New Disneyland Fortune Telling Experience on Play Disney Parks App

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December 14, 2018

Play Disney Parks mobile app has two new fun experiences for guests to enjoy at the Disneyland Resort! Now, you can collect dozens of all-new fortunes and a series of stories as told by Esmeralda the Fortune Teller on Main Street, U.S.A., and Fortune Red in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park, with the Play Disney Parks app!

Here’s how it works: Each day you visit the park, you can collect one fortune and a piece of the fortune teller’s story at both Esmeralda the Fortune Teller and Fortune Red through the Play Disney Parks app, without inserting a quarter! You can come back on another day to get another fortune and the next part of your story. Much like our current experiences with these fortune tellers, your fortune will be printed for you on a collectible card for a fun keepsake, plus your card will have the next chapter of your story. The fortune teller’s stories obtained by you will also be digitally collected in the Play Disney Parks app to be able to enjoy anytime you choose! Or, for those eager to get to the next chapter of the story right away, you can choose to drop a quarter into the machine for an additional fortune and another part of the story that same day. There are three 10-part stories at each machine to collect!

Next, head off to Fortune Red in New Orleans Square, just outside the Pieces of Eight shop and adjacent to the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean. His treasure chest is also packed with dozens of fortunes, and a series of tall tales from his adventures on the high seas.

Digital achievements are also earned for interacting with each of these fortune tellers through the #PlayDisneyParks app. You will earn an achievement for interacting with Esmeralda, as well as Fortune Red, and also a story-specific achievement once you complete one story at each fortune teller in its entirety.

Since its debut in June, guests have been enjoying immersive storytelling experiences on the Play Disney Parks app at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort through themed queue games at select attractions, Disney trivia, digital achievements, and Apple Music playlists*. Apple Music® subscribers are able to add these playlists directly to their Apple Music® library, and many new users can choose to sign up for a free three-month trial through the app and listen to the playlists in full.

If you haven’t already, be sure to download the Play Disney Parks app from the App Store or Google Play to experience these new fortune-telling adventures at Disneyland park, as well as the many additional experiences around the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
And keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future updates on new and enhanced experiences coming to the Play Disney Parks app in 2019!

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Breaks Ground on New Orlando Headquarters

By

Heather Adamczak

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December 14, 2018

Yesterday SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment broke ground on a new headquarters to be based out of Orlando, Florida. This new three-story building will be just under 50,000 square foot and be a shared home for ambassadors from the current Park Support Center and SeaWorld Orlando park.

“Today is much more than the groundbreaking of a new building. It is about the foundation we are continuing to fortify and build upon as a company to extend and carry out our mission – to save species, learn about them, protect them, educate others about them, and help them flourish, both in our care and in the wild,” said John Reilly, Interim CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

The celebration included local community and tourism leaders, including Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Visit Orlando’s George Aquel. The audience also included the Millennia Gardens Elementary School Eco Club, a local group of students that have been inspired by the SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Team and grow lettuce that feeds rescued and rehabilitating manatees.

Animal ambassadors including Mattie, a rescued bald eagle, and Dunder, an Asian small clawed river otter, were also on hand to help greet guests. Discovery Cove’s most prolific diggers – resident three-banded armadillos – assisted with the iconic groundbreaking moment. The new building is projected to open in Fall 2019.

Last week members of the SeaWorld Rescue Team headed to South Carolina where they partnered with multiple organizations to asist in the rescue and relocation of a large male manatee. Once rescued the manatee was taken to the Jacksonville Zoo where it is being treated for cold stress.Last week members of the SeaWorld Rescue Team headed to South Carolina where they partnered with multiple organizations to asist in the rescue and relocation of a large male manatee. Once rescued the manatee was taken to the Jacksonville Zoo where it is being treated for cold stress.

Last chance to see EMMET OTTER’S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS and THE BELLS OF FRAGGLE ROCK in theaters

By

Chip

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December 14, 2018

Muppet fans across America have fallen in love with the theatrical debut of EMMET OTTER’S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS and THE BELLS OF FRAGGLE ROCK.

Luckily, there is still one final chance to catch these family-fun, Christmas-themed classics–gift-wrapped as JIM HENSON’S HOLIDAY SPECIAL–at more than 600 nationwide theaters on Sunday, December 16 at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. (local time).

As a reminder, you can search for their participating theaters and purchase tickets now at FathomEvents.com.

Full details can be found here:

Two heartwarming holiday specials that many of today’s parents grew up with on television are making their cinematic debuts when Fathom Events and The Jim Henson Company present “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” and “The Bells of Fraggle Rock” on December 10 and 16 only.

This first-ever “Jim Henson’s Holiday Special” brings together these two holiday classics – each recently remastered – as well as an all-new featurette, “Memories of the Jug-Band,” with a surprise celebrity guest, along with a special greeting from Cheryl Henson, daughter of Jim Henson and president of the Jim HensonFoundation.

Tickets for “Jim Henson’s Holiday Special” are available at www.FathomEvents.comor at participating theater box offices.

“Jim Henson’s Holiday Special” will play in nearly 600 movie theaters nationwide on Monday, December 10, at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 16, at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (all local times).

The touching musical holiday fable “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas,” directed by Jim Hensonand featuring songs and music by Paul Williams, was hailed as an instant classic when it premiered on HBO in 1977. “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” tells a simple but timeless tale of devotion between a mother and her son: Ma Otter (performed by Frank Oz, voiced by Marilyn Sokol) and Emmet Otter (performed by Jerry Nelson) have no money, but they want to do something special for each other at Christmas. They both decide to enter the local talent show to win the first prize of $50 — money that could change the holidays for them. “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” also features performances by Richard Hunt,Dave Goelz, JimHenson and Eren Ozker.

“‘Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas’ was a favorite project for my dad since it included such sweet characters, Paul Williams’ delightful music, and a timeless holiday message. Also, the special was a great opportunity for him to experiment with puppetry techniques and effects that would be seen in his later works,” said CherylHenson. “The citizens of Frogtown Hollow are sure to look their best in this remastered version. And it is exciting for families to share this holiday classic along with the special episode ‘The Bells of FraggleRock,’ a rare opportunity to see the Fraggles on the big screen, and to introduce these beloved characters to a whole new audience.”

“The Bells of Fraggle Rock” was first seen on December 24, 1984, when it premiered as a holiday-themed episode of the critically acclaimed, award-winning series “Fraggle Rock.” Deftly addressing the melancholy many people feel during the holidays as they struggle to find meaning in this special time of year, “The Bells of Fraggle Rock” begins as Gobo Fraggle (Jerry Nelson) wonders why he doesn’t have his normal excitement over The Festival of the Bells, the most wonderful day of the year for Fraggles. Though his friends (Dave Goelz, Karen Prell, Kathryn Mullen, Steve Whitmire) try to cheer him up, Gobo ventures on an expedition to the center of Fraggle Rock – a journey that teaches him the importance of individual faith.

“These two unique and well-loved classics from Jim Henson offer an exciting new way for families to spend the holidays together, enjoying classic entertainment that will be nostalgic for parents and delightfully new for kids,” said Tom Lucas, Fathom Events VP of Studio Relations.

In addition to the in-cinema presentation of “Jim Henson’s Holiday Special,” Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will debut “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” on Blu-ray™ December 18, which will include the all new “A Jug-Band Revival” featurette and more. Fans can also enjoy more Fraggle fun with “Fraggle Rock: The Complete Series,” available now, for the first time ever, on Blu-ray™.

Country Bears Feeling Festive at Tokyo Disneyland!

By

Tessa H

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December 14, 2018

“Country Bear Theatre” is an attraction which opened at the same time as the park on April 15th 1983 with the name “Country Bear and Jamboree”! This show is full of funny bears with lots of personalities performing lively music!

Since its opening, there have been many names for this show, on March 18th 1989, the name changed to the current “Country Bear Theatre”. Currently, guests can enjoy three shows- “Jamboree, Vacation”, “Jamboree, Jingle Bell” and “Jamboree”!

Check out the photos of our festive friends below!

The famous trio which starts the show off, (Melvin the Moose, Buff the Buffalo and Max Otoda).

Check out River Lips McGraw and his awesome Christmas tree guitar!

The Sambonets of a cute little girl trio from Florida. Bubbles, Bunny and Bureaus from the left! Loving their Christmas costumes-very cute.

Look at Teddy Rose looking cute and swinging from the ceiling! Looks as though all of the Country Bears have written on her cast!

Check out Henry and who is on his hat? It’s Sammy the racoon, who also appears in the Country Bear and Jamboree!

There is one bear that guests will not see, that’s Rufus! He is in charge of the lighting and you can hear him walking around!

If you love to watch the Country Bears, why not treat yourself to cute plush of the bears from the show? Look at these adorable bear plush!

Merry Christmas to all from the Country Bears as they celebrate Christmas with “Jamboree, Jingle Bells!” at Tokyo Disneyland!

Disney Cruise Line Marvel Day at Sea Returns in 2019 with Captain Marvel

By

Chip

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December 13, 2018

In 2019, Disney Cruise Line guests will be the first to meet Captain Marvel when she makes her debut during Marvel Day at Sea. For the first time ever, guests will encounter one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel universe as part of an action-packed, day-long celebration aboard select Disney Magic sailings departing Jan. 6 through March 8 from Miami.

Captain Marvel joins the event’s awesome line-up of Super Heroes and villains, including Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Thor, Loki, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Doctor Strange and more. In addition to these heroic encounters, Marvel Day at Sea features an extraordinary deck show spectacular, themed youth activities, special merchandise, and unique food and beverage offerings.

Ready to take a stand with some of Marvel’s mightiest? Choose from 10 special cruises sailing from January 6 through March 8. Then suit up in your best super hero attire so you can join the Marvel Day at Sea action!

Cinderella Added to National Film Registry

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 13, 2018

William Phipps, voice of Prince Charming, has died

“So this is love”… The Disney animated classic Cinderella has recently earned the distinction of being added to the National Film Registry. It joins the ranks of only 750 films on the registry, so the honor is indeed a dream come true for the Princess and her Fairy Godmother.

Each year the Library of Congress adds a select number of films to the National Registry to ensure their preservation in American History. The films chosen must be deemed to be culturally significant I some way. This year Cinderella was one of just 25 chosen for the distinction.

Cinderella is not the first Disney film to earn this honor. Once added the princess who taught us “a dream is a wish your heart makes” joins the ranks of other classic Disney films such as Steamboat Willie, Snow White, Fantasia, Pinnochio, and Dumbo, amongst others. We couldn’t think of a better Princess to grace this list but tell us, what are your thoughts? Is there another Disney movie you’d like to see added in the future?

Totally Rad Christmas Sweets Now at Pop Century

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 13, 2018

Totally Rad Christmas Sweets Now at Pop Century

Enjoy totally rad Christmas sweets at Walt Disney World’s Pop Century Resort. Christmas music is playing, and the decorations throughout the resort are hung with care. At the Everything Pop Food Court this December, you and your family will find some tasty Christmas sweets.

Winter Wonderland Cupcake – $5.49 or 1 snack credit

This Winter Wonderland Cupcake is no ordinary red velvet cupcake. Red velvet cake is filled with raspberry marmalade and decorated with cream cheese and buttercream frosting. A sugar penguin is placed on top with peppermint sprinkles to bring the winter scene to life.

Gingerbread Bundt Cake – $4.49 or 1 snack credit

Fruitcake schmuitcake, a gingerbread bundt cake is what I want for Christmas. For even more holiday cheer, green glitter peppermint icing is drizzled on top with bright colored sprinkles and a sugar snowflake. Also, do not forget about the nightly Christmas story time at 8 pm in front of the Christmas tree in the resort lobby. Will you and your family be visiting Walt Disney World this Christmas? Post in the comments below. Stay hungry Disney friends!

Natacha Rafalski appointed Présidente of Disneyland Paris!

By

Tessa H

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December 13, 2018

Disneyland Paris has appointed Natacha Rafalski as Présidente of Disneyland Paris, effective immediately. Natacha has been with the Walt Disney Company for 23 years, holding a variety of senior positions throughout the world. She joined the Disneyland Paris team in 2017 as Chief Financial Office and has been responsible for real estate, transformation, corporate alliances and operating participants.

She began her Disney career back in 1995 and held multiple positions in corporate treasury and finance, for example, prior to joining the Disneyland Paris Team, Natacha Rafalski was the CFO for the Walt Disney Company Greater China based in Shanghai between October 2013-2017. During that time she was instrumental in providing leadership to many major strategic initiatives and spearheaded work, driving long-term financial growth in that region.

Natacha has also been a key champion and leader for Diversity and Inclusion at Disneyland Paris, establishing a woman’s leadership group, D Elles P and encouraging Cast Members to form a network dedicated to women. In addition to the many initiatives she continues to lead for Disneyland Paris, she was among the 2017 winners of Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 16th Annual Women Worth Watching® Awards.

Natacha Rafalski appointed Présidente of Disneyland Paris!

Catherine Powell announced this exciting news, she recently served as the Présidente of the resort but has since been promoted to President of the Disney Parks Western Region in March 2018! She is now responsible for Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris.

Catherine Powell said this is a very exciting time for Disneyland Paris as they continue to transform their organisation and move forward with the expansions for the resort. She also said that “Natacha has proven to be an exceptional leader with a global viewpoint who has the versatility and experience needed to lead the continued success of Disneyland Paris.”- Disneyland Paris News.

As Présidente, Natacha will be responsible for bringing Disney magic to life for nearly 15 million guests who visit Disneyland Paris each year as well as being Europe’s top tourist destination! With this position, she will oversee 16,000 Cast Members, oversee two theme parks, eight themed hotels, a 27- hole golf course and the Disney Village which is a themed dining entertainment and shopping destination! She will also oversee the highly anticipated expansion plan for the Walt Disney Studios!

Natacha said, “I am incredibly honoured and excited to assume this position at such a transformational time for the resort, France holds a special place in my heart, and I’m looking forward to leading and growing the business as we continue to build on and expand the promise of Europe’s top tourist destination.”

Kingdom Hearts lll Pop-Up Opening Tomorrow at Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 13, 2018

Kingdom Hearts lll Pop-Up Opening Tomorrow at Disney Springs – Time to set your alarm clock! You won’t want to miss this exciting event. We reported earlier this month that a pop-up was coming, well now we know more! Tomorrow morning December 14th, at Disney Springs, a super fun Kingdom Hearts lll pop-up shop will appear! Scheduled for 9:45 AM a grand opening moment for the new Kingdom Hearts lll experience. Located at Disney Springs directly across from the Under Armor Brand House. Make parking a breeze by leaving your car in the LIME garage.

Join us tomorrow morning (12/14) at 9:45 a.m. for a grand opening moment of the new @KINGDOMHEARTS III pop-up experience at @DisneySprings across from Under Armour Brand House! Plan to park in the Lime Garage for easiest access to the location. We hope to see you there! ? pic.twitter.com/X7Lhw59Iqw

— Disney Springs (@DisneySprings) December 13, 2018

We are excited to see you there! Be sure to snap a few selfies and share them here at Chip and Co.

Images copyright of Disney

New Disney Animal Videos Featured on the DisneyNOW App

By

Heather Adamczak

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December 13, 2018

New Disney Animal Videos Featured on the DisneyNOW App

There is a whole new series of adorable videos coming to the DisneyNOW app featuring Disney Animals! “Growing Up with Disney,” are heartwarming videos about animal behavior, care, and conservation about the Disney Animals. If you download the DisneyNOW app or visit the website you can view complete educational and fun videos with tips on how to support Disney’s worldwide conservation efforts.

“These videos feature many of the species Disney is working hard to protect – including tigers, elephants and giraffes – through the contributions of the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) and our dedicated, talented team of animal care experts. Since 1995, the DCF has directed more than $75 million in grants to nonprofit organizations working with communities to protect more than 400 species spanning half the countries around the world. Funds support efforts ranging from protecting important areas for African elephants to taking steps to expand tiger habitat and reduce human-wildlife conflict.”-Disney

Check out DisneyNOW periodically for new Disney Animals videos and connect to the magic of nature. To learn more about how the Disney Conservation Fund is helping save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet, visit Disney.com/conservation. Check out this glimpse below!

New Store Opening at Universal Orlando: Globus Mundi

By

Katelyn G

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December 13, 2018

In the Harry Potter series, Globus Mundi Travel Agents was a travel agency for wizards located right on Diagon Alley. Experience it for yourself at Universal Orlando!

Guests visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can now stop in for a new travel accessory between butterbeers at Globus Mundi.

Between travels to New York City or the rolling hills of Scotland, Globus Mundi, the newest store in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is a shopping destination for all of your traveling needs.

Guests will step through the bright orange door located across the street from Carkitt Market. The first thing they will see is the articulate and fantastic attention to detail. A gigantic wall of tick-tocking clocks that represent different time zones, vibrant city posters from around the world, and maps of other countries all adorn the walls of the new shopping location. The Globus Mundi Travel Agents couldn’t wait to show off all of these amazing destinations!

What’s the first step of the trip of a lifetime? Preparation and packing, of course! As guests walk around the store, they will find new and exclusive traveling accessories like luggage tags, wallets, sweatshirts, and coffee mugs. Globus Mundi has all of the ingredients for a memorable vacation.

The way Globus Mundi highlights the vast possibility of traveling is a perfect addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Between fantastic decor, excellent attention to detail, and a collection of travel gear, will leave you excited to start planning your next trip!

Source: Universal Orlando.

Photo Copyright: Universal Orlando.

Kali River Rapids Closing for Refurbishment in Beginning of 2019

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 13, 2018

Kali River Rapids Closing for Refurbishment in Beginning of 2019 – So, the time has come to give a little TLC to this fun attraction. Located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kali River Rapids is scheduled for refurbishment in early 2019. At the end of a busy holiday season, we often find Disney begins work breathing new life and magic into rides. Also, as temperatures dip, it is logical to do some work on the rides with splashing fun! No one wants to be a popsicle when they are done riding!

From January 7, 2019, until March 22, 2019, the thrilling river ride will be closed. Just as the temperatures begin to return to the warmer side, the newly refreshed adventure will open again to guests. This closing now is nothing more than usual maintenance. Should any more significant news pop up regarding this exciting ride, we will bring you the scoop.

We previously reported on Peter Pan’s Flight and Tomorrowland Speedway also closing for refurbishment and making way for new excitement. You can read more about these updates here. We encourage you to check back often. There is always something going on and we are happy to share the details with our fantastic readers – like YOU!

Everyone loves a makeover! A new look and a refresh feel so good. What has been your favorite upgrade? Disney or otherwise! We would love to see your before an after here at Chip and Co!