Original Disneyland Railroad Steam Engine Returns to Service
One of the original Disneyland Railroad steam engine has returned to service at the Disneyland Resort! The E.P. Ripley has returned to Disneyland and cast members and guests are excited.
The train was named after Edward Payson Ripley, one of the original founders of the Atchison and Topeka Railroad (later the Santa Fe Railroad, established in 1859). The steam engine was taken off track about five years ago for repairs, followed by a full restoration project that began in summer 2021. On March 6, it will again be ready to take guests on a grand circle tour of Disneyland park.
The restoration process required the team to replicate the original boiler, the headlamp and bell to bring the locomotive back to its original splendor. “We replicated some of the original parts, since they aren’t manufactured anymore,” said Tarun Khanna, lead mechanical engineer. “Everything is mechanical and runs like a steam engine from the past, from the boiler all the way down to the whistle.”
Walt can be seen riding on the E.P. Ripley in photos around the time of the park’s 1955 opening, so the steam engine’s return as we continue the Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort is especially meaningful.
“Many of us here at the Disneyland Railroad deeply appreciate that we get to operate an attraction that has so much historic significance to the park and personal significance to so many of our guests,” said Katie Wildrick (above), a core lead and trainer.
How exciting that an original part of Disneyland has returned to the park!
If you’d like to check out the engine at Disneyland, contact me today to start planning your trip! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Hong Kong has been under a mask mandate since the pandemic started and is one of the last places to enforce mask-wearing outside.
Hong Kong Disneyland recently told media, “Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has missed seeing mask-free smiles at the park. It will truly be an emotional moment to see the happy faces of our guests and cast members after nearly three years and we hope they can create more magical memories at our park. We will continue to refer to the guidance and advice from the health authorities and relevant departments, and review and adjust park operations measures and procedures accordingly.”
Hong Kong is implementing ways to entice more guests to return. We recently shared about free flights being given away. A new Frozen-themed land is also coming to Hong Kong Disneyland.
With the mask mandate being removed, are you more inclined to visit Hong Kong Disneyland?
M&M’s is celebrating Women’s History Month in a totally sweet way.
Ms. Brown is the second female M&M character introduced just after Ms. Green.
“The M&M’S brand is on a mission to use the power of fun to create purposeful connections, as we work to create a world where everyone feels they belong,” said Gabrielle Wesley, Chief Marketing Officer, Mars Wrigley North America. “Women all over the world are flipping how they define success and happiness while challenging the status quo, so we’re thrilled to be able to recognize and celebrate them – and who better to help us on that mission than our own powerhouse spokes candies Green, Brown, and Purple.”
Limited Edition Candy Packs
Just recently M&M’s released their first ever all-female chocolate M&M candy packs. It features Ms. Green, Ms. Brown, and Ms. Purple exclusively
Now guests visiting Disney Springs can stop in at the M&M’S store and meet Ms. Brown herself. There is even merchandise featuring the all-female M&M duo.
You can find everything from candy, apparel, novelties, and even home goods, and more.
M&M’S Store
Of course, it wouldn’t be an M&M store without lots of chocolaty goodness. You can find an entire wall of M&M’S that you can mix and match to customize your favorite flavors and colors.
Who doesn’t love M&M’S? This is a great spot to pick up a few souiveneers for friends and family back home. Of course, while you are there you might want to get a little chocolate for yourself too!
What are your favorite flavors and colors of M&M’S? Let us know in the comments below.
Be sure to check back often with Chip and Company so we can keep you up to date on all the latest Disney news.
Sequel to Pokémon Detective Pikachu in the Works Landing New Director. Who’s That Pokémon? It’s Pikachu, well Detective Pikachu actually, and now we may finally see him in a sequel to the 2019 surprising hit Detective Pikachu, according to Variety
The “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” sequel has finally caught a director.
Jonathan Krisel, co-creator of “Portlandia,” is in negotiations with Legendary Entertainment to direct the sequel to the live-action “Pokémon” movie from 2019. Chris Galletta will write the script.
Sequel to Pokémon Detective Pikachu in the Works Landing New Director
The original “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” starred Ryan Reynolds as a talking, coffee-loving Pikachu who fancied himself as a Sherlock Holmes. The electric mouse teams up with Tim Goodman, a down-on-his-luck Pokémon trainer played by Justice Smith, to find Tim’s missing dad. The cast included Kathryn Newton, who’s currently starring in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” Suki Waterhouse, Ken Watanabe, Rita Ora, and more.
It was the first live-action “Pokémon” movie ever made after the hit video game franchise sold more than 440 million video games sold worldwide, tens of billions of Pokémon cards, and more than 1,200 episodes of the popular anime series.
6 Delightful Documentaries for Pixar Fans to Enjoy! On February 3rd, 1986, Pixar Animation Studios was founded. From its plucky early days as a small studio, it has evolved into a powerhouse in all things Computer-Animated. A Pixar release for many doesn’t just include a story, but a glimpse into what is possible in technology and animation for the future. Looking to discover more about Pixar? Check out the movies below!
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Underway Through April 25th
Disneyland Resort invites guests of all ages to embark on an epicurean adventure, when the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns March 3-April 25, 2023. Happening alongside the Disney100 celebration at the Disneyland Resort, the limited-time event at Disney California Adventure Park highlights the best of California’s culinary scene with many great choices of specialty foods, beverages, entertainment and experiences inspired by the state’s diverse cultures and regions.
Whether it’s a first visit, a family reunion or just a happy Disney day, the popular Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is among the distinctly Disney experiences that brings guests back to the magic, time after time.
A dozen Festival Marketplaces – plus participating dining locations and carts – throughout Disney California Adventure Park will serve irresistible bites and beverages. This year’s smorgasbord introduces more than 60 new menu items, such as the celebration chocolate fudge brownie, elote paleta, smoked honey-habanero chicken wings and grilled peach toast.
Plant-based, allergy-friendly, gluten-friendly and kid-friendly selections are available to please a variety of palates. New this year, Paradise Garden Grill will offer a plant-based food menu, serving torta de chilaquiles, IMPOSSIBLETM gyro fries, peach-blueberry cobbler and more.
The Sip and Savor Pass offers a great value for guests tasting their way through the festival. Shareable among friends and family, the eight entitlement tabs included in the pass can be redeemed for select food and nonalcoholic beverages at Festival Marketplaces and participating locations. The Sip and Savor Pass can also be used across multiple visits to this year’s festival.
Guests 21 and over can discover an expertly curated selection of wines, spirits and craft beers. Beer aficionados can enjoy refreshing craft beers by the glass at the Paradise Beer Garden, and Cocktails at Sonoma Terrace offers signature cocktails in a lively lounge atmosphere.
Guests may expand their culinary knowledge with bookable experiences at Disney California Adventure Park and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, including beverage seminars, mixology classes and more.
The festival fun continues across Disney California Adventure Park with family-friendly entertainment, craft stations for kids and special events. In Hollywood Land, guests can cook up photo memories with Chef Goofy. As another tribute to the Golden State, the beloved attraction Soarin’ Over California returns for the duration of the festival.
The Hollywood Backlot Stage will host culinary experiences for foodies of all ages. Here, young chefs ages 3 through 11 may decorate their own delicious cupcakes during “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party.” Fridays through Sundays during the festival, guests can learn pro tips from Disney, visiting and celebrity chefs as they prepare some of their favorite dishes on stage. Culinary demonstration presenters this year include Duff Goldman, Jet Tila, Claudia Sandoval, Shaun O’Neale and many more.
Many diverse restaurants and businesses are represented in the menus and scheduled events throughout the festival, such as Black-and women-founded McBride Sisters Wine Co., Black- owned Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., Latino-owned Heritage BBQ and woman-led ADYA.
Over at the Paradise Gardens Obelisk, the Jammin’ Chefs use pots and pans to serve up tasty rhythms. Guests can also dance along to daily live music at the Palisades Stage and Paradise Gardens Bandstand, showcasing a sampling of musical styles. Among the slated performers are Suburban Legends, Faultlines and Island Reggae Band.
Each weekend, guests can meet Disney-inspired artists during showcase and signing events held at Off the Page at Disney California Adventure Park and the WonderGround Gallery pop-up location in the Downtown Disney District. Downtown Disney District joins the festivities with nightly entertainment, plus limited-time menu items and separately ticketed culinary experiences at participating restaurants.
“Take a look as Imagineers put the finishing touches on the TRON Lightcycle / Run post-show, presented by @Enterprise. Imagineers just installed Team Green’s Lightcycle and are finishing up the installation of a collection of graphics throughout the space.”
Lean forward into the ultimate race of survival! Leave the real world behind and join Team Blue in a quest across the Grid—the dark, computerized world with no horizons from TRON. Here, there’s no limit to the excitement.
Climb aboard your very own Lightcycle and take off on a high-speed adventure, racing against the Grid’s most menacing Programs. Surge past your fierce opponents as you attempt to cross through 8 Energy Gates and secure your team’s victory—so you can survive to race another day.
Scheduled to open April 4, 2023, TRON Lightcycle / Run will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.
If you’d like to visit Magic Kingdom and experience TRON Lightcycle Run, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Disney Eats shared a look at the foods coming to the Grand Cottage on Instagram. Some of the sweet treats include macarons, carrot cake, and a giant chocolate bunny.
There will also be a beautiful hand-crafted Easter egg display!
“Something EGG-citing is on its way to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa next week! The Grand Cottage is back this spring and will be serving up sweet treats alongside the beautifully hand-crafted Easter egg display beginning March 7!”
Make sure you stop by and check out the display!
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Disney World, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
New Tommy Bahama Disney Collection For Your Next Dreamy Vacation!
Take the magic with you to your next dream vacation with the new Tommy Bahama Disney Collection! It features beautiful apparel options for both men and women and fun accessories everyone will love, take a look:
Looking for a tropical style with a touch of Disney magic? Then this pattern is perfect for you! It features bright and bold colors, Mickey & Minnie enjoying a day in paradise and Hawaiian flowers and leaves. You can choose between a dress, shirt or shorts in this design, so cute!
There are also some more subtle pieces if super tropical patterns are not your thing. There are t-shirts, pullovers, jackets and button up shirts with pastel peach, mint green and pink tones and Minnie Mouse as the star of this design.
Coming back to tropical patterns, this one is better for those into more dark tones like blue and green with a touch of pink and Mickey & Minnie artwork.
There are also plenty of options for men like polo shirts, long sleeves, shorts and button up shirts, very tropical and fun for your next vacation.
Finally, the collection also feature accessories like mugs, travel mugs, towels and beach chairs so you can take the magic with you everywhere you go!
Rebel Wilson Banned from Disney over a selfie. Coming off an amazing engagement announcement that took place at Disneyland in California, with apparently the help of the Cast Members and Josh D’Amaro the President of Walt Disney Parks and Experiences, Rebel Wilson found herself in a bit of a controversy, but being a celebrity, it did not matter too much.
Actress Rebel Wilson seemed to have gotten into a little bit of trouble while at the Happiest Place on Earth. She revealed to Hasan Minhaj on “The Daily Show” that she got banned from the Anaheim theme park for 30 days because she took a photo in a secret bathroom. That apparently is a huge no-no for Disneyland.
“They called me up and said, ‘Rebel what 30 days did you not want to come to Disneyland because you’ll be filming a movie or something?’” she explained.
The “Pitch Perfect” star said she told them June would be ideal.
“That’s how I know you’re a celebrity,” laughed Minhaj who was serving as guest host on the satirical news program “Disneyland has like Met Gala rules, where they’re like ‘no photos here,’ but then you break it and they’re like ‘look, we have to punish you, but looking at your Google calendar, what month works for you?’” he joked.
Wilson also revealed there are Disneyland “gangs” out there. She explained they consist of adults with names like the White Rabbits or Children of Thanos, and they wear matching vests and walk around the resort “doing gang stuff.”
Apparently, one initiation into the gang was to steal the apple from the Snow White Ride. Wilson said that it happened so much, officials changed the apple into a hologram. “Don’t ask me how I know about Disneyland gangs, because I will not say,” she said tersely.
New Disney100 Popcorn Bucket Available At Walt Disney World!
Treat yourself to a delicious snack and join the celebration with this Disney100 Popcorn Bucket to remember 100 years of wonder forever! You can get yours at any popcorn stand around the Walt Disney World Resort for $13 and then refill it for $2.25.
The popcorn bucket features a deep purple color with a sketch of Cinderella Castle and Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto in their platinum outfits and Tinkerbell flying over the castle spreading pixie dust. So cute!
You can take a closer look at this popcorn bucket in our Instagram post:
Grilled Street Corn on the Cob was one of the Best Things we ate at the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival. There is something fantastic about walking around Epcot and smelling an open grill. It is those smells that make our heads perk up and like Tucan Sam, we “Follow our Nose” which led us to Florida Fresh near Disney Traders to try the Street Corn on the Cob with spicy corn chips.
One of the things we love about Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival is eating our way around the World Showcase and sampling everything. Of course, we have to roll ourselves out by the time we are done, and this time was no different.
We really enjoyed the Florida Fresh and the Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and spicy corn chips which is a menu item on the Garen Graze Food quest. The corn had grill marks and the flavor of the grill enhanced the taste of the corn. It was not too spicy, but there was a bit of heat to it, and best of all was the little handle of aluminum foil that give you to hold it in your hand and not make a huge mess.
Eat, drink, and be delighted by creative cuisine and garden-fresh fare.
Discover an array of Outdoor Kitchens around EPCOT, each serving a specialty menu of festival-inspired sips and bites. Embark on a culinary adventure around the world—or savor American comfort food with a twist. There’s something to satisfy nearly every taste!
Florida Fresh(Near Disney Traders)
Food Items:
Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and spicy corn chips (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and plant-based cotija cheese (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Blackened Fish Slider with roasted tomatoes, watercress, and citrus remoulade on brioche (New)
Watermelon Salad with blueberries, pickled red onions, balsamic, and feta
