Sunshine Tree Terrace gets a new sign to go with new mural

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March 3, 2021

Yesterday, we shared the news on how an Orange Bird mural is coming to the Magic Kingdom. The little citrus mascot is quite popular among Disney fans. The Orange Bird is an original Disney World character and has been gaining fans since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. Well, we also discovered another change to the Adventureland location. The Sunshine Tree Terrace also received an updated sign above the quick service window.

The mural can be found to the left of Sunshine Tree Terrace. It shows the Orange Bird holding what we have to assume is a Citrus Swirl, surrounded by orange blossoms. With the sun shining above him and love on his mind, this painting is a true celebration of Florida’s citrusy roots.

The next time you’re in the Magic Kingdom, you’ll have to head into Adventureland to give this cute little bird a peek. Don’t forget to grab a Citrus Swirl at Sunshine Tree Terrace while you’re there. It’s what the Orange Bird would want you to do!

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!

First Look At The 2021 Epcot Flower And Garden Festival Merchandise

By

Danielle

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March 3, 2021

2021 Epcot Flower And Garden Festival Merchandise

First Look At The 2021 Epcot Flower And Garden Festival Merchandise

The 2021 Epcot Flower And Garden Festival starts today, and we’re checking out all of the fantastic new merchandise! This year’s 2021 Epcot Flower And Garden Festival seems to have four themes inspired by Figment, Orange Bird, Spike, and also Mickey & Minnie Mouse.

The thematic spring collections Are Hello Sunshine featuring Orange Bird, Grow Imagination featuring Figment of Course. The Mickey and Minnie collection has Grow Kindness for Minnie and Can Dig It For Mickey. There is also an assortment for Spike, which is called Cool as Can Bee.

Each collection has an assortment of apparel, drinkware, decorations, and novelties!

The Orange Bird collection has a vibrant Spirit Jersey with a tie dye look. There are lots of embellishments on this cute jersey too!

The new ears for Flower and Garden are also in the Orange Bird collection! These are like the mum ears we saw two springs ago, but with an Orange Bird twist. They’re orange mums, with a sequin green bow and an Orange Bird decoration in the center.

Other fun items include a new rain coat, decorations, and a fun new domed tumbler!

Don’t forget to grab an Orange Bird shoulder pet to tag along on all of your Flower and Garden adventures with!

Although I am always all about the Orange Bird merch, the Figment collection is really catching my eye. This collection is purple with bright green accents, and also features the beloved Spaceship Earth.

The Spaceship Earth bowl is totally on my must have list, and it pairs beautifully with the travel mug.

The Figment collection has several t-shirts, and a colorful cinch sack.

There are also home goods, and stationary items for the Grow Imagination collection!

The Mickey and Minnie collection have a lot of goodies with colorful spring colors!

There is a second Flower and Garden Spirit Jersey as part of this collection. It features Mickey getting his gardening on!

These darling items will have you feeling in full bloom!

This collection also features this year’s limited edition festival MagicBand!

Spike is getting his own time in the sun! He’s cool as can be with this citrusy collection that pairs well with the Orange Bird merchandise.

Which new Spike goody is your fave?

Annual Passholders won’t want to miss the exclusive Flower and Garden glasses available!

Other can’t miss items include the Spike the Bee, and Orange Bird sippers! The Orange Bird sipper actually got an upgrade this year too!

Don’t forget to grab one of the new limited edition gift cards for exploring the festival!

What do you think of the 2021 Epcot Flower And Garden Festival Merchandise?

Disney World Cast Members to receive discount for Flower & Garden Festival

By

Kevin Koszola

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March 3, 2021

Here’s some great news for Disney Cast Members who plan to visit Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival! Both current and furloughed Cast Members can enjoy a 20% discount on select festival booths. However, the discount is only available on food and non-alcoholic beverages. Cast Members can enjoy the special 20% discount on Mondays through Thursdays.

The Cast Member discount is available at the following locations in Epcot:

The Citrus Blossom
Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible™ Foods
Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth
The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board™
Pineapple Promenade
La Isla Fresca
Festival Favorites
Cider House
EPCOT Farmers Feast
Northern Bloom
EPCOT Sunshine Griddle
Refreshment Port
Refreshment Outpost
Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
Magnolia Terrace
Taste of Marrakesh

Be sure to check out Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival if you’re visiting Disney World this Spring!

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!

Melissa McCarthy Joins the Cast of ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

By

Kaitlyn

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March 3, 2021

Melissa McCarthy Joins the Cast of ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. SPOILER ALERT: This post shares video and discusses topics that may ruin aspects of the upcoming Marvel Studios film: Thor: Love and Thunder. If you do not wish to have details about the film spoiled for you we recommend you stop reading past this point. Thank-you!

A leaked video from the set of Thor: Love and Thunder revealed that Melissa McCarthy has been cast as “Actress Hela” for the sequel. The video features director Taika Waititi giving instruction to actors Melissa McCarthy, Matt Damon, and Luke Hemsworth as stage versions of Hela, Loki, and Thor, reenacting the story featured in Thor: Ragnarok.

Previous photos from the set indicated a stage similar to the one featured in Thor: Ragnarok was fabricated for the upcoming movie. Filming took place within a very short window of time, and reports from those who visited the set claimed it was deconstructed even faster than it was built after cameras stopped rolling. Rumors had surfaced that Matt Damon was in Australia despite travel restrictions, coincidentally around the same time other actors made their arrival to Sydney for filming Thor: Love and Thunder. The video now confirms it was due to filming for the Thor sequel and to reprise his role as “Actor Loki” for this movie.

You can check out the leaked video below:

https://twitter.com/DRMovieNews1/status/1366765886913282051?s=20

Many fans may be questioning why production members may not be masked while filming, but rest assured, Australia’s initial protocols to combat the COVID-19 outbreak has allowed the country to opt out of mask wearing for several months now. The persons in the photos wearing masks are likely international production members for Thor: Love and Thunder or those who would feel more comfortable wearing the masks during filming.

Thor: Love and Thunder is set to premiere on May 6, 2022 and will star Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Natalie Portman (Jane Foster/The Mighty Thor), Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie), and the Guardians of the Galaxy, with Christian Bale (Gorr the God Butcher). Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Marvel!

Source: CBR

Celebrate 100 Years of The Walt Disney Company with Exhibit Launching in 2023

By

Kevin Koszola

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March 3, 2021

There’s some exciting news for those who enjoy learning about Disney History! In celebration of the centennial of The Walt Disney Company, SC Exhibitions is starting production on an exhibition that showcases the company’s history and rich legacy. This magnificent Disney exhibit will premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in February 2023.

Future Exhibit

The exhibition will feature galleries with hundreds of artifacts at an immersive environment spanning 15,000 square feet. The exhibit is showcasing stories and characters from The Walt Disney Company’s last century.

It’s thrilling to bring Disney’s crown jewels – art, memorabilia, costumes, props, and one-of-a kind treasures – to public view – and to explore the story of one of the world’s most creative entertainment companies. Many of these objects have never before been seen outside the company’s archival, animation, and Imagineering vaults.

“As we approach the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, we at the Walt Disney Archives are incredibly excited about traveling a new and unique exhibit marking a century of unparalleled innovation and storytelling with the world. This groundbreaking exhibition will celebrate the wonder of Disney, from 1923 to the present and into the future.”

Rebecca Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives

Celebrating 100 Years

President and CEO of The Franklin Institute Larry Dubinski added that “The Franklin Institute is thrilled to debut this world premiere exhibition in Philadelphia during the remarkable 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. We look forward to celebrating the legacy of a creative empire synonymous with imaginative storytelling, innovation, discovery, and wonder that spans generations and delivers widespread, undeniablei global appeal.”

The exhibition will also be the third collaboration between SC Exhibitions and Studio TK. It’s certainly an honor for them to develop the design for the 100th anniversary exhibit of The Walt Disney Company with the Walt Disney Archives.

We think the future exhibit will be great since it highlights many of Disney’s achievements in the past century.

Related: Disney Character Smile Mugs Will Brighten Your Morning

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!

Work Resumes on Universal’s Epic Universe

By

Susan Wilson

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March 3, 2021

Work Resumes on Universal's Epic Universe

Amazing news out of a press conference with Comcast’s Chairman and CEO, Brian L. Roberts. It was announced today that Universal’s Epic Universe (Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park) would resume construction immediately. “The restart will begin immediately – but is expected to take several months before reaching full-speed as Universal re-staffs for the project and reassembles its vendor and contractor teams.”

Epic Universe was put on hold shortly after being announced this past summer but is set to begin again. “The restart of construction of Epic Universe is a terrific moment for our employees and for our theme park business in Florida,” said Brian L. Roberts. “It is our single-largest investment in the state and represents our enthusiasm for the spectacular park and the economic opportunities it will generate.”

Epic Universe will have major impacts on the Florida economy. “The Epic Universe project will infuse billions of dollars into the Florida economy – and also create more than 14,000 permanent jobs in addition to the thousands of jobs that will be created during its development.” Epic Universe will feature a new theme park, an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants and more. It will be located on a 750-acre site that nearly doubles Universal’s total available acreage in Central Florida.

“Our vision for Epic Universe is historic,” Mr. Williams said at the time the project was announced. “It will build on everything we have done and become the most immersive and innovative theme park we have ever created.”

We are ecstatic with the announcement that Epic Universe is back on track! We will continue to update as news is released about the theme park including any clue as to when it will open and themed lands.

Universal will be Evaluating the Future of Seuss Landing

By

Susan Wilson

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March 3, 2021

On Tuesday, on the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) it was announced that Dr. Seuss Enterprises will stop publishing and licensing six of their books because they “portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.” In an article written by Spectrum News, the company released this quote, “Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprise’s catalog represents and supports all communities and families”.

Universal will be Evaluating the Future of Seuss Landing

With Seuss Landing at Universal Orlando featuring shops and play areas with the books pulled questions were geared toward the theme park if changes would be made in the park. Universal released the following statement, “Seuss Landing continues to be very popular with our guests and we value our relationship with Seuss Enterprises,” a Universal spokesperson said in a statement. “We’ve removed the books from our shelves as they have asked and we’ll be evaluating our in-park experience too. But our guests can plan on continuing to be able to enjoy their favorite experiences at Seuss Landing.”

The locations are The Mulberry Street Store, the Mulberry Street sign, and a play area that is themed after “If I Ran the Zoo”. There is no word if they will retheme those areas or completely redo Seuss Landing. With their relationship with Seuss Enterprise, we will speculate those areas are rethemed. We will say there are areas in Seuss Landing that are in desperate need of a refurbishment anyway.

We will continue to monitor the changes at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and report any further news from Seuss Landing.

Information is from Spectrum News 13.

2021 Epcot Flower & Garden Dooney & Bourke are now available

By

Chip

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March 3, 2021

2021 Epcot Flower & Garden Dooney & Bourke are now available

The 2021 Epcot Flower & Garden Dooney & Bourke purses have been revealed! This time they are available online for the first day of the festival too! You can find three different silhouettes available now on shopDisney.

The print features Minnie Mouse in a sassy pink dress on a cornflower blue background. Clusters of colorful flowers and yellow butterflies surround Minnie for a spring-tastic look.

There are three silhouettes available which include a tote, crossbody, and also a wristlet wallet. The bags are also accented in warm brown leather, with has pink trim.

Related: 2021 Epcot Flower and Garden Foods

You can find all three designs available now on shopDisney. Also look for them to be available at Epcot when the Flower and Garden Festival opens today!

Will you be adding any of the Epcot Flower & Garden Dooney & Bourke bags to your collection?

New sign shows which masks not permitted at Disney Springs

By

Tessa H

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March 3, 2021

New sign shows which masks not permitted at Disney Springs

New sign show which masks are not permitted at Disney Springs applicable to all shopping, dining and entertainment areas. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the Florida state, and around the World, so too has the variety of masks worn by everyone. However, Disney has created new signs highlight their strict mask policy as a way to ensure safety for both guests and cast members.

As you can see from the new signs show which masks are not permitted at Disney Springs, these include:

Neck gaiters
Open- chin triangle bandanas
Face coverings with valves
Face coverings with mesh

It seems the new sign is frequently displayed around Disney Springs, in various shops and restaurants reiterating the requirement to wear approved masks only. The non permitted masks is only one of the many rules Disney are enforcing to keep all guests and cast members safe whilst enjoying their time at the happiest place on earth!

Masks Permitted at Disney Springs

Wondering what the rules are for permitted masks? Check out the information below:

Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up and Cast Members, which must be worn in all public areas and can only be removed while actively eating or drinking. Face coverings must be worn while standing, waiting or sitting in dining locations.

“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

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”- Walt Disney World website.

Please read the important information relating to COVID-19 here before you visit Disney Springs. As there are 6 key things you need to know before arriving. These include:

limited parking and reduced entrances
Temperature screenings prior to entry
Face coverings required for Guests ages 2 and up
Social distancing for queues and physical barriers around Disney Springs
Temporary operations modifications including reduced hours for set locations and no scheduled entertainment offerings or high-touch interactive areas
Increased focus on disinfecting and sanitation- including more hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers in key areas

Therefore, make sure your face mask is permitted at Disney Springs before you go to ensure you make the most out of your experience!

Celebrate Easter and Mother’s Day at Ale & Compass Restaurant

By

Tessa H

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March 3, 2021

Celebrate Easter and Mother’s Day at Ale & Compass Restaurant making these special occasions even more memorable when spent at Walt Disney World. With two springtime holidays appearing in close succession, why not celebrate them at the happiest place on earth! On both Easter and Mother’s Day weekends, the Ale & Compass Restaurant is serving up the perfect brunch menu including All-You-Care-To-Enjoy options!

We are salivating at the All-You-Care-To-Enjoy option, including items such as Blueberry-bacon Pancakes, Breakfast Protein Bowl, and Shrimp and White Cheddar Grits, and a Maine Lobster Roll. From our reviews, the breakfast protein bowl option is to die for and who can refuse blueberry-bacon pancakes?

However if the à la carte menu is more your style check out the options below, featuring:

Blueberry-bacon pancakes with a side of sausage or bacon
Breakfast protein bowl including your choice of tofu scramble or plant-based eggs with quinoa, sweet potatoes, chard, kale, pickled carrots, and carrot-ginger dressing, served with plant-based sausage and chocolate-avocado toast
Shrimp and white cheddar grits with poached eggs, chorizo, and charred tomato stew
Maine lobster roll on a New England-style roll with house-made chips

A selection of brunch cocktails, juices, and press pot coffee will be available as well.

Easter & Mother’s Day Dates at Ale & Compass

Easter Weekend: Saturday, April 3rd and Sunday, April 4th
Mother’s Day Weekend: Saturday, May 8th and Sunday, May 9th

Understandably reservations are highly important to secure a table for two very special occasions! So make sure you book your table now!

Will you be at Walt Disney World for Easter or Mother’s Day this year? Let us know how you celebrate in the parks or at home! For all other Disney news click here!

Photos courtesy of Disney

White House Hopes to Have Vaccines for Every Adult by May

By

Allison Luna

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March 2, 2021

As folks around the country resume travel plans and family vacations, we can expect Walt Disney World and Disneyland, when it opens, will be seeing their fair share of tourists. Though we’ve seen Walt Disney World roll out an abundance of safety and health measures, many families have been waiting to receive their vaccine before traveling. The good news for those families is that the White House recently announced that they hope to have enough vaccinations for every adult in America by the end of May.

It was previously believed that the goal would be reached by the end of July, a modest prediction that has now been shortened by two months. With the recent approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, a ramping up of production has increased the likelihood of quick access to the inoculation. Many sites are already open to administer the shots, but the Biden administration has expressed concern that there may be a need for more experienced vaccinations to man them.

When pressed to give good news about a return to normalcy, the President simply stated “I’ve been cautioned not to give an answer to that because we don’t know for sure. But my hope is by this time next year we’re going to be back to normal.” (CNBC)

No matter when you choose to resume trips to Disney Parks know that social distancing and masks are enforced. Bring plenty of hand sanitizer and enjoy your time at the happiest place on earth!

New Decorative Scrim Outside Peter Pan’s Flight

By

Allison Luna

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March 2, 2021

Nothing ruins pictures in Walt Disney World quite like construction going on in the background. Sometimes you plan and daydream how your kids will look in a particular spot, but when you get there, ready to say “cheese, ” there’s a hideous brown scrim blocking the view. That’s been the case the last several weeks at Peter Pan’s Flight in the Magic Kingdom. However, a decorative scrim has finally been put in place to help the area look beautiful again!

New Decorative Scrim Outside Peter Pan's Flight

The new scrim mimics the look of the attraction’s exterior, so you know what it looks like underneath. That’s especially nice for first-time Walt Disney World guests. While the main entrance remains untouched, much of the building is now covered, leaving us to wonder how long the upkeep will take and how much more will eventually be hidden from sight.

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The queue remains largely indoors and simply goes around the scrim when necessary. Much like “It’s a Small World” during its update last year, once inside you wouldn’t know that a paint job is taking place. And now that the “happiest cruise that ever sailed” has been refreshed, it looks as good as new. We can’t wait to see how Peter Pan’s Flight looks when it’s done!

While some of the scrim is still brown and boring, we really like the themed version! Keep checking back to see how the renovations are going!