It looks like the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay is returning to Disneyland this year! Haunted Mansion is scheduled to undergo a refurbishment from August 16-September 2 and we can only think of one reason for the closure: Haunted Mansion Holiday!
Every fall Haunted Mansion at Disneyland gets a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay that really adds to the holiday seasons. The Disneyland website describes the overlay as:
“Pumpkin King Jack Skellington has been busy decorating the Haunted Mansion with frightfully festive touches inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Experience some of your favorite sights, special seasonal surprises—and scare-aracters from the movie. Sally, Oogie Boogie and other Nightmare nasties will be on hand to wish you “Season’s Screamings!”
Each year there is a new gingerbread house on the ride as well! The overlay stays on the Haunted Mansion for both the Halloween and Christmas seasons.
Haunted Mansion Holiday did not occur in 2020 due to the pandemic closure. It’s nice to see that some favorite attractions will be returning to the Disneyland Resort this year!
Be our guest and enjoy a delicious Enchanted Red Rose Smoothie!
Inspired by the enchanted rose at the West Wing in Beauty and the Beast, Dole created this yummy and healthy recipe to make your smoothies more magical.
It features banana, berries and apple juice, making a great breakfast option that everyone will love. Want to make it at home? Just follow this recipe:
ENCHANTED RED ROSE SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
1 ripe Dole banana, peeled, cut crosswise into thirds and frozen
2 cups hulled and quartered Dole strawberries, frozen plus additional whole for garnish (optional)
1 1/2 cups 100% apple juice
1 cup of Dole raspberries, frozen
1 cup stemmed and pitted Dole cherries, frozen plus additional with stem for garnish (optional)
Teatro Martini is Orlando’s Hottest Vegas Style Dinner Show is truly a spectacle. Obviously, it is a 21 and older show. “Tastefully provocative” has been used to describe it perfectly. Baudy, Outrageous, Irreverant fun. In a classy way. Think vaudeville that can be shown in the villages, but younger audiences will enjoy it fully. Some jokes may go over the older members of the audience, but nothing that would offend them so greatly they would want to leave.
We will get to the food and show in a paragraph or two, but I wanted to spend a moment talking about Nick Kroger. The shows Creative DIrector and frontman for the comedy trio, that acts as your hosts for the evening. Nick has just come off an 11-year stint at The Holy Land Experience in Orlando. He was loud and boisterous as we walked in, treating everyone with a huge smile and an over-the-top personality. His presence is felt from the moment you walk into Teatro Martini, and it works perfectly.
Here is the trick though, when you finally get a chance to talk with him to discuss his career and talk about the show at Teatro Martini, he is a mild, likable midwestern man from Minnesota. We were very impressed with how he was able to drop the character and discuss directing, finding dancers, and directing the show so quickly. By the way, he had 2 weeks, from auditions to the first show. Not that you would notice, he has done an exquisite job putting this show together. You could also hear the pride of doing this show in his voice.
He has an effervescent young protege, Jeff, that follows him around including onto the stage, who also does a great job of interacting with the audience. Also showing off his skills on stage with hilarious routines and one-liners all done with great timing. Then add in a 3rd member of this comedy trio, Jinx, who plays the girl who isn’t good enough to make it in the Chorus. To us she was brilliant, a little over the top, and quick with the adult humor. She plays her part perfectly. I would guess under the outrageousness, is a genuine great performer. It shows though.
When those three are not in the spotlight, they play host and hostess for the evenings singing, dancing, plate spinning, audience interacting show. One hour and 45 minutes of Caberet style jokes and entertainment. From the neon Glow of hula hoops, as the Amazing Anna does an impressive show starter, to the plate spinning of Magnificent Maks, you feel like you are truly at a Vegas show. The night is highlighted by the beautiful voice of Madam Talia, who lets the room breathe once in a while. Not to give it all away, but the Pole dancing and the Couples Dance are amazing feet to watch. Breathtaking is a better way to describe it.
Another fun part of the show is the wait staff are actually members of the cast. Known as the Jewels, they once in a while will drop everything to become the Chorus Girls and Back up dancers and singers. When you go, take notice of what Jewel is serving you, and cheer her on as she entertains you.
The food was exactly what you would expect from the team at Pirate’s Dinner Adventures, with lots of addons you can pre-purchase. We enjoyed the Chicken and the Cheesecake. The gravy for the potatoes was well done. Truly what sets this apart is the Martini selection. We got to see a lot of colorful drinks that people were enjoying.
A few extra’s we want to mention is the Nightclub, Jewels, which is free if you have purchased tickets to the show and a 10 dollar cover charge if you have not paid to see the show. It was a Speakeasy straight out of the roaring ’20s. gambling tables, dueling pianos, hidden doors, and all.
Importantly, who can enjoy this and who should go? That is a good question because we normally are dealing with Disney Parents. Sure, not everyone coming to Central Orlando is a parent. If you are over 21 and need a date night. Moreover, if you are part of a bachelorette party looking for a fun few hours this is a great place to hold your party at. If you and your significant other just need a night out together without the kids, then Teatro Martini is for you. Girls night out also, if you came down for a Girls only trip and find yourself in Central Florida, I suggest you go.
Right now you can use TMCHIPANDCO and receive 20% off your ticket purchase in advance. Teatro Martini tickets are available for guests 21+ with tickets starting at $69.95. More info can be found here.
Disney Dreamers Academy to Inspire New Generation of Disney Dreamers at Walt Disney World Resort in 2022, Applications Now Open. The Academy offers hands-on, immersive career seminars in a wide range of disciplines found at Walt Disney World. Participants learn how to improve their communication, leadership, and networking along with other valuable personal and professional development skills. In a recent post from Disney Parks Blog, they go onto explain what Disney Dreamers Academy is all about. We are excited to see what comes out of this new class.
“All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.’’ – Walt Disney
That sentiment is at the heart of our transformational mentorship program Disney Dreamers Academy, and we are thrilled to announce the ever-popular, outside-the-classroom event is set to return to Walt Disney World Resort March 3-6, 2022!
We’re inviting high school students nationwide to apply at DisneyDreamersAcademy.com for their opportunity to be one of the 100 students to receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World. There, the four magical theme parks will become the vibrant settings where Disney Dreamers will participate in programming designed to inspire young leaders to dream beyond their imaginations and jump-start their life goals.
After the 2020 program was cut short due to the pandemic and transitioned to a successful virtual program series, we are excited to have our Disney Dreamers back here with us in person! And this year we celebrate a milestone event – the 15th year of Disney Dreamers Academy!
Throughout its history, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,300 students with hands-on, immersive career seminars in a wide range of disciplines found at Walt Disney World. Participants learn how to improve their communication, leadership, and networking along with other valuable personal and professional development skills.
They also hear from and interact with community and industry leaders, Disney cast members, and celebrity guests – past celebrities included singer NE-YO, NBA Legend, and business mogul Magic Johnson and star of Disney’s upcoming live-action “Little Mermaid,” Halle Bailey.
Disney Dreamers Academy is focused on challenging young people to relentlessly pursue their dreams through the “Be 100” campaign – to be positive, to be “all in” and to apply lessons from their DDA experience to help make a difference in the lives of others. Graduates of the program have gone on to become entrepreneurs, community leaders, medical professionals, engineers, pilots, journalists, and much more.
Do you know a student with big dreams, drive, and passion? High schoolers ages 13 to 19 can apply to be part of the 2022 class of Disney Dreamers Academy through Oct. 31, 2021. To apply, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com.
Must Do Disney with Stacey no longer showing at Disney World Resort Hotels. Unquestionably, one of the things we all looked forward to watching when we got to our resort in Disney World Resort, was Must Do Disney. What started as The Top 7 Must-Sees at WDW in 2005, turned into 15 years of Must-Dos. With the always smiling and willing to do whatever she had to do, Stacey J Aswad. Now it has been replaced by generic clips of Disney World Parks and Disney Springs.
Stacey had recently posted on her webpage about the past 15 years, then an Instagram post about it ended. In her webpage post, she said.
On May 5, 2020, Stacey celebrated her 15-year Disney-versary as the effervescent host millions love to watch and quote on her Walt Disney World Resort TV channel.
Her reign began with the premiere of the Top 7 Must-Sees at WDW on May 5, 2005. Then in 2009, the Must Do Disney TV show began with Stacey staying on board as the host and it’s still running today, 24/7/365.
Happy Disney-versary to Us! My life forever changed on 5/5/05 when I debuted as the resort TV Host of The Top 7 Must-Sees at WDW and then continued onto Must Do Disney from 2009-2020 ?? My 1-year opportunity turned into 15+ years sharing your happiest, most magical times and it remains the highlight of my life, professionally and personally. I wish we would be making more memories together but COVID changed those plans. What will never change is my gratitude and thanks for all the love and kindness you have always and continue to send my way. Know that I send it right back to you in abundance because this kind of magic lives on forever!
Clearly, Must Do Disney with Stacey will be missed by all of us! It was just a fun show to watch while relaxing in the resort room after a long day in the parks also you could always plan something you missed after watching her show. We wish Stacey Luck in whatever endeavors come next. Truly we hope to see her soon again on Disney TV.
Disneyland removes ‘boys and girls’ from fireworks announcement to promote gender inclusivity. Unquestionably, Disney is changing with the times. Becoming more inclusive, and being sensitive to all of the guests who go to the parks. With the recent changes to Dress Codes and the “Look” of its Cast members, we can now add Greetings for Fireworks and Shows.
Absolutely, one of the better changes is the new intro to Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. “Ladies and Gentleman, Boy and Girls” has been changed to “Good evening, Dreamers of all ages”. Clearly, it is inclusive and fits in better with the theme of the Magic at the Kingdom.
Importantly, “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.” has been changed at Disneyland’s show Mickey’s Mix Magic. Guests of all ages will be greeted with “Good evening, friends”. Just another sign of the times and Disney adapting to the new age we live in. Disney has been striving to introduce more diversity and inclusivity into its theme parks, workforce, and company culture.
We understand that this change to the fireworks announcement is upsetting to some, and I can guarantee Disney put a good amount of thought into this change. The Disney World update is perfect. It does not hurt anyone’s feelings, it is inclusive to everyone. So, altogether, we can enjoy this change. Who cares if it doesn’t mention Boys and Girls, I take Dreamers of all ages to incorporate everyone! We are all Dreamers when we enter the Magic Kingdom!
As for Disneyland’s change, we are all friends! Right? We are friends of Disney’s, of Mickey Mouse and the gang, of each other! I truly hope we can all figure out how to just be friends, especially at the Happiest Place on Earth.
These changes have not negatively affected Disney in any way. Crowds are up, sales are stronger than they ever have been. In fact, it appears that demand may be up, the year by year numbers are strong. Even with a pandemic shutting things down for 15 months in some cases. Inclusivity is the clear path for Disney and moving forward with the times and adapting.
We understand this topic is going to bring a lot of feelings to the conversation, we just ask that you handle it with respect for each other. Please, if you disagree or agree do not put the others person’s feelings or thoughts down. We live in a country where we can debate these things. So, let us be friends! Also, realize that no matter how much you love or hate this, it is here to stay. Accordingly, for the one guy who will say, Disney, so woke, please think before posting, it is just gonna start a fight. I am not disagreeing with you or agreeing, but it will end with comments being shut off.
Lasers, Music, Action!
Rock your world at Mickey’s Mix Magic, an extravaganza bursting with magical song tracks, kaleidoscopic projections, and exciting lights and lasers guaranteed to electrify your soul!
The scene is set as state-of-the-art projections, lighting, and lasers turn Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the façade of “it’s a small world” into dazzling displays of sight, sound, and color.
On select nights, fantastical fireworks will add a pinch more pixie dust to the occasion. Attendees will be catapulted into a fun, family-friendly dance party sure to transform Disneyland Park into one of the greatest celebrations for Mickey and Minnie.
fireworks announcement
Mickey’s Mix Magic will return to Disneyland on July 4th
Celebrate the 4th of July with these patriotic Mad Hatter’s 4th of July Cupcakes!
If you are looking to add a touch of Disney magic to your independence day celebration, then these cupcakes are the perfect treat! With colors like red, white and blue and switching Mad Hatter’s hat number for the 4th of July, we are sure everyone will love them.
Cut off the tops of the cupcakes level with the upper edge of the paper cupcake liners so that they better resemble the flat top of the Mad Hatter’s hat.
Frost the trimmed cupcakes and press red candies in place to create stripes.
Print the template and use it as a patter for cutting out a set of brim and hatband pieces for each cupcake from the specified colors of paper. Glue the top brim circle atop the bottom brim circle and then curl the outer edge of the paper slightly with your fingers to give the brim a little more dimension.
Now shape the red hatband piece into a ring and secure it with a glue dot. Ideally, the ring should be just wide enough for the bottom of the cupcake to fit into without actually allowing it to rest on the tabletop. This will create the illusion that the hat is taller than it actually is.
When you know the ring is the right size. remove it from the cupcake and stick it to the brim using a couple of glue dots.
Set the cupcake in place.
For the finishing touch, use number stickers or a marker and a small square of white paper to make a 7/4 date tag. Tuck the bottom of the tag behind the hatband.
Disney Panels Announced for Comic-Con at Home 2021. To celebrate all things entertainment, Disney has announced their panels for the 2021 Comic-Con at Home event this Summer. Check out the full schedule below and stay tuned for updates and details as they become available!
FRIDAY, JULY 23:
3:00 PM (PT) DUNCANVILLE (Produced by 20th Television Animation; Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group; and Fox Entertainment) – Join the Harris family and friends for a hilarious conversation about the spectacularly average life of 15-year-old Duncan Harris on FOX’s hit animated series DUNCANVILLE. Executive producers Mike Scully & Julie Thacker-Scully, executive producer and star Amy Poehler, and stars Ty Burrell, Riki Lindhome, Joy Osmanski, Yassir Lester, and Betsy Sodaro tease the rest of this season and next, and give fans a special look at an upcoming episode featuring a musical number with everyone’s favorite teacher, Mr. Mitch (voiced by Wiz Khalifa).
SATURDAY, JULY 24:
11:00 AM (PT) THE SIMPSONS (Produced by Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Television Animation)
SIMPSONS SEASON 33 AND BEYOND! Join Matt Selman, Al Jean, David Silverman, Carolyn Omine, Mike B. Anderson, Debbie Mahan and moderator Yeardley Smith as they give you an exclusive sneak preview of Season 33! A panel of animators, writers and special surprise guests will answer your questions, tell behind-the-scenes stories, and reveal the secrets of the Springfield Cinematic Universe!
3:00 PM (PT) CENTRAL PARK (Produced by 20th Television Animation)
Join co-creator and executive producer Loren Bouchard; co-creator, executive producer and voice of “Birdie,” Josh Gad; the voice of “Owen Tillerman” Leslie Odom Jr.; the voice of “Cole Tillerman” Titus Burgess; and producers Kelvin Yu and Steven Davis, from Apple’s musical animated series “Central Park” for the show’s ‘Con debut. The panelists discuss how they brought this harmonious series to life by merging comedy with the very brightest talent of Broadway and some of the best songwriters in the world.
4:00 PM (PT) FAMILY GUY (Produced by 20th Television Animation)
Join cast Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Mila Kunis, Seth Green, Arif Zahir and executive producers Rich Appel and Alec Sulkin from FOX’s hit animated comedy “Family Guy” as we celebrate 20 seasons of the series with a virtual trivia night! Watch our cast and produces compete against each other and see who knows the most about this iconic series! After, you’ll see a special sneak peek at the hilarity and hi-jinx coming up in our 20th season premiering this fall on FOX!
5:00 PM (PT) AMERICAN DAD! (Produced by 20th Television Animation)
Ever wondered how your favorite “American Dad!” episodes get made? Join Matt Weitzman as he walks you through the creation of an upcoming episode of the current season airing on TBS! You’ll see a table read, featuring stars Rachael MacFarlane, Wendy Schaal, Scott Grimes and Dee Bradley Baker, followed by parts of the episode in the animatic and early stages of color!
SUNDAY, JULY 25:
11:00 AM (PT) THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY (Produced by 20th Television)
Based on New York Times bestseller which Time Magazine called “one of the best young adult books of all time,” – “The Mysterious Benedict Society” has finally come to life on screens across the world this summer on Disney+! Placed undercover at a boarding school known as The Institute, a group of orphans must foil a nefarious plot with global ramifications while creating a new sort of family along the way. Join our series stars, Tony Hale, Kristen Schaal, MaameYaa Baofo, Ryan Hurst and Gia Sandhu along with executive producers & writers, Phil Hay (creator), Matt Manfredi (creator), Darren Swimmer (showrunner) and Todd Slavkin (showrunner), as they talk about all the adventures from the first season, tease what’s to come in the final two episodes and the future of the series, moderated by TV Guide Magazine’s Damian Holbrook.
12:00 PM (PT) THE GREAT NORTH (Produced by 20th Television Animation)
Join us as we take a look at one of FOX’s newest animated series, already picked up for a third season, “The Great North.” Join creators and executive producers Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux, executive producer Loren Bouchard and the all-star cast including Nick Offerman, Jenny Slate, Dulcé Sloan, Will Forte, Paul Rust and Alanis Morissette for a truly wild and hilarious Q&A including exclusive clips and breaking news on the outrageous Alaskan adventures in store for the Tobin family in the upcoming season.
3:00 PM (PT) BOB’S BURGERS (Produced by 20th Television Animation)
The cast and producers of the Emmy Award-winning animated FOX series “Bob’s Burgers” are back for another virtual ‘Con breaking news about the upcoming season, showing never-before-seen footage and answering questions from a few lucky fans who get to join the zoom to ask their burning questions directly to the panelists. Join creator and executive producer Loren Bouchard, executive producer Nora Smith and the hilarious cast including H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman, Dan Mintz and Larry Murphy for a panel you won’t want to miss!
*All scheduling subject to change with or without notice to attendees
Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney!
Flag Retreat Ceremonies return to Walt Disney World and Disneyland. It should be noted that a time-honored tradition is explained as a way of doing something that has been used and respected for a very long time. The Flag retreat and Disney World and Disneyland is one such time-honored tradition. It is done to honor our nation and those who defend it. Importently, we have witnessed the FLag retreat many times, and every time it brings a tear of pride and rememberence to our eyes.
Along with our Tik Tok video, which you can see below, Disney Parks Blog posted about this time-honored tradition. Saying, supporting our nation’s military heroes is a tradition that dates back to the founding of The Walt Disney Company. For decades, Disney Parks have recognized our nation’s active-duty military and veterans with stirring daily flag retreat ceremonies.
Magic Kingdom Park welcomed back their daily flag retreat July 1, resuming the tradition of selecting an active-duty military member or veteran from among that park’s daily visitors. As shadows grew long in the late afternoon in Town Square, many watched silently as a guest U.S. Air Force veteran joined members of Magic Kingdom’s security team to respectfully lower the flag and carry it in a processional down Main Street, U.S.A. The ceremony included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of “God Bless America” and the “Star-Spangled Banner,” accompanied by the Main Street Philharmonic marching band.
“It has been an honor for our security cast to keep our flag flying every day over Magic Kingdom since the park first opened in 1971,” said Army veteran Eileen Underwood, Magic Kingdom’s senior security manager. “We were thrilled to resume our daily flag retreat ceremonies to honor our country and those who serve around the world in defense of our freedoms. It’s a special moment for all our guests that really reaffirms the feeling that this is truly a magical place.”
Disneyland park resumed its Flag Retreat Ceremony when the resort reopened on April 30 and is thrilled to continue thanking veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our country.
Navy veteran Nick Filippone, senior production manager for the main entrance at Disneyland, felt an overwhelming sense of pride regarding this, one of the park’s oldest traditions.
“I was so proud to see our Disneyland security and entertainment teams once again present our beloved flag retreat ceremony in Town Square from the very first day we were able to welcome Guests back,” said Nick. “We have been honored to continue Walt’s patriotic legacy with keeping the American flag flying throughout the park’s closure showing that no matter what else was happening, we could maintain this element of our heritage.”
The flag retreat ceremony occurs daily at both iconic Disney parks, so please check with Guest Services or the Times Guide for event timing and leave a comment below if you have a favorite memory from attending this special moment.
We also invite those interested in learning how to build or enhance their organization’s hiring, training, and support of military veterans and spouses to attend the 2021 Veterans Institute Summit presented by Disney Institute on September 13-14, 2021 at Walt Disney World Resort. Registration for this complimentary event is now open.
To the many military heroes who work here, visit our parks, and those currently standing watch around the world—we thank you for your service and wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!
From all of us here at ChipandCo, have a safe and Happy 4th of July.
Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto Share a Magical Disney Moment with Deaf Child in Disneyland. A video from 2017 has seen resurgence online after a sweet moment between Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and a special Disneyland guest reminds fans of the magic of Disney.
The Disney Parks do their best to make magic for every guest who comes through their gates, but sometimes we get to share in a special moment from a distance with these touching viral videos. In the video, the child communicates through sign language to Pluto, and Mickey and Minnie quickly jump in to speak with him through ASL ( American Sign Language). The child is immediately thrilled and gives a heartfelt and grateful hug to Minnie before the video wraps. (Cue ALL the tears!!!)
You can check out the full video posted by Olive Crest on YouTube below:
Olive Crest is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preventing child abuse, treating and educating at-risk children, and preserving the family … One Life at a Time.® Olive Crest was founded in 1973, and serves 5,000 children and families each year throughout California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Olive Crest by CLICKING HERE
Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for more magical Disney moments!
Style your Fourth of July outfit with the gorgeous Americana Minnie Ears from the Disney Parks! These fun and patriotic ears from last year have made their return once more to celebrate Independence Day.
Americana Minnie Ears
These ears are ruby red and shimmering with lots of shiny sequins! The plush bow is blue with white stars on one side, and spangled with stripes on the other side!
‘Disney Princess Remixed – An Ultimate Princess Celebration’ Musical Special Coming to Disney Channel and Disney+. Come one, come all! A new musical special celebrating the stories and tales of the Disney Princesses is coming to Disney Channel and Disney+. Disney Princess Remixed will debut on Friday 27th August on Disney Channel in the US at 7:30 pm EDT/PDT and on Disney+ in select markets to coincide with World Princess Week.
As a part of The Ultimate Princess Celebration, the Disney Princess Remixed musical special will feature performances by recording artists such as Dara Reneé, Frankie Rodriguez, Julia Lester (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), Izabela Rose (“Secrets of Sulphur Springs”), Ruth Righi (“Sydney to the Max”) and Sophia Hammons (“Under Wraps”), with the anthem song “Starting Now” recorded and performed by GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist Brandy.
Songs set to be featured include remixes of “Into the Unknown” from Disney’s “Frozen 2,” “Home” from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” “Almost There” from Disney’s “Princess and the Frog” and “Part of Your World” from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”
Disney has shared that ‘The Ultimate Princess Celebration,’ “is a yearlong event spotlighting the courage and kindness these Disney heroes inspire in fans all around the world. From Cinderella’s generosity and Belle’s ingenuity to Mulan’s selflessness and Moana’s adventurous spirit, Disney is honoring these strong heroes through music, experiences, products, and a campaign to give back to children around the country.“
Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney Princess!
