Disney Find- Disney A to Z (Fifth Edition): The Official Encyclopedia

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October 29, 2016

If you’re curious about The Walt Disney Company, this comprehensive encyclopedia is your one-stop guide! The Disney A to Z : The Official Encyclopedia is full Disney history, new and old!

Filled with significant achievements, short biographies, historic dates, and tons of trivia-worthy tidbits and anecdotes, this newly updated collection covers all things Disney-from A to Z-through thousands of entries and more than eight hundred images. The fifth edition will include all the major Disney park attractions, restaurants, and shows; summaries of ABC and Disney television series; run-downs on all Disney and Disney-Pixar films and characters; the latest and greatest from Marvel and Lucas; key actors, songs, and animators from Disney films and shows; and so much more!

Do you enjoy Disney books full of history and info like the Disney A to Z : The Official Encyclopedia?

Totally Cute Minnie and Mickey Mouse Inspired Wallets

By

Danielle

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October 29, 2016

I love having a small .ID. wallet for carrying my id, gift cards, etc. A mini card wallet makes swapping out purses a breeze, and they’re also great for keeping things organized when packing a bag to bring when touring the Disney theme parks. These super adorable Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse inspired wallets from EarlyBirdStitches are just too perfect for my next Disney trip!

These fun handmade mini wallets come with a split ring, so you can attach your keys or hook it onto your purse, or even a lanyard, and a clear side for easy I.D. display access. These will hold several credit cards, money, and other small items. They truly are perfect for work, school, Disney Parks, traveling, cruising or even the gym! Another fun option the designer includes is the choice of a wallet style, or lanyard style. With a lanyard style you can hook one to your Disney Pin Lanyard and have one less thing to carry. Best of all, there is two cute Disney designs to choose from!

Minnie Mouse Inspired Keychain ID Wallet

Styled after the original Disney trend setter herself, Minnie Mouse!

Mickey Mouse Inspired Wallet

This one embodies the one who started it all, Mickey Mouse!

I think these Minnie or Mickey Mouse Inspired Wallets would make the perfect addition to my park bag for my next Disney trip! How about you?

The Disney Wonder is Headed Back Home After its Dry Dock in Spain

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 29, 2016

The Disney Wonder has spent 5 weeks abroad in Spain in a dry-dock receiving some very Magical Enhancements. We hear from The Orlando Sentinel that it’s finally on its way back to the US with some very exciting upgrades for guests!

The most notable changes that were installed at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain are a new restaurant, new water park, Marvel-themed play space and the introduction of a Broadway-style production based on “Frozen.”

The Marvel Super Hero academy in the newly re-imagined Oceaneers Club will showcase Spiderman as the star, but there are 3 other themed kids areas to enjoy as well: Frozen Adventures, which will feature a digital Olaf and character visits from Anna and Elsa; Club Disney Junior featuring Doc McStuffins; and Andy’s Room, which is featured on other Disney ships and offers a multi-level play area where children romp around larger-than-life toys as if they were in the film “Toy Story” and will get character visits from Woody and Jessie.

One of the other new hotspots is Tiana’s Place, a New Orleans themed restaurant based on the movie The Princess and The Frog. The restaurant will feature a jazz/blues influences, and of course will focus on New Orleans style southern food.

The Adults-Only area of the ship also received a makeover: The three featured spaces are now an updated version of the Cadillac Lounge, a new nightclub to replace WaveBands called Azure and the replacement of sports pub Diversions with an English pub called Crown & Fin, which will feature a its own unique brew for guests to enjoy.

Frozen: A Musical Spectacular will replace Toy Story- The Musical, and will feature 8 songs from the movie, as well as incorporate large amounts of puppetry.

“I think guests are going to be impressed with some of the really amazing effects that we’re working on,” said Jeff Conover, puppetry development director for the show. “I think there’s a lot of potential for unexpected surprises. They’re also going to walk away seeing something truly magical the way we imagine it to be.”

The number of characters experiences onboard the newly imagined Wonder is set to increase as well, making guests very happy! Each of the four spaces in Oceaneer Club will have character experiences including Spider-Man’s Web-Warriors 101, Frozen Adventures: A Royal Frozen Coronation with Anna and Elsa, Club Disney Junior: Sofia the First Magical Storytelling and Andy’s Room: Woody’s Roundup.

First up for the Wonder is duty in Galveston, Texas in November and December before a repositioning trip with a stop in Puerto Rico. Wonder will spend all spring sailing from Florida before it makes its way to the West Coast for its normal summer Alaska sailing duties.

If you would like to go on a Disney Cruise, 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.

photos: Disney Cruise Line

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” Returns For A Limited Engagement

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 29, 2016

Need more Halloween movies in your life? Then this is the news for you!!

This Halloween weekend, Friday, October 28th – Monday, October 31st, Disney classic “The Nightmare Before Christmas” returns for a limited engagement exclusively in over 200 Regal cinemas locations nationwide!

Tickets are now on sale at select Regal theaters. Participating theaters include locations in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

For tickets and information, contact Regal Cinemas

Wonderful World of Memories Is A Wonderland of 2016 Winter Holiday Clothing Merchandise

By

Lisette R

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October 29, 2016

As I was meandering along at the Walt Disney World Resort’s Disney Springs recently, I wandered into Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories Shop. To my surprise, I walked into a Wonderland of 2016 Winter Holiday Clothing Merchandise. Clothing for the entire family features Disney Winter Holiday themed shirts, sweatshirts, zippered hoodies, flannel pajamas, warm cozy socks, fleece lounge pants, Holiday Ear Hats, and Holiday Mickey Ears.

My absolute favorite shirt is the Happy Holidays 2016. This adorable top features a holiday tree decorated with whimsical Disney animal characters. The tree is surrounded by the Fab 5, along with some of their Disney friends, in their Winter Holiday attire and some adorable woodland animals. I am loving this year’s whimsical woodland animals theme on much of the merchandise I have seen thus far.

For the Women’s shirts, I immediately noticed how some of them have that adorable pine tree with the whimsical Disney characters and woodland animals. The other shirts I found featured Mickey, Minnie and Pluto dressed in Winter Holiday clothing. Since it is only October, I am sure there will be other options to follow in the near future.

The men will be styling with the main Mouse himself. Mickey Mouse sports his fun Santa outfits on these shirts. We all love Mickey Mouse but I am thinking there will be more choices for the men as additional Winter Holiday clothing begins to hit the shelves.

And what about for those cooler winter months that will be here soon? There are quite a few options for Winter Holiday sweatshirts and zippered hoodies. The same Happy Holidays whimsical woodland animals theme print is featured on the zippered hoodie.

Enjoy relaxing at home during the winter months in a pair of warm Winter Holiday themed flannel pajamas, warm cozy socks, or fleece lounge pants. The lounge pants are a great option for sitting around the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and some holiday cookies.

There are also some children and infant Winter Holiday clothing available. I adore the infant one-piece outfit featuring Mickey with the Whimsical Holiday Tree and adorable woodland animals.

And what Disney Winter Holiday ensemble will be complete without a pair of Ears? The adorable Mickey and Minnie Santa Hats will match any of the clothing options. If you are not a fan of hats then the Winter Holiday Mickey Ears may be what you are looking for. All of the Hats and Ears pictured here are ones I have seen before. I will be watching to see what new options will be available once the new Winter Holiday shows and events begin to take place in November. Stay tuned her for updates.

What do you think of the 2016 Winter Holiday Clothing Merchandise? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Crepes To Be Served at Amorette’s as Aristocrepes Moves to Seasonal Schedule

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 29, 2016

Since its opening earlier this year Amorette’s has been wowing visitors at Disney Springs with its amazing array of cakes, tarts and other delectable treats. Now it will can also add Creperie to the the list of things it does and does well with the announcement that sweet and savory crepes will be added to its patisserie menu.

This comes with the announcement that Aristocrepes will move to a seasonal schedule and will now start serving classic theme park treats and snacks like Mickey pretzels, and popcorn. Beverages will also be on offer including cocktails and hot chocolate.

Speculation is that these changes are due to the fact that Aristocrepes has failed to bring in the crowds.

Amorette’s has also seen an adjustment to their daily operating hours which are now Monday – Thursday from 3pm -11pm and 11 am- 11pm on Friday- Saturday.

Planning at trip to Disney World? 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 Fastpass and Dining 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.

Images copyright Disney.

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Celebrate the Spirit of the Holidays at Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 29, 2016

Disney Springs is joining in on the holiday festivities at Walt Disney World Resort this year with an incredible mix of entertainment, family fun, shopping and Christmas decor. Be sure to visit between November 11 through January 8, 2017 to celebrate the Holidays at Disney Springs. There will be time-honored traditions such as a tree lighting ceremony, carolers and even a holiday dance party. There will also be plenty of festive photo opportunities with sculptures throughout Disney Springs.

Santa’s Chalet

Santa and his helpers will be greeting Guests at their cottage across from Ghiradelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop from November 11 – December 24, 2016 from Noon to 10:00pm. Receive a pager from one of Santa’s Helpers when you check in at the podium. Return to the podium within 10 minutes of receiving a message in order to take your place in line to meet Santa.

Santa Goofy will be filling in for Santa from December 25 through December 30, 2016. Photos at Santa’s Chalet are included in Memory Maker.

Christmas Tree Trail

One of the most delightful way to celebrate the Holidays at Disney Springs is the Christmas Tree Trail. Follow the pathway near the play fountain outside Once Upon a Toy in the Marketplace where you’ll find a collections of 15 custom-decorated trees. Each tree has been themed after a popular Disney character or story. This year’s themes include Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Disney Villains, “Moana“, “Beauty and the Beast“, “The Little Mermaid“, “Cinderella“, “The Princess and the Frog“, “Alice in Wonderland“, “Frozen“, “The Jungle Book“, “Mulan“, “101 Dalmatians“, “Tangled“, “Mary Poppins“ and The Muppets.

Live Entertainment

Live entertainment, including toy soldier and snowflake stilt walkers, pop carolers, acapella groups and more will be performing November 11 through January 8, 2017 from 6:00pm until 10:00pm. A holiday-themed DJ dance party with games and activities will be available at the Once Upon a Toy fountain play area where a nightly tree lighting ceremony will also be held.

Songs and stories in honor of Hanukkah will take place at Waterview Park in The Landing, with evening performances from December 24 – January 1, 2017. There will also be special performances celebrating Kwanza on Waterside Stage in the Marketplace on December 26 and 27.

Shopping

Elaborate storefront window displays will greet guests as they shop for that special someone on their list. With more than 100 coveted brands you’re sure to find the perfect gift.

For the Fashionista – American Threads, francesca’s, kate spade new york, Lilly Pulitzer, Lucky Brand, UNIQLO, Vince Camuto and Zara

For the Dapper Man – The Art of Shaving, Chapel Hats, Lacoste, Johnston & Murphy, Set the Bar, Sosa Family Cigars, Trophy Room, Twenty Eight & Main and TUMI

For the Kids and Kids at Heart – LittleMissMatched, Marketplace Fun Finds, Once Upon a Toy and The LEGO Store

For the Mega Disney Fan – Disney’s Days of Christmas, Disney’s Pin Trader’s, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, Disney TAG, Tren-D and World of Disney

For the Athlete – APEX by Sunglass Hut, Columbia Sportswear, FIT2RUN, Under Armour Brand House and World of Soccer

For the Beauty Aficionado – Basin, L’Occitane en Provence, MAC Cosmetics, Origins, Savannah Bee Company and Sephora

For the Artist and Collector – The Art of Disney, Arribas Brothers, Pop Gallery and WonderGround Gallery

For the Jewelry Lover – ALEX AND ANI, Erwin Pearl, Pandora Jewelry, Pearl Factory, Something Silver and UNOde50

For the Do-It-Yourself Decorator – Anthropologie, Disney Centerpiece, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories and Sugarboo & Co.

Are you ready to celebrate the Holidays at Disney Springs?

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

Photo Credit: Disney

Changes to Liberty Tree Tavern’s Lunchtime Menu Means No More Pot Roast

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 28, 2016

Disney foodies and Liberty Tree Pot Roast Lovers will be mourning the loss of their favorite dish as recent upgrades to Liberty Tree’s lunchtime menu has relegated the beloved Pot Roast to the kids A La Carte menu to make way for the All-You-Care-To-Eat Patriots Platter which will now be the focal point of Liberty Tree Tavern’s lunchtime dining experience.

The Patriots Platter will feature Roast Turkey, Prime Rib, Carved Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Mac and Cheese and a seasonal vegetable.

Those looking for an alternative to the Patriot, will still have the ability to order from the A La Carte options like Pasta with Sauteed Chicken or Sauteed Shrimp, the Colony Salad or a cheeseburger. However, it does appear that entree options have been scaled back significantly.

What are your thoughts about the changes to this Liberty Square eatery? Do I hear chants of “Bring back the Pot Roast?” Tell us what you think below.

Planning your trip to Disney? 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.

Holiday Inspired Dishes Coming to the World Showcase this November and December

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 28, 2016

Those culinary elves at Epcot will be unveiling a selection of delightful seasonal dishes at eateries throughout the World Showcase later next month to ring in the arrival of the much-loved Yuletide celebration –Holidays Around the World. Each of the 11 Pavilions that make up the World Showcase will deliver tasty treats starting on November 25th and running through until the end of December that will have you signing Christmas Carols in no time. Here are a few the favorites:

American Holiday Table – For some good old-fashioned Christmas cooking head over to this eatery located at the American Adventure Pavilion where they’ll be serving up turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Also on offer is pork tenderloin, and green bean casserole (just like mom used to make). For those looking to warm up, Eggnog will be on offer as well as hot chocolate with some peppermint Schnapps to put a swing in your step.

Feast of the Three Kings Feast – In honor of Three Kings Day the World Showcase Plaza is serving up an shredded beef tamale served with avocado creme; roasted pork with mashed yucca and pickled green bananas and the delectable Three Kings Bread (pictured). Also don’t miss your chance to warm up with Coquito coconut milk with rum.

Seasonal Southern Delights – For those that like their Christmas dinner with a bit of a Southern flair look no further than this World Showcase Plaza offering of black-eyed peas, ham hocks, kale with rice and cornbread crumbles. There’s also blackened catfish with white cheddar grits and okra as well as onion and tomato stew. And no Southern holiday would be complete without a chocolate pecan tart. There’s also a Frozen S’mores drink for those looking to stay cool in December Florida heat.

Prostl- Finally for those looking for Old-World Christmas Culinary delights, this eatery located in the German Pavilion will be serving up artisan cheese plates, sauerbraten with red cabbage and a hot (alcoholic) Caramel Kiss featuring Werther’s Caramel.

So if you’re heading to Disney World this holiday season and are plotting out where to eat, definitely make Epcot one of your go-to Christmas dining destinations.

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

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to 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.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party Reservations now Available through December 31

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 28, 2016

Reservations are now available for Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from November 14 through December 31, 2016. The dessert party will start at 5:45pm until mid December with the exception of Thanksgiving week, when it will begin at 8:00pm. The December 16th party is at 6:30pm. From December 18th through the 31st the party is at 8:00pm.

The party location is mainly outdoors and uncovered. In the event of potential rain, the dessert party will be moved to an alternate covered location. Seating is limited.

Pricing Details

November 14 – December 17, 2016: Price is $69 per adult and $39 for children ages 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity included).

December 18 – 31, 2016: Price is $79 per adult and $45 for children ages 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity included.

Check in for the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party will begin an hour and fifteen minutes before show time outside of The Great Movie Ride. Guests will receive a pair of 3D HoloSpex® glasses which will turn any bright lights into holiday holographic illusions such as gingerbread men and candy canes.

Guests will enjoy multiple food stations in the courtyard of The Great Movie Ride. Treats will feature holiday-inspired savory delights, sweet tidings such as the delicious Santa Mickey chocolate cupcake with peppermint bark, and more—including a nitrogen dessert station. Beer, wine and specialty cocktails will be available for guests over 21. Specialty non-alcoholic beverages will also be available, and of course, there will be hot cocoa!

A very special character will also be on hand to meet and mingle with dessert party guests, before you are escorted to the reserved viewing area for Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Spectacular. This larger-than-life nighttime extravaganza features iconic music, fireworks, special effects and state-of-the-art projections that display heartwarming moments from some of your favorite Disney films including Bambi, Cinderella and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas—and build to a festive finale you won’t soon forget!

Reservations can be made online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. A separate ticket for admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required in order to attend this event and is not included in the dessert party price.

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

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Find- Fantastic Disney Nurse Badge Reels

By

Danielle

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October 28, 2016

Being able to express your Disney love at your job is always fun. Lots of nurses can show off their pride with Disney scrubs, but not everyone gets to wear their fun scrubs to work. These amazingly cool Disney Nurse Badge Reels from PineTreesBoutique have found the perfect solution.

Do you know any nurses that love Disney!?! I know quite a few that do! I also love finding ways to show my nursing friends how much I appreciate them, and I think that these Disney Nurse Badge Reels are great. These are great not only for nurses but CNAs, teachers, X Ray techs, or anybody that has an ID that the are constantly needing! These are do fun, I think I could find a reason to need a badge reel. The designer has a large assortment of Disney themed ones, and you can even choose from a selection of colors, to truly personalize it. Between the fabric color choices, and design color choices the possibilities are endless for unique Disney themed badge reels. These little baubles would make great gifts.

Check out the neat Disney Designs available:

Which one is your favorite?

Doctor Strange Film Review, The Doctor Is In

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 28, 2016

Marvel is at it again, and let me just say, I welcome it. Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” is yet another ball-out-of-the-park film from the Disney camp. If you’re in the mood for a visually stunning, action packed, comic book movie, get to the theater when it opens, because I can tell you right now, you don’t want this spoiled for you by your overzealous friends.

“Doctor Strange” is about Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), a gifted New York neurosurgeon. His wealth, brains and cockiness closely match another known Marvel quantity who’s building is seen in an establishing shot. Strange gets into a horrific car accident (which is one of the best crash scenes I’ve seen, no joke), and finds himself in desperate need of help, not just for his hands, for himself as a whole. He travels to Kathmandu in search of Kamar-Taj and The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), to heal himself. In turn he discovers the mystic arts and becomes a powerful sorcerer. That’s when the real challenges begin.

This is by far the most visually stunning of all the films in the Marvel Universe. Ben Davis’s Cinematography and Charles Wood Production Design is beautiful. Visual Effect Supervisor Stephane Ceretti and Special Effects Supervisor Paul Corbould made the unreal 100% plausible. The bending of reality meshed seamlessly with the absolute real of the New York, Napal and Hong Kong settings.

Directed by Scott Derrickson, this is a step away from his usual genre. Derrickson is most known from horror films (“Sinister”, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”), this was an interesting choice for Marvel, and it works. He gets tension and reveals down to a science. I’m sure he also was thrilled when he found out who his actors were – along with Cumberbatch and Swinton, the film also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong and Mads Mikkelsen. Not a bad cast, at all.

(L-R) Actors Benjamin Bratt, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton, wearing Haider Ackermann, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, writer/director Scott Derrickson, executive producers Victoria Alonso, Louis D'Esposito and president of Marvel Studios/producer Kevin Feige (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) — (L-R) Actors Benjamin Bratt, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton, wearing Haider Ackermann, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, writer/director Scott Derrickson, executive producers Victoria Alonso, Louis D’Esposito and president of Marvel Studios/producer Kevin Feige (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

“Doctor Strange” is a welcome addition to the Marvel universe. I’m planning on seeing the movie again, and I recommend everyone watch it as soon as it comes out. One last thing, stay for both buttons at the end of the credits, you won’t regret it!