Disney Cast Members help local communities in Central Florida
Disney Cast Members help local communities often! Cast Members give back through the Disney VoluntEARS program and are empowered by leaders like Perry Crawley, General Manager of Park Operations at Magic Kingdom.
Perry was recently elected Chair-Elect for the Board of Directors at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida — an organization Disney has teamed up with for more than 30 years and recently donated an additional $100,000 to help close the gap of unmet needs in the Central Florida community. Disney also worked closely with the organization after Hurricane Ian to assess critical needs and help assemble disaster relief meal kits for impacted families across the state of Florida.
“Central Florida has been Walt Disney World’s home for more than 50 years now and taking care of our neighbors is as important as the magic we create inside our castle walls,” Perry said. “Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida does an amazing job ensuring local families have the food they need, and I’m so proud of the long relationship this organization has shared with us.”
Earlier this fall, Perry joined cast members for a panel discussion on making an impact along side other Disney and nonprofit leaders. Cast had the chance to share their own volunteer goals with Perry, including conquering the 50 for 50 Disney VoluntEARS Challenge — an exclusive cast challenge honoring those who volunteer 50 hours and attend 50 Disney VoluntEARS events during the 50th Anniversary celebration. To date, more than 1,000 cast members have completed the challenge.
Perry then joined Disney VoluntEARS at the Second Harvest warehouse where they sorted through donated food items and compiled more than 22,000 meals to help local families facing food insecurity, together.
“Disney VoluntEARS always go above and beyond while giving back to the community, but Perry brought an energy that really encouraged us all to go the extra mile to assemble as many boxes of food as we could,” Disney VoluntEAR Jen said. “You could clearly tell how important this organization is to Perry — he had the biggest smile on his face the entire time.”
My heart is so full knowing that cast members all across Walt Disney World Resort care so much about leaving a positive impact in our community. In fact, since the start of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Disney VoluntEARS have dedicated more than 158,000 hours of their time making a difference in Central Florida and Disney has granted a total of $5.5 million to local nonprofits that support causes important to those within the community that we call home.
Cast members help local communities and inspire us to help our local communities as well!
Disney is celebrating its partnership with one of our favorite cheese brands: Babybel! There’s no better way to refresh between adventures than with a tasty snack featuring quite possibly the best food on the planet: cheese!
As “The Official Snack Cheese of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort,” Bel Brands cheese can be found in quick-bites and delicious dishes, and even in-park experiences. In fact, Mini Babybel’s signature red wax makes a cameo in one of our favorite photo spots!
In 2017, Bel Brands helped Disney celebrate the grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and guests have been saying “Cheese!” at Lunch Box ever since! After becoming one of Andy’s “honorary toys” and ordering from this backyard walk-up window, we love to take a seat at one of the Mini Babybel cheese chairs and enjoy classic American fare, old-fashioned soda floats and other Toy Story-themed specialties. (Psst: some tables also feature fun surprises, like a note Andy’s Mom left in his lunchbox!) And before flitting off to surpass our high score at Toy Story Mania!, we like to end our meal by snapping a selfie with one of Andy’s Green Army Men and the larger-than-life Mini Babybel.
If you’re anything like me, the hunt for delicious cheese snacks doesn’t end at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! When I’m craving something savory during EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE, Refreshment Port is a must-visit for Boursin’s featured dishes. Try out specialty menu items like Braised Beef Poutine featuring Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese sauce or – my favorite – Traditional Poutine topped with Boursin Garlic & Fine Herb Cheese crumbles. These items are the perfect bite before a journey through World Showcase.
From land openings to festivals, Bel Brands has joined us for celebrations both big and small over the years. Most recently, Mini Babybel joined in on the fun of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration with limited-time co-branded packs which can be found throughout select quick-service locations. And, you also can expect an upcoming collaboration in honor of the Disney100 anniversary celebration – stay tuned for more details about that fun co-branded product!
Disney has collaborated with Bel Brands over the years to celebrate new film releases, too. This Halloween season, keep an eye out at your nearest Target location for Mini Babybel featuring our favorite Sanderson Sisters – the perfect snack to enjoy while watching Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+!
What is your go-to snack while visiting the Parks?
New Years Eve Theme Park Hours are now available for all 4 Disney World Theme Parks
New Years Eve theme park hours are now available for the Walt Disney World theme parks! If you will be ringing in the New Year at Disney World, you’ll want to know this information.
On December 31, Magic Kingdom will be open from 9 am to midnight. Early Entry will begin for resort guests at 8:30 am. Park pass reservations are completely booked for Magic Kingdom that day.
Epcot will also be open from 9 am to midnight on New Years Eve. Early Entry will begin at 8:30 am.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be open from 8:30 am to midnight on New Years Eve. Early Entry will begin for resort guests at 8 am.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will not be open until midnight. The park will open at 8 am and close at 8 pm. Early Entry will begin at 7:30 am.
Will you be ringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World?
If you’d like to plan your next vacation at Disney World, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
MagicBand Scanner Coasters To Bring Disney Magic To Your Home!
These coasters are truly magical! They are created by WeAreDiscoYeti on Etsy and inspired in the iconic magicband readers at Walt Disney World. You can order yours here and pick between a silver or gold color.
They light up with multi color LED lights and require 3 AAA batteries. They are super cute and fun! Perfect for any Disney fan.
You can treat yourself or gift them to someone else this holiday season, we sure they will love them!
Disney Shares More details on Moana’s Journey of Water & Dreamers Point. The Walt Disney World website is always being updated. We have seen rides and attractions come and go over the years. Sometimes we can even glean what may be changing at the parks by paying attention to the site.
We have known that Moana’s newest attraction, along with the newest Walt Disney statue, is coming to Epcot for a while now. In fact, we have had new information as recently as last month at D23 Expo in California, where they had the actual Disney Statue on display for photos. Furthermore, Disney also showed Te fiti 3d artistic rendering during the expo.
Explore the wonders of water along an interactive trail that’s fun for all ages—based on the Disney animated film Moana.
Where Water Comes to Life
Stroll along a self-guided outdoor trail where you can play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the ocean and back again. Along the way, learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality—just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is scheduled to open within World Nature—the EPCOT neighborhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty and balance of the natural world.
Behold live entertainment in a picturesque viewing area that celebrates dreamers—like Walt Disney himself.
Where Dreams Come to Life
Explore lush gardens, listen to stirring musical performances, and delight in festival fun at Dreamers Point. Here, you’ll also discover a statue of Walt Disney—a reminder for us all to dream big.
Dreamers Point is scheduled to open in World Celebration, the EPCOT neighborhood offering experiences to connect us to one another—and to our world.
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will Start Performing Twice a Day in November
Magic Kingdom’s Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will start performing twice per day in November. With the holiday season sure to be busy, this gives guests multiple opportunities to experience the parade.
Park hours are only available into early December but it looks like the parade will continue to perform twice a day in December as well.
Magic Marches Down the Street
The unbridled enchantment and vivid pageantry of Fantasyland—and its many inhabitants—winds its way through the park in a thrilling parade spectacular. The dazzling mix of floats, motion and original music will keep you humming along for days to come.
See Disney Characters and Much More
Be a part of this grand gala, with spectacular, state-of-the-art floats starring some of your favorite Disney Characters from Tangled, Peter Pan and The Little Mermaid. It’s a festival of fun for everyone!
If you’d like to celebrate the holidays at Disney World and experience Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Disney Genie+ reaches $30 per person at the Disneyland Resort
Pricing for Disney Genie+ has changed at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Pricing is now variable and depends on the date. The starting price at the Disneyland Resort is now $25 per person per day with the price increasing based on the date.
Recently the pricing got up to $30 per person at Disneyland. Genie+ adds more flexibility and fun to your theme park ticket or package with 4 unique benefits:
Save time with Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Entrances
Enjoy Unlimited Disney PhotoPass Downloads from the Day
Have you ever used Genie+ at the Disneyland Resort?
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Disneyland, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Another cast member of ‘Murder, She Wrote’ has passed away. Actor Ron Masak (Sheriff Mort Metzger) has passed away at age 86 according to his granddaughter Kaylie Defilippis. Defilippis reported that he died of natural causes while admitted to Thousand Oaks. Masak had a reoccurring role on the hit series Murder, She Wrote alongside William Windom (Dr. Seth Hazlitt) and Angela Lansbury (Jessica Fletcher) who passed away on October 11, 2022.
Ron Masak had an impressive 120+ acting credits through his six decade long career, including appearances on Bewitched, Get Smart, I Dream of Jeannie, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Wonder Woman, Magnum, P.I. and more.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans of Ron Masak. 🕯
Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company of all things entertainment!
Chita Rivera Replacing Edward James Olmos for Epcot’s Candlelight Processional
Epcot’s Candlelight Processional is returning this holiday season! Each night of the performance a celebrity narrator recounts the biblical tale of a savior born in Bethlehem. Disney previously announced the celebrity narrators but now Chita Rivera is replacing Edward James Olmos.
Edward James Olmos was supposed to be the narrator November 27-29 but that spot is now being filled by Chita Rivera. Rivera is known for her roles in Broadway musicals including Anita in West Side Story.
You can see this show nightly at 5:15 PM, 7:00 PM or 8:30 PM at the America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT.
Will you be attending Epcot’s Candlelight Processional this year?
If you’d like to celebrate the holidays at Walt 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!
Tom Felton has been touring with the press for his new memoir, Beyond the Wand, which shares insight into the process of filming the Harry Potter films as Draco Malfoy and his career and trials since filming wrapped in 2010. While speaking about his memoir, Felton did add that he considers Daniel Radcliffe to be “like a brother” to him despite not getting many opportunities to see him in person.
Felton shared with CBS, “I love the man dearly. I don’t see him as much as I’d like to — that’s the same for all of us, really. But I consider him a brother, definitely. Huge amounts of respect for him… But it was important to me, looking back, how important his enthusiasm and his eventual professionalism runs down the ranks, if you will.”
Felton notably, gets candid about behind-the-scenes stories, working with a wide range of talented actors and crew members, and his struggle with alcohol and his time in rehab. Check out the full conversation below and check out Tom Felton’s Beyond the Wand, now available from a variety of retailers:
Disney Branded Television has released the programming highlights of Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior for November 2022. The upcoming month will features new episodes for some of our favorite shows and the premiere of new seasons and series! Check out the list below:
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
The Mysterious Benedict Society “A Gold Bar in Fort Knox”
(7:00-7:40 p.m. EDT)
The children make some dangerous wagers while Benedict takes a gamble with Curtain.
TV-PG
Friday, Nov. 4
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Firebuds “Transmission Impossible/Carkour”
(10:30-11:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel/7:00-7:30 p.m. EDT on Disney Junior)
“Transmission Impossible” – When Gearbox Grove’s 100th Van-iversity cake is stolen by Wayne and Wiley Riley, the Firebuds must rescue it.
*Oscar Nuñez (“The Office”) recurs as food truck Chef Fernando. José Andrés (“We Feed People”) recurs as Chef Fernando’s culinary pal, Chef Al. Atticus Shaffer (“The Middle”) recurs as art thief Wayne Riley.
“Carkour” – Piston tries to learn carkour to impress his hero.
TV-Y
Original Series – Season Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Mickey Mouse Funhouse “The Enchanted Tea Party!/Unhappy Campers”
(11:00-11:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel and Disney Junior)
“The Enchanted Tea Party!” – Mickey, Minnie and friends go to the Enchanted Rainforest to have a tea party.
“Unhappy Campers” – After disturbing a raccoon at a campsite, Mickey and the gang learn the importance of respecting others’ space.
TV-Y
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior
Puppy Dog Pals “A Very Berry Friendship Feast/Nature Pillow Pups”
(12:00-12:30 p.m. EDT)
“A Very Berry Friendship Feast” – The pets must search for cranberries for the Friendship Feast.
“Nature Pillow Pups” – The pets set out on a wilderness mission to find a special pillow before Darius’ bedtime.
TV-Y
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
The Villains of Valley View “We Don’t Care”
(8:00-8:30 p.m. EDT)
After Amy and Hartley decide to use a villain song in a Battle of the Bands, Eva forbids them. When a delivery person drops off Celia’s new recliners, Vic gives them an upgrade.
TV-Y7 FV
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion “Cape Night”
(8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT)
Violet is embarrassed by Black Scorpion’s new cape. But, when it interferes with their crime-fighting and makes them a laughing stock, she decides it has to go.
TV-Y7 FV
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Raven’s Home “Raven and the Fashion Factory”
(9:00-9:30 p.m. EDT)
When Raven discovers Donna Cabonna’s plans to steal fashion designs, she forms her own plan to outsmart her. Meanwhile, Booker meets a girl who makes him question things with Cami.
*Anne-Marie Johnson (“That’s So Raven”) guest stars as Donna Cabonna and Mario Cantone (“And Just Like That…”) guests as Branthony.
TV-G
Tuesday, Nov. 8
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
The Mysterious Benedict Society “Free of Pointless Command”
(7:00-7:40 p.m. EST)
Constance gets the kids closer to finding the compromised Mr. Benedict by using her gift.
TV-PG
Friday, Nov. 11
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
(7:00-7:30 a.m. EST on Disney Channel/11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST on Disney Junior)
“Heroes Clean Up!” – Mickey, Minnie and friends must stop the Weasels from making a mess of Herotropolis.
“Dino Duck!” – Daisy thinks Donald has been cheating at their games in order to eat lunch sooner.
TV-Y
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Firebuds “Care-A-Van Club/Mud About You”
(8:00-8:30 a.m. EST on Disney Channel/7:00-7:30 p.m. EST on Disney Junior)
“Care-A-Van Club” – Violet meets her hero and tries to rescue his kitten.
*Keith David (“The Princess and the Frog”) guest stars as daredevil Manny Kablamee. James Monroe Iglehart (“Tangled: The Series”) guest stars as Manny’s motorcycle partner, Captain Kapow. Natalie Morales (“Dead to Me”) and Allison Case (Broadway’s “Matilda the Musical”) recur as Violet’s moms Val and Viv Vega-Vaughn, respectively.
“Mud About You” – Bo and Flash go out and look for rescues after a storm lifts.
*Oscar Nuñez (“The Office”) recurs as food truck Chef Fernando. José Andrés (“We Feed People”) recurs as Chef Fernando’s culinary pal, Chef Al. Melissa Rauch (“The Big Bang Theory”) recurs as Bo’s mom, Beth Bayani.
TV-Y
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends “Halted Holiday/Merry Spidey Christmas”
(8:30-9:00 a.m. EST on Disney Channel/12:30-1:00 p.m. EST on Disney Junior)
“Halted Holiday” – When all roads to the city are blocked on Thanksgiving, Team Spidey works together to clear up the traffic.
*Scott Porter (“Friday Night Lights”) guest stars as Gwen’s dad, George Stacy.
“Merry Spidey Christmas” – Team Spidey uses their Glow Webs to save Christmas after baddies try to ruin it for everyone.
TV-Y
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
The Villains of Valley View “Bad Energy”
(8:00-8:30 p.m. EST)
When Vic says he needs Flashform’s helmet, Amy and Colby must scramble to get it back from Milo. When the lair causes a big electric bill, the family must cover to Celia.
TV-Y7 FV
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion “Ultra Violet vs. Black Scorpion”
(8:30-9:00 p.m. EST)
When Ultra Violet learns Black Scorpion has been committing crimes in town, she soon realizes she’s the only one who can stop him.
TV-Y7 FV
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Raven’s Home “A Day Without Baxters”
(9:00-9:30 p.m. EST)
When the family refuses to take part in Alice and Ivy’s safety plan, they try to trick them but instead end up accidentally locking themselves and the family in the basement.
TV-G
Saturday, Nov. 12
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Hamster & Gretel “Grounded/Sleepover With the Enemy”
(9:30-10:00 a.m. EST)
“Grounded” – Gretel is grounded as a meat monster strikes.
“Sleepover With the Enemy” – Gretel is suspicious of a new student in class.
“No Escape, Part 1” – It’s Declan and Hartley’s anniversary. To surprise Hartley, Declan arranges an escape room event, but when the family arrives, they begin to worry things aren’t what they seem.
“No Escape, Part 2” – When the family gets shocking news, they embrace their villain side and go to Centropolis on a mission. Colby must get out of a sticky situation, and Hartley tries her best to help.
TV-Y7 FV
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Raven’s Home “Bridge Over Troubled Daughter”
(9:00-9:30 p.m. EST)
When Raven has a vision that could change her family forever, she is determined to stop it from happening. Meanwhile, Booker attempts to buy the best gift for Victor’s birthday.
*T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh (“That’s So Raven”) guest stars as Tanya Baxter.
TV-G
Saturday, Nov. 19
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Hamster & Gretel “Friday Night Fight/The Earworm”
(9:30-10:00 a.m. EST)
“Friday Night Fight” – Hiromi and Fred encounter robots at the school.
“The Earworm” – A new breakfast cereal TV jingle hypnotizes people.
TV-Y7
Tuesday, Nov. 22
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
The Mysterious Benedict Society “A Commitment to All Things Cozy”
(7:00-7:45 p.m. EST)
The Society splits up to escape an attack. Number Two and Mr. Benedict plot against Dr. Curtain.
TV-PG V
Saturday, Nov. 26
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Hamster & Gretel “A Mammoth Problem/The Bantam of the Elementary School Light Opera”
“The Bantam of the Elementary School Light Opera” – Strange things start to happen when the elementary school rehearses for a play.
TV-Y7
Sunday, Nov. 27
Original Holiday Special Premiere – Simulcast on Disney Channel, Disney Junior,Disney XDand ABC
“Mickey Saves Christmas”
(7:00-7:30 p.m. EST)
In this stop-motion holiday special, Mickey, Minnie and their pals attempt to celebrate the perfect Christmas at their snowy cabin. However, when Pluto causes Santa to lose all the presents on his sleigh, the friends travel to the North Pole on a quest to save Christmas and find the true meaning of the holiday.
*Brock Powell (Disney Channel’s “Hamster & Gretel”) and Camryn Grimes (“The Young and the Restless”) voice Santa and Mrs. Claus, respectively.
TV-G
Monday, Nov. 28
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior
Disney News Round-Up: Fire Breaks out at Epcot’s Harmonious, New Figment 40th Statue Returns, Encanto Casita Statue, Relaxing Times at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The new menu debuted at Boatwrights at Port Orleans Riverside, along with a new Halloween Ice Cream Cone at Swirls on the Water in Disney Springs. Plus Disneyland will be closing “it’s a small world” for Holiday overlay.
