Woody Harrelson Officially Joins Stand Alone Han Solo Film

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Disneyland Launching New FastPass System for a Fee

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 11, 2017

If you’ve been to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, then you know that the two parks operate their FastPass systems very differently. While planning for WDW, you can make your choices online 60 days before your arrival, however at Disneyland, you must go to a FastPass kiosk for each individual ride once you are inside the parks to receive a paper FastPass ticket with a return time. 16 rides at Disneyland currently offer FastPasses.

There have been rumors for a while now that FastPass+ has been a future possibility for Disneyland, and it seems it is finally coming true, even if it isn’t how we imagined it would be put into action.

Disneyland is now offering a separate paid FastPass/PhotoPass option for an introductory rate of $10/day. This new MaxPass allows guests to use the Disneyland App to view and download all of their PhotoPass photos as well as choose FastPass times for both The Matterhorn Bobsleds in Disneyland Park and Toy Story Midway Mania in Disney California Adventure.

Rest assured, however, that you can still get FREE FastPasses for those two attractions by visiting the kiosks for those rides, but you will get paper FastPass tickets and not be able to use your app to choose and redeem those FastPass choices.

No further details or start date (other than “later this year”) have been given for this new MaxPass, but as soon as we know more we will be sure to update you.

What do you think of having to pay for FastPass for The Matterhorn Bobsleds and Toy Story Midway Mania?

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.

Enter the GoGo squeeZ Run the Magic Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win a runDisney Experience

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 11, 2017

GoGo squeeZ is the official sponsor of runDisney Kids Races. Enter their Run The Magic Sweepstakes by January 15, 2017 for a chance to win a four night runDisney experience at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort. One grand prize vacation package will be awarded and consist of the following:

Four (4) round-trip coach class airfares between the gateway US airport nearest winner’s residence and the Orlando International Airport of John Wayne Airport.
One (1) standard room with a maximum of four (4) persons at a moderate Walt Disney World Resort Hotel or Disneyland Resort for four (4) nights.
One (1) Disney Gift Card with a value of five hundred dollars $500; subject to restrictions.
Four (4) 4-Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper Tickets or its equivalent to be awarded to the grand prize winner and up to three Guests of the Proposed Promotion.
Four (4) runDisney Race entries during Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort Weekend.

The winner will be able to choose from the following 2017 runDisney race weekends:

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida (April 20 – 24, 2017)
Tinker Bell Half Marathon, Disneyland Resort, California (May 11 – 15, 2017)
Disneyland Half Marathon – Disneyland Resort, California (August 31 – September 4, 2017)
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon – Walt Disney World Resort, Florida (November 2 – 6, 2017)

The total Average retail value of this package is $6,156.00, which will vary depending upon point of departure, selected destination and seasonal fluctuation of lodge rates and airfares.

Run the Magic Sweepstakes began on 1/8/17 and ends on 1/15/17. One winner will be randomly selected on or about 1/18/17 and will be notified by email and/or telephone. No purchase necessary to enter or win and participants must be at least 18 years old. Click here for the official rules.

Vacation packages are still available at Walt Disney World Resort that include guaranteed registration in the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. The booking deadline for this offer is January 15, 2017. Click here for more details.

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!

Source: http://www.gogosqueez.com/runthemagicsweeps/

Disney’s “Pinocchio” Signature Collection Bonus Clips

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 11, 2017

The Disney classic “Pinocchio” is out on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere today! To celebrate Disney released some great new bonus clips from the early days of Disney Animation that show Walt Disney’s process while creating Pinocchio!

“Pinocchio” is out on Blu-ray™ and DVD on Jan. 31.

‘Iron Man Experience’ Opens at Hong Kong Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 11, 2017

One of the most anticipated rides at the Hong Long Disneyland Resort has just opened, and fans are raving! The new Marvel “Iron Man Experience” ride has opened and it makes its debut as the first Marvel-Themed attraction at a Disney Park. The new Iron Man Experience ride at Hong Kong Disneyland takes guests on an epic adventure of a lifetime where they join Iron Man in a battle against the evil forces of Hydra across the city of Hong Kong.

Disney offered up some information on the new ride opening:

Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Bob Chapek joined members of the Hong Kong government to unveil the attraction that brings the Iron Man character to life inside the park.

“We are always pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation so that our guests can step into the magical worlds of their favorite stories and meet their most beloved characters,” said Chapek. “We’re thrilled to be adding the high-tech, action-packed universe of Marvel to Hong Kong Disneyland, and we’ll continue building on it as we move into the next phase of expansion.”

Anchoring a unique storyline, the eminent innovator and pioneer, Tony Stark has selected Tomorrowland in Hong Kong Disneyland to host Stark Expo, where he will show off his latest high-tech creations in various exhibition halls – the Hall of Legacy, the Hall of Protection, the Hall of Energy and the Hall of Mobility. Guests will be among the first to explore Tony Stark’s latest innovations up close and fly in a gravity-defying Iron Wing flight vehicle in Iron Man Experience. He has also made Hong Kong the Asia headquarters of Stark Industries hereafter.

Guests will make their way to the Hong Kong Stark Tower powered by the arc reactor and whizz alongside Iron Man through streets that resemble those in West Kowloon and downtown, and fly over iconic Hong Kong landmarks like Tsing Ma Bridge, Victoria Harbour and the city’s pristine mountain ranges.

The attraction also features the Iron Man Tech Showcase, which gives guests a personal encounter with Iron Man himself, and the Become Iron Man interactive game. Guests can also choose from a variety of Iron Man-themed food and beverage experiences and merchandise offerings.

The opening of Iron Man Experience continues a period of growth at Hong Kong Disneyland with more on the way in the months ahead. A third resort hotel, Disney Explorers Lodge, will open later in the first half of the year.

What do you think of the new ride? If you’re like us, you wish we could see something like this at a U.S. Disney Park too!

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.

Photos: Disney Food Blog

Geyser Point Bar & Grill Slated to Open at Wilderness Lodge in February

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 11, 2017

DVC Members scheduled to spend their February or March at Wilderness Lodge’s updated Boulder Ridge Villas are being notified that the Lodge’s latest eatery Geyser Point Bar & Grill is slated to open at some point next month.

Geyser Point is conveniently located next to the feature pool area of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, providing guests with an opportunity to grab a bite and take it with them poolside. There will also be a large outdoor patio with water views. The restaurant will be open for breakfast lunch and dinner and will offer kids meals, burgers, sandwiches, salads and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

During this time, Wilderness Lodge will be closing both the Roaring Forks quick service restaurant as well as the Trout Pass Pool Bar for refurbishments.

The new Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, a highlight of the extensive renovation to the property, is scheduled to open in time for the Summer crowds.

Thinking about 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.

Splash Mountain Tsum Tsum Collection Splashes down at Disney Parks

By

Danielle

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January 11, 2017

January has been full of Tsum Tsum goodness! We got the jazzy Atristocats Tsum Tsum collection earlier this month, as well as city inspired ones too! Now the Splash Mountain Tsum Tsum collection has splashes into Disney Parks!

This new series has 6, mini size stackable plush with characters inspired by classic Frontierland attraction. You’ll find Brer Fox, Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear, Blue Bird, the Possum and Vulture stacked and ready to splash at select locations at the Disney Parks and Resorts, as well as the Shop Disney Parks App.

Disney Parks Blog also debuted a peek at a new Disney Tsum Tsum pin set coming to Disney Parks in late February 2017. This pin set will contain 6 pins inspired by the Adventureland Tsum Tsum collection released last October. I still haven’t gotten my hands on an Orange Bird Tsum Tsum, maybe the pin version will do!

You will be able to find the Splash Mountain Tsum Tsum Collection at the following locations:

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai‘i

Kalepa’s Store
Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort

Downtown Disney District -World of Disney
Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure park – Tee, Hats & Tattoos
Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland park – Gag Factory

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Springs Marketplace – Once Upon a Toy and World of Disney
Disney’s EarPort at Orlando International Airport
Magic Kingdom Park – Curtain Call Collectibles
Epcot – ImageWorks
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Beverly Sunset
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures

Happy Splashing and Stacking Tsum Tsum Fans!

How to spend a Romantic Valentines Day Getaway at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 11, 2017

If you have the opportunity to spend Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World, then we have some ideas for how you can make it a Most Romantic Day at the Most Magical Place on Earth:

Why not take a ride together in a horse-drawn carriage? You can find these scenic rides available at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds as well as Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Snuggle up together and enjoy the beauty around you on your tour.

If horse drawn carriages aren’t your thing, you can head to Disney Springs and take a ride in an amphicar instead, over by The Boathouse Restaurant, where you can head out on the water in a classic car that’s also a boat! You can even follow that up with cocktails and dinner right there at The Boathouse Restaurant.

You can enjoy a couples massage together at 3 Spa Locations on Disney Property:

Mandara- The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Senses at The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Senses at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

Enjoy a romantic meal at one of Disney’s Fine Dining Restaurants. Some of our favorite Date Night choices include: Le Cellier, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Victoria & Albert’s, California Grill, and Monsieur Paul. The ambiance and food will certainly be perfect for a special night out for two. Even though many guests will still be dining in their park clothes, try bumping your attire up to business casual for a more elegant experience for your evening.

After dinner, grab a spot on the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and watch the Magic Kingdom Wishes Fireworks. You may even get lucky enough to find an available hammock to snuggle up in together while you watch!

Perhaps you would be interested in walking the World Showcase together, sampling different wines from different countries, or hopping on the Monorail and making a stop at each Monorail Resort lounge for a cocktail. The lounges offer specialty cocktails that are unique to Disney resorts and restaurants (I know a banana martini sounds awful, but just trust me and try one), or you can order your own favorite drink from the available full bar. Some Resort lounges even offer small appetizers and desserts you can enjoy along with your drinks.

When you’re ready to call it a night, you can head back to your resort, and hop in the hot tub (if your resort has one, be sure to check ahead of time before planning on this treat), to soak away the cares from your day.

There are so many ways you can enjoy Walt Disney World when you’re on a romantic trip, where will you start?

If you would like to visit a Disney this Valentine’s Day, 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.