Disney Wins At The Oscars

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February 27, 2017

Disney took both animation categories and visual effects at Sunday’s Academy Awards.

The studio’s smash “Zootopia” won for best animated feature; Disney/Pixar’s charming “Piper” won for animated short; and Disney’s CGI/live-action hybrid “The Jungle Book” won for visual effects.

“Zootopia” filmmakers Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Clark Spencer mentioned the degree to which politically divisive times have lent a lens through which to view their anthropomorphic satire. In accepting the award, Moore expressed gratitude that audiences embraced “this story of tolerance being more powerful than fear of the other.”

Alan Barillaro and Marc Sondheimer won for “Piper.” For all its success, Pixar hadn’t won for animated short since 2002 (“For the Birds”).

It was no surprise that “Jungle Book,” directed by Jon Favreau, won for best visual effects. The cutting-edge technology that went into creating so much of the film was breath-taking and seamed so well with the live-action.

Snuggle up with the Coca Cola Polar Bear on National Polar Bear Day

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2017

February 27th is National Polar Bear Day, so if you’re at the Walt Disney World Resort, and looking for a way to celebrate, then head on over to the Coca Cola Store at Disney Springs!

At the CocaCola Store you can meet the friendly and fluffy Coca Cola Polar Bear! You can find him on the second story of the shop, and he meets with guests from 10am to 9pm daily.

The perfect National Polar Bear Day would be enjoying some yummy coke floats and snuggling this big, friendly guy, don’t ya think?

If you would like to visit a Disney destination, 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 Parks Blog

Owen Wilson Served As Grand Marshall At The Daytona 500

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2017

Owen Wilson (voice of Lightning McQueen) served as Grand Marshall for the 59th annual Daytona 500 in celebration of Cars 3.

Here are some pictures from the event.

Walt Disney World Star Wars & Toy Story Land Construction Update

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Lisette R

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February 27, 2017

Many of us are eagerly anticipating the debut of Star Wars Land in 2019. This new land, at 14 acres, will be the largest “Land” at any of the Walt Disney World Parks. Here are some updated photos of the Walt Disney World Star Wars & Toy Story Land construction at Hollywood Studios.

If you stand at the entrance to Tatooine Traders at the entrance to Muppets Courtyard, you can zoom your camera and get an idea of all the work that is going on behind the Star Wars Land construction walls.

The former Streets of America is now a dirt road. The Star Wars Land construction area contains mounds of dirt, storage containers, a backhoe vehicle, and of course the infamous cranes.

The far side of the construction, bordering Mama Melrose and the exit for Muppet Vision 3D, still has a building standing with the ever-present snowman. There is also one building facade standing along the former Streets of America, as seen from the Muppets Courtyard. We are wondering if this building will remain, as an iconic memory of days past, and somehow become part of the new Star Wars Land. Most of the underbrush and smaller trees have been removed from the area that used to be the surrounding grenery for the New York City building facade. There is now a clear view straight across to the Sci-Fi Dine In as you exit, and enter, the walkway to Muppets Courtyard.

Are you excited to see Star Wars Land come to life? Please leave your comments in the box below

New TV Spot During the Oscars of Pandora – The World of Avatar With James Cameron

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 26, 2017

In case you missed it, a great TV spot for Pandora – The World of Avatar was on during the Oscars.

If you did miss it, take a look!

Paint the Night with Custom Mickey Mouse Ear Hats

By

Danielle

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February 26, 2017

There is no denying that Mickey Ear Hats are one of the most iconic Disney Parks icons. Of course these days, people love a little bit of extra magic even at Disney! These Custom Mickey Mouse Ear Hats by jelizabethdesigner on Etsy, are inspired by “Paint the Night” and are truly an extra dash of pixie dust.

These hats are purchased directly from Disneyland and all embellishments are placed by hand. The vinyl glitter pieces are also cut by hand in the shapes of paint splatter, and then accented by heat set stones. I also love that they are Disneyland hats, since even I am guilty of giving Walt Disney World all the Disney love sometimes too! The designer also has many other gorgeously customized Mickey Eat Hats available as well. All of them have sparkle and vibrant colors!

What do you thinking of these gorgeous and shimmery Custom Mickey Mouse Ear Hats?

Kaitlyn Johnson Wins Emotional Disney Princess Half Marathon

By

Chip

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February 26, 2017

After her cousin Gabrielle Arcangeli of Harmony, Fla., was tragically killed in a car crash last summer, Kaitlyn Johnson was determined to honor her cousin’s memory by running Sunday in the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Suffice to say, she did that and a lot more, outpacing the field of more than 24,000 runners to win her first-ever half marathon.

Johnson, a biomechanical engineering PhD candidate at the University of Texas at Austin, ran along with more than 35 of Arcangeli’s family and friends who also participated in the race weekend in honor of Arcanegli, who ran the race last year.

“Our whole family is here, so it’s great fun because we are all here in honor of my cousin,’’ Johnson said. “And I think that’s helpful in the healing process.’’

Johnson, originally from Westfield, New Jersey, had little trouble getting to the finish line ahead of everyone else, flying around the 13.1-mile course at Walt Disney World Resort in 1:22:16 – nearly three minutes ahead of second-place finisher Heather Schulz of Orlando (1:24:53). Jennifer Berry of Denver was third (1:25:49).

“I felt good from the beginning,’’ Johnson said. “It was so fun running by the Grand Floridian (Resort), where I used to stay (when we visited Walt Disney World Resort) when I was growing up, and Splash Mountain, which is my favorite ride. It was a fun time.’’

The half marathon was the finishing touch on the multi-race weekend which included Kids Races, the Disney Princess 5K and the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K, plus a Health & Fitness Expo. In all, more than 52,000 runners participated in the race weekend, making it the largest women-focused race weekend in the nation.

The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is the third race in runDisney’s nine-race series that encompasses Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris. Next up is the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side (April 20-23) at Walt Disney World Resort and the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend presented by PANDORA Jewelry (May 11-14) at Disneyland Resort. For more information about runDisney, visit www.runDisney.com.

New Tangled Photo Pass Experience at Magic Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 26, 2017

Have you ever had Magic Shots taken by the photographers at Disney PhotoPass and later saw that Tinker Bell was resting in the palm of your hand, or a whole bunch of colorful Mickey Balloons were floating above your head?

Well, Disney PhotoPass photographers are offering a new experience with Magic Shots in Fantasyland. This new photo opportunity recreates the scene in ‘Tangled’ where Flynn Rider and Rapunzel are in a small boat watching thousands of lanterns floating magically overhead. Remember how you felt you felt when they pushed the lantern into the sky together. How would you like to live in that moment? Yes, that’s right, now in Magic Kingdom you can get your picture taken holding one of the many iconic “floating lights” featured in ‘Tangled’. I Know this new Photo Pass experience will bring smiles to ‘Tangled’ fans.

All of us here at Chip and Company can’t wait have our pictures taken with the “floating lights”. How about you?

Interested in a Magical Disney Vacation to see the “floating Lights”? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help you save time and money planning your next Disney vacation. My services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (770) 800-6500. Follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming at Disney Springs Changes Name to Homecomin’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 26, 2017

Visitors to the website for Chef Art Smith’s Disney Springs restaurant may notice that there’s been a bit of a name change. The restaurant has dropped the g- now calling itself Homecomin’ rather than Homecoming. This is a move that seems more in keeping with the southern style of this Florida kitchen which serves up tried-and-true down home favorites like deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, fried chicken and shrimp and grits.

The restaurant, which opened up in The Landing section of Disney Springs last summer has already become a Walt Disney World Resort favorite. So next time you’re in the area, don’t miss your opportunity to sample the amazing dishes dreamed up by Florida’s much-loved celebrity chef who’s credits include spending several years as the personal chef to Oprah Winfrey.

Prices at Homecomin’ range from $15 – $39 per adult. For visitors on the Disney Dining Plan, a meal at Homecomin’ will set you back 1 Table Service Credit. The restaurant also participates in Tables in Wonderland.

For more information on the restaurant visit their website at www.homecominkitchen.com

Planning a trip to Disney? 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.

Images copyright Disney.

Bill Paxton Dies At 61

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 26, 2017

We were all quite shocked this morning hearing of the passing of the iconic and diverse actor Bill Paxton. He isn’t known as a Disney staple but he has acted in a few of their films – “Spy Kids 2 & 3”, “Might Joe Young”, “Million Dollar Arm” and most recently an early regular of ABC’s “Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.”

Paxton’s family released this statement:
“It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery. A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker. Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their adored husband and father.”

He was 61, and is survived by his second wife and two children.

Mickey and The Roadster Racers Coming to DVD on March 7th

By

Danielle

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February 26, 2017

Mickey and the Roadster Races has become a fast favorite in my home. We love the new spin on Mickey and the gang, and all the new characters and adventures we get to experience with them. We are definetly counting down the days until we can race across Hot Dog Hills with the new Mickey and The Roadster Racers DVD on March 7th!

Join Mickey and His Pals in their Transforming Roadsters as They Race Around Hot Dog Hills AND Around the World in this Brand New Series! Plus like many Disney Junior DVDs, a special treat awaits us inside the box! This one includes a FREE Exclusive Create Your Own Personalized Metal License Plate!

Synopsis: Welcome to Hot Dog Hills, where Mickey and his pals run the coolest garage on the planet. Join them for high-octane thrills as they power up their amazing, transforming cars for races through the town…and around the world! Then, team up with Minnie and Daisy, ‘cause when they’re not zooming to victory, they’re solving problems for anyone in need at their fabulous “Happy Helpers” headquarters. With friendly competition and fun new vehicles, Mickey and the Roadster Racers is a wild ride that’s turbo-charged with nonstop laughter and awesome adventures from start to finish!

Voice Cast: Bret Iwan as Mickey Mouse; Russi Taylor as Minnie Mouse; Bill Farmer as Goofy/Pluto; Daniel Ross as Donald Duck; and Tress MacNeille as Daisy Duck.

Executive Producer: Rob LaDuca

Co-Executive Producer and Supervising Story Editor: Mark Seidenberg

Episodes:

Mickey’s Wild Tire! / Sittin’ Kitty
Goofy Gas! / Little Big Ape
Race for the Rigatoni Ribbon! / Roaming Around Rome

Bonus:

Complete episode – Mickey’s Perfecto Day / Running of the Roadsters!
Mickey and the Roadster Racers Theme Song Music Video
Happy Helpers Theme Song Video

Release Date: March 7, 2017

Ratings: TV-Y (US); G (CE/CF)

Run Time: Approximately 88 minutes (including bonus episode)

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Widescreen (Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions)

Audio: 2.0 Dolby Digital

Languages: English & French

Subtitles: English SDH, French & Spanish

Are you excited to race around Hot Dog Hills with Mickey and the Roadster Racers? Bring Home this Fast Paced Fun on Disney DVD March 7th. Also available for Pre-Order now!

Disney Releases Commercial Showing Guests Walking Through Pandora: The World of Avatar

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 26, 2017

With Pandora: The World Of Avatar slated to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in just a few short months, Walt Disney World is now starting to heavily promote the magical land of the Na’vi through a series of new commercials.

The latest version shows actual footage of a family walking through the World of Avatar as well as snapshots of what the landscape will look like in this amazing re-creation of the moon made famous in James Cameron’s Avatar franchise.

Check out the video:

It’s like dreaming with your eyes wide open. Expeditions to Pandora begin May 27 from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. #VisitPandora pic.twitter.com/AU2MOcpeFm

— Walt Disney World (@WaltDisneyWorld) February 26, 2017

Here are also a couple of our favorite stills from the commercial.

We can’t wait to be able to see firsthand this feat of modern Imagineering. Are you as excited as we are? Then watch this space for the latest Pandora news and check out Disney’s official site visitpandora.com

Planning a trip to Disney? 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.

Images copyright Disney.

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