Due to an overwhelming response, Rockefeller Productions is opening a new block of weekend tickets for the highly anticipated DisneyWinnie the Pooh: The New Musical Adaptation.
Featuring songs by the Sherman Brothers’ and by A.A. Milne, this beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation is set deep in the Hundred Acre Wood and told with stunning life-size puppetry through the eyes of the Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl (and Tigger too!).
Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Adaptation is developed and presented by renowned family entertainment creator Jonathan Rockefeller (whose spectacular puppetry is omnipresent in the acclaimed productions of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Paddington Gets in a Jam). Performances will take place at Times Square’s Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street) beginning October 21, 2021.
A new baby giraffe joins her mom on the savannah at Kilimanjaro Safari. A Masai giraffe calf was born on June 10th, 2021 at Animal Kingdom Park backstage barn. We finally got to see the new calf on the safari and learned his name in an update from Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment. You can read the whole post below.
Meet “Humphrey!”
This morning was a special day on Kilimanjaro Safaris as our newest Masai giraffe joined his mom Lily for his very first steps on the savanna. Humphrey was born in June and has spent the last few weeks backstage bonding with mom.
He’s a playful and curious little guy, and guests on Kilimanjaro Safaris can “spot” Humphrey by his unique butterfly-like marking over his right shoulder and the heart-shaped markings dotting his coat. Join us in welcoming Humphrey to the family!
The different size and color markings on giraffes camouflage them on the savanna and distinguish the different subspecies. Masai giraffes, seen on Kilimanjaro Safaris, typically have a lacy-edged spot pattern that resembles oak leaves.
Furthermore, we have reported on the birth explosion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently. Including a lowland Gorilla, a new baby Hippo, and the new baby Zebra.
Kilimanjaro Safari
Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to 34 species living in 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes, and rocky wetlands. Your rugged safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out animals and shares fascinating wildlife facts during this extraordinary 18-minute expedition.
Recently Canadian Michael Bublé and his family visited Disneyland, while there they stopped at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge for a photo in the amazing Stormtrooper Room on Rise of the Resistance.
He posted the following photos on his Facebook page with the caption:
Picture number 1 is me realizing I’m gonna poop my pants because this is the GREATEST DISNEY EXPERIENCE ever!!!
Picture number 2 is me trying to look cool and keep my composure.
We know exactly how he feels on Rise of the Resistance. If you haven’t been lucky enough to get a Boarding Group for Rise of the Resistance we have a ride video you can check out:
Michael is a big Disney Addict, having visited Disney many times before, just last year he performed in the Disney Holiday Singalong with his family singing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”
Celebrities visiting Disney is nothing new here is a look at some of the other celebrities visiting Disney in the past few months.
With so many different resorts available to choose from at Walt Disney World, many guests enjoy a split stay when vacationing. Guests will spend half of their vacation at one Disney hotel and switch to another hotel for the second half of their trip. Previously, Bell Services would transfer your luggage for you so you didn’t have to worry about that. Now, there is a change to what Bess Services will transfer.
Guests used to be able to send their luggage and any other items they wanted to be transferred, including perishable items. They recommended keeping anything you may need during the day on hand, such as medications, park tickets, etc. as luggage transfers can take a few hours. Now, Bell Services cannot transfer perishable items so those will need to stay with you as well.
If you want to plan a split stay and use Bell Services to transfer your luggage, on the morning of check-out of your first Disney hotel stay, let Bell Services know you’re transferring to your next Disney hotel. You can call them to pick your luggage up from your room, or you can drop off your bags yourself. It could take up to a half-hour for Bell Services to pick up the luggage from your room, so if you’re in a rush that morning, we recommend taking your luggage down with you to Bell Services.
You’ll receive a tag with the number of bags being transferred. Then you can be off to head to the theme parks or wherever you want to go that day. When you arrive at your next Disney hotel just let Bell Services there know you’re ready for your luggage to be brought up to your room.
Contact me today for help planning your next split stay at Walt Disney World!
Universal Orlando has just updated their face mask policy for team members. The cast are now required to wear face coverings while working indoors starting on July 31st.
Guests who are not fully vaccinated are still expected to wear face coverings while indoors.
“The health and safety of our guests and team members is always our top priority,” Universal said in a statement.
Here are the current Face Mask Guidelines for guests visiting Universal Orlando:
In accordance with CDC guidelines, face coverings are no longer required for fully vaccinated guests, indoors or outdoors. While we do not require proof of vaccination, we do expect those who are not fully vaccinated to wear face coverings while indoors. We encourage all guests to keep a safe distance between travel parties, and we remain focused on maintaining the highest cleanliness and sanitization standards.
Face coverings are no longer required for fully vaccinated guests
We do not require proof of vaccinations
Guests who are not fully vaccinated are still expected to wear face coverings while indoors
We encourage all guests to keep a safe distance between travel parties
We remain focused on maintaining the highest cleanliness and sanitization standards
Each guest must confirm the following before visiting:
You are not feeling sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms such as Fever and/or
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills
Muscle pain
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
You have not been in contact with someone with known or suspected COVID-19 symptoms
You are not under any self-quarantine orders
If you cannot confirm all of the above, you must refrain from visiting.
Some new updates and changes are coming to the Disneyland app to give guests a more convenient way to experience the resort. The app already offers many ways to make a guest’s visit magical and enhanced. These updates will help guests make the most of their Disneyland vacation.
The Disneyland app has so many ways to enhance your experience: Link your tickets, view menus, mobile order food and drinks from select locations, make dining reservations, view attraction wait times, park maps and hours of operation, request to join a virtual queue and even go right to your hotel room using online check-in and the new digital key!
First, be sure to download the latest version of the Disneyland app prior to your visit and familiarize yourself with all of its helpful features! Also, enable location services and turn on notifications to receive important updates and information about the Disneyland Resort.
New! Personalized Home Screen
With this latest update, the Disneyland app is more personalized and this is just the start! There is now a personal greeting that says “Hello (your name)! ” and you can choose one of your favorite characters to add to the main page banner by clicking on the Mickey circle icon.
Coming Soon! Unlock Your Hotel Room With Digital Key
Earlier this spring, the Disneyland Resort introduced a new online check-in service for hotel guests to save time upon arrival at the Front Desk. Coming soon, it will be even easier, as you simply go straight to your room with online check-in and our digital key!
The digital key will be optional, and here are the steps for using the digital key:
Link your hotel reservation to your Disney account in the Disneyland app or online.
Complete online check-in up to five days prior to arrival, or check-in at the Front Desk upon arrival to complete the traditional process.
Upon arrival, once your room is assigned and ready, you can access your room and locate your hotel room number within the digital key feature by tapping the “Unlock Door” button after signing in to your Disney account on the Disneyland app. If you completed online check-in, you can use your digital key to bypass the Front Desk and go straight to your room!
Tap the “Unlock Door” button and then hold your mobile device against the door lock. A Bluetooth®-enabled device with the latest version of the Disneyland app is required.
Tip! The digital key also allows you to charge select dining and shopping to your hotel room from the Disneyland app! You can also access designated hotel areas requiring a key, such as the pools and fitness centers.
You must be signed in to your Disney account on the Disneyland app to access the digital key feature. The Disney account holder who is the primary guest on the reservation is the only guest who can activate the digital key.
While the online check-in service is currently available at all three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, the digital key option will soon be available at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The digital key will be introduced to Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel at a later date.
Guests will still be able to request traditional hotel keys from the Front Desk, if needed.
Time to eat! Mobile order your food and beverages at many restaurants and snack stops throughout the Disneyland Resort, which is easy, convenient and saves you time. More mobile order locations have recently been added: Lucky Fortune Cookery, Schmoozies! and Pacific Wharf Café in Disney California Adventure park; Hungry Bear Restaurant, Refreshment Center and Harbour Galley in Disneyland park, and the Coffee House at the Disneyland Hotel.
New! Mobile Order a Trader Sam’s Souvenir Mug
On Friday, July 30, souvenir mugs inspired by the world-famous Jungle Cruise attraction will be available for a limited time with this special Trader Sam’s Mug Release at the Disneyland Hotel. These uniquely designed mugs can only be purchased via mobile order from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. that day only on the Disneyland app, while supplies last. Snag a special edition mug (limit of one per transaction), the first edition mug (limit of 2 per transaction), or both!
Picture Yourself with Disney PhotoPass+ One Day
Celebrate and cherish your favorite Disneyland Resort theme park moments with Disney PhotoPass+ One Day. Let Disney PhotoPass photographers capture your great vacation moments and you’ll receive unlimited digital photo downloads of your photos captured for one day to share with family and friends.
Tip! Ask your Disney PhotoPass photographers to add a little magic to your photo! Examples of magic shots may be adding Tinker Bell or a sweet Mickey Mouse-shaped cloud at Sleeping Beauty Castle, a Porg or “The Child” in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Jack-Jack at Pixar Pier, or a bouquet of balloons anywhere!
Shop Using Merchandise Mobile Checkout
Shopping is now even more fun! At World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District, Emporium at Disneyland park and Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park, grab a designated mobile checkout shopping bag, simply scan your items as you shop, and then tap “Check Out” to pay on your mobile device using the Disneyland app. Show your QR code to a cast member as you leave the store, and you’re all set! If your item is fragile, a cast member will be happy to wrap it for you!
What’s your favorite feature on the Disneyland app? Be sure to take advantage and explore all of the time-saving benefits to make your next trip to the Disneyland Resort the best yet!
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!
Marvel star Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney over a breach of contract with Black Widow after it was released on Disney+ the same day it was released in theaters.
According to The Wall Street Journal, her agreement with Disney’s guaranteed an exclusive theatrical release, and her salary was based in large part on the box-office performance of the film.
“Disney intentionally induced Marvel’s breach of the agreement, without justification, in order to prevent Ms. Johansson from realizing the full benefit of her bargain with Marvel,” the lawsuit stated.
‘Black Widow’ recently broke a box office record for “Biggest Box Office Collapse” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to it premiering on Disney+ on the same day as in theaters.
According to the lawsuit, Ms. Johansson’s representatives sought to renegotiate her contract after learning of the dual-release strategy for “Black Widow,” which she has said is her ninth and final Marvel movie.
Disney and Marvel were unresponsive, the suit said.
Calling all skippers! Two special Jungle Cruise tiki mugs are coming to Disneyland Resort for a limited time.
On Friday, July 30, souvenir mugs inspired by the world-famous Jungle Cruise attraction will be available for a limited time with this special Trader Sam’s Mug Release at the Disneyland Hotel.
These uniquely designed mugs can only be purchased via mobile order from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. that day only on the Disneyland app, while supplies last. Snag a special edition mug (limit of one per transaction), the first edition mug (limit of 2 per transaction), or both!
If you plan on picking up on of these tikis at Disneyland Resort, then you might want to go watch the Jungle Cruise movie afterwards!
The new Jungle Cruise movie will premiere in theaters and via Disney+ Premier Access on July 30, 2021. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramírez, and Jack Whitehall, with Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti “in the adventure of a lifetime on Disney’s JUNGLE CRUISE, a rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton.”
Check back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!
If you were thinking about going to the Destination D23 event at Walt Disney World, you might want to think again as the event sold out in a matter of minutes according to the D23 website.
The event will take place November 19 – 21, 2021, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort.
Presentation Highlights of Destination D23 2021 will include*:
A kickoff welcome presentation with Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company.
What’s New and What’s Next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products—Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share what’s new and what’s next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The exclusive presentation will feature updates on some of the most anticipated projects around the world. And as D23 Members know, there is always a surprise or two in store!
A special look at what’s new and next from Disney+!
Musical Memories of Walt Disney World— A journey through 50 years of the Walt Disney World songbook with Walt Disney Imagineering, revealing the stories behind beloved fan-favorite melodies and a peek into the process of creating new ones.
Destination D23 audiences will also thrill to performances from Michael James Scott, Genie in Disney on Broadway’s hit Aladdin and Disney’s acapella sensation DCappella.
The Art and Imagery of Walt Disney World— Dive into the Walt Disney Imagineering Art and Photo collections for a look at over 50 years of the most gorgeous, stunning, and surprising artwork that inspired the most magical place on earth over the years.
The Magical Musical World of Encanto—Join members of the team behind Encanto, and some special guests for a melodic Saturday evening celebration of the upcoming musical, the 60th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios!
Weird Disney World—The fan-favorite “Weird Disney” returns, as Director of the Walt Disney Archives Becky Cline digs into Disney history to bring you a half century of the wildest and wackiest Walt Disney World moments!
How the (Disney) World Began—Join Kevin Kern and Steven Vagnini, authors and historians behind A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth and Disney Legend Dick Nunis for a look at how Walt Disney’s dreams were translated into the Vacation Kingdom of the World.
Park Stars: Original Characters of Walt Disney World—Figment, Big Al, the Orange Bird, and Teddi Barra are just a few of the many Disney characters created specifically for Walt Disney World. Join Imagineers Diana Brost and Jason Grandt as they take you on a journey around the “world” to meet many of the fun personalities that appear in Walt Disney World attractions and shows.
Exciting Experiences at Destination D23 2021 will include*:
The Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Bringing Home the Magic—An all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives takes you through a half-century journey of merchandise memories of the Walt Disney World Resort. From figurines and fanny packs to pins and plush, relive each exciting decade through the souvenirs that brought the Vacation Kingdom of the World home!
Mickey’s of Glendale—The Walt Disney Imagineering campus store returns with a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Destination D23 and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise. Trading pins for this event will be offered to attendees through a RSP opportunity.**
Special Film Screening—On Friday, November 19, event guests will also be invited to a special screening at Disney Springs.**
Disney+ Party—Join Disney+ for the grand finale of an incredible weekend with a special celebration you can’t miss!
Plus, more presenters and presentations to be announced soon!
*Please be advised: All schedules, events, and merchandise are subject to change without notice. For the enjoyment of all attendees, access in and out of the Fantasia ballroom may be limited during presentations.
**For the convenience of our event guests, you will be offered the opportunity to reserve a shopping window for Mickey’s of Glendale on Friday, as well as a show time for your screening at Disney Springs on Friday. Details to come closer to the event.
So were you lucky enough to get a ticket when they went on sale? If not there is some good news.
For those unable to join us live at the event, select segments of Destination D23 will be live-streamed on D23.com and D23 social media channels. Stay tuned to D23.com for a full schedule of streaming panels, along with details of where to tune in.
Give Kids the World Second Annual Night of a Million Lights Holiday Lights Spectacular announced. Tickets have gone on sale today, and after the success of last year’s event, we recommend buying asap. This year’s event takes place Nov. 12, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022. The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with staggered entry times to prevent crowding. To learn more, visit www.gktw.org.
Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, nonprofit resort in Central Florida that creates magical memories for children with critical illnesses and their families. If you are planning on traveling to the Central Florida region over the holidays to visit one of the main attractions, we strongly suggest you plan a night for the whole family to join us at Give Kids the World Night of a Million Lights.
A dancing lights show, tram tours, and unique behind-the-scenes experiences highlight an array of exciting additions guaranteed to make this year’s second annual Night of a Million Lights holiday lights spectacular another dazzling success. Scheduled to illuminate the Central Florida skyline from Friday, November 12, 2021, through Sunday, January 2, 2022, Night of a Million Lights will once again provide the public with a rare glimpse inside Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, the whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families with magical weeklong wish vacations at no cost.
Tickets are on sale now at www.gktw.org/lights, enabling guests to immerse themselves in an exquisitely decorated fairytale neighborhood that wishes families call home during their stays. Guests can explore a sparkling tree trail; view larger-than-life holiday displays; take photos at one-of-a-kind step-in frames and backdrops; and enjoy a guided storytelling tour of 100 magnificently lit villas from the comfort of a tram, included in the price of the ticket. The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with staggered entry times to prevent crowding.
What began as an inventive pandemic pivot for Give Kids The World has evolved into Central Florida’s most beloved new holiday tradition. More than 92,000 guests attended Night of a Million Lights in 2020, named #1 on USA Today’s list of the “Best Things To Do in December in Orlando.” With the return of wish families to the Village, this year’s event promises to be brighter and more festive than ever, while preserving the privacy and comfort of wish families during their visits.
“Children with critical illnesses face countless appointments, treatments, and hospital stays, and they are often told “no” due to the limitations of their illness. We feel privileged to give wish children and their families a week of “yes” where they can forget their worries, experience joy, and spend precious time together,” said Give Kids The World President and CEO Pamela Landwirth. “We look forward to once again sharing some holiday joy with the community while raising the funds that will enable us to continue creating the happiness that inspires hope for these precious families.”
This year’s Night of a Million Lights enhancements will include a 360-degree dancing lights show encompassing 21 fully programmed buildings set to music, with six three-minute holiday vignettes playing each hour. In addition, a holiday marketplace will offer upgraded food and beverage experiences, festive holiday merchandise, and an opportunity for children to meet Santa in his elaborately designed Florida home. Also new this year, guests can make their visits extra special by purchasing one of a variety of VIP packages, ranging from behind-the-scenes guided tours and premium dessert parties to special events and exclusive balcony experiences – providing a stunning setting for marriage proposals, vow renewals, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and other special moments. Discounts are available for groups of 25 guests or more. To inquire about group discounts and special events, please contact [email protected].
Proceeds from Night of a Million Lights will support Give Kids The World, rated Four Stars by Charity Navigator 15 years in a row. When wish-granting organizations receive a request from a critically ill child who wants to visit Central Florida, Give Kids The World fulfills the wish – providing each child and his/her family with an all-inclusive stay that includes transportation; accommodations in one of the Village’s 166 storybook residential villas; all meals and snacks; donated theme park tickets; nightly entertainment; daily gifts; and priceless interactive experiences at the Village, featuring accessible rides and attractions. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 176,000 families from all 50 states and more than 76 countries.
Give Kids The World Village is located at 210 South Bass Road in Kissimmee
Dante is joining the celebration for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary!
The iconic Coco character will be joined by 50 characters as part of the “Disney Fab 50,” a new collection of golden sculptures debuting Oct. 1, 2021, across all four Walt Disney World theme parks as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale will be part of a new collection of special golden character sculptures debuting Oct. 1st across the four Walt Disney World theme parks.
There will be 50 characters featured overall, and guests will be able to interact with the “Disney Fab 50” in surprising ways as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration.
During the magical celebration, which begins on Oct. 1st, you’ll be able to find these golden character sculptures throughout all four of the Resort’s parks. And leading up to their appearances, friends from around the Disney company will be announcing which characters you can expect to see.
You can also virtually “collect” each golden Disney character sculpture on Instagram. To add a sculpture to Instagram Collections, just tap and hold the bookmark icon. Then, on the “Save to” screen, tap the collection where you want to save the image or create a new collection. Happy hunting!
Missing those spring rolls from Adventureland? No worries! We have a recipe so you can make PepperoniPizzaSpringRolls at home!
One of the best little treats you can get while visiting Magic Kingdom is definitely in Adventureland, here you will find the Spring Rolls cart offering options like pepperoni pizza or cheeseburger. Delicious for sure! Want to learn how to make them?
For the sauce: Carefully heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat, 5 minutes. Add onion and cook until soft, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
Add tomatoes, and using a spoon, break them into chunks. Season with oregano, red pepper flakes, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve.
For the spring roll filling: Pulse pepperoni in food processor until diced. Place in a large mixing bowl, and add mozzarella, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until combined. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and water.
Assemble spring rolls: Place one spring roll wrapper on a cutting board with one corner facing you. Place 3 tbsp of pepperoni filling in the center of the wrapper. Brush flour and water mixture along border of wrapper. Fold end of spring roll wrapper closest to you over the filling. Bring ends adjacent to the folded side to the center.
The spring roll should resemble an open envelope. Roll spring roll toward the open end, then brush with additional flour and water mixture along the seam to seal. Repeat with remaining spring rolls and filling.
Carefully heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350F. Carefully place spring rolls in oil and fry for 2 minutes, until golden brown.
Place spring rolls on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve with warm marinara.
