First Look Inside a Moana Reimagined Room from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

By

Chip

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March 5, 2021

First Look Inside a Moana Reimagined Room from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney has been hard at work retheming the rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in the Walt Disney World Resort!

This morning we were given an exciting first look at these newly reimagined guest rooms at the resort.

These reimagined spaces feature a new color palette inspired by the Pacific Ocean and its many islands, including details, patterns and textures from the hit Disney Movie “Moana” – look closely and you might even spot some characters from the story like Hei Hei & Maui!

You’ll also see all-new furnishings and fixtures. In the bathrooms, for instance, Disney Imagineers took inspiration from the sandy ocean floor for the tiles and carved details in the vanity. The colorful patterns found throughout the room bring a whole new energy to the space, evoking undulating ocean waves and tropical flowers.

Rendering of the new entrance to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is now accepting bookings for late July 2021, and the next time you pull up to the Great Ceremonial House, you’ll notice even more exciting changes Disney is currently working on. The porte cochere is in the midst of a dramatic overhaul that will feature a high-pitched, open-truss roof covered in a thatch style with pops of color. Above the porte cochere, the Monorail station is receiving new wooden screens with tropical colors, adding to the open and airy vibe befitting of the South Seas.

Check out this video for a better look inside the new rooms:

This popular locale joins the other Disney Resort hotels of Walt Disney World in creating the Disney Resorts Collection, where the magic you find in the theme parks extends to every moment of your vacation. Disney Resort hotels offer you a wide selection of fantastic settings to choose from, inspired by worlds both real and imagined. You’re fully immersed in our legendary storytelling and guest service that extend beyond our theme parks to every moment of your stay, whether you’re visiting an African savanna, strolling a seaside boardwalk, see a favorite Disney character or so much more – there’s magic seemingly around every corner.

We’ll have more to share about the developments happening at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in the weeks and months to come, so keep checking back with us here for updates. This exciting progress is part of the overall evolution of the Disney Resort hotels, as they infuse even more Disney touches across our collection – just in time for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” beginning Oct. 1, 2021, in honor of Walt Disney World’s 50^th anniversary.

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‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Now in Theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access

By

Kaitlyn

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March 5, 2021

‘Raya and the Last Dragon‘ Now in Theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access. The highly anticipated animated feature film, Raya and the Last Dragon is now available in select theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access for $29.99.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” takes us on an exciting, epic journey 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 an outstanding voice cast, including Kelly Marie Tran (Raya), Awkwafina (Sisu), Gemma Chan (Namaari), Daniel Dae Kim as Raya’s (Benja), Sandra Oh (Virana), Benedict Wong (Tong), Izaac Wang (Boun), Thalia Tran (Little Noi), and Alan Tudyk (Tuk Tuk).

The animated feature film was directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada with Paul Briggs and John Ripa co-directing. Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho were producers for the film, and Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim penned the script.

You can watch the full trailer for Raya and the Last Dragon in the video posted below:

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for all things Disney!

Featured Photo Credit – Source: Disney

Jerrod Maruyama Disney Collection Brings The Kingdom of Cute Home

By

Danielle

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March 5, 2021

Jerrod Maruyama is known for his super kawaii Disney designs, especially for the Kingdom of Cute. These extra cute designs can now decorate our homes with the new Jerrod Maruyama Disney Collection! This collection showcases kawaii Disney Parks designs as kitchen goods, drinkware, and home decor!

The designs feature kawaii-style versions of Disney Parks favorites snacks and attractions! Snacks featured include turkey legs, churros and Mickey Mouse bars. While attractions such as Spaceship Earth, Mad Tea Party and Matterhorn are joined by favorite characters such as Figment, White Rabbit Orange Bird and Dumbo.

The succulents were by far the most popular, and the first to sell out. These succulents feature the White Rabbit in the teacup and Dumbo. Can I just say how excited I am to see White Rabbit merchandise? He’s one of my faves and so hard to find!

Related: Jerrod Maruyama

Jerrod Maruyama Disney Collection Brings The Kingdom of Cute Home

You can stay hydrated with the cuteness too! Two different drink bottles with all over prints are available. Plus the water bottle and topper set has FOUR different toppers! There’s also a cute globe tumbler.

You can serve up the cuteness with plate and bowl sets! I must have that White Rabbit plate!

You can snuggle down with the cuteness with the extra adorable Mickey hat pillow as well!

The Jerrod Maruyama Disney Collection for the home is available now at Downtown Disney, Disney Springs, and shopDisney!

Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt Returning to EPCOT

By

Tessa H

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March 5, 2021

Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt Returning to EPCOT

The fan favourite Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt is returning to EPCOT! As part of the beloved EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival happening in ECPOT right now, the Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt is set to return later this month!

Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt Returning to EPCOT

Families and guests of all ages will be delighted to hear the return of this fantastic adventure, one of many of the activities taking place during EPCOT’S Flower & Garden Festival! Start from the 19th March (whilst supplies last), guests can set out on an exciting adventure through EPCOT to hunt for decorative eggs inspired by Disney characters!

How do you start this adventure?

First, you need to purchase a map at select merchandise locations. Then start hunting high and low for hidden eggs featuring your favourite Disney characters! Once you have found all the characters, then return the completed map for a “sp-egg-tacular surprise”.

Cost: $7.99 + tax, while supplies last

From previous years, maps could be purchased from Pin Traders in Epcot’s Future World, or at the Disney Traders shop, in the Port of Entry area for Epcot’s World Showcase.

The object of the hunt is to visit each country around the World Showcase in search of a giant Disney Character Egg, placed strategically, somewhere within that country. Some eggs are indoors and some are outdoors.

In the past, we were also told that it is possible for the eggs to “move” from one week to the next. Usually, once you have identified the hidden egg for that country, place the appropriate sticker in the designated space on your map for that country.

Then make sure once you have found all the eggs to return your map for a egg-cellent surprise!

2021 Disneyland CHOC Walk is Going Virtual

By

Sara

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March 5, 2021

2021 Disneyland CHOC Walk is Going Virtual

For 30 years, the CHOC Walk has supported and raised funds for Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC Children’s). This year the fundraising event is going virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This event, which normally takes place at the Disneyland Resort, has become one of the largest and most unique pediatric fundraisers in the nation. More than $37.5 million has been raised since the first CHOC Walk.

This year, the virtual celebration will take place on Saturday, May 22 at 1 pm PST. Participants must have a minimum of $50 in their CHOC Walk account. That total can be reached through personal payments, donations from others or a combination of both – there is not a separate registration fee. You can register for the event here.

New this year is the Gamers for CHOC initiative. Gamers can get in on the fundraising in a unique way! Local games-related studios, businesses, organizations, and groups have teams you can join to help raise funds for CHOC. In addition to rewards offered by these individual teams, Gamers for CHOC is offering a number of exclusive incentives for participants across the program. This initiative will be active through May 2021. You can find more information here.

Also new this year is the first-ever CHOC Walk Webinar – Taste-Tempting Virtual CHOC Walk Snacks with Author Marcy Carriker Smothers. On Saturday, March 20, at 10 am PST, join Marcy Carriker Smothers, author of Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food as she shows how to make Virtual CHOC Walk snacks with a Disney twist! You can register for the webinar here.

While the pandemic has changed life as we know it, children still need our help to get better. Will you be participating in this year’s CHOC Walk?

Popular Event Returning to Disney’s Aulani

By

Sara

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March 5, 2021

A popular event is returning to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa! KA WA‘A, a Lū‘au at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is reopening on March 27, 2021. Reservations are available now!

Set under the stars on the beautiful Hālāwai Lawn, KA WA‘A immerses guests in the live music, traditional dance, and ancient stories of Hawai‘i through Disney’s signature entertainment. Prior to the show, Guests are encouraged to participate in family activities that are now enjoyed from the comfort of their own table. The activity demonstrations include flower arranging and poi pounding, a process in which Taro root is ground to create poi — a food that is a staple of the ancient Hawaiian diet.

Popular Event Returning to Disney's Aulani

The lū‘au features a three-course plated meal that includes mouth-watering island favorites such as ahi poke and lomilomi salmon salad, imu-style braised pork, island fish, teriyaki chicken, local seasonal vegetables, and a dessert trio. To accompany the meal, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are included in the event price.

After dinner, Guests are treated to an enchanting journey through Hawaiian history and discover its deep cultural roots in canoe (wa‘a) exploration, which brought the first explorers to the shores of Ko Olina. Throughout the evening, lively music and traditional Hawaiian dance vividly bring the show’s story to life.

The lū‘au is offered three nights per week at 5 p.m., weather permitting. Reservations can be made online, or by calling (844) 284-7644. Reserve early as seating is limited to maintain physical distance between parties.

Aulani is open and ready to welcome you back to the Hawaiian Disney magic! Contact me for a free, no-obligation vacation quote today!

Epcot’s Imagination Pavilion Jumping Fountains Are Working Again

By

Allison Luna

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March 4, 2021

Jumping Fountains at Imagination Plaza in Epcot

If you’re a Figment fan, you probably know about the jumping fountains in Imagination Plaza. This quiet little area sits where the Pixar shorts let audiences exit, and if you allow it to, it will keep you captivated and calm for a very long time. The fountains have been shut off since Walt Disney World closed in March 2020. But good news: they’re working again!

Epcot's Imagination Pavilion Jumping Fountains Are Working Again

With Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival fully underway, lots of activity is going on at the park and you might miss a detail like this. But if you’re a parent of small children or a guest who looks for quiet areas to take a break, you should know about this spot! Waters that move like synchronized swimmers. Leaping through the air, disappearing soon after, leaving us to wonder where they’ll appear next. The jumping waters at Epcot’s Imagination Plaza are truly mesmerizing.

The fountains have been a feature at the park since its opening in 1982. Though areas around the fountains have seen plenty of changes through the years, with many more soon to come, these fountains have been there to remind us of simpler times. Even now, as the Figment play area with sensory activities remains closed, this outdoor fountain beckons children to run and play in an old-school way. Take a break and enjoy the beautiful waters.

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So the jumping fountains are back. We can all jump for joy! Is this a spot you like to frequent at Epcot?

Disney Casts Cynthia Erivo and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Live-Action ‘Pinocchio’ Remake for Disney+

By

Kaitlyn

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March 4, 2021

Blue Fairy and Jiminy Cricket from Disney's Pinocchio

Disney Casts Cynthia Erivo and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Live-Action ‘Pinocchio‘ Remake for Disney+. Disney has shared they have just cast Jospeh Corden-Levitt as Jiminy Cricket and Cynthia Erivo as The Blue Fairy for the upcoming live-action remake of ‘Pinocchio’.

Currently, the film stars Tom Hanks (Geppetto), Cynthia Erivo (Blue Fairy), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Jiminy Cricket), and Luke Evans (The Coachman).

A synopsis of the film has yet to be shared by Disney, but we expect the main plot points to hold up to the test of time, with some modern updates sprinkled throughout the film. Pinocchio will premiere exclusively on Disney+ at a to-be-determined date.

This is a developing story, be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney+!

Featured Photo Credit: Disney

Source: CBR

Marvel Studios Cast Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams in Upcoming ‘Ironheart’ Disney+ Series

By

Kaitlyn

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March 4, 2021

Marvel Studios Cast Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams in Upcoming ‘Ironheart‘ Disney+ Series. Newcomer Dominique Thorne will take on the leading role of Riri Williams/Ironheart in the Marvel Studios and Disney Original Series, Ironheart.

Marvel shared the news of the casting, stating: “Marvel Studios’ Ironheart stars Dominique Thorne as genius inventor Riri Williams who creates the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man himself, Tony Stark.“

Marvel Studios has yet to share any additional casting details, but there are rumors we may get to see an A.I. Version of Tony Stark, similar to his appearance a the end of Avengers: Endgame, in a mentor role for Riri in the series.

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney+ and Marvel!

Source: Shadow and Act

Disney+ is Raising Subscription Costs Beginning this Spring

By

Kaitlyn

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March 4, 2021

Disney+ is Raising Subscription Costs Beginning this Spring. During the 2020 Walt Disney Company Investor Day event, Disney announced there would be a price hike for subscriptions “sometime in Spring 2021”. Now, the popular streaming service has announced the new price increase will be implemented after March 26, 2021.

The current cost of a Disney+ monthly subscription is $6.99/month, with an increase to $7.99/month after March 26th. It is currently unknown when the price hike willl apply to the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle, currently listed at $12.99/month. Likely we will see the same price difference added to the bundle price as well, making the cost of the bundle $13.99/month at a to be determined date.

Disney+ issued an email to active Disney+ subscribers stating:

“You are currently subscribed to Disney+. Beginning March 26, 2021, the price of a Disney+ subscription will increase from $6.99/mo. to $7.99/mo… You will see this new rate take affect on or after March 26h on your bill, unless you are on an eligible Verizon plan and on a promotion, in which case the new rate will only taker effect at the end of your promotional period or March 26th, whichever is later.“

As shared in the email, if you have an active subscription through Verizon or promotion, such as the 3-year buy-in option offered at the streaming services launch in 2019, the price change will not apply until the completion of said subscription or promotion.

This is a developing story, be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney+!

Featured Photo Credit – Source: Disney+

Tickets for A Touch of Disney Experience at Disney’s California Adventure Now Available

By

Allison Luna

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March 4, 2021

A Touch of Disney at Disney California Adventure

Tickets are now being sold for A Touch of Disney Experience at Disney’s California Adventure! Guests who’ve been craving that Disneyland experience will want to hop over and grab their tickets as soon as possible. The queue has already been paused because the demand for tickets is so overwhelming!

Starting on March 18th, 2021, a new ticketed experience, A Touch of Disney, will be open to a select number of guests. Ticket sales began today. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available for purchase at the Main Entrance Ticket Booth. The introductory price is $75 for any guest over age 3.

Tickets for A Touch of Disney Experience at Disney's California Adventure Now Available

The experience includes a $25 A Touch of Disney Dining Card for food and non-alcoholic beverages at select locations, free parking, and unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken the day of the experience.

Select outdoor areas of Disney California Adventure Park will be open for business. The experience will allow you to enjoy specialty menu items at a range of open-air dining locations, as well as staple Disney snacks like churros, Dole Whips, and popcorn. You will also have the opportunity to shop for Disney merchandise, and may even be surprised with a character sighting!

The experience begins March 18 and takes place Thursdays through Mondays from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Dates, ticket availability, and prices will be released on a rolling basis until the experience ends. Tickets are limited to 8 per person, per experience date. They are date-specific.

As if now, ticket sales have stalled due to overwhelming demand. “The queue has been paused as we are temporarily unable to sell more tickets. When we can do so, the queue will reopen.” Tickets are still available, they simply cannot be purchased at this time. The estimated wait time seems to be over an hour for anyone in the queue, so it’s hard to say when sales will resume. Keep trying!

To grab your tickets or for more information, head over to the Touch of Disney page now. Best of luck!

Photos courtesy of Disney

Disney World Cast Member gets yelled at and spit on while trying to enforce FaceMask Rules

By

Chip

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March 4, 2021

Disney World Cast Member gets yelled at and spit on while trying to enforce FaceMask Rules

Recently a Disney World Cast Member was yelled at and spit on while trying to enforce Disney’s FaceMask policies according to an article from the Orlando Sentinel.

A Security Guard working at Disney’s Contemporary Resort last week reminded a guest he needed to wear his facemask while at the resort just moments before the guest went off on them.

“I’m a guest,” yelled the middle-aged, fedora-wearing man. He asked to be left alone and then spit at the Disney Cast Member.

This is just one of many confrontations on Disney property in recent weeks as some guests have angrily refused to follow Disney’s Facemask rules.

Some of these confrontations have led to guests being arrested, although not in this case of the spitting man. He disappeared into the resort before being identified.

Here are the most up to date rules for Facemasks at Walt Disney World

Face Coverings

Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:

Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free

At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.

Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.

Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings must:

Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching
Meet all face covering requirements listed above

The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing

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