‘Disney on Broadway’ Shares Hopeful Message on the 1-Year Anniversary of Theater Closings. Just over a year ago the world was changed forever as the COVID-19 pandemic struck and caused an unprecedented amount of chaos as we were forced to quickly adapt to the new way of life. Restaurants, Theaters, and entertainment facilities were closed rapidly and have only just begun to return to business, though with stricter health and safety guidelines than before.
To mark the historic anniversary of Broadway going dark, Disney on Broadway has shared a hope filled message with fans after announcements that theaters could raise the curtains once again this April.
The post reads:
“Today marks a full year since Broadway went dark, so we pause to honor the artists and audiences who long to return to the shows we love. Thanks for sticking with us – together we will create the magic of live theatre again. We look forward to safely making our way back. – Disney on Broadway“
Currently, Disney has two shows set to remain on Broadway once theaters reopen, Aladdin and The Lion King, but had made the decision to cancel Frozen last year to make way for a new musical. The most likely replacement being Hercules which has been reimagined for the stage by famed composer Alan Menken.
Johnny Depp ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Re-Hire Petition Reaches Over Half a Million Signatures. Disney had shut down the chance for Johnny Depp to return in the iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow and in response, fans of the franchise began a petition to reinstate Depp in the role. The Petition has now reached nearly 700,000 signatures (and climbing) and has cause for Disney to reconsider their decision to fire Depp.
The petition initially called for 300,000+ signatures, but has grown in popularity and is nearly at the 700,000 signature mark. Though most petitions go unnoticed or ignored, it seems the Pirates of the Caribbean and Johnny Depp fans have managed to catch Disney’s attention and may incite a change for the franchise.
Due to recently highlighted personal issues and allegations made against the famed actor, Depp has been dumped by many major film studios, including Walt Disney Pictures who helmed the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and is looking to create a reboot series or films.
Change.org Petition organizer, Riza Siddiqui, shared, “Johnny Depp has been out recently as Captain Jack Sparrow. One of the reasons is his personal issues as well. He has been playing this role since 2003 when we first saw him arriving at the Port Royal in his boat with that epic background music playing. But can you imagine someone else portraying this instead of him? Or no Jack Sparrow at all?”
You can sign or learn more about the petition by CLICKING HERE
This is a developing story, so be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney!
‘Disney on Broadway’ to Host “One of a Kind” Performance in Orlando, FL. Theaters across the country will be raising the curtains this Spring after a year of closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shows such as Hamilton, Aladdin, and The Lion King will return to the stage, but to really welcome back theater audiences Disney on Broadway will be hosting a special “One of a Kind” performance called: Frontyard Festival. The special event will be hosted at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, FL on Saturday, March 20 at 1:30 & 8 p.m.. and Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 8 p.m.
Part of our one-of-a-kind Frontyard Festival™—six months of socially distant, live entertainment and unique experiences, including dinner and drinks delivered to your box from on-site restaurants.
See some of the brightest Broadway stars singing hits from Disney’s biggest Broadway shows. Michael James Scott (Aladdin), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan) will perform with an incredible band to bring classic songs to life, including hits from: The Lion King, Tarzan, Mary Poppins, Aladdin, Hercules, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Aida, High School Musical, Freaky Friday and Frozen.
Currently, Disney has two shows set to remain on Broadway, Aladdin and The Lion King, once theaters reopen, but had made the decision to cancel Frozen last year to make way for a new musical. The most likely replacement being Hercules which has been reimagined for the stage by famed composer Alan Menken.
To learn more about the Frontyard Festival or to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE
Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney!
Brightline’s proposed rail expansion to Walt Disney World will cost $1.03 billion-$2.1 billion, depending on which route it takes to get there.
The Miami rail company showed off two routes for its proposed extension during the Central Florida Expressway Authority’s March 11 meeting. The Central Florida Expressway Authority is one of the parties that has required right-of-way for Brightline’s Tampa extension, which includes the Disney route.
Brightline has a deadline of July 31 to complete those negotiations to decide on which to pick.
State Road 417: The alignment would run along State Road 417 and cost $1.03 billion. Brightline Vice President for Rail Infrastructure Michael Cegelis said that is Brightline’s preferred alignment due to the cost.
Taft Vineland Road and State Road 528: This corridor would cost $2.1 billion. Cegelis said the SunRail connection would be harder for this one to connect to and the route affects more private properties.
Brightline’s proposal for rail service between Orlando and Tampa is to follow the company’s completion of an extension to Orlando’s airport, now under construction and more than half finished, from existing service between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
We certainly expect it to be wonderful as state transportation for going to Disney World! For more information about everything coming to the Walt Disney World Resort for ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration,’ click HERE!
Are you excited for ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration?’ Let us know in the comments!
Check back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!
Dart Interests, a leading developer and owner of large-scale real estate projects, and global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today broke ground for the 433-room luxury Conrad Orlando as part of their latest project, Evermore Orlando Resort. Orlando-based PCL Construction is overseeing construction for Conrad Orlando.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Conrad Orlando today, coming one step closer to welcoming our first guests in summer 2023,” said Christopher Kelsey, President of Dart Interests.
Conrad Orlando at Evermore will be managed by Hilton Management Services and will debut with 433 rooms, including 51 impeccably designed suites and 10 spacious family suites offering oversized accommodations that deliver all the comforts of home. Other features include 40,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, a tranquil spa and numerous dining options including a signature rooftop experience.
The resort’s interior design will create thoughtful moments of connections to nature including guestrooms finished in hues of sand and water that offer an abundance of light and floor-to-ceiling picturesque views out to Evermore Bay. Spa and fitness activities such as yoga, meditation and hydrotherapy will be offered in both an indoor and outdoor environment. Upon opening, the hotel will operate with Hilton CleanStay, Hilton’s industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection in properties around the world, for a healthy experience from check-in to check-out.
“We are pleased to mark the groundbreaking milestone of Conrad Orlando as we grow our portfolio across the Americas and in key locations globally,” said Nils-Arne Schroeder, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts. “We look forward to creating a dynamic reflection of Orlando with our development and construction partners that will draw and inspire travelers from around the world.”
Conrad Orlando guests will also enjoy access to Evermore’s massive 20-acre tropical beach complex and an 8-acre crystalline water amenity by Crystal Lagoons®. The surrounding beach areas will feature zero entry swim areas, bars, cabanas, private fire pits and an aquatic adventure area with a waterslide, rope swing and watersports of all kinds. Other amenities will include a food hall & gourmet market, a casual resort restaurant featuring views overlooking both the golf course and bay and a two-story Boathouse that will serve weddings and private events.
“This new resort represents the resiliency of the hospitality industry. While COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the travel industry, companies like Dart Interests continue to drive opportunities for new development, growing a network of resort properties to best accommodate guests as demand for travel resumes. PCL is proud to have begun work on this project, and we look forward to working together to build success for our partners at Dart Interests and their guests,” said Rick Goldman, vice president & district manager of PCL Construction.
Evermore Orlando Resort will open with nearly 1,500 bedrooms spread among an array of stay experiences including vacation homes, villas and flats, in addition to Conrad Orlando.
If you are wondering where this resort is in relation to Disney World check out the map above.
A full list of design partners for Evermore Orlando Resort are included below:
Architect for Conrad Orlando: HKS Orlando and HKS Miami
General Contractor for Conrad Orlando & Flats: Orlando-based PCL Construction
Architects for the homes: Orlando-based LRK Inc.
Architect for the amenity buildings, restaurants and food hall: Little Rock, AR-based Polk Stanley Wilcox
Landscape architects: Orlando-based EDSA Inc. and Longwood, FL-based Dix.Hite + Partners Inc.
Interior design: San Francisco-based BAMO Inc. and Chicago-based Anderson/Miller, LTD.
Civil Engineers: Orlando-based Evans Engineering and Orlando-based Poulos & Bennett
Lighting Design: Maitland, FL-based EXP and Dallas, TX-based Granville McAnear
Disneyland Paris will not be reopening on April 2nd as previously announced. Currently, any foreseen opening date is unknown. See the official statement from Disneyland Paris below.
Due to prevailing conditions and travel restrictions across Europe, Disneyland Paris will not be able to reopen on April 2 as initially planned. If you have a booking with us, please check our website for our latest commercial conditions: https://t.co/RVTai6Li2Dpic.twitter.com/EoANHuxjRN
“Due to prevailing conditions and travel restrictions across Europe, Disneyland Paris will not reopen on April 2 as initially planned. We are optimistic that we will be able to reopen soon, and we will share updates when possible. Please check back on the website for regular updates
If you have a booking with us, you will have the flexibility to modify your arrival date or cancel your reservation without fees up until the last moment before your planned arrival. Please check here for our latest commercial conditions. We truly appreciate your continued understanding and cannot wait to welcome you again.”
An earlier announcement had stated the park would be reopening on February 13th. It was then pushed back due to the conditions surrounding the pandemic. Disneyland Paris is contacting guests individually who have bookings to help them modify their travel plans. Guests with affected reservations can either rebook or request a full refund. Those with dated park tickets will be receiving a full refund. For more details for affected travelers, check here.
Disneyland Paris is committed to keeping its guests safe and prioritizing the health of everyone involved. They hope to reopen shortly, so keep checking back for any announcements!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has been closed for renovations for some time now. Areas of the resort are being re-themed to Disney’s Moana. Disney recently shared a peek at the new Moana-themed rooms and we now know that these rooms are available to book!
The rooms feature new colors “inspired by the Pacific Ocean and its many islands, including details, patterns and textures from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film Moana. They will offer new furnishings and fixtures and the bathrooms will remind Guests of the sandy ocean floor.”
These beautifully themed rooms are available to book for check in dates starting July 19, 2021! The following room categories are available to book: Standard View, Pool or Marina View, Lagoon View, Theme Park View, and Ambassador Vice Presidential Suite.
The price for these rooms starts at $595 per night. There is no current discount available for these rooms, but you can book the “2 Extra Ticket Days” vacation package offer with these rooms. Book a minimum of four nights with a minimum of 3 day tickets and get 2 extra days of tickets!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a popular resort on the monorail line. These new Moana-themed rooms are sure to fill up fast! Especially with Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration coming up this fall. You’ll want to book your stay as soon as possible!
Looking to stay in one of these new Moana-themed rooms? Contact me today and let’s start planning your next Disney World vacation!
Guests booked on or planning to book a Disney cruise can enjoy peace of mind with some new modifications. With a temporary final payment extension, cruise date flexibility, and flexible refund policy, you don’t need to worry when booking your sailing with Disney Cruise Line.
For sailings through September 2021, final payment is temporarily extended until 60 days prior to sailing for Guests booked in unrestricted stateroom categories.
Cancellation Fee Schedule
For sailings through September 2021, the cancellation fee schedule has been temporarily relaxed from beginning as early as 119 days prior to sailing to beginning 59 days prior to sailing for Guests booked in non-Suite and non-Concierge categories. For Guests booked in Suite and Concierge categories, cancellation fees in excess of the deposit amount will temporarily begin at 59 days prior to sailing.
Reservations for Inside, Outside and Verandah Categories with Restrictions remain nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Cruise Date Flexibility
Guests who have booked before April 30, 2021 have the ability to change their sail date up to 15 days prior to embarkation.
Guests scheduled to sail on or before September 30, 2021 may take advantage of this offer.
Guests who wish to change their sail date must move their sail date to one that commences prior to September 30, 2022. Standard prevailing rates will apply.
Guests cannot change their reservation back to the original sail date after taking advantage of this offer.
Should you cancel your new sail date, any cancellation fees applicable to the original sail date will be deferred and applied as a minimum cancellation fee to the future sailing.
Standard air cancellation fees apply for Guests who booked flights through Disney Cruise Line.
Flexible Refund Policy
Within 14 days prior to embarkation, Guests who experience one or more of the qualifying scenarios may change their sail date, under the following terms:
Guests who wish to change their sail date must move the sail date to a future sailing that commences prior to September 30, 2022.
Guests cannot change their reservation back to the original sail date after taking advantage of this policy.
Qualifying scenarios include Guests who:
Have symptoms of COVID-19
Have a temperature of 100.4°F or greater
Have had known exposure to a person with COVID-19 within the previous 14 days
Have tested positive for COVID-19
Guests who do not wish to select a new sail date will be provided a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees in their original form of payment.
Guests who experience one or more of the qualifying scenarios on the day of embarkation will not be able to sail and will receive a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees.
Disney Cruise Line has not set a date for sailings to resume yet. All cruises have been canceled through May and all sailings on the Disney Magic have been canceled through August. Disney hopes to resume sailing this fall.
If you’d like to book your next Disney cruise, contact me today for a free, no-obligation vacation quote!
Disney’s All Star Movies Resort at Walt Disney World is set to reopen in just over a week on March 22. The resort was originally supposed to open early last month, but the date was pushed back. Now we know what will be available to guests when the resort reopens.
A new Moana Scentsy Collection is sailing in soon! This is the latest assortment of scent-sational delights from the Disney x Scentsy collaboration! The collection includes a Pua – Scentsy Buddy, that comes with a new Moana inspired Scent Pak, and a new Scentsy Bar! This collection will be available starting March 15th, 1:00 PM ET.
Each Pua Scentsy Buddy will come with a preselected with a Scent Pak, which is the new Moana: Spirit of Motunui fragrance! The Pua Scentsy Buddy with a Moana: Spirit of Motunui – Scent Pak will be $35.00.
You can get the Moana: Spirit of Motunui – Scent Paks separately for $7.50 each. The Moana: Spirit of Motunui – Scentsy Bar is also available and can be purchased for $6.50 each.
Are you excited for the Moana Scentsy Collection to sail in next week?
