Tom Hanks and Will Smith In Talks On Tim Burton’s Live Action Adaptation of “Dumbo”

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January 12, 2017

Variety is reporting that Will Smith is in talks to join Tim Burton’s live action adaptation of Dumbo for Disney. His role is being billed as the father of the children who develop a friendship with the lovable elephant after seeing him at the circus.

The report indicates that Tom Hanks is also being considered to play the film’s villain.

Both actors have potential conflicts with other films. Smith with Bad Boys for Life and Hanks with The Grey Hound.

Time will tell if Disney can sign these two to the live action Dumbo Movie.

Ariana Grande and John Legend To Perform “Beauty And The Beast” Title Track

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 12, 2017

Grammy nominated and multi-platinum selling artist Ariana Grande and 10-time Grammy, Oscar®-winning and multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/ musician John Legend are set to perform the duet “Beauty and the Beast” as the title track for Disney’s upcoming soundtrack to the live-action film adaptation “Beauty and the Beast.” The song will also be featured in the film.

The enchanting ballad, originally performed by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson featuring eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken’s beautiful melody and two-time Oscar-winner Howard Ashman’s unforgettable lyrics, received an Academy Award®, Golden Globe® and Grammy Award, among other accolades, upon its release in 1991.

The new rendition of the classic song is produced by Grammy-winning veteran Ron Fair, whose music career spans 37 years as a major-label record company leader and accomplished producer, arranger, recording engineer and musical director. Fair was brought in to produce by Disney’s president of Music & Soundtracks, Mitchell Leib, who also brought Grande and Legend to the project. The history of collaboration between Leib and Fair in film music goes back to the highly-successful “Pretty Woman” soundtrack. “Ron was the first and only choice to make this particular record,” says Leib. “No one is a better vocal producer and he also has a great understanding of the filmmaking dynamic.”

Says Fair, “Stepping into the shoes of an Oscar and Grammy Award-winning classic is not small potatoes. But with today’s two greatest plutonium singers – John Legend and Ariana Grande – we are bringing the song back with a new school-old school fresh treatment that shows the soulfulness and power of what a great melody and lyric can inspire.”

The music video will be directed by Dave Meyers, the innovative visionary whose long-time collaborations with major artists like P!nk, Janet Jackson, Ice Cube and Britney Spears have resulted in dozens of award nominations and many wins. He recently directed the music video for P!nk’s hit single “Just Like Fire” from the Walt Disney Records soundtrack for “Alice Through The Looking Glass.”

Menken also provides the film score, with new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Ashman. Also featured are three new songs written by Menken and veteran lyricist and three time Oscar winner Tim Rice. The original motion picture soundtrack will be released by Walt Disney Records on March 10, 2017.

The pre-order is available now here.

Star Wars Day at Sea Returns to Disney Cruise Line in 2018

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 12, 2017

Star Wars Day at Sea will return to the Disney Fantasy on select Disney Cruise Line 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from January through April 2018. The special cruise features a one-day extravaganza of all things Star Wars including:

A deck party featuring Star Wars Characters, music, dancing and fireworks
Photo opportunities with Characters from across the Stars Wars universe
An onboard version of the Jedi Training Academy, where young Padawans learn lightsaber maneuvers
Star Wars-themed games and activities at Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab
Stellar food and beverage offerings
Screenings of the Star Wars films—including the latest theatrical release—plus episodes of Disney’s animated series Star Wars Rebels
Exclusive themed merchandise

Below are the 2018 and 2017 Star Wars Day at Sea departure dates:

2018 7-Night Western Caribbean Sailings

January 6, 2018
January 20, 2018
February 3, 2018
February 17, 2018
March 3, 2018
March 17, 2018
March 31, 2018
April 14, 2018

2018 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Sailings

January 13, 2018
January 27, 2018
February 10, 2018
February 24, 2018
March 10, 2018
March 24, 2018
April 7, 2018

2017 7-Night Western Caribbean Sailings

January 21, 2017
February 4, 2017
February 18, 2017
March 4, 2017
March 18, 2017
April 1, 2017
April 15, 2017

2017 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Sailings

January 28, 2017
February 11, 2017
February 25, 2017
March 11, 2017
March 25, 2017
April 8, 2017

Star Wars Day at Sea is a one day, once-in-a-lifetime experience that will thrill all the younglings, Padawans and Jedi Masters in your family. For the remainder of your voyage, look forward to a fun-filled itinerary of entertainment and activities—from Broadway-style shows and innovative dining to unforgettable Port Adventure excursions.

Entertainment and other events are subject to change without notice. Merchandise offerings are available while supplies last.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney adventure or Star Wars Day at Sea Disney Cruise. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

New ‘Characters in Flight’ hot air balloon design unveiled this morning!

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Chip

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January 12, 2017

Our friends at Blog Mickey dropped by Disney Springs this morning for the unveiling of the all new Characters in Flight Balloon design and it looks interesting!

We reported last week how this attraction would go down for a few days so they could bring in and inflate the new hot air balloon design!

Unlike previous designs the new balloon doesn’t have any Disney Characters on it which is disappointing… Makes you wonder if they might change their name going forward?

Characters in Flight will be reopening on Saturday, January 14th.

(For more photos of the new design click here)

What do you think of the new design? Let us know in the comment box below.

Photo credit blogmickey.com

Minnie Rocks the Dots event coming to Disney World & Disneyland

By

Chip

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January 12, 2017

On Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 Disney will be celebrating National Polka Dot Day with none other than Minnie Mouse at special event at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort and Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort and you’re invited!

Visit Disney Springs or Downtown Disney District on January 22 dressed in your polka-dotted finest to join the celebrations – including special photo opportunities, entertainment, a commemorative button, discounts and giveaways.

Stay tuned to the Chip and Co for more details on how you can #RockTheDots in the coming weeks

New ‘Star Wars: Galactic Nights’ Ticketed Event Coming to Hollywood Studios

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 12, 2017

If you are a fan of Star Wars, and miss Star Wars Weekends, then this is the event for you! Disney’s Hollywood Studios is hosting a Star Wars Evening that guests can attend to celebrate their love of all things Star Wars.

Star Wars: Galactic Nights will take place on April 14, 2017, from 7:00 PM to midnight. Tickets are available for $124 per child and $129 per adult (plus tax). Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, but they must adhere to Disney’s Costuming guidelines.

Attractions that will be open during the event include:

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Star Wars Launch Bay
Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
Toy Story Mania!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
The Great Movie Ride
Muppet*Vision 3D
Voyage of the Little Mermaid

In addition to the rides and attractions that will be open, there will be a Scavenger Hunt, Character Meet and Greets in the Launch Bay, as well as as Character interactions in and around Star Tours (keep an eye out for Ewoks!!), Star Wars Fireworks, and MORE! Check out Disney’s site for the full lineup and event information here.

Will you be attending this Intergalactic event?

If you would like to experience Star Wars: Galactic Nights, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

photo: Disney

This Adorable Disney Love Bed Set is Perfect for Disney Addicts

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Danielle

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January 11, 2017

Oh my goodness! This Disney Love bed set, has totally stolen my Disney Addict heart! The soft vintage pastels, with the minimalist style Mickey and Minnie are just too adorable to handle!

I’m always on the look out for “grown up” Disney bedding. Just because we have a king or queen size bed, doesn’t mean we don’t want adorable Disney inspired bed sets too! I might have melted when I came across this set, okay I totally melted. As much as I love my “Tangled” inspired bedroom, I think this is convincingly cute enough for me to at least switch to for the Spring! Did I mention it not only comes in queen, but also KING too! They come with a duvet cover, fitted sheet, and sham pillow case. I can’t even handle it, it’s just too much cuteness for me!

What do you think of this adorably cute Disney Love bed set?

Woody Harrelson Officially Joins Stand Alone Han Solo Film

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 11, 2017

The rumors have been confirmed, Woody Harrelson is going to be joining the cast of the stand-alone Han Solo film. Lucasfilm confirmed the casting this morning after trade reports broke the news that a deal was close last week.

The film’s directors, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (best known for The Lego Movie and the 21 Jump Street films), released a statement Wednesday about Harrelson’s involvement. “We couldn’t be more excited to work with an artist with as much depth and range as Woody,” they said. “His ability to find both humor and pathos, often in the same role, is truly unique. He is also very good at ping pong.”

Harrelson will join Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke, who also has an unspecified role, as well as Atlanta star Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian. Alden Ehrenreich (Hail, Caesar!) has the lead part of the galactic smuggler.
The film doesn’t yet have a title but will focus on the early days of Solo’s adventures with Chewie and Lando, several years before he encountered Luke Skywalker and joined the galactic Rebellion. Rumored to be due in theaters sometime in 2018.

Enter the Main Street Electrical Parade Premiere Event Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win Two Tickets

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 11, 2017

Enter for a chance to win two tickets to the Main Street Electrical Parade Premiere Event at Disneyland Park on Thursday, January 19th from 7:30pm to 12:00am. Disney Parks Blog is giving away 25 pairs of tickets to the limited capacity event where guests can celebrate the return of this iconic parade to Disneyland.

Click here to enter the sweepstakes by 11:59pm PT on January 12, 2017.

No purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes. Limit one entry per person. Open to legal U.S. residents who are at least 18 years old. Travel and accommodations are not included.

A limited number of tickets to the event are available to purchase for $95 per person at any Disneyland Resort Ticket Booth or by calling 714-781-4636. Online purchases are unavailable.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney Adventure. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: Disney

Details Released for the 2017 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 11, 2017

2017 is already shaping up to be a fantastic year for foodies as Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin release details of their 2017 Food and Wine Classic. Celebrating its 8th year, the event will run over two evenings: October 27 – October 28, 2017 from 5:30 – 9:00 pm.

Highlights of the festival will include:

Educational Seminars – These one hour offerings run at 4:30pm and typically last an hour. This year’s topics include

Wine blending
Italian Wines
More than Malbec
Base to Bubbles
Riesling, So Sweet and So Dry
Craft Cocktails
Fine Art of Sushi and Sake
The Cheese Course
Pasta Making
Grand Tasting Experience

The Causeway – Featuring kiosks offering up an eclectic selection of dishes prepared by award-winning chefs like Todd English, Robert Chiborowski Laurent Branlard (two-time winner of the World Pasty Team Championship) and other World-renowned chefs. The list of restaurants presenting offers at the Causeway are as follows:

Shula’s Steak House
Todd English’s bluezoo
Il Mulino
Kimonos
Garden Grove
The Fountain
Cabana Bar and Beach Club
Fresh Mediterranean Market
Picabu

Here’s a list of the kiosks on offer:

Beer Garden
Beef & More
Pasta
Fish and Seafood
Sushi
Pastries & Desserts
Carnival Corner
Chinatown

Sunday Bubbles Brunch – This popular Sunday offering will return on October 29th. The event runs from 10am – 2pm and features a range of traditional and non-traditional brunch items including: cured meats, imported cheeses as well as sushi. A la carte options are also prepared to order by an amazing team of award- winning chefs. A glass of wine, champagne or a mimosa is included in the menu price. Guests also have the option of upgrading to the bottomless champagne and mimosa option.

Evening Entertainment – In addition, the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic will play host to a range of musical acts who will serenade visiting dinners from the clamshell fountain located on the Dolphin side of the Causeway. The acts on offer will be announced at a later date.

2017 Tickets – Tickets to the Food and Wine Classic are open to the general public and can be booked following this link or by calling 1.888.828.8850. The costs are as follows:

Causeway Ticket – $108.26
Causeway and Beer Garden – $131.79
Beverage Seminar – $47.10
Food & Beverage Seminar – $65.92

Hotel Packages – Visitors can also stay right in the heart of the action by booking one of the special Swan and Dolphin hotel packages designed to help you get the most out of your time at the Food and Wine Classic as well as the neighboring Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Here are the details of the two packages on offer.

Package 1: Includes a one night stay for 2 adults with 2 Causeway Passes offering unlimited food and wine tastings.

Dolphin rates starting at $424
Swan rates starting at $444

Package 2: Includes a 2-night stay for 2 adults with 2 Causeway Passes offering unlimited food and wine tastings.

Dolphin rates starting at $824
Swan rates starting at $844

Watch this space for more information on the 2017 Food and Wine Classic as well as details about the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Planning a trip to Disney in 2017? Fill out the form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working 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. 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.

Catch Sweet Dreams with a Mickey Dream Catcher

By

Danielle

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January 11, 2017

I don’t know about you, but I’m always dreaming about Disney castles and Hidden Mickeys! Imagine my surprise when looking through social media for some Disney magic when I found the perfect dream catcher. This Mickey Dream Catcher from PoshPaxDesigns on Etsy is fantastic!

This Mickey Dream Catcher is so eye catching! I love the whimsical twist of rainbow colored stars instead of the traditional feathers. This beautiful dream catcher mobile measures 12 inches across the top and over 2 feet in length! That’s a substantial size for a dream catcher to decorate any room with. The designer will customize the Dream Catcher with any colors or shapes to make sure it’s perfect for the room you have in mind. How perfect would this be for a Mickey Mouse themed nursery? My bedroom is a Tangled theme right now, but I think I totally need one of these anyways! There’s even a Star Wars one, I know that would look amazing in my living room!

There are also other cute Disney inspired dream catchers available, like Minnie Mouse, Tink and more! Check them out below:

Would you hang one of these incredible Mickey Dream Catchers over your bed?

Broadway Concert Series at Epcot International Festival of the Arts to Offer Priority Seating For Passholders

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 11, 2017

An email went out to Annul Passholders this afternoon offering them priority seating for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts Broadway Concert Series.

Running on Fridays – Mondays between January 13th – February 20th, Broadway meets Disney as stars of the Great White Way bring their musical talent to the American Gardens Theater. Here’s a rundown of this amazing who’s who of the musical theater world.

January 13th – 16th and January 20th – 23rd: Ashley Brown, renowned for playing the role of Mary Poppins on Broadway, and Josh Strikland, who starred as Tarzan on Broadway, perform songs from Disney’s Beauty and the Best, Tarzan, Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid

January 27th – 30th and February 3rd – 6th: Leading Broadway talents Kerry Butler and Kevin Massey (also know for his stint at Tarzan on Broadway) will be treating guests to selections from Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Newsies and Aladdin.

February 10th – 13th and February 17th – 20th. Kissy Simmons best know for her work in The Lion King and Alton Fitzgerald who famously plaid the role of Mufasa on Broadway over 4000 times will take guests through a range of songs from Disney Broadway classics including The Lion King, Aida, Aladdin and the Little Mermaid.

Passholder priority seating will be available at both the 5.30pm and 6.45pm performances.

Seating is complimentary with tickets being distributed on first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Annual Passholders should log onto the Disney website to register.

Chip and Co readers are encouraged to watch this space for updated information on the amazing offerings available at the first Epcot International Festival of the Arts opening in just two days.

Planning a trip to Disney in 2017? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working 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. 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.