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Universal Orlando Begins Reopening Process June 1st

universal orlando

This week Universal Orlando Resort submitted plans to begin reopening in phases starting on June 1st.

June 1st and 2nd the resort will open to team members to test the new safety protocols. June 3rd and 4th will be open to invited guests and annual passholders. And finally, on June 5th Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay will welcome guests back.

“We want to invite guests back to our theme parks in a cautious and thoughtful way,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Universal Parks & Resorts. “We have put new health and safety procedures in place for both our team members and guests. And we have worked hard to make sure our guests can enjoy their time with family and friends. Doing this the right way will take all of us — and we need everyone’s help. Guests should follow our guidelines and continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and health officials.”

With the reopening, several new safety measures will be in place, including:

  • Temperature checks at every entrance, as well as for every employee.
  • Masks will be mandatory for all guests and employees. Those without a mask will be offered one for free. Stores will also sell face coverings.
  • Staggered parking
  • Managed and reduced daily park attendance
  • Managed and reduced attraction ridership, show attendance and restaurant seating. Some areas and events may remain closed for now.
  • Increased cleaning and disinfection of food locations, ride vehicles, restrooms and other frequent “touch points” that go beyond Universal’s already aggressive cleaning procedures
  • Social distancing practices at all locations through the parks, within attractions and queues and at restaurants
  • Use of virtual lines at select attractions
  • Cashless payments and “no touch” policies where possible

Universal’s hotels are an important part of the guest experience. Reopening plans are being finalized and will be shared as soon as they are available.

You can see all of Universal’s safety guidelines here.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Universal Studios Orlando, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland and More, Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, Universal Reopening, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Volcano Bay

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Disney Movies Disney News Other

‘Avatar’ Sequels To Resume Filming Next Week

‘Avatar’ Sequels To Resume Filming Next Week. Recently, New Zealand approved the resumption of filming for various film studios including the studio housing the filming for the Avatar sequels which are being filmed simultaneously.

The news comes from Producer, Jon Landau, who shared a photo of one of the sets for the Avatar sequels along with the caption: “Our [Avatar] sets are ready — and we couldn’t be more excited to be headed back to New Zealand next week. Check out the Matador, a high speed forward command vessel (bottom) and the Picador jetboat (top) — can’t wait to share more.”

We are very excited to see filming resume on the Avatar sequels and can’t wait for more photos and insight into the filmmaking process. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Disney!

Featured Photo Credit: Fox

Source: Yahoo!

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Movies, Fox, News, avatar, Avatar 2, Avatar 3, Avatar 4, Avatar 5, Jon Landau, New Zealand

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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

Walt Disney World and Disneyland issue statement on reopening the theme parks

Disney has just released an update from Guest Relations at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort on reopening the theme parks…

Dear Guests,

It’s an understatement to say that the past few months have been a challenging time for us all.  As we navigate the longest park closures in our histories, we’ve loved hearing your kind words of hope and seeing how you’ve made your own Disney memories at home has uplifted and inspired us all.

During this time, we know it can be difficult to plan your Disney vacation. Now more than ever we’re longing for the opportunity to come together with family and friends to escape, to celebrate, to re-do missed milestones, like birthdays and anniversaries and to make new Disney memories.

Given the current uncertainty as to when we will reopen Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort, we’ve had to periodically adjust the schedule for the ability to book hotel reservations at our resorts. While we’re currently accepting reservations starting in July 2020 at both resorts, as this situation evolves, timing may continue to shift.

As we continue to follow guidance from government and health care officials regarding how we’ll be able to reopen our parks and resorts in a responsible way, we may also need to make real-time adjustments to booked experiences, park tickets and park passes.

Please know that if any reservations you may have made need to change, we will work with you to make the necessary modifications.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to check out the recent blog post from Disney’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pamela Hymel, on how we’re planning for re-opening our parks and resorts.

Our focus remains on the safety of the entire Disney community. Be sure to keep checking our websites for more details.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate this unprecedented time together. We continue to be moved by the incredible support and passion our guests have shown for our Disney family, and we hope to see you real soon.

There has been a lot of news this week regarding reservations, reopening plans and more.

Here is a highlight of some of those news articles.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney World, Disney World Reopening, Guest Relations, theme parks

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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