Learn How To Make Granny’s Apple Fries From Legoland!

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April 5, 2021

Are you missing those delicious Granny’s Apple Fries from Legoland? Don’t worry anymore because we have a recipe so you can make them at home!

A great treat that combines the tart flavor of apples with the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar, plus you can pair them with whipped cream or ice cream.

Learn how to make them a home with easy recipe:

GRANNY’S APPLE FRIES

INGREDIENTS:

1 quart of canola oil
1 granny smith apple
1/2 cup of cornstarch
1/2 oz of cinnamon sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a deep, heavy pot, heat the canola oil to 350F.
Peel and core Granny Smith apple and cut into 1/4 inch french fry shaped slices.
Place the apple fries into a mixing bowl, add the cornstarch, toss gently and fully coat fries with cornstarch, ensuring an even later covers each fry.
Slowly place fries into oil to avoid burns and allow to cook for 30 seconds. Gently agitate fries around to ensure an even cook and reduce sticking. Finish cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Once finished cooking, remove fries from oil, shake off excess oil and place into a clean mixing bowl.
Immediately dust fries with the cinnamon sugar, ensuring fries are fully coated. Serve fresh with whipped cream and caramel or ice cream!

Enjoy!

Credit: Today.com / SimplySideDishes

New Tracks are being layed out for Walt Disney World Railroad

By

Kevin Koszola

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April 5, 2021

New Tracks are being layed out for Walt Disney World Railroad

Disney is currently working on laying new tracks for the Walt Disney World Railroad. It’s been ages since anyone has been on the beloved train ride at Magic Kingdom. But seeing the park working on the train tracks gives us hope that we’ll soon see it resuming operation.

The official Disney World description says the following:

Take a seat on the train in Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland—or go all the way around Magic Kingdom park.

The Twitter user @bioreconstruct helps in showing is what is currently taking place in terms of railroad maintenance.

Current work on Magic Kingdom steam train track near Storybook Circus station. pic.twitter.com/ZBjlbGFF9E
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 3, 2021

We are certainly huge fans of the Walt Disney World Railroad. We’re sure the new tracks will help make the attraction a wonderful experience for Magic Kingdom guests once it reopens. Even though we don’t have a reopening date yet, we will post news once we new information is available.

How many of you are fans of Magic Kingdom’s train? Let us know in the comments!

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

Photo Credit: Twitter user @bioreconstruct

Disney & Brightline determine where to put the train stop at Disney Springs

By

Kevin Koszola

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April 5, 2021

Disney & Brightline determine where to put the train stop at Disney Springs

Brightline recently gave some details on the costs associated with the new rail that will soon be taking passengers from Orlando International Airport to the Walt Disney World Resort.

They have stated that a route on 417 through Hunters Creek will cost $1.03 billion compared to a route along State Road 528 to International Drive costing $2.1 billion. The other question is where the Brightline station will go to at Disney Springs.

Now, the Miami-based intercity rail company and Disney are deliberating on where exactly this new station should be located. In terms of preference, the company would much prefer going through 417 than International Drive

The stop is still in the early planning stages and WFTV reports a deal isn’t finalized. Early plans have the station incorporated with Disney Springs’ Orange Garage, but those plans could easily be changed.

If it goes through, the Brightline route will not only connect Guests to Disney Springs, but cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

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

Source: Orlando Business Journal

runDisney to Honor The Lion King this Summer with Virtual Series

By

Chip

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April 5, 2021

runDisney to Honor The Lion King this Summer with Virtual Series

runDisney is offering up three new virtual wild and wonderful 5Ks for you to experience at home, complete with your very own medals!

Here is more information from Disney:

This summer, join us in celebrating six years of the runDisney Virtual Series as Disney honors the timeless majesty of “The Lion King” with three wild and wonderful 5Ks.

Take a look at each storytelling version of The Lion King Disney is celebrating for the runDisney Virtual 5Ks and the runDisney Virtual Challenge:

Hakuna Matata! Running a runDisney virtual event truly means having no worries! Not only do you get to decide when you run, but you also get to decide where you run. Plus, when you register, you can add even more ferocious fun to your miles by downloading a themed bib and at-home kit that includes a start line, finish line, and mile markers.

Get ready to have a roaring good time with three different 5Ks, each featuring its own medal inspired by the three unique storytelling versions of “The Lion King.” Be the talk of The Pride Lands and test your endurance by registering for the runDisney Virtual Challenge that includes all three 5Ks and you will receive four marvelous medals total.

Be prepared for a chance of a lifetime as registration opens Thursday, April 8 at 10am ET for all runDisney Virtual Series events on runDisney.com. If you’re a lover of The Lion King or just want a wild way to train this summer, the runDisney Virtual Series is the perfect opportunity to push yourself to great heights!

Source DPB

Universal Orlando Extends Mardi Gras Festivities Through May 2nd

By

Chip

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April 5, 2021

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval Concert Series

Universal Orlando Extends Mardi Gras Festivities Through May 2nd

Great news! Universal Orlando has just extended the Mardi Gras Festivities Through May 2nd, 2021!

Due to continued popular demand, the good times will keep rolling as Universal Orlando Resort extends its dynamic celebration of flavor and entertainment, Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval, through Sunday, May 2.

Guests have even more time to enjoy this unique global food fest at Universal Studios Florida, featuring more than 100 food and beverage items inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world.

📣 The party won’t stop! 📣

Mardi Gras has been extended to May 2! 💛💜💚 pic.twitter.com/v2VVHWqycV
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) April 5, 2021

First look at newly renovated rooms at Wilderness Lodge

By

Greg Gately

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April 5, 2021

Wilderness Lodge has used the long closure to refurbish the rooms. It shut down last year due to the covid pandemic. Gone are the critters on the headboard posts, replaced with a new modern nature theme. Flashes of the old “sit around the campfire” feel of the rooms are still noticeable but are no longer over the top. New artwork, backsplashes, furniture, and the whole wall behind the headboard have been updated. Hardwood flooring throughout has been added.

Disney recently updated the website to show the newly refurbished rooms for guests looking to start booking again. Even though the Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek DVC have been open for a while, the Lodge opens on June 6, 2021, and accepts reservations now. The main lobby, pools, Whispering Canyon and Geyser Point Bar and Grill are all open now. No word on the reopening of Story Book Dining at Artist Point.

It does appear that bunk bed rooms are no longer available.

Below are some photos of the refurbished living room, with pull out bed.

First look at newly renovated rooms at Wilderness Lodge

King Bed Rooms have received a total refurbishment.

New photos of the standard room.

Newly refurbished bathroom. Vanity, shower with backsplash and new artwork.

Have you booked a room yet for the opening? Rooms are still available for most days, including the 4h of July holiday weekend.

Trader Sam has gone missing from the Jungle Cruise

By

Chip

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April 5, 2021

Trader Sam has gone missing from the Jungle Cruise

Reports are coming in that the Head Salesman, Trader Sam animatronic has gone missing from Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise. We are unsure if this is permanent or temporary at this time. ( I am leaning more towards permanent)

Over the weekend Walt Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley shared the news about the upcoming changes to the Jungle Cruise thankfully the ride will not close during the updates.

Here is more from Zach:

You may start to notice some monkey business along the river as work begins on Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom. The good news for all of you visiting @waltdisneyworld is the attraction will remain open to guests while our teams update scenes in a phased approach over the next several months.

We can’t wait to share the enhancements with our guests as we build on the story of the Jungle Cruise at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park.

Disney has not yet offered a timeline of when the changes will be completed at Disney World or Disneyland, all that they have said is that the updates will be done by this year.

Later this year, exciting “gnu” magic is coming to Jungle Cruise that—trust us, we’re not “lion”—will enhance the classic attraction and elevate the experience for all of our Guests.
Walt Disney World Website

What do you think about the updates to the Jungle Cruise? Let us know in the comment box below.

More New Disney AirPod Cases Now At Walt Disney World

By

Danielle

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April 5, 2021

If you fell in love with the new Disney Castle AirPod case, we have great news! That’s because there are even more Disney AirPod Cases popping up at Walt Disney World! We found three more over the weekend, and they’re just too cute!

Related: Disney Castle AirPod Case

More New Disney AirPod Cases Now At Walt Disney World

First up we have the Minnie Mouse AirPod case. This case has a classic Minnie polka dot design, complete with mouse ears, and her iconic bow!

Then we have the Wilderness Explorer’s pack, and Spaceship Earth. The Wilderness Explorer’s pack looks just like Russel’s backpack from UP! It even has the little orange flag sticking out from the side. My personal favorite however is the Spaceship Earth case! It has a circular shape, and a textured design that recreates the classic look of the round beauty we love so much.

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Each case is sold separately and retails for $19.99. We found them at the Emporium in Magic Kingdom, but keep your eyes peeled at other major gift shops in Walt Disney World too!

What other designs and characters would you like to see for Disney AirPod Cases? I would love to see Star Wars styles too!

Special thanks to our local corespondents Wright Touch of Magic for the photos!

New Harry Potter Kitchen and Home Decor at Universal Studios Store

By

Susan Wilson

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April 5, 2021

New Harry Potter Kitchen and Home Decor at Universal Studios Store

Great news for Harry Potter fans. There’s an entire new kitchen and home decor line at the new Universal Studios Store. This new Harry Potter collection has mugs, shakers, bowls, serving platter, pillows, so much amazing merchandise. Let’s take a look at all the new decor.

Hogwarts is my Home Collection

The house plates are so fun! Each house has its own plate. They are $15.00 each.

The clear house cups are also fun. They each have the house mascot and the house colors along the edges. The cups are $17.00.

I really like the Hogwarts House stone coasters. They are also $15.00 each.

The rest of the Hogwarts Home collection is this pretty cream and gold decor. The shakers are $12.00.

The gold mugs have all Hogwarts house mascots on them. The mugs are $17.00.

The Hogwarts steamless glasses are so pretty and are $17.00.

The Hogwarts crest plates are so beautiful! They are $17.00.

The matching bowls are $17.00. They have the Hogwarts crest inside on the bottom.

The Hogwarts platter is $30.00.

Epic Dumbledore Quote Collection

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The second collection that debuted was the Epic Dumbledore Quote Collection. There are four of Dumbledore’s best quotes and each comes on a mug, pillow, coaster, journal, and wood sign. The pillows above are $29.00.

The mugs are $19.00 each. “We must all face the choice between what is RIGHT, and what is easy.”

The coasters are $12.00 each. “Happiness can be found, even in the Darkest of times, if One only remembers TO TURN ON THE LIGHT.”

The wood signs are $24.00. “It does not do to dwell on Dreams and forget to LIVE.”

The journals are $16.00 each.

The final quote is, “we are only as Stong as we are UNITED, as weak as we are DIVIDED.”

We love the new Harry Potter collection at the brand new Universal Studios Store! I can’t decide what piece I love the most. I’m leaning towards the mugs with the epic Dumbledore quotes on them. This collection isn’t online yet but you can call 1-888-762-0820 and try and order by phone from Shop Universal.

First Look at Marvel’s Loki Series coming to Disney+

By

Chip

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April 5, 2021

First Look at Marvel's Loki Series coming to Disney+

Watch Loki—the imperious God of Mischief—who, after absconding with the Tesseract, is a fish-out-of-water when he lands in a world of trouble with the bureaucratic TVA (Time Variance Authority) in the brand-new trailer for Marvel Studios’ “Loki.”

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.

The all-new, original series debuts exclusively on Disney+ on June 11, 2021.

Disney World Closure & Refurbishment Schedule for April

By

Sara

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April 5, 2021

The theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort are open to guests daily, however, some attractions are closed for refurbishment or due to park construction. Take a look at what is scheduled to be closed in April.

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover in Magic Kingdom has not reopened since the park closed early last year. We were hoping it would finally reopen this past weekend, but it looks as if the refurbishment will last at least through April.

Disney World Closure & Refurbishment Schedule for April

The Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom has been closed since January 20, 2021. It is assumed that the closure is due to adding a President Biden animatronic to the attraction. We aren’t sure when the attraction will reopen.

The Main Street Confectionery and Chapeau are getting a fresh new look, expanded layout with more room to shop and interactive opportunities to customize your confections like never before. Both will be closed until sometime this summer.

The Walt Disney World Railroad has been closed since early 2019. The railroad will remain closed until the new TRON Lightcycle Run attraction opens in Magic Kingdom. Construction on that ride was delayed due to the pandemic but it’s rumored that Disney is hoping for a 2022 opening date.

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World this month? If you’d like to plan your next Disney World trip, contact me today for a free, no-obligation vacation quote!

Main Street Confectionery now open in temporary location at the Magic Kingdom

By

Greg Gately

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April 4, 2021

Main Street Confectionery now open in temporary location at the Magic Kingdom

Main Street Confectionery has temporarily moved into a new location. They have moved into Main Street Cinema for the time being. Work was started last week for improvements to the store, to get it ready for Disney Worlds 50th Anniversary. We were at the Magic Kingdom today to witness some of the changes going on in the park and to stop in and take some photos and video to show. Linked below is the Instagram video showing some of the changes.

This iconic location will soon receive a fresh new look, expanded layout with more room to shop and interactive opportunities to customize your confections like never before. There is no word on how long this refurbishment should take. Disney is also closing The Chapeau this month for refurbishment, the new location for getting ears, hats, and more is across the street at Box Office Gifts, at the Town Square Theater.

Main Street Cinema is next door to Confectionary. So it is not a major inconvenience to find the sweets and treats you are looking for.

Below is the Instagram video of the new location and the treats available inside.

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Bonjour! Village Gifts will be the new go-to spot for collectables and artwork.