Star Wars: The Last Jedi Premiere in China

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December 20, 2017

Today at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre at the Shanghai Disney Resort, stars Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley, along with writer/director Rian Johnson and producer Ram Bergman, greeted fans at the China premiere of Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Star Wars: The Last Jedi. opened in U.S. theaters on December 15 and will open in Chinese theaters on January 5, 2018.

Here are a few photos from the premiere:

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Say Good Bye with Disneyland California Screamin Farewell Shirts

By

Danielle

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December 20, 2017

Disneyland California Screamin Farewell Shirts

Beginning next year, Disneyland’s California Screamin’ will be closing for a makeover, and Disney thrill fans are are all bit saddened by this. If you’re going to miss the current incarnation of the ride, you can keep a bit of nostalgia with the limited edition Disneyland California Screamin Farewell Shirts.

There are three shirts available to remember the beloved ride before we say and away you go to it. An Annual Passholder design, an adults’ tee, and a kids’ tee.

Disneyland California Screamin’ Farewell T-Shirt for Kids – Limited Release

The kids’ tee is a deep red color with a coaster car, that has Mickey and Goofy silhouettes inside enjoying the ride!

Disneyland California Screamin’ Farewell T-Shirt for Adults – Limited Release

The adults’ tee is a clean white, with the tracks from the ride, and “California Screamin'” as the coaster. If you look closely, you’ll see Mickey, Minnie and many other friends in the coaster below.

Disneyland California Screamin’ Farewell T-Shirt for Adults – Limited Release

The passholder tee is a slate grey, that has a sunburst over the ride that says “Annual Passholder”, and the logo across the ride.

You can get these Disneyland California Screamin Farewell Shirts for a very limited time on shopDisney! Will you miss California Screamin’ in it’s current form?

Disney Announces Initial Cast for ‘Artemis Fowl’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 20, 2017

Disney announced today initial casting for the live-action adaptation of “Artemis Fowl,” which will be directed by Kenneth Branagh and produced by Branagh and Judy Hofflund. News of the Artemis Fowl movie was first announced back in 2013 and will feature some familiar faces along with an up and coming actor.

The search for an actor to play Artemis Fowl was extensive, with casting director Lucy Bevan seeing over 1200 candidates for the part. Branagh chose Irish newcomer Ferdia Shaw, who will make his onscreen debut in the title role. Descended from a long line of criminal masterminds, 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl finds himself in a battle of strength and cunning against a powerful, hidden race of fairies who may be behind his father’s disappearance.

Josh Gad (“Murder on the Orient Express,” “Marshall,” “Beauty and the Beast”) has signed on for the role of Mulch Diggums, a kleptomaniacal dwarf who works for the fairies—and himself.

Academy Award winner Judi Dench (“Victoria & Abdul,” “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Skyfall”) takes on the role of Commander Root, the steely leader of the fairy police force (LEPrecon).

Lara McDonnell (“The Delinquent Season,” “Love, Rosie,” “The Walk Invisible”) has been cast in the role of Captain Holly Short, the elf hero.

Nonso Anozie (“Cinderella,” “The Grey,” “Ender’s Game”) will play Butler, Artemis Fowl’s formidable bodyguard.

Based on the bestselling book series by Eoin Colfer and with a screenplay by award-winning playwright Conor McPherson, “Artemis Fowl” is slated for release in U.S. theaters on August 9, 2019. Production will begin early next year in the U.K.

Let’s start planning your visit to a Disney Destination! CLICK HERE , 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 and my services are 100% FREE!

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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/Source Credit: Disney

Is Disney testing a Porg Meet & Greet in Japan?

By

Chip

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December 20, 2017

This video from Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan is blowing up on the net. It shows an extremely cute Porg with a Star Wars banner behind them. As the video progresses we get up close with this Porg.

Check it out here:

I doubt this is being tested by Disney… it looks fan made but it is still pretty cute.

Maybe we will see an official Meet & Greet in the future???

Would you want to get your picture with the Porgs from Star Wars?

I loved these adorable birds from the Star Wars: The Last Jedi Movie, did you?

Final Two Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties Sold Out

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 20, 2017

I have some bad news if you were planning to visit one of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties this year. The last two parties on December 21 and 22 have completely sold out. This is the ninth and tenth time the Christmas Party has sold out this holiday season.

Dates for this year’s parties were announced in the Spring. I would anticipate them to be released around the same time next year as well. Keep following along as we will post them as soon as they are announced for 2018.

Happy Holidays!

Now is the time to start planning your visit for next year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! Dates will be announced before you know it! CLICK HERE , 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 and my services are 100% FREE!

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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.

Your Guide to the Exciting Pixar-themed Changes Coming to Disneyland Resort in 2018

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 20, 2017

Your Guide to the Exciting Pixar-themed Changes Coming to Disneyland Resort in 2018

2018 is definitely shaping up to be the year of Pixar at Disneyland Resort with the development of the Incredicoaster as well as the creation of four themed neighborhoods, new entertainment offerings and food and beverage options coming to the Paradise Pier area next year.

In 2018, Paradise Pier will be renamed Pixar Pier and along with it will come a wide array of changes designed to create a land that pays homage to the amazing Pixar film catalogue. Pixar Pier will be divided up into four distinct neighborhoods which are as follows:

Disneyland

Incredibles – The first neighborhood is inspired by “The Incredibles” and will open in the Summer of 2018 with the Incredicoaster. As part of this project, California Screamin’ will be transformed into a mid-century-modern-style coaster inspired by the Parr family. The new coaster will combine characters, lighting and special effects to take visitors on a race alongside the Incredibles as they attempt to catch baby Jack-Jack. The updated ride is slated to open June 14, 2018.

Disneyland Pixar Pier

Toy Story – The next neighborhood will be inspired by “Toy Story” and will be developed around the popular Toy Story Mania! attraction.

Inside Out – The third neighborhood is inspired by “Inside Out” where a new family-friendly attraction is scheduled to open at a later date. Information about the attraction is still relatively hush hush.

Collection of Pixar Stories – This section of the park will combine themes from several different Pixar movies. Mickey’s Fun Wheel will be re-themed and each of the 24 gondolas will showcase a different Pixar character. Mickey’s iconic face will remain on the side of the wheel. The area also houses the Games of the Boardwalk which will follow the lead of the existing Bullseye Stallion Stampede and will be updated to include Pixar theming.

Pixar Place

Resulting Closures – As Disneyland makes way for this exciting project, there are a handful rides, attractions and eateries that will face closures starting on January 8, 2018, these are as follows:

California Screamin’
Mickey’s Fun Wheel
Games of the Boardwalk
Sideshow Shirts
Ariel’s Grotto will lose its Princess dining and will be transformed into a Pixar-themed lounge offering views of Paradise Bay and Pixar Pier.

Pixar Pier

Paradise Park – As you’ll notice from the information above, several Paradise Pier attractions are left off the Pixar Pier refurbishment list. This includes Paradise Gardens, Silly Symphony Swings, Jumping Jellyfish, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr and The Little Mermaid. These will be grouped together into a neighborhood of sorts dubbed Paradise Park.

Pixar Fest

Pixar Fest – To celebrate the arrival of all things Pixar, Disneyland Resort will be throwing a special celebration dubbed Pixar Fest. Beginning on April 13, 2018, the fest will include a new fireworks show dubbed “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular;” as well as the return of the “Pixar Play Parade and “Paint the Night.” These will join an already star-studded Pixar line-up that you’ll find across both theme parks and which includes:

Pixar Fest

Disneyland:

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: An interactive attraction where guests use lasers in battle against Evil Emperor Zurg
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage: A submarine voyage where guests can explore the world of Nemo and his underwater friends.
“it’s a small world”: Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from “Toy Story” are among the many toys found in this classic attraction.
Character encounters with Pixar pals: Meet Merida from “Brave” in Fantasyland and Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story” in Frontierland.
“Fantasmic!”: Pixar characters appear in the finale of “Fantasmic!”

Your Guide to the Exciting Pixar-themed Changes Coming to Disneyland Resort in 2018

Disney California Adventure:

Cars Land: Step into the world of Radiator Springs with attractions, themed shopping and dining.
Toy Story Mania!: Shrink to the size of Andy’s toys and fire at targets to score points in 4D midway-inspired ride.
“a bug’s land”: Shrink to the size of a bug and enjoy a handful of delightful family-friendly attractions.
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!: Ride through Monstropolis with Mike and Sulley in search of their friend, Boo.
Turtle Talk with Crush: Join Crush, the sea turtle from “Finding Nemo,” as he interacts with guests in a live, real-time conversation.
“World of Color”: This beautiful nighttime water pageant features characters from “Finding Nemo,” “WALL-E,” “Toy Story,” “Up” and “a bug’s life”
DJ’s Dance ‘n Drive: A Cars Themed Dance party that is sure to put you in gear.

We can’t wait to see all of the exiting Pixar-themed changes coming to Disneyland Resort in the year ahead. Readers are encouraged to keep following along with Chip and Co. for the latest in Pixar news and updates.

Thinking about a visit to Disneyland in 2018? Packages are available to book through until December of 2018. Read below to find out how you can get your FREE quote.

Your Guide to the Exciting Pixar-themed Changes Coming to Disneyland Resort in 2018

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Images copyright Disney.

Check Out the New Tiffins Prix Fixe Lunch Menu at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 20, 2017

There is a new prix fix menu at Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

This menu will be offered during lunch from 11:30am-3:30 p.m. daily.

With this prix fix menu you’ll start with a trio of appetizers which includes black-eyed pea fritters, heirloom tomatoes and marinated grilled octopus.

For your entree you’ll have a choice of vegetable noodle bowl, swordfish, braised wagyu beef pozole or grilled chicken.

And the most important part, the dessert, is a trio consisting of chocolate ganache, lime cheesecake and guava mousse!

Make sure you stop by Tiffins on Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom to try out this new menu.

**The price of the prix fixe menu has yet to be published by Disney but as soon as the price is available we will let you know!

Check out more Disney Dining information here!

Photo Credit: Disney

Kurt Russell Talks the Holidays and Narrates Epcot’s Candlelight Processional

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 20, 2017

Kurt Russell has always had strong ties with many aspects of the Disney Company. Recently, Charles Stovall of Disney Parks Blog sat down with the Disney Legend during his stint narrating Epcot’s Candlelight Processional. Russell talked about this love for the holidays, narrating the Candlelight Processional, and even his own brand of wines!

Not only does Kurt have a long and distinguished history with the Walt Disney Company – from his work in Disney films during the 1960s to this year’s blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” – Kurt’s non-acting venture into the winemaking industry also has a Disney tie. Guests of Walt Disney World Resort can order of Kurt’s “GoGi Wine” vintages in restaurants such as Le Cellier at Epcot; The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and Citricos and Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Having been a narrator twice before at Disneyland, Kurt told Disney Parks Blog about his love of the Processional and talked a little bit about his wines during a quick break from his narrating duties.

Check out the interview here:

Let’s start planning your visit to Walt Disney World! CLICK HERE , 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 and my services are 100% FREE!

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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/Source Credit: Disney

Families Affected By Manchester Arena Bombing Enjoy Star-Studded Disneyland Paris Trip

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 20, 2017

Manchester Arena Disneyland

Families affected by the Manchester Arena bombing were whisked away on a star-studded trip to Disneyland Paris. Those who lost loved ones in the bombing on May 22, 2017, following a concert by Ariana Grande, were treated to a magical day just before Christmas. They were jetted off with British Airways from Manchester to Disneyland Paris with John Bishop yesterday (December 19).

Families Affected By Manchester Arena Bombing Enjoy Star-Studded Disneyland Paris Trip

Some of the youngsters who were at the Arena, or were affected by the events in May, were treated to a day to remember with Liverpool comedian John and some of the cast from Chester-based soap Hollyoaks.

Families Affected By Manchester Arena Bombing Enjoy Star-Studded Disneyland Paris Trip

They were welcomed on board a special early morning Christmas charter flight from Manchester Airport to Paris where they were met by two more famous faces, Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright, for a fun-filled day at Disneyland Paris.

This is the fifth time British Airways and Disneyland Paris have teamed up to organize a magical day out, but it’s the first time the flight has operated from Manchester.

Families Affected By Manchester Arena Bombing Enjoy Star-Studded Disneyland Paris Trip

The trip is part of British Airways’ celebrations to mark the airline reaching a landmark £17 million raised for Flying Start, its global charity partnership with Comic Relief since 2010. The money raised has helped Comic Relief fund projects in the UK and around the world, including the Youth Factory Zone in Manchester who are also sending 10 youngsters on the trip.

Mary Barry, British Airways’ community investment manager, said: “We wanted to give some of the families a Christmas day out, to have fun and meet some of our celebrity ambassadors. We are very grateful to Disneyland Paris for agreeing to work with us once again and to all the celebrities for giving their time to come with us.”

Families Affected By Manchester Arena Bombing Enjoy Star-Studded Disneyland Paris Trip

British Airways and Disneyland Paris have been working with the Red Cross and Love Manchester to identify which families to take on the trip.

Community outreach and charitable giving have been a priority activity for Disneyland Paris since the resort opened in 1992. Disney magic is shared through the Disney VoluntEARS programme, whereby employees donate their time and talents to others through outreach events. In total, 755 Disney VoluntEARS gave over 4,332 hours to community service in 2017. The same year, Disneyland Paris offered its support to more than 300 different European associations, with over 1,000 community outreach events organized and supported every year including onsite day events, wishes granted to children, and visits to medical centers.

Annabel Altmann, Senior Manager of Disneyland Paris Corporate Citizenship, said “We are proud to be partnering with British Airways for a fifth year in a row, giving over 50 people from Manchester a fantastic day trip before Christmas and helping to support Flying Start.”

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SeaWorld’s Praise Wave Brings Popular Christian Musical Acts To Orlando

By

Lisette R

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December 20, 2017

Christian music fans can kick off their year in high gear with a day of fellowship and fun at SeaWorld Orlando’s Praise Wave. The live concert event series takes place every Saturday, Jan. 20 – Feb. 10.

Guests can enjoy live musical performances by some of the hottest names in Christian music and celebrate in an atmosphere filled with Christian friendship, thrilling rides and inspiring animal attractions.

2018 musical performances include:

· Saturday, January 20 – Steven Curtis Chapman: In a career that has spanned 30 years, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history with 58 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, five Grammys, an American Music Award, 48 No. 1 singles, selling over 11 million albums, with ten RIAA-certified gold and platinum albums to his credit.

· Saturday, January 27 – Lecrae: Lecrae is a two-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist whose 2014 album, “Anomaly,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, Rap, Digital, Christian, Gospel, and Independent charts. His seven studio albums and mixtapes have sold more than 1.9 million copies and he has co-headlined some of the best-selling tours in the U.S.

· Saturday, February 3 – TBA

· Saturday, February 10 – MercyMe: Grammy-nominated, multiple American Music Award and Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold more than 8.5 million units in CD, single and DVD sales, garnered 27 No. 1 multi-format Christian radio singles and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” “Here With Me,” “Homesick” and “So Long Self.”

Live concerts take place at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. each Saturday in the park’s Nautilus Theater and are included with park admission. Reserved seating packages for all performances are available online at SeaWorldOrlando.com and start at $19.

Live musical performances at the park continue in February with the return of SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival. As guests sip and sample their way through the park, they will discover globally-inspired flavors while enjoying local craft beers and culinary marketplaces. The fun goes beyond the food with live performances from top country, rock and Latin music artists for 9 consecutive weekends, Feb. 17 – April 15.

The best deal for guests to experience Praise Wave, and all of SeaWorld’s special events throughout the year, is with a SeaWorld Fun Card which includes unlimited admission with no blockout dates thru December 31, 2018. For more information and to purchase tickets visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the SeaWorld Orlando Blog for the latest details about SeaWorld Orlando’s events.

Will you be attending SeaWorld Orlando’s Praise Wave in 2018? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Starbucks Disney Mug and Matching Ornament Sale

By

Danielle

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December 20, 2017

Starbucks Disney Mug and Matching Ornament Sale

Merry Christmas to lovers of the Starbucks “You Are Here” Disney mugs! Right now all of the Walt Disney World Parks Starbucks have a special promotion going on! There is a Starbucks Disney Mug and Matching Ornament Sale going on now, and it’s amazing!

Starbucks Disney Mug and Matching Ornament Sale

You can get the parks exclusive You Are Here mugs, and their matching mini counterpart ornament, for just $25.00! That’s a great way to get both items, and save a few dollars. You’ll find this deal available at all four of the Disney Parks specific Starbucks locations. I have a few of the Starbucks Disney ornaments on my tree, because I feel like they are the perfect blend of my love of coffee and Disney, hee hee. If you’ll be at the parks this week, be sure to take advantage of this awesome deal!

Which set would you want from the Starbucks Disney Mug and Matching Ornament Sale, or do you want to collect all 4?

Special Thanks and Photo Credit to our Friends at 365 at Disney for letting us know about this sweet deal!

Cast Members Are Getting New Costumes at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 19, 2017

Cast Members Are Getting New Costumes at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Aulani Resort’s food and beverage cast members are donning new costumes designed exclusively by Tori Richard, a Hawai’i-based clothing designer. These costumes tell a much deeper story of Hawai‘i, and of Aulani Resort itself!

Cast Members Are Getting New Costumes at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Several costumes feature the sketch-like Hukilau print, which depicts six fish that are indigenous and one fish that is endemic to Hawai‘i. “Hukilau” refers to the Hawaiian fishing method which uses a net lined with tī leaves to attract fish. If you look closely, the ʻamaʻama mullet fish can be found in the design of the ocean blue costumes for the resort’s signature restaurant, ‘AMA‘AMA.

Cast Members Are Getting New Costumes at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Costumes worn by The ‘Ōlelo Room and poolside service cast members are inspired by kapa—a fabric that Hawaiians make from the beaten bast fibers of certain plants. Hawaiians then use bamboo stamps to decorate kapa with designs that tell their own story.

The ʻŌlelo Room costumes have a print reminiscent of the kapa bands found in the Maka‘ala lobby mural by artist Dalani Tanahy. This print’s design depicts a sun-shaped sea urchin called hāʻukeʻuke.

More costumes—along with more stories—will debut over the next year. Be sure to keep your eyes open and see what you can discover on your next visit to Aulani Resort!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Cast Members Are Getting New Costumes at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Click here for your free no obligation quote!

Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services are FREE? Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.