BB-8 Meet & Greet Opens early at Star Wars Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios

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April 9, 2017

Ahead of Star Wars: Galactic Nights which is on April 14th, BB-8 makes his Disney’s Hollywood Studios debut in the Star Wars Launch Bay.

Star Wars fans will be delighted to know that BB-8, the loyal droid from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is joining, not replacing, Kylo Ren and Chewbacca at the Star Wars Launch Bay. BB-8 will be greeting guests in the spot that showcased the now canceled Disney Infinity video games.

BB-8 will make the first official appearance on April 14 at the sold out Star Wars: Galactic Night Event. Character greetings with BB-8 for Hollywood Studios guests will begin the next day, April 15.

Are you excited to meet BB-8? Let us know in the comment box below.

Interested in a magical Disney vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help save you time and money planning your next Disney vacation. The best part is my services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (229) 977-3373. Join me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

More Details Released on Epcot Souvenir Acrylic Refillable Wine Glass part of Wine Walk Tour

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 9, 2017

On Friday we reported Disney World was releasing a souvenir acrylic wine glasses for sale in Epcot’s World Showcase. The cost of the souvenir acrylic wine glass is $5.

We have just learned the new glass is part of the Epcot’s Wine Walk. The Epcot Wine Walk is a little hidden gem in the World Showcase where you purchase a special glass and you get 6 pours of wine at 3 locations in Epcot’s World Showcase for $30.

You can select your 6 pours from special booths in the Germany, France, and Italy pavilions. Each location will have 2 different wines offered (Sweet or dry) and you are allowed to select up to 2 at each venue for your pours, you keep track with a special card presented to you when you purchase the tour. (Click here to see the older card)

The locations where you can purchase your glass and pour package are:

Weinkiller in the Germany pavilion
La Bottega Italiana in the Italy pavilion
Les Vins de France in the France pavilion

You still can purchase the wine glass for $5 without the purchase of the $30 pour package, will supplies last.

What do you think of this deal? I know I am ready for a glass (or 6) of wine now!

Stay tuned! I heard Chip will be giving away one of these souvenir wine glasses in the next few days to one of our fans!

Let’s get your trip on the books to see visit World Showcase at Epcot or any other Disney Destination! 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.

Thomas Kinkade Beauty and the Beast Morphing Mug

By

Danielle

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April 9, 2017

If there is one thing I love, besides Disney of course, is novelty. I love delightful items that add a little touch of fun to a regular ol’ day. That’s precisely what this Beauty and the Beast Morphing Mug does, morning coffee may be a routine thing, but now it can be a little magical too.

Thomas Kinkade is renown for his amazing paintings, and does some incredible re-imaginings of our favorite Disney characters. This officially licensed mug features one of his beautiful paintings of Beauty and the Beast. The mug starts out black, but the artistry is revealed with the heat activation of your chosen hot beverage. The scene of Belle and Beast is also very original, so you can make up your own enchanted story while you sip your cozy drink. Is Beast helping Belle out of the boat, is she pulling him in?

Would you enjoy your hot morning beverage with this magical Beauty and the Beast Morphing Mug?

Michael Keaton In Talks To Play Villain In Live-Action “Dumbo”

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 9, 2017

Michael Keaton is in negotiations to play the villain in the live-action “Dumbo” movie for Disney. If Keaton gets onboard it will be his and Tim Burton‘s first project together since 1992’s “Batman Returns.” Ehren Kruger penned the script. Justin Springer, who worked on “Tron: Legacy,” is producing with Kruger.

The original “Dumbo” story followed an ostracized baby circus elephant who strives to achieve his full potential. If a deal closes, Keaton would play the man who acquirers the circus from DeVito’s character in order to exploit the lovable elephant and his mother.

“The Jungle Cruise” Slated To Become A Live-Action Movie, Starring The Rock!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 9, 2017

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has closed a deal to star in and produce “Jungle Cruise”, Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of its theme park ride. Production is scheduled to begin spring of 2018. Welcome to the jungle, Dwayne.

Along with Johnson producing the adventure project, also producing, Dany Garcia, the co-CEO of the duo’s Seven Bucks Entertainment banner. Beau Flynn, Johnson’s frequent collaborator who has worked with the actor on movies such as San Andreas, is also in negotiations to produce via his Flynn Picture Co. shingle.

“Jungle Cruise” is one of the Disneyland’s original rides and takes park guests on a journey through a range of leafy settings such as Africa’s Nile and Congo rivers as well as South America’s Amazon. It also includes the infamous ‘backside of water’.

Johnson has been attached to this project since 2015, but the project was still in deep development and went through several drafts by several writers (J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay wrote the most recent draft) while Johnson filmed movies and voiced characters like Maui from “Moana”. With the script looking more solid, Johnson was ready to slot it into his schedule.

Disney has had hits with movie/ride adaptations with the Pirates franchise and also misses with ‘Haunted Mansion’. What are your thoughts on this adaptation?

Star Wars: Galactic Nights Event in Hollywood Studios is now Sold Out

By

Chip

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April 9, 2017

We have sad news to report this morning. The Star Wars: Galactic Nights event in Hollywood Studios is now Sold Out and tickets are no longer available.

We are hearing word that is might be back again next year in case you didn’t make it this year!

According to Disney the event will mark the debut appearance of BB-8 at Star Wars Launch Bay.

Park access and activities will be limited to Star Wars: Galactic Nights event ticket holders only.

Here’s a look at other event offerings:

Rebel Base Activities – The Rebel Base will serve as the event hub with multiple events, hosted shows, Star Wars dance parties and more taking place in the center of the park.
Can’t miss Star Wars photo ops – Don your Star Wars finest (see costume guidelines here) and enjoy iconic Star Wars backdrops, including the debut appearance of BB-8, Han Solo cast in carbonite, Jabba the Hutt’s Palace, the Hoth Wampa Cave and more.
Galactic Nights Stars in Cars Motorcade – This procession will welcome in Star Wars celebrities down Hollywood Blvd.
Imperial March & March of the First Order – Get your cameras ready for the arrival of the dark side. Darth Vader will lead a battalion of stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage. Captain Phasma will also lead a unit of First Order stormtroopers through the park, pausing to give a demonstration of power and strength.
“Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” – Watch high-energy clips of the best moments from the film saga juxtaposed with character moments on stage, featuring Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and more.
“Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night.
Show Your Star Wars Spirit – Come dressed as your favorite character and celebrate 40 years of Star Wars milestones.

Other popular attractions will be open, including Star Wars Launch Bay. Additional offerings will include the chance to experience Star Tours-The Adventures Continue attraction, AWR Trooper sightings, roaming droids, Star Wars-themed F&B, special merchandise and much more.

Are you going?

The Grand Floridian’s Sixth Annual Easter Egg Display Available For Viewing Now

By

Lisette R

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April 9, 2017

For the past five years, The Grand Floridian has put on a truly Grand Easter Egg Display. This year the Pastry Chefs have finalized thirty-five stunning Easter Eggs for our enjoyment. The Grand Floridian’s Sixth Annual Easter Egg Display is now available for viewing and will be there for the next two weeks.

Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, along with his amazing team, have put together an absolutely beautiful display of Easter Eggs this year. Chef Erich is a really nice guy and he is more than willing to speak with guests about the process. He oversees the entire project and this year, the American Eagle Egg is his specific design. It is truly magnificent. There are fourteen new eggs this year. Others have been on display prior years and have upheld really well.

The Easter Eggs are made primarily out of Chocolate. Pictures cannot do justice to the pure scent of chocolate as you enter The Grand Floridian through the foyer. One of the Chef’s told me they had lost about nine eggs this year due to temperatures not maintaining. They have added fourteen new ones to this year’s display. The Pastry Team more than made up for those losses with this year’s awesome display.

The Easter Eggs are displayed in groupings that were also overseen by Executive Chef Erich Herbitschek. He has a plan, and a specific placement, for each Easter Egg.

I watched as Chef Erich guided his team with regards to placement of each egg. After the Eggs are in place, another Pastry Team Member steps in to begin the decorating around the display. They begin with pastel-colored chocolate curls and the smell of chocolate is amazing.

It’s all in the details! Be sure to check out the detail work the team has done. From Chocolate Bunnies and Glowing Light Sabers, to foil-wrapped chocolate eggs, jelly beans, and miniature hand-painted eggs The Grand Floridian Pastry Team has left no stone un-turned for this display.

Be sure to stop by The Grand Floridian between now and approximately April 19th to view this amazing display. You will not be disappointed by this opportunity to see the Sixth Annual Easter Egg Display. This year’s Easter Eggs are visually stunning!

You can view our Live Video of The Grand Floridian’s Sixth Easter Egg Display being assembled here:

Will you be visiting The Grand Floridian to see their Sixth Annual Easter Egg Display?

Please leave your comments in the box below.

This Fluffy Orange Bird Skirt is Delightfully Sassy for Spring

By

Danielle

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April 9, 2017

I LOVE Orange Bird, I can’t help it, he’s such an adorable little character. I love how cheerful, and bright he is too. I also love dressing up in outfits inspired by Disney attractions, and characters too. This sassy Orange Bird Skirt by SassySkirtsForGals on Etsy is just too cute, and would be perfect for a spring Disney outfit.

The iconic Orange Bird is featured throughout the print of the skirt. Not only is it beautiful, it’s a one size fits all that even fits plus size! It’s made with an adjustable orange ribbon waist with hidden elastic to stay put. The hem of the skirt is also finished with a stabilizer, so that the skirt will retain it’s rippling fullness. For an extra added touch, you can style it with a pair of these matching Orange Bird Mouse Ears from FieldofThread on Etsy!

If you aren’t a lover of Orange Bird like me, but still love these gorgeous handmade skirts, there are lots of other Disney inspired ones to choose from too, including Haunted Mansion ones!

Do you love the Orange Bird Skirt as much as I do, or are you a fan of one of the other Disney inspired designs?

Women’s Lawyer Says She Did Not Choke Teen During Wishes

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 8, 2017

As we reported earlier this week, a woman was charged with choking a teen for getting in her way during Wishes at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. We are now hearing from the women’s lawyer that this actually did not happen and has requested that all charges be dropped.

Tabbatha Kaye Mature, 41 of New Baltimore, Michigan, was arrested and booked into the Orange County Jail Wednesday night on felony child-abuse charges streaming from the alleged event. She was later released on $2,000 bond.

Details of the arrest report say that the alleged victim stood up to view the nightly Wishes show at the Magic Kingdom. Mature requested the teen to sit down so she could have a better view of the show. The teen and her friends started to leave and this is when it is alleged that Mature started to choke her.

Mature’s lawyer, Adam Chzan, said, “there wasn’t a physical fight…There was a request for them to sit down or move, and things rolled on from there, but she never choked the alleged victim.”

He also added that the argument was primarily between Mature’s 17 year-old daughter and the group of teens. According to him, additional witnesses were not interviewed by Orange County Deputies who might have a different story to tell.

Chzan said that Mature had a clean record and had never been arrested prior to this incident on Wednesday night.

“She’s a decent person, so this whole thing has been a complete shock,” he said. “…We intend to vigorously defend her against these allegations.”

Let’s get your trip on the books to a Disney Destination! 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.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Cast a Spell with Light Up Sorcerer Mickey Garden Gnomes

By

Danielle

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April 8, 2017

I love that I get to spend more time outdoors this time of year. Since I’m outdoors more, I always love to add new decorations outdoors around Spring. I really loved these Light Up Sorcerer Mickey Garden Gnomes, and thought they cast a beautiful spell in the garden.

There are two of these fun statues, each in a different pose. They both light up and magically transform your outdoor space and bright up the garden. They are made of a durable polyresin, and light up in different areas. The Mickey pointing his fingers to conduct the brooms lights up in his gloves, and the Mickey placing his hat upon his head lights up in the hat!

Would you brighten up your garden with these fantastic Light Up Sorcerer Mickey Garden Gnomes?

It’s BB-Ate, the BB-8 Waffle Maker from a Galaxy Far, Far Away

By

Danielle

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April 8, 2017

How adorable is this Star Wars BB-8 Waffle Maker by ThinkGeek? This little droid brings breakfast from a galaxy far, far away to your breakfast table each morning!

It has non-stick cooking plates duplicate BB-8’s design on both sides, and red and green lights indicate when the appliance is on and when it’s preheated and ready for your batter.

It takes 3-5 minutes to cook, a little longer than Rey’s insta-bread. Your standard BB-8 waffle comes in at 5″ across x 6 3/4″ tall, just right to have a stack for breakfast or tuck one in your bag for a snack when you’re on the run from people who are probably just sad because they didn’t have waffles for breakfast.

Product Specifications

Star Wars BB-8 Waffle Maker
Officially-licensed Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise
A ThinkGeek creation
Makes waffles that are 5″ across x 6 3/4″ tall
Non-stick cooking plates duplicate the design on both sides
On/off switch so you can keep it plugged in even when not waffling
Indicators light up when iron is on and when it is at correct temperature
Materials: Cast aluminum cooking plates
Dimensions: 8″ deep x 10″ wide x 4″ tall
Weight: 2 lbs.
Electrical Plug: Type B socket (American, grounded) 110V ~ 60Hz

You have to check out the video from ThinkGeek below, it’s mouth watering!

So get ready to roll for breakfast, with this yummy Star Wars BB-8 Waffle Maker by ThinkGeek!

British Supreme Court Rules Against Dad Who Took His Child Out of School to Go on a Disney Vacation

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 8, 2017

On Thursday the British Supreme Court ruled against a British man who took his daughter out of school without permission to visit Walt Disney World. Ruling he broke the law and must pay a penalty. The Supreme Court’s 18-page ruling overturned two lower courts’ decisions in favor of Mr. Platt, finding that he had no right to take his daughter out of school without a valid reason, such as illness.

Trouble started when Jon Platt asked to take his daughter, then 6, on a vacation to Walt Disney World back in January 2015. The school refused to grant permission for the trip. However, Mr. Platt took his daughter on vacation anyway from April 13 to 21. Causing his daughter to miss seven days of school. He was fined £120, about $180 at the time.

Platt sued, arguing that his daughter had what was considered by the school to be a satisfactory attendance record of 90.3 percent after the vacation absences. A local magistrate agreed, as did an appeals court, but the local council took the case to the Supreme Court where Justice Brenda Hale ruled against Platt stating that the requirement that a student attend school “regularly” meant “in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school,” not, as Mr. Platt argued, “with sufficient regularity.”

Justice Hale also noted that in a separate case, in February 2015, Mr. Platt’s daughter’s mother was fined after the girl missed school for five days without authorization, “The mother did exactly the same thing, was issued with a penalty notice and paid it.” Britain’s Education Department released a statement on Thursday that it was pleased that the court had affirmed that “head teachers have the ability to decide when exceptional circumstances allow for a child to be absent.”

I must admit, I am guilty of sneaking the occasional trip to Disney in during the school year. I can’t be the only one. How many of you have let your children miss school to take a trip to Disney?

Photo Credit: Stefan Rousseau

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.