Author: chipandco.com

Marvel Comics has acquired the exclusive comic book rights both to the Alien and Predator franchises. So far, Marvel has not announced any official comic titles or creative teams for these newly acquired properties. But we will find Xenomorphs and the Predator species featured in stories in the months ahead! Marvel even commissioned one of their artists, David Finch, to show teaser images of the intimidating comic book characters.

Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski gave praise to the  Alien and Predator franchises joining their list of comic books properties.

“There’s nothing more thrilling than a story that will keep you at the edge of your seat, and Alien and Predator have delivered that time and time again! I can clearly remember where I was when I saw each of these modern masterpieces for the first time, and reveling in how both masterfully weave extraterrestrial dread and drama into some of the most iconic scenes we’ve ever seen on film. And it’s that legacy that we’re going to live up to! As a visual medium, comics are the perfect place to build on those moments, and we here at Marvel are honored to begin telling these stories for fans everywhere. As our release schedule continues to return, we can’t wait to share more in the coming months!”

Source: Comicbook.com

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Books, Marvel, News, Alien, Alien vs Predator, Fox, marvel comics, Predator

Disney World begins refunding payments from Annual Passholder computer glitch

Great news! Disney has started issuing refunds for those Monthly Payment Annual Passholders who were accidentally charged several months’ worth of payments.

Just a few days ago Disney World Annual Passholders were unexpectedly charged several months’ worth of payments at once. I myself was charged for 2 months worth of payments and others were charged up to 4 months worth of payments. You can imagine the outrage and frustration.

Disney released a statement stating it was a computer glitch and they were working at reversing the charges and issuing refunds.

I awoke this morning with the charge that was on hold on my Disney Visa credit card magically gone!

I am glad the issue is being resolved now we can focus on the reopening of Walt Disney World next week!

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, Annual Passholder, Computer Glitch, Disney World, refunds

There’s been debate over the ethical concerns of marine life captivity at theme parks and aquariums. For example, the treatment of dolphins and how  they are used for both education and entertainment. It helps guests to see these creatures up close for learning purposes, but the enclosure size of aquariums and trained entertainment behaviors concern some individuals. However, an idea that was first conceived by former Disney Imagineers over 20 years ago might be the solution for our future.

The Living Seas exhibit at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park features a six million gallon aquarium. Twenty years ago, a robotic dolphin known as the Dolphin Robotic Unit, or DRU, would swim around the tank and interact with real divers and real sea life. The scripted performance didn’t fool anyone until DRU was used as part of an interactive experience at Disney’s Castaway Cay. Guests were able to get in the water and interact with the robotic dolphin in a way that simulated a true dolphin encounter. The former Disney Imagineers did improve upon their robotic dolphin in the years since then.

The robotic dolphin was designed to not only simulate the movements and appearance of an actual adolescent-aged bottlenose dolphin, but to feel like one too with a realistic skeletal and muscle structure underneath its outer skin, and accurate weight distribution that helps make its swimming motions look like the creative is actually alive. The robotic dolphin operates as a self-contained puppet with its movements controlled by a nearby operator.

At this time, the upgraded robotic dolphin isn’t heading to a Disney theme park or resort. Instead, the technology is being developed and tested for a series of attractions at a new Chinese aquarium. Who knows? If it tests well with the public, we may see the former Disney Imagineer’s robotic dolphin come to our aquariums in the states!

Source: Gizmodo

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Other Disney Stuff, News, Tips &Tricks, Disney Engineers, Disney Imagineers, Dolphin, Imagineers, Walt Disney Imagineers

We could all use a cruise right now and where better to sail than the beautiful French Rhône River? But because times are tight and people are staying home, Disney has decided to treat us from the comfort of our own couches. Presenting: “Adventure at Home: Rhône River Cruise.”

First things first, you’ll want to get acquainted with the surroundings. Watch this virtual tour of destinations that guests find themselves exploring on this Disney Cruise, such as Lyon, Avignon, and Tournon. It will certainly whet your appetite for this delightful French vacation.

Next up on our cruise itinerary is a delightful game called ”Who is the Character?” The game is a classic cruise activity, typically hosted by an Adventure Guide, but here it is in a video format for at-home use. It’s an easy (but fun!) way to get the whole family playing together. The video shows French names of various Disney characters which participants then must guess the English names for. The person with the most correct guesses wins! But no fair if they’re already francophone!

No cruise down the Rhône would be complete without some delicious French food, so Disney chefs have shared a special recipe to make at home: Mickey Mouse French Macarons. They are much simpler to make than might be imagined, and of course, the recipe holds some helpful tips for those who may not be as comfortable with their baking skills! Click the link to try the recipe yourself.

For those who truly wish to be surrounded by the beauty of the French countryside, there remains one more perk to your Disney Cruise from home. Disney has shared a background for your laptop, phone, or conference call, of the hilltop village of Gordes. For personal use only, this gorgeous vista will instantly give users the feeling of being in a world of relaxation. It’s the closest thing we have to cruising from our living room couch!

While we all anxiously await the day we can take the Disney Rhône River Cruise for ourselves, we are excited to do the next best thing at home. Happy sailing!

Photos and videos courtesy of Disney

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Disney & Co, Adventures by Disney, 2020 Adventures by Disney, Adventures by Disney Europe, Disney Cruise, Disney Europe, Disney France

As a Disney fan, one of my favorite things to do is find little Disney touches to add around my home. Even little accessories like the newest Mickey Sink Strainer adds a magical detail. We found this cutie at Disney Springs, and can’t wait to add him to the kitchen fun!

Mickey Sink Strainer

This is an update to a classic design from a couple of years ago. Mickey has gotten a “cutesier” style, and is ready to splish-splash in the kitchen sink! This is a pretty heavy-duty strainer too, it is stainless steel, and has a thick rubber base. Mickey is an enamel decoration affixed to the top.

The previous version of this fun kitchen accessory had spoons for the little drain holes. This time, however, the drainage holes are now Mickey shapes! This honestly seems like the obvious choice if you ask me. You can find this extra adorable Disney kitchen accessory at Disney springs for $22.99!

Little accents like the Mickey Sink Strainer are such a fun way to add a touch of Disney magic. Even our sinks can be magical, and vibrant with color!

What do you think of this whimsical new kitchen accessory?

Special thanks to our friend Susan for these adorable pictures! 

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Shop, Souvenirs & Collectibles, disney kitchen, Disney Kitchen Accessories, Mickey Kitchen, Mickey Kitchen Accessories, Mickey Sink Strainer