Disney Imagineer and Sculptor Blaine Gibson Passes Away at 97

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July 6, 2015

Disney Imagineer, sculptor, and amazing talent, Blaine Gibson passed away at age 97. This is according to the Walt Disney Family Museum. He started his career as an assistant animator.

It is said that one day Walt Disney saw his work and asked him to work on the Disneyland project. He went on to become the head of the Walt Disney Imagineering Sculpture Department. He sculpted figures like Abraham Lincoln for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, quite a few pirates for Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland, Haunted Mansion, the Enchanted Tiki Room and Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain and Will Rogers for the American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT . He also worked on “Fantasia,” “Bambi” and “Peter Pan.”

He sculpted every one of the Presidents, up to and including George W. Bush in 2001, in the Hall Of Presidents at Disney World.

He retired in 1983 but he continued to sculpt for Disney and he was named a legend in 1993.

“Blaine Gibson was one of the most important storytellers among all the great talents on Walt Disney’s team of Imagineers,” said Marty Sklar, former vice-chairman of Walt Disney Imagineering. “He showed all of us how to make our Disney park show characters so realistic you never had to guess the role of any three-dimensional figure in our attractions.”

Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

Walt Disney Company Offers Pension Buyout to Some

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2015

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The Walt Disney Company has offered pension buyouts to around 5,000 past employees. They sent out some offers of a one time lump sum payment to some of their ex cast members that have high dollar pension plans, $100,000 or more. Other ex cast members with smaller pension plans have always had the one time buy out option.

Disney is not the first, nor will they be the last do this.

Not that long ago Disney tried to do away with pensions all together. Needless to say the Unions did not like that so the pension benefits remain the same.

You may have heard last week Disney got a new CFO, since Rasulo stepped down. Christine McCarthy is the first female CFO. She was previously Disney Treasurer for 15 years. Her new position means she will oversee investor relations, corporate planning and control, tax, corporate treasury, corporate real estate, facilities, integrated supply chain management, and corporate citizenship. She has been named quite a few times in Treasury & Risk magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Finance.” In June Treasury Today magazine named her Woman of the Year.

What are your thoughts?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Finds – Orange Bird Plush

By

Chip

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July 6, 2015

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This classic Disney Parks character returned to the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland in 2012. Since then, Disney has released a few merchandise items with this happy little character including shirts, an ear hat, a figurine, some pins and more.

Today Courtney from Mouse to your House was able to pick us up some of the soft and cuddly plushes to sell on our website. You can pick up this Orange Bird Plush for $21.

He would make a perfect addition to any Orange Bird collection and is only available in the parks.

10 Years of Percy Jackson: Surviving Camp Half Blood!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2015

Chip and Co is proud to continue our partnership with Disney Hyperion to bring you the best of Percy Jackson and the Olympians as it celebrates 10 years! This month I thought I’d make a fun little guide to surviving at Camp Half Blood to correlate with our awesome presents from Percy we received this month (check them out on our Instagram @chipandco)

The first thing you need to survive Camp Half Blood is a good knowledge of Greek mythology or at least a good Knowledge of the history of your Greek God parent! How awful would it be to pronounce Poseidon wrong? Yikes! Make some trivia cards and test yourself and your friends. Here’s some great sample questions:

What is Athena the goddess of? (Wisdom!)
The trident is to Poseidon as what is to Zeus? (Lightning Bolt!)
Which of Zeus’s children sprouted from his head? (Athena)

Another thing to remember at Camp Half Blood is its BYOW (Bring Your Own Weapons) who knows when you might need to slay a three headed hydra? So build your own trident or pen sword! Get creative and have fun just make sure to use objects that won’t harm anyone and to get parent’s permission first! Here’s some awesome ideas:

A Styrofoam sword is always a great option!
Make a trident out of a broom handle!

Don’t forget while you’re preparing for camp to write a list of things to remember for example: stay away from oracle as much as possible! Also remember not to challenge the children of Aries to any duels. Plus it’s a good idea to take care of the trees around camp…you never know when they might come in handy, but camp isn’t all pain and swords be prepared to play some awesome games of capture the flag and many more! In fact there’s tons of printable activities at ReadRiordan.com to print out for the trip!
Have fun and stay safe campers and remember to say hi to Percy and Annabelle for me!

Plus check out this new book to bring along to camp!

Details:
Title: The Demigods of Olympus: An Interactive Adventure
Price: $8.99 / $7.99
On-Sale: July 14, 2015
Description: Your quest begins! Use your demigod skills in this interactive and customizable adventure story written by New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan. Combining four short stories, The Two-Headed Guidance Counselor, The Library of Deadly Weapons, My Demon Satyr Tea Party, and My Personal Zombie Apocalypse, your choices will have consequences in this first interactive demigod adventure.

Stay tuned for more Percy Jackson and the Olympians!

* Chip and Co is recieving merchandise, books and prizing from Disney Hyperion* #ad

Top 5 Attractions that I Hope Never Close at Hollywood Studios

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 6, 2015

Hollywood Studios is going to be experiencing some serious changes over the next few years. With a ton of attractions closing, rumored expansions, and a confirmed name change, the park stands to take on a whole new identity. I do agree that the park could use a little TLC, but there are a few attractions that I hope never close at Hollywood Studios.

The Great Movie Ride: The glitz, glam, and romance of the movies, all rolled up into one attraction! The Great Movie Ride takes guests through the Hollywood classics, and puts you right in the center of your own gangster or western movie. I remember being terrified as a child that the gangsters were real! I love old black and white films, and this ride is pure nostalgia for me.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Once, I rode Tower of Terror four times in a row. Granted, I didn’t feel very well for the rest of the day, but I did it! This attraction has become a favorite among fans, and I don’t imagine it will go anywhere any time soon. Set in the early days of Hollywood, the ride has a timeless quality to it which should help its longevity in the parks.

Toy Story Mid-Way Mania: I do not love the long wait times that this attraction offers, but once I am seated in my car, it’s just pure fun after that. It has been confirmed that another track is being added to help to decrease the wait times. Toy Story Mid-Way Mania has a lot of room to expand and change with new technology over the years, but I hope the idea of the ride doesn’t change too much with new trends.

Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream: Okay, not the most thrilling of the attractions on this list, but this attraction shows where it all began. Walt had a vision that was brought to life by the many Imagineers who made Walt Disney World possible. I think this attraction is a great reminder of that.

Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster: Take a crazy limo to a concert with the band? Sure! Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster is an exciting journey through the streets of Hollywood, and the only rollercoaster on property that goes upside down. I think, eventually, the ride will be updated with a different band and different music, but that’s okay with me as long as they leave all the twists and turns alone!

What aspects of Hollywood Studios are you glad to see go and what would you like to see stay? Let us know in the comments!

In case you missed my series here are my other posts:

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.

Teen Beach 2 Gets Big Numbers!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 5, 2015

7.5 million Total Viewers, 3.2 million Kids 6-11 and 2.8 million Tweens 9-14 tuned in to the premiere of the original movie “Teen Beach 2” (Friday, June 26, 8:00 p.m.) on Disney Channel – ranking as the most watched cable TV telecast in nearly two years in the target youth demographics – since July 19, 2013 – and the #1 cable TV movie of 2015 in Total Viewers. Separately, the movie’s availability as of June 19 on the authenticated WATCH Disney Channel service has resulted in over 846,000 views thus far. The sequel to 2013’s “Teen Beach Movie,” the second highest-rated original cable movie of all time, begins airing on Disney Channels around the world in July. The song, sand and surf fest is part of the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, which has delivered the #1 cable TV movie for thirteen-consecutive years in Tweens 9-14 (2002-2014).

Along with weekend encore telecasts, “Teen Beach 2” has reached 13.3 million Total Viewers, including 4.4 million Kids 6-11 and 4.2 million Tweens 9-14.

The “Teen Beach 2” soundtrack, released June 23 on Walt Disney Records, debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200 album chart and #1 on its Soundtrack chart. The movie itself is currently #1 on iTunes TV Seasons chart. The “Teen Beach 2” DVD is available with dance rehearsal bonus features and for purchase on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.

Highlighted by themes including “believe in yourself,” “follow your destiny” and the importance of friendship, the “Teen Beach 2” story picks up as surf season has ended and high school is back in session. Laid-back Brady and studious Mack’s relationship is headed for a wipeout when they receive a surprise real-world visit from their 1960s silver screen friends, Lela and Tanner, who have remarkably departed “Wet Side Story.” They’re quickly followed by 1960s bikers and surfer friends led by Butchy, Cheechee and Seacat. Knowing first-hand that the “real” world and the movie world don’t mix, Mack, Brady and the “Wet Side Story” friends must quickly devise a plan before it’s too late. Starring are: Ross Lynch (“Austin & Ally” and Hollywood Records’ R5), Maia Mitchell (“The Fosters”), Grace Phipps, Garrett Clayton, John DeLuca, Jordan Fisher (Hollywood Records recording artist), Mollee Gray (“So You Think You Can Dance”), Chrissie Fit (“Pitch Perfect 2”), Jessica Lee Keller, William Loftis, Kent Boyd (“So You Think You Can Dance”), Piper Curda (“I Didn’t Do It”), Raymond Cham, Jr. and Ross Butler (“K.C. Undercover”).

Stay tuned for more and checkout my Teen Beach 2 Review Here!

Ex Disney Cast Member Dies in Freak Accident

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 5, 2015

Devon Staples was a good looking 22 year old with his whole life ahead of him. He was once a cast member at Disney World, he played Gaston and a few other characters around the parks.

On July 4th he set off a firework on his head and sadly did not survive. He was celebrating the Fourth of July in Maine with family and friends. He was holding a lighter and accidentally caused the mortar tube on his head to go off. According to his brother, Cody Staples, “I was the first one who got there. There was no rushing him to the hospital. There was no Devon left when I got there,” “It was a freak accident.”

He is described as having a great sense of humor and would do anything to make people laugh. And he always stuck up for the underdog. He loved his job at Disney because he could make people laugh and make their day a bit brighter.

As a tribute to Devon his brother wants everyone to go out and do something nice for someone else. Show love to someone that you don’t know. Sounds good to me!

Our condolences got out to his family and friends.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Reportedly Preps for Overhaul

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 5, 2015

While many Walt Disney World Addicts have been known to say, “It’ll always be MGM to me,” it cannot be denied that changes to the park, and closings of beloved areas are causing more and more to see Disney’s Hollywood Studios as no more than a “half-day park.” But Disney has a plan, and while that plan will be revealed more thoroughly at the D23 Expo in Anaheim this August, we can preview a little of what is expected to come.

Rumors indicate that the Disney Parks board of directors has earmarked (see what I did there?) for a huge facelift of the Hollywood Studios park. As many of us have heard, the direction of the park will change from its original focus on movie making, and will instead be more about the movies we love, what they mean to us, and how we can experience them and not just watch them. So, there may yet be another name change to the park. That, we’ll have to wait and see about, but what we can look forward to is an increase in the presence of 3 particular favorites:

Star Wars – Two new Star Wars themed attractions are reported to be coming, and though we don’t know exactly what those will be, we have heard that the Jedi Training Academy will be moving into an existing building, and will no longer be outside Star Tours.
Indiana Jones – Yes, we have heard a great deal about the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular closing down, and it will, but Indy will return in a Orlando version of the Indiana Jones at Disneyland.
Pixar – Lots of us have speculated on the expansion of Pixar at Hollywood Studios, and it seems we were right. Three new attractions are supposed to be headed to the Orlando park, and yes, Toy Story Mania will not only remain, but will be (may already be in the process of being ) expanded.

For those who worried about everything being closed and Hollywood Studios becoming a half-day park, rest easy. Disney will complete this process in stages, with only a few things closing down at a time, and once new attractions have opened more will close down. It’s possible that even now Disney Imagineers are working away in the area that used to be the Studio Backlot Tour, so that new areas and attractions can open with less lag time between the D23 Expo announcement/reveal, and actual opening onsite.

What’s that? You want to know what’s closing? Well, some of it you’re already familiar with, though you may not be celebrating it. The Magic of Disney Animation is already closing. We’ve heard rumors about Indiana Jones for many months. Those are both confirmed. Muppet Vision 3D will sadly be among the casualties of change as well. What will NOT close are the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Great Movie Ride (which recently had some updates), and Star Tours, and Toy Story Mania.

How long the changes will take overall is still unknown. To read more check out this article…

What are your thoughts about Hollywood Studios now? Do you think it’ll still be a park you can love when all the changes are made?

Source Billy Donnelly at This is Infamous

I’m Jeri, and I’m a Disney Addict! I’m also an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel Services, the preferred travel agency of Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts. I am always happy to offer my free services to you to help make your next vacation a little more magical! And I would love nothing more than to help you book at any Disney destination. Contact me for a free quote at [email protected].

Disney Finds – The Ellie Badge

By

Chip

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July 5, 2015

You and me we’re in a club now.

How adorable is this Ellie Badge from Disney’s UP? This handmade Etsy item is from fablefox and is only $3.50.

Just click here to learn more.

New Disney Family Culinary Adventure at Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 5, 2015

Have you ever wonder how to make a buttery pasta noodle or fork-tender filet mignon? Who hasn’t? Beginning July 8, the new “Disney Family Culinary Adventure” at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, at Disney World, whisks guests backstage for a fun, interactive evening that includes plenty of time with the Disney chefs, hands-on cooking and a festive, five-course dinner with beer and wine served in the kitchen by the professional catering staff.

Aimed at guests 9 and older, the evening starts at 5 p.m. with a friendly introduction to the massive catering kitchen. A maximum of 30 guests put on aprons, hats and gloves and are divided into five cooking groups. And every station has a wow technique, from the ease of making homemade butter (equal parts buttermilk and heavy cream) to a fresh pasta with just three ingredients.

“We want to show them the tricks of the trade,” says Chef Frank Brough. “It’s a guided experience but they do everything from making cheese and butter to rolling out pasta and breaking down a whole beef tenderloin.”

The five stations:

Garde manger, is the French term for food produced in the cold kitchen, where guests learn how to make farmer cheese, farmer cheese, from-scratch butter, and how to plate a gourmet salad on a rapidly moving electric belt in the professional kitchen.

Sushi, with sushi chefs teaching the art of rolling sushi and sashimi. (This station may rotate with other culinary ideas.)

Boucherie, or butcher station, where guests learn how to trim a beef tenderloin to make the perfect filet mignon.

Pasta, with just three ingredients (semolina, olive oil and egg), guests learn to make tender noodles from scratch, along with fresh basil pesto.

Patisserie, or bakery, where guests get to play with chocolate, mousse and other sweet endings.
Once the food prep is complete, guests move freely about the big kitchen to chat with the chefs – no culinary question goes unanswered. It takes about an hour for all the prep work, then everyone is seated at a long table in the center of the kitchen to enjoy the five-course meal they’ve just prepared. (Vegetarian, vegan and selections for guests with allergies are options for dinner.)

Lights are dimmed, background music plays, and a toast begins the special meal, where each course is served with wine and beer. At the meal’s end a special molecular gastronomy demonstration wows guests (we’ll keep that a secret), and they receive a special toque (chef’s hat) to take home, along with a Disney cookbook signed by the chefs. A Disney PhotoPass photographer will be on hand to capture photos of the group during the experience, and the photos will be available to view and purchase on DisneyPhotoPass.com.

“We really want them to leave the kitchen with ideas for a spectacular dinner party that they can do at home without opening a can or reaching for something frozen,” says Chef Brough.

The program is planned two evenings a week (days vary), starting at 5 p.m. Cost is $175 plus tax, $125 plus tax for ages 9 to 12. (Younger guests may have their own cooking station.) Complimentary transportation is provided for Walt Disney Resort hotel guests. To book or for more information, call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Sounds good! Would you be interested in this?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Planning a Magical Girls Only Trip to Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 5, 2015

Every trip to Walt Disney World is magical, but it can be a touch more magical if you plan a trip for just the girls. Now, this can be you and your daughter(s), a group of friends, relatives, whatever your dream is! Everyone’s dream is a little different, but if you plan ahead, you can be sure to include elements and experiences that will make everyone’s eyes sparkle.

First, of course, you need to decide when you want to go. Since Walt Disney World is open throughout the year, any time you choose will be the right time.

Next, where would you like to stay? If you feel whimsical and/or are on a tight budget, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort might be the place for you – with its highly themed suites, and outdoor areas. If you want something a little more grown-up, maybe you’d opt for the Moderate Resorts – Caribbean Beach if you’re feeling like the islands, or Port Orleans – either Riverside or French Quarter, if you’d like to feel a little southern charm. Or maybe money isn’t the most important object, and you want to really splurge on a weekend and stay somewhere upscale – again, if you’re feeling tropical, you might like the Polynesian Village Resort, or if you want something sophisticated, you might want to try the Grand Floridian.

The next few things to think about all seem to jumble up together sometimes. Tickets, Dining, and Experiences. You’ll need to decide how many days you want to spend in the parks and whether you want to be able to “Hop” from park to park, or whether you want to visit Disney’s water parks – Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach. Once that’s set, you’ll want to talk to your group of gals about where you’d like to eat. Maybe you’re low-maintenance, no-fuss girls, and you’d be just as happy with Quick Service meals all the way. Or maybe you’d like one or two or lots of special dining experiences. Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest allow you to feel the royal treatment as you dine, but you might be just as happy at the Biergarten in the Germany pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase, or Pizza Planet at Hollywood Studios. Some of those dining reservations can be tough to get, so you’ll need to know early on where are your must-eats, and how flexible you can be with dates and times.

As for Experiences, there are so many options! While adults can’t participate in becoming a princess at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, they can become a Pirate Princess at Pirate’s League in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom. So, no matter what the ages of your group, everyone can have something! Maybe you’d like to visit Senses Day Spa at the Grand Floridian. All ages can enjoy this time of pampering with pedicures, massages, spas, and steam rooms. If everyone in your party is over the age of 15, you can reserve spots in the Keys to the Kingdom tour and get some peeks backstage while learning all about the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney’s vision, and lunch is included! Depending on where you’re staying for your magical trip, you might relax on the beaches at the Contemporary, or Grand Floridian. If you’re at Art of Animation, enjoy a Cozy Cone Cabana in the Cars Suites area. Venture over to Fort Wilderness Resort and do some horseback riding at the Tri Circle D Ranch. Or just enjoy some great shopping and activities at Downtown Disney (Disney Springs) at Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba, AMC’s Dine-in theater, or Splitsville’s Bowling.

No matter where you stay, what you eat, or what you choose to do, you can have a wonderful time with just the girls, be they friends or family at Walt Disney World. Have you ever done a girls-only trip? What was your favorite thing to do or see?

I’m Jeri, and I’m a Disney Addict! I’m also an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel Services, the preferred travel agency of Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts. I am always happy to offer my free services to you to help make your next vacation a little more magical! And I would love nothing more than to help you book at any Disney destination, for any group of people. Contact me for a free quote at [email protected].

Video – Disney’s 2015 Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky

By

Chip

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July 4, 2015

We found the live stream of Disney fireworks from Independence Day 2015. I am unsure how long this video will be on youtube before it gets taken down.

I hope you enjoy.