More News On Upcoming Pixar Sequels

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November 5, 2016

Dates seemed to have swapped for “Toy Story 4” and “The Incredibles 2”. “Toy Story 4” was originally scheduled for June of 2018. However, another big Disney/Pixar property, The Incredibles, will fill that date. “The Incredibles 2” will be in theaters June 15, 2018. “Toy Story 4” is now taking the original “Incredibles 2” slot in 2019.

The reason for the swap is that production for The Incredibles sequel is rolling at an accelerated pace. Brad Bird, who directed the 2004 smash, is back at the helm for this one.

As for Toy Story, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen will both be return to voice their iconic Woody and Buzz Lightyear roles. Lasseter, the man behind the first two Toy Story films, returns to direct this one.

And in even more Disney/Pixar news: “Cars 3” is set to release in 2017!

First look of Disney’s Descendants 2!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 5, 2016

New villains emerge in “Descendants 2” (from left to right) – Gil, son of Gaston (Dylan Playfair), Uma, daughter of Ursula (China Anne McClain) and Harry, son of Captain Hook (Thomas Doherty). Each of these characters have signature colors connected to their villain parent. “Descendants 2” has wrapped production for a 2017 premiere on Disney Channel.

“Descendants 2” director, choreographer and executive producer Kenny Ortega discusses this photo and the introduction of pirates in this sequel…

“The Isle of the Lost is an island that houses the most infamous villains, so it seemed natural for a pirate gang including the offspring of Ursula, Captain Hook and Gaston to emerge as we take audiences deeper into the ‘Descendants’ world. As our rich story unfolds, Uma, the daughter of the sea witch Ursula, proves that she’s a force to be reckoned with as the leader of a pirate gang and the new self-proclaimed queen of the Isle.”

Ortega added: “She’s flanked here by her devoted henchmen, Harry, Captain Hook’s son, her right-hand man who is always ready for action, and the handsome yet thick-headed Gil, Gaston’s son.”

Reserve a New Year’s Eve Dinner Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 5, 2016

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner and Walt Disney World Resort is an incredible place to welcome 2017. Select restaurants are offering a special New Year’s Eve dinner celebration on December 31, 2016 with details below. Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

California Grill New Year’s Eve Dinner. The talented California Grill chefs create a dine-around style gala, with cooking stations throughout the restaurant. And we hear that the Disney characters will make appearances – along with Baby New Year. Wine and cocktails are included. And of course a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks! 7:30 p.m.-midnight, $650. (Dinner jacket required for men.)

Victoria & Albert’s New Year’s Eve Dinner. Enjoy a luxurious evening in this AAA Five Diamond restaurant with gracious “butler-style” service, live harp music and personalized menus to remember the special evening. Dinner is 10 courses, including eight savory courses and two desserts including eclectic wines from around the world. Seatings between 6-7:45 p.m. $600.

New Year’s Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace. The spacious World ShowPlace Events pavilion opens for an all-you-care-to-eat extravaganza. Great photo ops with fun vignettes for posing (but no Disney characters) and Disney tunes make this a real family affair. Soups, salads, hearty dishes and desserts – and the kids get their own station with favorites like mac ‘n cheese, meatballs, chicken fritters and more. Seatings available from 3-9 p.m., $72.90, $44.38 ages 3 to 11. Later in the evening, head out to the promenade for fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon to welcome 2017.

Monsieur Paul New Year’s Eve Dinner. The elegant upstairs dining room at the France pavilion at Epcot will offer six seatings on New Year’s Eve: 11:45a.m., noon, 2:15p.m., 2:45p.m., 5:45p.m. and 6:15p.m. A four-course, prix fixe menu of classical French cuisine reflects the traditions of Chef Paul Bocuse, one of the most famous chefs in France (for whom the restaurant is named). Cost is $110.81. A special late-night dinner with two seatings at 8:45p.m. and 9:45p.m. offers and enhanced French menu, including Paul Bocuse’s famous Soupe aux Truffles V.G.E. Cost is $305.03.

La Hacienda de San Angel New Year’s Dinner. This special evening at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot World Showcase starts at 9:30p.m. and ends at 1a.m., and includes a five-course prix fixe dinner, live music with the mariachi band and a fabulous view of the Epcot IllumiNations holiday show. Start the evening with a welcome margarita, then try the tequila pairing with the appetizers. Wine is served with the main course (surf n’ turf) and a dessert liqueur with the sweet ending.

Narcoossee’s New Year’s Eve Dinner, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A generous four-course menu is offered with seatings between from 5 and 5:45p.m. A five-course menu is offered with seating from 8:30-9:25p.m. for a late-night celebration with live music. The menus both feature favorites such as Narcoossee’s lobster bisque, seared Wagyu beef and pan-seared halibut. First seating $150 for adults, $70 children ages 3-9. Second seating $255 for adults, $95 for children ages 3-9.

Where do you plan on ringing in the new year?

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

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

World Series Champions Honored with Parade at Magic Kingdom on November 5th

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 5, 2016

Three players from the World Series champions Chicago Cubs will be honored with a parade at Magic Kingdom Park on Saturday, November 5th. MVP Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Javier Baez will join Mickey Mouse along Main Street U.S.A. surrounded by cheering fans looking for a chance to salute the iconic title. The parade will be streamed live on Disney Parks Blog and Facebook page beginning at 4:40pm EST on November 5th. You can also follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE.

The Chicago Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians in a dramatic Game 7 nail-biter that went 10 innings. The victory ended a 108-year baseball title quest – the longest championship drought in sports history!

This parade continues a tradition at Disney Parks of honoring extraordinary sports champions from professional football, basketball, hockey, baseball and beyond. Players from the Boston Red Sox’s championship team were also honored with a parade at Walt Disney World Resort in 2004. The Chicago Cubs baseball players are expected to enjoy time in the parks with their families and friends following Saturday’s parade.

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

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Video – All New Once Upon A Time Projection Show

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Chip

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November 4, 2016

Watch our live video from Magic Kingdom’s all new Once Upon A Time Projection Show on November 4th. It was raining when the show first started and our writer Lisette got a little wet but she loved it! She even stayed live long enough for the Kiss Goodnight which if you have never seen it is quite magical!

Once upon a time replaced the current “Celebrate the Magic” projection show, which ended on November 3rd.

Be sure to check the latest times guide at the park or refer to the My Disney Experience app for the most up to date information regarding show times. Guests can expect “Once Upon a Time” to light up Cinderella’s Castle approximately 15 minutes prior to Wishes fireworks.

Disney/Dreamworks Pictures’ “The Light Between Oceans” On Digital HD Blu-ray, DVD And On-Demand Jan 24th

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 4, 2016

Disney/DreamWorks Pictures’ “The Light Between Oceans,” a lush, classical romance starring Michael Fassbender (Best Actor, Steve Jobs), Alicia Vikander (Best Supporting Actress, The Danish Girl), and Rachel Weisz (Best Supporting Actress, The Constant Gardener), arrives home on Digital HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand On January 24th. This beautiful film is based on the 2012 best-selling novel by M.L. Stedman.

The in-home release of “The Light Between Oceans” will carry audiences even deeper into this timeless tale of love and impossible choices through never-before-seen bonus features, including a documentary which reveals director Derek Cianfrance’s unique approach that allowed the all-star cast to embody their characters and examine the power of love; a historical look at New Zealand’s Cape Campbell Lighthouse that serves as Janus Rock, a key element in Stedman’s novel; and insightful and in-depth audio commentary led by Cianfrance.

Bonus features include*:
BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
• Bringing The Light to Life – For weeks, the cast and crew of “The Light Between Oceans” lived in trailers on Cape Campbell, an isolated region of New Zealand, to film the movie adaptation of the best-selling novel. This documentary chronicles the unique approach and shooting style of director Derek Cianfrance and the production journey that inspired Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz to fully embody their characters and explore the power and depths of love.
• Audio Commentary – View the film accompanied by an in-depth and thoughtful conversation between director Derek Cianfrance and his film studies professor Phil Solomon.

• Lighthouse Keeper – The filmmakers, cast and Cape Campbell Lighthouse inspector/maintainer Rob Sword share the history of the lighthouse and explain the typical duties a lighthouse keeper like Tom Sherbourne would have during an assignment on Janus Island.

Disney World to Implement High-tech Tracking System to Keep the Parks Clean

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 4, 2016

Custodial workers will be in for a change effective Sunday, November 6, 2016 as Walt Disney World gets a technological upgrade that will allow Disney to more carefully monitor and manage staff when it comes to restroom cleanliness or trash collection throughout the parks.

The project, given the working title “Custodial of Tomorrow’ will run into the New Year in the hopes that it will minimize increasing reports of uncleanliness in the parks by working on two levels.

First, sensors in trash receptacles and restrooms will alert staff when areas are in need of a change or a tidy.

Secondly, custodial workers will themselves be monitored via iPhones that will be handed out at the beginning of their shift. GPS tracking will be used to determine a worker’s whereabouts in the parks as a way of directing the nearest on-duty employees to key areas that are in need of service. For instance, an alert might pop up on their phone with a map showing them the nearest restroom that needs cleaning.

In its pilot stags, 40 employees will be assigned to work with the new technology. It is hoped that the high traffic areas most in need of constant attention when it comes trash and tidiness will be serviced more readily and effectively.

Disney has not released any further details as to whether they will unveil this across all of the theme parks or if and when the project will be expanded to accompany more workers. Readers are encouraged to watch this space for further details.

Planning a 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 resort 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.

Image copyright Disney.

Trim the Christmas Tree with this Adorable Disney Ornament Pair

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Danielle

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November 4, 2016

I love trimming my Christmas Tree in charming Disney figural ornaments! This beautiful Disney Ornament Pair features Mickey and Minnie ready to hand out gifts for a Happy Holiday.

Mickey and Minnie each pose as Mr and Mrs Claus hanging from sleek white ribbons. Complete with gifts in hand for one another, in bright vivid colors. in this 2-ornament set to adorn your Christmas tree. They’re the perfect pair to decorate your ultimate Disney tree with! There’s also an adorable Lighting McQueen and Towmater ornament pair for the PIXAR fan’s tree! Both are available for under $14.00 with free Amazon Prime shipping too!

Do you decorate your Disney tree with one style, or is it anything goes as long as it’s Disney?

Disney Granted Permission to Start Flying Drones Over Theme Parks

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 4, 2016

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a waiver this week giving Disney permission to fly drones over its theme parks.

As you may remember, Disney filed a petition last year to be able to use the drones at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, stating that they would be used for entertainment purposes. It is believed that Disney intends to use these drones for parades, stage shows and nighttime spectaculars. Speculation arose earlier this year that Disney has its sights on mimicking the paper lantern launch from Tangled as well as a castle reveal according to submitted blueprints (pictured above).

In its petition, Disney referred to these unmanned crafts as “Flixels” and advocated that the drones will be kept 100 feet away from guest areas at all times. The flight paths are intended to take place over water, landscaping or restricted areas with these drones reaching heights of up to 150 feet.

The petition raised eyebrows when announced earlier this year due to the fact that in 2003 Disney advocated that both Walt Disney World and Disneyland be considered no-fly zones. However, they argued that the Flixels will not impact or impede current air-traffic patterns and are thus not in violation of the zones in place.

The advent of Flixels at the theme parks does have the ability to radically transform Disney’s entertainment offerings. Watch this space to see what exciting developments are on the horizon now that the petition has been approved.

Thinking about a 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 can do everything from helping you find the perfect package to planning your days at the parks. 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.

The All New Once Upon a Time Castle Show Debuts Tonight

By

Danielle

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November 4, 2016

Last night we said goodbye to the Celebrate the Magic Castle Show. It was a beloved lighting show that many Disney Addicts loved and adored. However, tonight we will welcome the newest gem to the Magic Kingdom, the Once Upon a Time Castle Show!

Join us as we say hello to the newest projection show on Cinderella’s Castle, the Once Upon a Time Projection Show. This new show will be replacing Celebrate the Magic and will feature many of our beloved characters from the previous show, as well as new Magical scenes and images. Be sure to join us at 8:45pm EST time tonight on Facebook, as we live video the newest display of lighting and pixie dust on Cinderella’s Castle.

Are you excited to see this brand new addition? Or are you going to miss Celebrate the Magic?

Universal Studio’s Resort Volcano Bay opening in summer 2017

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 4, 2016

krakatau-aqua-coaster-at-volcano-bay-lr — In early summer 2017, a first-of-its-kind water theme park will erupt at Universal Orlando Resort – Universal’s Volcano Bay. It will be an innovative experience filled with incredible thrills and perfected relaxation. Krakatau Aqua Coaster will be the star experience at Universal’s Volcano Bay – combining innovative ride technology with water theme park thrills to take families on an unforgettable adventure through the park’s massive icon – the 200-foot Krakatau volcano.

Universal Studios Resort will be opening it’s first of its kind water theme park in early summer 2017. The water park, Universal’s Volcano Bay will be filled with exciting thrills and tons of relations. Starting November 15^th you will be able to purchase tickets. You can get real time updates here

Volcano Bay will span 30 fully immersive acres and feature a variety of experiences that range from daring to serene. Dozens of unique attractions will offer something for everyone, including a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, a peaceful winding river, twisting multi-rider raft rides, speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below – and more. And the best part – guests won’t have to wait in long lines to enjoy any of it.

Today, Universal Orlando Resort reveals first-ever details about the park’s state-of-the-art Krakatau Aqua Coaster that will take guests on an exciting voyage unlike any other, and the all-new TapuTapu wearable technology that will redefine the way guests experience water parks.

Krakatau Aqua Coaster – Volcano Bay’s State-of-the-Art Marquee Attraction
Krakatau Aqua Coaster will be the star experience at Universal’s Volcano Bay – combining innovative ride technology with water theme park thrills to take families on an unforgettable adventure through the park’s massive icon – the 200-foot Krakatau volcano.

Guests will board specially-designed canoes and propel downwards – and upwards – through the volcano’s interior peaks and valleys. They’ll twist, turn and plummet along dark passageways, be launched through sparkling waterfalls and so much more.

Universal is using some of the incredible technology that makes its theme park attractions so compelling to create a first-of-its-kind aqua coaster in Florida. The attraction will use linear induction motor technology, which launches the canoe uphill before it immediately sends riders into a downhill plunge. This technology – combined with the immersive theming Universal is known for – will make Krakatau Aqua Coaster a unique water theme park attraction that’s fun for the entire family.

TapuTapu Wearable Will Redefine the Queue Experience – Less Time Waiting in Lines, More Time Having Fun
Universal’s Volcano Bay will debut a new technology, the TapuTapu wearable, designed to make the guest experience throughout the entire park as hassle-free and fun-filled as possible. As part of their admission, guests will receive a TapuTapu wearable upon arrival to the park that allows them to do the following with a simple tap:

Virtual Lines.
Guests will be able to virtually wait in line while they play in other areas of the park. The wearable will alert guests when it’s time for them to ride so they can head to the attraction.
Tap to Play.
Guests will discover various “tap-to-play” experiences throughout the park – all designed exclusively for Volcano Bay by Universal’s award-winning creative team. With just a tap of TapuTapu, guests can trigger special effects like controlling streams of water spurting from whales in Tot Tiki Reef, shooting water cannons at guests snaking down Kopiko Wai Winding River and illuminating images in the volcano’s hidden caves.

Even more details about TapuTapu and its unique guest features will be released soon. More details about Universal’s Volcano Bay will be revealed over time. For more information and to sign-up for updates, visit www.universalorlando.com/volcanobay.

Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration Brightens The Holidays With All-new Meet Rudolph Experience And Returning Classics

By

Chip

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November 4, 2016

Brighten up this year’s holiday season during SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration, where guests experience the joys of Christmas complete with all-new festivities and returning favorites sure to inspire traditions for years to come. Holiday events take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays November 25 through December 11 and then run daily December 16 through 31.

During SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration guests of all ages can delight over scrumptious food, stunning live shows, joyful entertainment inspired by the natural world and much more.

All-New Holiday Festivities

Rudolph’s ChristmasTown – New this year is the Rudolph’s ChristmasTown where guests can meet Rudolph, Clarice, Bumble and Yukon Cornelius from the classic family Christmas television special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Plus, guests can stroll past life-size story book vignettes showcasing the classic Rudolph story.

Santa’s Workshop presented by Coca-Cola – Meet Santa Claus in an all-new Christmas experience. Guests can make timeless memories to treasure as they embrace the joy of the holiday season at Santa’s Workshop, presented by Coca-Cola.

Returning Holiday Favorites

Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas – A returning classic, Sea Lion & Otter Stadium celebrates the season with a hilarious Christmas comedy show. Clyde and Seamore, along with a few mischievous otters, a comical elf, and even a jolly walrus, invite guests to their fun-filled holiday celebration.

Shamu Christmas Miracles – Shamu Stadium once again brightens the night with dazzling lights and glowing candles, while Christmas carols abound and Shamu splashes to celebrate the holiday season.

O Wondrous Night – Experience a live nativity only SeaWorld can bring to life, complete with more than 30 carols, life-sized puppets, and animals in a spectacular Christmas favorite based on The Christmas Story. Told through the eyes of the animals that were there, O Wondrous Night is a touching, light-hearted, and glorious celebration with a host of angels, animals, and the true glory of Christmas.

Sesame Street’s Elmo’s Christmas Wish – The holidays have arrived, and everybody’s Sesame Street^® friends have come to SeaWorld Orlando for a festive and fun musical celebration! Elmo’s Christmas Wish will soon become every child’s favorite show. Join Rosita, Grover, Zoe and Cookie Monster as they work together to help Elmo find his Christmas wish!

Winter Wonderland on Ice – Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels and light as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza.

Sea of Trees – Families will stroll through a wintery, watery wonderland as they are immersed in a sea of glistening holiday trees that sparkle to music as they light up the water. New this year is a glistening Christmas tree towering 70-feet above the water.

The Christmas Market – Nestled along the park’s Bayside Pathway, The Christmas Market features festive entertainment and delicious culinary delights. Complete with playful elves, a charming model train village, and the comedic antics of the Christmas Council, the Market is the centerpiece of SeaWorld’s Christmas event. Guests can also relax near the warm glow of the fire pit a holiday cocktail while experiencing a wonderful view of the vibrant Sea of Trees.

Holiday Cuisine

For those looking for unique holiday cuisine, The Christmas Market is filled with fresh-popped kettle corn, waffle cone S’mores, grilled slider sandwiches, short-rib brisket mac & cheese and SeaWorld’s very own apple pie with a unique and delicious twist. Guests can also sip on flavorful hoppy craft brews and specialty flavored hot cocoa located near the stage at Bayside Pathway. Live music under the Gazebo completes the entire experience as guests enjoy the craft brew.

Guests can now indulge their senses with more than 60 delectable bites and craft brews served on tap with two all-new Tasting & Brew Sampler packages.

Guests can also enjoy a memorable holiday meal, along with a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Fireside Feast. Theexclusive dinner features an all-you-care-to-eat menu of holiday favorites and delicious desserts.

Ring In The New Year at SeaWorld Orlando

On December 31, guests can ring in the New Year at SeaWorld Orlando. Vibrant fireworks will fill the night sky and festive entertainment will take place throughout the park, including interactive DJ stations, craft beers and delectable bites.

Best Way To Enjoy Holiday Cheer

The best way to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and New Year’s with family and friends is with an Annual Pass. By purchasing a Pass now, guests can get three additional months free. Also available now is the brand new Transferrable Pass allowing Pass Members to bring a different guest each time they visit SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica Orlando dependent on the type of Transferable Pass purchased. Pass Members receive exclusive park benefits and rewards, priority access to new attractions and concert seating pre-sales, free tickets and give-a-ways, in-park discounts, access to the Pass Member lounge and much more.

To really sweeten the holidays, SeaWorld Pass Members can enjoy a delicious meal with each visit by purchasing an Annual Dining plan for just $79. The dining plan can be used at many of the park’s restaurants and includes one entrée, one dessert or side and one non-alcoholic beverage per day through December 31, 2017.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration voted in the Top 10 Best Theme Park Holiday Event by USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards in 2015.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration details and information.