M. Mouse Mercantile Gift Shop Reopens After Refurbishment at Grand Floridian Resort
M. Mouse Mercantile has reopened its doors at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa after a two-month refurbishment. Guests can now enjoy a refreshed shopping experience with new flooring, a fresh coat of paint, and updated displays.
M. Mouse Mercantile has undergone a stunning transformation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The shop now boasts a sophisticated new look featuring elegant flooring, a refreshed color palette, and captivating displays. Crisp white tile dominates the space, complemented by warm brown hardwood accents framing the entryways. For added comfort and style, a plush white carpet has been installed near the cash registers, creating a welcoming ambiance.
Before its recent refurbishment, M. Mouse Mercantile featured a vibrant pink, red, and orange carpet that covered the entire shop floor. The walls were predominantly white, lacking any accent colors to complement the bold carpet choice.
M. Mouse Mercantile has embraced a fresh, sophisticated look with a new green and white color palette. Green now takes center stage, complemented by crisp white trim that accentuates its vibrancy. This color scheme extends to the columns around the cash registers, featuring bold green bases accented with white squares.
Further back in the store, white columns are adorned with elegant green floral wallpaper, which also graces the area surrounding the large windows. This wallpaper replaces the previous eggshell hue, and the windows are now dressed with flowing white curtains.
The newly transformed M. Mouse Mercantile boasts the addition of bronze Mickey and Minnie Mouse statues. Dressed in elegant floral green outfits, the iconic duo stands proudly in the center of the shop, where the former black and gold Grand Floridian logo once resided. Both the logo and its supporting column have been removed.
Behind Mickey and Minnie, a captivating new wall display has taken the place of several windows at the back of the store.
A stunning black-and-white artwork now graces the wall behind the checkout area. Depicting Mickey and Minnie Mouse in front of the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the image is framed in white and features a delicate flower border. This elegant piece replaces the previous display of two colorful Mickey and Minnie images enclosed in brown wooden frames.
More Food Booths Out Now in EPCOT ahead of Food & Wine Festival
Get ready to savor the world! The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival kicks off in just over a month on August 29th and runs through November 23rd. With over 25 Global Marketplaces scattered throughout EPCOT, this year’s festival promises to be a culinary adventure.
Preparations for the festival are in full swing, with numerous food kiosks already taking their place around the World Showcase promenade.
Only one booth actually had a name on it when we visited Epcot this time. The Belgium booth is returning for this year’s festival! Last year the booth served Belgian waffles, a beef and mashed potatoes dish, and select alcoholic beverages.
As the festival start date approaches, eager anticipation grows as crews work diligently to transform the World Showcase promenade into a culinary marketplace.
Will you be attending Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival this year?
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Disney World and Disneyland Guests Can Now Enjoy USB-C Compatibility
FuelRod, the beloved portable charging solution found throughout Disney Parks, has undergone a significant upgrade. The once micro-USB-only power banks now boast USB-C compatibility, ensuring that guests can keep their devices juiced up no matter the phone model. However, this technological advancement comes with a price increase.
USB-C Compatibility: The new FuelRods are equipped with a USB-C port, making them compatible with a wider range of devices.
Price Increase: The cost of purchasing a FuelRod kit has increased. A single rod now costs $38, up from $30, while a two-pack is $76 (previously $60) and a three-pack is $114 (previously $90).
Kit Contents: Each FuelRod kit includes the following:
FuelRod
Paper guide/warning label
USB-C to USB-C charging cord
USB-C to Lightning charging cord
USB-C to USB-A adapter
USB-C to Samsung adapter
Upgrade Process: Guests with older FuelRods can upgrade to the new version for free by inserting their old rod into a FuelRod machine. The machine will dispense a new kit, and the old rod will be retained.New Activation Process: To activate the new FuelRod, guests must press a small gray button. The power level is indicated by four green lights.
While the price hike may disappoint some guests, the added convenience of USB-C compatibility is a welcome improvement for many. As always, FuelRods can be swapped at numerous locations throughout Disney World and Disneyland for a fully charged replacement.
Have you tried out the new FuelRods? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Lands 8th Biggest Opening of All Time
Deadpool’s triumphant return to the big screen, alongside Wolverine in the R-rated “Deadpool & Wolverine,” has shattered box office records. With a staggering $205 million domestic debut, it secured the eighth-biggest opening weekend of all time and the largest ever for an R-rated film.
The movie’s global success is even more impressive, earning $233.3 million internationally, bringing its worldwide total to a massive $438.3 million. This success propelled Marvel Cinematic Universe films past the $30 billion mark, solidifying its position as the highest-grossing franchise in history.
The film, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, exceeded expectations with strong reviews and a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie’s appeal crossed demographics, attracting a diverse audience and proving its strength across all age groups.
In addition to “Deadpool & Wolverine’s” success, Disney’s “Inside Out 2” also made history, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time domestically, surpassing fellow Pixar title “Incredibles 2.”
This weekend’s box office highlights the continued dominance of the Disney-owned Marvel franchise and the enduring popularity of Pixar’s animated storytelling. With “Deadpool & Wolverine” setting new records, it’s clear that both franchises have a bright future ahead.
Magnolia Park Brings Modern Edge to Classic Disney with “I2I”
Disney’s highly anticipated album, A Whole New Sound, continues to build excitement with the release of its second single, “I2I” by Magnolia Park. The pop-punk band’s fresh take on the iconic A Goofy Movie anthem is a vibrant reimagining that captures the spirit of a new generation while honoring the classic.
Originally performed by Tevin Campbell as the fictional rock star Powerline, “I2I” has become a beloved part of Disney’s musical legacy. Magnolia Park’s rendition infuses the track with their signature energetic sound, creating a modern twist that resonates with today’s audiences.
“‘I2I’ is a huge part of black history and inspired all of us as kids to make music. The message of the song of all of us coming together is something we all stand by,” shared Magnolia Park.
A Whole New Sound is a unique collaborative project featuring alternative, rock, and pop-punk artists reimagining classic Disney songs. Curated by Mickey Mouse and his friends, the album promises to deliver a fresh and exciting listening experience.
Tim Pennoyer, Director of Brand Marketing at The Walt Disney Company, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “It was important to me to have some up-and-coming bands on the album since part of the fun of the legendary ‘Punk Goes Pop’ series in the early 2000s was discovering new bands. After the release of the first single from A Whole New Sound, ‘I2I’ was the most requested Disney song by fans on social media to be covered next.”
Magnolia Park’s “I2I” is now available on all major streaming platforms. The full A Whole New Sound album and vinyl will be released later this year.
About Magnolia Park
Since their formation in 2019, Magnolia Park has quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live shows and infectious music. With a growing fanbase and critical acclaim, the band is poised for even greater success. Their latest album, Halloween Mixtape II, showcases their versatility and continued evolution as artists.
Magnolia Park is currently on the idobi Radio Summer School Tour alongside Stand Atlantic, The Home Team, and Scene Queen, with the tour concluding on August 17th in Anaheim, CA. Check out their music video for I2I below!
Marvel Studios Announce HUGE News & Suprise Appearances at San Diego Comic-Con
The energy was electric in Hall H last night as Marvel Studios unveiled their highly anticipated plans for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Fans at San Diego Comic-Con were treated to exclusive first looks and major announcements, including thrilling news about the next two Avengers films, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.
The Hall H showcase kicked off with a celebration of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” in theaters now. A full choral performance of “Like a Prayer” welcomed the excited crowd with dancing Deadpool variants, which ended when Marvel Studios producer and president Kevin Feige looked for Peterpool amongst the variants, calling Rob Delaney, who stars in the film as Peter, to the stage. Delaney joined Feige as the showcase’s MC, mentioning the surprise “Deadpool & Wolverine” screening for con-goers Thursday, and the massive drone and fireworks show over San Diego’s Petco Park that followed.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” has already broken box office records for an R-rated theatrical release, and the film’s opening officially pushed the MCU over the $30 billion box-office mark with 34 movies. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, and directed by Shawn Levy, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is now playing in theaters.
“Captain America: Brave New World”
With Sam Wilson about to make his big screen debut as Captain America in “Captain America: Brave New World,” Delaney welcomed to the stage Cap himself, Anthony Mackie. Joining them were Tim Blake Nelson, Danny Ramirez and Giancarlo Esposito, who confirmed he is playing Sidewinder. Together, they revealed exclusive footage, and much to the crowd’s excitement, invited Harrison Ford to take the stage. Ford makes his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as President Thaddeus Ross.
The story follows Sam Wilson, who after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, finds himself in the middle of an international incident. Sam must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red. Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: Brave New World” opens in U.S. theaters February 14, 2025.
“Thunderbolts*”
Highlighting Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts*,” Delaney welcomed director Jake Schreier to the stage alongside stars Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan and David Harbour. The latter showed up in full Red Guardian garb, earning laughs and applause from the crowd, which was treated to a scene from the movie.
Marvel Studios, and a crew of indie veterans, who definitely sold out, present “Thunderbolts*,” an irreverent team-up featuring depressed assassin Yelena Belova alongside the MCU’s least anticipated band of misfits. Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts*” also stars Olga Kurylenko and opens in theaters on May 2, 2025.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps”
Feige returned to the stage to share details of the upcoming “The Fantastic Four,” which kicks off production Tuesday. Joining Feige on stage was director Matt Shakman and Marvel’s first family together on stage for the first time, Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/The Human Torch) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/Thing). They all shared some cosmic details about the upcoming feature film that sees Galactus and Silver Surfer target Earth for destruction—and revealed the movie’s full title: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
But then Hall H was overtaken by none other than the Fantasticar soaring over the crowd, drawing massive cheers as the screens were taken over by a retro-futurist vision of New York City. Featuring music by Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino, Marvel Studios’ “Fantastic Four: First Steps” hits theaters on July 25, 2025.
“Avengers”
Just when the audience thought the show was over, Feige told them he had an Avengers update to share: Anthony and Joe Russo, renowned directors of four of the most successful Marvel movies and the studio’s highest-grossing directors with over $6 billion in global earnings, are set to return to Marvel Studios to helm “Avengers: Secret Wars” in May 2027and “Avengers: Doomsday” in May 2026.
The reveal of “Avengers: Doomsday” left one major question: who would play Doctor Doom?
The directors pointed out that Doctor Doom is one of the most complex characters in the Marvel Universe, and needed a truly great actor to bring him to life. As Feige and the Russos prepared to close out the presentation, robed figures dressed in Doctor Doom masks took the stage and then parted to reveal Robert Downey Jr. who is set to return to the MCU. Hall H erupted, chanting “RDJ!”
The Russo’s company AGBO is set to produce both films alongside Marvel Studios. Stephen McFeely, known for his work on the “Captain America” trilogy and “Avengers: Endgame,” will handle the script.
“Being able to create stories and explore characters within the Marvel Universe fulfilled a life-long dream of ours, and we discovered a powerful connection with audiences in each film that we made. We’re thrilled to collaborate once again with Kevin, Lou and the entire Marvel team to bring this epic adventure in storytelling to new and surprising places for both the fans and ourselves”, said The Russo Brothers.
Following the groundbreaking conclusion of “Avengers: Endgame,” the Russo Brothers founded AGBO in 2017, aiming to innovate storytelling across film, TV, gaming, and interactive media. As an independent studio led by a collective of seasoned artists, AGBO has achieved unprecedented success, setting new benchmarks with 11 number-one global openings and over $7 billion in box office revenue.
AGBO’s production “Everything Everywhere All at Once” earned seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, while the “Citadel” franchise became Prime Video’s second-most-watched show in history. Their Netflix ventures, including “The Gray Man,” directed by the Russos and starring Chris Hemsworth, rank among the platform’s most-watched content, with “Extraction” emerging as their most successful franchise to date.
Currently, AGBO is in post-production on Netflix’s “The Electric State,” directed by the Russos and featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, based on the acclaimed graphic novel.
Robert Downey Jr. Shocks Comic-Con: Returns to Marvel as Doctor Doom!
Marvel Studios’ Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con delivered a massive surprise for fans: Robert Downey Jr., the beloved Iron Man, will be returning to the MCU as the iconic villain, Doctor Doom!
The reveal came at the end of the panel when Downey, flanked by others dressed as Doctor Doom, dramatically unmasked himself on stage. “New mask, same task,” quipped the Oscar-winning actor, known for his complex portrayal of Tony Stark.
This unexpected twist has sent shockwaves through the Marvel fandom and set the stage for an exciting new chapter in the MCU. Downey’s portrayal of Doctor Doom is sure to be a captivating and nuanced take on this iconic villain.
The news also included announcements about Marvel Studios’ next two Avengers films, promising a thrilling future for the MCU.
Just when the audience thought the showcase was over, Feige announced he had another update: Anthony and Joe Russo, the team behind four of the most successful MCU movies and the studio’s highest-grossing directors with over $6 billion in global earnings, will return to helm Avengers: Doomsday in May 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027.
But who could possibly play Doctor Doom?
“If we’re gonna bring Victor Von Doom to movie theaters worldwide, then I think we’re going to need the greatest actor in the world to play that character,” Joe said. “As proof of the unimaginable possibilities in the Marvel multiverse, we give you the one person who could play Victor Von Doom.”
Robed figures dressed in Doctor Doom masks took the stage and then parted so that Downey could reveal himself. Hall H erupted in thunderous applause, chanting “RDJ!”
The Russos’ company, AGBO, is set to produce both films alongside Marvel Studios. Stephen McFeely, known for his work on the Captain America trilogy and Avengers: Endgame, will handle the script.
“Being able to create stories and explore characters within the Marvel Universe fulfilled a life-long dream of ours, and we discovered a powerful connection with audiences in each film that we made,” the Russo brothers said. “We’re thrilled to collaborate once again with Kevin, Lou and the entire Marvel team to bring this epic adventure in storytelling to new and surprising places for both the fans and ourselves.”
Halloween is Coming to Tokyo Disneyland Starting Oct 1st
Tokyo Disneyland kicks off its Halloween festivities on October 1st, transforming the park into a spooky wonderland filled with festive decorations, themed entertainment, and limited-time food and merchandise. Get ready for a hauntingly magical experience!
From entertainment to decorations to special holiday attractions and more, guests can enjoy spooktacular experiences at Tokyo Disneyland this year!
Decorations
There will be Halloween decorations set up everywhere! A large pumpkin with Mickey scarecrows will greet guests at the park entrance.
Entertainment
Night High Halloween – Accompanied by Halloween music, fireworks will light up the park’s night sky in brilliant colors.
The Villains Halloween “Into the Frenzy” – Disney villains bring you the coolest and most gorgeous Halloween party ever.
Haunted Mansion “Holiday Nightmare” – Starting September 19 The Haunted Mansion will be hosting a special program called “Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare,” inspired by the film “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Starting September 19, special Halloween merchandise will be available for guests to purchase. Items like special plush, ears, and more will be available!
Guests can also expect to enjoy some special Halloween themed food items! Starting September 1, some of the menus will be available. You can get items like Mickey waffles with pumpkin and maple sauce, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin soft serve, and more!
Do you want to celebrate spooky season at Tokyo Disneyland?
Disneyland Paris has shared the first look at the highly anticipated refurbished cabins at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch.The project, announced earlier this year, aims to modernize and enhance the guest experience while incorporating eco-friendly features.
Disneyland Paris President Natacha Rafalski unveiled the new cabins in an Instagram post on July 25th.
The refurbished cabins at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch boast a cozy, rustic atmosphere with wood furniture and paneling throughout. Guests will be delighted to discover charming images of Donald, Daisy, and their nephews enjoying the outdoors. A standout feature is a unique silhouette above the queen-sized bed, depicting the Duck family in a forest with a playful bear surprise.
The new Disney Davy Crockett Ranch cabins offer even more delightful surprises. A vibrant mural showcasing Donald,Daisy, Huey, and forest friends adorns the wall near one of the twin beds. A magical touch is the illuminated silhouette above the bed, featuring characters enjoying the wilderness.
The refurbished cabins at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch offer guests a private outdoor patio complete with a picnic table,chairs, and a small table, accessible via a sliding glass door or the main entrance.
This latest renovation joins the recent transformation of Disneyland Hotel, which reopened earlier this year with a royal-themed redesign.
Step into the whimsical world of Buddy the Elf this holiday season with ICE! featuring Elf at Gaylord Palms Resort. Running from November 15, 2024, to January 4, 2025, this signature holiday attraction offers a magical experience for guests of all ages.
Visitors can immerse themselves in their favorite scenes from the beloved Christmas film “Elf,” brought to life through magnificent, larger-than-life sculptures hand-carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice. The stunning craftsmanship transforms the resort into a winter wonderland, perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories.
ICE! featuring Elf Presented by PEPSI will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with special early access from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for overnight resort guests. This ticketed event is a must-see during the holiday season, offering a unique and joyful experience that captures the magic of “Elf” in a spectacular frozen display. Tickets are available now!
This holiday season, treat your family to an enchanting morning at Maria and Enzo’s Breakfast With Santa, located in the heart of the Most Magical Place on Earth. Begin your day with a festive breakfast feast in an elegant dining room overlooking Lake Buena Vista. While kids delight in take-home treats, adults can enjoy a complimentary prosecco mimosa. The highlight of the morning is a special visit with Santa Claus and his elves, complete with a keepsake photo.
Choose from the Platinum or Gold packages, available through December 24. The Platinum package offers first seating at 9:30 a.m., a priority visit with Santa and the elves, and the best lake views.
A 6.5% tax and 18% gratuity apply to all ticket purchases.
Session length: Approximately 1.5 hours
Make Christmas dreams come true with this unforgettable holiday experience. Secure your spot now and create magical memories that your family will cherish forever.
The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin has been named Marriott’s U.S. and Canada 2023 Hotel of the Year! This prestigious award highlights the exceptional quality and service that guests can expect when staying at this iconic resort.
Situated within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Swan and Dolphin offers 23 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms, and the luxurious Mandara Spa. Guests can enjoy six pools, three health clubs, nearby golf courses, and complimentary transportation throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Early theme park entry and extended evening hours on select nights enhance the magical experience.
A notable addition to the property is the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, which opened in 2021. This 14-story tower offers an upscale, boutique atmosphere and features 149 suites ideal for families, as well as two presidential suites for those seeking the ultimate in luxury.
Congratulations to the amazing team at the Swan & Dolphin for winning this prestigious award from all of us here at Chip and Co!
