Walt Disney Company Signs Deal with Ukrainian Toymaker UGears

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July 28, 2018

According to a recent piece in Globe Newswire, Disney has signed a contract with UGears which creates wooden, mechanical self-propelled toys. They are natural mad in Europe and feature the finest high-quality wooden materials. Their items can be assembled without glue or any tools and move without the use of batteries.

Starting this November, UGears mechanical wooden self-propelled toys will be available in 700 Disney Stores and theme parks spanning the globe. The agreement comes at the end of an 8-month audit that needed to be passed for Disney to agree to the partnership.

The Kiev-based company was founded in 2014 and features a wide range of imaginative products. For a closer look at some of the incredible items that caught Disney’s attention visit: www.ugears-models.ca.

Readers are encouraged to keep following along with Chip and Co. for more information on how these new toys will feature in the shops in the years ahead.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at Disneyland. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Disney.

Image copyright UGears

Disney Files a Patent to Bring More Shade to Theme Park Guests

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 28, 2018

If you’ve ever spent time at Disney World during a Summer afternoon than you know it gets pretty darn hot. Add to this the fact that shade in certain areas of the park can be pretty hard to come by and it can make for a slightly uncomfortable theme park experience.

However, that may be about to change. Various sites have shared details regarding a recent patent filed by The Walt Disney Company to work on technology that could offer a reprieve from the sun’s glaring rays at the push of a button.

Filed under the title “Deployable Shading Structure” the patent covers the use of canopies that can be used to provide additional shade or retracted when not needed.

According to the patent “The inventors determined…that it would be desirable for a new weather protection device to provide shade when shading is needed or desired, for the device to be hidden or blend in with surrounding architectural features when no shading (or weather protection is needed or desired.” But don’t worry about it obstruction your gorgeous Disney views as the patent went on to suggest that these new weather protection devices would be designed to “enhance a show and/or to have a theme-based appearance or characteristics.”

Here’s a closer look at the devices being proposed:

Though little has been said about where these new devices may be erected, we here at Chip and Co. have a heard a few complaints about the lack of shade to Disney’s new Toy Story Land which would definitely be one location that might benefit from this new technology. It should be remembered though that just because a patent is filed doesn’t mean that it will see the light of day.

Readers are encouraged to keep following along with Chip and Co. for the latest innovations and advancements coming to the theme parks in the years ahead.

Thinking about a visit to Disneyland? Click here for your FREE no obligation quote or fill out the form at the bottom of this page!

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at Disneyland. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Disney.

Rock Your Power Couple Style With Fun Disney Couples Shirts

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Danielle

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July 28, 2018

Disney Couples Shirts

Are you a Disney Power Couple? The Disney Parks now have a line of Fun Disney Couples Shirts, inspired by some of our favorite characters and films! From the classic Mickey and Minnie, to the beloved Lion King, there’s a couples pair perfect for every couple.

The Mickey and Minnie “Power Couple” set features bold writing that says “Power” on one tee, and “Couple” on the other. The Power shirt has an adorable pair of Mickey shorts, while the Couple shirt has a cute Minnie Mouse bow on the “O”.

Rock Your Power Couple Style With Fun Disney Couples Shirts

Fans of the seagulls from finding Nemo will love this set. I know I personally can’t stop mimicking the seagulls anytime I hear “mine, mine”. This set has a blue Women’s tee, and a Grey Men’s tee, inspired by those cheeky seagulls. The Women’s tee says “He’s Mine! Mine! Mine!”, while the Men’s tee says “She’s Mine! Mine! Mine!”.

Rock Your Power Couple Style With Fun Disney Couples Shirts

For the ultimate power couple, there’s the Lion King! These matching tees feature Simba, and Nala with Lion King inspired writing that says “Her King” and “His Queen”. I love the bright sunset colors behind the silhouettes of Simba and Nala!

You can find all of these tees at World of Disney in Disney Springs, as well as other select locations throughout the Disney Parks and Resorts. Unfortunately, these are not currently available on shopDisney.

Which of these Disney Couples Shirts would you rock with your partner?

Check Out The New Christopher Robin Featurette with Ewan McGregor

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 28, 2018

Christopher Robin featurette

Who is excited for the upcoming movie “Christopher Robin?” Check out a new Christopher Robin featurette with Ewan McGregor interviewing Winnie the Pooh and other animals from the Hundred Acre Wood.

In Disney’s heartwarming live action adventure, the young boy who shared countless adventures with his stuffed animal friends in the Hundred Acre Wood is now grown up, living in midcentury London and dealing with the stresses of adulthood. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin rediscover the joys of family life, the value of friendship and to appreciate the simple pleasure in life once again.

“Christopher Robin” is directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Alex Ross Perry and Tom McCarthy and Allison Schroeder and a story by Greg Brooker and Mark Steven Johnson based on characters created by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. The producers are Brigham Taylor, p.g.a., and Kristin Burr, p.g.a., with Renée Wolfe and Jeremy Johns serving as executive producers. The film stars Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin; Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn; Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline; and Mark Gatiss as Keith Winslow, Robin’s boss. The film also features the voices of: Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger; Brad Garrett as Eeyore; Toby Jones as Owl; Nick Mohammed as Piglet; Peter Capaldi as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga.

Are you excited to check out “Christopher Robin” when it hits theaters August 3, 2018?! I know I can’t wait to see this live-action movie featuring some of my favorite Hundred Acre Wood residents on the big screen!

Source: Walt Disney Studios

Photo Credit: Walt Disney Studios

Cool Down With a Memory Refresher From Bing Bong’s in Disney California Adventure!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 28, 2018

Bing Bong’s at Disney California Adventure has only been open for a week and already one of the most popular attractions in all of the Disneyland Resort. The pictures coming out of the new treat stop have me wanting to book a ticket to the west coast right now! And now, I have one more reason to get to Bing Bong’s ASAP – The Memory Refresher!

There are five Memory Refreshers to choose from. Each one is concocted with it’s own special blend of slushies and candy topper. Here’s a little more about each one:

Rainbow Unicorn Memory Refresher: Probably the prettiest and most-“Instagramable” one in my option is the Rainbow Unicorn Memory Refresher. It takes Mellow Yellow, Hi-C Lime, Blue Raspberry Fanta, Grape Fanta, and Cherry Fanta to make the masterpiece and then is topped with Rainbow Nerds.
Sunshine in a Cup: This Memory Refresher combines Mellow Yellow and Blue Raspberry Fanta and is topped with yogurt Popping Pearls.
Imaginary Pal: The Imaginary Pal features Hi-C Pink Lemonade and Grape Fanta. It is topped with cotton candy and even a cute marshmallow flower.
Slow Burn: If you are feeling spicy, the Slow Burn is for you! This “hot” cool treat combines Cherry Fanta, Mellow Yellow, and pumps it up a notch with a little Habanero Lime Syrup!
Gloomy Blues: The Gloomy Blues features Blue Raspberry Fanta and Blueberry Popping Peals for a cloudy day.

We also heard there are a few Memory Refresher combinations that are on a secret menu! Yum!

What Memory Refresher will you try first?

Planning a visit to Disneyland? Fill out the form below, or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney. As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Image Credit: Disney

Have You Tried The Mickey Beignets at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 28, 2018

Mickey Beignets

Food just tastes better when it’s shaped like Mickey, right?! These Mickey Beignets are proof of that! And you can grab them at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter!

You can grab 3 beignets for $4.49 or 6 for $6.99 – go for the 6, you’ll thank me later! For an extra $1.99 you can add your choice of dipping sauce: Caramel, Raspberry or Chicory Coffee Ganache! You can’t got wrong with any but I’m throwing out my vote for Chicory Coffee Ganache!

They are available all day long and I think they make a tasty breakfast treat or the perfect snack after a day in the parks!

https://twitter.com/WDWToday/status/1022526981970296835?s=19

And that’s not the only Mickey-shaped food you’ll find at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory! You can really double down and try a Mickey-shaped Beignet Sundae with your choice of ice cream and sauce and topped with whipped cream. Or go a little more traditional with a Mickey-shaped Brownie!

And at breakfast don’t forget to try the Mickey Waffles – they’re a Disney must!

Do you have a favorite Mickey-shaped food?! Let us know in the comments below or over on our social media pages!

Photo Credit: @WDWToday via Twitter

There are so many amazing treats to eat and drink at the Walt Disney World Resort that you’ll want to try them all. Let one of the amazing travel experts at MickeyTravels help you plan the Disney World vacation of your dreams – and make sure you can experience all the tasty goodness for yourself! They will work with you to make sure every Magical details is though of! Click HERE for your No Obligations Free Quote (or use the form below)!

Enjoy Beautiful Bermuda on a Relaxing Disney Cruise

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 28, 2018

Have you ever been to Bermuda? It is one of my favorite islands in all of the world. From it’s famous pink-sand beaches to exciting water sports and activities to world-class shopping, Bermuda offers something for everyone. What also sets this island apart from others, (other than also being a mid-Atlantic Island), is the eclectic mix of British, American, and West Indian cultures. And, even more magical – you can now sail to Bermuda beginning this October with Disney Cruise Line on the Disney Magic with 5 and 6-day cruises from New York City.

When you sail to Bermuda on a Disney Cruise, you will be treated to two days of island time – this means even more adventures are waiting you ashore! Here are some of the top activities to make the most of your time in the beautiful island of Bermuda…

If you are looking for adventure:

Bermuda Triangle Evening Cruise: One of my favorite port adventures that I have done in Bermuda is this tour right here! Guests will set sail under the moon-lit sky on a 50-foot glass-bottom boat to learn more about the history of this infamous body of water. You will also be treated to an illuminated view of the exotic fish and coral reefs that are below.
Hidden Gems Exploration Adventure: Guests on this adventure will head into the 12-acre reserve that is Tom Moore’s Jungle. While there, take a jump from one of the cliffs into the sparkling blue waters below and venture awe-inspiring caves. After a little cave diving, head over to one of the island’s premier snorkeling locations to swim with tropical fish around a vibrant preserved coral reef island and relax on the secluded pink-sand beach. To end the journey, guests are treated to a refreshing treat of ice cream from a local, family-owned ice cream parlor!

If the ocean is more of your thing:

Rising Son Catamaran Swim and Snorkel: If you are looking for Bermuda’s ultimate catamaran expereince, this port adventure is for you! Guests partaking in this adventure are transported to breathtaking secluded sites where you can swim, kayak, paddle board or snorkel in Bermuda’s crystal clear waters.
Pirate Sunset Glass-Bottom Cocktail Cruise: On this port adventure, guests will board the largest glass-bottom boat in the island to get an exclusive look at a centuries-old shipwreck. Your pirate-themed crew will also tell tales of Bermuda’s most notorious buccaneers. All kids are given eye patches and pirate hats to join in on the fun while adults can kickback and relax with Rum Sizzles beneath the sunset.

If you want to take a walk on the wild side:

Bermuda Aquarium and Museum Zoo Cruise: Guests on this adventure will be able to explore the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo. While on the tour, guests will encounter more than 200 species of marine life, 300 varieties of birds, reptiles, and mammals. You will also make a visit to the 145,000-gallon North Rock Exhibit. The North Rock Exhibit is touted as being a living replica of Bermuda’s coral reefs and home to barracudas and sharks!
Bermuda Family Fun – Aquarium and Zoo Trip: This excursion includes a stop at the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo as well as a stop at the Bermuda Exploration Institute. Here, guests can get a closer look at aquatic wonders such as the “Blue Echo” fly and dive simulation – a virtual reality experience!

When will you enjoy all that Bermuda has to offer on a Disney Cruise?

For additional information and to start planning your Disney Cruise, fill out the form below, or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney. As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Source/Image Credit: Disney

The Unites States Navy Band Will Be Performing at Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 28, 2018

Navy Band

The United States Navy Band is coming to Disney Springs for a free concert! The Navy Band start their 9 city tour in 4 states. The Navy Band will be performing at 7 pm on Friday, September 7th on Market Place Stage in Disney Springs.

The United States Navy Band Country Current is the Navy’s premier country-bluegrass ensemble. The group is nationally renowned for its versatility and “eye-popping” musicianship, performing a blend of modern country music and cutting-edge bluegrass. This seven-member ensemble employs musicians from diverse backgrounds with extensive high-profile recording and touring experience in the music scenes of Nashville, Tenn., New York, New Orleans and more. In the tradition of country music, each member is a skilled performer on multiple instruments. The band utilizes banjo, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, fiddle, electric bass, upright bass, dobro, pedal steel guitar and drum set.

With six performing ensembles, the United States Navy Band is continually involved in a variety of events throughout the year. In addition to over 1,300 ceremonies a year, the Navy Band presents nearly 300 concerts a year in a wide variety of locations. On any given day, it is not uncommon for there to be two or three scheduled concerts, often performed concurrently. What makes this possible are the different ensembles of the Navy Band and the effort to perform for audiences as frequently as possible. Beyond concerts, the Navy Band hosts other events that benefit educational and charitable initiatives.

Stop by Disney Springs on September 7th and support our sailors!

Source: Navy Band

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Click the link above or fill out the form below from a Certified Disney Travel Specialist from MickeyTravels, the official travel partner for Chip and Company.

Are you ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, (designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney), I’ll be available to help with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook. Or fill out and submit the form below.

Kids Get In Free at LEGOLAND with Adult Admission

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 28, 2018

Kids Get In Free at LEGOLAND with Adult Admission

At LEGOLAND, the summer isn’t over yet. There are still some awesome savings for you at LEGOLAND! Now through August 15th, visit any participating Subway® restaurant in Florida and receive a special offer to receive a free child’s tickets with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.

The coupon is good for free child admission for a LEGOLAND Florida Resort park only or water park combo ticket with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket of the same type. Guests can receive up to three free tickets per transaction.

Booked for the rest of summer? No worries, though this offer is only in stores through August 15th, the offer is valid through November 30, 2018 – so you have plenty of time to take advantage of this awesome deal!

Participating Cities are: Miami/Ft Lauderdale, Florida Keys, Tampa Bay, West Palm, Tallahassee, Panama City, Gainesville, and Ft. Myers/Naples

Click here to find your nearest participating Subway!

Here’s the fine print:

LEGOLAND Water Park is a seasonal attraction, please check our website for operating dates
Discount is valid for up to three tickets per transaction.
This offer cannot be applied to pre-purchased, discounted tickets or combined with any other offers.
No photocopies, facsimiles or mobile phone images will be accepted.
Additional restrictions may apply.
Not for resale.

KIDS GO FREE with purchase of single-day adult admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort when you stop in to participating Florida @Subway locations now through August 15th: https://t.co/WUlBvoHXUR pic.twitter.com/li472Ovtln

— LEGOLAND Florida (@LEGOLANDFlorida) July 27, 2018

Source: LEGOLAND

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Click the link above or fill out the form below from a Certified Disney Travel Specialist from MickeyTravels, the official travel partner for Chip and Company.

Are you ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, (designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney), I’ll be available to help with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook. Or fill out and submit the form below.

Disney Agrees to Raise Union Hourly Wages

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 27, 2018

hourly wage

Disneyland Resort has agreed to raise the hourly wage of more than 8,600 workers to $15 in January as part of a new contract with unions representing ride operators, ticket takers, retail sales clerks, janitors and parking attendants among others. Union members spent time the beginning of summer in meeting about the new hourly wage offer.”The company has given us a proposal. They’ve given an offer today,” said Angie McKinnon of Unite Here Local 737. “Our bargaining committee is reviewing it. At this time, we have no further comment.”

38,000 union members have been demanding a minimum wage increase to $15/hour and Disney is now saying that they are willing to meet that demand by 2021. It’s not a done deal yet though because Disney is also wanting to re-negotiate other aspects of workers’ contracts, including overtime pay.

Disney originally confirmed their offer of $15/hour by 2021. But it looks as though it may go in effect as soon as January.

The contract immediately boosts those workers’ minimum pay to $13.25 an hour from $11, followed by the jump to $15 next year.

“The cost of living in Orange County is incredibly high,” Josh D’Amaro, president of the Disneyland Resort, wrote in an email. “There are broad societal issues that communities are grappling with and no one company or entity alone can solve them.

“But we want to do our part. The resort is taking a leadership position on wages in O.C., and we are committed to providing not just an exceptional employment experience, but real, meaningful increases in pay as well.”

Good news for Disneyland union members!

Source: OC

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Click the link above or fill out the form below from a Certified Disney Travel Specialist from MickeyTravels, the official travel partner for Chip and Company.

Are you ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, (designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney), I’ll be available to help with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook. Or fill out and submit the form below.

Disney Attorney Thomas DeWolf Has Passed Away at 91

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 27, 2018

Thomas DeWolf has passed away

The Orlando Sentinel has reported that Thomas DeWolf has passed away. If you’ve visited The Walt Disney World Resort since it opened in 1971 DeWolf played a part in that! Thomas DeWolf was an Orlando attorney who helped Walt Disney Co. purchase land needed for it’s then top-secret plan to build a theme park in Florida. After the purchase, DeWolf also drafted the state legislation setting up Disney’s unconventional government.

DeWolf was 91 when he passed away on July 27. A moment of silence was observed in his honor at the Reedy Creek Improvement District meeting that same day.

A law partner at a Miami form in the 1960’s, DeWolf was involved in the formation of five dummy corporations that handed the sales transactions when Walt Disney Co covertly bought land in Orlando that would later become Magic Kingdom park.

It was also DeWolf that drafted the legislation for the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was established in 1967. This is what was used to set up Disney’s quasi-government. In the plan, two municipalities were created, Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista. Bay Lake is where you will find the four theme parks that make up the Walt Disney World Resort while Lake Buena Vista makes up Disney Springs and the surrounding hotels.

From 1974 until 2011 DeWolf was a member of the Reedy Creek’s Board of Supervisors. For all but two of those years he served as the president.

He left that Miami firm and became an attorney for Disney.

DeWolf was preceded in death by his wife Norma Jean in 2015. The couple had two children, David and Laura. Are thought and prayers go out to Tom’s friends and family.

Source Credit: Orlando Sentinel

The Cast of ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ Has Been Announced

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 27, 2018

The much-anticipated cast of Star Wars: Episode IX has been announced. There will be new cast members as well as returning cast members.

Star Wars: Episode IX will begin filming at London’s Pinewood Studios on August 1, 2018. J.J. Abrams will be returning to direct the final installment of the Skywalker saga.

Returning cast members for Star Wars: Episode IX include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant, who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will revisit his role as Lando Calrissian.

The role of Leia Organa will once again be played by Carrie Fisher by using previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” says Abrams. “Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”

John Williams is the music composer for Episode IX. Williams has scored every chapter in the Star Wars saga since 1977’s A New Hope.

Star Wars: Episode IX will begin filming at London’s Pinewood Studios on August 1, 2018. J.J. Abrams will be returning to direct the final installment of the Skywalker saga.

The release is scheduled for December of 2019. Follow along with Chip and Co for more details on Star Wars: Episode IX!

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Click the link above or fill out the form below from a Certified Disney Travel Specialist from MickeyTravels, the official travel partner for Chip and Company.

Are you ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, (designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney), I’ll be available to help with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook. Or fill out and submit the form below.