Disney removes obscene hand gesture from Rock n Roller Coaster Pre-show

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August 17, 2016

In bizarre news today, Disney has removed the hand gesture made by Steven Tyler on the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster pre-show. This pre-show with hand gesture has been around for 17 years and Disney is just now getting around to changing it.

The video surfaced last night by Orlando Now and you can see for yourself how it has changed.

Steven Tyler no longer makes the “shocker” hand gesture, now he holds up four fingers: pic.twitter.com/t9AyP5ztw2

— Orlando NOW! (@ORLNOW) August 17, 2016

I am unsure if enough guests complained about the “shocking” hand gesture or if it something Disney had on the back burner for a while and just never got around to fixing.

I want to hear what you think about the removal. Let us know in the comment box below.

Photo Credit wdwnt.com

From Sand to Rocks: Changes to Grand Floridian Shoreline

By

Lisette R

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August 17, 2016

The Grand Floridian’s pristine shoreline has recently undergone a change from sand to rocks. While change is always imminent, this particular change is significant; yet unspoken. The rocks are bordered by safety fencing, thus separating the white sand beach from the rocks.

The coloring of the rocks is in a variety of beige washed-sand hues. The rocks blend well with the landscape. Across the Seven Seas Lagoon you can see the same shoreline changes, from sand to rocks, at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

This is the look of Disney’s Grand Floridian shoreline today. The newer rocks begin where the darker pre-existing rocks end. The transition from sand to rocks, along waterways, is a trend we will see at the Walt Disney World Resort for many years to come.

Have you seen the shoreline changes at the Grand Floridian? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels offers for amazing end of summer vacations!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2016

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels have an awesome Fun can be Forever offer going on currently! When you travel before September 30^th you can enjoy rates as low as $62.00 a night! There are seven amazing Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels to choose from:

B Resort & Spa — the stylish resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged® AVEDA Spa, and features the new American Kitchen Bar & Grill
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – the 18-story, 325-room resort overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World® Resort, and offers two restaurants, lounge, and wireless internet
Buena Vista Palace — situated on 27 lush acres, the 27-story contemporary hotel is just steps from the Disney SpringsTM area, and features a Character Breakfast every Sunday, sports grill and grab-and-go market
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista — the luxurious and newly renovated resort hotel features 229 spacious suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney SpringsTM Resort Area
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – the closest hotel to Disney SpringsTM, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including Benihana® Steakhouse), and 24-hour fitness center
Holiday Inn located in the Walt Disney World® Resort — offers the ideal setting to stay, meet and play, featuring modern Florida décor and no resort fees
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista — featuring Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 comfortable guest rooms, six dining options, and the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water features.

Visiting provides the opportunity to take in such special events as:

Disney Night of Joy – Sept. 9-10, 2016 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – select nights September 2-October 31, 2016 at Magic Kingdom Park
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – September 14-November 14, 2016 at Epcot.

Note that Theme Park admission is required, and some events require a separately priced ticket.

Other benefits of staying at one of the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels include:

The ability to purchase Disney theme park admissions at each hotel
Advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World® Resort golf courses
Disney Merchandise store located in each hotel
The ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World® Resort.

The reimagined Disney Springs overflows with the sights, sounds and flavors that come together in a beautiful outdoor environment with a charming waterfront setting. Set amid beautiful open-air promenades and bubbling springs, this vibrant destination features four distinct outdoor neighborhoods: The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side.

Nearing completion of its transformation, Disney Springs already has many new offerings that are open. Among these are 25 exciting new retail tenants that opened their doors in Town Center in May, which includes: kate spade new york, Vera Bradley, Tommy Bahama, PANDORA, Under Armour Brand House, ALEX AND ANI, Sephora, UGG, TROPHY ROOM, and MAC Cosmetics.

In addition, 11 new specialty dining locations also recently opened at Disney Springs: Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, renowned Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, Amorette’s Patisserie, STK Orlando, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., D-Luxe Burger, Morimoto Asia Street Food, Sprinkles (cupcake bakery), The Daily Poutine, YeSake, and Aristocrepes. This follows such other recent openings as the Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, The Ganachery chocolate shop, Vivoli Il Gelato (serving Italian gelato like its sister shop in Florence, Italy), Dockside Margaritas, and Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (which specializes in gluten-free and vegan baked goods).

Also recently opened is Exposition Park, the home to Disney-owned food trucks, with delicious offerings from each of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. Plus, there are two new parking garages with a total of 6,000 spaces, and the new Village Causeway, which provides guests another path of travel through the area. Plus, a pedestrian bridge from the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels to the Disney Springs area opened, making it even easier for guests.

Among the many other offerings open at Disney Springs are: World of Disney store, AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24, The Art of Disney, The LEGO Store, Build-A-Dino by Build-A-Bear Workshop, Disney Design-A-Tee, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, Once Upon a Toy, Orlando Harley-Davidson (apparel and accessories), Steve Baker Caricatures, Pearl Factory, Starbucks® at Disney Springs Marketplace, and Shop for Ireland.

With great deals like this how can you not end your summer in Walt Disney World?

Disney’s Live Action “Little Mermaid” In The Works

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2016

It was just a matter of time before this came about, and I’m more than excited. Disney and Lin-Manuel Miranda are coming together with songwriter Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast”, “Tangled”) for a live action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid”. This live action remake of the Hans Christian Anderson story is said to include some preexisting songs from the 1989 animated film as well as new songs written by Miranda and Menken.

Miranda, best known for his record breaking Broadway show ‘Hamilton’, has professed to being a Little Mermaid fan. Even naming his son Sebastian. Presently, he isn’t writing the script, but he’s supervising the story. This continues Miranda’s relationship with Disney. He is starring with Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep in the sequel to “Mary Poppins” and he also worked on the upcoming Disney animated film “Moana” which is scheduled for release November 23^rd

Along with “Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast” live action remakes of Disney classics, “Cruella” with Emma Stone and “Dumbo” with director Tim Burton are all in the works. This is all a reflection of the soaring success of “Cinderella”, “Maleficent” and, of course, “The Jungle Book”. Two of which have also sprung sequels.

I’m thoroughly enjoying the revisiting of these classics, especially when the filmmakers take a new look at an old story. As a fan, what are your thoughts on this?

The Nightmare Before Christmas Tsum Tsum Box Set Coming Soon

By

Danielle

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August 16, 2016

While exploring for Tsum Tsum finds today, I stumbled upon a fun picture on the UK Disney Store website. They had a graphic featuring a The Nightmare Before Christmas Tsum Tsum boxed set!

We usually get the same Tsum Tsum releases in North America as the UK, so I’m pretty confident we’ll be seeing these next month too. The date looks to be September 06, 2016, the first Tuesday of the month. They will pair well with the Disney Villains Tsum Tsum collection that will also be launching the same day. The box set has a fun slightly warped shape which is very Tim Burton, as well as the black and gray designs.

The set will come complete with Jack, a Winking Sally, Pumpkin King Jack, Oogie Boogie, Sandy Claws, The real Santa Claus, the Mayor, and Dr. Finkelstein. Although we got Jack, Sally and Sandy Claws in the TNBC set the came out last year, the ones in this set will look different. Sally will have a more flowing hairstyle, as well as the cute wink I mentioned before. Jack’s coat is more dimensional, and he has a more devious grin. The Sandy Claws has an open smile, and fluffier beard & hat.

I’m very excited for these and the Villains collection coming out next month. I love that we’ll be getting them with plenty of time for Halloween to use as decorations. I also like to give small Halloween gifts to friends, so these will be perfect!

Will you be checking out these spooky Tsum Tsums next month? Which collection are you most excited for, The Nightmare Before Christmas set, or the Villains assortment?

If You Can Dream It You Can Do It Mickey Mouse Heart Pendant

By

Danielle

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August 16, 2016

I do so love a delicate Mickey Mouse necklace. So, my heart definitely skipped a beat when I discovered this Mickey Mouse Heart Pendant. Mickey’s silhouette is formed by shimmering sterling silver on this stylish pendant necklace. There is also a two-tone version with 10k gold.

This fun Mickey Mouse head silhouette pendant is a great way to show off your love of Disney for any occasion and with any look! Also, there is 2 options, one that features a 10k yellow gold heart shown within one of Mickey’s ears or one with a simply silver heart. Written on the edge around the pendant, is “If you can dream it you can do it.” This pendant has a sterling silver 18″ chain included. The necklace will also come presented in a 2×2 inch Disney box.

If you love an elegant touch of Disney these necklaces are for you!

Which one of these Dazzling Mickey Heart Pendants is your favorite?

Dick Van Dyke Surprises Diners With Impromptu Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Serenade

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2016

The viral video was taken on Friday while living legend Dick Van Dyke decided to regale the Denny’s in Santa Monica with a version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

50 years after the film was release, and at 90 years old, this lifelong entertainer never misses a beat! We love you Mr. Van Dyke and hope you’ll pop up in our neighborhood diner real soon!!

Disney Classics Shown During Freeform Funday’s September 17th & 18th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2016

Fall is fast approaching and with it, a new school year, changing weather and before you know it, the holidays! Take one last relaxing weekend to watch some of your favorite comforting Disney classics during Freeform’s Funday programming event, starting SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 and continuing through SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18.

The highlights are:

Saturday, September 17
(12:15 – 2:15 p.m. EDT)
DR. SEUSS’ HORTON HEARS A WHO!
Horton (Jim Carrey) is a friendly elephant who one day hears a cry for help coming from a small speck of dust. Upon closer investigation, he discovers an entire race of microscopic Whos living atop it. Horton befriends the Whos and protects their tiny world, but his jungle neighbors worry Horton has gone crazy and believes in things that don’t exist. Assuming that nothing so small could possibly be alive, Horton’s friends conspire to destroy the speck of dust in order to rouse him from his delusions, but he is determined to save the tiny particle. The all-star cast also includes Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Isla Fisher, Jonah Hill and Amy Poehler. “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who!” repeats on Sunday, September 18 at 8:00 a.m. EDT.

(2:15 – 4:30 p.m. EDT)
DISNEY’S TARZAN
This Academy Award®-winning adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ story begins deep within the jungle when baby Tarzan (Tony Goldwyn) is adopted by a family of gorillas. Even though he is shunned as a “hairless wonder” by their leader, Tarzan is accepted by the gorillas and raised as one of their own. Together with his wisecracking ape buddy Terk (Rosie O’Donnell) and neurotic elephant pal Tantor (Wayne Knight), Tarzan learns how to swing through the trees and survive in the animal kingdom. His two worlds collide with the arrival of humans, forcing Tarzan to choose between a “civilized” life with the beautiful Jane (Minnie Driver) and the life he knows and loves with his gorilla family. Disney’s “Tarzan” repeats on Sunday, September 18 at 12:15 p.m. EDT.

(4:30 – 6:45 p.m. EDT)
DISNEY’S SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
The classic animated Disney film that started it all. Snow White lives with her stepmother, the evil Queen. Jealous of Snow White’s beauty, she orders her death, but the Huntsman warns her and she flees for the forest. There she meets seven dwarves who take her in, but the Queen discovers her whereabouts and shows up in disguise with a poisoned apple that sends her into a sleeping curse. Will Snow wake up and go on to be the “fairest of them all?” Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” repeats on Sunday, September 18 at 2:30 p.m. EDT.

(6:45 – 9:00 p.m. EDT)
DISNEY’S WRECK-IT RALPH
For decades, Ralph (John C. Reilly) has played the bad guy in his popular video game. In a bold move, he embarks on an action-packed adventure and sets out to prove to everyone that he is a true hero with a big heart. As he explores exciting new worlds, he teams up with some unlikely new friends including feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman). Then, when an evil enemy threatens their world, Ralph realizes he holds the fate of the entire arcade in his massive hands. Disney’s “Wreck-It Ralph” repeats on Sunday, September 18 at 4:45 p.m. EDT.

(9:00 – 11:45 p.m. EDT)
DISNEY–PIXAR’S THE INCREDIBLES
This action-packed animated adventure is about a seemingly ordinary family with an incredible secret. Known to the world as superheroes Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), Bob Parr and his wife Helen were among the world’s greatest crime fighters saving lives and battling evil on a daily basis. Fifteen years later, they have been forced to adopt civilian identities and retreat to the suburbs to live “normal” lives with their three kids, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack. Itching to get back into action, Bob gets his chance when a mysterious communication summons him to a remote island for a top secret assignment. He soon discovers that it will take a super family effort to rescue the world from total destruction. Disney-Pixar’s “The Incredibles” repeats on Sunday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

(11:45 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. EDT)
DISNEY’S ALADDIN
In the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner named Aladdin and his mischievous monkey Abu battle to save the free-spirited Princess Jasmine with the help of their friend, a blue genie. Disney’s “Aladdin” repeats on Sunday, September 18 at 9:45 p.m. EDT.

Is Disney Closing down Stitch’s Great Escape & Journey to Imagination?

By

Anonymouse

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August 16, 2016

Hey there guys and gals it is I Anonymouse! I am back delivering to you the best in Disney Gossip! There is talk around many of the Disney message boards and websites that Disney is going to be removing some older and less attractive rides, this is where the awful Stitch’s Great Escape & the mildly amusing Journey to Imagination come into play.

The board of directors at Disney has approved $3.5 billion for Walt Disney World improvements. In that chunk of change most of it is going to Hollywood Studios so Disney can finish out Star Wars Land & Toy Story land. They have also set aside some money for Epcot & the Magic Kingdom, sorry Animal Kingdom no money for you, why don’t you ask James Cameron? So of that money for Magic Kingdom the most least popular ride (did I say that right?) at Walt Disney World is Stitch’s Great Escape.

The chatter on the net is maybe some type of Wreck it Ralph 3D Racing Attraction based off Sugar Rush! Which I LOVE that idea.

Next on the chopping block would be Journey to Imagination and the big gaping hole that was left by Captain Eo but is now filled by Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival. The rumor is that Figment is out and Inside Out will be coming in. Dreamfinder and Figment (which is who we really love anyway) from Journey to Imagination would start showing up in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom and then some sort of Inside Out ride would basically consume the area.

I would like to mention that some of the money set aside for Hollywood Studios is also going towards the retheming of the Great Movie Ride, but if you follow me then you know I mentioned that last time so it is really just review for you. Good Job!

No word yet if any of this is official. Keep in mind I just hear things and while I might not be 100% spot on I do get many things right, so take everything I say with a grain of salt and as with all of my rumors as soon as something becomes official my boy Chip will post it.

That is all the Disney gossip I have for now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at anonymouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook page.

New Holiday Dining Group Events being offered at Walt Disney World for 2016

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2016

If you have a large group, team, or organization heading to Walt Disney World this Holiday Season, then Disney has two new magical Holiday events available to book for your group! Being offered from December 2, 2016- December 29th, you can book the Winter Wonderland Escape package available at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or the Holiday Memories offering available at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

These new holiday events are available for groups of 20-200, and each offers unique holiday theming and decorations in the splendor and magic that only Disney can provide!

Disney and PR NewsWire described the new offerings:

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center, guests will enter an elegant ballroom and find themselves transported into a world of snow-capped evergreens and larger-than-life snowflakes through the Winter Wonderland Escape package. Available for groups of 20 to 200 guests, the customizable holiday experience offers lunch and dinner menus featuring festive holiday fare such as Herb Panko-Crusted North Atlantic Cod, Turkey Meatballs tossed with Maple-Granny Smith Apple Gastrique and Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake.

Classic holiday merriment abounds through the Holiday Memories package at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center where guests will be immersed in a classic atmosphere featuring red, green and gold tables decorated with assorted ornaments and flickering candlelight. Lighting projections will illuminate the walls with holiday gifts, candy canes and holly, adding a joyful tone. Available for groups of 20 to 80 guests, this holiday event offers lunch and dinner menus featuring festive bites such as Carved Maple-Glazed Turkey with Thyme Jus, Mama’s Pot Roast with Pan Gravy and a variety of holiday dessert selections.

Pricing for both event options start at $45 inclusive* per person** for lunch and $70 inclusive* per person** for dinner. Additional enhancements are available to customize event experiences including culinary action stations with renowned Disney chefs, festive performances by a string trio or small group of carolers, or an appearance by a beloved Disney character such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse dressed in their best holiday attire.

In addition to these exciting new event offerings, guests can also enjoy other seasonal activities available at Walt Disney World Resort including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party available select nights at Magic Kingdom Park or the popular Candlelight Processional at Epcot. ***

These affordable new holiday event packages are just two of many customizable options available at Walt Disney World Resort, offering unique locations, décor, culinary experiences, group activities and character appearances. With more than 700,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, Walt Disney World Resort also features four theme parks, two night nighttime entertainment districts, three championship golf courses, world-class spas and endless recreation opportunities for meeting attendees and their guests.

To learn more about hosting a Disney holiday event visit www.disneymeetings.com or call 321-939-7129.

*Includes tax and service fees.
**Minimum of 20 attendees required.
***Valid Theme Park admission or special event ticket required. Events and dates are subject to change.

If you’re unsure of where to begin planning your Disney Parks vacation, 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. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my facebook page here.

Photos: PR NewsWire

Disney PhotoPass Day Will be Celebrated at Disney Parks on August 19th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2016

Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will celebrate the art and fun of photography with the first ever #DisneyPhotoPassDay on Friday, August 19, 2016. The one day celebration will feature exciting offerings and experiences for guests throughout the Disney Parks. Guests will even have the opportunity to download a free Disney PhotoPass photo as part of the celebration and Disney PhotoPass Challenge.

Special Character Experiences At Epcot & Magic Kingdom

A friend or foe will join some of your favorite Disney characters around World Showcase at Epcot, including Mushu and Mulan in the China Pavilion; Snow White and Dopey in the Germany Pavilion; and the Queen of Hearts, who will join Alice in the United Kingdom Pavilion.Check the My Disney Experience app or the Epcot Times Guide on August 19 for the Disney characters’ schedule.

Pinocchio, Gideon and Foulfellow will be available for a special character experience in Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom from 9 am to 4 pm on August 19th. Disney PhotoPass photographers will be on hand to capture the encounter with these rare Disney characters.

Complimentary Photo Locations at All Disney Parks & Disney Springs

There will be one location at each of the four theme parks (and Disney Springs) at the Walt Disney World Resort and at both parks at Disneyland Resort where a Disney PhotoPass photographer will capture your special moment. That photo will be available in the My Disney Experience app at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland app at Disneyland Resort to download and share at no charge as part of the #DisneyPhotoPassDay celebration. (Normal My Disney Experience registration is required to access the image). Check out Disney’s PhotoPass Service Facebook page on Tuesday for a list of participating photo locations.

Participate in a Disney PhotoPass Challenge

Complete a Disney PhotoPass Challenge at any of our parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort to get a Disney PhotoPass photo on us. All you need to do is get your photo taken by a Disney PhotoPass Photographer at each of the designated challenge locations on August 19. Once you’ve stopped by all of the locations, visit a Disney PhotoPass Sales Center to claim your Disney PhotoPass photo. At the Walt Disney World Resort, participants will receive a voucher for one Disney PhotoPass download. Participants at Disneyland Resort will receive one 5×7 print of a Disney PhotoPass photo. Challenge locations and details will be posted on the Disney’s PhotoPass Service Facebook page on Wednesday.

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

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” Struggles At The Box Office

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 15, 2016

Walt Disney Studios struggles at the box office, again. Starting off the summer with “The BFG”, not bringing in the numbers they were hoping, “Pete’s Dragon” underwhelms, despite the marketing campaign. The weekends $21.4 million has put the furry dragon on a path to finish around $65-$75 million domestically.

Pete’s Dragon audiences enjoyed the film, earning it an “A” Cinemascore. It just couldn’t compete against the adult animated comedy “Sausage Party” and anti-hero DC Universe “Suicide Squad.” There is some hope of a strong second weekend via word of mouth.

I completely enjoyed the film, as you can see from my review. Perhaps it just got off to a slow start, because I do believe it has all the markings of a loved Disney classic. The good news for Disney is that the film has yet to open wide internationally. So far its only opened in 12 markets and earned an estimated $5.1 million. There is still hope!