Disney Research Presents PaintCopter For Accurate and Fast Painting

By

-

January 26, 2019

Disney Research has done it again. The team responsible for adding scientific and technological innovation across the Walt Disney Company presents the PaintCopter.

The PaintCoptor is a drone that can spray paint both 3D and flat surfaces. Disney Research says the ultimate goal for the PaintCopter is to pain large surfaces without the need for ladders or scaffolding.

The process is three steps. The surface is scanned and a 3D map generates. A designer identifies what needs to be painted on the 3D model and generates the robotic painting commands. Finally, the PaintCopter does its job!

Hard to imagine? Check out this video showing some preliminary work!

Source: Disney Research

Ready to step into the middle of the magic? 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!

Update on Hollywood Studios Bus Stop Construction

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 26, 2019

As we had previously reported, the bus stop at Hollywood Studios has been undergoing some renovations. Because of the ongoing construction, the bus stops have been temporarily located to the charter bus parking area.

Take a look at these photos that we recently snapped. A lot of improvements have been made since the last time we posted an update about this project! As speculated, the bus stop area will be covered similar to the bus stop area at the Magic Kingdom. This will make the experience magical for guests by giving them some reprieve from the sun as well as any showers that may pass through.

While all of the bus loops are still undergoing construction, some appear to be more finished than others. The painting has begun on some of the loops and personally, I am loving the color scheme! If you look closely at the photos it appears that workers have hung the signs to differentiate between the different bus terminals on some of the loops.

Much progress has been made, however, there is still much work that still needs to be completed. What do you think about the construction progress?

Would you like to visit Walt Disney World Resort? I would love to assist in planning your trip! I am a travel planner with Key to the World Travel – the Official Travel Partner of Chip & Co. I specialize in Disney Destinations and am certified in Universal Orlando Resort as well as Sandals & Beaches Resorts. My planning services are FREE when you book with me! Contact me today at 908-773-0930. You can also email me at [email protected], follow me on Facebook or fill out the form below.

The Magic of Disney Shop Has Opened Up At Orlando International Airport

By

Heather Adamczak

-

January 26, 2019

The Orlando International Airport has opened the Magic of Disney shop! If you need to get your Disney fix the first place to start is at the reimagined merchandise spot in Terminal B at MCO! How awesome would it be to kick off your Disney vacation by getting that Purple Potion Spirit Jersey to wear while you visit the park?! Or, some retail therapy as you are recovering from the ride to the airport on the Tragical Express… grabbing souvenirs to take home to family and friends while awaiting your sad flight home.

“The redesigned shop is the perfect backdrop for showcasing authentic merchandise from Disney Parks,” explained Alysia Kelley, Vice President of Visual Merchandising and Location Strategy.

The store has been redesigned to match the style of the World of Disney Stores at Disney Springs and World of Disney. Featuring digital displays, open layout, and new design elements bringing to life all four parks inside the shop!

You can get your hands on park merchandise including the Potion Purple collection or products from special events like the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

“The newly transformed Magic of Disney store joins the existing Disney’s EarPort store, which is located in Terminal A. These retail locations, combined with Disney’s Magical Express and the popular Minnie Van Service, which provide direct transportation to our Disney Resort hotels, are great examples of our strong, continued partnership with Orlando International Airport. For years, we’ve worked together to create an unparalleled arrival and departure experience for Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and the Orlando area.”- Steven Miller Communications Manager/Disney

Pack your bags and get ready! Let’s book your adventure to Walt Disney World today! 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] Or fill out and submit the form below.

Magic Kingdom Meet and Greet Surprise Character Schedule

By

Heather Adamczak

-

January 26, 2019

Each day this week at Magic Kingdom surprise friends have come out to meet and greet guests on Main Street U.S.A! As part of Mickey and Minnie’s Surprise Celebration, there will be fun new experiences and exciting surprises going on at all the Disney parks.

Doctor Disney is reporting a character meet and greet schedule for the duos to meet with guests: “The duos will be out daily from 11:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. in Town Square during Mickey and Minnie’s Surprise Celebration. It is set to run through September 30, 2019, which gives you plenty of time to visit these surprise guests.”

Take a look at the schedule for these surprise friends!

Sunday – Chicken Little & Abby Mallard
Monday – Robin Hood & Little John
Tuesday – Gideon & Honest John (Pinocchio)
Wednesday – Remy & Emile (Ratatouille)
Thursday – Prince John & Friar Tuck
Friday – Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde
Saturday – Phineas & Ferb
*Characters are subject to change. At this time, this will be the weekly schedule and it isn’t known if different characters will change out at any point this year.

Photo Source: Our Friend Mary M.

Pack your bags and get ready! Let’s book your adventure to Walt Disney World today! 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] Or fill out and submit the form below.

Marvel Brings Thanos to Life with Medusa Performance Capture System

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 26, 2019

Avengers: Infinity War proved to be a massive success for Marvel and Disney when it was released last year. The fourth Avengers film was the culmination of ten years of storytelling spanning eighteen films. The film featured amazing state-of-the-art effects that have earned it an Oscar nomination. One of the most dazzling aspects of the movie is the completely computer generated villain, Thanos. The otherworldly brute proved to not only be a major threat to the onscreen heroes but a believable and almost sympathetic character to audiences.

The Avengers’ formidable foe was brought to life by artists at Digital Domain and a performance from actor Josh Brolin. Using the Medusa Performance Capture System, a Disney proprietary technology, filmmakers were able to create a lifelike three-dimensional digital double of Brolin. This virtual version was then manipulated using a tool called Masquerade, which has been developed from a Disney Research project on enhancing facial recognition performance. The result is a character that not only appeared visually authentic but was also able to convey Brolin’s nuanced performance.

The Medusa Performance Capture System was developed by Disney Research in Zurich and is the outcome of years of development in capturing and modeling human faces. The new technology is able to accurately capture and reconstruct performances without the need for conventional dots placed on the actor’s face. The detail that Medusa provides is where the system really excels. Providing high-resolution recreations, digital artists are able to track wrinkles and even individual pores resulting in realistic digital doubles. The Medusa system has been used in many hit films like the most recent installments of the Star Wars series, The Jungle Book and Maleficent.

Photo and Video Credit: Disney Research

Are you ready to start your next great adventure at Walt Disney World without all of the stress? Click on my photo or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote. I am a Travel Advisor with Key To The World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. I specialize in Disney, Universal, cruises and more. My services are FREE to my clients. Contact me via email at [email protected], on Facebook or by filling out the form below.

New Princess Breakfast at Disneyland Paris!

By

Tessa H

-

January 26, 2019

There is a new royal invitation inviting Princesses and Princes to dine with the Disney Princesses from February 12th to April 1st at Auberge de Cendrillon! This new character breakfast coincides with the Pirates & Princesses Festival, which is happening at the Disneyland Parc from 19th January to the 17th March!

Auberge de Cendrillon is offering a new refined table service breakfast at 8:15 am and 9:45 am, where Princesses and Princes can dine in an enchanting restaurant, in the heart of Fantasyland in the company of Disney Princesses.

This table service breakfast includes hot savoury foods such as scrambled eggs, sausages, salted Mickey waffles, pan-fried vegetables as well as bread and pastries and an assortment of sweet/ savoury verrines, accompanied by hot and cold drinks.

The prices for this breakfast are 49€ for adults and 39€ for children, with the usual discounts applicable.

This restaurant is very popular and therefore requests an advanced reservation. The pre-sale opens from the 6th February for guests staying at Disney Hotels & Resorts as well as Associated and Recommended Disneyland Paris Hotels. Guests are able to book 3 days before each date for all guests and will be based on availability. Please note that the first slot (8:15 am) is only open to those with Extra Magic Hours access.

What a perfect way to start your day during the Pirates & Princess festival!

The Enchanting New Sleeping Beauty Dooney & Bourke Collection

By

Danielle

-

January 26, 2019

I hope I’m not dreaming, because beautiful new Sleeping Beauty Dooney & Bourke handbags launched on Friday. These new handbags are simply dreamy, and celebrates the 60th anniversary of Sleeping Beauty. There are three enchanting silhouettes available.

Carry your fondest dreams wherever you go with this fine fashion collection with leather finishings by Dooney & Bourke. Join Princess Aurora’s celebration marking the 60th Anniversary of Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty with this fanciful bag collection.

Sleeping Beauty Tote by Dooney & Bourke – 60th Anniversary

Like previous Disney Princess Dooney and Bourke collections released, the large tote features an all over design of Aurora. Pink roses dance around her as her hair swirls about her, and her dress twirls.

Sleeping Beauty Crossbody and Sleeping Beauty Satchel by Dooney & Bourke – 60th Anniversary

The crossbody and satchel feature the iconic Good Fairies! Each bag showcases the three fairies in a colorful repeating pattern all over! The Three Good Fairies are ready to take flight for fashion.

You can find all three Sleeping Beauty Dooney & Bourke handbags online at shopDisney.com as well as in store at Ever After Jewelry Co and Accessories.

Black Panther Receives Historic Nomination

By

Kaitlyn

-

January 26, 2019

Black Panther Receives Historic Nomination. The fan-favorite film made history as the first ever comic book movie to be nominated for Best Picture by the Academy.

“It’s gratifying. The cultural impact the movie has had for almost a year now, all leads to this moment.” Kevin Feige, the films producer stated. He referred to that moment as “the highest form of recognition from our peers.”

Black Panther has received a total of 7 nominations for this years Academy Awards. The Oscar nominations are for:

Sound Mixing –Steve Boeddeker, Brandon Proctor and Peter Devlin
Sound Editing –Benjamin A. Burtt and Steve Boeddeker
Original Score –Ludwig Goransson
Original Song – “All The Stars”
- Music by: Mark Spears, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth and Anthony Tiffith; Lyric by: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, Anthony Tiffith and Solana Rowe
Costume Design – Ruth Carter
Production Design -Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Jay Hart
Best Picture -Kevin Feige, Producer

The Ryan Coogler directed film earned more than $1.3 Billion, yes with a ‘B’, worldwide and has made waves as a positive culturally-based film that was well received by fans of the franchise.

Marvel fans can not wait to see the outcome of Avengers: Endgame in late April. Mainly to see what happens to our favorite superheroes, including T’Challa. After all, we do need a Black Panther sequel and fast!

CLICK HERE to see the full list of Disney Oscar Nominations.

No matter who wins it all at the Oscars, this is already a big win for the cast and crew of Black Panther. Congratulations to all the nominees, and we can not wait to see who brings it all home this year at the 2019 Academy Awards.

The Oscars will be broadcast on ABC starting at 8:00 P.M. EST/5:00 P.M. PST on Sunday, February 24, 2019.

Photo Credit: Marvel Studios

The Walt Disney Company Named a Top 10 Company by Fortune

By

Kaitlyn

-

January 26, 2019

The Walt Disney Company Named a Top 10 Company by Fortune. It comes as no surprise that The Walt Disney Company has ranked as a Top Company in 2018. Let’s take a look at Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies of 2018 and what that means.

Fortune goes through an extensive process to determine their annual ranking of the top companies in the world. This years process began with a partnership between Fortune and Korn Ferry. For those who may not know, Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm.

It all starts with a general grouping of over 1.500 candidates. That list includes the 1,000 largest U.S. Companies, ranked by revenue, and the non-U.S. companies in Fortune’s Global 500 database with companies that generated a revenue of 10 billion dollars or more. After they narrow down their list to a workable number the begin the surveying process. This years list was comprised after surveying executives from over 680 Companies in over 50 different industries and 30 different countries! Fortune, and Korn Ferry, then go through an extensive analysis of each company and rank them based off 9 different criteria.

Korn Ferry spoke with over 3,750 executives, directors, and securities analysts to comprise a list of 50 All-Stars. The All-Stars are the top 25% of the previous years surveys and the top 20% of each industry. Needless to say, they put a ton of consideration and effort into making sure this list is made up of only the best of the best. From the All-Stars list is where they then choose the Top 10.

Based off their findings this year, here are their Top 10 choices for 2018 chosen by Fortune:

10.) JPMorgan Chase & Co

9.) FedEx

8.) Southwest Airlines

7.) Microsoft

6.) The Walt Disney Company

5.) Starbucks

4.) Berkshire Hathaway

3.) Alphabet (Google)

2.) Amazon.com

1.) Apple

This year The Walt Disney Company is making Fortunes Top 10 list for the sixth consecutive year!

All those interviewed by Korn Ferry and Fortune were also asked whom they admired the most both in and out of their industry. Here were the top 10 companies chosen by other companies:

1.) Apple – Computers

2.) Amazon.com – Internet Services and Retailing

3.) Berkshire Hathaway – Insurance: Property and Casualty

4.) The Walt Disney Company – Entertainment

5.) Starbucks – Food Service

6.) Microsoft – Computer Software

7.) Alphabet (Google) – Internet Services and Retailing

8.) Netflix – Entertainment

9.) JPMorgan Chase & Co – Megabanks

10.) FedEx – Delivery

Congratulations to all these companies on this major accomplishment, and congratulations to The Walt Disney Company!

Photo Credit: The Walt Disney Company

Pop on Over to Epcot on Bubble Gum Day for a Special Photopass Opportunity

By

Sarah Johnston

-

January 25, 2019

Pop on Over to Epcot on Bubble Gum Day for a Special Photopass Opportunity

Did you know February 1^st is Bubble Gum Day? If I’m being honest, I had no clue! In honor of Bubble Gum Day, guests visiting Epcot are in for a real treat. Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating Bubble Gum Day at the popular #BubbleGumWall on February 1^st. Pop on Over to Epcot on Bubble Gum Day for a Special Photopass Opportunity. Disney Photopass photographers will be located at the wall to take your photos.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit the bubble gum wall, now’s your chance. For those that aren’t aware of the #BubbleGumWall, you’re not alone. It’s located just outside the exit of Spaceship Earth in Future World. The fun multi-colored wall in painted with a classic bubble gum pink and cool calming blues.

Don’t forget to check out some of the other fun walls around the Disney parks. The famous purple wall near Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom is the original wall of Walt Disney World. Check out the Carousel of Progress wall. It’s full of fun colors, perfect to make your pictures pop. Animal Kingdom has some great options as well. Located near the Harambe Market, the You Are Most Beautiful wall makes for a fun photo opp.

Don’t forget to purchase Memory Maker before heading to the parks. Bring home your digital photos and share them with all your friends and family. Let one of the Disney Photopass photographers capture your Instagram-worthy pics on Bubble Gum Day. Simply download your pictures from the famous #BubbleGumWall and share on your favorite social media outlet.

Make sure to mark your calendars for February 1^st to take advantage of #BubbleGumWall on Bubble Gum Day. If you’ve had the chance to check out the colorful walls, which one is your favorite?

Photo Source: Disney

Ready to start planning your next magical getaway? Let’s get yours booked today! 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 or fill out and submit the form below.

Hollywood Studios is Set to Close Planet Hollywood Super Store February 2nd

By

Laura Mason

-

January 25, 2019

There are so many changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The Walt Disney World Resort is always looking for new ways to give Guests the best experience possible. This spring, an expansion and refurbishment is heading to Legends of Hollywood inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Walt Disney World Resort is working on improvements and enhancements for each Guests shopping experiences throughout the park. To make this possible, they have decided to close the doors to the Disney’s Hollywood Studios location of Planet Hollywood Super Store. The store is set to close on February 2, 2019.

But don’t fret! If you are still in search of your perfect Planet Hollywood Orlando merchandise, be sure to head to Disney Springs for the Planet Hollywood merchandise location there! While you’re there be sure and dine at the refurbished restaurant as well. After you are done shopping and dining at Planet Hollywood, be sure and check out many dining and shopping options in addition to Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs.

Any additional information regarding the Legends of Hollywood expansion and refurbishment will be shared at a later date.

Photo copyright is Walt Disney World Resort.

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 all Disney Destinations® and the Universal Orlando Resort®. I am mentor with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner of Chip and Company, and 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 here and/or follow me on Facebook.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Opening in Orlando

By

Laura Mason

-

January 25, 2019

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is set to open it’s first Florida location in 2020. This one-of-a-kind movie-going experience is fantastic news for cinephiles and foodies! The movie theater chain is from Texas and will be located at Vineland Pointe. There will be 10 screens, 942 luxury reclining chairs, and a full-service restaurant and bar.

“‘Our goal at Alamo Drafthouse is to be the best theater imaginable for the community. We do this by providing great food and drinks along with exceptional presentation and a diverse spectrum of programming and events,’ Alamo Drafthouse founder and CEO Tim League said.” –Click Orlando

The theater is very unique and strict. They are known for removing guests who are not respectful to others enjoying the movie, by talking (whether phone or to their neighbor) and/or texting as the movie is playing. This theater, after all, was created by fans for fans, and has an extremely strict no-talking policy.

The cinema will provide special events, new movie releases, and each guest’s seat a food and drink menu. 4K digital projection and surround sound will be equipped in each auditorium as well.

The theater is going to offer the best presentation standards available. This includes The Big Show, Dolby Atmos’ immersive sound technology, and a laser projection system. They’ll also be able to accommodate both classic films and new releases with their 35mm changeover projection feature.

The goal of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema making its way to Orlando is to bring a premium entertainment concept to the community and visitors of the Orlando area.

Photo copyright Click Orlando.

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 all Disney Destinations® and the Universal Orlando Resort®. I am mentor with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner of Chip and Company, and 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 here and/or follow me on Facebook.