Magic Kingdom’s Park Map shows Disney World is “A Place Where Everyone is Welcome”

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August 3, 2021

Magic Kingdom’s Park Map shows Disney World is “A Place Where Everyone is Welcome“. One thing Disney is very good at is showing that Everyone is Welcome at a Disney Property. Recently, Walt DIsney World Resorts has been updating its Park Maps with photos that feature the differences between us all in a positive light. Hollywood studios featured a child with a prosthetic leg on the cover. Now we have a brand new Magic Kingdom map featuring a person with Down Syndrome.

So we celebrate Disney on this one! Showing a person with an Extra Chromosome on the cover of the Park Map may not seem like much to you or me right now, but it absolutely means the world to families with Down Syndrome. It probably means more to a person with Down Syndrome being shown in a positive light in media today. Sometimes Disney can miss on issues like showing masks on the map, but one thing Disney is amazing at is making sure everyone and I mean everyone is welcomed.

Magic Kingdom’s Park Map

In 87 percent of families, everyone expressed feeling love for members with Down syndrome, who in turn expressed love for the other family members; in 83 percent, everyone was proud of members with Down syndrome, who also felt pride in themselves.

We are proud of Disney for this. If you know someone with Down Syndrome you know how amazing and special they are, seriously have you ever received a hug from a person with Down syndrome? It is the most magical hug you have ever received, just a pure feeling of love!

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Trams returning as Disney World hires Parking Operations Cast Members

By

Chip

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August 3, 2021

Trams returning as Disney World hires Parking Operations Cast Members

The Trams are returning to Walt Disney World, we just found out the news in a recent job listing for a Parking Operations Cast Member!

Here are the details for the job listing:

Parking Operations Cast Members are focused on creating magic for our Guests during their Walt Disney World® Resort stay by ensuring the highest standards of safety while greeting, loading/unloading, driving, spieling, and directing Guests in the parking lots. Parking Operations Cast Members will safely operate multi-car passenger trams throughout parking lots.

Parking Host and Hostesses receive a starting rate of $14.00/hour.

Responsibilities

Operate passenger carrying trams as well as vans & trucks
Memorize prepared Guest information and deliver via microphone
- Project voice to deliver safety directions when needed
Continuous walking & standing to direct Guests where to go/park, walk throughout parking lot
Enforce policies, rules and regulations of the parking locations
Work mainly in an outdoor settings during various weather conditions
Operate a Smart Phone/Radio to communicate
Take ownership during emergencies situations
Grasp & Carry cones of 5+ lbs. repeatedly
Additional Personal Protective Equipment (face shields, goggles, refillable hand sanitizers, safety harnesses, hard hats, safety vests etc.) may be required

Anytime we post news about something reopening at Walt Disney World almost always there is a comment asking when the trams at the Disney World Theme Parks will be reopening.

We are unsure why the Trams at Disney World have been closed since March of 2020. While an official announcement has not been made yet we expect once Disney gets Parking Operations Cast Member hired and trained we will see the Trams back in business at the theme parks.

So stay tuned to Chip and Co for more.

Some scrim has started to come down on Magic Kingdom Train Station

By

Greg Gately

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August 3, 2021

Some scrim has started to come down on Magic Kingdom Train Station. Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is coming up fast! Disney Imagineers are hard at work with a plethora of refurbishments and work is moving fast. It appears we may see the fruits of their labor soon. Check out our Instagram post below.

The Walt Disney World Railroad – Main Street, U.S.A train station started clearing some of the scrims off the top of the building. The clock face is now visible again, even though we did not see the clock hands on the face. This is another great sign that Disney is moving along and starting to finish a ton of refurbishment projects. We recently reported that Small World Clock Tower is being refurbished and Peter Pan’s Flight sign has been replaced.

Magic Kingdom Train Station

All Aboard!

Listen to the clamor of the engine, the chug of the wheels, and the call of the whistle as you travel aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad.

Take your seat on 1 of 4 meticulously restored, vintage narrow-gauge steam trains—originally built between 1916 and 1928—and enjoy a relaxing 20-minute, 1.5-mile scenic round-trip tour.

It’s a convenient—and nostalgic—way to get around Magic Kingdom park!

Magic Kingdom Train Station scrims removed

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Partner statue refurbishment is now complete in the Magic Kingdom

By

Greg Gately

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August 3, 2021

Partner statue refurbishment is now complete in the Magic Kingdom. Ahead of Disney World’s 50th anniversary, there is a lot of refurbishments going on. Most have been to the Fantasyland area, and also signs of various rides. We can start reporting on finished projects as we get closer to the 50th anniversary. One of those completed projects is the Partners Statue.

The Partner’s Statue has become one of the most iconic images in all the Magic Kingdom. The statue sits in the middle of the Hub, located right in front of Cinderella Castle. It is a must-do photo for everyone who visits the park. Depicting Walt Disney himself holding his biggest creation, Mickey Mouse’s hand.

Partner statue refurbishment

The process of removing oxidation buildup from patinated bronze is intensive – involving multiple phases to strip the sculpture to its bare metal before cleaning, reapplying a patina, and coating the entire figure in protective polymer and wax.

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Partners is a 1993 copper statue by Blaine Gibson depicting Walt Disney holding the hand of the most popular character he created, Mickey Mouse. The statue is 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm), 7 inches (18 cm) taller than Disney himself. It is the central point of attention as people walk past it to enter a few of the Disney parks.

Here’s When Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ Will Be Free to Watch for All Disney+ Subscribers

By

Kaitlyn

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August 3, 2021

Here’s When Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ Will Be Free to Watch for All Disney+ Subscribers. Disney’s Jungle Cruise has been a massive hit in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access for $29.99 USD, but when will it become available to all Disney+ subscribers for free?

All Disney+ subscribers can begin streaming Jungle Cruise for free starting November 12, 2021, just in time for the holidays!

“Jungle Cruise is the perfect summer adventure film, bringing a beloved theme park attraction to both the big screen and living rooms in a way that only Disney can. We remain focused on offering consumer choice during these unprecedented times, and it is clear that fans and families value the ability to make decisions on how they prefer to enjoy Disney’s best-in-class storytelling.”

Inspired by the famous Disneyland theme park ride, Disney’s Jungle Cruise is an adventure-filled, rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton. Lily travels from London, England to the Amazon jungle and enlists Frank’s questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila—his ramshackle-but-charming boat. Lily is determined to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities—possessing the power to change the future of medicine. Thrust on this epic quest together, the unlikely duo encounters innumerable dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest. But as the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes reach even higher for Lily and Frank, and their fate—and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.

Jaume Collet-Serra directs the film, which stars Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramírez, and Jack Whitehall, with Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti. The producers are John Davis and John Fox of Davis Entertainment; Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia and Dany Garcia of Seven Bucks Productions; and Beau Flynn of Flynn Picture Co., with Scott Sheldon and Doug Merrifield serving as executive producers. The story is by John Norville & Josh Goldstein and Glenn Ficarra & John Requa, and the screenplay is by Michael Green and Glenn Ficarra & John Requa.

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Disney+!

Featured Photo Credit: Disney

Source: Inside the Magic

Scarlett Johansson Responds to Disney’s Backlash Over ‘Black Widow’ Lawsuit

By

Kaitlyn

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August 3, 2021

Scarlett Johansson Responds to Disney’s Backlash Over ‘Black Widow’ Lawsuit. To quickly sum up the dramatic events from this last week, Marvel Star Scarlett Johannson has filed a lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company for a breach of contract regarding her role in Marvel Studios’ Black Widow.

Per Scarlett Johansson’s contract, a portion stated that the film would have a theater-exclusive initial release, meaning the movie would premiere in theaters and potentially premiere on other platforms at a later date. It is no secret that the film was released simultaneously in theaters and via Disney+ Premier Access (D+PA), and though Johansson will still make earnings on the D+PA release, her contract was never renegotiated despite her legal team and representatives had reached out to Disney throughout the pandemic regarding the release of the film when the world was adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the alleged offer to renegotiate, Disney reportedly never responded to Scarlett’s team or offered the chance to renegotiate her contract before announcing and implementing the film’s revised premiere plans. Standing up for herself, Scarlett and her team have chosen to sue Disney over the breach of contract, citing the terms of her contract were broken despite her willingness to renegotiate and being stonewalled by the company through the pandemic.

Disney’s statement/response to the lawsuit was as follows: “The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [The studio] fully complied with Ms. Johansson’s contract. The release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20M she has received to date.”

Johansson’s agent and CAA co-chairman Bryan Lourd released a passionate statement calling Disney out for the blatant attack on Scarlett’s character, saying on the actresses behalf, “[Disney is] shamelessly and falsely accus[ing] Ms. Johansson of being insensitive to the global COVID pandemic, in an attempt to make her appear to be someone they and I know she isn’t.”

Further digging into the statement shared by TWDC, “[The Walt Disney Company] included her salary in their press statement in an attempt to weaponize her success as an artist and businesswoman, as if that were something she should be ashamed of as a result of Disney’s decision to knowingly violate Scarlett’s contract.”

Adding, “They have very deliberately moved the revenue stream and profits to the Disney+ side of the company leaving artistic and financial partners out of their new equation… Disney’s direct attack on her character and all else they implied is beneath the company that many of us in the creative community have worked with successfully for decades.”

This is a developing story, so be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Marvel and Disney!

Featured Photo Credit: Marvel Studios

Source: ComicBook

Chadwick Boseman Voices T’Challa in Four Episodes of Marvel Studios’ ‘What if…?’

By

Kaitlyn

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August 3, 2021

Chadwick Boseman Voices T’Challa in Four Episodes of Marvel Studios’ ‘What if…?’. Marvel fans are gearing up for several big projects currently on the way, with one of the most ambitious animated projects, Marvel Studios’ What If…?, coming to Disney+ next week. One piece of news has been met with mixed feelings as the series will feature the final performances of Chadwick Boseman who recorded his lines for the series before his passing last year. Executive Producer Brad Winderbaum shared that Chadwick will voice T’Challa in 4 episodes when talking with ComicBook.com, stating:

“He’s in four episodes, actually. He plays different versions of the character. I wouldn’t say that anything changed drastically. We wanted to honor, frankly, his performance and his eagerness to be a part of the project. In retrospect, he recorded these episodes for us knowing what we all know now. We wanted to honor what he did, so we actually didn’t change a lot of it. There were certain things, in the context of his passing, especially musically…Lauren Karpman delivered what I think is an incredible score for the entire series and the way she approached T’Challa throughout, especially in light of his passing, is really beautiful.”

The highly anticipated animated series What If…? is coming to Disney+ on Wednesday, August 11th and we are so excited to see a large majority of Marvel actors and actresses will be returning to voice their characters for the series! Marvel Studios’ What If…? explores alternate timelines in the multiverse that show what would happen if major moments from the MCU films occurred differently. Marvel newcomer Jeffrey Wright voices The Watcher in his MCU debut and will be joined by over 50 Marvel actors and actresses from various projects and franchises.

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Marvel!

Featured Photo Credit: Marvel Studios

Source: ComicBook

Peter Pan’s Flight gets a new sign in the Magic Kingdom

By

Greg Gately

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August 2, 2021

Peter Pan Flight gets a new sign in the Magic Kingdom. Peter, Wendy and also, John and Michael are back where they belong. Flying past Elizabeth Tower over London high above the guests in Magic Kingdom. Furthermore, Peter Pan’s Flight 3d sign has finally returned after a prolonged period of absence.

Back in March, we reported on Peter Pan’s Flight facade going through some refurbishments, and part of the construction was replacing the 3d sign with a flat banner. It came down when they covered the whole facade with scrim. You can see below the before and after.

As you can see in the images, the 3d sign is way better in looks and appeal. This should mark the end of work at peter Pan’s Flight. There are so many refurbishments going on right now as part of Disney’s 50th Anniversary celebration coming October 1st, that it is nice when we can report on projects being done.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Board your pirate galleon and follow Peter Pan as he beckons you to join him on the flight of a lifetime. Wave goodbye to Nana and join the Darling children on a gentle cruise over London, where Big Ben and Tower Bridge light up the night sky.

Descend into Never Land between glowing volcanoes and sparkling waterfalls. As you swoop into Pirate’s Cove, there’s danger ahead!

Can Peter Pan defeat the dastardly Captain Hook and return his young companions safely to London? Or will someone meet an untimely end… in the jaws of a ticking crocodile?

Advanced Dining Reservations for Disney World 50th open today and are pretty much gone

By

Sara

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August 2, 2021

Advanced Dining Reservations for Disney World 50th open today and are pretty much gone

Walt Disney World changed its booking window for advanced dining reservations when the resort reopened last year. Instead of being able to book dining reservations 180 days in advance, guests now have to wait until 60 days prior. Today is 60 days until October 1, the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary! Today is dining day for guests visiting on the 50th anniversary and reservations are pretty much gone already.

Breakfast

If you are hoping to get a breakfast reservation for October 1, you won’t be able to dine inside the parks. Right now, the only restaurants showing availability are ones at resort hotels like Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge and Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club.

Lunch

Epcot still has a few openings for lunch on the 50th anniversary. Biergarten Restaurant and San Angel Inn Restaurante are both available. Or, you can take a break from the parks and head to Disney Springs for lunch as there are a few restaurants with availability there.

Dinner

Dinner has more availability than lunch or breakfast. There are a few restaurants in each park (except for Magic Kingdom) with openings. 50’s Prime Time and The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rose & Crown in Epcot, and Tiffins and Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom are all available for October 1. There are also some spots available in Disney Springs and some of the resort hotels.

Did you get the dining reservations you wanted for October 1? If not, don’t worry! Keep checking back regularly as more spots could open up. Guests sometimes change their minds and cancel their reservations last minute. Also, the 50th anniversary celebration will last for 18 months so you will have lots of time to visit the resort and dine at your favorite restaurant!

For help with planning your next Disney vacation, contact me today! I am a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations and can help you plan a magical vacation at no extra cost to you!

Disney World Refurbishment and Closures for August 2021

By

Sara

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August 2, 2021

Disney World Refurbishment and Closures for August 2021

Closures and refurbishments are a common occurrence at Walt Disney World. Rides and attractions need to be maintained and sometimes even reimagined. Take a look at the scheduled closures and refurbishments for August 2021.

Magic Kingdom

Hall of Presidents – Reopening some time this month
Frontierland boardwalk – refurbishment just started
Storybook Circus Big Top Tent – Has been closed since 2020 but paint is being refreshed now
Main Street Confectionery – reopening TBD
Walt Disney World Railroad – remains closed while construction on TRON Lightcycle Run continues

No refurbishments are scheduled for Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Construction continues throughout Epcot as updates are being made.

For help with planning your next Disney vacation, contact me today! I am a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations and can help you plan a magical vacation at no extra cost to you!

Car crashes into Walt Disney’s historic Laugh-O-gram Building

By

Kevin Koszola

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August 2, 2021

Car crashes into Walt Disney’s historic Laugh-O-gram Building

An important part of Walt Disney’s history is the time he spent working at the Laugh-O-Gram studio in Kansas City. It’s where Walt built experience in animation and devised the early origins of Mickey Mouse. Walt started the business in June 1921 and ended it in 1923. Even though Walt moved on to California, the building has been a monument to his legacy. In some unfortunate news, the historic building got damaged over the weekend after a car accident.

The car ran into a corner on the north side of the building which holds the Walt Disney Laugh-O-Gram studio office. It broke an opening and knocked out bricks. The building was already undergoing renovation.

The historic building is currently undergoing a $5.5 million renovation to become a museum and education center. Despite being a setback, the officials in Kansas City are determined to restore the building and complete the project.

Check back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!

‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian’ Season 3 Will Begin Filming Very Soon

By

Kaitlyn

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August 2, 2021

‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian‘ Season 3 Will Begin Filming Very Soon. As filming wraps up for both The Book of Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi series’ the cast and crew of The Mandalorian are preparing to return to The Volume stages in Los Angeles to begin filming for Season 3. Filming was initially meant to begin in April 2021, but was pushed back in favor of filming the first season of The Book of Boba Fett and the Obi-Wan Kenobi series.

The series is expected to begin principal photography at the end of 2021 or at the very beginning of 2022. Pedro Pascal (Din Djarin) and Giancarlo Esposito (Moff Gideon) are set to return for season 3 of The Mandalorian. It is currently unknown who will also make an appearance in the new season, but we expect to see some familiar faces!

This is a developing story, so be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Star Wars!

Featured Photo Credit: Lucasfilm / Disney+

Source: WRAL