Tomorrowland Speedway is Temporarily Closed for Tron Construction

By

-

January 5, 2019

The Tron coaster is coming to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World! To make room for the construction, the Tomorrowland Speedway is temporarily closed. When it reopens again in late May, the track will be adjusted to accommodate the new coaster, but will still be the same ride that guests have known and loved since the park first opened in 1971.

The Tomorrowland Speedway is an attraction where guests can take the wheel of a gas-powered car, and take a nostalgic ride through twists, turns and over lots of hills. Smaller guests really get a kick out of being able to get behind the wheel and drive their own vehicles!

The new Tron attraction is based on Shanghai Disneyland’s popular Tron Lightcycle Power Run, which opened in 2016. It is a coaster-style attraction where riders board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles and then take off, reaching speeds of nearly 60 miles per hour! The Orlando ride is scheduled to be operating in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.

A family vacation is all about creating lifelong memories, and I believe every family deserves an amazing vacation experience, created especially for them. As Co-Owner of Key to the World Travel®, the official travel partner for Chip and Company, I will help you create the perfect magical experience for you and your family. So whether your idea of a dream Disney vacation is a theme park, cruise, a beach in Hawaii, or even an Adventure somewhere else in the world, I can help make any of your vacation wishes come true. My goal is to help you to create a one of a kind trip, full of magical memories and tons of family fun. Send me an email, or fill out the form below to receive a free, no-obligation quote, and let’s start planning your dream vacation! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

Which Disney-Inspired Hobby Is Right For You?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 4, 2019

Happy 2019! What better time of the year to start a new hobby than the present, right? Need some ideas? Take a look no further than your favorite Disney movies for some inspiration!

1. Archery

Inspired by Merida (Brave) and Hawkeye (Marvel’s The Avengers), you do not need to be a master archer or be able to shoot a bow and arrow while riding a horse to have fun with this! They even make archery sets that are suitable for all ages and indoors.

2. Guitar

Learning to play music may have been forbidden, but in the end, Miguel (Coco) mastered the craft! Perhaps the guitar is not your thing. That’s ok! Pick an instrument that is instead.

3. Cooking

As Auguste Gusteau stated, ‘anyone can cook’! Become inspired by Remy (Ratatouille) and create your version of ratatouille. This is something that the whole family can enjoy together!

4. Fencing

Ok, so true fencing isn’t as easy on the eyes as watching Will Turner and Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean) sword-fighting. It could be just as fun though! Just be glad that you don’t need to practice 3 hours per day…

5. Sailing

Ok, so you probably aren’t going to sail into the open ocean like Moana (Moana) but it’s fun to pretend!

6. Sketching

You may never be sketching a baby baboon in Africa like Jane (Tarzan), but sketching is a great skill to have and a relatively easy one to learn. Plus art can be so relaxing making it the perfect hobby!

7. Scrapbooking

Are you like most people and take more pictures than you know what to do with? Use Ellie (Up) for inspiration and start scrapbooking.

8. Martial Arts

You do not need to run away and join the military to become inspired by Mulan (Mulan). Martial arts is a great form of discipline and there are so many different styles that you will be able to find the perfect one for you!

9. Learn A New Language

Take a page out of Milo’s book (Atlantis: The Lost Empire) and learn a new language. Best of all, you’ll be prepared to explore the world on your next vacation!

10. Hockey

Hockey is a great way to form a new “Island of Personality” in your own mind! Be inspired by Riley (Inside Out) and take up the sport and get some exercise while you’re at it.

11. Puzzles, Darts and Baking

When you are stuck in a tower like Rapunzel (Tangled), you’ve got to have tons of hobbies to help pass the time!

I think I’ll take after Remy and make cooking my hobby for this year! Adding a few new dishes to my repertoire would be a great thing. Which will your hobby be?

Source: D23

Pack your bags and get ready! Let’s book your adventure to Walt Disney World or Disneyland today! Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Click the photo above or fill out the form below to receive a free, no-obligation quote from a Travel Adviser Specializing 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 you with everything such as Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Sea World Orlando, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE with booking! Get in touch with me at 908-773-0930, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook. You can also fill out the form below.

Exciting Star Wars Games, Comics, and More New In 2019

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 4, 2019

Star Wars is one of those elusive things that no matter your age you can appreciate. I vividly remember watching the original Star Wars trilogy when spending the weekend with my grandparents – which was pretty often! These weekends were the best and were filled with staying up late, watching movies and eating white cheddar popcorn. Even the younger generation can appreciate Star Wars with the introduction of the prequel trilogy, the sequel trilogy, television series and standalone films such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and most recently Solo: A Star Wars Story. Star Wars really is a force to be reckoned with! (See what I did there?) If you are a Star Wars fan then 2019 is the year for you!

Star Wars Celebration – Chicago

Cosplayers near and far rejoice! This event will be taking place April 11 – April 15 in Chicago.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

This perhaps may be the most anticipated event of 2019. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open at Disneyland in Anaheim, California this summer and Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida in late fall. Music for the new land has been composed by John Williams. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will also include two new rides! Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance. I for one am looking forward to the opening of this new immersive land!

Star Wars Episode IX

Star Wars Episode IX is slated to be released December 20, 2019. J.J. Abrams is directed this latest installment and appearances will be made by Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian). Carrie Fisher will appear via unused footage prior to her death in order to close out Princess Leia’s story. Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Joonas Suotamo and Kelly Marie Tran will all be returning to their roles and a few newcomers – Keri Russell, Richard E. Grant, and Naomi Ackie – are set to make an appearance.

TV Series

There are various television series that are slated to debut in 2019 across all forms of media, including the long-awaited Disney+ streaming service which is set to launch this year.

The Mandalorian is played by Pedro Pascal and takes place after the fall of the Empire but before the Rise of the First Order. This series will be available on the Disney+ streaming service.

Star Wars: Resistance season 1 finale will begin airing on the Disney Channel on January 13, 2019. The final three episodes follow Kaz Xiono (Christopher Sea), a Resistance pilot that has gone undercover on a refueling station to spy on the First Order. Jace Rucklin (Elijah Wood) will also return in the first episode.

The Clone Wars will have 12 new episodes available for season 7 and will air on the Disney+ streaming service after it was canceled five years ago. This animated series will follow Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano, their exiled Jedi-in-training.

Video Games

2109 will see the release of two highly anticipated video games – including a virtual reality experience!

Vader Immortal is a virtual reality experience that will be released on the Oculus Quest. It is an ILMxLAB developed game written by David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight) who also is executive producer. The game takes players on a journey to Darth Vader’s castle on the lava world of Mustafar where players will battle the Sith Lord. No release date has been set however there are two additional installments planned.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will be released by EA. Although no release date has been announced yet, the delveloper has stated that it will debut in time for the holidays. This game will focus on a Padawan trainee who survived the Jedi massacre depicted in Revenge of the Sith.

Comic Books

Marvel will be releasing numerous stand-alone comic books in its Star Wars: Age of Republic series throughout 2019 that fans of the galaxy far, far away are sure to love!

Vador: Dark Visions #1– available in March
Obi-Wan #1– available January 2
Jango Fett #1– available January 9
Star Wars: Age of the Republic Special #1– available January 16
Anakin Skywalker #1– available February 6
Count Dooku #1– available February 13
Padme Amidala #1– available March 6
General Grievous #1– available March 13
Mechanical Mayhem –available March 12 (kid-friendly series)

Novels

There are a number of novels that are set in the Star Wars universe as well. In addition to titles that are for the older fans, a kid-friendly option will be released for you to share with your young Padawan. For the fans that are interested in behind-the-scenes looks, you will not want to miss the Industrial Light & Magic Presents: Making Solo. The titles and release dates are:

The Queen’s Shadow by E.K. Johnston – available March 5
Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray – available April 16
Thrawn: Treason by Timothy Zahn – available July 23
C-3PO Does NOT Like Sand! – available June 4 (Kid-friendly)
Industrial Light & Magic Presents: Making Solo by Rob Bredow – available April 16

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Pack your bags and get ready! Let’s book your adventure to Walt Disney World or Disneyland today! Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Click the photo above or fill out the form below to receive a free, no-obligation quote from a Travel Adviser Specializing 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 you with everything such as Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Sea World Orlando, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE with booking! Get in touch with me at 908-773-0930, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook. You can also fill out the form below.

New Movie Posters for Disney’s Dumbo Have Been Released

By

Heather Adamczak

-

January 4, 2019

Today Disney released updated posters from the film being released March 29th. Looking into sweet Dumbo‘s eyes all I can think about is his mama singing softly to him “Baby mine, don’t you cry. Baby mine, dry your eyes. Rest your head close to my heart. Never to part, baby of mine…” Those melodic words sung over and over in the sweetest yet heartbreaking way…

This film has already gotten such a buzz from the actor choices to the “live action” title in a CGI world. From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Take a look at the newest posters featuring Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Michael Keaton, and Eva Green.

Take a look at the newest trailer featuring Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, Finley Hobbins and Nico Parker.

The Official 2019 Walt Disney Studios Film Previews!

By

Jessica Jones

-

January 4, 2019

The Walt Disney studios has officially released its 2019 Walt Disney Studios Film Previews!! This is so exciting! The Walt Disney Company is kicking off 2019 with a bang! We have so many exciting new releases coming out soon, starting in March! That’s a few short months away, thank goodness we don’t have to wait too long!

On March 8, 2019 Captain Marvel will on the big screen!! The film, set in the 1990’s, is an all new adventure from an unseen period in Marvel Cinematic Universe. This period will follow the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes a powerful hero. Danvers will find herself in a galactic war between two alien races that reaches earth.

At the end of March, on the 29^th, fans can view the anticipated Live-action remake of Dumbo. Directed by Tim Burton, this live-action expands on the beloved classic story. It will be exciting to see how Circus owner, Max Medici, his former star, Holt Farrier, and Farrier’s two children, to care for a newborn elephant with oversized ears.

Coming April 17^th, Disney’s new feature film, Penguins, will be released. This coming-of-age story will follow along a penguin, named Steve, as he builds a home, finds a life-partner, and starts a family. This film opens just in time for Earth Day 2019.

The next 2019 Walt Disney Studios Film to debut is the long awaited for Avengers: Endgame. This exciting addition to its previous films will be debuting in theaters on April 26, 2019! I can’t wait to see this movie!

On May 25^th, movie buffs will be excited for the release of the Live-action remake of Aladdin! This vibrant live-action remake will be an adaptation of the animated classic, “Aladdin”. Follow along as Jasmin, Aladdin, and the Genie go on adventures outside of the palace walls Jasmin knows so well.

The 2019 Walt Disney Studios Film Toy Story 4. Woody and the gang will go on another adventure when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky”. Woody will discover just how big the world is for a toy.

The last of the live-action films, The Lion King, will debut on July 19^th! Follow along in the African Savanna when the future king is born. With the help of a few new friends, Simba will have to learn what it takes to be a king to regain what is rightfully his.

On August 9^th Disney’s Artemis Fowl will be featured on the big screen. Based on the book by Eoin Colfer, this fantastical, spellbinding adventure follows a 12-year-old genius, Artemis, as he seeks to find his father who has mysteriously disappeared.

The 2019 Walt Disney Studios Film will release the animated Frozen 2! I can’t wait to see what is in store for Anna, Elsa, Kirstoff, and Olaf when they return to the big screen in 2019!

Rounding out the year for the 2019 Walt Disney Studios films will be the highly anticipated Star Wars: Episode IX. This film release, along with the anticipated opening of Star Wars Lands in 2019, will round out great year for the Walt Disney Company!

What film are you most excited to see in 2019?! I am still on the live-action kick right now. I can’t wait to see Aladdin or The Lion King! Happy film watching!

Source: Disney

Did Disney Just Drop a Clue to the Opening Date of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland?

By

Heather Adamczak

-

January 4, 2019

*Update: There are rumblings all around that Disney has asked for all travel based employees to be on high alert and ready for a big day tomorrow! It is speculated they will announce the opening dates of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during the shareholders meeting tomorrow! We are also hearing that the opening date for the Walt Disney World based land could be moved up to an earlier date as well. This is apparently due to the construction progress of the land being way ahead of schedule!

We have just found an article Barron’s that was published online Friday, Jan. 4 that Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke of a June grand opening for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. Iger was asked about efforts to grow attendance and increase capacity at Disney parks.

“When Star Wars opens in Anaheim in June and in Florida later in the year, that’s adding capacity,” Iger told Barron’s. “You’re adding 14 acres of land (each), more rides and more for people to do. It’s the biggest land we’ve ever built.”

Did Disney just drop a clue to the opening date of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland? We have been waiting patiently(well not really) for the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to open at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Searching for clues and reading everything we can find a hint to what the official opening date could be. While there is nothing official, Disney released a promo today that could possibly give us a clue!

On January 7th a special priced tickets will go on sale. The 3-day 1 park ticket is priced at $179.00, or if you prefer, the 3-day park hopper ticket for $234.00. The tickets may be used on consecutive days or on separate days. Tickets will expire May 23, 2019… Sooooo, does that mean they are trying to pack in as many people as they can right before the opening of the new edition to Disneyland?

We can only speculate at this time because no official word has been announced, but we are hoping we will know the opening dates so we can book those flights! If it isn’t opening the weekend of May 23rd, we think it has to be very soon after! What do you think? Stay tuned and check back for more details as we get them on the opening of Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

If you would like a free no obligation quote for a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, fill out the quote form below so one of our agents may contact you today!

Kevin Is Coming to Animal Kingdom!

By

Heather Adamczak

-

January 4, 2019

Kevin, our favorite thirteen foot tall giant tropical bird from Disney/Pixar’s UP is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Russell the Senior Wilderness Explorer and Dug are already big parts of the “UP! A Great Bird Adventure” show featuring beautiful and exotic trained birds. I am sure they will be really excited for Kevin when she arrives!

Kevin has been tracked from South America and we are sure she will be landing sometime in February. We are told you will be able to visit them daily on Discovery Island and catch their show at the Anandapur Theatre.

Watch your chocolate! Kevin likes to help herself to Russell’s chocolate bar. I wonder if that will be apart of the show? We will have to wait and see.

On April 22nd a new show was welcomed into Disney’s Animal Kingdom. UP! A Great Bird Adventure is made its official park debut on Earth Day – also the park’s 20th anniversary. In this new, 25-minute show, bird experts will be joined by Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry pal Dug from Disney•Pixar’s animated hit film UP. Together they will put on a show featuring encounters with birds from around the world.

Here are a few wild facts about this new show!

1. From toucans and parrots to macaws, and an African fish eagle with a magnificent 7-foot wingspan, over 15 species of birds make an appearance in this show.

When it came to the training and rehearsal need to bring this show to the stage there were twenty animal trainers involved in. Four trainers work with the birds and the actors during every performance.
This is a unique experience led by an avian enthusiast and bird experts. Guests will get a close-up look at bird species from South America, North America, India, Africa, and other locations around the globe.
Themes from Disney Pixar’s UP are featured in the original, authentic Indian musical score.

5. This show will mark the first time that Russell and Dug from Disney Pixar’s UP appear onstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

6. The goal of the production team is to showcase beloved Disney characters and the amazing natural behavior of birds. They want to inspire guests to connect with nature.

I don’t know about you, but I am so excited for a new show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And I can’t wait to see Russell and Dug and all of the amazing birds that will be making an appearance. This show is bound to be a ton of fun. Are you excited to check out this new experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

Television’s Trevor Noah Encounters Incredible Heroes at Pixar Pier

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 4, 2019

TV host Trevor Noah stopped by Disney’s California Adventure with friends recently for a visit. While there, he took some time to snap a few heroic pictures with Mr. Incredible and Frozone from Disney/Pixar’s Incredibles 2. The star posted a few of the shots to his Instagram page saying: “The happiest place on earth is anyplace I get to be with my friends. But it doesn’t hurt to throw in a few amazing rides and the coolest Disneyland characters from my childhood. (In the first picture you can see Mr Incredible and also two characters standing on either side of him)”

Noah also took some time to visit with the Black Panther’s Dora Milaje for a few poses. This meeting was even more special given Noah’s connection to the hit Marvel film. It’s not very well known that he gave voice to the A.I. system “Griot” created by T’Challa’s sister Shuri. In the film, Griot helps Martin Freeman’s character pilot a virtual plane during the final battle. The TV funnyman then spent the rest of his day enjoying the Disneyland Resort with his friends ending with a snap of a soaked Noah riding Grizzly River Run.

Pixar Pier has become a hit since its transformation from Paradise Pier last year. The retheming was a complete overhaul changing the area from a classic boardwalk to a celebration of Pixar movies and characters. Adding rides themed to hit movies like The Incredibles and Toy Story has proven to be a welcome reimagining of the area. Guests can also look forward to meeting characters from their favorite films as they tour the land.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br-lU6ggmlk/

Photo Credit: Disney

Are you ready to get started planning your next great adventure to Disneyland 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 at 804-252-7387, via email at [email protected], on Facebook or by filling out the form below.

Southern California Residents can Visit Disneyland with a Special 3-Day Ticket Offer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 4, 2019

Southern California residents, was your New Years resolution to visit Disneyland more often? If so there is a great deal coming for 3-day tickets. Beginning January 7, 2019, you can purchase a 3-day ticket at a special price. The special ticket offer comes with or without the park hopper option allowing you to focus on one park at a time or take the short walk from one to the other.

On January 7 the special price tickets will go on sale. The 3-day 1 park ticket is priced at $179.00, or if you prefer, the 3-day park hopper ticket for $234.00. The tickets may be used on consecutive days or on separate days. Tickets will expire May 23, 2019, so plan accordingly. You will need your government issued id to purchase these tickets and for admission. Southern California residents are those who live in ZIP codes 90000-93599 and 21000-22999. The specially priced tickets may not be used April 14-22, 2019.

These tickets include one magic morning in Disneyland Park. Magic Mornings allow guests to experience select attractions at Disneyland Park for a full hour before the park opens to the public. Also included is all of the entertainment, festivals, and the new Pixar Pier. If you have not had a chance to experience the new Incredicoaster now is your chance! Don’t forget the Get Your Ears On celebration for Mickey and Minnie Mouse also occurring this year. With so much included these tickets are really a great deal!

Tickets can be purchased on the website or by visiting a Disneyland ticket booth. Save some time by purchasing at home and printing them yourself.

Southern California residents it’s time to kick 2019 off with a bang and plan your visit to Disneyland Resort with these specially priced tickets.

Photo Credit: Disney

Are you ready to start planning a stress-free magical and memorable Disney vacation? Contact me today at 864-214–5981 or [email protected] As a Travel Advisor with the official travel partner of Chip & Company, Key to the World Travel (An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner) I provide no-obligation quotes and complementary booking and planning services. Join my Facebook page to learn more about the travel services I provide.

“Grown-ish” and Scholly to Pay Off Student Debt up to $125,000

By

Laura Mason

-

January 4, 2019

To celebrate season two of the critically acclaimed series, “Grown-ish,” Freeform has partnered with Scholly to pay up to $125,000 in student loan debt! Freeform and Scholly recognize even more it is hard for a generation to thrive in the world with the weight of their student loan debt. Finally, this program is hopeful it will help student loan borrowers to pay off the debt that holds them back from living their best lives!

All the information you need and first round submissions can be found here or through the Scholly app. The winners will be announced at the 2019 Freeform Summit; details to follow.

The second season of “Grown-ish” premiered Wednesday, January 2, 2019. The season returned with 2 back-to-back episodes beginning their sophomore year. After learning many firsts in their freshman year, season two follows Zoey and her friends through their second year at CalU. Zoey and her friends are confident from all they learned in freshman year that sophomore year will be a piece of cake, but they quickly realize they’re not quite grown up like they think.

The show focuses on a real life issues students of higher education are facing on a daily basis. “Grown-ish” is produced by ABC Signature Studios. Most noteworthy are Kenya Barris, Julie Bean, Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry, Craig Doyle, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland and E. Brian Dobbins. They are all executive producers of the show.

Returning for a stellar sophomore year are Yara Shahidi, Trevor Jackson, Francia Raisa, Emily Arlook, Jordan Buhat, Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Luka Sabbat, and Deon Cole.

The first two episodes focused on the gang adjusting back to school after the summer. Zoey, Ana, and Nomi moved in together, off campus, full of smiles. However, they quickly realized they must learn to adjust to each other as roommates. Zoey and Luca’s relationship isn’t #relationshipgoals anymore. As a result, Zoey becomes insecure and frustrated. Because Aaron is now a RA, he wants to build community and hosts a movie night. His movie selection did anything but help everyone to relax.

Furthermore, be sure and catch the rest of the episodes of “Grown-ish” on Freeform.

Photo copyright Freeform.

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.

Firsthand Preview of Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

By

Sarah Johnston

-

January 4, 2019

Firsthand Preview of Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge

Recently, press covering Disneyland were given a firsthand preview of Stars Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. With construction on track for a Summer 2019 opening, further details are being released.

Guests arriving at Disneyland will have to make their way to the back of the park to find Galaxy’s Edge. Three entrances to Galaxy’s Edge are being created. Access can be gained by entering from either Critter Country, Frontierland, or Fantasyland. Your first view will have you feeling like you are front row at the movies. Once inside, guests will notice petrified tree forms. The inspiration for these came from Southern California trees. Real trees are being planted as well. Some with a replacement cost of $9,000, so please be mindful of the land!!

For those familiar with Solo: A Star Wars Film and from the 2018 novel Star Wars Thrawn Alliances, you will recognize the theme of the land being the Black Spire Outpost on planet Batuu. Guests who know Star Wars from the original films will be instantly drawn to the Millennium Falcon. Once inside, guests will have plenty to explore in the open-air market and two attractions.

Disney Imagineers went to great lengths to create the vision for this massive land by visiting Morocco and Istanbul. Details were what they were after. No detail was too small to pass over. The exterior of Galaxy’s Edge is designed to look weathered, much like Harambe Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s the attention to detail that really makes the area feel like you are really at the Outpost.

Currently, with the construction of the 14-acre park starting to wind down, workers are completing the work on the Millennium Falcon. This giant arrived in 93 crates!! During prime construction, you could find 1,000 – 1,100 workers on site daily. Now the average is about 600. Site workers have been told the backstory of the land to help keep creative juices flowing, but beyond that, access has been very limited. All major structures are completed. Walkways and interior areas are the areas of focus currently.

Guests looking for attractions will have two options. The first Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run put guests in the middle of the action. Flying the ship will be groups of six. Each person is assigned a key role. Make sure to ride it more than once. Your experience will be different each visit.

Next up is Rise of the Resistance. When entering the ride, guests will queue through the themed interior designed as rundown rooms used as a base camp to take on the First Order. Be on the lookout as groups of guests are captured and given orders by the enemy. Once escaping on a transport, watch out for stormtroopers and AT-AT Walkers.

While the menu is still being finalized, guests will be able to eat and drink at Oga’s Cantina. Sure to be popular, it will be smaller in size, giving it a more intimate feel. A small number of booths will be available, but the majority will be standing room only. Oga’s will be the first public restaurant in Disneyland to serve alcohol. Unique to Galaxy’s Edge will be blue milk. Luke Skywalker drank this in Episode IV: A New Hope from a bantha. Location is still TBD for the drink.

Retail shops will be located around the land as well. Guests visiting the land will be able to design customized droids during an interactive experience. Prices are not set yet. Dok-Ondar will overlook another retail shop. Speculated to be an animatronic, castmembers might be able to interact with him. An outdoor market set to resemble a bazaar will be in the area as well.

Imagineers have put in countless hours working with chefs, filmmakers, and executives to make sure Galaxy’s Edge will exceed expectations. Storytelling is a crucial part of the guest’s overall experience, and Disney wants to take that to a whole new level.

Photo Copyright: Disney

Source: Barron’s

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.

Walt Disney Studios Global Box Office Reaches $7.3B

By

Kelly Kerl

-

January 4, 2019

With $7.3 billion in global box office sales, The Walt Disney Studios made 2018 their second biggest year on record. Coming in just behind 2016 totals by a mere 277.9 million dollars. Topping the list of box office heavyweights this year were Avengers: Infinity War with $2.05 billion, Black Panther with $1.35 billion and Incredibles 2 with $1.24 billion. State-side they came out on top as they reached a domestic industry record of $3.0923 billion.

Of the 10 films released in 2018, Black Panther became the 3^rd highest domestic grossing film of all time. Just behind the King of Wakanda came his friends with Avengers: Infinity War which now ranks 4^th highest. Internationally Avengers: Infinity War and Black Panther rank as the No. 1 and No. 3 for the year. Everyone’s favorite animated supers, Incredibles 2, became the top domestic grossing animated release of all time, and 9^th overall of all time.

Walt Disney Studios rounded out the year at the box office with two huge releases: Ralph Breaks The Internet and Mary Poppins Returns. Ralph raked in $350 million globally, while Mary brought in a practically perfect $200 million worldwide.

It’s no surprise that the company’s success has grown due to the support of Fandoms from the many corners of the studio’s brands. Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm and especially Marvel carried their brands into this monster of a year. Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn, said: “We truly appreciate the amazing talent of our studio team as well as the filmmakers and creatives we’re fortunate to work with, and we look forward to a great 2019.”

Given the lineup slated for 2019, next year will see more of the same, if not greater achievements:

Captain Marvel – March 8th, 2019
Dumbo – March 29, 2019
Avengers: Endgame – April 26, 2019
Aladdin – May 24, 2019
Toy Story 4 – June 21, 2019
The Lion King – July 19, 2019
Artemis Fowl – August 9, 2019
Frozen 2 – November 22, 2019
Star Wars: Episode IX – December 20, 2019

Source: The Walt Disney Company

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.