The Pixar Pals Parking Structure is Open at Disneyland Resort

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June 28, 2019

The Pixar Pals Parking Structure is officially completed at the Disneyland Resort in California! Plans were announced last year to build an additional parking structure adjacent to the Mickey & Friends structure.

The Pixar Pals parking structure will feature familiar friends from Disney and Pixar films such as “Coco”, “Monsters, Inc.” and “Inside Out” that will conveniently help you find your car throughout the garage. According to the Disney Parks Blog, “The Pixar Pals Parking structure will add more than 5,000 parking spaces to the west side of the Disneyland Resort”. The new parking structure will also include additional entry lanes and a new electronic inventory system that will “expedite guest parking and reduce traffic around the resort”.

The Disney Parks Blog also announced the installation of the Magic Way Pedestrian Bridge will begin shortly, which is set to be completed mid-September. The pedestrian bridge will connect visitors from the Pixar Parking Structure through the Downtown Disney District and the theme parks Main Entrance.

The new parking structure will be officially open on Sunday, June 30, 2019, for guests to take advantage of. The new structure, along with the existing parking options throughout the area, is designed to improve parking and traffic flow while enhancing the overall guest experience. Are you excited for the new parking structure?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Photo Credit: @dorkydisneydad

Main Street Electrical Parade Returns to Disneyland This Summer!

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Tessa H

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June 28, 2019

Breaking news… you might want to sit down as the Main Street Electrical Parade is returning to Disneyland Resort this summer! This all-time favourite is returning for a limited time encore starting on the 2nd August through to September 30th! This parade is a fan-favourite known as a “spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination,” with half-million sparking lights and “electro-syntho-magnetic musical sounds”. The Main Street Electrical Parade will once again light up the streets of Disneyland and create magical summer memories for guests of all ages!

Pixar Pier Celebrates Imagination at Disney California Adventure Park

By

Tessa H

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June 28, 2019

Pixar Pier marks its first year anniversary by celebrating the opening of Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, adding another Pixar-inspired attraction alongside the Incredicoaster, Jessie’s Critter Carousel and more!

All things Pixar are celebrated larger than life at Disneyland Resort since Pixar Pier arrived at Disney’s California Adventure Park on the 23rd June 2018! Marking the first Pixar Pier anniversary this summer with the opening of the Inside Out inspired attraction, taking guests on a “sense-ational” spin around the memory room! This completed the four imaginative neighbourhoods where guests are immersed into the worlds of Pixar stories and beloved characters come to life such as the Incredibles with the thrilling Incredicoaster, or in the Round’up gang with Jessie’s Critter Carousel and Pixar Pal-A-Round attractions, along with Pixar-inspired food, the Lamplight Lounge, plus exciting entertainment and more.

The Incredibles

Alongside the seaside waterfront, guests will find themselves in the first Pixar themed neighbourhood… that of Disney and Pixar’s “The Incredibles”, featuring the Incredicoaster, which is the first ever ride-through attraction in the World to feature the beloved Parr family. The coaster takes guests on a super adventure as the Parr family chase after the mischievous shape-shifting Jack-Jack. This adventure connects well with fans of Disney and Pixar’s film “Incredibles 2”. The coaster features music, lighting, special effects, character figures and coloured vehicles add to the thrills on this super-speedy coaster, the fastest attraction at the Disneyland Resort.

Toy Story

Next to Incredibles is Toy Story Boardwalk, which includes the popular Toy Story Mania! attraction and its 4D carnival games. Along the boardwalk, you might find Bo Peep, Woody’s long-lost friend from “Toy Story 4”. Alternatively, why not join the Round’up gang over on Jessie’s Critter Carousel as guests of all ages can hop on the sweet woodland creatures inspired by “Woody’s Roundup” from “Toy Story 2,” and go for a spin.

Inside Out

Just past Pixar Promenade is Inside Out Headquarters. Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s film “Inside Out,” this neighbourhood features the new family-friendly attraction, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. Guests are invited to hop aboard one of eight Memory Movers to help Riley’s emotions – Anger, Disgust, Fear, Joy & Sadness sort through the memories being collected. To complement the playful atmosphere, Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering to create five music tracks, one for each of Riley’s emotions. Guests may also meet Joy and Sadness near the new Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind attraction.

Pixar Promenade

Close to Toy Story Boardwalk is the charming seaside Pixar Promenade, which celebrates a collection of beloved Pixar stories. Here guests can find the reimagined Mickey’s Fun Wheel as the Pixar Pal-A-Round. Where guests can enjoy the stunning sights of Pixar Pier from 24 freshly-decorated gondolas each one featuring a Pixar pal! Pixar Promenade also features “Games of Pixar Pier”, where guests can test their skills and win a prize at colourful pay-for-play game booths: La Luna Star Catcher, Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, WALL•E Space Race and Bullseye Stallion Stampede. Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff can also be found in Pixar Promenade, offering delightful confections such as saltwater taffy, rainbow cotton candy and Memory Makers.

Food & Beverage

Feeling hungry after the adventures? No fear Pixar fans can feast at the Lamplight Lounge, an elegant yet fun gathering place for the entire family near the entrance of Pixar Pier. Lamplight Lounge serves a menu of California casual gastro-pub cuisine that is playfully presented, along with unique signature cocktails. The seaside lounge contains a full bar with picturesque waterfront views of Paradise Bay from both upstairs and downstairs.

The Lamplight Lounge is unique and its attention to detail is amazing as guests will find that Pixar “regulars” have left concept art, a quick sketch on a coaster, memorabilia and collectable toys of beloved Pixar characters throughout the restaurant. Along with lunch and dinner, guests can also enjoy brunch on Saturdays and Sundays at Lamplight Lounge. To book reservations, guests may call 714 781-DINE (714 781-3463) or visit Disneyland.com.

But that’s not all.. creative food and beverage locations can be found throughout Pixar Pier, with stories and menu items inspired by Pixar films. Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, already a fan favourite, is inspired by the lovable and not-at-all-abominable monster from “Monsters, Inc.” and it serves delicious soft-serve cones and parfaits. Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums in Incredibles Park features baby Jack-Jack’s favourite treat for guests to enjoy. Feeling something savoury, then head over to Toy Story Boardwalk Poultry Palace and Señor Buzz Churros. Poultry Palace, which looks like the fun, oversized meal box and juice box featured in the Pixar short, “Toy Story Toon: Small Fry,” offers delicious turkey legs and chicken drumsticks. Señor Buzz Churros offers the classic Disneyland Resort treat. Further along, the path at Pixar Promenade, find Anger from “Inside Out” at Angry Dogs, a spot where the more Anger burns with rage, the hotter the hot dogs get.

A lot has been achieved for the first Pixar Pier anniversary, but that’s not all as the remaining areas of the original Paradise Pier – including Paradise Gardens, Silly Symphony Swings, Jumping Jellyfish, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – is set to become a new land called Paradise Gardens Park!

Melissa McCarthy Rumored to be Ursula for Live-Action The Little Mermaid!

By

Tessa H

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June 28, 2019

Whilst Disney continue to revamp animated classics to live-action adaptations, according to Comicbook.com, Melissa McCarthy is rumored to be playing Ursula in the live-action The Little Mermaid! According to the article, the deal has not been finalized but early discussions have begun for McCarthy to portray the evil underwater witch in this new movie alongside Mary Poppins Returns director Rob Marshall. This movie is yet to have a release day but could be expected over the next coming years.

Ursula has also remained a fan-favorite Disney Villain over the last few decades particularly with her famous “Poor Unfortunate Souls” by Pat Carroll and remains a cult classic among many. According to Comicbook.com, director Rob Marshall is excited to update the film for a new generation and mentioned about adding new musical numbers to the classic soundtrack. Little Mermaid fans fear not because the Director did say “there are things I’ve learned about how you have to work to integrate songs into story, and how it has to feel earned. It can’t just be sort of put there, placed there because you feel there should be a song,”. He continues to hint, as he says “it has to be a song that’s earned, that takes you there. And so as we’re working on, in a way, fleshing out The Little Mermaid — Ariel has one song in the animated film — and so we’re looking for maybe more material.”. Little Mermaid fans do not fear for Rob Marshall will be joined by the amazing composer Alan Menken who is famous for creating many of classic Disney songs. Likewise, Menken and Marshall will be joined by none other than Hamilton scribe and Mary Poppins Returns and Moana star Lin-Manuel Miranda as he continues his partnership with Walt Disney Studios!

According to ComicBooks.com, actress Zendaya is also rumored to be staring in the live-action Little Mermaid, possible playing Ariel for the reboot! So what do you think of Melissa McCarthy playing Ursula?

RUMOR Squashed; Country Bears Are Here to Stay

By

Heather Adamczak

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June 28, 2019

It has been an “unBEARable” week for rumors at Disney and they have now decided for a second time to send those rumors into hibernation…

Today Disney Parks released a statement about the rumors that Country Bears are leaving Walt Disney World; “Our Imagineers are always looking at ways to bring more magic to our guests through experiences and stories they know, but contrary to rumors, Country Bear Jamboree is not going into hibernation any time soon. In fact, we’re looking forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary on Oct. 1, 2021, with Henry, the Five Bear Rugs and the rest of the gang. Until then, “we hope that you’ll be comin’ back again; that you’ll drop in and see us now and then.”

There you have it folks. The bears had the last word.

Breakfast at the Downtown Disney District

By

Monique Lopez

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June 28, 2019

Breakfast at the Downtown Disney District

Anaheim’s Downtown Disney District has become quite the hot spot at the Disneyland Resort for dining. With so much to choose from, one thing is for sure. The Downtown Disney District is the place to start your Disney day off right.

Let’s start off with the Catal Restaurant in Downtown Disney. This casual dining spot has different options for the whole family. Start off with a hearty omelet or breakfast burrito. Try something lighter like a Greek yogurt bowl. You will love Catal’s classic Chilaquiles. This dish combines tortilla chips, chorizo, queso fresco, ranchero sauce, two fried eggs, spicy crema, and guacamole. Pair that with a Buenos Dias Margarita for a good morning.

La Brea Bakery Cafe offers a brunch menu that is served from 8 am to 3 pm. Wake up with a Chilled Nitro Coffee, and enjoy their Short Rib Hash. This dish contains two sunny side up eggs, breakfast potatoes, onions, and red bell peppers. So, if you’re more of a later gator rather than an early bird, La Brea Cafe Bakery is the place for you.

Next, you have got to stop by Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express. At this quick service area of the restaurant, you can get Cinnamon “French Toast’ Dippers! These beignet sticks are coated in cinnamon-powdered sugar and maple syrup.

For a more hearty breakfast, visit Tortilla Jo’s. Enjoy their Huevos Rancheros. This flavor packed meal includes two corn tortillas with over easy eggs. This plate is served with refried beans and Mexican red rice. To round out the meal, the Huevos Rancheros are servedd with fresh fruit, mini apple chimichangas, and churros!

Which of these breakfast items are you going to try? Let us know in the comments!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Follow all of Monique’s Disney Adventures on Instagram: @gimmemodisney

D23 Concert Event & the Premiere of a NEW VR Experience Announced

By

Heather Adamczak

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June 28, 2019

Disney on Broadway is thrilled to return to D23 Expo, in Anaheim, California, to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Join Broadway’s brightest stars as they present an exclusive concert, Disney on Broadway: A 25th Anniversary Celebration, in Hall D23 on Saturday, August 24, at 3:30 p.m.

Hosted by Tony Award®-nominee Gavin Lee (Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast), the 75-minute concert will feature Heidi Blickenstaff (Freaky Friday, The Little Mermaid), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, On The Record), Kissy Simmons (The Lion King), Josh Strickland (Tarzan) and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King). A six-piece band, led by Jim Abbott, will accompany performers as they lead the audience through Disney on Broadway’s Tony Award-winning catalogue. The performance will feature songs from Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aida, Tarzan®, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Aladdin, Freaky Friday and Frozen. (Talent is subject to change)

Disney on Broadway fans can also celebrate this milestone anniversary by visiting the VR (virtual reality) theatre on the D23 Expo floor. The brand-new VR experience puts you center stage in Aladdin, Frozen and The Lion King’s biggest Broadway production numbers, featuring Broadway’s Caissie Levy (Elsa), Major Attaway (Genie), Telly Leung (Aladdin) and Tshidi Manye (Rafiki).

Source: D23

Epcot’s O’Canada is Closing in August for Updates!

By

Tessa H

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June 28, 2019

According to WDW Magic, Epcot’s O’Canada is closing on the 1st August 2019 to begin a series of upgrades.

O’ Canada is set to close to receive updates to the film as well as a new projector system. In the meantime, the cinema will be open during Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival to host an indoor marketplace! Speaking of Epcot Food and Wine, the menu for 2019 event has just been released, click here.

O’Canada is a circle vision 360 view film immerses guests with montages of the country, as they travel to Horseshoe Falls and the stunning Bay of Fundy. See the lights of the Toronto Film Festival, the bold skyline of Vancouver and the acrobatics of Montreal’s famed Cirque du Soleil. The film is narrated by the Canadian comedian Martin Short and finishes with Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila sings “Canada (You’re a Lifetime Journey)” as panoramic vistas fill the screens. Even though O’Canada is closing, we are excited about the upgrades for this attraction!

Lion King Themed Food at Disneyland Paris!

By

Tessa H

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June 28, 2019

The Lion King & Jungle Festival is nearly upon us and what better way to refresh during your adventure than with Lion King themed food at Disneyland Paris? Roaring into Disneyland Paris during the Lion King & Jungle Festival season are delicious new delights inspired by the mighty Disney classic. During this season, discover a host of Pride Rock specials ranging from exotic dishes at many of the buffet restaurants to simple snacks like a Simba Shake!

Pride Rock Snacks

Calling hungry lions it’s time to sink your teeth into some rare Pride Rock snacks to re-energise! Disneyland Paris is offering hot and cold, sweet and savoury Pride Rock snacks outposts near Djembe Joy Village in Disneyland Park. From a deliciously cooling Coco-Cookie Ice Cream to a melt-in-your-mouth Pride Rock Croq, there’s something tasty for hungry lions of all sizes.

New Lion King Shakes

After a hot day, why not indulge in one of two new Lion King shakes at Victoria’s Home-Style Restaurant! The Simba Shake featured below is vanilla with praline shake, whilst the Pumbaa Shake also feature below is banana and Nutella! They’re so good you won’t want to share them…except on social media with #DisneyWildFestival!

Lion King Inspired Lunch at Hakuna Matata Restaurant

Feeling peckish but what something more? Well, step inside a ‘worry free’ habitat for a mouthwatering lunch at Hakuna Matata with your favourite Rafiki and explorer Mickey! Offering delicious bowls of authentic chicken and plantains follow after by Simba-themed dessert. Catch this lunch menu only during The Lion King & Jungle Festival!

Lion King Themed Food at Disneyland Paris!

Complete list of products:

Outdoor kiosks

Savannah Chicken Strips
Exotic fruit salade
Pride Rock Croq’
Coco-Cookie ice-cream
Zebralicious Donut
Safari Macaroons
Savannah banana bread
Mango Whip
Lion Tartelette
Choco-coco lollipaw
Pawsome chocolate print

Lion King Themed Food at Disneyland Paris!

Buffets

Wild Marble Cake
Shrimp and Pineapple Millet Salad
Smoked Chicken and Pineapple Millet Salad
African Peanut Soup
Yassa Chicken
Savannah Style Poulet DG
Mahi-Mahi Wrap
African Vegetable Stew
The Pride Coco Rock
Wild Mango Cake
Zebra Macaroon
Sweet & Wild Macaroon
Exotic fruit salad
Mango Baba
Tropical Paw Mousse
Lion Tartelette
Rhezail Horns – Oriental pastry

Lion King Themed Food at Disneyland Paris!

Annette’s Diner

Tribe Burger

If you love the Lion King, then this is the perfect time to visit Disneyland Paris and experience first-hand all the Lion King themed food that are on offer!

Celebrate the 4th of July with Unique Disney PhotoPass Opportunities at Magic Kingdom

By

Kaitlyn

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June 28, 2019

Celebrate the 4th of July with Unique Disney PhotoPass Opportunities at Magic Kingdom. Time to put together the perfect red, white, and blue ensemble, because it’s time to celebrate our independence like it’s 1776!

With so much to do and see all over Walt Disney World Resort this 4th of July, we wanted to share some fun and unique Disney PhotoPass opportunities that will be available for a limited-time during the Independence Day celebrations at Magic Kingdom Park.

From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (weather permitting), look for a photographer in the East Plaza Garden who will assist you with capturing two photos and a one-of-a-kind super-zoom video from a unique angle above the theme park. This experience will be available for a limited time after the holiday, but beginning July 3, the photographer here will offer a patriotic prop you can include in your photos and video.

Please note that the video can only be downloaded and shared by those with Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day.

Another fun photo prop can be found near the iconic Partners Statue of Walt and Mickey! Show your patriotism and love for Mickey’s Best Pal, Pluto, with this special July 4th photo prop. Pro Tip: Hold the prop like it was Captain America’s shield for an awesome, not awkward, pose!

During the day, be on the lookout for a Disney PhotoPass photographer near the Liberty Bell in Liberty Square for this Muppets Magic Shot and enjoy the historic atmosphere of this patriotic area of Magic Kingdom. This magic shot will only be available during daylight hours of operation, so be sure to get your shot before sunset! While you are there be sure to check out the Hall of Presidents. It’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer day at the park.

Stroll on over to the Fantasyland castle wall near Prince Charming Regal Carousel to take a special photo in front of Cinderella’s Coach. Be sure to get your photo here before the coach turns back into a pumpkin.

This next photo opportunity you can do with or without a Disney PhotoPass Photographer! Before the sun sets, take this patriotic shot in Liberty Square near the flag poles. This photo op screams Instagram worthy photo.

With twilight’s last gleaming, you can salute the “American Original” Mickey Mouse with a bokeh effect photo opportunity. A Disney PhotoPass photographer will be available on Center Street (near Uptown Jewelers, off Main Street U.S.A.) for this unique and social media worthy shot.

The fun isn’t over after the sun goes down. You can find a red, white and blue light painting opportunity behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square.

To top off the night guests can watch the “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” which will offer booming red, white, and blue fireworks orchestrated to patriotic melodies at Magic Kingdom Park on both July 3rd and July 4th at 9:15 p.m.

Fans who are not able to join in the Independence Day celebration at the park can view a special July 4 live stream of the dazzling fireworks display via the Disney Parks Blog.

We hope you enjoy a fun and safe holiday at the place “Where Dreams Come True” and we can’t wait to see your patriotic photos. Happy Independence Day from all of us here at Chip and Company!

Photo Credit: Disney/Disney PhotoPass

Updated Menu Coming to Tangierine Café at Epcot Later This Month!

By

Tessa H

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June 28, 2019

According to Orlando Park News, at the end of June Tangierine Café in Epcot is updating its menu, featuring new Moroccan delicacies and slightly higher prices for items on the current menu.

See below the updated menu with an increase of $1 for the majority of choices:

Below is the current menu found on Walt Disney World’s Dining page for Tangierine Café, which will be updated with the new prices and options in due time:

What do you think of the updated menu for Tangierine Café? For our review, click here!

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind Attraction Opens at Disneyland!

By

Tessa H

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June 28, 2019

After the emotional whirlwind for many as Bug’s Land closed to make way for Marvel-themed land. Today Pixar’s Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind attraction opens at Pixar Pier, Disney’s California Adventure!

Now using the infrastructure of Flik’s Flyers, the attraction has been reimagined with Pixar’s Inside Out! Guests hop onto one of eight Memory Movers and take a sensational spin and help Riley’s emotions, (Anger, Disgust, Fear, Joy and Sadness) organise the memories that are being collected! To complete this stunning attraction, Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino created five music tracks, one for each of the emotions for guests to listen while they whizz around the memories! It seems that Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind attraction opens just in time for summer!

Check out the video from Disney Park Blog below: