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Disney News Disney Parks Other

NEWS: Statement About the Disney Parks Ongoing Closures Released By Disney’s Guest Relations Team

Just yesterday we found out the Universal Orlando intends to open on July 5th.

Disneyland Main Entrance

Naturally, this has us wondering when Disney parks will seek to reopen (they are set to submit their proposal next week). Today, the Guest Relations team from the domestic parks released a statement about expectations for Disney World and Disneyland. Here’s what they said.

The statement posted on Disney Parks Blog, serves as an update to the many Disney guests who are seeking an upcoming Disney vacation. In it, the Guest Relations team explains that there is still much uncertainty about when the Disney parks will reopen, so they have had to periodically adjust the booking window and cancelations.

Guest Relations Update Screenshot

The team explains that these adjustments are not necessarily the final dates and that changes to booked experiences, park tickets, and park passes may continue to shift in the coming weeks. Just yesterday, guests received emails that vacations through mid-June had been canceled and at this time Disney is accepting new reservations beginning July 1. 

Cinderella Castle in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

As a reminder, if you have any reservations that need to be changed or canceled, the Guest Relations team will work with you to make sure all of the necessary modifications are made. Stay tuned with DFB as we report in on any more updates from the Disney team.

What do you think of this statement? Share your thoughts in the comments.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, Disney Parks closures, Disney reopening, Disney World, Disneyland, Guest Relations

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Disney Movies Disney+ Other Pixar

New Pixar SparkShorts “Out” Features First Openly Gay Protagonist

New Pixar SparkShorts “Out” Features First Openly Gay Protagonist. A new Disney-Pixar SparkShorts, “Out”  has premiered on Disney+ and it features the first openly gay protagonist for the studio.

“On an average day, Greg’s life is filled with family, love and a rambunctious little dog – but despite all of this, Greg has a secret Today is different, though. With some help from his precocious pup, and a little bit of magic. Greg might learn that he has nothing to hide.”

Disney shared the news via social media with a photo of the short along with the caption: “The latest heartwarming tale from @Pixar’s #SparkShorts. Start streaming Out tomorrow on #DisneyPlus.”

View this post on Instagram

 

The latest heartwarming tale from @Pixar’s #SparkShorts. Start streaming Out tomorrow on #DisneyPlus.

A post shared by Disney (@disney) on May 21, 2020 at 7:15am PDT

Out was written and directed by Steven Hunter and produced by Max Sachar. “Out” is now available to stream on Disney+. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for all things Disney!

Featured Photo Credit: Disney-Pixar

Source: Disney+/Disney

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Pixar, Disney+, News, disney pixar, LBGT, Out

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

NEWS: Legoland in Central Florida Is Officially Reopening June 1st

While yesterday we informed you Legoland Florida had received initial approval to reopen June 1st, Governor Ron DeSantis has now given the Winter Haven City-based theme park the green light.

©Legoland

Legoland has officially announced it will be reopening its Central Florida location in just over a week.

Once its plan was approved by the Florida Governor, Legoland immediately sent out announcements. We received an email moments ago confirming June 1st if Legoland’s official reopening date.

©Legoland

Legoland’s reopening plan included modifications such as operating at a maximum 50% capacity (about 6,000 guests). The park will be “highly recommending” the use of face masks by guests, but is not requiring them at this time. For the water park, masks are only recommended for use when visitors are dry.

Face Masks Are Strongly-Encouraged, But Not Mandatory at Legoland

Face coverings do not need to be worn in Legoland by:

  • Children under 2 years of age
  • People who have trouble breathing
  • Anyone who is unable to remove the face covering without assistance

Additionally, Legoland says they will be providing guests with face coverings if they did not bring one. 

©Legoland

Legoland’s New Health Screening Process

Guests with temperatures of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to enter the park. According to Legoland’s website they also say you will not be admitted if you have:

  • Coughing, fever (over 100.4 º F), or difficulty breathing
  • Traveled internationally in the last 14 days
  • Been on a cruise ship in the last 14 days
  • Been in a location with widespread COVID-19 transmission in the last 14 days
  • Been in close contact with a person known or suspected of having COVID-19 in the last 14 days
  • Tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days

©Legoland

Legoland says their touchless temperature screenings will be required for all guests, including children, and employees before entering the park. Any families or groups that have a member with a fever (of 100.4º F or above) will not be allowed in.

Disinfecting Touchpoints and Commonly Used Surfaces More Frequently

Legoland says they will be cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces more regularly especially “tables and chairs, service counters, LEGO® Bricks, ride restraints, door handles, and more.” They will also be adding more hand sanitizer dispensers and hygiene stations throughout the park. Similar to Disney World’s My Disney Experience app, guests can use Legoland’s official mobile app (which is also free) to locate these additional locations.

©Legoland

Social Distancing Markers and Additional Safety Measures

Markers have been installed throughout the resort reminding guests to stay six feet apart while employees will monitor the queues to ensure social distancing is being maintained. Ride vehicles will be loaded leaving empty seats between guests. Dining areas are also being reconfigured to ensure a safe distance separates each parties’ table.

Indoor shops and restaurants will have a limited capacity while the self-service buffets will also be reconfigured to reduce the number of touchpoints including cutlery and condiments being left out on the table. These items will now be provided to guests upon request. Some guest experiences, entertainment offerings, retail locations, restaurants, and other park features such as water fountains may be temporarily suspended.

©Legoland

New Safety Measures at Legoland’s Hotel and Other Recreational Areas

Inside the hotels, Legoland is asking only one party per elevator and to take the stairs where possible to help maintain social distancing regulations. For their mini-golf course, they are asking groups to maintain a one-hole distance at all times.

Now that Governor Ron DeSantis has twelve other reopening proposals of Central Florida attractions to consider, we could know more details about other theme parks that are planning to reopen soon. So far, Disney World is expected to submit its proposal next week while Universal Studios has requested a reopening date to receive guests starting June 5th (which is still pending final approval).

What do you think of Legoland’s reopening plan? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, approved, face masks, face masks not required, hotels, june 1st, legoland, new procedures, phased reopening, reopening, restaurants, safety measures, social distancing, temperature screenings

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Disney Movies Disney News Other

Full List of All the Live-Action Remakes Coming from Walt Disney Studios

Full List of All the Live-Action Remakes Coming from Walt Disney Studios. Disney has seen raging success with live-action remakes, with a few snubs here and there, but so far the trend has earned the company several billion dollars in the last few years alone so it seems the famed film studio plans to keep the trend going as long as they can.

With the launch of Disney+, the all new streaming service including titles from Marvel Studios, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic, and all things Disney, there is a new demand not only for theatrical released films, but for exclusive content intended for Disney+.

It appears that Disney will be using this avenue to remake some of our favorite and underrated Disney Classics as well as release plenty of live-action remakes in theaters. Here is what we can expect from Disney in the 20’s:

Mulan (July 24, 2020)

Photo Credit: Disney

“When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father.”

Cruella (May 28, 2021)

Photo Credit: Disney

Cruella follows a young Cruella de Vil in a villain origin story that takes place prior to the events of 101 Dalmatians, which first hit screens as an animated film in 1961 and in 1996 got a live-action version starring Glenn Close and Jeff Daniels.”

Aladdin (2019) Sequel

Photo Credit: Disney

A sequel is reportedly in the works for Aladdin (2019), but will likely premiere on Disney+. It is currently unknown if the original cast will reprise their roles.

The Jungle Book Sequel

Photo Credit: Disney

The sequel is slotted to have Jon Favreau return as director for the film with Justin Sparks penning the script. It is currently unknown if the original cast will reprise their roles.

Lilo & Stitch

Photo Credit: Disney

“A tale of a young girl’s close encounter with the galaxy’s most wanted extraterrestrial. Lilo is a lonely Hawaiian girl who adopts a small ugly “dog,” whom she names Stitch. Stitch would be the perfect pet if he weren’t in reality a genetic experiment who has escaped from an alien planet and crash-landed on Earth. Through her love, faith and unwavering belief in ohana, the Hawaiian concept of family, Lilo helps unlock Stitch’s heart and gives him the ability to care for someone else.” 

A live-action adaption of Lilo & Stitch will feature live-action actors for the human characters and filming locations, but will feature CGI characters such as Stitch, Pleakley, Jumba, The Grand Councilwoman, and more. Mike Van Waes is slotted to write the script for the film, and Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich will produce. It is also currently unknown if the live-action film will premiere in theaters or on Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+.

Peter Pan & Wendy

“Wendy and her two brothers are amazed when a magical boy named Peter Pan flies into their bedroom, supposedly in pursuit of his rebellious shadow. He and his fairy friend, Tinkerbell, come from a far-off place called Neverland, where children stay perpetually young. Enchanted, the kids follow him back. But when Pan’s nemesis, the pirate Captain Hook, causes trouble, the kids begin to miss their old life.”

The film will star Ever Anderson (Wendy Darling) and Alexander Molony (Peter Pan).

The Little Mermaid

Photo Credit: Disney

The film will star Halle Bailey (Ariel), Melissa McCarthy (Ursula), Jonah Hauer-King (Prince Eric), Javier Bardem (King Triton), David Diggs (Sebastian), Awkwafina (Scuttle),and Jacob Tremblay (Flounder).

The Little Mermaid” will be directed by Marshall and written by David Magee. Original songs from the 1989 animated classic will be incorporated into the new movie, as well as new tunes from original composer Alan Menken with lyrics by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda is also producing the film with Marshall, Marc Platt, and John DeLuca.

Hercules

Photo Credit: Disney

The live-action remake of Hercules will feature music from the original animated film as well as new music from famed composer and Disney Legend, Alan Menken. Joe and Anthony Russo are acting as producers on the project, with a. script being penned by Dave Callaham (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings).

Robin Hood

Photo Credit: Disney

“An amiable rooster called Alan-a-Dale tells stories and sings songs of the heroic Robin Hood and his trusty sidekick, Little John, in this animated animal-themed adaptation of the legendary story. When evil Prince John deputizes the Sheriff of Nottingham to collect unreasonable taxes from the animals of Sherwood Forest, Robin, Little John and the other merry men wage a lighthearted battle against their evil foes.”

The remake is rumored to be modeled similarly to The Lion King and will feature anthropomorphic characters with the use of VFX and CGI over real sets and locations. Set to direct the film is Carlos Lopez Estrada (Blindspotting) and penning the script is Kari Granlund (Lady and the Tramp(2019), Godmothered). Justin Springer (Tron: Legacy, Dumbo) is signed on to produce the film for Disney+.

Pinocchio 

Photo Credit: Disney

“A dark, twisted retelling of the famous Carlo Collodi fairy tale about the wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. When Pinocchio comes to life, he turns out not to be that nice of a boy, creating mischief and playing mean tricks. He eventually learns a few lessons.”

Robert Zemeckis is set to direct,  It is also currently unknown if the “live-action” Pinocchio will premiere in theaters or on Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

“Jealous of Snow White’s beauty, the wicked queen orders the murder of her innocent stepdaughter, but later discovers that Snow White is still alive and hiding in a cottage with seven friendly little miners. Disguising herself as a hag, the queen brings a poisoned apple to Snow White, who falls into a death-like sleep that can be broken only by a kiss from the prince.”

Marc Webb is set to direct the film with Erin Cressida penning the script.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

“Quasimodo, the bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, bides his time locked away in a tower. With only gargoyles and occasional visits from Judge Claude Frollo to keep him company, Quasimodo longs to be with other people, leading to his chance encounter with the enchanting Gypsy, Esmeralda. When the beautiful young woman catches the attention of Quasimodo’s guardian, sinister Frollo, Quasimodo must help to keep her out of his clutches.”

No production members or casting choices have been announced at this time.

Bambi

Photo Credit: Disney

“A young deer named Bambi joins his new friends, a rabbit named Thumper and a skunk named Flower, in exploring his forest home. As a boy, he learns from his doting mother and his father, The Great Prince of the Forest, that there are dangers in the open meadows where hunters can spot the animals, and he meets a beautiful young doe named Faline. As Bambi grows up, he learns that there is tragedy as well as beauty and joy in his forest world and on the path to adulthood.”

The remake is rumored to be modeled similarly to The Lion King and will feature anthropomorphic characters with the use of VFX and CGI over real sets and locations.Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Lindsey Beer are set to pen the script.

The Sword in the Stone

Photo Credit: Disney

“As an orphaned child, Arthur, who was then known as Wart, wants to help his foster brother, Kay, succeed in becoming a knight. While helping Kay train, Wart stumbles upon a cabin belonging to Merlin, a bumbling but talented wizard. Merlin does his best to convince the boy that he is bound for greatness, and when Wart and Kay travel to London to attend a jousting contest, they learn that Merlin was right.” The live-action The Sword in the Stone is set to release exclusively on Disney+.

We can’t wait to see these titles, and many others, when they come to theaters or Disney+! What live-action remakes or new titles are you excited to see? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for all things Disney!

Featured Photo Credit: Disney

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Movies, News, Aladdin, Bambi, cruella, disney, Hercules, Lilo & Stitch, Live action, mulan, Peter Pan and Wendy, Pinocchio, Robin Hood, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Jungle Book, THE LITTLE MERMAID, The Sword in the Stone

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Disney News Disney Parks

It’s official Legoland Florida reopening on June 1st

Legoland Florida Reopening

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort will officially reopen on June 1st. As the health and safety of guests and employees at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort continues to be paramount, the Resort’s extensive plan of enhanced health and safety measures includes reduced capacity, cashless payments, social distancing practices and enhanced cleaning regimes. The Resort will initially open with adjusted operating hours.

Along with the park and waterpark’s reopening, the all-new LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel will debut on June 1. Reservations are available for travel dates June 1 or later for both LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel and LEGOLAND® Hotel.

Here is a look at what guests can expect with the reopening of LEGOLAND Florida Resort on June 1.

PEACE OF MIND POLICY FOR NEW LEGOLAND® FLORIDA BOOKINGS & ANNUAL PASS PURCHASES

We want you to have the most vacation ever — starting with your LEGOLAND Florida vacation planning experience with us.  With the Peace of Mind planning, we hope to make it a little easier for your family to assemble the pieces of your next vacation so we can build those fun, exciting and special memories together. For that reason, we have launched our “Peace of Mind Policy” with timing flexibility for booking vacation packages and for our existing Annual Passholders and ticket holders.

You can continue to book your LEGOLAND Florida vacation with the peace of mind that there is the option to change your hotel or vacation package reservation date up to five (5) days before your trip without incurring a fee.

For our new Annual Passholders, we want you to join our passholder family with the opportunity to redeem and launch your year with us during an extended period of time. You can now visit our theme park up to 100 days after your purchase to activate your new annual pass.

For our existing Annual Passholders, we will be extending the validity of your pass based on the duration of our closure period or, in the case of our Annual Passholders using monthly pay, reinstating your pass payments starting June 1 as we welcome you and your families back to experience our parks.

For Guests who had a dated ticket that was valid during our closure dates, we will be extending the validity window of your ticket through the end of 2020 so that you have the flexibility to visit us later in the year.

The Peace of Mind Policy applies to new LEGOLAND® Florida Vacation Packages & new LEGOLAND Florida Annual Pass purchases from March 9:

For a limited time, all reservations can be rescheduled up to 4 P.M. Eastern Time five (5) days prior to scheduled arrival date free of charge. Any changes to your reservation are subject to availability and new room rates may apply. If you made your booking within five (5) days of arrival, no cancellations, changes or refunds are allowed. In the event of no-show, all monies are forfeited. Tickets and Extras are non-refundable once issued, but may be used up to one year from the original reservation date. Restrictions may apply.

This policy applies only to reservations made directly through LEGOLAND® Vacations.  If your travel plans were arranged by a third-party, including travel agents, travel-booking websites, or other businesses independent of LEGOLAND® Parks and Resorts or LEGOLAND® Vacations, please contact those suppliers directly to understand their policies and any applicable fees for changing or cancelling a reservation.

The extension of the redemption window for all new LEGOLAND Florida Annual Pass purchases (current pass purchases must be activated/redeemed at the LEGOLAND Florida Front Gate within 60 days of purchase) to 100 days from date of purchase is available to guests who purchase a valid Annual Pass product between March 11 and July 31, 2020. Regular Annual Pass terms & conditions apply per pass type as outlined in the terms & conditions specific to each pass type.

The Peace of Mind Policy applies to existing LEGOLAND Florida Annual Passholders and LEGOLAND Florida tickets purchased for closure dates through the duration of closure:

All active Annual Passholders, who are not currently enrolled in Monthly Pay, will receive an extension of one month for every month that the Park is closed based on the valid dates for their existing pass. All active Monthly Pay Passholder’s monthly payments were suspended starting April 1, 2020 and will be reinstated as of June 1, 2020 based on the park’s announced reopening date. Regular Annual Pass terms & conditions apply per pass type as outlined in the terms & conditions specific to each pass type.

Any unused tickets that were valid for specific dates during the announced closure period (excludes FLEX tickets) of March 16 – through the duration of closure will be valid to use as regular admission on any valid day (based on the ticket type purchased) for the rest of 2020, upon reopening, with no additional fee. Regular terms & conditions for tickets, as outlined during purchase, still apply.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

Are the hotels open? / What is LEGOLAND Hotel doing to ensure guest health and safety during coronavirus concerns?

Along with the park and waterpark’s reopening, the all-new LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel will debut on June 1. Reservations are available for travel dates June 1 or later for both LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel and LEGOLAND® Hotel.

For more information about our enhanced health & safety measures specific to our on-site hotels, please click here.

ANNUAL PASSES

How will the closure of LEGOLAND Florida Resort impact Annual Passes?

All active Annual Passholders, who are not currently enrolled in Monthly Pay, will receive an extension of one month for every month that the Theme Park was closed based on the valid dates for their existing pass (up to three (3) months). Blackout dates by Annual Pass type still apply.

All active Monthly Pay Pass Members in good standing will have their April and May monthly payments suspended. The number of suspended months will be deducted from the number of required contracted monthly payments. For example, the suspended months of April and May reduce the required payments from 12 to 10. Although the contract allows them to continue month-to-month after the revised required 10 monthly payments. Monthly payments will be reinstated as of June 1, 2020 with the announced reopening of the park. Billings will continue until they cancel.

Standard terms and conditions for annual passes still apply.

Are the Awesomer and Awesomest Annual Passes valid at Madame Tussauds and SeaLife Orlando since they have reopened before LEGOLAND Florida Resort?

Yes, these passes will be valid for use at both attractions for the rest of May 2020 preceding the LEGOLAND Florida Resort reopening on June 1, 2020.

TICKETS

What should I do with my unused tickets if I was planning to visit during the closure?

Any unused tickets that were valid for specific dates during the announced closure period (excludes FLEX tickets) will be valid to use any day for the rest of 2020 with no additional fee. You did not need to request a date change; this will be automatically applied to all valid tickets.

I had Parking, Souvenir bottles, or Fastrack add-ons to my tickets, will those be extended?

All of the above will be automatically extended with your tickets for use on the day when you choose to visit LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

I had a Water Park Cabana, VIP Tour, ECV, Stroller or Wheelchair rental for my visit, will those be extended?

Yes, these items will be extended for your visit but will need to be rebooked by our team due to availability. When you’ve decided to visit again, just email llf.experience@legoland.com and we will be happy to rebook them free of charge.

RESORTS

Questions about your upcoming reservation?  

If you have made a reservation through LEGOLAND Vacations with an arrival date through May 31, 2020, you will receive an email from our Reservations Team at least 5 days prior to your scheduled arrival. This email will provide details and instructions on your booking options (it will arrive in your email inbox or folder from LEGOLAND@legoland.com).

Please be advised that we are currently experiencing heavy call volume and prioritizing guests with arrivals within the next 5 days. We ask that you use the contact options in the above email for the most expedited service from our team. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

What if I booked my vacation from another seller/website?

If guests’ travel plans were arranged by a third-party, including travel agents, travel-booking websites, or other businesses independent of LEGOLAND® Parks and Resorts or LEGOLAND® Vacations, they will need to contact those suppliers directly to understand their policies and any applicable fees for changing or cancelling a reservation.

When will the new Pirate Island Hotel open? / What should I do if I have a vacation already booked for Pirate Island Hotel based on the previous opening date?

New reservations are now available for travel dates June 1 or later for the all-new LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel, as well as LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Beach Retreat. For the most recent updates, visit: legoland.com/operations-update

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Legoland, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland and More, COVID-19, legoland Florida, Legoland Florida reopening, orlando