Legendary Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Announces Return

By

-

March 25, 2024

Legendary Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Announces Return

We recently shared that former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde will be honored as a Disney Legend at D23 Expo this year. Now, Rohde has announced he will be returning to Walt Disney Imagineering!

A recent post on the Walt Disney Imagineering Instagram account unveiled that Joe Rohde would be making a comeback to lead master class work sessions for his fellow Imagineers.

The Instagram post reads:

“Beginning this week, Imagineers have an opportunity to participate in a series of master class work sessions led by Joe Rohde. Following in the footsteps of many former Imagineers, Joe continues to mentor and share his years of storytelling knowledge with current Imagineers, contributing to the future of creativity at Walt Disney Imagineering.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Walt Disney Imagineering (@waltdisneyimagineering)

Having retired from Imagineering in 2021 after four decades in the industry, Joe Rohde’s return made headlines. Recently announced as a Disney Legend at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2024, Rohde expressed gratitude on Instagram to his colleagues and park visitors. His influence resonates across Disney Parks, evident in projects like Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora: The World of Avatar, Aulani, and Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission Breakout, among others.

What do you think about Joe Rohde returning to Walt Disney Imagineering?

New Pizza Planet Loungefly Backpack Has Been Delivered At The Disney Store!

By

Ana Leal

-

March 25, 2024

New Pizza Planet Loungefly Backpack Has Been Delivered At The Disney Store!

A new Pizza Planet Loungefly Backpack is now available online at the Disney Store for $58! A fun bag with plenty of room to carry your daily essentials that it’s sure to be a hot favorite and one you’ll want to order as soon as possible.

It features a canvas material with an all over pattern of Pizza Planet icons including the restaurant logo, Space Crane game, The Claw, pizza slices and burgers. It includes a front zip pocket, an interior compartment with elastic closure, adjustable straps and silver hardware.

Credit: Disney Store

New Ratatouille Cheese Bucket Hat Spotted At Epcot!

By

Ana Leal

-

March 25, 2024

New Ratatouille Cheese Bucket Hat Spotted At Epcot!

A new Ratatouille Cheese Bucket Hat is now available at the France pavilion in Epcot for $29.99! A very different accessory to protect you from the sun while adding a tasty touch to your style.

This fun hat is designed to look like a piece of Swiss cheese with a bite mark on the brim, perhaps from a little sneaky rat? It also features circular details all around to make it look more like the tasty cheese and artwork of Remy in the Ratatouille sign of the restaurant embroidered in black and yellow.

You can take a closer look at this hat in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

New Tropical DVC Straw Hat Available At Epcot!

By

Ana Leal

-

March 25, 2024

New Tropical DVC Straw Hat Available At Epcot!

This Tropical DVC Straw Hat is a must have this summer to protect you from those sunny days during your vacation! You can find it at ImageWorks in Epcot for $34.99 and get ready for magical adventures as a Disney Vacation Club member.

The straw hat features a teal silicone badge that reads “Disney Vacation Club Member”, DVC logo and “Good Times, Great Places” text. The brim features teal fabric that goes all the way to the inside of the brim with an all over pattern of DVC stamps.

You can take a closer look at this hat in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

New Tropical DVC Minnie Ears Spotted At Epcot!

By

Ana Leal

-

March 25, 2024

New Tropical DVC Minnie Ears Spotted At Epcot!

We spotted a new pair of Tropical DVC Minnie Ears at ImageWorks in Epcot for $44.99 that are perfect to show your status while relaxing in your favorite Disney Vacation Club destination.

The design features Mickey chilling on a beach chair with his favorite drink to refresh during those summer days on one ear and Disney Vacation Club Member text in light pink surrounded by circular DVC property icons on the other.

Turn it around and you will find an all over pattern of DVC icons in a darker shade of green. Going back to the front, you will find a compass charm and two leaves replacing the regular Minnie Mouse bow.

Very cute ear headband to add to your collection this year! You can take a closer look at it in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

First Photos and Video Revealed for Disney’s Hercules

By

Chip

-

March 25, 2024

First Photos and Video Revealed for Disney’s Hercules

The much-anticipated stage production of “HERCULES” has finally opened its curtains at the Stage Theater Neue Flora in Hamburg, Germany, on Sunday, March 24th. Fans were treated to the first glimpse of this epic musical through exciting video footage and captivating production photos.

The show promises to bring to life the legendary tale of Hercules with stunning visuals, powerful performances, and unforgettable music. From larger-than-life sets to dazzling costumes and choreography, the production transports audiences to the mythical world of ancient Greece, where Hercules embarks on a heroic journey of self-discovery and redemption. With the release of these initial glimpses, “HERCULES” has already captured the hearts of theater enthusiasts and is set to be a must-see theatrical experience.

Disney’s HERCULES is a musical adventure with a score by eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken and Tony-winner David Zippel and a book by Tony Award® winner Robert Horn (Tootsie) and Kwame Kwei-Armah (Artistic Director of London’s Young Vic).

Hamburg will be the first place in the world to see the brand-new musical with new songs written for the stage by the film’s Oscar-nominated composer and lyricist.

This world-premiere production is directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (Aladdin) and co-choreographer Tanisha Scott, with set and additional video design by Dane Laffrey and lighting design by Jeff Croiter; sound design by Kai Harada and costume design by Gregg Barnes and Sky Switser.

The production team also includes video designer George Reeve, puppet designer James Oritz, hairstyles and wigs by Mia M. Neal, makeup by Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche and special effects by Jeremy Chernick.

The music team is led by music supervisor and arranger Michael Kosarin, with orchestrations by Danny Troob and Joseph Joubert and dance arrangements by David Chase.

Previous stage versions were performed at The Public Theater in 2019 and at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in 2023.

Whimsical Alice In Wonderland Dooney And Bourke Collection Now At Magic Kingdom!

By

Ana Leal

-

March 25, 2024

Whimsical Alice In Wonderland Dooney And Bourke Collection Now At Magic Kingdom!

You’ll lose your head for the new Alice In Wonderland Dooney and Bourke Collection we spotted at Magic Kingdom! The collection feature three different bag styles filled with whimsy and magic, and is also available online at the Disney Store, take a look:

CAMERA BAG

The camera bag is beautiful! It features different shades of blue with characters like Mad Hatter, March Hare and Alice having a tea party on the front and the Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts on the back.

CROSSBODY BAG

A crossbody bag is also available in this collection, this one features an all over pattern of Alice, Mad Hatter, March Hare, Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts, Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum, Rose, Pansy and floral details. It also includes a front pocket and adjustable strap.

TOTE BAG

Finally, a tote bag with the same all over patter as the crossbody bag is also available in the collection. This is a great bag for those that want to be always prepared and carry all their essentials everywhere they go. So cute!

You can take a closer look at this collection in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

Aerial Look of DreamWorks Land in Universal Studios Florida

By

Chris B

-

March 25, 2024

Spring has arrived here in Central Florida, which means Summer is just around the corner. Summer means warm temperatures, school break, and the opening of Dreamworks Land at Universal Studios Florida! Thanks to X user bioreconstruct we have updated photos of the progress on the land to share with you ahead of its opening in just a few short months.

dreamworks-land-bioreconstruct-2 — photo credit: bioreconstruct

The latest round of photos from bioreconstruct shows how the land is taking shape. The zoomed-out photos demonstrate how the land will flow, with attractions such as the Trollercoaster evident. The second zoomed-in photo shows a more zoomed-in look at the Kung Fu Panda section, including large supports that will eventually hold a gong.

DreamWorks Land promises to be an adventure-packed area with attractions featuring beloved characters from popular DreamWorks movies. Here’s a look at some of the top attractions:

Trolls Trollercoaster: Get ready for a whimsical ride on the Trolls Trollercoaster. You’ll hop onto the caterpillar Caterbus and join Poppy, Tiny, and the twins Satin and Chenille as you try to escape spooky spiders.
Po Live!: Meet Po from DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda in a live digital animated show. Po will train you in the ways of kung fu while babysitting his mischievous baby cousin and cooking up some delicious snacks. Get ready to shout “Skadoosh!” as you immerse yourself in this interactive experience against a vibrant orange and red background.
Shrek’s Swamp Meet: Don’t miss your chance to meet Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey outside Shrek’s cottage. Pose for a photo and enjoy a chat with these beloved characters from DreamWorks Shrek.

Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!

New Jabba the Hutt Popcorn Bucket & More Coming to Disneyland’s Season of the Force

By

Chip

-

March 25, 2024

New Jabba the Hutt Popcorn Bucket & More Coming to Disneyland’s Season of the Force

Prepare yourselves for a journey into a galaxy far, far away filled with delectable treats and Star Wars-themed delights as Disneyland Resort launches its Season of the Force event on April 5th, running through June 2, 2024.

Among the exciting offerings are several new collectible items that Star Wars fans won’t want to miss, including the Jabba the Hutt Popcorn Bucket, and Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket.

Other exciting offerings include the Grogu Sipper, Millennium Falcon Bucket, Death Star Glow Cube, Millennium Falcon Glow Cube, Rancor Beer Flight Souvenir Board with Four Teeth, Darth Vader Premium Mug, and Acid Spitter Orb Sipper, each with their own unique features and limited availability.

Whether you’re craving a tasty snack or looking to add to your Star Wars memorabilia collection, Disneyland’s Season of the Force promises an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. Don’t miss out on these limited-time offerings during your visit to the Happiest Place on Earth!

Here is a list of Souvenir Items you won’t want to miss!

2024-03-25 10_41_38-sf2345432.jpg (900×376)

Jabba the Hutt Bucket (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available starting April 5). Available at the following locations:
- Disneyland park: Galactic Grill, Popcorn near Star Trader
Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available starting May 4). Available at the following locations:
- Disneyland park: Galactic Grill, Kat Saka’s Kettle, beverage carts in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Popcorn near Star Trader

2024-03-25-10_41_52-sf5678765.jpg-900×612

Darth Vader Stainless Steel Tumbler: Includes fountain beverage at time of purchase (New)(Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available starting April 5). Available at the following locations:
- Disneyland park: Galactic Grill, Tomorrowland Fruit Cart
- Hotels of the Disneyland Resort: GCH Craftsman Grill
Grogu Sipper: Includes fountain beverage or DASANI Bottled Water at time of purchase (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available starting April 5). Available at the following locations:
- Disneyland park: Galactic Grill, Tomorrowland Fruit Cart, Lemonade near Tomorrowland Expo Center
Millennium Falcon Bucket (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available starting April 5). Available at the following locations:
- Disneyland park: Galactic Grill, Popcorn near Star Trader
Death Star Glow Cube: Can be added on to your beverage (Available starting April 5). Available at the following location:
- Disneyland park: Galactic Grill
Millennium Falcon Glow Cube: Can be added on to your beverage (Available starting April 5). Available at the following location:
- Disneyland park: Galactic Grill

2024-03-25-10_42_03-sf23456532.jpg-900×506

Rancor Beer Flight Souvenir Board with Four Teeth (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply). Available at the following location:
- Disneyland park: Oga’s Cantina

2024-03-25-10_42_14-sf24452-768x321.jpg-768×321

Darth Vader Premium Mug: Includes fountain beverage or DASANI bottled water at time of purchase (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available starting April 5). Available at the following location:
- Disneyland park: Galactic Grill
Acid Spitter Orb Sipper: Includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; no discounts apply). Available at the following locations:
- Disneyland park: Oga’s Cantina, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, Ronto Roasters

An Inside Look at New Disney Cabins Construction at Disney’s Ft Wilderness

By

Chris B

-

March 25, 2024

Guests visiting Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort will likely notice the cabins are taking on an all-new look. Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney World’s Facility Asset Management team are hard at work bringing new Fort Wilderness cabins to life. The construction of these cabins, which takes place in a discreet warehouse in Orlando, Florida is a blend of creativity and innovation.

The new cabins will offer comforts for guests familiar with the previous cabins, such as sleeping arrangements for six guests, a private patio, and a spacious living room, while also being dog-friendly. Additionally, they will feature upgrades DVC guests have come to expect, like a stove in the kitchen, larger windows for more natural light, and artwork that celebrates Fort Wilderness’s history, including nods to the former River Country water park.

The construction process is a collaborative effort with local Florida businesses, JCQ Services and Friedrich Watkins Company, employing a total of 150 people. This innovative approach emphasizes sustainability, with a technique that limits metal waste to less than 1%, which can be recycled.

Dean Huspen, Executive Architect with Walt Disney Imagineering, shared, “We developed a pre-fabrication strategy to construct cabin components off-site, ensuring minimal disruption at Fort Wilderness and maintaining high-quality construction” while Jeff Friedrich, owner of Friedrich Watkins Company, added, “We’re using a cutting-edge machine that reads plans from Walt Disney Imagineering to create customized metal studs, saving time and minimizing waste.”

The first set of cabins will open to guests on July 1st, 2024. Guests interested in booking a stay at the new cabins using either DVC points or via a cash booking can book now.

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Original Music Loop Returns to The Land Pavilion in EPCOT

By

Chris B

-

March 25, 2024

Classic EPCOT is back! At least, it is at The Land Pavilion. The original 1982 music loop for The Land Pavilion has made a comeback and can now be enjoyed outside the pavilion while exploring World Nature.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

For the past few years, a modern music loop has been setting the ambiance throughout World Nature, World Discovery, and World Celebration. However, with the recent opening of World Celebration Gardens, a new music loop was introduced for that area and the park entrance, leaving World Nature and World Discovery with generic music loops.

The era of the generic loop has come to an end, and the original area music is back! The Land Pavilion, a staple of EPCOT since its opening on October 1, 1982, is the home of Living with the Land, Soarin Around the World, Garden Grill, Sunshine Seasons, and “Awesome Planet.”

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

New ‘Dreamers at Work’ Signs Added to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

By

Chris B

-

March 25, 2024

The transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom is progressing swiftly. Recently, Imagineers were seen testing the ride, which is scheduled to open this summer. In recognition of the ongoing work, new ‘Dreamers at Work’ signs have recently been added to the construction walls.

Similar signs were installed recently on the construction walls around EPCOT. The Dreamers at Work signs typically depict familiar Disney characters or a logo related to the attraction as well as quotes from either Walt Disney or popular Disney movies.

The Dreamers at Work Signs at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure contain quotes such as “That Old Star Can Only Take You Part Of The Way. You Got TO Help It Along With Some Hard Work of Your Own” which is a line that Tiana says in the Princess and the Frog, as well as another Tiana line “The Only Way To Get What You Want In This World Is Through Hard Work”. The signs are all attributed to PPG Paints, the official paint supplier of both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!