We’re looking for the next Walt Disney World Ambassadors! Beginning May 7th, eligible and interested Cast Members can apply to become part of the 2022-2023 Walt Disney World Ambassador team that will represent Walt Disney World Resort during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” which begins October 1, 2021.
To kick things off, the current Walt Disney World Ambassadors will be answering questions about the Ambassador program in an Instagram story Q&A.
Marvel’s Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam Visit Disneyland for Grand Reopening. Several stars made their way to the grand reopening of Disneyland after a year of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Celebrity couple, Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill in the MCU) and Taran Killam (Saturday Night Live!) were some of the first to spend a magical day in Disneyland Park.
Taran shared photos from the couple’s trip to Disneyland Park along with the caption, “Happy @disneyland reopening day!! My first significant “we’re doomed” moment was when it closed. My first significant “we’re coming back” moment was this. #Disneyland“
Everything Coming to Disney+ This June. Hello, fellow Disney+ subscribers and fans! Disney has released the latest schedule of all things new coming to the streaming service in June 2021. Get ready for some surprises along the way! Here is everything (that we know of) coming to Disney+ this coming June:
“Gordon Ramsay journeys to the wilds of south-central Texas and meets some tough, gritty characters to learn what it means to be from the Lone Star State. He will herd cattle with the help of a helicopter, hunt for venomous rattlesnake in the backcountry and go on a night hunt for invasive and ferocious feral hogs. He’ll need to dig deep and toughen up if he wants to show the acclaimed James Beard Award-winning chef Justin Yu and a group of locals that he has what it takes to cook his way through their state.”
June 4th
Photo Credit: Disney
Raya And The Last Dragon (available for ALL Disney+ subscribers)
“We travel to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together long ago in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well. Raya and the Last Dragon features the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya, a warrior whose wit is as sharp as her blade, and Awkwafina as magical, mythical, self-deprecating dragon named Sisu. The feature film is directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada and produced by Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho.”
High School Musical – The Musical – The Series – Season 2 – Episode 4
“In season two of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” the East High Wildcats, who are preparing to perform “Beauty and the Beast” as their spring musical, face off against rival school North High to win a prestigious and cutthroat student theater competition. Wigs are snatched, loyalties are tested, and ballads are belted.”
Photo Credit: Big Shot
Big Shot – Episode 8
“After getting ousted from the NCAA, a hothead men’s basketball coach must take a job at an all-girls high school. He soon learns that teenage girls are more than just X’s and O’s; they require empathy and vulnerability — foreign concepts for the stoic Coach Korn (John Stamos). By learning how to connect with his players, Marvyn starts to grow into the person he’s always hoped to be. The girls learn to take themselves more seriously, finding their footing both on and off the court.”
Gordon Ramsay explores the rugged landscape of Portugal, where the simple way of life is evident in the country’s incredible cuisine. Gordon will chase black pigs across a farm to feed them, brave giant pounding waves for barnacles that cling to the rocky coastline and the open seas to fish for iconic sardines. He’ll need to roll up his sleeves and bring his A-game in order to beat local chef, Kiko Martins, in an epic feast for the Mayor of Nazaré.
June 11th
Photo Credit: Marvel Studios
Loki – Episode 1
“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.
Photo Credit: Disney
Zenimation – Season 2
“Zenimation,” the series that creates a mindfulness soundscape experience with scenes from the timeless films of Walt Disney Animation Studios returns for a second season June 11 with all-new episodes. Season 2 features moments from over eight decades of acclaimed films – including scenes from Disney’s first feature “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” all the way through to the Studios’ latest, anticipated animated film, “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Unplug, relax, and refresh your senses with an aural experience like no other as “Zenimation” pays tribute to both the visual and sound artists who have created Disney Animation’s legacy of films. Created and edited by David Bess. Executive produced by Amy Astley. From Walt Disney Animation Studios.
High School Musical – The Musical – The Series – Season 2 – Episode 5
No details have yet been provided.
Big Shot – Episode 9
No details have yet been provided.
June 14th
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted – MAINE
Gordon Ramsay discovers why Maine, United States, is called the “lobster capital of the world.” Along the rugged coastline, he struggles to keep up with a team of lobster fisherwomen, dives for clams, harvests oysters, forages in freezing waters and tests his lumberjack skills. Can he earn the status of a tough Mainer as he tests his culinary skills against local legend chef Melissa Kelly, a two-time James Beard award-winner?
Photo Credit: Disney-Pixar
June 18th
Luca
Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.
Loki – Episode 2
No details have yet been provided.
Big Shot – Episode 10 – Finale
No details have yet been provided.
High School Musical – The Musical – The Series – Season 2 – Episode 6
No details have yet been provided.
June 21th
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted – CROATIA
Gordon Ramsay travels to the untouched peninsula of Istria, Croatia, for ingredients that rival the best of Italy in world-class quality. He fights for oxygen freediving for local mollusks, risks his pride fishing for rare cuttlefish and chases after goats for cheese and donkeys for milk. He learns the secrets to finding exquisite truffles and making exceptional olive oil before testing his newly found skills against local chef David Skoko.
June 25th
Photo Credit: Disney
The Mysterious Benedict Society – Episode 1
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. Based on the bestseller by Trenton Lee Stewart which Time Magazine called “one of the best young adult books of all time,”The Mysterious Benedict Society” stars Emmy® Award winner Tony Hale in the titular role and features a standout ensemble of young actors.
Photo Credit: Disney+
High School Musical – The Musical – The Series – Season 2 – Episode 7
No details have yet been provided.
Loki – Episode 3
No details have yet been provided.
Photo Credit: Touchstone Pictures
Adventures In Babysitting
When her date stands her up, Chris Parker decides to pass time. Little does she know that handling a pre-teen is anything but pass time. A night from hell ensues as she keeps them out of trouble.
June 28th
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted – PUERTO RICO
Gordon Ramsay explores the enchanted island of Puerto Rico, from the bright blue sea to the lush mountains of the interior. Along the way, he learns about Hurricane Maria’s recent devastating toll on the island and how food shortages have prompted locals to push for food independence. On this epic adventure, Gordon goes spearfishing, takes a helicopter ride to an organic coffee plantation, and rappels down a waterfall for delicious river shrimp. Throughout his journey, he is hosted by laid back surfer-chef José Enrique, who turns up the gas at the final cook.
When the Disney parks closed last year the Disney College Program was also a casualty of the pandemic. We are so excited to share that the program will be returning to Walt Disney World this June!
This summer Walt Disney World is opening more Disney hotels, sports and convention groups are returning and some guest-favorite offerings are being reintroduced. Thousands of cast members have returned to work and Disney has restarted its recruitment efforts.
The Disney College Program will be returning this June. Participants whose program ended early or was suspended in 2020 are being invited to join. Those participants will receive communication via email today.
“Applying to the Disney College Program will be even easier with a simplified application process, a concierge team of recruiters you can engage with on social media, and year-long arrival dates. We have temporarily modified some of our eligibility requirements so that many of you can still apply, even if you’ve already graduated. We’re also developing new ways for participants to shape their future careers, exploring a variety of roles and connecting with Disney professionals as they make magic.”
Disney is relaunching the program in a safe and responsible way. Health and safety measures similar to those in the theme parks will be in place.
Those who return to a program this summer will be the first participants to call the Flamingo Crossings Village complex home. Vaccinated participants will have the option to live with other vaccinated participants.
This incredible, state-of-the-art complex will surely dazzle and delight participants, adding to the holistic Disney Programs experience. The apartment complex offers a variety of amenities, including a resort-style pool, study areas, and fitness facilities!
More information will be released later regarding Disney International Programs, Disney Culinary Program, and the college programs at the Disneyland Resort.
Star Wars Day is getting closer, why not celebrate it with a Chewbacca Frappuccino!
If you are a chocolate fan, then you will love this frappuccino inspired in Chewy! This drink has a mocha cookie frappuccino base with caramel drizzle and whipped cream. Sounds delicious.
Would you like to try this out of this galaxy drink? All you have to do is ask the barista at Starbucks to follow this easy recipe from Totally the Bomb!
Celebrate Star Wars Day with These New Offerings on Disney+. I feel a disturbance in the force, which means it’s almost Star Wars Day! Fans will be able to celebrate in many different ways, but did you know Disney+ will be releasing some new content for May the 4th? Several projects will make their Disney+ debut, including the premiere of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Star Wars Biomes, Star Wars Vehicle Flythroughs, and a new Simpsons short film, Maggie Simpson in The Force Awakens From Its Nap.
The series follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in The Clone Wars) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch – a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army — each possess a singular exceptional skill which makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew. In the post-Clone War era, they will take on daring mercenary missions as they struggle to stay afloat and find new purpose.
Maggie Simpson in The Force Awakens From Its Nap
In a daycare far, far away… but still in Springfield, Maggie is on an epic quest for her stolen pacifier. Her adventure brings her face-to-face with young Padawans, Sith Lords, familiar droids, Rebel scum, and an ultimate battle against the dark side, in this original short celebrating the Star Wars galaxy.
Star Wars Biomes
“Take a virtual vacation to some of the Star Wars films’ most iconic and beloved locations like Hoth, Tatooine, and Sorgan as this charming series whisks you off for fly-over tours of a galaxy far, far away.”
Star Wars Vehicle Flythroughs
“Get up-close-and-personal with two of the Star Wars films’ most iconic and beloved ships as this charming content leads viewers on an exploration of the memorable interiors and exteriors of the Millennium Falcon and an Imperial Star Destroyer.”
As a special treat for fans, Disney+ will debut “Maggie Simpson in ‘The Force Awakens From Its Nap,’” a new Star Wars-inspired short, bringing characters from the Star Wars galaxy to the fictional town of Springfield. The new promotional short is the first of several from “The Simpsons” that Disney+ will release throughout the year paying tribute to the service’s marquee brands and titles.
Additionally, to celebrate the creativity and artistry of the Star Wars community, Lucasfilm and Disney+ have commissioned original artwork to take over the service for several days – a first for the platform. A global group of artists and Star Wars fans have created illustrations representing an assortment of Star Wars movies and original series, bringing them to life in their own unique styles. The artwork will be featured on the service until May 9 and will also be available for purchase through Amazon.
The new series, short, and artwork will be available on Disney+ in the U.S. beginning May 4, 2021 at 12:00am PT. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Star Wars and Disney+! May The Force Be With You! ✨
The bill bans COVID-19 vaccine passports in the state as well as invalidates 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 encouraged people to get vaccinated but said telling people they still had to wear masks and follow other restrictions even after being vaccinated undermined 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.
On April 29 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees, MD issued a health advisory expanding vaccine eligibility to include individuals who are in the state for purpose of providing good or services for the benefit of residents and visitors of the State of Florida.
“We have been working closely with our cruise partners, the Florida Department of Health, and our port community to come up with a plan and timeline of vaccinating cruise ship crews that could begin the process for a safe return to cruising,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port CEO. “This expanded eligibility is significantly important for our cruise tourism business, and we’re proud of our efforts to help get this industry up and running.”
Celebrate Pride Month with Disney’s newest selection of colorful merchandise. We got an update from Disney Parks Blog with a slew of new Pride offerings for sale right now in the parks and at ShopDisney.
Just in time for Pride Month 2021, I’m delighted to announce that fans around the world can showcase their LGBTQ+ pride with all-new bespoke products featuring Disney — and for the first time ever – our other iconic brands as well!
From apparel to accessories to pins and plush and so much more, there are more items in this collection than there are colors in the rainbow! Better yet, in celebration of Pride Month 2021 and the company’s Pride collection, The Walt Disney Company is donating funds as part of our ongoing commitment to organizations around the world that support LGBTQ+ communities. To learn more, visit RainbowDisneyCollection.com.
Here’s a first look at this vibrant new collection with select products available now at shopDisney.com and Disney stores in North America and Japan, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. This collection is coming later this month to Disney stores in Europe and shopDisney.co.uk as well so keep an eye out across the pond!
Stand proud with this adorable Mickey Mouse “Love” Tee for both adults and kids alike and complete the look with an all-over print face mask! And if you’re a Mickey Mouse fan, you simply must have a Mickey Mouse fan, perfect for a little shade or breath of fresh air!
Ch-ears to inclusivity with the latest Mickey Mouse ear hat featuring a classic look. Style it with a fashionable belt bag that can double as a crossbody bag.
Show your true colors in style with this cozy zip-up hoodie and jogger pants, perfect for a walk in the park or just lounging around the house! Take it on the go with an adorable matching wristlet by Loungefly and accessorize with a Transgender flag pin, or one of our other Pride pins, available now at shopDisney and Disney stores, and coming soon to Parks!
Fans of Pixar Animation Studios and Stitch will be over the rainbow and stand proud wearing these vivacious new tees and donning these delightfulpins. I mean … just look at Stitch and the classic “Ohana Means Family” quote. It fills my heart with joy!
Fans across galaxies will Celebrate Pride Month while repping a variety of tees for adults featuring the Millennium Falcon as well as the classic Star Wars logo, Darth Vader, and Rebel Alliance logo available only at Walt Disney World Resort. These come just in time for the iconic May the 4th celebration tomorrow. I know I’ll be strutting in that acid wash tee for sure!
In June, our friends over at Funko will have a plethora of new Pop! vinyl figures in screaming color including Stitch and Wall-E (a Funko.com exclusive). Plus, poor unfortunate souls will be delighted at an Ursula Pop! Vinyl figure, a Hot Topic exclusive, coming in June!
Torrid also has some rainbow-filled items to help you get in the spirit of Pride! Check out their Ursula Rainbow Hi Neck Tank, Mickey & Friends Rainbow Crop Leggings, and Stitch Rainbow Slash Top—all available May 25!
We will continue to provide authentic products and experiences and create storytelling moments that celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community throughout the year. Stay tuned; more Pride products will roll out globally at various locations and retailers in June and all year long as we continue to celebrate the community. Whether it’s at home on your own or out and about with your friends and family, I hope you have a safe and joyous Pride Month 2021!
You can see that even the Disney Ducks have returned to the Cinderella Castle Moat.
It looks like there is a small net still in place to catch any debris from around the castle.
You can see a closer look at the netting here.
The only piece left to be installed is the 50th Anniversary Medallion which is expected to be installed at the very last minute ahead of the Oct 1st celebration.
Let’s talk about the Churro in the room, shall we! For months Universal Orlando denied the existence of Jurassic World VelociCoaster, then it jumped on the bandwagon of its online community by claiming it was a churro stand being built. For the past year and a half people could actually see a massive, looping, 155-foot top-hat, steel structure with a crazy track layout being built. Yesterday, finally, we got a chance to preview the new Velocicoaster ourselves during the annual pass holder preview. This churro stand did not disappoint. From the entrance to the queue, the new locker system, and onto the ride itself, my husband’s response summed it up perfectly. “Emotional.” You will hear more from him in a moment, as he is the one who actually rode the beast!
The excitement built to a frenzy in our household the day Universal sent out an email to its annual pass holders on April 22, 2021. We were lucky and noticed it came early and got to get a few time slots for our whole family. Within 30 minutes of us getting our time, the site became overloaded and crashed. Leaving many without a chance to secure a slot. They had slot times from May 2 until May 5th. Attached with the confirmation email was a QR code. We were also told in the email to bring our ID and Annual Pass.
The walkway was packed with people waiting their turn to go in. Team Members were there to help out all the guests and pointed us to the line down the path to show our QR code and verify our time slot. Id shown, Pass confirmed. Headed towards the backside of Jurassic Park Discovery Center, you walk under 2 life-like Raptor statues, that seem to want to either guard their turf or kill you! To the left, as you pass under the statues is the new bridge they built which was not open yet. You can see the Instagram post below to see how beautiful this area is, and how they transformed it to become the entrance to Velocicoaster. Prior to actually entering the queue, outside to the right, is a test seat and a test locker space to make sure you and/or your bags fit.
The Velocicoaster queue is special! I can only say Universal has done a superb job and spent time and money to get this right. Under lights that strobe, and blink and change colors from red to blue to that bright led white is a statue of 4 velociraptors who are ready to pounce at any second, guarding the top hat coaster section. Again, the quality and craftsmanship is truly well done and lifelike. Behind the statue is 2 screens that will have Mr. DNA pop up reminding you that loose articles, hats, cellphones, and any metal must be stored. “They cant retrieve it ever!” he says.
Further down the queue we see some of the raptors are muzzled and caged. So lifelike you can feel the breath as they struggle to free themselves. Fully animatronic, they move, breath, blink and rattle the cages. This would be the only area I would say the littlest ones might be a bit scared.
We were diverted into a different line than some and missed the video room with Dr. Henry Wu (BD Wong). And the room where you can see the velociraptors chasing the vehicle was not working. Unfortunately, we cannot tell you firsthand what he says. Further along, you get to the new lockers system. You put your stuff in on one side and pick it up on the opposite side, alleviating the bog down at lockers that always seem to happen at Universal. Do yourself a favor, remember what number you put your stuff in. my husband was so excited he didn’t pay attention. We did find out though if you forget, scan it at any locker and it will tell you exactly what locker is yours. You must put everything in the locker, because Velocicoaster has metal detectors and are strict, in a good way, about it. Onto the ride itself…
Well I did not ride it! I wont ride it, NOPE! No one could pay me enough to ride it. I will let Greg describe it for you all. This is not a review, or a rating. This is just one guys thoughts.
With only riding this one time, I know I missed a lot of details. There are bits I remember, but some of them are a blur. At one point I had a very real wake-up moment of “Oh I think I just went past Hogsmeade” but don’t know for sure because I was going too fast.
The 2 launches are absolutely astounding. The first one, when leaving the station to the sounds of Raptors screeching is intense. It puts your head back and you feel the wind rushing past you at 70 mph. Thrown through a few loops and crazy bends, which all happen and can be seen in the Jurassic Park section across from River Adventures. By the time you hit the second take-off and onto the 155ft top hat section tears were streaming sideways off my face from the speed. The top hat section is truly spectacular if you can remember to take in the view of the whole Islands of Adventure because the next thing you know is you are headed straight down into a fake barrel roll and then an upside-down section that doesn’t seem to make sense to my brain yet. It felt like it took 20 or 30 seconds to go through that when truly it was a second, all the while thinking I am going to fall to my death because of the lack of harness restraints. The bar held me in perfect and it was all mental.
It goes on to fly around the water and around the backside of Hogsmeade, and at one point does a straight-up barrel roll over the water! That could be the second-best track layout I have ever been through. Simply called the mosasaurus roll or Mosaroll. Your head feels like it is going to touch the lagoon as you go upside down and through a tight loop. Then it was back into the station where the forced clapping they have on some rides was not needed. The whole place cheered and clapped and those of us getting off all had huge smiles and thanks for what Universal had just created.
It reminded me of Dollywood’s Lightning Rod. I don’t have a better example. Just shear enjoyment from start to finish. The speed is magical!
As you are exiting the ride and queue you pick up your stuff from the backside of the locker, there is a single rider locker area and you are on the outside where the freshly repainted wall of Discovery Cove is, and through the new make-shift gift shop on the bottom level.
So I will give the final word to the person who actually rode it, and please don’t hate him for being too dramatic folks, he loves coasters. I asked him how he would describe Jurassic World VelociCoaster? I swear this 46-year-old grown man had a cheesy distant grin on his face and literal happy tears in his eyes and said “Emotional”
It’s a small world after all with the newest Disney board game! The it’s a small world Board Game is a colorful adventure inspired by the iconic Disney Parks attraction we all know and love, or maybe not love. Sail around the brightly decorated world, and find animals, children, and other scenes as you go.
Discover the joyful children and whimsical animals of the world. Collect colorful picture cards by spotting scenes that can be seen from your little boat. Players score by finding kids and animals in the illustrations, and collect the most cards to win! The game board has colorful walls that the small boat movers go under as players explore! Two to fix players can enjoy this game at a time!
Find the new it’s a small world Board Game now on shopDisney.com!
