Frozen 2 is almost here!! Now guests can enjoy Frozen 2 Celebrations at Epcot with all-new experiences starting on November 22!
Starting on November 22, 2019, guests kick-off the day by stopping at Royal Sommerhus located in the Norway pavilion at Epcot! While at the Royal Sommerhus you can enjoy a visit with Anna and Elsa, who will be celebrating their new epic adventure! Plus, both Anna and Elsa will be sporting their new looks inspired by “Frozen 2.”
If you are loving the new looks for Anna and Elsa, you will now have the opportunity to purchase the brand new Anna and Elsa costumes for kids debuting on November 22, 2019, at The Fjording Shop. Guests can check out all the “Frozen 2” merchandise available now.
If you are a fan of the cupcakes at Walt Disney World, an all-new treat inspired by the Frozen 2 celebrations will debut at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe! Guests can indulge in a cupcake featuring a chocolate buttercream filling and decorated with fire frosting and topped off with a white chocolate Bruni!
In addition, guests will encounter other warm surprises exclusively available on November 22 at Epcot. Be sure to tag your photos with #Frozen2 so we can check out all your “Frozen”-fun!
Lastly, guests can head over to AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24 to enjoy the film, delicious treats and photo opportunities exclusive to Disney Springs.
In case you missed it, you can catch the latest trailer here:
Disney’s ‘Newsies‘ Is King of D.C. This Holiday Season at Arena Stage. Recently, I took a short road trip down to Washington D.C. to check out Disney’s Newsies presented by the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. I had previously interviews one of the cast members, Chaz Wolcott, for the show and was excited to witness the show in person after hearing so many wonderful things about it. The stories did not do it justice, but more on that later.
If you are not familiar with the Tony Award-Winning musical, Newsies is an inspiring story about kids who fight for what is right at the turn of the century, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein. Inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City, this family-friendly musical follows the story of newsboys and newsgirls who dream of a better life and lead a crusade for justice. Just in time for the holidays, the score features fan favorites, including “King of New York,” “Carrying the Banner” and “Seize the Day.” Newsies, directed by Molly Smith, with choreography by Parker Esse and music direction by Laura Bergquist, will run November 1-December 29, 2019 in the iconic in-the-round Fichandler Stage.
Photo Credit: Arena Stage
The theater itself is gorgeous and breathes life into the street corner it resides on. A welcoming beacon of warmth and welcome the second you pull up. The friendly Valet Staff greeted and welcomed us to the Arena Stage and that same energy and care was shown to us by every staff member, from will call to usher.
We arrived early to take a short tour of the lobby and the Fichandler Stage before the other theatre goers arrived and we are so glad we did. On our instagram you can find a video I shared of an interactive touch screen that allowed audience members to read all about it, well, about the show at least, in a fun and interactive way.
Photo Credit: Kaitlyn Hogancamp
The ushers showed us to our seats and handed out programs for the show. Inside showcased the cast and crew with special mention of the donors supporting the show in various fashions. Each story was fascinating and learning about the individual actors helped to make us feel more drawn into the performance. You can learn about them as well by visiting arena stage.org.
Photo Credit: Kaitlyn Hogancamp
The stage is set in-the-round, meaning there was seating around every side of the stage for a 360′ view of the show. Two movable staircases, were utilized for various functions throughout the performance, helping to create distinct scenes and identify locations through the show. Cleverly featured in the center of the stage was an elevator used in a variety of different ways, creating a “roof” for the start of the show, lifted slightly off the floor to create a platform now and again, and to help visualize smaller rooms throughout the performance.
Photo Credit: Kaitlyn Hogancamp
The floor of the stage was painted to look like a brick/cobblestone road which helped to set the scene and immerse the audience into the story. The “roof” of the elevator was painted to match and was nearly impossible to tell apart from the rest of the floor when it was lowered completely.
Photo Credit: Margot Schulman
The entire cast was electric. I frequently heard the term “high octane” from other audience members who were blown away by the energy throughout the entire performance.
The real scene stealers were Daniel J. Maldonado (Jack Kelly), Erin Weaver (Katherine Plumber), Josiah Smothers (Les), Nova Peyton (Nun/Medda), Luke Spring (Elmer/Scab/Ensemble), and Jamie Smithson (Teddy Roosevelt). It was clear to see why Daniel and Erin were cast as our leading man and lady, and nailed their performances while never losing energy from start to finish. Josiah charmed the audience as Les and frequently had the audience in stitches with his snippy one-liners and innocence, all while keeping up with the other performers through the entire show.
Photo Credit: Margot Schulman
Nova’s powerful voice filled the room and her presence was immediately felt when she would hit the stage. Her performance alone deserved a standing ovation, Brava! In my interview with Chaz Wolcott he had mentioned young Luke Spring (16y/o) and how he would “knock our socks off’ with his tap dancing skills, and Chaz was not wrong! The entire theater erupted after Luke’s incredible solo performance during “King of New York”. In a role meant to be a pivotal moment in the show, Jamie did not disappoint to bring Teddy Roosevelt to life and create an instantly lovable character. He caused smiles to break out all across the audience and cheers upon his exit.
Photo Credit: Margot Schulman
After the show, we enjoyed a wonderful reception with an array of desserts and hors d’oeuvres. My personal favorites were the lemon cheesecake and s’mores cup. Before the show I had stopped at the bar in the lobby and purchased a Newsies cup as a keepsake from the show. I am so glad I did, plus it came with a non-alcoholic drink!
Photo Credit: Kaitlyn Hogancamp
We sincerely enjoyed our experience at the Arena Stage and look forward to visiting again for some of our favorite shows to come. If you live in the D.C./Baltimore area we highly recommend you ‘Seize the Day’ and get your tickets before they are gone! You will not be disappointed by this spectacular performance.
CLICK HERE to check availability and order your tickets to see Disney’s Newsies presented by the Arena Stage.
Photo Credit: Arena Stage
Do you have plans to see the show? Which Disney Musical is your favorite? What is your favorite piece from Disney’s Newsies? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Disney!
It’s been said there’s a Dole Whip for everyone. This uniquely versatile Disney snack is one of the few options that seem to have a continuous stream of new versions pouring through the Parks. In the Walt Disney World Resort, two locations have a steady supply of this refreshing treat: Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom and the Pineapple Lanai at the Polynesian Resort. For those guests craving a light treat without having to ride the monorail, the latter has a flavor that is perfectly craveable: lemon-lime swirl!
Traditionally, Dole Whips take on a tart, fruity flavor, and it’s hard to imagine a more classic tart combo than lemon and lime. Perfect for Florida’s warmer temperatures, this dessert is a spoonable reminiscence of a favorite sparkling drink. Guests should not be thrown off by the muted pastel colors, this frozen treat is full of flavor! At $4.99 or a snack credit, every member of the family can choose their own swirl.
If desired, lemon and lime can be bought separately, although the swirl really is a perfect marriage of flavors. Other items currently available at the Pineapple Lanai are Pineapple Dole Whip, Vanilla Soft Serve, or a swirled combination of the two, Dole Whip Rum Floater, Pineapple Juice Float (available with any combination of the current flavors) served in a souvenir tiki sipper, and the Te Fiti Cone, which is Lime Dole Whip with a decorative orchid on top. There’s no bad choices to be made here!
For something refreshing and citrusy, the Pineapple Lanai has delivered the ultimate Disney Snack. Dole Whips are arguably the best Disney food there is, so why not enjoy as many flavors as possible? Lemon-lime swirl won’t be there forever, because there’s always something new being introduced, so guests should grab it while they can!
Walt Disney World provides a massive transportation system, larger than the city of Los Angeles, and is continually expanding! Hence, the installation of a walkway from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. And we have a photo update on construction for you!
Because of the body of water separating the Grand Floridian from Magic Kingdom, a bridge has to be built in order to create the walkway. Also, it is thought to be a drawbridge because of all of the boat traffic going through the body of water.
As you can see, everything looks like it is really coming along! Won’t it be nice to simply skip the long monorail lines and walk to your resort once it is finished?
How to Celebrate Mickey’s 91st Birthday On Disney+. Happy Birthday to Mickey and Minnie Mouse! They are looking great for turning 91-years old today. To celebrate this milestone, Disney is honoring Mickey with celebrations throughout the Disney Parks, on various Disney television networks, and on their all new streaming service, Disney+.
Photo Credit: Disney
Disney+ subscribers have access to an all new “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” special and a temporary category on the Disney+ homepage celebrating all things Mickey Mouse! You can view all sorts of Mickey specials and animated stories from Steamboat Willie to Mickey Mouse Roadster Racers.
Photo Credit: Disney+
Normally, this category is called “Mickey Through the Years” but was changed to celebrate his birthday today!
Photo Credit: Disney
What are some of your favorite Mickey Mouse stories? How are YOU celebrating Mickey and Minnie’s Birthday? The ultimate question, which version of Mickey Mouse is your favorite? I’m partial to the 1935 classic drawing of Mickey Mouse myself. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Photo Credit: Disney
Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Disney!
It isn’t news to any Walt Disney World park-goer that the current monorails have been around for a while. Yes, a couple of the current Mark VI monorails, built by Bombardier, have been refurbished, but they need much more than some stronger AC and movie decals slapped on the side.
According to the Orlando Weekly, rumors have been going around for a while about new fleet of monorails being added in. However, nothing has been confirmed…until now. Retired Imagineer Bob Gurr commented that, “there are new contracts underway for new monorails.”
With the release of Bombardier’s latest quarterly earnings report, there are indications of a new big client, with plenty of money to replace the current monorails. It is a big possibility that Walt Disney World is this client!
We can only hope that the age of the run-down and constantly getting stuck monorails is over and that a more reliable version will soon be available.
The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House is now officially open! You have to go check it out, definitely a must do during this holiday season.
The amount of details in it is just amazing, if you look closer you will realized that each window has a different Disney character! Plus you can even have fun with your family spotting the 21 hidden Mickeys this year.
The house was made with 1,050 lbs of honey, 140 pints of egg whites, 600 lbs of powdered sugar, 700 lbs of chocolate, 800 lbs of flour, 35 lbs of spices plus tons of creativity, Disney magic and a bit of pixie dust!
You can also take home a piece of magic with some sweets treats including gluten free and vegan options. Look how cute they are!
The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House is open daily from 9:30am to 10pm plus on select days (November 23 and 30) you can join pastry chef Kristine Farmer from 1pm to 2pm at the main lobby for a signing event with a limited edition trading pin, this year the pin features Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip!
Just in time for Thanksgiving, a new Corkcicle has arrived at Wine Bar George in Disney Springs! The Glampagne Corkcicle is golden and shimmery and it comes with a complimentary frozen drink or mulled wine. You can get your own Glampagne Corkcicle for $35 while supplies last.
These signature wine cups are perfect for keeping your wine or other beverages cold for hours. Definitely a must-have for the sunny days in Disney Springs! Wine Bar George has had four other colors of this cup: white, pink, gunmetal grey, and chrome.
Will you be celebrating Thanksgiving with this new exclusive Glampagne Corkcicle? Let us know what free drink you’d get in the comments!
This year’s Disney Christmas Crocs have taken us by storm! They have us feeling festive, while walking comfortably, and everybody is loving them! Plus the little Christmas inspired Jibbitz on them are just too cute. These snazzy holiday kicks can be found at Walt Disney World, and also Disneyland!
Unlike usually when we find cute Disney shoes, and the turn out to be just for kids, these come in adult sizes! They feature a Farmhouse Mickey holiday print in red, white and green on a light grey background. Inside they are lined for a soft and cozy fleece in a cheerful holiday red. That means warm and snuggly toes too.
Also, did I mention the Jibbitz!? Each pair comes with two Mickey Christmas wreath Jibbitz! That can give you two different holiday Crocs styles, because you can snap them onto your Disney crocs for a whole other holiday look! Pair the new holiday Crocs with the assortment of holiday Minnie ears, Spirit Jerseys, leggings, and backpacks for the total Disney holiday fashion package!
Are you a fan of the Disney Christmas Crocs for this holiday season?
If you are a frequent flyer into the Orlando Airport you know just how awesome it is to get off the plane and see the Disney Earport! Well, now the store is sporting a Star Wars wall wrap currently.
The Disney Earport located in the Orlando International Airport is a popular destination spot for those coming to and from Walt Disney World. The store, just like any Disney Store, offered many apparel and accessories for guests to sport before getting on the Magical Express or getting that one last souvenir before sadly boarding your flight home. Plus, the Earport is also a popular place to take obligatory pictures with the statues outside of the store.
As we recently reported, the Disney Earport has been closed for refurbishment since July with an re-opening date of November 2019. We are nearing the end of November now and the new Star Wars Wall Wrap has been put up, wonder if this means the refurbishment is almost complete?
According to the wall, it is urging you to visit the Magic of Disney Store located in the West Hall, which just completed its refurbishment in January. Take a look at the wall wrap below.
Well, this comes as a surprise, eh! Le Cellier is offering brunch for a limited time soon! Our mouth is watering already!
To celebrate the 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Le Cellier is offering brunch for guests who are attending the event can enjoy! This special brunch option will be offered on weekends-Saturdays and Sundays-from January 18 through February 23, 2020. Plus, surprise! Guests can book this experience now!
Guests who book the Le Cellier brunch can enjoy a wonderful prix fixe brunch menu in a relaxing Canadian chateau starting with assorted pastries for the table. Afterward, guests will indulge in menu items including Cheddar Cheese Soup, Avocado Toast, Montreal Spiced Corned Beef Hash, Le Cellier Eggs Benedict, or Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bread Pudding. Lastly, guests can end their delicious experience with a decadent dessert-like Maple Crème Brûlée or Coffee and Donuts.
This brunch also includes one beverage of your choice. Guests can choose from a Northern Mimosa, Le Cellier Bloody Caesar, Joffrey’s Le Cellier Blend Press Pot Coffee, or non-alcoholic specialty beverage.
Le Cellier Steakhouse is located in the Canada Pavilion in the Epcot Showcase. The Le Cellier Brunch is available during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Saturdays and Sundays from January 18, 2020, through February 23, 2020, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Brunch is available at $67 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Please note that this brunch is eligible for the Disney Dine Plan and is worth 2 entitlements. No discounts apply.
The Ron Jon Surf Shop franchise has opened a new location, this time at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida! The new 10,000 square-foot store location marks the 12th Ron Jon Surf Shop location in the U.S. after opening the first shop in New Jersey in 1959.
According to Debbie Harvey, president and COO of Ron Jon Surf Shop, “The company selected Disney Springs as a location for its new store because of the shopping destination’s immense popularity with visitors as well as locals in the Orlando market, many of whom are familiar with the Ron Jon brand. We are thrilled about the new Ron Jon store located at Disney Springs.” Harvey continues, “This is an extremely popular shopping destination for local residents and the millions of visitors coming to the Orlando area, and we feel it’s the perfect location for a new Surf Shop.”
November 15, 2019, through November 17, 2019, will be the newest locations grand opening at Disney Springs. The Surf shop will kick-off the opening celebration with an official ribbon-cutting Friday, November 15, at 10:00 a.m., followed by an appearance by the crew from Johnny’s House on WXXL radio inside the store from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. throughout the day there will be live in-store music and free family fun day activities, including face painting and balloon animals, on Friday and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition, on Friday and Saturday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., there will be an in-store DJ with trivia and prize giveaways to include T-shirts, hats, surf gear and much more.
