Born in China, The Crimson Wing or Oceans will be taking centre stage on this wonderful set, which makes us dream ever so.

Disneynature
Created in 2008, Disneynature is a reference film label focusing on the subject of nature in the world. In line with the documentary films “True Life Adventures” created in the 50s by Walt Disney, this label aspires to show the most beautiful stories of nature on the big screen. Disneynature has made six films to date, created by the best filmmakers of the genre and have received more than 30 million viewers. Disneynature is also a media brand with unique entertainment experiences and a range of meaningful and environmentally friendly products.

Last Chance to Get Up to 6 Months FREE on Annual Passes to Universal Orlando Resort

By

Kaitlyn

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March 19, 2019

Last Chance to Get Up to 6 Months FREE on Annual Passes to Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Orlando Resort is giving Passholders more thrills and adventure than ever before. It’s the last chance for you to take advantage of up to six months FREE on Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passes. This special offer is valid on 2-Park and 3-Park Seasonal and Annual Passes and is only available for purchase and activation through April 4, 2019.

That’s up to a year and a half to enjoy all of the thrills and excitement Universal Orlando has to offer, including:

Enjoying some of the most exciting and innovative theme park experiences ever created at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, including coming face-to-face with Kong himself on Skull Island: Reign of Kong; rocking out to hit songs while reaching speeds up to 65 mph on the thrilling coaster Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit; and exploring the streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley in the magnificently-themed The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Experiencing new additions to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade this year – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a thrilling new coaster experience opening on June 13 that will take guests on a journey alongside Hagrid to the Forbidden Forest, and an all-new nighttime projection experience, “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle,” which will debut later this year
Grabbing a bite to eat at the all-new TODAY Cafe, a highly-themed venue designed to make guests feel like they’re stepping onto the iconic TODAY set along with specialty food and beverages, coming this spring to Universal Studios Florida
Celebrating “the most wonderful time of the year” at Universal Orlando’s destination-wide Holidays celebration, which includes Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, Grinchmas and more

With a variety of Pass options, Passholders can opt for a 3-Park Pass to experience Universal’s Volcano Bay, a tropical getaway where thrills and relaxation flow in perfect harmony. The revolutionary water theme park features more than 30 unique experiences and 19 different attractions, including a 125-foot drop on the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.

Passholders enjoy many benefits based on Pass type, including Universal Express access after 4 p.m., Early Park Admission, free self-parking, invites to exclusive events, special discounts on separately-ticketed events including Halloween Horror Nights, access to unique experiences at special events, additional discounts throughout Universal Orlando and more. And for the rest of this year, Passholders can take advantage of an exclusive lounge presented by Coca-Cola at Universal Studios Florida with phone charging stations, soft drinks available for purchase and more.

CLICK HERE for more details about Universal Orlando’s Seasonal and Annual Pass options and to take advantage of this incredible offer today. This special offer is also valid for current Passholders looking to renew – CLICK HERE for more information and to renew your Pass today.

Photo Credit: Universal

Are you ready to start planning your next adventure? I would love to help you! I am a travel planner with Key to the World Travel, the Official Travel Partner of Chip & Company. Key to the World Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I specialize in Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney, or Universal Orlando Resort Vacations. I also can book your stay with Sandals or Beaches Resort, Norwegian Cruise Line, and many more fantastic Vacation Destinations. I can help you make your dream vacation come true! You can call or text me at 904-806-3759 or email me at [email protected]. Feel free to follow me on Facebook or fill out the form below as well. My planning services are FREE with booking! Yes, really FREE!

LEGOLAND Annual Passholders Get a Special Preview of THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD!

By

Brittney Hughes

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March 19, 2019

LEGOLAND Florida Resort Annual Passholders have the opportunity to preview LEGOLAND’s new themed land, The LEGO MOVIE WORLD on March 25^th, two days before it’s official opening!

The LEGO MOVIE WORLD has three rides for you to enjoy:

Battle of Bricksburg – you may get wet spraying the DUPLO invaders!
LEGO MOVIE Masters of Flight – join Master Builders on a flying couch sailing over The Lego Movie universe.
Unikitty’s Disco Drop – drop, spin and bounce over Cloud Cuckoo land.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet General Mayhem in Emmet’s Super Suite – her first ever appearance at LEGOLAND Florida Resort!

This event takes place rain or shine. Annual Passholders can sign up by clicking here. Admission to the event is limited so don’t delay!

Image Credit: LEGOLAND Resort Florida

I am a Senior Travel Planner with Key to the World Travel and specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Universal Orlando. I will work with you to create the best vacation for your family! Send me an email or fill out and submit the form below to receive a free quote today from Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. Be sure to follow me on Facebook!

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is reopening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

By

Heather Adamczak

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March 19, 2019

Disney has just announced that Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will reopen this summer!. The area will include a few new enhancements and join the celebration of all things “The Lion King.”

Rafiki’s Planet Watch will continue to include animal encounter and incorporate Disney’s rich heritage of wildlife animation, featuring a celebration of “The Lion King.” We cherish this special place where our guests and cast members can connect to the magic of nature and see the importance Disney places on animal care and conservation in our parks and around the world.

We will bring you more information on the opening date as we get it.

Let’s book your adventure to Disney NOW! Fill out the form below to receive a free no obligation quote from a Key to the World Travel agent, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. As an agent with Key to the World Travel, I can help from everything to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Paris, Universal Orlando, Sea World, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 716-479-5412 , via email at [email protected] on Facebook, or fill out and submit the form below

New Hollywood Studios Bus Loop Now Open

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 19, 2019

The bus loop at Hollywood Studios has been undergoing construction for quite a long time. We are excited to share that the new Hollywood Studios bus loop is now open!

There are a total of three new bus loops. The bus loops are separated into structures for stops 1-8, 9-18, and 19-30. There is actually a restroom located next to the structure for bus stops 1-8 which I am sure many people will be happy about! (Kids always seem to pick the most inopportune time to need to use the bathroom, right?)

All of the structures are shaded which is similar to the design of the Magic Kingdom bus loop. I’m sure that this is a welcome addition for guests of Hollywood Studios as it gives some protection from the sun and passing showers. The pictures don’t show it well since these were taken during the daylight, however, the signs are backlit. This will make it easy to find the correct bus stop in the evening hours. There are also fans connected to the bus loop structures providing guests some relief from the heat while waiting for a bus.

The new bus loop will service all of the Walt Disney World Resorts. Bus transportation to and from the other three theme parks is also provided. Guests can travel to Disney Springs as well however that service does not start until after 4 PM.

The temporary bus loop that was used during the construction will still be utilized. This is now the charter bus drop-off and pick-up area. It is not shaded and is located at the end of the last bus stop.

As you can see, the Disney Skyliner is located close to the newly constructed bus loop. While no specific date has been set for the Disney Skyliner to open, tests have been ongoing to the system.

What do you think about the new bus loop? Make sure to keep checking back for updates to construction projects and other information about the 30^th anniversary of Hollywood Studios!

Are you ready to start planning your next adventure? I would love to help you! I am a travel planner with Key to the World Travel, the Official Travel Partner of Chip & Company. Key to the World Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Whether you want to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, a cruise or a vacation at a Sandals or Beaches Resort, I can help you. Contact me today so we can get started on your vacation planning! You can call or text me at 908-773-0930 or email me at [email protected]. Feel free to follow me on Facebook or fill out the form below as well. My planning services are FREE with booking!

Head to Disney Springs for a Colorful Weekend

By

Sarah Johnston

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March 19, 2019

Head to Disney Springs for a Colorful Weekend

Tomorrow is officially the first day of Spring. Many Northerners can rejoice knowing the coldest weather should be in our rearview mirrors for a while. Spring is the perfect time to visit Walt Disney World. It’s not too warm but cools off just enough in the evenings. A great place to visit in the spring is Disney Springs. There’s plenty of shops and the weather is perfect to take advantage of the outdoor dining. Head over to Disney Springs for a colorful weekend with a trio of events.

Are you looking to add some color to your spring wardrobe? Not too long-ago Disney rolled the popular Purple Potion collection. Ears and Spirit Jersey’s topped the list of must-have Purple Potion items. Disney promised more bright colors would be released as the year continued. The newest color is hitting the shelves this weekend, for a limited time only. Dapper Yellow Spirit Jersey’s, the newest color, are available Friday morning at World of Disney.

Quantities are limited. When they’re gone, they’re gone. They are ONLY available at World of Disney!! Be there early (10 a.m. store opens) to get yours. Park in the Lime parking ramp for the easiest access to World of Disney.

Grab yourself a pair of the cute sparkly castle ears to pair with your new Dapper Yellow Spirit Jersey.

Another great activity at Disney Springs this weekend is over at Sephora. One of the biggest events of the year takes place this weekend with Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics. Fans of the popular cosmetic line can meet Anastasia by making a special purchase. The event takes place this Saturday from 2-4 p.m. Meet and greet opportunities are on a first come, first serve basis. Ask a team member in Sephora if you have more questions about the event.

Bring the kids with and stop by The LEGO Store for the “I Love Cars” event, March 22^nd – 24^th. Design your best race car and compete for a spot to have your car displayed in the in-store gallery. Don’t forget to check out the life-size model car made 100% from LEGOS. If you’re wondering, yes, it really does drive.

The weather in Orlando is looking perfect this weekend. Head over early to Disney Springs for a colorful weekend to snag your Dapper Yellow Spirit Jersey and castle ears. Next, swing by Sephora and meet Anastasia. Lastly, take some time to play at The LEGO Store. Which of these fun events at Disney Springs are you excited about?

Photo Source: Disney

Are you ready to book, but not sure where to begin? I can help with that. As a travel planner with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company, I can help you with all Disney Destinations, Universal Orlando, Cruises, and more! Best of all, my services are FREE to you! For a no obligations quote, send me an email me at [email protected] or fill out and submit the form below.

The New Dumbo Scentsy Collection Is Big Top Fun

By

Danielle

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March 19, 2019

Step right up, come one and all, for the greatest Scentsy collection of all! A brand new Disney Scentsy collection is now available, inspired by our whimsical pal Dumbo! The new Dumbo Scentsy Collection reminds us of the big top fun and nostalgia of the beloved Disney classic film.

The collection features a new Scentsy Buddy, of Dumbo of course, and an exclusive new scent that you can get as a Scent Pak or Scent Bar! The Dumbo Scentsy Buddy also comes with an exclusive Dumbo: Circus Parade Scent Pak! The Dumbo: Circus Parade fragrance is a delight in sweet clementine, creamy peach, fresh mango, and vanilla bean. If you want the Scentsy Buddy, and the Scent bar, you can also get the Dumbo Bundle. This includes one Dumbo Scentsy Buddy with a Dumbo: Circus Parade Scent Pak, and one Dumbo: Circus Parade Scentsy Bar.

Dumbo: Scentsy Buddy with a Dumbo: Circus Parade Scent Pak for $35. The Dumbo bundle features the
Dumbo: Scentsy Buddy with the Dumbo: Circus Parade Scent Pak and a Scentsy Bar for $40.

Will you be adding the Dumbo to your Disney Scentsy assortments?

“Awesome Planet” Film Coming to Epcot

By

Kelly Kerl

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March 19, 2019

A new cinematic experience is coming to The Land pavilion at Epcot. “Awesome Planet”, a film all about our third rock from the sun, showcases the diversity and beauty of planet Earth.

The Land pavilion is the perfect home for this film, that will feature “in theatre effects” including space sequences created by Industrial Light & Magic (the team behind the interstellar effects in the Star Wars franchise). The film will deliver an important environmental message that Disney hopes will stir and resonate with guests.

This new film is just one of the many new cinematic features coming to Epcot soon. Earlier it was announced that the China pavilion would receive a new Circle-Vision film, as well as updates to the film in the Canada pavilion. Over in the France pavilion, a “Beauty and the Beast” Sing-Along will rotate with showings of “Impressions de France”, which maintains the Guinness World Record for the longest-running daily screened film in the world!

So many new and exciting things are coming to Epcot in the near future. It’s really nice to see some time and thought being invested into old spaces and new!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Receive a free, no-obligation quote from me, a Travel Agent that specializes in Disney Travel! As an agent with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company, I can plan everything from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando, Sea World, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch via email at [email protected], follow along with me on Facebook, or fill out and submit the form below.

Hollywood Studios Parking Lot Adds Fun New Disney Character Signs

By

Heather Adamczak

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March 19, 2019

There are fun new signs for Disney’s Hollywood Studios parking lot! The lots have been renamed after famous characters guests can encounter on their adventures in the park: Mickey, Minnie, Jessie, Buzz, Olaf and BB-8. In addition, there are two new bus loops by the main entrance.

“These milestones are an important step in the multi-phased transformation of the guest arrival experience at the park, which began last year with a new entrance allowing guests to enter the park from Osceola Parkway. Construction continues on refreshed parking tram lanes and walkways, additional screening areas and a station for Disney Skyliner.”- Disney Parks Blog

Let’s book your adventure to Disney NOW! Fill out the form below to receive a free no obligation quote from a Key to the World Travel agent, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. As an agent with Key to the World Travel, I can help from everything to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Paris, Universal Orlando, Sea World, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 716-479-5412 , via email at [email protected] on Facebook, or fill out and submit the form below

Jaleo Is Now Open At Disney Springs!

By

Kelly Kerl

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March 19, 2019

Chef Jose Andres’ Jaleo opened on March 17th at Disney Springs, and we’ve got lots to show you! This is the fifth Jaleo to open in the US and the first in Florida. The first Jaleo, which means “revelry” in Spanish, first opened in Washington D.C., in 1993. Known for its lively setting and the best Spanish cuisine and design around, Chef Andres and his team offer a one of a kind tapas experience.

There’s a large menu posted outside the entrance where hungry Disney Springs shoppers can browse the plethora of authentic Spanish and Spanish-inspired cuisine.

The main dining room is bright and modern, decorated in the colors of the Spanish flag. Beading, mosaics, and murals accent the space and serve as dividers among the tables and the bar area.

The main space has two floors, and the upper seating area is open to the main dining room below. The vivid color scheme continues into each space, but never overwhelms. There is both booth, bar stool, and table seating.

There’s a large embellished Matador mural behind one of the many bars, that spans the height of both floors. Looks like the perfect place to grab a sangria! Bar-stool seating is available at the cocktail bars, as well as near the open kitchen workspace across the restaurant. Here you can watch as chefs use a wood-fired “paella pit” to prepare authentic paella.

Jaleo is best known for it’s Valencia Paella but will serve up two additional options nightly. One paella will be meat, and the other vegetarian, that will rotate daily.

Behind the main dining room, facing out into the West Side of Disney Springs is a quick service seating area for Pepe. Inspired and named after Chef Andres’ popular D.C. food truck, Pepe’s menu includes sandwiches, gazpacho, and salads to go. Pepe is open for lunch and dinner daily.

There’s also a sizable selection of merchandise for you to remember your visit to Jaleo. Including some of Chef Andres’ cookbooks, tumblers, water bottles, t-shirts and more!

Currently, Jaleo is only open daily for dinner beginning at 5:00 PM. Lunch service is expected to start soon as well. Reservations are available by calling (321) 348-3211 or visiting opentable.com.

This Summer you can score a fantastic deal exclusively for Chip & Co readers, when you book a new Walt Disney Resort package for your summer vacation, you’ll get one FREE water park ticket for each member of your party, compliments of Key to the World Travel.

Just fill out my form below and mention the Summer Splash promotion in the comments! As an agent with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company, I can plan everything from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando, Sea World, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE!