Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Pearl Begins on May 1st

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February 16, 2023

DCL_25th_Minnie_and_Mickey_disclaimer — To honor Disney Cruise Line’s “Silver Anniversary at Sea,” Captain Minnie Mouse and Captain Mickey Mouse will don dazzling new ensembles in the celebration’s signature color, Shimmering Seas. (Disney)

Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Pearl Begins on May 1st

Castaway Club is Disney’s way of recognizing Guests who have sailed with them. If you’ve ever been on a Disney cruise, you’re already a member—plus you’re eligible to receive exclusive at-home and onboard benefits that can make your next cruise even more magical.

Announced back in late 2022 Disney Cruise Line will be adding the new Pearl Member Status for Castaway Club Members who have completed 25 or more sails.

Today it was announced that the new Castaway Club Tier would begin on May 1st, 2023! Pearl Members will get all of the benefits for Platinum & Gold and more!

Here is all we know so far:

The anniversary of Disney Cruise Line also heralds the unveiling of a brand-new membership tier for Castaway Club, which recognizes returning Disney Cruise Line guests with exclusive rewards and perks. Honoring 25 years of Disney magic at sea, members will now earn the distinction of Pearl status after 25 Disney Cruise Line vacations. As the line’s biggest fans, Pearl members will unlock new at-home and onboard benefits, which will be announced in early 2023.

As soon as we get more information on Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Pearl we will share it here on Chip and Company!

Super Nintendo World is officially confirmed for the Universal Orlando Resort!

By

Chip

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February 16, 2023

Super Nintendo World is officially confirmed for the Universal Orlando Resort!

Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts Mark Woodbury made the announcement during the Super Nintendo World event in Universal Studios Hollywood last night!

You can see the Live Stream of the event here:

Stay tuned to the Chip and Company Instagram for the opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood TODAY!

Concert Lineups Set For Dollywood’s I Will Always Love You Celebration

By

Chip

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February 16, 2023

Dollywood-I-Will-Always-Love-You-Celebration

Concert Lineups Set For Dollywood’s I Will Always Love You Celebration

Dollywood celebrates Dolly’s iconic status as a songwriter during the I Will Always Love You Celebration from March 11-April 8. This festive event kicks off the 2023 operating season by observing the 50^th anniversary of Dolly’s writing of her monumental hit, “I Will Always Love You.”

“I Will Always Love You” tells a powerful story and demonstrates the impact a song can have on the world. To celebrate the power of songwriting and storytelling, guests can enjoy a special lineup of performances each Saturday throughout the I Will Always Love You Celebration in DP’s Celebrity Theater. The Celebrity Concert Series includes Natalie Grant (March 11); Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder (March 18); Jo Dee Messina (March 25); Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers (April 1); and Lauren Alaina (April 8). All concerts are included with park admission.

2022 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards

Guests also have the opportunity to hear from the people behind some of music’s biggest songs during the Showstreet Songwriting Showcase. Songwriters include Dana Black, who wrote George Strait’s “Check Yes or No” and “Write this Down”; Billy Montana, who wrote Sara Evans’ “Suds in the Bucket”; Steve Dean, who wrote “Walk On” for Reba McEntire, and many more. Each showcase features multiple songwriters and will have multiple shows each day during the event.

Throughout Showstreet and Rivertown, dazzling décor will delight guests as they make their way through the themed areas. On Showstreet, a glittering display of pink sequins shimmers above guests to create a sparkling experience. Other bedazzling Instagrammable moments and celebration-themed merchandise can be found to capture the day. Dollywood’s culinary team is creating deliciously decadent treats for guests to enjoy during this special celebration.

The I Will Always Love You Celebration is unique to the 2023 season, so Dollywood fans should make plans to visit this one-time-only event. For more information, please visit dollywood.com.

Disney News Round-Up: Muppets Ride with Figment, Tower of Terror Wait Times Cut in Half, Roundup Rodeo BBQ Construction, Disney’s Live-Action The Little Mermaid Teaser

By

Greg Gately

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February 16, 2023

Disney News Round-Up: Muppets Ride with Figment, Tower of Terror Wait Times Cut in Half, Roundup Rodeo BBQ Construction, Disney’s Live-Action The Little Mermaid Teaser. Disney100 Lego sets are coming, plus much more.

Walt Disney World

Shopping and Food

Disney News Round-Up

The Walt Disney Company

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New Shopping Center Near Disney’s All-Star Resort in the works

By

Greg Gately

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February 16, 2023

New Shopping Center Near Disney’s All-Star Resort in the works. The retail space just southeast of the All-Star Resorts area has seen a massive amount of development over the past 2 years alone. The 192/West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway has seen a major influx of dining and retail spaces open recently. Sickies Garage, Portillo’s, and much more in just the past few months.

Now there is another major development about to happen in the same area. Lake Wilson Enterprises LLC purchased a 9.2-acre plot of land in August 2019 for $6 million. In Osceola County, near Funie Steed Road and Morgan Williams Road. Chris Leppert with Kimley-Horn filed a meeting request on behalf of the landowner and the property will be discussed at a development meeting that happened on February 15, 2023.

This area is right near the Walmart and Starbucks across the highway. The area is also closest to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

New Shopping Center Near Disney’s All-Star Resort

Breeze Airways Offering Direct Service Between Disney World and Disneyland for $69

By

Sara

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February 15, 2023

Breeze Airways Offering Direct Service Between Disney World and Disneyland for $69

Breeze Airways is offering direct flights between Orange County, California, and Orlando. Florida. This is the first nonstop service between Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

The OC Register shared that Breeze Airways is a new low-fare carrier and the flights are available starting at $69 one-way. The first flight between Orlando and Orange County departs from Orlando International Airport tomorrow, February 16.

Breeze Chief Commercial Officer Lukas Johnson said these flights will be “connecting Disney to Disney.” He also said Orlando is one of the largest markets with no nonstop flights to Orange County. Travelers have had to either fly out of Los Angeles or make a connection on the way to Orlando.

Breeze Airways is expanding and bringing cleaner, quieter planes. The airline will now serve 34 cities. Things that set it apart from other budget airlines include letting families sit together for free, no-penalty changes or cancellation of bookings up to 15 minutes before departure, and several price levels including first class and extra legroom seats.

“We wanted to be as friendly as possible to guests, especially families,” Johnson said. “We built a brand around things people love and value.”

Will you be taking a Disney to Disney flight soon?

If you’d like to plan your next Disney vacation, 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!

Rumor Suggests Universal Hollywood to Close Fast & Furious Attraction

By

Sara

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February 15, 2023

Rumor Suggests Universal Hollywood to Close Fast & Furious Attraction

A new rumor has surfaced suggesting that Universal Hollywood will close its Fast & Furious attraction. This rumor comes as construction is underway on a new Fast & Furious-themed coaster.

Along with the new Super Nintendo World coming to Universal Studios Hollywood, a Fast & Furious-themed coaster is also coming to the park. The coaster will be called Hollywood Drift and will run from the Upper lot to the Lower lot and back to the top. Many have wondered if the current attraction, Fast & Furious: SuperCharged will remain once the coaster is complete.

Twitter user Universal Core has shared that SuperCharged will close once Hollywood Drift is open.

https://twitter.com/Universal__Core/status/1624163190170075136?s=20&t=J1ezbqcFwX-yVi9bXeoHGw

“Supercharged will go offline once Hollywood Drift is online. Comcast expects it open Q4 2024”

For now, it seems, the version at Universal Studios Florida will remain open though many guests don’t love the Fast & Furious ride at either park.

What do you think about Fast & Furious: SuperCharged closing?

If you’d like to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan an epic vacation!

Disney Patents New Three-Dimensional Skeleton Mapping System

By

Sara

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February 15, 2023

Disney Patents New Three-Dimensional Skeleton Mapping System

Disney has filed for a new patent for a “Three-Dimensional Skeleton Mapping” system. This technology would track guests’ movement through the park and help better determine crowd levels in certain areas of the park as well as ride wait times.

The technology would also be able to detect and accurately distinguish individual bodies in a crowded environment. The patent says there are health, safety and logistical applications to this new technology.

“In some implementations, the present techniques may be employed to track pedestrian traffic flow, or to determine typical wait times and crowding at transportation hubs such as airport gates and other public transportation portals,” said the patent. “Alternatively, or in addition, the present 3D skeleton mapping solution may be used in a retail environment to determine the effectiveness of a product display, as well as in a health care or assisted-living setting to detect whether a person has fallen or is otherwise experiencing physical distress.”

This new tech could also help Disney maximize the efficiency of its operations, which then results in better guest experiences and simplified services.

What do you think of this new technology that could come to Disney parks?

If you’d like to plan your next Disney vacation, 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.

The Muppets Ride Journey Into Imagination with Figment in EPCOT

By

Chip

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February 15, 2023

The Muppets Ride Journey Into Imagination with Figment in EPCOT

Gonzo the Great and Walter took a little break from their busy schedules to ride Journey Into Imagination with Figment in EPCOT in this cute video.

2023-02-15-15_03_30-36-The-Muppets-on-Twitter_-_Its-not-a-figment-of-your-imagination-its-THE-F

If the video above doesn’t load you watch it by clicking here.

It’s not a figment of your imagination, it’s THE Figment – of EPCOT! @GonzotheGreat and Walter had a spark-tacular time on Journey Into Imagination with Figment in EPCOT at @WaltDisneyWorld Resort. pic.twitter.com/mMoEB2nQlK
— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) February 15, 2023

It’s not a figment of your imagination, it’s THE Figment – of EPCOT!@GonzotheGreat and Walter had a spark-tacular time on Journey Into Imagination with Figment in EPCOT at @WaltDisneyWorld Resort.

We LOVE this so much. We need to see more of the Muppets on Walt Disney World rides!

New Disney100 LEGO Sets Coming Soon

By

Chip

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February 15, 2023

New Disney100 LEGO Sets Coming Soon

Lego & Disney will be partnering up to bring you some new Disney100 Lego Sets Coming Soon!

So far only 2 new sets have been revealed to Celebrate Disney100, LEGO 43217 ‘UP’ HOUSE, AND 43212 DISNEY CELEBRATION TRAIN.

Pixar’s Up House features Carl, Russel, and Dug along with a bunch of Balloons and even a little SQUIRREL!

Here are some more images from the Up House from LEGO.

43217-Up-House-Lifestyle-Display-STats-1

Next up there is a NEW Disney100 Train with all of your favorite Characters including Mickey, Peter Pan & Tinkerbell, Woody, Moana, and Minnie Mouse.

43212-Disney-Celebration-Train_-Set-and-Box

This reminds me a little of the Mickey & Friends Collection that was released for McDonald’s Happy Meals.

43212-Disney-Celebration-Train_-Set-and-Box-1

43212-Disney-Celebration-Train_-Train-Cars

43212-Disney-Celebration-Train_-Lifestyle

Above is a closer look at this Disney Celebration Train set.

We are hearing word that these 2 new Disney100 LEGO collections will be released in April. As far as official details along with pricing neither are available at this time.

What do you think of the new Disney100 Lego sets?

H/T Jays Brick Blog

Ursula Makes First Appearance in New Look at Live-Action Little Mermaid

By

Greg Gately

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February 15, 2023

Halle Bailey Talks Racist Backlash and Her Version of Ariel in The Little Mermaid Live-Action Movie

Ursula Makes First Appearance in New Look at Live-Action Little Mermaid. Finally, we are getting new teasers for Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, which is due in theaters on May 26th, 2023. In the newest teaser trailer just posted online, we see more of the undersea world, a look at Prince Eric, and the evil laugh and dark image of Ursula herself.

Based on the 1989 animated film of the same name, Disney is remaking the beloved tale with an all-star cast and team. Halle Bailey will play the role of Ariel, the mermaid turned human, alongside Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, and Melissa McCarthy will become the Sea-Witch Ursula. We hear the cackle and distinct maniacal laugh for the first time.

You can watch the newest teaser below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Little Mermaid (@disneylittlemermaid)

“The Little Mermaid,” visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar®-winning animated musical classic, opens exclusively in theaters nationwide May 26, 2023. “The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure.

The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.

Ursula Makes First Appearance in New Look at Live-Action Little Mermaid

Brightline Update: Target Date for Orlando Service Launch Set

By

Chris B

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February 15, 2023

Brightline Announces service from Central Florida to West Palm Beach to begin in March

Brightline has announced the target date for the beginning of service in the Orlando area. Reporting from the Orlando Business Journal notes the revenue service from Orlando to West Palm Beach will start in the Second Quarter of 2023.

The expansion, which is 90% complete, provides rail service from central Florida to the already-established routes in South-East Florida, including West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Brightline also plans to complete construction on both the Orlando International Airport train station and the East-West Corridor, which will be shared with SunRail, in March 2023.

Brightline Rail Service to Central Florida coming Second Quarter 2023

The new station, which spans an impressive 37,350 square feet, will be located in the International Terminal at the airport. The East-West Corridor runs along State Road 528 and will connect passengers in the Central Florida area with Tampa. Note while construction for both the new terminal and the east-west corridor is slated to wrap in March, service for both of these new additions will not launch with the start of service from Orlando to West Palm Beach.

The shared East-West Corridor, which will be known as the Sunshine Corridor, will allow Sunrail passengers to reach the Orange County Convention Center, South International Drive (which is near the Walt Disney World Resort), and Orlando International Airport.

Interested in planning your next magical Disney or Universal vacation? Reach out to me today to obtain your no-obligation custom quote!