Everything You Need to Eat, See, and Do at Pixar Fest 2024

April 26, 2024April 26, 2024

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Get ready to dive into the world of Pixar magic with Disneyland Resort’s Pixar Fest—returning bigger and better than ever! From April 26 to August 4, the Resort will be transformed into a playground of Pixar delights. From playful encounters with beloved characters to delectable food delights, here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect from this Pixar frenzy:

Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration

Disney Live Entertainment unveils its latest daytime parade, Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration—bursting with vibrant floats and beloved characters from Pixar Animation Studios. Join Red Panda Mei and her Turning Red crew as they rock out to the tunes of boy band sensation 4*Town, while Soul’s Joe Gardner and 22 merge their worlds in a celebration of life’s sweetest moments.

Alongside them, Luca, Alberto, and Giulia from the charming coastal town of Portorosso bask in the sun-drenched delight of friendship, celebrating Pixar’s Luca—and that’s just a glimpse of the Pixar magic awaiting in this procession…

During a recent panel presentation about this year’s Pixar Fest, Robin Trowbridge, show director at Disney Live Entertainment, revealed that the parade’s infectious melody was crafted to be “as catchy as possible”!

Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular

“Lights, camera, action” is truly the anthem of this unforgettable nighttime spectacle. Featuring fireworks over the Sleeping Beauty Castle and projections showcasing more than 70 beloved Pixar characters (including the five newest Emotions from Inside Out 2), Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular feels straight out of a movie.

Fun fact: Every Pixar film is included in this show!

Pixar Pals Playtime Party

The Pixar Pals Playtime Party will delight the young and young-at-heart at the Fantasyland Theater several times a day. And in between performances of this high-energy dance show, a selection of iconic Pixar shorts will be shown on the theater’s big screen. Plus, you’ll have the chance to mingle with beloved Pixar stars like Joy, Sadness, Woody, Edna Mode, and more!

The Merch is Here!

New merchandise inspired by Pixar films has made its way around Disneyland Resort, from timeless tees to must-have bucket hats. Don’t miss this wonderful chance to bring a slice of the Pixar magic home with you!

Club Pixar

Every day throughout Pixar Fest, The Hollywood Backlot in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park will ignite with Pixar magic. Experience an interactive DJ dance party, live performances, Pixar-themes games, photo ops, and a delightful “drive-in” theater featuring favorite Pixar Shorts, such as the Oscar®-winning Bao.

To fuel guests through the night, Club Pixar has themed cuisine, with lots of Pixar-inspired goodies. From the Red Panda Bao to the Ratatouille Pizzetta, this event will make you hungry for more!

Pixar or… Food Fest?

Speaking of eats and treats, Pixar Fest is lining up to be a foodie’s paradise—with even more culinary creations launching on May 10 at special marketplaces around Disney California Adventure, each ensuring a Pixar story that’s not just watched but savored.

D23 Gold Member Offer: 50% Off Admission to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, MO

April 26, 2024

Where: Walt Disney Hometown Museum

What: 50% Off Tickets

Expires: December 31, 2025

The Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Missouri, is the recipient of a unique collection of family effects, never seen anywhere else. The museum, in the heart of the town where Walt lived from 1906 to 1911, provides an intimate understanding of Walt and his amazing life history and family!

Exclusively for D23 Gold Members, the Walt Disney Hometown Museum is offering a 50% discount off admission.

*This discount is NOT valid for The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, California.

To redeem your offer in-person, please present a valid D23 Gold Membership card at time of purchase to receive the discount at checkout.

NOTE
D23 Gold Membership card must be shown at time of purchase. For hours, operating schedule, and more information, please visit WaltDisneyMuseum.org.

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15% Off Your Stay & Complimentary Parking at Holiday Inn Orlando, Disney Springs Area, FL

April 26, 2024

Where: Holiday Inn Orlando, Disney Springs

What: 15% Off Regular Rates and Free Self-Parking

Expires: April 15, 2025

Located within easy walking distance to Disney Springs^®, Holiday Inn Orlando, Disney Springs Area is in the middle of the magic and is the only Holiday Inn located in the Walt Disney World^® Resort.

As an official Walt Disney World^® hotel, we offer unique Disney Springs^® Resort Area benefits, including Early Theme Park Entry and shuttles every hour to all four Walt Disney World^®Theme Parks. Our hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, heated zero-entry pool, game room, and Kids Eat Free!

D23 Gold Members can enjoy 15% off regular rates in addition to complimentary self-parking during their stay at Holiday Inn Orlando, Disney Springs Area.

Kids Eat Free Terms and Conditions apply. For more information, contact the hotel at guestservices@hiorlando.com or 407-828-8888.

To redeem your offer online, please follow the instructions below:

D23 Gold Members can book their stay using the link below:

NOTE
Blockout dates apply. Subject to availability. Self-parking is for one vehicle per night and does not apply to other offers or discounts. Proof of D23 Gold Membership must be presented at check-in. Membership card may be a physical card or a digital membership card found in the D23 app.

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Beauty and the Beast: 30 Years of the Broadway Musical

April 25, 2024April 26, 2024

By Katie Strobel, Walt Disney Archives

There may be something there that wasn’t there before...

November 22, 1991: Disney’s animated film Beauty and the Beast was met with critical acclaim and would later be nominated for six Academy Awards^®—winning two. Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune described the feature as “an instant classic, with songs worthy of a Broadway musical,” and Frank Rich of the New York Times even called the film’s soundtrack “the best Broadway musical score of 1991.” Less than three years later...

April 18, 1994: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast debuts at the Palace Theatre on Broadway as The Walt Disney Company’s first venture into what would become Disney Theatrical Group. Nine Tony® nominations (with one win) and 30 years later, this stage musical has been seen by over 25 million people in some 37 countries.

Black billboard with a silhouette of Beast holding a rose, advertising the “2nd Smash Year” of Beauty and the Beast at the Palace Theatre on Broadway. (Photographer: Joan Marcus)

Beauty and the Beast billboard at the Palace Theatre for its “2nd Smash Year” and Beauty and the Beast at its European premiere at Vienna’s Raimund Theater in 1995.

Ever just the same, ever a surprise...

With a Tony-nominated book written by Linda Woolverton, the screenwriter of the ’91 animated feature, the musical expands upon the film’s themes. As Disney’s then-CEO Michael Eisner and then-Studios chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg challenged the creative team, “You need the essence of the movie, but... you have to bring it its own qualities—qualities that can only be experienced in live theater.” From studying the costuming of rock groups to brainstorming how kitchen utensils would move, the multi-talented team indeed brought that “quality” production to life.

Composer Alan Menken expanded upon his Oscar^®-winning original score for the ’91 film, writing several new songs for the Broadway musical with lyricist Sir Tim Rice—who came on to the project after the passing of film lyricist Howard Ashman. Menken and Ashman originally thought of the film as a musical, wanting the characters to “sing their thoughts and feelings within the story.” The film’s original Menken and Ashman tunes remain in the live stage production, including “Human Again,” which was cut from the ’91 film. These songs and that music have, over the years, gained new life with elaborate set decorations and the talents of various casts. (All three songwriters would later be named Disney Legends, the highest honor bestowed by The Walt Disney Company.)

One of those newly penned songs is a ballad for Belle called “Home,” which she performs after becoming the Beast’s captive. Its rich yet cold emotion served as inspiration for scenic designer Stan Meyer in designing Belle’s room in the Beast’s castle. He explained, “It juxtaposes... a fairy tale bedroom with the reality that Belle is the Beast’s prisoner.”

Beast—“the most fascinating character in the show,” according to Woolverton, though he didn’t have a full vocal number of his own until this production—also has a new song from Menken and Rice. “If I Can’t Love Her” reveals his tender, compassionate side after he has regrettably pushed Belle away. The song partly builds off the musical theme of the “Prologue” as well as a motif from “Belle Enters the Beast’s World” and “Beast Lets Go” from the original motion picture soundtrack. In repurposing original themes, Menken explained that he tried to “thread [the songs] out of themes that [he] had used in underscoring for the film,” giving the audience a sense of familiarity.

Sketch and inspiration for Belle’s costume by Costume Designer Ann Hould-Ward. Costume design by Ann Hould-Ward.

One of the larger shifts from film to musical was the transformation of the castle staff (i.e., Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, and friends). Instead of donning the same appearance throughout the course of the show, the staff gradually becomes more and more like household objects by way of costuming. This proved to be a challenge for Tony^® Award-winning costume designer Ann Hould-Ward, who needed to ensure the actors’ physical ability to move about the stage while dressed as a clock or a teapot. She also wanted the performers to enhance that transformation by leaving “enough room in the designs for their acting to be part of the illusion.” (See photo collage below.)

Disney fans will also be no stranger to various cast members of the show over the years. Susan Egan, the voice of Megara in Hercules (1997), originated the role of Belle—a character who’s also been performed by Disney favorites Christy Carlson Romano (Even Stevens, Kim Possible), Ashley Brown (original Mary Poppins on Broadway), and Anneliese van der Pol (That’s So Raven, Raven’s Home). Even actor Donny Osmond has donned the red tunic and hunting boots of Gaston.

Belle (Susan Egan) and Beast (Terrence Mann) from the original cast of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. (Production photography by Joan Marcus)

Belle (Susan Egan) and Beast (James Barbour). Production Photography by Joan Marcus.

For now I love the world I see, no change of heart, a change in me...

Beauty and the Beast had its last Broadway performance on July 29, 2007, ending its run with a total of 5,464 performances and 46 previews. With its 13-year run, the musical remains in the top 10 longest runs in the history of Broadway, even three decades later. And it was Beauty in the first place that launched Disney Theatrical Group, a stage musical powerhouse that would go on to produce three of the 15 longest-running shows in the history of Broadway—and change the theatrical landscape globally. Disney Theatrical Group chief creative officer Thomas Schumacher, who produced Beauty and the Beast through virtually all of its onstage life (and served as executive producer of the 2017 live-action film), thinks the reason the show remains so beloved is that “characters’ hearts and minds are changed, and people are figuratively and literally transformed by the power of love and understanding.”

The show has since been performed in hundreds of theaters around the world, including through popular touring productions. From 2018 to 2020, a Mandarin-language version played in the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Disneytown at Shanghai Disney Resort. And in October 2022, Japan’s Shiki Theater Company, in association with Disney Theatrical Productions, debuted a version in the Maihama Amphitheater at Tokyo Disney Resort.

Whether six or 96, the Beauty and the Beast stage musical will remain in audiences’ hearts and minds for years to come. Near the time of its premiere, former Disney CEO Michael Eisner reflected, “I enjoy the thought that Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will be a lifelong memory for a new generation of theatergoers, and that it will bring a new meaning to the word ‘Disney’ for veteran theatergoers.” That holds true... at least for this former 6-year-old!

Author and her brother stand side by side holding black Beauty and the Beast programs with a silhouette of Beast holding a rose.

Author and Disney archivist Katie Strobel and her brother at a performance of Beauty and the Beast in Los Angeles in May 1995, then pictured in 2024 with their original 1995 Shubert Theatre programs.

This sentiment will continue with an entirely new generation when a reimagined 30th anniversary production of Beauty and the Beast makes its debut in North America in summer 2025. Anne Quart, executive producer of the new production, conveys the team’s passion for the show: “We are thrilled to have once again gathered this world-class creative team on Beauty and the Beast, under the masterful direction of original team member Matt West. Together they created a beloved show in 1994, and today they’re telling that story with all the charm and romance of the original production, and newly resonant for today’s audiences. It’s a pleasure to be back in the room with this peerless team as they re-discover and expand Beauty and the Beast.” Learn more about the upcoming production here.

Costume sketches by costume designer Ann Hould-Ward for the characters Beast, Gaston, and Mrs. Potts. Costume design by Ann Hould-Ward.

Disney Store Products for Your Little One’s Vacation to Walt Disney World Resort

April 24, 2024April 25, 2024

By Paula Poveda

Summertime is just around the corner! The school year is coming to a close and family vacations are on the horizon—and there is truly no better place to enjoy this precious time than with a family vacation to Walt Disney World Resort®. Whether you’re planning your first trip with your little ones or you’re a frequent guest, we have the perfect list of merchandise from DisneyStore.com to bring on this exciting trip to match your favorite attractions and entertainment.

First thing’s first: Let’s shield those little eyes from the Florida summer sun with some sunglasses featuring your favorite pals, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, that are as cool as they are stylish.

When you arrive at Magic Kingdom Park, head over to Town Square Theater to meet Mickey Mouse and get that frame-worthy family picture. And once you reach Storybook Circus, make sure to stop by Pete’s Silly Sideshow for a meet and greet with Minnie Mouse.

You’ll cherish those pictures for a lifetime! And these images wouldn’t be complete without a t-shirt to commemorate the special occasion. These “Play in the Park” Mickey Mouse and Friends and Mickey Mouse t-shirts would be a perfect addition as the family plays all day and creates timeless memories.

Speaking of play, get ready to play BIG in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Immerse yourself in the magic of Toy Story as you peruse through this beautiful land. Spring through the skies on Slinky Dog Dash, and take a spin through space aboard Alien Swirling Saucers. Then, shoot for your highest score at Toy Story Mania! If your little ones like dressing up as their favorite characters, these Jessie, Sheriff Woody, or Buzz Lightyear costumes would be a super fun way to experience Toy Story Land.

While visiting EPCOT, do not miss these fan favorite attractions. Board a Nordic vessel on Frozen Ever After and enjoy an enchanted voyage to Arendelle; get ready to see your favorite characters from the movie on this adventure great for kids of all ages and all heights. This would be the perfect day to pack the Frozen Snowglobe Tumbler—which has a magical, sparkling Olaf “snowglobe” built right into the base. Then, get excited to experience Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure with this adorable Remy plush. The 4D culinary adventure is sure to captivate all your senses as you zip, dash, and scurry through Gusteau’s Kitchen.

Get ready to go wild and witness the magic of nature at Disney’s Animal Kingdom just in time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Lion King this summer! Make sure to catch a showing of Festival of the Lion King; this larger-than-life show is filled with songs, pageantry, and puppetry sure to captivate the imagination of your little ones. And if you’re a fan of The Lion King, then you’re going to want to check out this cuddly Simba Plush or this super fun Simba Water Bottle with Plush Crossbody Carrier to bring on this park day. It doesn’t get any cuter than this!

For more magical finds featuring your favorite Disney characters, head to DisneyStore.com to get ready for your vacation. And don’t forget to leave a little extra room in your suitcase for all the amazing merchandise you will find while you’re at Walt Disney World Resort!

D23 Gold Member Offer: 15% Off Your Stay & Discounted Amenities at Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim Garden Grove, CA

April 24, 2024

Where: Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim Garden Grove

What: Exclusive Rates and Amenities

Expires: April 15, 2025

Located just over one mile from the DISNEYLAND® Resort, the Hampton Inn & Suites offers spacious guest rooms—perfect for couples and families. Whether you’re staying in a standard room or one-bedroom suite, you’ll be able to enjoy a free hot breakfast buffet each morning before heading to the Resort.

D23 Gold Members will enjoy savings while staying at this magical Good Neighbor Hotel, including:

15% discount on daily room rate
Complimentary breakfast buffet
$10 discount on daily parking
A commemorative D23 Gold Member pin upon check-in, 1 (one) per room, while supplies last

To redeem your offer online, please follow the instructions below:

NOTE
Proof of D23 Membership must be presented at check-in. Membership card may be a physical card or a digital membership card found in the D23 app.
Rates are subject to availability. Blockout dates apply. 48 Hour cancellation policy.

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D23 Gold Member Offer: 15% Off Your Stay & Discounted Amenities at Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim in Garden Grove, CA

April 24, 2024

Where: Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim in Garden Grove, CA

What: Exclusive Rate and Amenities

Expires: April 15, 2025

Located just over a mile from the Disneyland® Resort, the Hilton Garden Inn completed a $4 million renovation in 2023. This hotel features spacious king or two-queen beds, making it the perfect destination for couples and families.

D23 Gold Members will enjoy exclusive savings while staying at this magical Good Neighbor Hotel, including:

15% discount on daily room rate
15% food and beverage discount, including at the Garden Grille, open for breakfast and dinner
$10 daily parking discount
A commemorative D23 Gold Member pin upon check-in, 1 (one) per room, while supplies last

To redeem your offer online, please follow the instructions below:

NOTE
Proof of D23 Membership must be presented at check-in. Membership card may be a physical card or a digital membership card found in the D23 App.
Rates are subject to availability; blockout dates apply; 48-hour cancellation policy.

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the D23 Fan Club app, your membership card is just a few taps away.
Access your benefits from your phone!

Get More Disney With D23 Gold Membership
Enjoy exclusive discounts and access to special events and merch.
Also includes our quarterly publication and annual Collector Set.

BECOME A GOLD MEMBER

D23 Gold Member Offer: 15% Off Your Stay & Complimentary Amenities at Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Maingate, CA

April 24, 2024

Where: Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Maingate

What: Exclusive Rates and Amenities

Expires: April 15, 2025

Located just over a mile from Disneyland® Resort, Homewood Suites offers spacious two-room suites with full kitchens, making it a perfect destination for couples and families. Enjoy a free hot breakfast buffet each morning before heading to the Resort.

D23 Gold Members will enjoy exclusive savings while staying at this magical Good Neighbor Hotel, including:

15% discount on daily room rate
Complimentary breakfast buffet
$10 daily parking discount
A commemorative D23 Gold Member pin upon check-in, 1 (one) per room, while supplies last

To redeem your offer online, please follow the instructions below:

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Enjoy exclusive discounts and access to special events and merch.
Also includes our quarterly publication and annual Collector Set.

BECOME A GOLD MEMBER

All D23 Members: Exclusive Discounts at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, WA

April 23, 2024April 24, 2024

Where: The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, WA

What: Exclusive Discounts on Select Tickets

Expires: December 31, 2025

The 5th Avenue Theatre is one of America's leading musical theater companies. They enrich the community they love with the art form they love—giving the Pacific Northwest a front-row seat to original powerhouse productions that go on to light up marquees and audiences all the way to Broadway.

From the page to the stage, they bring passion and epic scale to every musical they create. With big talent. Bigger-than-life productions. And did we mention dazzle? As a nonprofit theatre company and the region's largest performing arts employer, The 5th Avenue Theatre spreads the joy of great musicals with people of all ages across the region and the state.

Your D23 Membership gives you exclusive access to 25% off tickets to all locally produced shows and 20% off specific performances of national touring productions at the fabulous 5th Avenue Theatre!

Follow the below instructions to access your discount offer online:

NOTE
A $9.00 facility fee applies to each ticket; a $10.00-per-ticket service fee applies to web orders. Not valid with other offers or on previously purchased tickets. All sales are final; tickets are nonrefundable.

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Save 15% at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground, CA

April 23, 2024

Where: Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground

What: 15% Off Regular Rates

Expires: April 15, 2025

Dive into the magic of Anaheim with an exclusive offer just for D23 Gold Members! Enjoy an 15% off your stay at Howard Johnson Anaheim—the ultimate family-friendly hotel conveniently located across the street from Disneyland Resort and just 1.5 miles away from the Anaheim Convention Center!

Splash in our Garden Pool, explore Castaway Cove water park, and bask in seven lush acres of pure fun! Hurry, book now, and let the adventure begin! Don’t forget to check out @hojoanaheim on Instagram for more magic!

D23 Gold Members can enjoy 15% off regular rates at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground, a Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel.

To redeem your offer online, please follow the instructions below:

NOTE
Rates and availability are subject to change. Blockout dates apply.
Proof of D23 Membership must be presented at check-in. Membership card may be a physical card or a digital membership card found in the D23 app.
In the absence of a valid D23 Gold Membership Card, the rate will be adjusted to the current standard rate.

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the D23 Fan Club app, your membership card is just a few taps away.
Access your benefits from your phone!

Get More Disney With D23 Gold Membership
Enjoy exclusive discounts and access to special events and merch.
Also includes our quarterly publication and annual Collector Set.

BECOME A GOLD MEMBER