Save up to 30% on Aulani this Fall!

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April 26, 2017

If you are looking to fall into paradise in the Fall, this Aulani special offer is for you! They are even offering a resort credit if you book early! The offer is available most stays from August 20th to December 21st, 2017.

Stay More, Save More!

Whether you plan your visit for 4 nights, 5 nights or more, you’ll enjoy family fun and relaxation at Aulani Resort, where it’s easy to extend the celebration of summer into fall—these great offers will make your Aulani Resort stay nothing short of paradise.

Stay 5 or more consecutive nights and save:

30% on Ocean View, Partial Ocean View and Poolside Gardens View Rooms
25% on Standard and Island Gardens View Rooms

Stay 4 or more consecutive nights and save:

25% on Ocean View, Partial Ocean View and Poolside Gardens View Rooms
20% on Standard and Island Gardens View Rooms

Early Booking Bonus: Up to $300 per Stay Resort Credit

Book your reservation for 4 nights or more by June 19, 2017 and receive a $150 per stay Resort credit. If you are a Disney Visa Cardholder, you will receive up to $300 per stay Resort credit. You can use your credit for dining, shopping, spa treatments and other Aulani Resort experiences, it’s a great way to enjoy more paradise for less.

Included with Your Stay

Aulani Resort offers a variety of complimentary activities to make your visit even more magical.

Outstanding pool areas, featuring a lazy river, exhilarating rapids and waterslides—as well as the Ka Maka Grotto family pool and Keiki Cove kids splash zone
A beautiful beach where you can swim, boogie board and enjoy other activities
World-class entertainment, including fireside storytelling, movie nights under the stars and visits from Disney Characters.
Aunty’s Beach House, a state-of-the-art kids club for children ages 3 to 12, offering interactive activities and magical surprises
Activities for all ages, with options exclusive to kids, teens and adults

Special Vacation Experiences

Enjoy outstanding experiences at Aulani Resort that are available for an additional fee.

Sumptuous dining options to satisfy nearly every taste
A luxurious, full-service spa with the only outdoor hydrotherapy garden on O‘ahu
Rainbow Reef, the only private snorkeling lagoon on O‘ahu
Beach rentals, including water-sports equipment, beach loungers and more
Ka Wa’a Luau celebrates the culture and history of Hawai’i with traditional dance, song and food

Beyond Aulani Resort, O’ahu beckons you to explore. Behold lush rain forests and sparkling waterfalls, take a surf lesson, tee off on championship golf courses or unwind on some of the world’s best beaches.

As an added bonus, Aulani is providing complimentary transportation for all guests who take advantage of this special offer.

Hurry! This offer must be booked by October 24th, 2017 or June 19th, 2017 to take advantage of the resort credit. Rooms are limited.

Interested in learning more or ready for your FREE, no obligation quote?! Feel free to email me or fill out the form below for a FREE quote 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 nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations around the globe. 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.

Savings based on the non-discounted rate for the same room. The number of rooms allocated for this offer may be limited. Resort credits may not be redeemed for cash, refunded, transferred or applied towards room rate, and expire at 11:59 PM on package departure date. Limit 2 rooms per reservation. Excludes suites and 3-bedroom Grand Villas. Additional charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Advance reservations required.

Photo Credit: Disney

Seth Rogen and Billy Eicher sign on as Timon and Pumbaa in upcoming Live-Action “Lion King” Movie!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 26, 2017

News just broke that Seth Rogen and Billy Eicher will voice Timon and Pumbaa in the upcoming live-action adaptation of “The Lion King”.

It was announced earlier today that the film directed by Jon Favreau will be released in theaters on July 19, 2019.

Donald Glover has already been slated to voice Simba, and James Earl Jones will return to voice Mufasa, the same role that he performed in 1994.

There are rumors that continue to circulate that Beyoncé will be the voice of Nala.

I’m loving this news, what do you think?

An Interview With “Born In China” Producer, Roy Conli

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 26, 2017

I had the good fortune to sit down and talk to producer Roy Conli after I watched his new DisneyNature film “Born in China.” I learned a lot from talking with Mr. Conli, his personal experience and the film itself. Now, If his name sounds familiar he is a Disney staple, producing several animated films such as “Big Hero 6”, “Tangled” and “Treasure Planet.”

This is the first live-action film Conli has been a part of, let alone produced. After all these years of animation he was approached from the DisneyNature team about getting on board with this documentary. When he found out Chuan Lu was directing and watched his work, he was totally onboard.

Telling the story on a different angle was a challenge. Usually going into an animated, or scripted film, there is a final image to end the film on, but that’s not what happens on a DisneyNature film. There’s hours of footage and journals upon journals of what happened on a daily basis that the cinematographers write down, you don’t know how it will end.

There were more subjects then that ended up in the final film. Some of the subjects even changed, in fact the storyline of Tao Tao was supposed to focus on the mother and the little sister, but as filming went on Paul Stewart (cinematographer) became enchanted with the brother Tao Tao because he was much more fascinated. The universal relationship with brother and sister is nature and it’s so relatable.

Although Conli plans on going back to animated features, he won’t give up on DisneyNature films. He is so proud that Disney uses these films as a means to helping the wildlife community. Over the last 7 films Disney has helped support chimpanzee reserves, they were able to preserve 65 thousand acres of land for big cats in Kenya, 3 million trees planted in the Brazilian rain forest and 40 thousand acres of marine habitat in the Bahamas. If you didn’t know, the first week “Made in China” is in the theaters Disney will donate a portion of the proceeds to the World Wildlife Fund.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Roy Conli and get to learn more about him and ”Born in China.” Please go out and see it in the theater as soon as you can. It opened on Earth Day, so go support some nature and learn!

Discounted Disney Quick Service Dining Gift Card Now Available With Certain Good Neighbor Packages for a Limited Time

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 26, 2017

Guests who book a Walt Disney World vacation package at one of the below resorts, with a minimum 3-day ticket, and with travel dates from now through December 31. 2017, will be able to take advantage of prepaid dining at Quick-Service restaurant locations around Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels
Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel

For each day of theme park admission, adults in the party will receive $40 and children ages 3-9 will receive $15 on their Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards. The good news is that guests will only be charged $35 per adult/per day and $12.50 per child/per day for these cards! For example, a Guest with a 3-day ticket included in their package would receive a $120 Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Card for only $105. A child with the same ticket would receive a $45 Dine Gift Card for only $37.50.

Each guest booked under the same vacation package will receive a separate Disney Quick Service Dining Card for which they will be able to access the value included. They can

use the funds in whatever combination they would like.

These Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards can be redeemed at select Quick-Service Dining locations or food carts in Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Water Parks, Disney Springs, and Disney Resort hotels.

Guests will receive their Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards along with their Theme Park tickets upon check-in at their hotel. These Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards will then follow these standard gift card policies:

Cannot be redeemed for cash
Will not be replaced if lost or stolen
Unused Dining Gift Card balances are not eligible for a refund
Cannot be used for merchandise
Only eligible at Disney Quick-Service Restaurant locations
Remaining balances will be printed on receipts
Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards do not expire

Interested in this Disney Good Neighbor Vacation Package? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I am here to answer all of your Disney questions. I can put together customized itineraries, book your advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation and much much more! And did I mention my services are always FREE? Get in touch at 1.800.454.4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Source/Photo Credit: WDW Info

Cruise Along with ‘Frozen’ on a Disney Cruise Line Sailing to Norway

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 26, 2017

Any Frozen fans? Then a sailing aboard the Disney Magic this summer or next to visit the Norwegian fjords is a must! The Norwegian fjords served as the inspiration for the popular movie and what better way to be a part of the action than to fully immerse yourself in Norway and everything it has to offer aboard The Magic!

When you travel to Norway aboard The Disney Magic, you will discover breathtaking natural wonders such as magnificent mountain ranges, massive glaciers, steaming geysers and majestic fjords. The enchanting Scandinavian culture of the region comes to life through local attractions, stunning architecture, storybook villages and historic city centers, all of which you can explore with a dash of pixie dust on these Port Adventures. Here’s a sampling…

Sunnmøre Village, Norway – A Celebration with Anna, Elsa & Kristoff – Only Disney guests are invited to revel in an exclusive Norwegian summer celebration at the Sunnmøre Open Air Museum where the festivities culminate in the grand arrival of the beloved sisters, Anna and Elsa, and their ice-loving companion, Kristoff. After being personally greeted by “Frozen” friends, and surrounded by the idyllic beauty of Norway, you’ll dance to local musicians and sample tasty Norwegian specialties, including svele, a traditional sweet pancake from the region.

Viking Village Experience & Giske Church – Another Disney-exclusive adventure includes a quest to a Viking village on the island of Giske, where you’ll head back in history to meet the village chieftain and experience the Viking world. Adventurers find themselves in the middle of daily Viking life and mingle with members of the Norse families, experiencing first-hand the traditions, authentic food and games that come with being a Viking. You’ll also learn traditional Viking handiwork and put it to practice by crafting your own leather bags.

Gjaera Mountain Farm Featuring Exclusive Youth Activity – From the port of Geiranger, the crowning jewel of the Norwegian fjords, comes yet another experience exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests – a visit to the Gjaera Mountain Farm where a local family provides an up-close look at daily life. Children join Disney Cruise Line youth counselors to create one-of-a-kind decorative pillows in the farm’s printing studio using handmade wooden stamps that have been passed down through the family’s many generations. Meanwhile, adults explore the farm and its microbrewery, sampling fresh brews. After building up an appetite, everyone reunites for a taste of traditional Norwegian foods produced at the farm including juices, breads, creams and cured meats.

Herdalsetra Mountain Farm – Another journey in Geiranger brings you to the Herdalsetra Mountain Farm, where on the way to a nearby scenic valley you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the Geirangerfjord and the Seven Sisters waterfall made famous in Norwegian folklore. Your family will tour the enchanting farm brimming with 30 farmhouses and more than 450 sprightly goats scampering around the property. You can also sample the farm’s fresh cheeses including Norway’s famous brown cheese – similar to sweet fudge.

‘

Wow! This looks like an incredible Frozen adventure! Are you ready to book your cruise or learn more about this sailing or another Disney Cruise? Fill out the form below form below or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote 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 nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations around the globe. 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.

Photo Credit: Amy Nichols and Whitney Hudson

The Playlist Has Been Released For Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission : BREAKOUT!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 26, 2017

Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission : BREAKOUT!

“Guardians of the Galaxy” would not be the awesome movie that we all know and love if it didn’t have such a fantastic soundtrack. The bizarre but endearing characters and irreverent comedy rounds out the story, all of which made it a massive box office smash.

With the movie’s soundtrack playing such an important role in its success, you know the brand-new attraction at the Disney California Adventure Park also has to deliver in the tunes department. The folks behind the new ride “Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission:BREAKOUT!” has released the attraction’s song list and it rocks!

John Dennis, the executive creative director of music at Walt Disney Imagineering, and his team used Star-Lord’s awesome mix tape as a jumping off point to come up with the right sound for this attraction. They ended up testing one hundred songs to find just the right fit! They finally narrowed the song list down to only six. Each time guests ride they will enjoy a different song which will create a truly unique experience every time.

Check out the “playlist” below to see if any of your favorites will be part of “Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!”

“Give Up the Funk” – Parliament
“Born to Be Wild” – Steppenwolf
“I Want You Back” – The Jackson 5
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” – Pat Benatar
“Burning Love” – Elvis Presley
“Free Ride” – The Edgar Winters Group

“Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission:BREAKOUT!” will be opening May 27 at Disney California Adventure park. Who else is hoping to see baby Groot dance?

Want more help planning your trip? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I am here to answer all of your Disney questions. I can put together customized itineraries, book your advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation and much much more! And did I mention my services are always FREE? Get in touch at 1.800.454.4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Source/Image Credit : D23

Starbucks at Disneyland Unveils Pink Pegasus Frappuccino

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 25, 2017

The mythical creature-themed frappuccino trend continues with this latest creation found at Starbucks’ Downtown Disney location. For those who may have missed the buzz on social media this week, Starbucks has unveiled a limited-time-only frappuccino creation of epic proportions. Dubbed the Unicorn Frappuccino, this frozen drink features flavor-changing, color-changing ingredients. The drink is said to start off sweet and fruity and then changes to sour.

So what do you do when you run out of the one of the crucial ingredients that give this trendy drink its magical blue hue? You improvise and that’s exactly what they did at Disneyland’s Downtown location.

This is what the Unicorn Frap SHOULD have tasted like #pinkpegasusfrapp

A post shared by Marie Lodi (@agentlover) on Apr 23, 2017 at 6:40pm PDT

Dubbed the Pink Pegasus, guests can expect the same deliciously sweet frappuccino but in more of a pink variety. So pop by and score one while you can!

In case you missed it, also check out our article on Disney-themed frappuccinos that we wish Disney would introduce. Come pick your favorite.

Planning a trip to Disney? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? They why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you with everything from finding your perfect package to planning out your days at the parks and am always full of tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at Disney. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright AgentLover

Original Theatrical Cuts Of The First Star Wars Trilogy Will Not Be Released

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 25, 2017

For those of us fans that have long been waiting the chance to get a blu-ray copy of the original Star Wars trilogy as it was first shown in the theaters: without added CGI, with Han actually shooting first. We are all in for a galaxy of disappointment.

Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, put all speculation about reworkings of the films to rest at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando. When asked in an interview during the Steelewars Podcast about the possible restoration of George Lucas’s original cuts Kennedy said, “I wouldn’t touch those, are you kidding me? [laughs] Those will always remain his.”

For any fans who may have never actually set eyes on the original version, here is what happened:
In the 1990s, George Lucas made the decision to alter the original versions of his films, believing technology had finally caught up with his vision for the films. He claimed that although released years earlier, he had always considered them unfinished products. He added computer generated special effects, new scenes, and additional alterations. Then, in 1997, he began re-releasing them in theaters to audiences old and new. When he made these alterations he purportedly used the original film print, meaning that the original versions of the films don’t actually exist anymore. If Disney ever decided to release a version of the original cut it would technically be possible; it would have to be reassembled from the edited prints in the Lucasfilm archives.

For those who will take any copy of the original they can get, they would either need the LaserDisc copy (and a player), or have to settle for the 2006 DVD set with footage taken from the LaserDisc (significantly lower in quality than other Star Wars versions).

“Frozen 2” Release Date Has Been Announced

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 25, 2017

Frozen 2 Brings New Songs to Love - Will They Be The Next "Let It Go"

The release date for “Frozen 2” has just been announced! Walt Disney Studios let us know that the “Frozen” sequel is coming to theaters on November 27, 2019.

Kristin Bell (Anna) and Josh Gad (Olaf) had fun doing their own Twitter announcements for the release date.

(Please be patient while tweets load)

Quick weather forecast from your favorite disney princess’ sister: Theaters are gonna get Frozen on November 27, 2019! Woo Hoo!!!! https://t.co/rhhOZygVQB

— Kristen Bell (@IMKristenBell) April 25, 2017

Mark your calendars. FROZEN 2 is coming NOVEMBER 27 2019 @WaltDisneyCo @DisneyAnimation #Frozen2 pic.twitter.com/VlTBQEeofD

— Josh Gad (@joshgad) April 25, 2017

“Frozen” won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film in 2014. This hugely successful film which introduced fans to beloved characters like Olaf the snowman and sisters Princess Anna and Queen Elsa, earned more than $1.2 billion dollars worldwide in box office sales.

Disney has seen great success in their latest sequel “Finding Dory“, which brought in an estimated $1.03 billion dollars. So it makes sense that they would want to unfreeze the story of “Frozen” and bring it back to the big screen.

The countdown to “Frozen 2” officially starts now!

Want more help planning your trip? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I am here to answer all of your Disney questions. I can put together customized itineraries, book your advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation and much much more! And did I mention my services are always FREE? Get in touch at 1.800.454.4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Source Credit : CNBC

Photo Credit : Today

New Interactive Robot “iCan” Comes to Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 25, 2017

Keep your eyes open next time you are in Tomorrowland and you might get to see iCan. A new interactive robot rolling around Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom greeting guests. iCan is aware of his surroundings and can even answer questions for guests, and even knows guests information (courtesy of MagicBand 2.0 I assume). iCan has a video screen, plays music and sound effects, and even dances. iCan does not have any official appearance times as of yet. However, Tomorrowland’s newest resident as been spotted rolling around in the mornings. Check out iCan in action below.

Video credit:WDWMagic

I can’t wait to meet this fun loving robot next time I’m in Tomorrowland. Share with us if you have seen iCan!

Thinking about a Magical Disney Vacation? As a contributor to Chip and Co. and an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I’d love to help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Send me a message or email me at [email protected] and let’s start planning today. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney tips and tricks.

Magic Kingdom And Disney Springs Will Have Special Offerings For Dapper Day Weekend

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 25, 2017

One of the most popular non-Disney sponsored events, Dapper Day, is returning to Walt Disney World April 28th through April 30th. Although Dapper Day is not part of the Walt Disney Company, the Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs are getting in on the fun by offering special items especially for this event. Listed below are some of the special offers, entertainment, and dining opportunities all guests “dressed to impress” will be able to take advantage of that weekend.

Friday, April 28th at Disney Springs (also known as “Dapper Day Eve”) :

Fountain Stage, 7 p.m.-midnight: Enjoy swing dance music and a special drink menu with classic-inspired cocktails
Chapel Hats: In-store photo booth
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC: Free mini cupcakes for dapper-dressed Guests
Kiehl’s: Complimentary mini-facials by appointment, relaxing hand massages, instant skin refreshers
MAC: Free mini makeovers
Sephora: Free mini makeovers, $5 coupon to Chapel Hats with purchase
Starbucks: 10% discount for dapper-dressed Guests and special themed drinks for Dapper Day
Amorette’s Patisserie: Special dessert, featuring a mini dome cake enrobed in a dark chocolate glacage and decorated as a fascinator cocktail hat

Saturday, April 29th at The Magic Kingdom

Picnic in the Park

The East Plaza Garden will have a special reserved picnic area from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., with boxed lunches available at Tomorrowland Terrace.

Each lunch comes with house-made chips, fruit cup, a Dapper Rose cupcake, fountain drink, and a choice of:

Fried Chicken
Chicken Caesar Salad
Greek Salad Wrap
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

Kids’ Meals are also available with a side of house-made chips, Go-Go SqueeZ, a mini Dapper Rose cupcake, kids’ fountain drink, and a choice of:

Chicken Strips
Uncrustables Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

The price for these boxed lunches are $14.99 for adults, $9.99 for children 9 and younger.

Specialty Cupcakes – two Dapper Day themed cupcakes will be available in Magic Kingdom

“Hats off to Spring” Cupcakes – Vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream, or chocolate cupcake with mocha buttercream. Each cupcake is topped with a sugar cookie sandwich filled with raspberry jam and coated in white chocolate.
Dapper Quartet – (four small cupcakes served together) – Two vanilla and two chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream and fondant bowties, all colors of course matching the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A.

Pop-Up Dress Shop in the Emporium

The Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A will be offering select merchandise from the Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane at Disney Springs. This is a limited time offer and will include vintage-styled clothing inspired by Disney characters and attractions.

Floral offerings on Main Street, U.S.A.

Rose wands and corsages from Disney Floral and Gifts will be available for guests to purchase on Main Street, U.S.A near Uptown Jewelers.

Dapper Day celebrates the tradition of “stepping out in style”. All sophisticated attire is welcomed and participants are encouraged to come at their best, not necessarily representing any specific time period. You can find out more at dapperday.com

Want more help planning your trip? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I am here to answer all of your Disney questions. I can put together customized itineraries, book your advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation and much much more! And did I mention my services are always FREE? Get in touch at 1.800.454.4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Source/Photo Credit : The Laughing Place

Disney Announces Release Dates For Star Wars And Indiana Jones Sequels

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 25, 2017

The Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm announced today two upcoming release dates for two major properties.

Star Wars: Episode IX is now set for release on May 24, 2019. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film will close out the third Star Wars trilogy.

In addition, the fifth chapter of the Indiana Jones series is now confirmed for a July 10, 2020 release. Both Steven Spielberg, director of every Indiana Jones film, and star Harrison Ford will return.

Mark the dates on your calendars, this is all exciting news!