Beauty & the Beast Castle being repainted for 50th Anniversary

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June 30, 2021

Beauty & the Beast Castle being repainted for its 50th Anniversary. Along with most of Fantasyland, Beauty and the Beast area is getting a fresh coat of paint. Also, most of the enchanted land seems to be getting a spruce up for the 50th Anniversary. Furthermore, general construction permits were filled recently with Orange County comptrollers offices.

The “general construction” covers the area that included the whole Beauty and the Beast area. Including Be Our Guest along with Gaston’s Tavern and Bathrooms. Including Bonjour! Village Gifts. This area could just be going through spruce up prior to the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary. Just not a major overhaul I would think.

We have reported on Storybook Circus having work done on Pete’s Silly Sideshow area, Casey Jr Splash pad getting a fresh coat of paint, along with behind Cinderella Castle getting painted. Importantly, the full make-over of Cinderella castle herself.

We’re looking forward to celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort with you and all of our Disney fans who will help make this special time in our history even more magical! Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more on “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as we ramp up to the big day on October 1 and then continue to share Disney magic throughout the 18-month-long event at the Resort.

Beauty & the Beast Castle is just the latest undergoing maintenance. It has us very excited for the 50th, what are you looking forward to the most on Oct 1st? We are absolutely looking forward to the Icons of each park and the EARidescence makeover. Moreover, we truly cannot wait for the new Nighttime Spectacular on Main St.

Happily Ever After Fireworks Spectacular Cast Member Preview

By

Chip

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June 30, 2021

Happily Ever After Fireworks Spectacular Cast Member Preview

Last night Cast Members got a preview of Happily Ever After Fireworks Spectacular during a private event.

Disney Celebrity Mark Daniel was on hand to host this special event with a surprise guest…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mark M Daniel (@lol4markdaniel)

Actor / singer Jordan Fisher surprised Disney’s cast preview of the “Happily Ever After” fireworks last night.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdmJePte/

Fisher – who sings the theme song to “Happily Ever After” with singer Angie Keilhauer – took a brief stop from his vacation to share how grateful he was to have played his part in the show and help make some magic/help create memories. He spoke about how resilient CM’s have been this year, acknowledged how they’ve helped to maintain the magic, thanked everyone for their patience in these adverse times and led the cast members in part of the song. He even gave a “shout out” to his wife who was in the crowd!

Our own Chip and Co writers Greg and Holly dropped by Disney’s Contemporary Resort to watch Happily Ever After Fireworks from the 4th Floor Viewing Area.

Greg was able to go live for us on the Chip and Co Facebook page!

Check out the live video…

Our friends 365 at Disney were inside and shared this short video:

July 1st marks the official start of nightly fireworks performances at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. “Happily Ever After” Presented by Pandora Jewelry will transform Cinderella Castle with lights, projections and pyrotechnics, as moments from favorite Disney stories encourage you to grab hold of your dreams and make them come true.

Susan will be live from Main Street USA on the Chip and Co Facebook page for the first showing. Make sure you tune in and bring the tissues as fireworks officially return to Walt Disney World!

U.S. Military can get Great Rates at Disneyland Resort Hotels in 2021

By

Sara

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June 30, 2021

U.S. Military can get Great Rates at Disneyland Resort Hotels in 2021

Active-duty and retired members of the U.S. military can enjoy special rates at Disneyland Resort hotels this year! These great rates are available for select rooms at all 3 Disneyland Resort hotels for stays most nights July 6, 2021 through December 16, 2021 when booked by December 12, 2021.

The three hotels at the Disneyland Resort are the Paradise Pier Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Important Details

Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Valid for Eligible Service Members or spouses for travel between July 6, 2021 to December 16, 2021.
Book from July 6, 2021 through December 12, 2021 with travel completed by December 17, 2021.
“Eligible Service Members” are active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Offer excludes select Concierge rooms and suites, except Paradise, Artisan, Junior and Regal suites.
Eligible Service Member or spouse must present a valid military identification at check-in.
If valid military ID is not presented, the non-discounted room price will be charged for the duration of the stay.
Offer is nontransferable, and Eligible Service Member/spouse must stay in the room.
Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required.
Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and occupancy restrictions apply per room.
Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers.
Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.
Separate theme park admission and theme park reservation for same date and same park required to enter a Theme Park.
The state of California strongly recommends that all Guests be fully vaccinated or obtain a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the Disneyland Resort. Unvaccinated Guests must wear face coverings when indoors. If planning to travel, please check and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and any State travel advisories. Do not travel to or enter Disneyland Resort unless you are free of any COVID-19 symptoms and otherwise comply with the requirements of such advisories and restrictions. As always, our procedures my change as we continue to update our health and safety processes based on guidance from the state of California and local health officials.

Discounted Military tickets are also available to purchase on U.S. Military Bases. If you’d like help booking your next Disneyland vacation, contact me today!

Cítricos New Menu pays homage to the whimsy and elegance of Mary Poppins Returns

By

Sara

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June 30, 2021

Cítricos New Menu pays homage to the whimsy and elegance of Mary Poppins Returns

The newly reimagined Citricos is reopening at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on July 15! The restaurant now pays homage to the whimsy and elegance of Mary Poppins Returns. The new menu from Chef Andres Mendoza is colorful and delicious! Take a look:

The new menu includes starters like Sweet Corn Bisque with pickled fennel, popcorn, and fennel oil and a colorful Strawberry Salad with chamomile-infused goat cheese, frisée lettuce, bacon vinaigrette, and spiced sunflower seeds.

Entrées include Butter-poached Florida Cobia with mashed fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, and local mushrooms with a grapefruit beurre blanc or a delicious Guava Barbequed Short Ribs with aged cheddar creamy grits, roasted poblano, curtido slaw, and Brussels sprouts.

For a sweet ending to Guests’ meals, Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer created some truly delicious and decadent desserts such as Warm Apple Rose with seasonal apple, marzipan layers, and frozen coconut milk and the Chocolate Torte, a dark chocolate financier, dark cherry compote, and vanilla bean mascarpone cream.

Kids can also create their own entrees with offerings like grilled chicken, pizza, mac & cheese, and even steak or shrimp!

The wine and cocktail program, designed by Sommelier Israel Perez, is exceptional. For those who enjoy an elevated food and wine experience, the new and exclusive Sommelier Room at Cítricos will allow Israel and his team to source boutique wines that pair with special creations from Chef Andres.

Cítricos will open on July 15, with bookings available on July 1. What are you looking forward to trying?

Trail’s End Restaurant removes Fan Favorite Fried Chicken from Menu

By

Sara

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June 29, 2021

Trail's End Restaurant removes Fan Favorite Fried Chicken from Menu

Disney World announced today that more restaurants will be reopening soon! The popular Trail’s End Restaurant located at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort will reopen on July 17th.

Along with this great news came some not-so-good news. The fan-favorite fried chicken is being removed from the menu.

Trail’s End will now offer Family-Style dining. The dinner menu includes: “hushpuppies and skillet cornbread with a chopped garden salad for the table. The family-style Smokehouse Skillet comes with pecan-smoked brisket, rotisserie chicken, andouille sausage, fingerlings potatoes, green beans, and buttered corn on the cob. Pork spare ribs, peel n’ eat shrimp, and cornbread-crusted salmon are available as tasty add-ons to your meal.”

Dessert consists of “a wagon load of ice cream, toppings, brownies, cookies, and chocolate-covered bacon! Adults can even kick back with Moonshine Cocktails.”

It seems the popular fried chicken will not be included on the menu. Maybe it will be added later like the noodles at ‘Ohana?

Is Trail’s End one of your favorite Disney World dining locations?

Disney changes the name of Trader Sam’s Shrunken Zombie Head Drink

By

Kevin Koszola

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June 29, 2021

Disney changes the name of Trader Sam's Shrunken Zombie Head Drink

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in Disneyland is an immersive establishment inspired by the Jungle Cruise. The atmosphere of the environment takes you on an adventure to a south seas tropical oasis. It’s also a popular destination for many Disneyland fans. However, a signature tiki drink is now being rebranded for cultural sensitivity reasons.

The Shrunken Head Zombie has had its drink name formally changed to being just Zombie. The name change is tied to how Disney is also modifying elements of Jungle Cruise for guests. Also, the name may be slightly different, but it will be the same drink recipe, so fans of the beverage will still be able to enjoy it.

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is at Disneyland Hotel. The tropical tiki bar will reopen to guests on July 2nd. Be sure to check it out if you plan on visiting Disneyland Resort!

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

Work to begin on Disney’s Haunted Mansion according to new permit

By

Kevin Koszola

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June 29, 2021

Work to begin on Disney's Haunted Mansion according to new permit

Our favorite grim, grinning ghosts are preparing for some upcoming construction work. The Orange County Comptroller office shows how Disney filed a construction permit for the Magic Kingdom attraction.

The permit indicates general construction work with no specific details. But what is worth noting is how Haunted Mansion isn’t on Disney’s refurbishment schedule. Which means it might be minor work, but we are waiting to see if the attraction gets added to the schedule. In the meantime, we will continue visiting our 999 ghostly friends at Magic Kingdom!

We do see the permit is to “provide labor, material and/or electrical for construction” for Haunted Mansion. Even though it’s not being specific, the general phrasing indicates it should be a project that won’t change anything significant on the ride.

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

Source: Orange County Comptroller

Dino Diner in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will reopen on July 4th

By

Chip

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June 29, 2021

Dino Diner in Disney's Animal Kingdom will reopen on July 4th

Dino Diner in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be reopening on July 4th! Guests can grab a Dino-Rama Chili-Cheese Dog or a Corn Chip Pie.

Chomp on churros with chocolate sauce, or get your claws on dino drinks like ice cold sodas and frosty frozen lemonade—all served from a playful, old-time trailer.

Here is a look at the Dino Diner menu:

Also, the Eight Spoon Café at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is now open and offers their delish Baked Macaroni & Cheese (with or without pulled pork). The exciting news – the Pulled Pork Jelly Donut Sandwich is back!

Trail’s End Restaurant at Ft Wilderness reopening on July 17th!

By

Greg Gately

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June 29, 2021

Trail’s End Restaurant at Ft Wilderness reopening on July 17th! Clearly, guests staying at Fort Wilderness resort have been waiting for this news to come out for a while. We are super excited to announce the reopening of Trail’s End. Originally opened in 1974 as Trail’s End Buffeteria and Campfire Snack Bar, it is now a premier restaurant.

The Setting

Round up your settlement and sail across Bay Lake to a time of pioneers. Nestled on 750 wooded acres inhabited by enchanting wildlife, Trail’s End Restaurant is one dining destination you’ll want to allow plenty of time to reach. Getting there is a trailblazing adventure unto itself!

Inside, beamed ceilings, split-log walls, mounted animals and a potbellied stove keep things cozy—all while you and your kin tuck into a hearty spread of countrified fare.

Trail’s End Restaurant at Ft Wilderness reopening on July 17th!

Yee-haw! Trail’s End Restaurant at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort will reopen July 17 with hearty family-style skillets for breakfast and dinner.

Mosey on over to Fort Wilderness to start your morning with an oven-fresh pastry basket and berry granola yogurt parfait for the table, followed by a hearty family-style skillet with smoked brisket and eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheesy potato casserole. Of course, no breakfast is complete without Mickey waffles! Adults can sip on Moonshine Morning Cocktails – a Pioneer Mimosa with passion, orange, and guava juices and a Mountain Mary with moonshine.

Dinner at Trail’s End is a rootin’ tootin’ good time. Starts with hushpuppies and skillet cornbread with a chopped garden salad for the table. The family-style Smokehouse Skillet comes with pecan-smoked brisket, rotisserie chicken. Also included is andouille sausage, fingerlings potatoes, green beans, and buttered corn on the cob. Pork spare ribs, peel n’ eat shrimp, and cornbread-crusted salmon are available as tasty add-ons to your meal.

But be sure to save room for the Covered Wagon Sundae – a wagon load of ice cream, toppings, brownies, cookies, and chocolate-covered bacon! Adults can even kick back with Moonshine Cocktails.

I can honestly say Trail’s End is a fun place to eat and the motif is excellent. Take a boat over if you can, or the internal bussing at Ft. Wilderness will get you where you need to go. Our favorite time to go is around Halloween or Christmas to see all the campers that have decorated. I think we will go asap and enjoy a nice dinner.

New Take-out sharable meal ‘Disney Family Night Dinner’ coming June 30th

By

Chip

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June 29, 2021

New Take-out sharable meal 'Disney Family Night Dinner' coming June 30th

Starting tomorrow June 30th Disney is serving up a new Disney Family Night Dinner.

Available for a limited time this summer, nightly from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Gather your family together for a playful night of food and fun! Pick up this family-style, 3-course shareable meal to-go (serving 3 to 4) that comes with an original activity game inspired by classic Disney characters, including keepsakes.

It’s a great way to stay in—enjoying a magical meal together and playing into the night!

Each package includes:

A delicious family-style dinner

Caribbean Pull-apart Rolls with Onion Jam and Guava Butter
Roasted Jamaican-style Chicken
Fried Yucca, Rice and Seasonal Vegetables
Decorate-Your-Own Mickey and Minnie Cookies

Family-night game

This original card-type game with collectible buttons inspired by classic Disney characters is fun for all ages.

Price: $79

Order through mobile order or onsite.

Disney Family Night Dinner is available at the following locations

Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort:

Roasted Jamaican-style Chicken
Fried Yucca
Cilantro Rice
Seasonal Vegetables
Caribbean Pull-apart Rolls with Onion Jam and Guava Butter
Decorate-your-own Mickey and Minnie Cookies

Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

Garden Salad – Tomato, cucumber, carrots, and a duo of dressings
Savory Lasagna – Three cheese lasagna with tomato sauce
Two Mickey-shaped Cheese or Pepperoni Pizzas
Minnie Cheesecake with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and fresh berries

Dine underneath the lovely London sky at newly reimagined Cítricos

By

Sara

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June 29, 2021

Dine underneath the lovely London sky at newly reimagined Cítricos

The newly reimagined Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is reopening on July 15! Guests can dine “underneath the lovely London sky” in the restaurant which pays homage to the whimsy and elegance of Mary Poppins Returns.

Taking subtle cues from the movie’s animated sequence, the dining room brings guests into a fanciful garden setting where you can “trip a little light fantastic” as you experience the restaurant surrounded by the glow from decorative lamps and chandeliers.

Chef Andres Mendoza crafted a new menu with starters like Sweet Corn Bisque with pickled fennel, popcorn, and fennel oil and a colorful Strawberry Salad with chamomile-infused goat cheese, frisée lettuce, bacon vinaigrette, and spiced sunflower seeds.

Entrées include Butter-poached Florida Cobia with mashed fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, and local mushrooms with a grapefruit beurre blanc or a delicious Guava Barbequed Short Ribs with aged cheddar creamy grits, roasted poblano, curtido slaw, and Brussels sprouts.

For a sweet ending to your meal, Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer created some truly delicious and decadent desserts such as Warm Apple Rose with seasonal apple, marzipan layers, and frozen coconut milk and the Chocolate Torte, a dark chocolate financier, dark cherry compote, and vanilla bean mascarpone cream.

The wine and cocktail program, designed by Sommelier Israel Perez, is exceptional. For those who enjoy an elevated food and wine experience, the new and exclusive Sommelier Room at Cítricos will allow Israel and his team to source boutique wines that pair with special creations from Chef Andres.

Cítricos will open on July 15, with bookings available on July 1.

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor hosted by Edys reopening on July 7th!

By

Chip

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June 29, 2021

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor hosted by Edys reopening on July 7th!

Get ready to treat yourself to hand-scooped ice cream at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor hosted by Edys will be reopening on July 7th in the Magic Kingdom!

This oh-so-sweet nostalgic ice cream parlor on Main Street, U.S.A., officially reopens on July 7 with all your favorite flavors on a cone or in a cup – fat-free and no sugar added, as well as plant-based non-dairy options will be available.

And more sweet news: Barq’s Root Beer Floats and Coca-Cola Floats are back!