Not many details about this exciting new project have been revealed at this time. However we have a sneak peek below.
Get your first look at Disney Animation Studios’ latest film, Encanto, Set to release in fall 2021, Encanto takes you to Colombia, where a magical family lives in a magical home.
Disney’s Kermit the Frog singing “The Rainbow Connection”, is the first song from 1979’s The Muppet Movie. The song has been deemed “worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.” by the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.
In April of 2020 Kermit sang a new version of “The Rainbow Connection” for Covid relief on social media.
“The Rainbow Connection,” written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher and sung by Kermit the Frog in “The Muppet Movie,” was included in the National Recording Registry Class of 2020 alongside other iconic recordings by Janet Jackson, Kool & the Gang, Labelle, Jackson Browne, Nas, Louis Armstrong and many others.
Dr. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, recently asked Kermit for his reaction to this news, Kermit replied, “Well, gee, it’s an amazing feeling to officially become part of our nation’s history. It’s a great honor. And I am thrilled — I am thrilled! — to be the first frog on the list!”
The Rainbow Connection song has been covered numerous times since 1979 by artists including:
Weezer
Jason Mraz
The Carpenters
Willie Nelson
Gwen Stefani
Kacey Musgraves
Fozzie Bear and the Moopets
Watch the full interview with Dr. Carla Hayden and Kermit the Frog below.
On behalf of the Lovers, the Dreamers and Me, we congratulate Kermit the Frog, Paul Williams, and Kenneth Ascher on this accomplishment!
The Muppet show recently was added to the Disney + streaming service
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is not changing the No Sail Order for cruise lines any time soon despite the Cruise Line International Association’s request to lift the order early.
The order currently in place is not set to expire until November 1, 2021. CLIA believes cruise lines are ready to sail again from U.S. ports and asked the CDC to allow for a phased resumption by the beginning of July. That timeline correlates with the Biden administration believes we can get closer to “normal”.
CLIA also cited international cruises being successful with protocols in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The association also asked the CDC to update the No Sail Order which has not changed since October of last year.
“The outdated CSO, which was issued almost five months ago, does not reflect the industry’s proven advancements and success operating in other parts of the world, nor the advent of vaccines, and unfairly treats cruises differently. Cruise lines should be treated the same as other travel, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors,” said CLIA president Kelly Craighead.
The CDC said Wednesday that the No Sail Order will remain in place but it is working on an update. “Returning to passenger cruising is a phased approach to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19. Details for the next phase of the CSO are currently under interagency review,” the agency said in a statement.
While we won’t be able to cruise from the US until most likely this fall, some cruise lines are offering itineraries outside of the states. Passengers and crew will need to be vaccinated.
We love trying Disney-inspired secret recipes from Starbucks! So when I saw totallythebomb.com came up with an Ariel Inspired Frappuccino, I had to have it! I happened upon this recipe the day my beloved Disney Store was closing, and I felt it was the perfect way to commemorate the moment.
To order this special off-menu drink, you’ll want to start with a vanilla bean Frappuccino. Add two scoops of blackberries, a pump of raspberry syrup, and also request matcha powder sprinkled around the cup. Top with whip cream and ask for red sprinkles. If they don’t have the red sprinkles, or they aren’t for you, you can also do like I did, and request strawberry syrup drizzle!
Disney Parks are a magical place. They should have magical coffee to match. This is why Joffrey’s Coffee is the Official Specialty Coffee of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Vacation Club. They even have a Disney Specialty Coffee Collection with delicious brews served at places such as Aulani and Victoria & Albert’s in the Grand Floridian Resort. Their newest brew might be the most iconic yet though. It’s inspired by Mickey Mouse himself!
The roast is medium, the beans 100% Arabica from Central and South America. The blend was created in celebration of Mickey’s 90th Anniversary, but that doesn’t mean you can’t turn every day into a celebration! When Joffrey’s coffee is in your home pantry, the brews are worth enjoying especially. This Mickey Mouse brew in particular grabs your attention right away with its bright and bold packaging. As part of the Disney Specialty Coffee Collection, it’s a must-have for anyone who loves both coffee and Disney.
According to Joffrey’s Coffee, it’s “A reimagined blend, inspired by the iconic Mickey Mouse. Enjoy a smooth, medium-roasted coffee that is classic and delectable. This exclusive artisan coffee blend is part of the Disney Specialty Coffee Collection.”
With 25 blends in their Disney Specialty Collection, you have a lot of options to choose from. But there’s no better place to start than with the Mouse who started it all. Be sure to order your Mickey Mouse Classic Blend from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea!
Brosnan is the last key member of the roll call for the production that will feature the big-screen debut of the Justice Society. The team is DC’s precursor to the Justice League that takes a familial and multi-generational approach to heroics. Already suited up are Aldis Hodge as Hawkman, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, and Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone.
Black Adam is the second New Line/DC film following 2019’s critical and commercial hit Shazam! with the two characters, Shazam and Black Adam, being arch rivals in the DC Universe. The project is headed towards an April start of production in Atlanta.
Check back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!
The National Treasure franchise is officially getting a reboot at Disney+ in the near future!
The long-gestating National Treasure TV series has been greenlighted with a 10-episode order. Also, National Treasure film producer Jerry Bruckheimer and writers Marianne and Cormac Wibberley will executive produce the reimaging of the franchise.
However, the franchise will have a new lead character. Jess Morales is taking the torch from Benjamin Gates, the National Treasure films’ protagonist played by Nicolas Cage.
The description of the series says it “explores the timely issues of identity, community, historical authorship and patriotism, told from the point of view of Jess Morales, a twenty-year-old DREAMer who, with her diverse group of friends, sets off on the adventure of a lifetime to uncover her mysterious family history and recover lost treasure.”
Mickey casts a spell of sound sleep over this enchanting set. Available in a choice of sizes, this Sorcerer Mickey Comforter And Sheet Set includes everything needed for a magical night’s rest.
The comforter set comes with a comforter and a sham, each featuring an image inspired by The Sorcerer’s Apprentice segment of Fantasia.
You can also combine it with the coordinating sheet set! Available in a choice of sizes, the set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet and at least one pillowcase.
Another Disney legend, Jim Cora, has passed away at age 83. Jim Cora’s influence at the Walt Disney Company was significant. His hard work and contributions to the company are still visible at multiple Disney theme parks.
In 1957, he started his career at Disneyland as a part-time host polishing 3D glasses at the Mickey Mouse Club Theater. He retired in 2001 after 43 years of service. His final position at the company being the chairman of Disney International.
In 1971, he assisted in the opening of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, implementing the “Disney Way of Leadership” program. In 1974, as staff assistant to Dick Nunis, president of Walt Disney Attractions, Jim redesigned the Disneyland Park operating organization to the “area concept,” becoming one of three production directors for the Park, responsible for Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Also, the growth and success of Tokyo Disney Resort is the result of his work.
“Very few people have a Disney legacy that reaches as far and wide as Jim Cora. His dedication to bringing Disney magic to people around the world was only matched by the passion he exuded throughout his career and for the many years that followed. I always loved hearing Jim’s thoughts about our business. He was one of our last connections to Walt Disney and he will be missed dearly.”
-Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Big Al’s Merchandise just got a facelift in the Magic Kingdom! The shop’s sign was taken down about a month ago, and now a new one has taken its place.
Although the sign looks nearly the same as the old one, there are a few key differences. The color has been updated from blue to blue-green behind the lettering. The lettering has more of a gold look about it. Thankfully, Big Al is still on the sign, carrying a guitar and probably singing!
Big Al’s is located across from the Country Bear Jamboree in Frontierland. You can buy souvenirs like bubble wands, hats, and toys there, as well as a few practical items such as sunscreen and drinks.
Big Al is one of the main characters in Walt Disney’s Country Bear Jamboree. There are 18 Audio-Animatronics hillbilly bears at the attraction. Big Al is joined by other bears like Teddi Berra, Henry, Liver Lips McGrowl, and the Sun Bonnet Trio in serenading guests in a hillbilly way. As one of the final attractions that Walt Disney himself had a hand in developing, this show has sentimental value for many fans. Big Al is the biggest of all the bears (I mean, it’s even part of his name), and perhaps it is his inescapable presence that got him the honor of being the front to a shop nearby.
Next time you’re in Frontierland, don’t speed through to Splash Mountain! Be sure to stop at Big Al’s to see his new sign and check out the merchandise. As the bears themselves say “We’ve done our very best to please with just the “bear” necessities. We hope that you’ll be coming back again.”
Cruising has been suspended in the US since early 2020 and doesn’t show signs of resuming any time soon. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is now calling on the CDC to open US ports and allow cruising to resume.
CLIA represents most cruise lines including Disney Cruise Line. The association released a statement today calling on the CDC to remove its Conditional Sail Order (CSO).
“With the U.S. vaccine rollout gaining momentum and the prospect of the U.S. being “closer to normal” by early July, as the President signaled in his address to the nation on March 11, the case for restarting cruising is strong. Moreover, the successful resumption of cruising in other parts of the world demonstrates that a return to cruising can and should occur here as well” said CLIA president Kelly Craighead.
The CSO, which is in place until Nov. 1, 2021 and features 74 points cruise lines must address before the CDC would consider letting them sail. The CSO features aspects like COVID-19 testing and safeguards for crew and passengers.
“The outdated [Conditional Sail Order], which was issued almost five months ago, does not reflect the industry’s proven advancements and success operating in other parts of the world, nor the advent of vaccines, and unfairly treats cruises differently,”Craighead. “Cruise lines should be treated the same as other travel, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.”
The association is basing its stance on President Biden’s statement that we can be closer to “normal” by early July along with successful sailings in other parts of the world. CLIA suggests the CSO does not reflect current conditions or proven effectiveness of science-led protocols supporting hundreds of thousands of passengers sailing outside of the U.S.
Royal Caribbean announced that it will be returning to sailing this summer but it will not depart from the US. Instead, sailings will depart from the Bahamas. All crew and adult passengers will need to be vaccinated as well.
You can now order a Raya and the Last Dragon frapuccino at Starbucks!
This delicious drink created by Totally The Bomb is inspired by Raya! It features a green tea frap with lemonade, strawberry and caramel. This drink is a personal creation, so you won’t be able to find it in the regular Starbucks menu.
