Carrie Fisher Will Not Be CGI in Episode IX

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December 31, 2018

Star Wars Episodes XIII & IX Spoiler Alert

It has been 2 years since we lost Carrie Fisher. The loss of the iconic Star Wars actress and role model was profound. Since then we have been left with one burning question: what happens to Leia in the next movie? She was one of the few surviving members of the Resistance so it stands to reason she would play an integral role in the film. Many fans were concerned that her character would be recast or recreated with CGI. Director JJ Abrams put those concerns to rest, however, assuring everyone that actual unused footage of Fisher from “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi” would be used for her scenes.

Rather than calming fears this news, of course, led to even more questions – would it seem forced? Would it see natural? Would it be awkward? Recently Fisher’s brother Todd Fisher attempted to calm those concerns saying:

“There’s a lot of minutes of footage. I don’t mean just outtakes. This is unused, new content that could be woven into the storyline. That’s what’s going to give everybody such a great kick. It’s going to look like it was meant to be. Like it was shot yesterday. We’re not allowed to talk about the details of anything. But we’re thrilled at what’s been done.”

So, like Star Wars superfans ourselves we are optimistic about this news and look forward to seeing General Organa once again on the big screen! Are you as excited about it as we are? Let us know in the comments!

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-Through Will Temporarily Close to Guests In Early 2019

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 31, 2018

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-Through Will Temporarily Close to Guests In Early 2019 — There’s nothing quite as iconic as taking a stroll down Main Street USA and heading through the castle into Fantasyland. It doesn’t matter which castle, from Cinderella to Sleeping Beauty and beyond there is just something timeless and magical about it. However, at Disneyland, this is an experience that will be sorely missed for the first part of the year.
On January 17, 2019, Sleeping Beauty Castle will undergo a refurbishment that will leave it closed to guests until Spring 2019. Both the interior and exterior of the castle will have work done to it, meaning Ichabod the Crane may make an appearance in some of your Castle photos during this time frame. There is no firm reopening date, thus far Disney has only said “Soring 2019”, so we can only hope we will be back to gleefully strolling through the castle sooner rather than later. As soon as more details are known, we will be sure to let you know!
As disappointing as it is, refurbishments are a necessary evil. we are glad to see the work being done. While everyone wants to have the perfect experience, the care that Disney takes to keep things looking fresh and new is what sets Disney apart from the others. Though we always want to get that perfect Castle photo, we are glad that generations to come will be afforded that same joy thanks to refurbishments like this one. Besides…it just gives us a reason to go back (as if we needed a reason)! Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments.

New U.S. Military Ticket Offer On Sale January 1st

By

Heather Adamczak

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December 31, 2018

There is another reason to be happy about the new year! Disney announced this morning that come January 1st, 2019 Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are honoring active-duty and retired members of the U.S. military with special offers on theme park admissions and resort stays for most dates in 2019.

Beginning tomorrow, January 1, 2019, multi-day Disney Military Promotional Tickets will be available for each location. Here’s a look at the details:

At Walt Disney World Resort – Military Promotional Tickets include four- and five-day tickets with Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option. The Park Hopper Option with each ticket allows guests to visit more than one park at the resorts on each day of their visit.

For more details and pricing for the Walt Disney World Resort Military Promotion Ticket, please visit Disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/military-multi-day-tickets-2019/.

At Disneyland Resort – Military Promotional Tickets include a three- or four-day Park Hopper ticket valid for adult or child admission with blockouts on select dates in April. The Park Hopper Option at Disneyland Resort also allows guests to visit more than one park at the resorts.

For information, including pricing, for the Disneyland Resort Military Promotion Ticket, check out Disneyland.disney.go.com/offers-discounts/military-3-day-tickets/.

Also, active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel can take advantage of great rates at select Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort hotels.* The Walt Disney World Resort room offer is valid for stays most nights from Jan. 1, 2019, through April 13, 2019, and April 26, 2019, through Dec. 19, 2019. The Disneyland Resort room offer is valid for stays most nights from Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec.19, 2019.

Here are some other important details you should know:

Offers are available only for Eligible Service Members. “Eligible Service Members” are active-duty or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets only by Eligible Service Members or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use. May not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions.
Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. No more than six (6) Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any Eligible Service Member or spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse). In addition, one of the six (6) Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or his/her spouse.
Subject to certain exceptions, Disney 4-Day/5-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort are not valid until activated by the Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows.
Disneyland Resort Military Promotional tickets are valid beginning Jan. 1, 2019, and expire Dec. 21, 2019. Blockout days of April 14, 2019, through April 22, 2019, apply. Tickets are not valid for Magic Morning early-entry admission at Disneyland Park.
Subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

*Room offers are subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for these offers are limited. Eligible Service Members or spouse must present a valid military identification at check-in. If valid military ID is not presented, the non-discounted room price will be charged for the duration of the stay. Offer is non-transferable, and Eligible Service Member/spouse must stay in the room. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks. The Walt Disney World Resort room offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, suites in Moderate and Deluxe Resort hotels, campsites, Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Additional per adult charges may apply at the Walt Disney World Resort if there are more than 2 adults per room. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply. Disneyland Resort room offer excludes select Concierge rooms and suites, except Paradise, Artisan, Junior and Regal suites. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Excludes applicable fees and taxes.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Our Top 10 Favorite Minnie Mouse Ears of 2018

By

Danielle

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December 31, 2018

This year may have been the 90th Anniversary of Mickey Mouse, but it was also the year of Minnie Ears! We saw SO many new and fabulous ears released this year, that it was hard to choose a favorite! Because of that, we’ve put together our Top 10 Favorite Minnie Mouse Ears of 2018!

Rose Gold Ears may have been the must have last year, but this year it was all about new color trends, and Instagramable style.

Millennial Pink Ears

The Millennial Pink Ears exploded onto the scene with a frenzy. After the Rose Gold ears were such a success, this was the newest color trend, and style loving Disney girls were instantly obsessed.

Aulani Plumeria Ears

The Plumeria Ears from Aulani had been a much sought after pair throughout the year, but once they showed up at Disneyland and shopDisney fans were over joyed. Finally you didn’t have to go all the way to Hawaii to enjoy these beautiful ears!

Bubblegum Wall Ears

A collection of Spaceship Earth ears inspired by spots around Epcot showcased several places around the World Showcase. The favorite though were the ones featuring the infamous wall outside Spaceship Earth, the Bubblegum Wall ears!

Gold and Black Mickey Ears

With Mickey’s 90th Anniversary being celebrated this year, we were also treated to a fancy pair of Gold and Black Mickey ears, with a detachable bow-tie!

Ice Cream Bar Ears

The snack craze finally got some love with Minnie ears this year too! Deliciously cute Mickey Ice Cream Bar inspired Minnie Ears hit the scene, and were an instant delight! The ears even had a half bitten ear revealing the “ice cream” inside.

Maleficent Ears

The Maleficent ears got an update this year too! The original style had been a popular one for a long time, so it was nice to see a wicked new upgrade. The new style is spellbindingly fierce, and full of incredible details inspired by the original bad fairy.

Tightrope Walker Ears

The Tightrope Walker ears were another sensation! These gorgeous ears were inspired by the beautiful flower dress of the iconic Tightrope Walker from the Haunted Mansion. These beauties sold out at the parks almost as soon as they hit the shelves, and didn’t last much longer once they were released online either.

Rainbow Minnie Ears

The Rainbow Minnie Ears were another fun color trend pair of 2018. These sparkling ears were a literal rainbow of colors, and adorned with sparkling sequins. These made my Rainbow Brite loving soul very happy!

Red Velvet Snowflake Ears

The Christmas and Holiday season of course brought out a new array of ears dressed up for the holidays. There were three beautiful winter sets released, but the Red Velvet Snowflake ones were hard to beat. Not only were they dressed in the classic cheerful red and jolly green of Christmas, they also had shimmery silver snowflakes adorned with sparkling gems!

Purple Potion Ears

Last, and certainly not least is one of the newest pairs to hit the scene, the Purple Potion Ears. The Purple Potion ears are a lavender dream that captures a beautiful purple color that reminds me of fairy wings. Adding to the fairy wing glamour is the iridescent bow in the center that changes from blue to purple, depending on the light.

I can’t believe we had so many new ears this year, and those weren’t even half of them! We hope you enjoyed checking out our Favorite Minnie Mouse Ears of 2018, and we look forward to seeing what new Minnie Mouse ears 2019 will bring!

New Years Eve at Disneyland Paris!

By

Tessa H

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December 31, 2018

New Year’s Eve is nearly here and where better to celebrate it than at Disneyland Paris! The map has just been released for this exciting, unique ticketed event. The Disneyland Parc will be closed from 18:30, except for guests with a New Year’s Eve Party ticket, where they can party from 20:00 until 01:00 am! This event is bursting with Disney magic, filled with lots of awesome shows from the Incredibles New Year’s Eve Parade full of Halloween and Christmas magic to Big Hero 6: Yokai’s Revenge! If that’s not enough, guests can celebrate their evening on many thrilling attractions which are open until just after midnight! Ending the night with the spectacular New Year Celebration Fireworks, what a way to start the new year!

Check out the incredible characters ending tonight’s party:

Donald or Friends: Main Street, U.S.A, from 22:00-0:00
Daisy or Friends: Main Street, U.S.A, from 22:00-0:00
Chip and Dale: Main Street, U.S.A, from 22:00-0:00
Edgar: Main Street, U.S.A, from 22:00-23:00
Jack Skellington: Frontierland from 20:30- 23:30
Tiana and Naveen: Frontierland at 21:00, 22:00, 23:00
Meeko or Friends: Frontierland from 20:30-23:30
Terk or Koda and Kenai: Adventureland from 20:30-23:30
Darth Vader: Discoveryland from 20:00-23:30
Chewbacca and R2D2: Discoveryland from 20:30-23:30

Parade:

The Incredibles New Year’s Eve Parade at 20:30

Shows:

The Incredibles New Years Eve Dance Party in Discoveryland, from 21:30-01:00
Big Hero 6: Yokai’s Revenge, at the Videopolis Theatre, 20:10 / 21:00 / 21:40 / 22:20 / 23:00
A Merry Stitchmas, at the Royal Castle Stage, 20:00 / 21:45
Sparkling New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Central Plaza 00:00

For other guests not attending the party, the Walt Disney Studios Park will be open until 00:30. Sounds like an incredible night and what a way to celebrate the New Year!

The Art Showcase with Greg McCullough Will Be Coming to an End Soon.

By

Jessica Jones

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December 30, 2018

The popular artist has had pieces for display recently at Walt Disney World. The art showcase with Greg McCullough has been on display for purchase at a temporary location in Disney Springs in the Marketplace!

McCullough has been producing graphics and advertising illustrations for the Disney Parks since 2007. The first assignment McCullough created with the “2009 dated” Disney Parks logo. From then on, he has created over 90 additional illustrations and counting. McCullough has even recently created the official posters for Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Did you know many guests visiting have seen his art showcased at the Disney Parks and on the Disney Cruise lines! I bet you didn’t know that did you? Now you can own a piece of Greg McCullough that is talented enough to be showcased as a piece of Disney history. I love the attention to detail Greg McCullough puts into his artwork. They are absolutely beautiful!

Run, don’t walk though, to Disney Springs. The art showcase with Greg McCullough will be ending January 1^st! Even though he has been showcased at Disney Springs before, his artwork is different and unique each time. McCullough can do it all, from paintings of Epcot, to characters like Olaf, to a portrait of your favorite beautiful Disney Princess. Each piece is well-worth the price and I would be honored to have a piece of his work on my wall.

Source: Orlando Theme Park News

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself? Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey. Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Some Holiday Magic May Save ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ Profit Margins

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 30, 2018

Some Holiday Magic May Save 'Mary Poppins Returns' Profit Margins

As you’re most definitely aware…our favorite practically perfect nanny made her way back to screens last week! Fans all over gathered to see Mary Poppins Returns on its debut night, or so we thought. Truth be told, the film (costing $130 million to make) didn’t perform very well in its first weekend in box offices. However, competing against holidays and such, the film made a surge the weekend following Christmas which presents a possible, and probably lucrative trend for the Walt Disney Company.

Being that Christmas has come and gone, a little holiday magic may have graced the film this past weekend, as the picture saw a +58% earning from Fri-Sun (following the holiday). If you’re interested in the numbers like me, that’s roughly $82 million of earnings. Doesn’t seem extremely profitable given the amount spent to make the film, however…given projections, both inside and outside of the United States, the film is expected to eventually plow through the slum and sit highly amongst past top-performers who didn’t measure well their opening weekends.

So…”What’s the metric?” you might be asking!

Well, according to Forbes magazine, films such as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Sing have followed very similar patterns. The magic trick then was that over the days following the holidays in the U.S, the films grossed higher percentages compared to their debuts. Mary Poppin Returns is expected to perform similarly…which could equal an eventual $250 million performance.

Some of the variance in performance is dependent on a few variables, however. For instance, Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks (after receiving Oscar attention) increased similarly during its subsequent weekends on the big screen, with a huge jump in profits. A similar (and expected) event, could push Mary Poppins Returns to the $230 million mark.

We can also infer performance and revenue based on comparisons of other opening films. Bumblebee didn’t get as much Christmas love. Although profitable, the film may struggle to reach the $130 million mark.

Time will tell, especially when considering the non-domestic performance of the film but given historical trends, and performance of other holiday Disney releases, we can expect our favorite singing nanny to end up making a pretty penny!

Courtesy of Forbes Magazine

Kermit has a Big Tease About What is Next for the Muppets

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 30, 2018

Kermit has a Big Tease About What is Next for the Muppets It’s no secret that we love the Muppets here at Chip and co! There is something nostalgic about them that makes them feel comforting. Despite their antics, they harken back to a more innocent time. So when we found out that Kermit had big news…we were more than a little intrigued.
Kermit stopped into a local ABC affiliate for an interview to discuss his latest appearance in The Wonderful Winter Of Oz, an alternate stage production of The Wizard of Oz that’s playing at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Sadly that show ends tonight but he did have something to say about what is next for the Muppets:

“We’ve got a big surprise planned for the new year,” Kermit teases. “I’d tell you what it was, but I don’t know what it is, either. Let me know if you hear anything!”

Not exactly the big reveal we had hoped for but we are excited none the less about what is to come! Stay tuned and we will be sure to bring you the latest as it happens!

Instagram May Offer Our First Look at Frozen 2

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 30, 2018

Instagram May Offer Our First Look at Frozen 2

Stop what you’re doing and get ready…because we may just have our first glimpse at the sequel to the ultra-successful Frozen film.

We know, Instagram isn’t always the best choice for breaking news, but this one may be legit. A Russian Instagram user (chocolatiey) posted photos from a 2019 calendar that notes and depicts the new year’s Disney film releases.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br6bRjjg-LP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Of course, this brought on a barrage of disbelievers who were aptly silenced by a different Instagram user’s post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br8SFjnlzNn/

Apparently, the same calendar depicted 2018 Disney releases last year, the user highlighting Solo. So we may just have a real look at the icy sisters return to 2019!

Although Elsa and Anna appear very familiar, there are some differences regarding the photo. There seems to be a Fall or Autumn ambiance to the picture. Both characters are rocking new outfits with similar color patterns.

No matter what, it’s a really cool find, and we are stoked about the upcoming sequel releasing in November of 2019. No worries as of course, as more photos and information are released, we’ll get them to you ASAP!

Courtesy of Instagram Users Chocolatiey and La_Stregatta

Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian is Testing Out Chicken Wings.

By

Jessica Jones

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December 30, 2018

Get them while you can folks! Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian is trying out some new chicken wings at their quick service! This quick-service is located steps from the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resorts Volcano Pool! Super convenient for a day relaxing at this amazing resort.

Named for the 18^th-century explorer, this quick-service offers a world of choices 24 hours a day! Captain Cook’s quick-service provides a “Bounty”-full breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 6:30am to 11:00pm, plus late-night snacks and beverages!

Breakfast is served daily from 6:30am to 11 am. Guests can choose from the Bounty Breakfast Platter which consists of scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, French toast, AND a biscuit!! They weren’t kidding when they said it was a “Bounty Breakfast”. Best part, all of that for only $11.99!! If that is too much you can always choose from the classic mickey waffles, breakfast sandwiches or burritos, or Tonga toast! MMM, MMM!!

Lunch and dinner options are served daily from 11 am to 11pm. Guests can choose from some Polynesian favorites like Thai coconut meatballs over rice, Pan Asian Noodles and Vegetables, or pulled pork nachos topped with onions, cheese, spicy mayo, tomatoes, and pineapple salsa! Don’t like any of those options? Try the sandwich options, like the Big Kahuna Sandwich. This sandwich, just like the other options not listed, really lives up to its name! Made with turkey, ham, salami, roast beef, swiss, lettuce and tomatoe on Focaccia with Red Pepper Spread. All of that served with your choice of French Fries, house-made chips, Asian Slaw or steamed Vegetables! So many options to choose from! See all of them here.

Now for a limited time offer guests can also order Chicken wings! I am a chicken wing fan, it is usually my go to when I don’t feel like cooking and want to order out. They have four choices for guests to pick from! Offered are classic buffalo, spicy Korean BBQ, Parmesan Black Pepper, or Hawaiian Tamarind. Honestly, they all sound delicious! You can try out these new wings for $10.99. Get them while they last!

Source: Captain Cook’s

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself? Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey. Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Cinderella Coach Photo-op Available for a Very Limited Time

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 30, 2018

If “a dream is a wish your heart makes” then my wish has come true! For a very limited time, Photopass photographers are available to capture a magical photo opportunity in front of Cinderella’s Coach.

On December 30 and 31 you can find this stunning photo-op in Fantasyland near Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel. This makes for an absolutely perfect New Year photo! What better way to say “new year, new me” than with a photo of you posing as royalty right?!? If nothing else…do it for the Insta.

You’ll want to hurry though. Just like Cinderella, you’ll only have until the clock strikes midnight before this coach turns back into a pumpkin! Though this is not the first time we have seen the Cinderella’s Coach Photo-op, who knows if it will be the last?!

Chip and Company

Carrie Fisher Will Not Be CGI in Episode IX

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-Through Will Temporarily Close to Guests In Early 2019

Our Top 10 Favorite Minnie Mouse Ears of 2018

New Years Eve at Disneyland Paris!

The Art Showcase with Greg McCullough Will Be Coming to an End Soon.

Some Holiday Magic May Save ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ Profit Margins

Top Instagram Posts of 2018 for Chip and Co

Kermit has a Big Tease About What is Next for the Muppets

Instagram May Offer Our First Look at Frozen 2

Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian is Testing Out Chicken Wings.

Cinderella Coach Photo-op Available for a Very Limited Time