Star Wars: The Force Awakens comes to Bluray/DVD this April

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March 3, 2016

Breaking news this morning from Disney CEO Bob Iger! “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will be coming out on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on April 1st, and will be available on Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD April 5th. This at-home release will come with some amazing in-depth bonus features die-hard “Star Wars” fans will absolutely love:

Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey: In-depth footage and interviews of the making-of Episode VII.
The Story Awakens: The Table Read: Cast members talk about what it was like getting together for the first time to read the script.
Building BB-8: See how BB-8 came to life on screen.
Crafting Creatures: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creating of the practical effects of the film.
Blueprint of a Battle: The Snow Fight: Go deeper into the epic, climactic lightsaber battle between Rey and Kylo Ren.
John Williams: The Seventh Symphony: John Williams discusses his experience of working on Episode VII.
ILM: The Visual Magic of The Force: An insider’s look into the remarkable digital artistry of the movie’s visual effects.
Force For Change: Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. See how the Star Wars: Force for Change initiative has united Star Wars fans all over the globe to help others.
Plus Deleted Scenes

You can check out the trailer for the at-home release below:

2016 03 03 12 36 04 Star Wars The Force Awakens Comes to Blu ray DVD and Digital StarWars.com

2016 03 03 12 36 17 Star Wars The Force Awakens Comes to Blu ray DVD and Digital StarWars.com

There will also be some special combo-packs available at select retailers, such as:

Target: This combo pack will include exclusive packaging as well as 20 minutes of bonus content, and never-before seen exclusive interviews with Daisy Ridley and John Boyega.
Walmart: Will have exclusive BB-8 themed packaging as well as come with a Star Wars Galactic Connexions Trading Disc
Best Buy: Will have exclusive SteelBook packaging.

Being a huge Star Wars fan myself, I cannot wait to check out all the in-depth bonus materials the Blu-Ray Combo pack will offer, I definitely need lots of never-before-seen behind the scene footage to tide me over till Episode VIII. Stay tuned for the Blu-Ray review on Chip & Co!

Pic Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm

Disney Cruise Line will be expanding it’s fleet with the addition of two new ships!

By

Chip

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March 3, 2016

Disney Cruise Line is proud to announce plans today to build two additional cruise ships, each of them showcasing the immersive family entertainment, enchanting storytelling and unparalleled service that only Disney can deliver.

“We pride ourselves on the unforgettable vacation experiences we deliver to our guests each and every day, and the expansion of our Disney fleet will allow us to create even more magical memories for families at sea and in incredible cruise destinations around the world,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

The new ships, each approximately 135,000 gross tons with about 1,250 guest staterooms, will be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. These new vessels will be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, and be completed in 2021 and 2023.

While design plans, ship names and itineraries are still in development, the Walt Disney Imagineering team is already dreaming up exciting new ways to create the world’s most magical oceangoing adventures.

“The expansion of Disney Cruise Line only adds to our excitement for the unprecedented growth taking place across our vacation destinations, from new Star Wars experiences coming to the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts to the 25th anniversary of Disneyland Paris and the grand opening of our newest park, Shanghai Disney Resort,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

More details about the Disney Cruise Line fleet expansion will be announced at a later date.

Movie Review – Disney delivers with Zootopia

By

Chip

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March 3, 2016

Last week I had the pleasure to attend a special screening of Disney’s Zootopia at Disney Spring in Walt Disney World. To my surprise the directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore dropped by to share with us some of the Disney Magic to look forward to in the film. Let me just say Zootopia really delivers on the Disney Magic!

Here is my spoiler free review of Disney’s Zootopia.

I have been following Zootopia since the last D23 Expo in Anaheim. We got a taste of the movie at the expo and I was sucked in. At that time Nick Wilde was the main character of the film but if you read my interview with the Writers, Producers, and Directors they share how they moved Judy into the main character spot.

One of the coolest features of the movie was the different districts of the City of Zootopia. You can tell Disney really put in a lot of thought and effort into these areas. The attention to detail was phenomenal! There were so many Hidden Mickeys in each scene many of the Disney Bloggers and I discussed after the film the ones we saw. I use the term Hidden Mickeys loosely as you might look up on the top of a building and see the face of Baymax, or when Judy is coming to the big city you might see a statue of Elsa. No matter what you call them there are so many of these Easter Eggs you can watch the movie 2 and 3 times just to try to find them all!

The characters of Zootopia couldn’t be any more perfect. Both Jason Bateman (Nick Wilde) and Ginnifer Goodwin (Judy Hopps) were made for this role. We discuss their characters in my round-table interview, check it out! Ginnifer likes to call the type of film a Bunny Cop Drama. Love it!!! Zootopia is full of action, comedy and many twists you don’t see coming. The bad guy is not who you would expect at all!

Ok so I am sure you are wondering is this movie just for kids or will I enjoy it as well. Well I will say that kids around 3 or 4 might not get the movie. There are a few scary scenes but overall the movie is more upbeat and fun. For adults there were so many adult references that many of us picked up on. For example there is a scene with Jessie and Walter, sorry I mean Woolter from Breaking Bad was hilarious. So this is a great movie for kids and adults alike.

Without going much further into the film as to spoil the movie I will tell you I LOVED Zootopia. The overall message of any Bunny can do anything is very powerful. Not many movies teach kids that if they work hard and put their minds to it they can accomplish their goals. Disney balances the characters Nick & Judy perfectly, this movie isn’t just for boys or just for girls. I love the original story idea and applaud Disney for thinking outside the box with a fresh idea.

I give this movie an A or 9 out of 10. The originality of the movie scored very high on my scale, the characters really pulled you in, and the movie has plenty of rewatchability.

Zootopia is in theaters on March 4th. Go out and see it and let us know what you think!

Show Your Disney Side With Disney Quote Bracelets

By

Danielle

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March 3, 2016

I like to wear my heart on my sleeve, my Disney heart that is! I love bracelets and bangles with quotes, character icons and Disney sentiments. It’s a great way to show my Disney love while still having a stylish accessory. These super cute quote wrap bracelets from emmelinebydesign on Etsy are the perfect touch!

These fun wrap bracelets is crafted by hand, and the metal quotes are individually hand stamped. The wrap cuff of the bracelets are made from a soft jersey knit so they’re sure to be comfortable for any occasion! Each bracelet has a quote that embodies a Disney character, attraction or movie, and many of them truly inspirational thoughts. These are great to pair with Magic Bands when visiting the Disney Parks, and even make a perfect accent piece with running costumes for runDisney events. There are so many great choices I don’t know where to begin, from Dole Whips to Wishes, Princesses and Villains, and even Star Wars bracelets. You can even make it more customized by choosing your preferred bracelet color!

Here’s a handful of my favorites below:

Which bracelet embodies your favorite Disney inspiration?

The Jungle Book preview coming to Disney World and Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 3, 2016

Guests Visiting Disney’s California Adventure Park and Disney World’s Hollywood Studios can preview scenes from the soon to be released Disney Film “The Jungle Book” starting March 18^th.

You can find the previews in Disney’s California Adventure located at the Bug’s Life Theater; there will be special in-theater effects. In Walt Disney World you will find the preview in Hollywood Studios as part of the Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream attraction located on Mickey Avenue.

The previews will include a special introduction from director Jon Favreau. He will be paying respects to Walt Disney, the original movie and Disney’s legacy. The Jungle book is a tale of a boy who was raised by wolves, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques the audience will be completely engrossed in the 3D film which will be in theaters starting April 15, 2016.

“Big Hero 6,” an Animated Television Series Coming to Disney XD

By

Danielle

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March 3, 2016

“Big Hero 6,” is becoming an animated television series for kids, tweens and families based on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-winning feature film inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name. The cartoon has begun production for a 2017 premiere on Disney XD to be shown all over the world.

Emmy Award-winning producers Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley, creators and executive producers of the global hit Disney Channel series “Kim Possible,” are the executive producers. The series was announced today by Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. Marsh said,

“Our colleagues at Walt Disney Animation Studios have created a brilliant new world, inspired by Marvel, with vivid, unique characters. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to further develop these characters into a world class animated series – full of fun, action and the kind of endearing storytelling that only Mark, Bob — and Baymax — can deliver.”

Reuniting with McCorkle and Schooley on the creative team is their “Kim Possible” colleague, Emmy Award-winning Nick Filippi, who serves as executive producer and supervising director. Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series picks up immediately following the events in the feature film, and continues the adventures and friendship of 14-year-old tech genius Hiro and his compassionate, cutting-edge robot Baymax. Alongside Hiro and Baymax on their journey are control freak Wasabi, scientist Honey Lemon, fanboy Fred and no-nonsense Go Go, who together form the legendary superhero team, Big Hero 6. As the new prodigy at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology, Hiro now faces daunting academic challenges and the social trials of being the little man on campus. Off campus, the stakes are raised for the high-tech heroes as they must protect their city from an array of scientifically enhanced villains.

I for one can not WAIT to dive into the world of Big Hero 6, and learn even more about some of the coolest heroes ever!

Premium Experiences Coming to Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 2, 2016

As announced last month, Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival is starting on April 1, 2016. There will be chef demonstrations, seminars celebrity appearances and much more!

In the Backlot Stage of Hollywood Land you can learn techniques in the 30 minute culinary demonstrations by some of the greatest chefs in the industries including Disneyland chefs. You need to grab your seats quickly as seating is limited.

There will be 45-minute beverage seminars full of knowledge about beer, wine and spirits, these seminars promise to be fun! This takes place in the Sonoma Terrace at the Golden Vine Winery for an additional charge.

Looking for the biggest names in the culinary world?

Names like chef Guy Fieri, Graham Elliot, Claudia Sandoval, Robert Irvine and Disneyland Resort Signature Dining Chef Andrew Sutton. They will be sharing tips, recipes and share stories while they demonstrate personal favorite dishes at Stage 17 in Hollywood Lane. After the demos the chefs will hang around for autographs and photos, there is an additional charge for this.

There will also be Lifestyle Seminars; you will have the opportunity to learn about topics such as gardening, horticulture and health and wellness in the beautiful California setting in Hollywood land.

Admission to California Adventure is required to attend, there are additional fees at certain events. Space is limited and some events require you to be 21 or older.

New “Finding Dory” trailer Just Released!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 2, 2016

Today is the day we’ve been waiting for all week! The brand new “Finding Dory” trailer is here, and of course looks amazing. Not only does the animation look superb (as always), but we also get some of our first glimpses of Dory having flashbacks to her childhood, as well as see a whale shark who is one of her childhood friends. “Finding Nemo” is one of my favorite movies of all time, and with Dory being a character so many of us adore, it will be incredibly exciting to get to discover her hidden past along with her on another epic journey with Marlin.

Check out the new trailer below!

The movie stars Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy, and Diane Keaton, and will be released in theatres June 17, 2016. Directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Angus MacLane.

Pic Credit: Disney/Pixar

Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps coming to Disney Parks

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 2, 2016

Just in time for the movie release Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps from Disney’s Zootopia will be coming to the Disney parks.

Starting in the spring they will be finding their way to Disney’s California Adventure Park, you will find them on Hollywood Boulevard.

Looking for them in Walt Disney World, just head on over to Magic Kingdom where they will be part of the “Move it! Shake it! Dance & Play” street party.

Zootopia is an adventure 3D movie which opens in theaters on Friday March 4, 2016. The movie follows rookie police woman Judy Hopps as she is teamed up with con artist Nick Wilde, together they have to solve a mysterious case to save the citizens of their mammal metropolis.

Make sure to check out the movie and catch the characters in the appearances in the Disney Theme parks.

Florida Resident Select Ticket blackout dates lifted!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 2, 2016

Florida Resident Select Tickets are a good way to save some money when you are a local resident and go to the parks often, however there are black out dates, usually spring break time. This year March 19th – April 1st will not be blacked-out (additional black out dates are still in place). This means you can use these tickets to attend Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival, which is one of the best times of year to be in Epcot.

Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival includes some of the most beautiful Disney character topiaries, live music, special classes and seminars, beautiful flowers every where you turn and Music Gardens Melodies Playground, an interactive area for the children.

If you are a Floridian make sure you get your Florida Resident Select Tickets now which can be bought for either 3 or 4 days one theme park per day, includes FastPass+ and expires six months after the first day is used. There are black out dates for these tickets.

Animal Kingdom’s Rivers of Light starting on Earth Day!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 2, 2016

Disney Animal Kingdom Theme park will debut its first ever night-time show on April 22nd, 2016 (Earth Day). The show is called ” Rivers of Light” and it promises to amazing and delight all ages with its combination of lights, water screens, moving fountains and more.

The show will be on the Discovery River near Expedition Everest and will be guided by storytellers who bring to life the four animal spirit guides, an Asian Tiger, Tropical Turtle, African Elephant and Great Horned Owl.

Here is just a taste of what promises to be another amazing not to be miss night show offered by Walt Disney World.

https://youtu.be/D2gsd1mcJeA

Dory and friends join Turtle Talk with Crush!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 2, 2016

Starting this summer Dory and her friends will be joining Crush in the interactive Turtle Talk with Crush!

You will be able to interact with Dory, Destiny the whale shark, Bailey the beluga whale, and the Hank the septopus. You can catch Dory and all of her friends in the movie “Finding Dory” which comes out June 17th.

Besides the excitement of seeing Dory for the first time, Squirt, Nemo, and Marlin may drop by as well.

Talk Time with Crush, located in both Epcot and Disneyland California Adventure, is a fun way for the children to chat with their favorite characters from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. The characters will call your child by name and interact personally with each child.

I can’t wait to go find Dory at Epcot this summer! How about you? Comment below!