Star Wars: The Force Awakens Tsum Tsums Coming Soon

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April 22, 2016

Big news Tsum Tsums and Star Wars fans, the newest Star Wars Tsum Tsums collection is Star Wars: The Force Awakens! On June 21, 2016 you can bring home the stackable force with your favorite characters from the newest film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Tsum Tsums will blast into North American and European Disney Stores and DisneyStore.com this summer. The Star Wars: The Force Awakens Tsum Tsum collection will feature nine mini Tsum Tsums, each representing favorite characters and moments from the film. The available Tsum Tsums will be Rey, Rey with goggles, Kylo Ren, BB-8, Finn Stormtrooper, Finn in pilot jacket, Captain Phasma, Poe Dameron, and a First Order Stormtrooper. There will even be a Big BB-8 Tsum Tsum and Medium Tsums featuring Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma and BB-8. Wow, I was super excited for the original Star Wars Tsum Tsum release, and now I can’t wait to add these to my collection.

I know need a Kylo Ren and a BB-8 Tsum Tsum for sure, but what size? What about you, what will your must have Tsum Tsum be from The Force Awakes collection?

The Wisdom of Walt Book Review!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2016

Why did Walt Disney build Disneyland?

Because he wanted one!

Can success really be that simple? It can be when you know what you want and you are willing to do what it takes to get there. Disneyland began as one man’s dream on a park bench one Saturday afternoon. Today, it is a symbol of success and an example of entrepreneurial leadership around the world. In Jeff Barnes’ The Wisdom of Walt, discover how Walt Disney took action to transform his dreams into the concrete reality we still benefit from sixty years later.

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this lovely book by Jeffrey A. Barnes. I have to say this book was a wonderful read. If you’ve ever wanted to explore the leadership side of Walt and his company than this book is perfect for you.

The Wisdom of Walt explores the leadership lessons anyone can learn from the Walt Disney Company and parks. Fans of books like The Secret I think will take an exceptional liking to this book. Jeff Barnes writes an exquisite story about life and what we can learn from the happiest place on earth even if we think there is nothing to be learned from such a place.

I highly recommend the book for anyone age 12 and up!

Grade: A-

New Short Inner Workings At Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2016

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2016

Inner Workings Final Logo

Walt Disney Animation Studios always delights us with their wonderful shorts, such as “Paperman” and “Feast.” Coming for us on November 23rd, will be their next short “Inner Workings”, which can be seen in theaters before showings of their feature film “Moana.”

“Inner Workings” will focus on a man’s internal struggle between the more logical side of his brain vs. the adventurous side of himself. The short, like “Paperman” will combine CGI as well hand-drawn animation. The short will have its world premiere on June 17th at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, and will be presented by the film’s director Leo Matsuda and producer Sean Lurie.

Also at the festival, “Moana” directors Ron Clements and John Musker (“Little Mermaid”, “Princess and the Frog”, “Aladdin”) will present a never-before-seen exclusive clip from the film. “Moana is about a teenage girl who sets off on an incredible and daring journey with demigod Maui to help save her people. Many Disney fans were able to see a clip at last year’s D23 convention, and from the clip and images released so far it looks stunning–I can’t wait to see more of it!

DisneyNature’s Born in China Opening Weekend Will Benefit WWF

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2016

One of my favorite parts about Earth Day is there is often an exciting announcement or release of a Disneynature film! When you think about all the years it must take to get the incredible (and adorable) footage in the True Life Adventure films Disney Nature brings to screen, it’s absolutely incredible.

The next Disneynature film will be released Earth Day 2017 (April 22nd), entitled “Born in China”. The film follows three animal families; a family of pandas, snow leopards, and golden monkeys. Disney announced today that the upcoming “Born in China” film’s opening weekend box office, via the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund will benefit the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

I love that not only do the Disneynature films give us a look into the lives of animals we otherwise wouldn’t be able to see, but they also give back with every film they release! You can check out the latest trailer for “Born in China”below:

Broken Pipe shuts down 2 slides at Disney’s Blizzard Beach

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2016

It appears that Disney has been having some mechanical issues with Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher at Blizzard Beach. Apparently the water slides have been closed for weeks, with no firm re-opening date in sight, due to a broken pipe. We reported that Blizzard Beach was closed March 16-17th, and that guests were allowed to go to Typhoon Lagoon instead, which was supposed to be undergoing refurbishment, but was instead opened for the 2 days for guests. It appears that the slides have not been functioning since that time.

Summit Plummet is Blizzard Beach’s tallest, most intense ride. It features a 120-foot slope, while Slush Gusher is a high-speed 90-foot slide.

Disney has stated that guests who may want to ride similar thrill-seeking water slides should head over to their second water park, Typhoon Lagoon, where they can ride the Humunga Kowabunga, a similar slide to Summit Plummit.

It appears in Late September, there was also some broken pipes that needed to be replaced, but seeing as the park was built over 20 years ago, it doesn’t seem unreasonable that some maintenance will be needed from time to time. While some rumors state that the slides will re-open on Saturday, Disney itself says there is no official re-opening date for the slides.

Does this put a damper on your water fun at Blizzard Beach?

If you’d like to plan a magical vacation to experience Disney’s Water Parks, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Aristocrepes, Daily Poutine & B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. kiosks to join new Restaurants in Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2016

We recently announced some new additions to the eateries at Disney Springs, and today we have gotten some more information on what the menus will look like for Aristocrepes (set to open May 22), Daily Poutine, and B.B. Wolf’s Sausage co.(both set to open May 15).

While you’re walking around Disney Springs, you grab a savory crepe at Aristocrepes—beef with horseradish cream, red onion, baby spinach and sharp Cheddar; vegetarian with pickled beets, goat cheese, candied pecans and baby greens; turkey with Brie, dried cranberries and Dijon spread; or smoked salmon with cream cheese, capers, onion and “everything bagel” topping.

Or go sweet with a s’mores crepe with marshmallow cream, chocolate sauce and graham cracker crumbs; banana with Nutella and salted caramel; Key lime cheesecake with white chocolate and chiffon crouton; or strawberries Romanoff with Chantilly cream and strawberries.

Pair your crepe with wine on tap, beer or hard alcohol soda (Not Your Father’s Hard Root Beer and Henry’s Hard Orange Soda). Or try one of our refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, including Frozen Joffrey’s Frappe Mocha and hot cocoa.

The Daily Poutine brings the Canadian classic to Disney Springs with four varieties of toppings on hot, thick-cut French fries—Classic, with beef poutine gravy and Cheddar cheese curds; Latin with fried yucca, black beans, pulled pork and queso fresco; Italian with Bocconcino mozzarella and Bolognese sauce; and French with mushroom cream sauce and Gruyere cheese. Pair them with a draft beer, sangria, lemonade or fountain soda.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. features artisan sausages—The Three Little Pigs features a trio of sausages each with different toppings: Reuben, bacon-wrapped with black bean salsa and chili cheese; Portuguese sausage with pickled vegetable slaw and chili mustard; sweet hot sausage with peppers, onions and marinara; Bavarian sausage sandwich with a mini-meterwurst, braised red cabbage and spicy brown mustard on a pretzel roll; and Italian veggie sausage with peppers, onions and marinara. Cool off with a draft beer or fountain soda.

I love the idea of having kiosks where you can grab a quick snack or lunch while you shop! Which of the new kiosks sounds the most delicious to you?

If you’d like to plan a magical vacation to experience the all-new shopping, dining, and entertainment line-up at Disney Springs, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Photo credit: Disney

UK Free Disney Dining Offer for 2017 Suggests Dining Plan Changes Afoot

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2016

Historically a Free Disney Dining offer in the UK has served as a precursor to a similar promotion being offered stateside. So those planning trips to Walt Disney World on both sides of the pond will be pleased to know that Disney Free Dining has officially kicked off for UK residents planning on hitting the parks in 2017. A look at the terms and conditions for the current Free Dining Offer also suggests that changes may be afoot with when it comes to what may be included in free dining promotions going forward as well as a possible restructuring of the dining plans themselves.

In order to qualify for a 2017 Free Dining Offer, UK residents must book a minimum of a 5 night Walt Disney World resort package including a 14-day Ultimate Ticket (for the price of a 7 day) providing access to any of Walt Disney World’s 6 theme parks. Those booking the offer before July 7, 2016 will also receive a $200 Disney Gift Card.

The current offer is made available for Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa bookers only. Moderate bookers are given a free Quick Service Dining Plan, with those in Deluxe and Villa accommodation being offered the regular Disney Dining Plan. Value bookers are not totally left out of the dining mix. However, instead of being offered the Quick Service Dining Plan, they will only receive free breakfast during their stay.

Those taking advantage of the Free Dining promotion in the UK have also noted that changes have been made to what is included in both the Quick Service and Disney Dining Plans suggesting a possible overhaul to Walt Disney World’s current dining packages.

The Quick Service Plan now on offer in the UK for 2017 includes:

2 Quick Service Meals
2 Snacks
1 Refillable Resort Mug

The regular Disney Dining Plan will now offer:

1 Quick Service Meal
1 Table Service Meal
2 Snacks
1 Refillable Resort Mug

But for those thinking they are getting more dining for their Disney buck it has been suggested that by the time these plans go into effect, desserts will no longer be included with the Quick Service meals.

Those in the UK hoping to take advantage of this offer should note that this promotion is only available for those travelling to Disney World between January 1, 2017- March 29, 2017 and from April 17 2017- November 30, 2017.

Readers hoping for further information on a stateside free dining offer should check back for further details or send an email to [email protected] to be notified as soon as information about free dining is released.

Do you want your Walt Disney World package to include delicious dining options? As an agent with MickeyTravels not only can I make sure that you have package options that suit your family- included finding a dining plan that is just right for you, but I will even be on hand to help you book some of more the more hard to get dining reservations. So get in touch today at [email protected] or on Facebook. My services are absolutely free.

Finding Dory Will be Featured in a 13-Brand Campaign

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 21, 2016

When a new film comes out, we often see big-name brands promoting a movie on their products, but with “Finding Dory” being such a highly-anticipated film, it only makes sense to spread the word about the upcoming movie in a big way. Thirteen years later after “Finding Nemo” was released, “Finding Dory” will get a 13-brand campaign!

Aussie – This company will feature the movie in print and digital ads, as well as have a movie ticket offer on some of their products. The promotion begins May 16th.
Band-Aid Brand – Beginning May 16th, you will be able to find “Finding Dory” band-aids! There will also be a Band-Aid TV Spot with Dory.
Bounty – Will feature “Finding Dory” in TV and social media campaigns, as well as licensed products. There will also be a free movie ticket opportunity in conjunction with P&G. This promotion begins May 6th.
Coppertone – Will have a TV spot, and products with “Finding Dory” characters. This seems a perfect fit to have a product we all wear to the beach featuring our favorite characters from the big blue! Begins in May.
Ice Chips – Characters from the film will be featured on select products beginning May 16th.
Juicy Juice – Has “Finding Dory” licensed packaging on their products, as well as an instant win game on their products. This promotion began April 1st.
Kellogg’s – Beginning May 16th, characters from the film will be featured on some packaging, as well as have a promotional TV commercial and social media ads. The licensed cereal boxes will have an in-box special prize.
KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese – Also beginning May 16th, KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese will have “Finding Dory” shaped macaroni! I think I’ll definitely be having to get a box (or ten) of this!
Nature’s Harvest Bread – This will be the company’s first Disney partnership. They will have an offer for a Dory plush beginning April 28th.
Pirate’s Booty – This began April 1st, featuring “Finding Dory” packaging and in-store displays, and will later on have print advertising.
Quaker – Will have themed packaging and in-store displays, as well as feature “Finding Dory” in digital media beginning May 1st.
The Subway Brand – Beginning June 6th Subways will offer “Finding Dory” kids meals, that will include 3D scene makers. This will be available in 110 countries.
YoPlait GoGurt – Starting May 16th you will find GoGurt’s with “Finding Dory” packaging. The film will also be featured in TV and print media.

I can’t wait for all the ramp up to what I’m sure will be an incredible film! “Finding Dory” comes to theatres June 17th. And also coming June 17th, Dory will be joining Crush in the Turtle Talk attractions at Epcot and Disney California Adventure–the wait is almost over!

All the Facts You Need to Know on Disney’s Upcoming Live Action Films

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 21, 2016

Disney has lots of live action remakes up their sleeve for the next few years, and as a life-long Disney and fairy tale fanatic, I couldn’t be more exciting. Last year we got the first taste of this decade’s live action re-make line-up, with “Cinderella“, which was a financial and critical success. Then this past weekend, “The Jungle Book” opened, bringing in a whopping $103.6 million, making it the second biggest April film opening in history. But with so much news being announced on the Disney live action front, it can be hard to keep track of all the new and exciting updates surrounding Disney’s future projects! So I took the initiative to do the work for you–here is a fact sheet of what Disney has lined-up, and what we know so far:

Alice Through the Looking Glass

A sequel to Disney’s 2010 “Alice in Wonderland” film.
Coming out May 27th this year
Sneak previews beginning May 6th at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts

Beauty and the Beast

bandtheb — Luke Evans and Josh Gad on the “Beauty and the Beast” set

The film will star Emma Watson (Belle), Dan Stevens (Beast), Luke Evans (Gaston), and Josh Gad (Lafoo), among others.
The film is directed by Bill Condon (who directed “Dreamgirls”, so he is definitely familiar with musicals)
It will be a musical! (How can you have Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” without the iconic songs that help make the film what it is?)
Will be released March 17, 2017

The Black Cauldron

Nothing has been officially announced yet from Disney about a live action film being made on “The Black Cauldron”, but there is suspicion one might soon be in the works, as Disney acquired the rights in March to the five-book series Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander (which “The Black Cauldron” story is a part of).

Cruella

Following the success of 2014’s “Malificent”, it has been rumored for a while that a live-action film telling the story of Cruella will be made.
Nothing is official yet, except that Kelly Marcel is working on a possible script.
Also in the rumor mill, Emma Stone’s name has been floating around many news sites as possibly being cast as Cruella de Vil.

Dumbo

In March 2015 it was announced that Tim Burton will be directing a live-action adaptation of Dumbo. Tim Burton is no stranger to live-action adaptations, having directed “Alice in Wonderland” in 2010.

Genie

A prequel to Disney’s 1992 “Aladdin” has been talked about being in the works.
It is said to be a story about the Genie world, leading up to Genie being stuck in the lamp Aladdin finds.
The script is being written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift.

The Jungle Book 2

No official date or year has been announced, but it was revealed last week that “The Jungle Book” director Jon Favreau is in talks with Disney to make a sequel.

Mulan

This project was announced in March 2015, with no official release date revealed yet.
The script is being written by Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek (fitting to have female writers for a film about a female warrior!)

Peter Pan

Just announced last week that Disney will be working on a live-action version of “Peter Pan”
The film will be directed by David Lowrey, who is directing the upcoming “Pete’s Dragon” re-make.
The script will be by Toby Hallbrooks

Pete’s Dragon

Coming out this year August 12th.
The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Redford.
Last week we got our first look at our beloved dragon–and found out that he is covered in fur!

Pinocchio

The project was announced April 2015.
It was announced last year that Paul Thomas Anderson would be the writer/director, but came off this film last November.
No news since then, so let’s keep our fingers crossed it is still being developed!

Rose Red

Earlier this month it was announced that Disney picked up a script by Justin Merz, about the Grimms’ fairy tales character Rose Red.
Although inspired by the fairy tale Rose Red character, her story will be altered to make her the sister of Snow White, who will head on an adventure with the seven dwarfs to help save her sister after biting into the Evil Queen’s poison apple.

Tink

The script is being penned by Victoria Strouse.
It will focus on the “Peter Pan” character Tinkerbell, the film tentatively titled “Tink“.
Reese Witherspoon is said to be starring as Tinkerbell, as well as co-producing the film.

Winnie the Pooh

Alex Ross Perry is writing the script.
No further details yet, but I am definitely curious as to how the style of the animals will be. Will they be photo realistic? Puppets? More cartoonish?

I will definitely be seeing all of these films, but I think I’m most excited to see “Beauty and the Beast” and “Mulan”, since those are two of my favorite Disney animated films! One thing is for sure, with “Cinderella” and “The Jungle Book” having exceeded my expectations, I’m sure the rest of this line-up will do the same!

What live-action adaptation of a Disney animated classic do you hope will be added to this interesting array of films?

Robert Downey Jr. Joins Cast of Spider-Man: Homecoming

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 21, 2016

On May 6th, fans will get to see Spider-Man for the first time in the Marvel Expanded Universe movies in “Captain America: Civil War“. In 2017, we will get to see a lot more of Spider-Man in his own film, “Spider-Man: Homecoming”.

Disney announced some big official news today, revealing that Robert Downey Jr. will be joining the cast of the upcoming Spider-Man film!

This addition seems very be-fitting, as Robert Downey Jr. revealed at the “Captain America: Civil War” press conference that he was involved in casting and mentoring actor Tom Holland, who plays Spider-Man. (And RDJ also admitted that he is a huge fan of the Spider-Man comic books) Having loved the chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Holland in “Captain America: Civil War”, I couldn’t be more excited about him joining the cast of “Spider-Man: Homecoming”.

Pic Credit: Marvel

Disney Find – Truly Magical Mickey & Minnie Shower Curtain

By

Danielle

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April 21, 2016

I love finding Disney shower curtains that capture beautiful images of familiar characters or landscapes. This gorgeous Mickey & Minnie Shower Curtain shows our favorite couple sharing a romantic evening under a firework lit sky.

The Mickey & Minnie Shower Curtain is an ARTSWOW brand custom shower curtain made of waterproof polyester fabric,and design with unique and stylish image. It even comes with a set of plain shower hooks, but you can always find a set of Mickey Shower hooks to really pull together the look. I love that this curtain has soft painted colors, and not the usual cartoonish style we normally find in Disney shower curtains. It’s the perfect shower curtain to add some Disney wishes to any bathroom.

Have you thought about creating a Disney themed bathroom in your home?

Universal Studios Orlando raises Annual Pass prices

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 21, 2016

The annual price for Universal Studios Orlando has gone up from $214.99 to $234.99 for the basic pass, this pass does not include parking and has black out dates for one of the theme parks during the summer. Also Islands of Adventure will not be accepting the basic pass; this is where the new King Kong ride will open this summer.

The new mid-tier pass will go up from $299.99 to $309.99 which covers parking and has no blackout dates.

There is also the front of the line after 4pm pass, with valet parking and Halloween Horror Nights tickets were brought up from $429.99 to $444.99.

If you remember earlier this year the one day passes went from $102.00 to $105.00.

How do you feel about the raising prices? Comment Below!