More dining locations are reopening at Walt Disney World! Guests will be able to see beloved characters when Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort reintroduces an all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner starring the Fab Five. Over at the EPCOT Resort area, you’ll be able to once again enjoy seaside meals when Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort reopens, and, get your taste buds ready for the re-opening of Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
If you ever dream of escaping to the beach and enjoying all the delicious food of an oceanside town, you’ll be happy that Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort reopens on May 18! The New England-style restaurant is a perfect location to refuel before and after a day of adventure at Walt Disney World.
Guests returning to Cape May Café will find old favorites and new changes, along with its signature service and quality. The restaurant will serve breakfast and dinner, but Minnie’s Beach Bash Character Breakfast and the Seafood-and-More Dinner Buffet will not return at reopening.
That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of treats in store! The all-you-care-to enjoy family-style breakfast menu will feature popular staples like pastries (including the layered crispy, cream-filled “Lobster Tail”), omelets, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waffles. Highlights from dinner will include house-made Parker House rolls and corn bread, a seafood boil with a variety of fresh seafood, The Turf Platter with steak and chicken, and – my personal favorite – lobster mac and cheese.
Bookings for Cape May Café and dinnertime at Chef Mickey’s open on May 7.
Starting May 16, Chef Mickey’s will offer an all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style dinner that will include “no touch” appearances like snapping a selfie or waving hello as Mickey Mouse and some of his favorite pals make surprising appearances in each of the dining rooms. Similar to other character dining locations, Guests will take home a souvenir with character signatures and colorful artwork.
Seeing your favorite characters isn’t all you can look forward to at Chef Mickey’s! The dinner menu will include items for the whole family, like starters of “Chef Mickey’s Caesar,” citrus-poached shrimp salad, and assorted breads; main courses of gnocchi, roasted garlic potato Gratin, plant-based faro wheat fried rice, prime rib, roasted turkey, and salmon; and an assortment of sweets to top off the meal. Little ones in your family can enjoy mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, turkey corn dog nuggets, and more!
Tusker House Restaurant
The guest-favorite character dining location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tusker House Restaurant, will reopen this summer! During the modified character experience, guests will enjoy delicious family-style entrees inspired by the flavors of Africa and can snap photos of Donald Duck and friends, dressed in their safari best as they promenade through the restaurant. We will share more about the menu and reservation information soon.
We are so excited for these restaurants to reopen! Which one will you be getting reservations for?
The God of Mischief strikes again! Watch Tom Hiddleston’s video message announcing the new premiere date and weekly release day for Marvel Studios’ “Loki,” a brand-new, original series exclusively on Disney+.
Marvel Studios’ “Loki” features the God of Mischief as he steps out of his brother’s shadow in a new series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.”
Tom Hiddleston returns as the title character, joined by Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant. Kate Herron directs “Loki,” and Michael Waldron is head writer.
Disney on Broadway Stars to Be Featured in New Show ‘Disney Princess: The Concert‘. Disney Concerts has announced a new show starring the Disney Princesses! Disney Legend Susan Egan (Megara in Hercules, Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway) shared the news via Instagram with the caption:
“This has been a hard secret to keep, but for the last YEAR+, we’ve been working with @disneyconcerts to co-produce an expanded, embellished and exultant new version of our beloved Broadway Princess Party now titled ‘Disney Princess – The Concert’ sponsored by @theofficialpandora ! Thousands of hours (yes, mostly on @zoom !), brilliant new creative & business partners, and our core family at BPP LLC have all come together to create something we are VERY proud to now share with you!! We are touring to more than 85 cities, starting November 1, 2021, so find us in a kingdom near you!! It’s our dream come true and we can’t wait to see you there! ….. 2021 Cast: Susan Egan, Aisha Jackson, Laura Osnes, Courtney Reed, Benjamin Rauhala, Adam J. Levy 2022 Cast: Christy Altomare, Susan Egan, Courtney Reed, Syndee Winters, Benjamin Rauhala, Adam J. Levy ….. Experience the magic of your favorite songs from @thedisneyprincesses , performed live by #Broadway stars during the #DisneyPrincessConcert series coming soon! ? ✨ Tickets on sale Friday, May 7. ?️
Tickets will go on sale this Friday, May 7. You can learn more and purchase tickets by visiting www.DisneyConcerts.com. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney!
Sunshine Seasons, a quick-service restaurant in Epcot, is a step above traditional quick service. The restaurant normally offers a variety of delicious food and a prime location in Epcot’s Future World.
If you’d like to dine at Sunshine Seasons, then you can place your order via Mobile Order on the My Disney Experience App.
The over the top luxury resort Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World has just sold for over $600 million dollars!
Here are the details from the Press Release.
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., the nation’s largest lodging real estate investment trust, today announced that it has acquired the fee simple interest in the 444-room Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort for approximately $610 million in cash.
Located within Walt Disney World® Resort, one of the most visited destination resorts in the world, the hotel sits on 289 acres, provides complimentary transport to four Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks, and is the only AAA Five Diamond-rated hotel in Central Florida.
James F. Risoleo, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is a truly iconic and irreplaceable property that is well-positioned to benefit from significant demand as the pandemic subsides and the 18-month celebration of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary begins in October. A strong market leader with a 2019 RevPAR Index over 215, this resort is now Host Hotels’ highest-ranked property based on 2019 RevPAR and Total RevPAR, and fifth highest based on EBITDA per key.”
Risoleo continued, “Our ability to execute on this off-market acquisition underscores the benefits of our prudent and disciplined capital allocation approach that emphasized maximizing balance sheet capacity and liquidity toward the end of the cycle. Our strong financial foundation of $2.5 billion in total available liquidity at year-2020, including FF&E reserves, has enabled us to invest in high-quality properties that we expect to elevate our EBITDA growth profile and create long-term value for our shareholders and other stakeholders.”
Acquired for $610 million or $1.4 million per key, representing a 4.7% capitalization rate, 16.8x EBITDA multiple based on 2019 results1
2019 Resort Performance:
Generated RevPAR of $561, Total RevPAR of $923 and EBITDA/key of $81,5002, which represents 90% growth since 2016
Resort Amenities:
Include 55,000 square feet of meeting space, six food and beverage outlets, five pools, three tennis courts, a 13,000 square foot spa, an 18-hole golf course and golf club, and Explorer Island, a five-acre family-oriented water park / entertainment area
Walt Disney World® Resort:
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort offers complimentary transport to four Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks, on-site character breakfast, in-room celebrations, and a Disney Planning Center.
The bill also bans COVID-19 vaccine passports in the state. But the bill will invalidate all local emergency orders in relation to the pandemic. The order takes effect July 1, 2021, but the governor also signed an executive order to invalidate local emergency orders between now and July 1.
DeSantis clarified that this bill applies to government-level orders and businesses can still enact their own policies, including requiring face masks.
Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is more readily available, DeSantis expressed displeasure with the government keeping restrictions and issuing fines to businesses. He encourages people to get the vaccine. However, he says telling people they need to follow other restrictions even after being vaccinated undermines public confidence in the vaccines.
Keep in mind, businesses like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios can still make and enforce their own COVID-19 policies. Masks and social distancing are still required.
Enter for your chance to win a stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort and enjoy a European-inspired adventure in the heart of the magic!
Enter for a chance to win a 6-day, 5-night Disney Vacation Club getaway – for the winner and up to 3 Guests – that includes: Accommodations in a One-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort4-Day Walt Disney World® Theme Park tickets with Park Hopper® option and round-trip airfare
Before VelociCoaster was officially announced they joked they were building a churros stand. It’s only fitting that now that VelociCoaster is in previews they release a new churro at Natural Selections. A snack stand is located right near the ride. The new AP Sea Salt S’mores Churro is their latest addition.
The churro is $6.69 before your annual pass discount. They have a limited number during the day so make sure if you want one to head there early.
The Sea Salt S’mores Churro was large and half of it covered in marshmallows and chocolate. It had graham cracker dusting. The entire churro also had a hint of sea salt.
This churro was served hot and it was yummy. It definitely is for those who like a sweet and salty snack choice.
Make sure to grab one while visiting Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure. The stand is located near VelociCoaster and across from the River Adventure.
The Natural Selections stand also offered some more delicious treats like a Guava Cheese Pastelle or a Pineapple Cup with Tajin. If you’re hungry for something heavier they have Beef Empanadas. It’s definitely worth a stop.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch Episode 1 Earns Fresh Rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics and fans agree! Star Wars: The Bad Batch has had a very successful premiere on Disney+, with many fans excited at the exploration of the time between Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith and Episode 4: A New Hope. Particularly, from the point of view of a rogue group of individuals who find themselves in a grey area between the new Galactic Empire and the building Rebel Forces.
The series opened with Episode 1: Aftermath, and though we won’t spoil the story for you, we do get a good introduction at the various personalities of The Bad Batch Members and other key players in the show. Surprisingly, we are also introduced to other characters from the Star Wars Universe that have been featured in the Star Wars films. At the time of writing, we are still waiting for an official “certified fresh” rating, but Episode 1: Aftermath has been hovering around the high 90’s on the Tomatometer, with the latest number being a 96% fresh rating.
Photo Credit: RottenTomatoes.com
Though we won’t know how the first season is rated until the premiere of the season finale, we fully expect Star Wars: The Bad Batch to be a crowning jewel in the Star Wars animated series roster. The series is also hovering at a near-perfect audience rating of 98%, a rarity on the Rotten Tomatoes site.
Episode 1 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch is now available exclusively on Disney+. New episodes will begin premiering this Friday, May 7th, and will premiere weekly on the following Fridays. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Star Wars!
Add a sweet touch to your home with a deliciously cute new souvenir from Disney’s Beach Club Resort! You can now pick up this adorable Mickey Ice Cream Dish at the Beach Club! It’s a great souvenir to remind you of your amazing Disney vacation, plus it looks cute enough to eat!
This dish is lidded, and can be used as a container for everything from sprinkles, to trinkets! The base of the container looks like a tasty ice cream cone, while the lid looks like a scrumptious scoop of ice cream topped off with chocolate Mickey ears.
The lid also has a suction style seal so you can keep things like sprinkles, or chocolate chips fresh for ice cream night!
The bottom of the dish is also perfect for storing rings, or other small trinkets as well if you don’t want to keep it in the kitchen! I think it would also look great as tiered tray decor for the summer too!
You can find this adorable Mickey Ice Cream Dish for $21.99 now at the Beach Club Resort!
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will invite guests aboard the Halcyon, a starcruiser known throughout the galaxy for its impeccable service and exotic destinations. When they arrive onboard, guests will step into the ship’s main deck Atrium to begin their journey through a galaxy far, far away. (Disney/Lucasfilm)
Yesterday Disney announced that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser wouldn’t be opening till 2022 unfortunately, but with the news, they also shared new details for this one-of-a-kind experience. You can read all about that here.
I can’t wait to pick up one of these new realistic lightsabers!
Today Disney is looking for Cast Members to join the crew at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel! From Actors to Musicians the Starcruiser is going to be a truly unique Star Wars experience!
The new job postings are on the Disney Careers website. As you can see from the listing Disney is looking for:
Actors for Star Wars™: Galactic Starcruiser
Actors With Musical Abilities for Star Wars™ Galactic Starcruiser
Actors With Stunt/Combat Abilities for Star Wars™: Galactic Starcruiser
CAPTAIN: Seeking a mature, commanding actor with strong improvisational abilities to portray the Halcyon’s Captain. She is a worldly Pantoran (40s-50s) with a rich, diverse history and dedication to her vocation. She is a strong and charismatic leader who has served as a well-respected ship commander for some time and demands the attention and focus of every room she walks into.
CRUISE DIRECTOR: Seeking an effervescent actor with strong improvisational abilities to portray the Halcyon’s Cruise Director. She is a human (30s) with the capacity to learn that life is about more than the fun of the moment, and draws inspiration from the efforts she sees being made to bring harmony and justice to the galaxy. A born cruise director who loves travel and adventure, she is a cheerful and harmonious people person.
SHIP MECHANIC: Seeking a friendly and engaging actor with strong improvisational abilities to portray the mechanic. A youthful (late teens-20s) human with big dreams, his enthusiasm sometimes outpaces his capabilities, and, as a result, he tries to present a braggadocios front to mask the vulnerability of being far from home.
THE FIXER: Seeking a confident and engaging actor with strong improvisational abilities to portray The Fixer. Character portrayed is a well-traveled, devil-may-care human (40s). A convincing and handsome schemer, he uses his charm to his advantage as he seeks out associates to enlist in his criminal enterprise. His calculated and conniving approach is an intellectual dance; a paso doble that leaves passengers wondering… was he the bull or the matador? Actors with sleight of hand tricks a plus and are encouraged to prepare a demonstration of abilities.
FIRST ORDER LIEUTENANT: Seeking a charismatic and engaging actor with strong improvisational abilities to portray the First Order Lieutenant. Character portrayed is human (40s) and working his way up the ladder. An ambitious officer of the First Order, the Lieutenant is new to his position of power, and is working hard not to let us know that. He doesn’t see a line between abusing and leveraging power. SABER TRAINER: Seeking warm and engaging athletic actors with improvisational abilities to serve as Saber Trainers. Character portrayed is in their 20’s-30’s. Patient and well-composed instructors, Saber Trainers serve as expert wielders of the lightsaber and he/she/they take cruisers through a physical demonstration. Prior sword/saber experience a plus as the role requires the ability to confidently brandish a lightsaber. Only talent local to the Central Florida area will be considered.
THE FIRST-TIME CRUISER: Seeking a youthful and friendly actor/guitarist/singer with strong improvisational acting abilities to portray The First-Time Cruiser. Character portrayed is a Togrutan (20s) who aspires to be more than the “alien next door”. This hopeless romantic is a friendly and earnest musician who happily serenades his fellow guests as he aspires to impress the Galactic Superstar. He is a strong rhythm guitarist with a happy go lucky, easy going musical style. A struggling singer/songwriter looking for his big break. Vocal range low C to high A; Low tenor/high baritone.
GALACTIC SUPERSTAR: Seeking an actor/vocalist with strong improvisational abilities to portray our Galactic Superstar. Character portrayed is a Twi*lek (30s-40s) who commands respect and flame-roses at her feet. Operating in a legally-dubious world of galactic intrigue while fighting for her race’s integrity and freedom, she is also a phenomenally soulful singer who demands focus in every conversation and performance alike. Her vocal range is preferably that of a Mezzo Soprano and her musical style is a hybrid of neo-soul, jazzy, funk, colored by her extensive travel and experiences.
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Walt Disney World is celebrating the cultures, experiences, and contributions of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) cast and communities. Here are some of the ways Disney is honoring the diversity and representation of AAPI.
A World of Voices, Honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at Walt Disney World will share the creativity and contributions of some incredible cast members through experiences, entertainment, and food and beverage offerings. A World of Voices unites and spotlights these opportunities across Walt Disney World – from all four theme parks to Disney Springs to resort hotels. There are so many ways to recognize A World of Voices that you won’t want to miss throughout May! But don’t worry, if you aren’t able to visit Walt Disney World this month, most of these activations will last well beyond so be sure to check them out when you visit.
Magic Kingdom Park
At Magic Kingdom Park, Moana and Mulan have recently joined other favorite characters in appearances on character cavalcades and the upper level of the Main Street Railroad Station to interact with guests throughout the day. And while they’ll continue to make appearances after Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, their strength and inspiration is a key piece of A World of Voices!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mira, the royal detective from India, has joined the Disney Junior Motorcade, and you’ll be able to see her in special appearances through the end of June.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating A World of Voices with two experiences that infuse the beauty of art and Asian Pacific American heritage. Beginning in mid-May, don’t miss a Moana-themed Sand Sculpture on Discovery Island, and, at The Animation Experience at Conservation Station, featured sketches will include Tuk Tuk from “Raya and the Last Dragon” and Pua from “Moana.”
EPCOT
Mulanis also visiting EPCOT once again, where you may see her welcoming guests to World Showcase as part of the Princess Processional. We also encourage you to take in the architecture, exhibits and culture at the China and Japan pavilions in the World Showcase!
There, you’ll also have the opportunity to dive deeper into the rich cultures of both countries through art, entertainment, and, of course, delicious food! At Lotus Blossom Café at the China pavilion, you’ll find a staple of Chinese comfort food, Char Siu with Rice (叉燒飯). The dish is a Cantonese-style barbecue pork popularized in Hong Kong and in ethnic Chinese communities around the world, and now one of the best-known and most iconic items in Chinatown restaurants across the United States. The words “char siu” in Chinese (or cha shao in Mandarin) literally mean “fork roast,” referring to the variety and versatility in the dishes that use this tender and lightly sweet pork.
Throughout May, Lotus Blossom Café will also serve Red Bean Ice Float (Hong Dou Bing 雪糕紅豆冰), a classic dessert-drink originally popularized in Hong Kong and perfect for a snack or dessert at any time of day. Made with sweetened Chinese red beans, milk, crushed ice, and vanilla ice cream, it has become famous in Chinese communities, restaurants, and bakeries throughout the world.
House of Good Fortune spotlights the history and significance of Chinese Calligraphy (Shu Fa 書法), the stylized artistic writing of Chinese characters as an art form and a form of communication. There you’ll be able to see examples of the four key tools for Chinese Calligraphy, or the “Four Treasures of the Study”:
Writing Brush (with animal hair nib) – Bi 筆
Inkstick (ink in its solid state) – Mo 墨
Ink Slab (made of stone) – Yan 硯
Paper (rice paper) – Zhi 紙
A calligraphy demonstration is also held every Wednesday in May from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET and 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET.
The Japan pavilion shares the Japanese culture all year round! Mitsukoshi Department Store not only showcases traditional Japanese architecture and design, but includes a wide selection of authentic items, from Kimonos to the Kawaii (Cute) pop items mostly imported from Japan. The store includes popular Japanese toys, unique apparel, incense, and snacks for a holistic shopping experience.
The Japan pavilion also shares Omotenashi, Japan’s unique and signature hospitality, through its restaurants and food kiosks. Teppan Edo serves sushi and hibachi, while Katsura Grill features items like miso-glazed chicken wings, okonomiyaki fries, ramen, sushi, and teriyaki chicken. The delicious food is a can’t-miss celebration of Japanese culture!
Disney Springs
A Creative Fusion of Flavors:This month, Disney Springs is highlighting Chef Jessi Sudsa-nguan, Pastry Sous Chef at Amorette’s Patisserie. Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Chef Jessi has been with Walt Disney World Resort for over 30 years and has worked at many Disney Resorts including Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Today she lends her culinary talents in the daily production of the incredible cakes and pastries you know and love at Amorette’s Patisserie. For Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Chef Jessi has whipped up her Jasmine Tea Cream Tart — a light dessert with fruit gelee and a butter and nut cookie crust honoring her favorite Asian teas and flavors with a unique twist.
Other can’t-miss, limited-time sweet and savory offerings include:
Mulan Petit Cake, Amorette’s Patisserie – Matcha chiffon, lemon chiffon, honey-ginger mousse, lemon curd, lemon-ginger streusel, and green tea simple syrup.
Matcha Yuzu Ganache Square, The Ganachery – Green tea and yuzu dark chocolate ganache
Korean BBQ Fries, The Daily Poutine– Korean-style bulgogi pulled pork and kimchi topped with Sriracha aïoli piled high on French fries
Every day, guests can experience a culinary journey at Morimoto Asia, Pan-Asian restaurant led by Japanese master chef Masaharu Morimoto at Disney Springs. The menu features his take on Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes offering an unforgettable palate for your taste buds. During the month of May, guests can enjoy a special dining menu featuring incredible dishes celebrating many flavors and cultures:
Lomilomi – Salmon tartare with tomatoes, onions and scallions
Loco Moco – a traditional Hawaiian burger rice bowl made with a blend of filet and A5 wagyu topped with a sunny-side-up egg and teriyaki mushroom gravy
Saimin – a Hawaiian-style ramen with a dashi shrimp broth, thin noodles and roasted pork (available at Morimoto Asia Street Food.)
Halo-Halo – a Filipino shaved ice dessert with flavored jellies and fresh fruit
Cocktails & Mocktails – Pair your dishes with a Morimoto Mai Tai, Japanese Old Fashioned, Toki Highball, or a Sago at Gulaman Mocktail
If you’re looking to grab something quick, don’t miss YeSake – the ultimate destination for Japanese street food and Asian-inspired beverages such as Karaage, taiyaki, chicken buns, ahi tuna poke bowls, bubble teas, sake slushies and more.
While you’re shopping this month, be sure to check out the artist spotlight series at The Art of Disney located at Disney Springs Marketplace with a focus on Asian Pacific American filmmakers, artists, authors and screenwriters who work or have worked at the Walt Disney Animation Studios including Qui Nguyen, Mohit Kallianpur, Fawn Veerasunthorn, Willie Ito, Gyo Fujikawa, Milton Quon, and Disney Legend Tyrus Wong.
Also in the Marketplace, shop for a purpose this month at Basin and invigorate your senses with their Eucalyptus Mint Soap — a portion of proceeds will benefit the AAPI Community Fund.
At Disney Springs West Side, don’t miss the beautiful art installation piece inspired by Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” and designed by Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Designer, Xiao Qing Chen outside of AMC Theatres. The piece draws inspiration from her Malaysian heritage and celebrates the beauty of diversity.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Finally, the Walt Disney World Resort hotels will integrate films into the “Movie Under the Stars” series that highlight AAPI communities and culture. Throughout the month, resort guests can catch “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” “Mulan,” and “Lilo and Stitch” on select nights each week.
Will you be at the Walt Disney World Resort during the month of May?
