Top 5 Hollywood Studios Traditions

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April 30, 2012

If you have been bitten by the Disney bug, then chances are you try to visit Walt Disney World as often as you can. If so, then you probably have some traditions that you must embrace each time you visit to make your trip complete. I have some Hollywood Studios traditions that I would like to share with you, and they just might be some of your traditions too!

5. Star Tours-Since I am a huge Star Wars fan, a trip to a galaxy far far away is definitely a tradition for me! Before the opening of Star Tours: The Adventure Continues last year, it was a tradition for my brother and I to ride the original and repeat Rex’s old lines; and now I look forward to seeing what place in the Star Wars universe the ride is going to take me!

4. Writer’s Stop-This little cafe is tucked next to the popular Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater and sells a variety of Disney books and an excellent array of bakery goods and refreshments! It’s one of my traditions to drop by this spot for a quick breakfast or a snack during one of my visits to Hollywood Studios.

3. Shopping for Pins-I always look forward to shopping for new Disney pins to add to my collection; and it’s a tradition for me to spend some time browsing the pins for sale under the giant Sorcerer’s Hat at the center of the park.

2. Tower of Terror-This is one of my favorite attractions at Walt Disney World, so naturally it’s one of my traditions! I always try to find new details when waiting in the lobby and choose the left line when waiting in the boiler room. Some guests say the left line is faster and the drops on that side are more intense; and while I can’t be sure, I think they’re right!

1. Rock n’ Roller Coaster-Another of one of my favorite attractions, I can’t leave WDW without a wild and crazy ride on Rock n’ Roller Coaster! My favorite part of the ride is the catapult from 0 to 60 mph straight into a loop. It’s also a personal tradition of mine to perform my own air guitar solo while rocketing upside down!

Now it’s your turn! I want to hear your own Hollywood Studios traditions so be sure to leave a comment and share them with us!

Related Articles:

How to Tour the Parks – Dancing through Hollywood Studios

Teaching History Through the Parks: Disney Hollywood

Design: Details in Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (aglassslippervacation.com)

D23 Members Save Big On Fun And Activities This Summer

By

Chip

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April 30, 2012

Whether they’re headed to a Disney Park or staying close to home, members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can save hundreds of dollars on their favorite activities, events and attractions when they present a D23 Membership card or use special member-only online codes.

More than three dozen special offers for D23 Members include a host of newly added discounts – as well as continuing favorites, like 10% off the total fare at SuperShuttle and 15% off an entire stay at Howard Johnson Anaheim. The newest D23 Member discounts and offers include:

A special D23 Member-only ticket price for Disney’s newest Broadway production, Peter and the Starcatcher
A 10% discount on any chocolate purchase Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, or either online or in its two Disney Park stores – at Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort, or the soon-to-open location inside Disney California Adventure Park.
10% off purchases at all Ridemakerz locations, including online
A special discounted rate at the popular Pirates Dinner Adventure experience in Buena Park, Calif.
At LittleMissMatched, D23 Members receive 15% off all Disney merchandise online and in-store, including Downtown Disney locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort
Three special offers to help D23 Members get in shape from Zumba® Fitness
A D23-exclusive offer on VIP membership to Live365 Internet radio, which features dozens of Disney-themed channels
10% off all purchases of $65 or more at all Disney Store locations or on DisneyStore.com through June 30, 2012

In addition to SuperShuttle and Howard Johnson Anaheim, D23 Members can take advantage of a host of ongoing offers developed exclusively for them, including:

20% off a D23 Member’s entire order at ThomasKinkade.com, including art from the Disney Dreams Collection
Savings on fun and relaxation at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, with discounts to Nikki Bryan Spas and Mandara Spa locations, plus 10% off activities at the Sammy Duvall Watersports Center
Member-exclusive discounts and offers at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
Discounted admission to such acclaimed attractions around the country as Johnson Space Center, Miami Science Museum, the Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon Presidential Libraries, Madame Tussauds in Hollywood
Savings on fashionable apparel from Curl by Sammy Duvall and Apricot Lane Boutique locations
D23 Member-only pricing on tickets to Mary Poppins on Broadway
Discounts on dining at Ralph Brennan restaurants in New Orleans and Anaheim; Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor in Ko Olina, Hawaii; House of Blues locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort; and the ESPN Zone at Downtown Disney District in Anaheim
Online shopping discounts at Brookstone.com, the ABC Store, ShopSignature.com and more

Southwest Airlines – Soar to the Magic Sweepstakes (chipandco.com)
Which Disney World Guide Is Right For You? (chipandco.com)

D23 Members Save Big On Fun And Activities This Summer

Disney to Begin Testing Next Generation FASTPASS System

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 30, 2012

Disney to Begin Testing Next Generation FASTPASS System — Note how it now says “will not accommodate late arrivals”

Disney is set to begin tests on portions of their next generation FASTPASS system according to WDW Magic. From May 1 to May 15 random guests will be selected to participate upon their arrival to Walt Disney World. Guests participating will be able to choose their itinerary and FASTPASS windows for the Magic Kingdom prior to their arrival at the park. Their itinerary will then be e-mailed to them and they will be given an FASTPASS card embedded with a RFID chip that they will use to gain FASTPASS access to the attractions they have chosen.

What is important here is that guests can now plan their day BEFORE they even arrive at the park. This new system would eliminate the current system where guests can only get one FASTPASS at a time and then have to wait for their FASTPASS window to become available. It is expected that this new system will become an integral part of guests Disney vacation planning process. Potentially you could plan your entire vacation to the point where you know exactly when you will be riding certain attractions months before your actually leave for your Disney vacation.

What do you think about planning your Fastpasses before you even goto the park?

Disney World Fastpass 101 (chipandco.com)
Coming Soon: Disney World to add Fast Pass option for Fast Pass machines (chipandco.com)

Rock out in Splitsville at Downtown Disney

By

Chip

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April 30, 2012

Details are beginning to emerge about the look and feel of the new Splitsville location that is coming this fall to Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.

This new Splitsville is going to be their first two-level venue and, at 50,000 square feet, will be the largest one in the country – in fact, almost twice the size of any of the other four locations. And it’s going to feature 30 bowling lanes, again nearly twice as many as at any other Splitsville.

This Splitsville will also have a balcony with outdoor seating, as well as billiard tables and live entertainment, making it an ideal place for some family fun outside of the theme parks. Like other Splitsvilles, this one will serve upscale food and beverages, including sushi, amid a stylish interior that features both hip and retro décor elements.

Construction is already well underway at its location in the heart of Downtown Disney near the AMC Downtown Disney 24. Expect a grand opening sometime this fall to mark the arrival of the newest entertainment option among the stream of fresh and fun family experiences that have been added lately to Downtown Disney.

In the meantime, here’s the newest rendering of the location’s exterior and a video that will give you a feel for what it’ll be like inside.

Splitsville is coming to Downtown Disney (chipandco.com)
Walt Disney World Resort Holds Online Job Fair: Apply Now Through April 29, 2012 (chipandco.com)

Rock out in Splitsville at Downtown Disney

Garden Grocer: Florida’s #1 professional grocery delivery service

By

Chip

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April 29, 2012

GardenGrocer.com is Florida’s #1 professional grocery delivery service with over 5 year’s experience and well over 50,000 orders proudly delivered!

How have they done this?

First and foremost: Outstanding Customer Service
Second: Products of the Best Quality
Finally: A Strong Delivery Structure.

Not only does Garden Grocer have the everyday items that you and your family use back home they all carry specialty items like:

Kosher
Gluten Free
Organic

So people with specialty dietary requests they got you covered!

If you have questions about their service check out their Q & A Page as they cover everything. From what is Garden Grocer to tipping and how your delivery is packaged.

I am proud to announce our partnership with Garden Grocer here on Chip and Co. GG is the only Grocery Delivery Service in the Orlando area that we support and use! Myself and many of my writers have used their service in the past and highly recommend them to anyone needing Groceries delivered to your Rental Home, Resort, and Vacation Club Property.

Just click on any of the images above to learn more.

Happy Shopping.

5 Quick Tips for Saving Money on Food at Disney World (chipandco.com)
Disney World Quick Tips – Don’t waste those Snack Credits. (chipandco.com)

Garden Grocer: Florida’s #1 professional grocery delivery service

Southwest Airlines – Soar to the Magic Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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April 29, 2012

Enter for a chance to win a Magical Storybook Vacation package for four to Walt Disney World® Resort from Southwest.

Grand Prize Includes:

Four (4) round trip coach air fares provided by Southwest Airlines between the major United States gateway airport with Southwest Airlines service closest to winner’s residence and the Orlando International Airport.
Four (4) round trip ground transfers between the Orlando International Airport and the Walt Disney World® Resort aboard Disney’s Magical Express Service.
Room accommodations consisting of one (1) standard room (with a maximum of four (4) persons per room) for four (4) nights at a hotel at the Walt Disney World® Resort selected by Disney in its sole discretion.
Four (4) 5-Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper® Option.
A Disney Gift Card with a value of five hundred dollars ($500)
Disney’s Magical Celebration “in room” décor in your Walt Disney World® Resort hotel room [winner room only].
One (1) Disney’s PhotoPass® CD. [Redemption certificate will be provided].
One (1) Disney Character Dining experience for four (4) persons.
One (1) Disney Character Meet and Greet with photo opportunity for four (4) persons.

Click here to learn more and to enter.

Which Disney World Guide Is Right For You? (chipandco.com)
Walt Disney World Resort Holds Online Job Fair: Apply Now Through April 29, 2012 (chipandco.com)

You should check out The Disney Wilderness Preserve

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 29, 2012

Walt Disney World is a wonder of human invention and innovation, of “Imagineering” in Disney terminology. But what did that piece of real estate Walt Disney turned into his vacation dream land look like before the Imagineers got a hold of it?

Constructing Walt Disney World impacted the environment drastically, and in the early 1990s the Walt Disney Company partnered with the Nature Conservancy to mitigate some of that change by turning a huge swath of undeveloped land at the headwaters of the Everglades into a nature preserve. Today the original 8,500 acres donated by the Walt Disney Company has grown into 12,000 acres of wilderness filled with wildlife. The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve is just a 28-mile drive south of the resort entrance and provides an interesting side trip for environmentally-inclined visitors.

The site of the preserve was once heavily logged and used as ranch land, but it has been restored to near pristine condition as described by the first Spanish missionaries to visit what is now Florida. Many species of birds have returned to the area, including bald eagles and sandhill cranes. Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom has partnered with the Nature Conservancy to monitor one of the nation’s largest rookeries of wood storks as hundreds of mated pairs arrive each spring to nest among the bald cypress. The preserve also is home to big-eared bats, gopher tortoises and indigo snakes. The occasional Florida panther has even been seen passing through!

A hiking trail leaves the visitor center parking lot and offers a view of Lake Russell, with one of Florida’s last undeveloped lake fronts, along with an optional 2.5-mile loop showcasing more of the area’s unique plant and animal species.

For a little break from theme parks, or just to see some of what nature has to offer, visit the Disney Nature Conservancy at 2700 Scrub Jay Trail in Kissimmee. Hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except major holidays. You can learn more by calling the Nature Conservancy visitor center at (407) 935-0002 or visiting the web site here.

Jeffrey is a father, husband, Disney fan and refugee from the real world. While planning his next Disney trip, he enjoys bringing the Magic into his life in all ways possible, including his personal blog, Pooh Sticks.

Disney Takes Animal Kingdom to Facebook With Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers (chipandco.com)
Walt Disney World Donates $5.7 Million Donation to Florida United Way (chipandco.com)

You should check out The Disney Wilderness Preserve

Is My Car Safe at Disney World?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 29, 2012

Is My Car Safe at Disney World?

For the past 10+ years, I have driven either my own personal car or a rental car to the Walt Disney World resort and never even thought twice about the safety of my personal belongings. Something about crossing under the “Walt Disney World” sign that makes me feel like I’ve left reality and have entered a safe haven. Add the $14 parking fee, I generally feel that my car is in good hands when I leave it parked for the day. For details on free parking check out this article “Disney World Quick Tips – How to get free parking.”

In the parking lots, there are frequently parking attendants, directing traffic in our out of the parking lots and always dozens of people coming or going. However, there are a few precautions I would recommend to anyone traveling to the Walt Disney World Resort:

Never leave luggage or personal belongings in plain view. If you can’t check in early and need to leave your stuff in your car, put it in the trunk!
Make sure to lock your car doors. As silly as that may seem, many break ins are due to people actually leaving their cars unlocked. Don’t do it!
Even though you’re at the Happiest Place on Earth, stuff can happen. I read a story of someone’s bag being stolen at a resort pool. Keep your valuables with you if at all possible!

Just being over cautious, though, I wouldn’t really worry about leaving my car on Disney property. In fact, I’ve never thought twice about it. Whether at the Ticket and Transportation parking lot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the parks are usually filled with people and are generally a safe place to leave your car. Enjoy!

Which Disney World Guide Is Right For You? (chipandco.com)
Don’t miss this Top Disney World Attraction! (chipandco.com)

2012 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Schedule

By

Chip

-

April 29, 2012

Summer just isn’t summer without great tunes. And summer nights mean sizzling entertainment at Epcot Theme Park! During the annual Sounds Like Summer Concert Series, enjoy high-energy performances from some of the world’s greatest tribute bands.

Get the family together and get into the groove with the songs you all know and love. Dance to classic hits and have a toe-tappin’ good time under the skies of the open-air America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.

We have the 2012 Lineup.

June 10-17 – Hotel California – Eagles tribute band
June 18-23 – Mike Delguidice & Big Shot – A Billy Joel tribute band
June 24-30 – Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees tribute band
July 1-7 – Slippery When Wet – Bon Jovi tribute band
July 8-17 – Police Experience – The Police tribute band
July 18-21 – Southbound and Company – Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band
July 22-28 – 2U – U2 tribute band

All dates and acts are subject to change.

New Artist Renderings Depict a Reimagined Test Track at Epcot (chipandco.com)
It’s Raining…Not Pouring! Making the Most of the Parks in the Rain! (chipandco.com)

2012 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Schedule

Fantasyland Opening Dates Announced

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 29, 2012

Walt Disney World has updated their opening dates for the brand new Fantasyland. Announced Friday, the remaining half of Storybook Circus will open featuring another carousel of Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Casey Jr. Splash n’ Soak Station.

Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction, Enchanted Tales with Belle including the Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern and Ariel’s Grotto will open “this holiday season” which I hope is by November when they start putting up Christmas decorations.

I was disappointed to hear that the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will now open in 2014- bummer!

What are you most excited about in the new Fantasyland?

Lesley is a travel agent with Pixie Vacations, contact her for your next Disney vacation at [email protected] or check her out at www.destinationmagic.com. She is currently offeringgenerous booking incentives (Disney gift cards and Disney on board credits for Disney Cruiseline) as well as $200 per person Disney gift cards for all Adventures by Disney Vacations!

Win these 5 Disney Classics on Bluray/DVD

By

Chip

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April 29, 2012

Time is running out for fans to own two of Disney’s beloved animated hits on Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: DIAMOND EDITION and BAMBI: DIAMOND EDITION will return to the Disney Vault on April 30, 2012.

One of the most critically acclaimed animated films of all time, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a favorite for all ages. The Diamond Edition was spectacularly restored using the latest digital technology, including the release of the film on spectacular Disney 3D, bringing the characters, sound and storyline to a whole new immersive dimension. The ‘tale as old as time,’ BEAUTY AND THE BEAST continues to resonate with millions of adoring fans around the world, and is a story to be enjoyed time and time again.

Generations of Disney fans have fallen in love with BAMBI since its premiere in 1942. It’s the endearing tale of a young fawn that learns valuable life lessons about friendship, love and the miracle of life. This BAMBI Diamond Edition was developed with families in mind, providing the ultimate, interactive home entertainment experience featuring an enhanced digital restoration, including picture and sound, that includes games, activities and more for the whole family. Named one of the top animated films of all time by the American Film Institute (AFI’s “10 Top 10,” 2008), BAMBI is a timeless film that no film collection is complete without.

Featuring heartwarming stories and lovable characters, these classic, animated titles will only be available through April 30, 2012, from The Walt Disney Studios.

In addition to the above Diamond Edition titles, time is also ticking for the chance to own a copy of:

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: THE ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS SPECIAL EDITION
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: BELLE’S MAGICAL WORLD SPECIAL EDITION (DVD)
BAMBI II: SPECIAL EDITION

All 5 Movies are heading to the Disney Vault on April 30, 2012 so even if you don’t win you will want to get them while you can!

Giveaway Details:

One Lucky Chip and Co fan will win all 5 Copies on Bluray/DVD!

To enter, all you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below. The contest ends Sunday April 29th at 11:59pm. On Monday I will pick one lucky winner and notify them via email or facebook that they won. Be sure to use a valid way for me to contact you. You have 3 hours to respond or I will pick another winner so be watching your emails and facebook Monday Morning!!!

For bonus entries, share this post using any of the buttons at the top of this page. You can tweet and share as often as you like, because each counts as bonus entries!

Also stay tuned to Twitter our man Johnathan will be hosting #DisneyTrivia for bonus entries!!

Good Luck

P.S. – Please share Chip and Co with your friends and help us grow our community. The larger the community the better the prizes I can share with you EVERY WEEK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disney Classics Head Back Into The Vault : ”Bambi & Beauty And The Beast Diamond Editions (chipandco.com)
Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker Giveaway (chipandco.com)

Win these 5 Disney Classics on Bluray/DVD

Star Wars: The Old Republic Expands to New Countries in Europe and Middle East

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 28, 2012

Star Wars: The Old Republic Expands to New Countries in Europe and Middle East

Award-Winning MMO from BioWare and LucasArts Launches in 38 New Countries Today

BioWare™, a Label of Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA) and LucasArts announced today that Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ will officially launch in 38 additional countries throughout Europe and the Middle East. Starting today, fans in those regions will be able to purchase the critically-acclaimed massively multiplayer online game and enjoy the story-driven experience that has captivated critics and fans since the game’s historic launch in December.

Players will be able to choose from the Standard Edition and the Digital Deluxe Edition of Star Wars: The Old Republic at Origin.com* and participating retailers located in Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Estonia, Gibraltar, Iceland, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. For a complete list of participating retailers and for pricing by territory, please visit http://buy.swtor.com.

The Old Republic is set thousands of years before the classic Star Wars™ movies, with the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire locked in the middle of an epic, galactic war. By choosing one of eight iconic Star Wars characters, including the Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Smuggler, Trooper, Sith Warrior, Sith Inquisitor, Bounty Hunter and Imperial Agent, players become the hero or villain of their own personal Star Wars saga. Players team up with friends online, fighting in heroic battles reminiscent of the films, immersing themselves in a galaxy full of vibrant characters and planets, while experiencing visceral Star Wars combat.

Included with the purchase of every copy of Star Wars: The Old Republic is 30 days of access to the game, after which players can continue to play by subscribing** to the current service, which gives players access to new, ongoing content such as the recently released Game Update 1.2: Legacy. For more information on Star Wars: The Old Republic, please visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com, follow the game on Twitter® at http://twitter.com/swtor or “Like” Star Wars: The Old Republic on Facebook® at http://facebook.com/starwarstheoldrepublic. Press assets for Star Wars: The Old Republic are available at www.info.ea.com.

* STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE ON ORIGIN.COM IN ALGERIA LUXEMBOURG OR TUNISIA.

** FOR SUBSCRIPTION PRICING BY TERRITORY, PLEASE VISIT THE OLD REPUBLIC FAQ.

About LucasArts

Founded in 1982 by filmmaker George Lucas, LucasArts is a leading publisher and developer of interactive entertainment. With development facilities in San Francisco and Singapore, LucasArts leverages the global skills, technology and resources of the Lucasfilm family of companies — including visual effects leader Industrial Light & Magic, Lucasfilm Animation and Skywalker Sound — in addition to strategic partnerships with best-in-class external partners, to further the boundaries of game development. LucasArts is dedicated to delivering deeply immersive, visually spectacular and engaging experiences that inspire and amaze generations.

About BioWare

The BioWare Label is a division of EA which crafts high quality multiplatform role-playing, MMO, social, play-for-free and strategy games, focused on emotionally engaging, rich stories with unforgettable characters and vast worlds to discover. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world’s most critically acclaimed titles and franchises, including Baldur’s Gate™, Neverwinter Nights™, Star Wars™: Knights of the Old Republic™, Jade Empire™, Mass Effect™ and Dragon Age™. BioWare currently operates in eight locations across the world, including Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montreal (Quebec, Canada), Austin (Texas), Fairfax (Virginia), San Francisco (California), Los Angeles (California), Sacramento (California) and Galway (Ireland).

In 2008, BioWare was acquired by Electronic Arts, a leading global interactive entertainment publisher. In 2011 EA created the BioWare Label, alongside EA Games, EA SPORTS™ and EA Play. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bioware. To join the millions of fans already registered with the BioWare community, go to http://social.bioware.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company’s game franchises are offered as both packaged goods products and online services delivered through Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 100 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.

In fiscal 2011, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.6 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster franchises such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, Battlefield™, and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at http://info.ea.com.

LucasArts, the LucasArts logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks in the United States and/or in other countries of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © 2012 Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. or Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. BioWare is a trademark of EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. EA and the EA logo are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Star Wars: The Old Republic – Game Update 1.2 (chipandco.com)
Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Lands in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore on March 1‏ (jedimouseketeer.blogspot.com)

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