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Toy Story Midway Mania’s Third Track May Be Open Sooner then Expected

September 21, 2015

Hiya! How is everyone handling the end of summer? I am so glad for cooler temps at the Disney theme parks! Like everyone who makes that mad dash to the Pixar area in Hollywood Studios, I LOVE Toy Story Midway Mania so much! I live for it, well ok not quite. I actually live for Disney Gossip but this is a close second.

A little Mouse told me that the new track on this very popular ride might be opening up a bit sooner than we thought. They told us it would be done next year (2016) but it just might be done this year, by the end of this year!? Wouldn’t that be so cool to have the third track open by Christmas? Then you can ride it and not wait in line as long while you are there to see the last ever Osborne Lights.

Hollywood Studios does need a lot of updating! However, keep in mind that none of this is official!

I also can not wait for Toy Story Land. I think I will just move in when it opens. They won’t mind right?

Anywho, this 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.

Out now Disney Fairytale Designer Collection on the Disney Store

Chip

September 21, 2015

2015 09 21 09 31 23 Disney Fairytale Designer Collection Disney Store

Disney’s Designer Fairytale Collection celebrates Disney’s legendary heroes and villains in a series inspired by beloved Disney fairytales. Disney Store artists have captured the timeless struggle between good and evil in magnificent detail, conveying both the wonderful wickedness, and bold, heroic spirit of these unforgettable characters. Rich, evocative and dramatic, the Disney Designer Fairytale Collection will be a treasured keepsake for collectors and Disney fans for years tocome.

Global Limited Edition of 6000 for each set.

Here are some of the products being released for this collection.

Peter Pan and Captain Hook Fairytale Journal - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Peter Pan and Captain Hook Fairytale Journal – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Elsa and Hans Fairytale Journal - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Elsa and Hans Fairytale Journal – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Rapunzel and Mother Gothel Fairytale Journal - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Rapunzel and Mother Gothel Fairytale Journal – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Ariel and Ursula Fairytale Journal - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Ariel and Ursula Fairytale Journal – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Ariel Compact Mirror - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Ariel Compact Mirror – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Elsa and Hans Mug - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Elsa and Hans Mug – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Ariel and Ursula Mug - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Ariel and Ursula Mug – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Rapunzel and Mother Gothel Mug - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Rapunzel and Mother Gothel Mug – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Peter Pan and Captain Hook Mug - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Peter Pan and Captain Hook Mug – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Snow White and Hag Handbag - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Snow White and Hag Handbag – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Frozen Tote Bag - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Frozen Tote Bag – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

Ariel and Ursula Smartphone Wallet - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
Ariel and Ursula Smartphone Wallet – Disney Fairytale Designer Collection

This is just a sample of some of the products being released for this collection, to see more just visit the Disney Store for more!

Why Walt Disney World is Better Than Disneyland

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

September 21, 2015

When it comes time to decide where my next Disney Vacation is going to be, I often think about doing Disneyland, or maybe a Disney Cruise. But, in the end, Walt Disney World in Florida always wins! It will forever be my “home” Park. I often see the Disney Addicts arguing over which Park is better. Disneyland lovers will say “their Park” is better because it was first, or because it is smaller. But we all know when it comes to Disney, bigger is always better! I am here to set the record straight. Walt Disney World is the best.

Here are my top 10 reasons why:

10. Walt Disney World, with four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom), two water parks, and 23 hotels –has more to offer than Disneyland, with two parks and 3 hotels. You’ll need at least four days – better yet 6, to see even half of Walt Disney World, and do the water parks, and visit Disney Springs. Disneyland and California Adventure (85 acres) can both fit inside just the Magic Kingdom in Florida (107 acres).

Epcot– The best park in my opinion! Especially during the Food & Wine Festival and Flower and Garden Festival, the World Showcase is amazing. I would be sad to visit Disney and not have Epcot there.
Hollywood Studios– Rockin’ Roller Coaster, The Great Movie Ride, and Beauty and the Beast Live, are great attractions we love, and not to mention the best night time spectacular, Fantasmic!
Animal Kingdom– So much more than just a zoo, it offers awesome rides like Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest and shows such as Finding Nemo the Musical and The Festival of the Lion King.

9. Water Parks and Resort area activities are endless! From Typhoon Lagoon to the Tri-Circle Ranch, there is so much to do right on property, you could spend 2 weeks there, and not be able to do it all. You can have a camp fire and ride horses at Fort Wilderness, or see The Spirit of Aloha Luau Dinner Show at the Polynesian Resort. Parasailing, boat rentals and Segway tours are just some of the activities available. See more here: Magic Outside the Parks. Disneyland is very limited when it comes to outside the Park “Disney” activities.

8.The WDW’s Magic Kingdom is larger as far as area goes, with wider walkways, which makes it seem less crowded. Queue areas in Orlando are mostly all covered, or indoors, which is wonderful on super hot or rainy days. In California, lines form outside, including those at Space Mountain and It’s a Small World. Even the monorail is smaller at DLR, and you can’t even stand up in it.

7. The Magic Kingdom in WDW has the new Fantasyland expansion, which includes the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Double Dumbo’s, Beast’s Castle featuring Be Our Guest, Goofy’s Barnstormer, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Under the Sea with Ariel inside Prince Eric’s seaside castle. That makes 3 castles in one Park! Take THAT DLR!

6. Disney World’s FastPass+ system, allows visitors to make up to three ride reservations months head of their visit and they are linked right to your MagicBand. Disneyland, meanwhile, has retained the old paper ticket system, with FastPass reservations available only on the day of your visit.

5. There’s a Disney Resort for everyone’s taste. At Disneyland there are 3 Resorts, one for each price level. At WDW there are over 20 Resorts, ranging from Deluxe Villas to Values. Experience romance at the Grand Floridian, stay at the Wilderness Lodge if you love the outdoors, or book the Animal Kingdom Lodge to view African wildlife outside your room. Stay at the Caribbean Beach if you want a tropical feel, or Art of Animation for the young Pixar movie lovers!

4. Dining is unmatched at Walt Disney World Resort as it offers about 18 Character Meals in addition to the 200 restaurants. Disneyland only has 5. More opportunities to meet your favorite Disney Pals and Princesses, and more restaurants to experience and menus to choose from. WDW also offers the Magic Your Way Package that includes the Disney Dining Plan, which is a prepaid meal plan that you bundle with your room and ticket package. It can save a lot of money if you like to eat at sit down restaurants versus fast food. The DDP is not available at DLR, only character breakfasts can be added to your room.

3. MagicBands. Who doesn’t love opening their mailbox to see personalized MagicBand, the status symbol of a WDW Vacation (don’t act like you don’t post a picture of them) It’s your hotel room key, dining plan, Park ticket, water park admission, Memory Maker (another thing DLR doesn’t offer!) and your FastPasses too! Sorry Disneyland-ers, no pretty bands for you!

2. Special events that only happen at WDW are the International Food & Wine Festival, featuring food and beverages from around the world, celebrity chefs giving cooking demos, and famous bands playing for free. The Flower and Garden Festival displays amazing character topiaries and colorful gardens around the Park. Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios is exclusive to WDW! All of these events are free with admission.

1. The number one reason WDW is better than DLR is obvious. You can literally see it a mile away… The Castle!! Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland is 77 feet tall, while Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom is more than twice as tall, at 189 feet. Sorry Aurora, but Cindy’s Castle takes the cake!

I do have respect for Disneyland (from a distance) because it is Walt’s original Park. You may find me there on my way to Aulani, the Disney Resort in Hawai’i, but it’s not my first choice for a Disney Vacation.

Be sure to check out our article Why Disneyland is better than Disney World from our Disneyland writer Sara!

Don’t you agree WDW rules!? If you are ready to experience all the magic listed above for yourself, contact me today! I offer free pricing and planning help for ALL of your Disney Destinations, especially my beloved Orlando park ( I am a Walt Disney World Specialist after all!) Email me at [email protected] to chat about your budget and ideas for the perfect Disney Trip… I will help you make that dream a reality! Follow on Instagram @summers_magical_travel and give my FB Page a Like. Team Florida Forever!

Is the Star Wars Movies coming to NetFlix?

Anonymouse

September 20, 2015

Hey there guys and gals! It is I Anonymouse!

I have been scurrying around the town, trying to get information Chip sent me about huge Star Wars news. It seems like Netflix has set up placeholder spots with 5 of the 6 Star Wars movies (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.) While Netflix denies any plans to stream Star Wars, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Disney and Netflix have been in talks to provide licensing to show the films in Latin America.

While Disney and Lucasfilms have the rights to 5 of the films, 20th Century Fox still owns the 1977 Star Wars: A New Hope. However, it would be a smart move on the part of Fox to negotiate a deal with Disney, Lucasfilms and / or Netflix to complete the set when and if the rumor becomes a reality.

With the release of the next film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, fans are excited and giving us access to watch the originals will only add to the hype and increase interest. While most Star Wars fans own digital copies of the movies, the opportunity for many younger or newer fans to have access to the films will only add to the publicity and hopefully continue the Star Wars saga.

So, what do you guys think? Star Wars on Netflix? Yes or No? Comment below and let me know which side you are on.

Anywho, this is all the Disney Star Wars 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 [email protected] or on my Facebook page.

First look – 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Park Maps

Chip

September 20, 2015

Great news the 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Park Maps are here! Feel free to download and print them out so you can make your game plan!

Walt Disney World Resort guests will join the 20-year celebration of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase from Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015, as they taste global and specialty cuisine, sip new beverages and eat to the beat of live entertainment.

The 53-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park will expand with new Future World marketplaces featuring fresh culinary concepts to pair with select wines, beers, cocktails and other beverages. ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” will broadcast from the festival for the first time and will participate in two of the new Future World festival marketplaces: Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world.

Here are 20 fun facts about the 20^th festival celebration.

Now 53 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days

At the 2015 festival, a record 30 global marketplaces will include the new Sustainable Chew, Chew Lab and Artistry of Wine & Cheese marketplaces

Producers of ABC’s “The Chew” will tape 5 episodes of the show before 5 festival guest audiences numbering in the hundreds for each show

The 20^th festival will feature 32 new marketplace dishes and 75 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders

In 1998, 200 domestic and international wines were poured at the festival. This year, at marketplaces and premium events, more than 300 domestic and international wines will be offered

More than 60 wineries and more than 40 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces
The 20^th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Cookbook by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 75 recipes from the global marketplaces that span the entire 20 years of the festival.

3 Rockin’ Burger Block Parties and 5 Party for the Senses grand tastings will take place at World Showplace during the festival run. In all, the festival will feature 193 premium events ranging from Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings to Beverage Boot Camps and Festival Events in World Showcase pavilions

Guest chefs and Disney chefs numbering 250 will present culinary demonstrations and will cook for festival events

Celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from 6 countries and 26 U.S. states will participate in the festival at culinary demos, book signings, and special tasting events and dinners

Nearly 400 culinary demos, beverage and mixology seminars will take place during the 53-day festival

During the new Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak festival scavenger hunt, guests can help Remy scour the park for the ingredients to make his signature dish, ratatouille. Along the way, they’ll find 12 Remy statuettes hidden in each of 11 countries of the World Showcase and at the African Outpost location. Guests can redeem the 12 stickers they’ve collected for one of 6 special pins at Port of Entry

159 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed; 4 musical acts will appear for the first time at this year’s festival featuring entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues

The Marketplace Discovery Passport was introduced in 2010 for the 15^th annual festival; today, the free passport will feature pages with all 30 festival marketplaces that guests can have stamped during their dine-around-the-world culinary adventure

More than 1,200 fireworks will explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nightime spectacular

Chase is the festival’s presenting sponsor for the 4^th year; its Chase Lounge at American Adventure Parlor features guest amenities that include complimentary beverages and comfy furniture where guests can chill out and recharge

The Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, back for a fourth year, is filled with 900 pounds of the tart red fruit and is accessible to cast members who wear waterproof waders

100,000-plus desserts, including the Chocolate Cherry Explosion and Strawberry Basil Champagne “Toast” at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace, are expected to be served

In 1997, during the festival’s second year, festival planners introduced the first Grand Tasting culinary extravaganza; in 2002, the event was renamed and moved to World Showplace as Party for the Senses, now featuring up to 50 food and beverage stations and breathtaking entertainment by Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba” performers

At the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese, each keg of premium wine on tap will hold the equivalent of 26 wine bottles, eliminating bottle, cork, cardboard and paper waste from labels. Recycling and repurposing of glass bottles and corks from other marketplace locations will be part of the 20^th-year festival story.

Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection Available on DVD September 29th

Danielle

September 20, 2015

The Disney Princess magic of Sofia the First is headed home in Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection on DVD September 29th!

Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection is packed with over 6 exciting episodes and features four Disney Princess appearances. Experience the Magic of the Amulet of Avalor, as it summons Mulan, Jasmine, Belle and Tiana to help Sofia on her adventures. This new DVD also includes a FREE exclusive Sofia-themed stationery set for kids to write a letter to Sofia and receive a response back in the mail! I know my little one will be tickled to hear from Sofia!

Synopsis:

Join Sofia as she receives guidance from Disney Princesses and goes on a daring adventure with Mulan in the Kingdom of Wei Ling, soars through the skies with Jasmine on a magic carpet ride, and discovers important lessons about friendship and life’s true gifts from Belle and Tiana. Packed with endless fun, music and heart – plus two additional episodes – “Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection” is a not-to-be-missed celebration highlighting the qualities that make a true princess – honesty, loyalty, compassion and grace.

Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection staring Ariel Winter as Sofia will be available September 20, 2015. How excited will your little one be, to write to Sofia? I can’t wait!

Disney Finds – Fun Disney Buttons for your next trip Home!

Chip

September 20, 2015

How many people wear buttons while at the Disney Parks? I know I have stopped by Guest Services and have picked up a button to wear at the parks countless times. Designer CrowleyCastle has a bunch of fun non traditional buttons you can wear next time you are at the parks that are both fun and creative!

Here are some of the designs they have available:

and many more. CrowleyCastle has over 7 pages of Disney Buttons you can check out, and if you love Disney Buttons you really should! All buttons are only $4.00 so you can pick up more than one and have something to wear on every day of your visit!

Happy Shopping!

Best FastPass+ Options at Epcot

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

September 20, 2015

Next up on my FastPass series – Skip it or Book it – I’m covering Epcot, here is the Magic Kingdom in case you missed it. With Future World and the World Showcase, Epcot can easily be a two-day park. But, if you use your FastPass+ choice wisely, you can cover the most ground and see it all without waiting in too many lines.

Epcot

Book It

Soarin’
- If 75+ minutes of waiting in line isn’t your idea of a good time, then definitely book a FastPass for Soarin’. This extremely popular (and for good reason!) attraction never has a short line.
Test Track
- I’ve never seen this attraction for a wait time of less than 45 minutes, and that’s on a slow day! While the queue does have some interesting things to check out, I think it’s much more fun to jump the line and get right to designing my test vehicle.
Mission Space
- Admittedly, this is not one of my favorite attractions, but if you want to check it out, and I suggest you do, grab a FastPass and get right to the mission!
Epcot Character Spot
- The Epcot character spot is a great chance to meet the Fab 5. One of my favorite character locations on property, I like to skip the line when possible and get right to chatting with Mickey and friends.

Skip It

Captain EO
- What to say about Captain EO? I had a Cast Member try to talk me out of this one before. I should’ve listened. Definitely do not use one of your precious FastPasses for this ride. You can walk right now anytime you want.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- This attraction doesn’t usually have a long wait. The lines tend to get shorter as the night goes on, so if you see a long wait, check back after dinner.
Living with the Land
- The longest that I have ever seen the stand-by line is 20 minutes. The attraction is definitely busiest around meal times, as people eating at Sunshine Terrace tend to fill up the stand-by queue. Try early in the morning or during mid-afternoon for your best chance at a short line.
Spaceship Earth
- I love Spaceship Earth, but I don’t think that you should use one of your FastPasses for this. Check the stand-by time throughout the day and you are bound to catch it with a short wait.

Do you have a favorite attraction at Epcot? What FastPass+ options are your favorite for this park?

Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.

Two New Restaurants Could be on Their Way to Disney Springs

Anonymouse

September 19, 2015

Hiya! How are all my royal subjects today? Good I hope! I have been hearing some gossip swirling around the water cooler that there will be a couple of new restaurants possibly on their way to the new Disney Springs.

One of these new spots is supposed to be called “Walt’s” and the other will be “Neverland Tunnels”. Good names right? I agree. Neverland Tunnels will be an adult only establishment in the old Pleasure Island area.

Disneyland Paris currently has a restaurant called Walt’s. They serve sophisticated and contemporary American cuisine, in Victorian-style tribute to the great Walt Disney so I am uncertain if it will be a similar kind of restaurant but that would be wonderful!

So what do you think about these 2 new Disney Dining Options coming to Disney Springs? Let me know in the comment box below.

Check Out the Halloween Hats for This Year

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

September 19, 2015

Disney always has the coolest Halloween merchandise. You will find some scary new hats along with some old favorites. If you don’t want to wear a full Halloween costume, than the ears or hats might be a good option for you. I have done that a couple of years myself.

Check them out:

You can find there at various spots throughout Disney World and Disneyland.

Which one is your favorite?

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Become a part of the Pirates League

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

September 19, 2015

Ahoy Matey! You have probably heard of the Princess Makeover at Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but have you heard of the being turned into a part of Jack Sparrow’s crew? Pirate’s League is a fun alternative to the BBB. In Adventure Land (At Magic Kingdom) you can be transformed into a swashbuckling buccaneer or a mystical mermaid. There are several options to chose from, so don’t ye worry, everyone can enjoy! Also ask about the Deluxe packages.

The First Mate Package

Your choice of facial effect: Ghosted Pirate, Zombie, Captain Hook, Captain Jack, Black Eyed Jack
Reversible bandana
Earring and eye patch
Sword and sheath
The Pirates League bag
Temporary tattoo
Unique pirate coin necklace
Official Pirate Name
Personalized pirate oath
Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade (weather permitting)

The Empress Package

Vibrant makeup, lip gloss, nail polish and face gem
Unique pirate coin necklace
Temporary tattoo
The Pirates League bag
Official Empress Name
Personalized pirate oath
Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade (weather permitting)

The Captain Hook Deluxe Package

Captain Hook Costume (youth sizes only)
Captain Hook facial effect
Sword and sheath
Bandana
Earring and eye patch
Pirate tattoo
Pirate bag
Unique coin necklace
Toy hook
Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade (weather permitting)

Jake and the Never Land Pirates Package

Jake and the Never Land Pirates bandana with faux hair
Jake facial effect
Sword and sheath
The Pirates League bag
Unique pirate coin necklace
Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade (weather permitting)

The Mermaid Package

Luminous mermaid makeup and makeup palette
Mermaid hairstyle and color-changing hair clip
Distinctive mermaid necklace
Nail polish
Mermaid sash
Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade (weather permitting)

You choose your package, and the fun begins. If you didn’t come dressed in your finest rags, don’t worry, they have different costumes and outfits you can buy to go along with your makeover. If it’s a pirate life ye choose, you are then sworn in. Now that you’re a part of the Pirate’s League it is time to look the part! The pirate masters are blast. They joke, talk, mess with each other, interact and have fun. Once it is complete, you went from recruit to a part of the crew, you get to see the hidden chamber, where the pirate masters have a surprise! You will have your official Pirate Photograph taken. Also join your fellow seadogs in a Parade of Pirates, your pirate master will give you the information.

Reservations can be made 180 days out. If you want a specific time and day or are trying to schedule it for a day of MNSSHP, try to do it asap. If you get it first thing, you can be let in to the park early (Valid park admission required) Packages start at $29.99 and don’t forget to ask about the Deluxe package as well. You are welcome to bring your own costume and props to save some money, but again no worries, they have stuff there to purchase. Ages are 3 and up. (Adults, you can join in on the fun!)

My daughter did the Mermaid Makeover and absolutely loved it. We had early reservations, so entering the park early and running around was a little added fun. They did her hair, started her make up and once she saw the mirror, she couldn’t help but smile the whole time. Added some scales and jewels, got her nails painted, a necklace, color changing hair clip and topped it off with a sash! After she was done, they announced her an official Mermaid of the Pirates League. Was then allowed access into the secret room and off to spend the rest of her day at Magic Kingdom! Oh, it was her birthday and the whole room sang to her. V-Arrrrr-y cute. Don’t forget your camera, you are going to want lots of pictures!

My name is Jamie Porter and I am a Disney Addict. I am a local to WDW and love to help plan vacations. Every vacation is special no matter how short or far away! Let me help you plan your next Magical vacation and help you with some tips. Feel free to like me on Facebook – www.facebook.com/jamiemagictravel or email me – [email protected] for your FREE quote today!

A Couple Jumped into the Moat After an Argument at Disneyland

Disney News

September 19, 2015

The couple from mainland China was having a not so magical day recently at Disneyland in Hong Kong. This is not something that you expect to see at the magical land known as Disneyland.

It happened around 4 p.m, they started arguing and in a fit or rage the woman jumped into the moat. She was standing in waist deep water as her partner was yelling for to come back! She refused to come out so he jumped in and tried to get her out. It is unclear exactly what they were arguing about. Needless to say they were soon escorted out of the water by staff.

Everyone is fine, no injuries reported.

Photo Credit: ejinsight.com

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