10% Discount at Pepe by José Andrés, Disney Springs, FL

Pepe by José Andrés
Where: Pepe by Jose Andres
What: 10% Discount
Expires: April 15, 2025

Pepe by José Andrés in Disney Springs is the first brick-and mortar location of the chef’s wildly popular Spanish food truck. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of Spanish cuisine, marrying the desire for quick, easy, approachable comfort food with the very best flavors and quality ingredients!

D23 Gold members can enjoy 10% off their final check at Pepe, located conveniently in Disney Springs.

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
Receive 10% off your purchase with valid D23 Gold Membership. Not valid with prior purchases or the purchase of gift cards. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Void where prohibited. Subject to change without notice, You must present a valid D23 Gold Membership card at time of purchase to receive the discount.

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10% Discount at Jaleo by José Andrés, Disney Springs, FL

Jaleo by José Andrés
Where: Jaleo by José Andrés
What: 10% Off Your Bill
Expires: April 15, 2025

Imagined through the creative lens of Chef José Andrés and his team, Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain by showcasing the rich regional diversity of Spanish cuisine!

Celebrating the traditional as well as the cutting-edge, Jaleo offers a taste of Spain in a festive, stylish, and casual atmosphere.

D23 Gold members can enjoy 10% off their final check at Jaleo, located conveniently in Disney Springs.

To redeem your offer in person, please follow the instructions below:

Proof of D23 Gold Membership must be presented prior to payment to receive the discount.

NOTE
Discount cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.
Proof of D23 Gold Membership must be presented prior to payment to receive the discount.

A promotional image for the Disney D23 app. The background is blue with the D23 logo and text that reads "THE OFFICIAL Disney FAN CLUB." The main text says, "TAKE THE MAGIC ON THE GO WITH THE DISNEY D23 APP," written in a casual, playful font. To the right, there is an illustration of a smartphone displaying a D23 Gold Member digital card featuring Mickey Mouse.

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

2024 Collector Set

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.

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Exclusive: Memories from 30 Years of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Broadway

By Courtney Potter

It’s a tale as old as time that’s been delighting audiences around the world for three incredible, tuneful decades. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast officially opened at the Palace Theatre in New York City on April 18, 1994—bringing the iconic story and songs from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning film to life in a thrilling new way... and setting the stage, so to speak, for the entertainment juggernaut that is Disney on Broadway.

To celebrate such a momentous occasion, D23 recently sat down to chat with several people who were there from the start: Natasha Katz, the show’s lighting designer, who would go on to design for several other Disney on Broadway productions (winning the Tony®Award for Aida); director and choreographer Matt West, who’ll soon be helming a newly reimagined 30th anniversary North American tour of the show; and Susan Egan, who originated the role of Belle on the Broadway stage.

Read on for some of behind-the-gray-stuff intel... and to learn more from these and other Disney on Broadway luminaries, D23 Gold Members can check out the Spring 2024 issue of the fan club’s collectible quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three!

In an image by Jacqueline Harriet, Tony Award-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz is seen sitting at her desk. She is wearing glasses, as well as a black blazer with a black and white striped shirt underneath. A window can be seen in the background, and various design accoutrement are seen on her desk to the left.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club: Can you tell us about some of your earliest Beauty and the Beast on Broadway memories? All of you were there, essentially, from the very beginning...

Natasha Katz (NK): There is no question that Beauty and the Beast changed my life forever. It was a turning point in my career... This was during the tenure of [then-Disney CEO] Michael Eisner and [then Disney Studios chairman] Jeffrey Katzenberg. Because they were very busy men, they weren’t there all the time—so they had an objectivity [toward] the show that was absolutely phenomenal and helped all of us, I think. That has always stayed with me and has been extremely helpful in my own way of looking at shows—to be able to find a way to separate yourself and look at it with “baby eyes,” so to speak. It was profound for me personally, that these two great producers that had come in. It was extraordinary.

Matt West (MW): [After having choreographed several projects for Disney], my team and I said, “We want to do a Broadway show. We want to take Disney to Broadway.” And [Eisner and Katzenberg] said, “Absolutely not. It’s hard to make money on Broadway.” But then they said, “You know what? You can ask us again. we might change our mind”... So we kept going back to them, and they let us start exploring some properties. At one point, Michael called and said, “What about Beauty and the Beast?” Frank Rich of The New York Times had called the 1991 film “the best musical of the season.” So the gauntlet was laid down... When they greenlit the show, it felt like we made the right steps to get to actually do Disney’s first Broadway show. And having danced on Broadway for many years and in many shows, I knew that Broadway is its own little thing—it is its own little nut to crack. So I knew there were going to be hurdles, and that Disney was a big company coming into Broadway—and that had not really been done before. The company really dealt with those hurdles brilliantly and easily and, I think, with a lot of class and style. It was one of the most thrilling moments of my life.

Susan Egan (SE): I had just come off the road from Bye Bye Birdie with Tommy Tune, and my agent said, “You should go in for Beauty and the Beast.” I said, “I don’t even know what you’re talking about. The lead role is supposed to be ‘the most beautiful girl in the village.’ That’s not me.” I had spiky red hair. If they were auditioning for Peter Pan. I’m your girl, y’know? But Belle? Not me. But my agent said, “Well, you’ve never met this casting director; you should go in because you’re new in town.” So I went, and I made them laugh. I think it made them realize there’s more than one way to do things.

After the final round of callbacks, they didn’t make us wait—they called us that night. I didn’t know what to do with myself. And this is how long ago it was—I walked up to Blockbuster Video, after stopping at the deli to get some coffee crunch ice cream—and I rented Beauty and the Beast. I hadn’t seen it yet... I found out later that every single choice was unanimous. It took them 20 minutes to cast the show, which is wild. But I mean—it had to be Gary Beach [as Lumiere]; it had to be Beth Fowler [as Mrs. Potts]; it had to be Heath Lamberts [as Cogsworth]. It  just had to be Kenny Raskin [as Lefou]. It definitely had to be Burke Moses [as Gaston] and Terrance Mann [as the Beast]. It was just one of those really crazy experiences.

In an image by Curtis Brown, original Beauty and the Beast choreographer Matt West is seen in a Disney on Broadway dance studio. He is smiling and talking to an actor, who we see from behind. There are mirrors behind him, in which we see the blurry image of a drummer behind a drum set.

D23: How has working on Beauty and the Beast—and, in later years, other Disney on Broadway productions or different projects with the company—impacted your career as a whole?

NK: I’ve traveled the entire world with Disney on Broadway! So that’s a personal thing for me that’s just been so fulfilling—to meet and work with people from different cultures, speaking different languages. Not many people get that opportunity; it’s almost like a diplomatic mission. All of that is absolutely wonderful...

I have lived in an environment with Disney on Broadway where there’s so much trust and a real sense of family—not to mention cutting-edge technology all the time, and all the different kinds of resources that Disney has—and that has definitely transferred into every other show that I do. In a sense, “nothing is impossible” is the way I think, all the time. That is, without a doubt, the consequence of what Disney on Broadway has done to my psyche, so to speak. That’s profound.

MW: Well, that’s been equally as thrilling—to have this project, my first job as a choreographer on Broadway, grow and mature along with me... All these years with this particular project, they’ve allowed me the tools to go out and explore; it’s just a joy every time I get to jump back into the ring and recreate the show. In that way, I believe we’ve been able to keep Beauty and the Beast relevant. In fact, Linda Woolverton—who wrote the original screenplay and the original Broadway libretto—and I recently went in and “wordsmithed” it again. It keeps moving with the times. We’ve made it a little more contemporary in its feeling, but it’s still Beauty and the Beast.

What’s been especially exciting, over the years, is watching Disney on Broadway—something my team and I helped launch—grow to become the most successful theater-producing unit ever. I can’t really put into words what that journey has been like for me, but it’s something that’s very near and dear to my heart.

SE: It was one of those really crazy experiences. In retrospect, everybody thought, “Well, of course Disney is [now] on Broadway”—but at the time, there was no guarantee... but something struck a chord. And that’s why I still work with Disney today; I produce for Disney now [with Disney Princess – The Concert]. It’s that Disney magic that brings people together, from all kinds of fronts. [With the shows I help produce], I’ve got a cast right now in Jakarta, in Macao; we’ve been to Saudi Arabia and Qatar—they don’t speak English, but they’re all singing “Let it Go” from Frozen!

In an image by Joan Marcus, original Beauty and the Beast on Broadway cast member Susan Egan, as Belle, stands with fellow cast member Tom Bosley as Maurice. Bosley is standing behind Egan; he is wearing a hat, glasses, and a vest, and she is wearing Belle’s signature blue dress with a white apron.

D23: Anything else you’d like to share about your experiences with Beauty and the Beast on Broadway?

NK: I think Beauty and the Beast—and Disney on Broadway in general—works so well on stage because it’s all about having a heart; that is a big part of it. And then you add everything else, which is think about all the incredible music, the incredible lyrics, the visuals; the magic of it, both for children and for grown-ups. That’s one of the things that Disney does unbelievably well—it’s just as good for grown-ups as it is for kids... All of that is a huge, huge part of it. And putting the right teams together, too. That’s the other thing—getting the right people in the room together. But in any case, I think it’s all about heart and love and kindness and working through sometimes scary situations to “get somewhere.” The loss of a parent; the loss of a sister—all those kinds of things are universal.

And there’s a familial feeling, that’s been such an endearing part of my life—as well as a metaphor for what the shows are, in the sense. That’s how it translates. Everybody working at Disney on Broadway, they’re all working from their heart to make the best show they can for the audience.

MW: These are amazing characters. They are in the animated films. To bring them to life—if the people who continue to bring these stories to life on stage are kind to the peace and honorable to the piece and make sure that people recognize these characters and their fate, we’ll have won. Because I believe that when people go to see a Disney show like Beauty and the Beast or something else that they’ve seen on screen—and that they know and they can sing all the words to—they want to feel it... They still need that Disney magic and that spark. And I think that we’re able to supply that magic feeling that no other show on Broadway has. It’s a special kind of gift that we get from the writers, and we’re able to then gift it to the audience.

SE: A common denominator is that everybody who works at Disney loves their job; there may be tough times, as with anything, but they’re fans of the product first... and Disney has a new generation of fans every five years. Beauty and the Beast is not old to the 3-year-old who’s watching the film for the first time, or to the child who’s seeing the musical for the first time ever.

Doing Beauty and the Beast was, all clichés aside, a total fairy-tale dream come true. I mean, I think the first fitting I went to, where they put that dress on me, I thought, “Just to look at the hand stitching!” I thought about the women who were sewing it—how much they cared; they would show me things the audience would never see, like in her bloomers. They had handstitched these flowers into them so that Susan, as Belle, would have something that her mother—who has died—created. They thought of everything for everybody at every level on that production; they cared so deeply about making it amazing. Nobody ever spoke down to this material. And that’s, I think, what made it great.

Beauty and the Beast can currently be seen on tour in Australia and in Tokyo—and a North American Tour will launch in summer 2025!

Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot Reflects on Being Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame

By Zach Johnson

With more than 100 lifetime patents, The Walt Disney Company’s most prolific inventor, Lanny Smoot—the Disney Research Fellow and Imagineer behind numerous astonishing special effects at Disney parks around the world—was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame last week.

Smoot is the first Disney Imagineer to receive this prestigious recognition and only the second individual from The Walt Disney Company to be inducted—the first being Walt Disney himself, honored posthumously in 2000 for the multiplane camera.

“I am proud and excited, and at the same time humbled, because this amazing honor has also been bestowed upon the likes of Thomas Edison,” Smoot says. “Bringing it a little closer to home, it was also given to personal heroes of mine, like Jim West, inventor of the electret microphone that we all carry in our cell phones and laptops—and, bringing it even closer, to Walt Disney himself, whose vision is still the guiding light for all of my colleagues at The Walt Disney Company.”

Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot points to his name in the National Inventors Hall of Fame during the Illumination Ceremony.
Courtesy of the National Inventors Hall of Fame

For Smoot, getting to attend the dinner, ceremony, and after party with other luminaries was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A standout moment “was to walk across the stage and have the (very heavy) medal bestowed upon me, topping off the event and making it ‘real’ in some ways,” he says. Smoot adds that another highlight “was that I might become a better role model for young people, especially those who look like me, to consider careers in engineering, the sciences, and invention and have as much fun as I have had in doing so.”

In choosing which patent to list during his National Inventors Hall of Fame induction, Smoot selected one related to “Where’s the Fire?”. The interactive exhibit—which was featured in the Innoventions Pavilion at EPCOT for nearly 10 years—aimed to educate guests on both fire safety and the importance of fire prevention through engaging challenges.

“‘Where’s the Fire?’… was almost completely based on this single patent, which demonstrates the power of invention!” Smoot explains. “The interactive attraction allowed guests and families to use ‘X-Ray flashlights’ to see through the walls of faux homes, and to root out safety hazards. It was, of course, entertaining for our guests, but it also contributed towards them having safer lives. The combination of Disney entertainment, and the novel use of cutting-edge technology is always a part of the ‘Disney difference.'”

In the past 45 years, Smoot has demonstrated both imagination and skill, working as a theatrical technology creator, inventor, electrical engineer, scientist, and researcher, resulting in an impressive collection of 106 patents—74 of which were created during his 25 years at The Walt Disney Company.

Smoot is also the recipient of multiple awards and honors, including three Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) for his work on fan-favorite attractions and experiences, such as Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland Park and Kim Possible: World Showcase Adventure at EPCOT. His expertise in theatrical technology earned him the esteemed title of TEA Master in 2020.

Needless to say, Smoot’s inventions—from the state-of-the-art extendable lightsaber used by Disney Live Entertainment to the Magic Playfloor aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships—have created a multitude of magical moments for guests.

“One of the mottos of the Imagineers is, ‘We make the magic!’ We continuously use our imagination, and our technical skills in service of creating the entertaining, exciting, and often educating attractions that our guests enjoy,” Smoot says. “Before coming to Imagineering, I enjoyed a successful career in telecom research [at Bell Labs and later Bellcore in New Jersey], and I valued the freedom to create based on my continuing curiosity about what technology can do. Imagineering turbocharges that type of freedom and gave me an even wider canvas for my technical skills. Being a Fellow recognizes that I have made significant contributions to the Imagineering mission, and that I am trusted to continue in that crusade. Having the title means, ‘Keep doing what you are doing! We trust you that it will be good!'”

Currently, Smoot is working with other Disney Imagineers on the HoloTile Floor—the world’s first, and only, multi-person, omni-directional, modular, expandable treadmill floor.

“Its ability to move an unlimited number of people or objects on its surface in any direction, enables whole new applications,” Smoot says. “For instance, multiple persons in virtual reality headsets can stroll through real or fantastical locations, all in a physically small space, without bumping into each other or walking off the Floor. The HoloTile Floor could also be embedded in theatrical stages to allow performers to dance in ways that would elude the most talented performers standing on an ordinary stage. It can also be used as a design tool, to allow Imagineers to walk through their creations before they are even built.”

And Smoot is just getting started. “I love getting the ‘How do they do that?’ reactions from our theme park guests, and I remain curious about how far we can take technology in service of entertainment, so I’ll just keep on doing what I’m doing,” he says. “Next project!”

Marvel Comics Tribute to 85 Years of Super Hero Stories

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Marvel Comics commemorates 85 legendary years with a special comic-book release on August 28. The Marvel 85th Anniversary Special showcases captivating covers by Kaare Andrews for the Marvel 85th Anniversary Main Cover and Luciano Vecchio for the Marvel 85th Anniversary Wraparound Variant Cover.

The Marvel 85th Anniversary Main Cover features Wolverine, Captain Britain, Spider-Man, Deadpool, Ms. Marvel, and Nightcrawler. The cover reads: “MARVEL 85th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL,” and “CELEBRATING MARVEL.”

Featuring a diverse array of writers including Ryan North, Alan Davis, Christopher Priest, Iman Vellani, Sabir Pirzada, Steve Skroce, and more, alongside artwork by Alan Davis, Steve Skroce, Josh Cassara, Stephen Byrne, Yuji Kaku and Carlo Pagulayan, this issue delves into the history of Marvel stories.

Set in the distant future of 85th century, the comic takes readers on a cosmic journey, exploring relics of Marvel’s past—from the Contest of Champions to Ms. Marvel’s triumphs.  The 72-page comic book one-shot promises a captivating read for fans.

QUIZ: Which Pixar Character Are You?

By Cecilia Sarantopoulou

As the magical celebrations at Pixar Fest continue to dazzle at Disneyland Resort through August 4, there’s no better time to immerse ourselves in the Pixar universe.

Uncover your Pixar counterpart below—and who knows, you might just stumble upon a revelation or two about yourself along the way!

When faced with a crisis, what’s your first instinct?

How do you handle challenging emotions?

What’s your approach to making new friends?

What motivates you most in life?

How do you handle disagreements with others?

What is your biggest fear?

QUIZ: Which Pixar Character Are You?
Woody from the "Toy Story" franchise

In a scene from Toy Story 4, Woody (left), a cowboy toy voiced by Tom Hanks, is looking ahead. He is wearing a brown cowboy hat, a yellow plaid shirt, a cow print vest, and a red neckerchief. On the right, Buzz Lightyear, a superhero toy action figure voiced by Tim Allen, is wearing a white and green space suit with purple accents, complete with retractable wings, and a red laser button on the chest. The background features neon lights and an elevated white surface with blue accents.

You are smart, determined, and deeply loyal to your friends and loved ones. Like Woody, you may occasionally grapple with feelings of insecurity and fear of change, but your strategic mindset and unwavering commitment make you a reliable and trustworthy companion.
Miguel from "Coco"

In a scene from the movie Coco, Miguel (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez) strums his guitar in a moonlit room. Glowing, orange petals gather on the floor and swirl around Miguel, who is wearing a red hoodie with white stripes along the sleeves, blue jeans, and black boots.

You are a dreamer at heart, passionate about pursuing your aspirations while valuing family above all else. Like Miguel, you may sometimes struggle to put your needs first, but your determination and kind-hearted nature always shine through.
Carl from "Up"

In a scene from the movie Up, Carl (voiced by Edward Asner) is wearing a brown, wool jacket, a black bowtie, a white shirt, and black square glasses. He gazes ahead in amazement. A pin on the left side of his jacket reads “GRAPE SODA.” Behind him, the background reveals a blue sky with large rocks.

You possess a strong sense of loyalty and determination, often prioritizing the well-being of those you care about. Like Carl, you may have experienced loss and hardship but ultimately find the strength to embrace new adventures and let go of the past. Remember, adventure is out there!
Joy from "Inside Out"

In a scene from Inside Out, Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler) is leaning on a large, pink controller with colorful buttons and levers. Joy is subtly glowing, and has short, blue hair. She rests on her elbows, palms cupping her face. The room’s floor is purple.

You exude positivity and happiness, always striving to uplift those around you. Like Joy, you may sometimes struggle with controlling situations and understanding the importance of other emotions, but your bright outlook on life is truly infectious.
Mei from "Turning Red"

In a scene from Turning Red, Meilin Lee (Mei), (voiced by Rosalie Chian), strolls along the sidewalk. Her short, dark hair is adorned with colorful pins. Mei wears thin, oval glasses, and a red knit cardigan paired with a blue denim skirt. A Tamagotchi dangles from her pink backpack as she holds a briefcase in her right hand. Behind her, Toronto’s Chinatown reveals buildings, a bus, and the exterior of a foot spa.

Confident and resilient, you embrace your true self despite facing challenges and societal expectations. Like Mei, you value authenticity and strive to forge your own path, standing up for what you believe in and finding strength in your relationships.
Joe Gardner from "Soul"

In a scene from Soul, Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx) is playing the piano. He is wearing a blue suit, a brown shirt, and black square glasses. The background of the photo, though out of focus, depicts Joe’s audience.

You are driven and focused on your goals, sometimes at the expense of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Like Joe, you may find yourself caught up in the pursuit of success, but it’s essential to remember to live in the moment and find joy in the journey.
Mike Wazowski from the "Monsters, Inc." franchise

In a scene from Monsters, Inc., Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) is a spherical round lime-skinned monster with a single emerald green, cyclopean eye. Mike is inside a bedroom, holding a microphone in his right hand. Standing on a stool with his right leg, the rest of his limbs stretch out/ The background shows the bedroom walls and windows.

Just like the spirited green monster, you approach life with a rational mindset and a fearless attitude. You’re hardworking, resourceful, and always ready to tackle any challenge head-on—though you might sometimes struggle to see things from others’ perspectives. Remember, your unique qualities make you stand out, so embrace them and use them to your advantage!

 

D23 Events Celebrating The Princess and the Frog – On the Menu at Walt Disney World Resort!

By the D23 Team

We’ve climbed the mountain; we’ve crossed the river… and we’re almost there! Wouldn’t you know it, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has dug just a little deeper, and we’re thrilled to share two exciting D23 events set to celebrate the rich legacy and poised future of a story that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide - The Princess and the Frog!

This summer, we’re taking our recipes to Walt Disney World, where we’ll be cooking up a pair of exceptional experiences custom-made for D23 Members! Mark your calendars for a day of flavorful fun unlike any other – June 22, 2024!

Graphic with an illustration of Tiana’s Palace in the orange and gold style of the “Almost There” sequence in the film: Patrons and restaurant employees are enjoying dinner, all with big smiles: A chef cooking eggs, a waiter holding bottles of wine on a tray, and two guests sitting at tables, one with a menu. There is an invitation to the right side depicting the event name “D23. Disney. The Princess and the Frog - 15th Anniversary Screening at Disney Springs.”

D23 The Princess and the Frog 15th Anniversary Screening at Disney Springs

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First up on the menu, D23 General and Gold Members are invited to celebrate a milestone 15th anniversary with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club as we take fans back to the magic of New Orleans and the bayou with a special theatrical screening celebration of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog at Disney Springs.

Much like Ray and his firefly family, we are flitting about with anticipation and aglow with joy! This film has inspired the world, and we’re especially excited to usher in the debut of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure with a screening of the first chapter in Tiana’s story that boasts a legacy like no other. Check out what to expect for this screening spectacular:

  • Pre-Screening Presentation: Kicking off this screening, D23 Members can enjoy a custom curated presentation, setting the stage for a very special anniversary experience!
  • Firefly-Featured Glow Pin: Featuring Ray gazing up at his lovely Evangeline, we’re thrilled to celebrate 15 Years of firefly love with a D23-Exclusive Keepsake! Fans at this event can mark this feature-film anniversary with an adorable pin, complete with glow-in-the-dark elements on Ray and Evangeline, as their gift from this screening event.
  • Tasty Treat from Gideon’s Bakehouse™: Jazzing up this screening experience even more, prepare your palates for a sensational sweet treat from fan-favorite Gideon’s Bakehouse™! Created exclusively for D23 Members in attendance at this anniversary screening, this Mardi Gras-Inspired Cookie features vanilla sugar cookie dough, festively decorated with purple, green, and gold sugar crystals, and filled with a delicious cinnamon pecan strudel.
  • A Drink on the House: Pair your cookie up with a soft drink or water from AMC’s concession stand with a soda or water voucher, effectively refreshing you for an enchanting screening experience!

We love this film as much as we love a piping plate of Tiana’s man-catchin’ beignets, and we’re so excited to celebrate this anniversary with the greatest fans this side of the bayou! Tickets are on sale May 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. PT, with this special celebration happening Saturday, June 22, 2024. Learn more about this event exclusive to both D23 General and Gold Members here. Please note this movie screening is an individually ticketed event and does not grant admission to “D23 Gold Member Celebration – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom Park.”

Image depicting event name in gold and shades of green: “D23 Gold Member Celebration. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom.” Tiana is wearing a yellow blouse, maroon scarf, and green-gray pants, looking straight forward, smiling with her arms casually crossed, standing at left of the image next to the name of the event against a background of gilded art-deco style patterns with gold and plush green.

D23 Gold Member Celebration – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom Park

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Next up, Tiana’s Foods and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club extend a warm New Orleans invitation to D23 Gold Members, where they will be among the very first to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom Park!

D23 Gold Members will be able to enjoy the attraction before it opens to the public, celebrating this exciting new adventure with a beautiful evening on the bayou! In case you’re wondering just what might be on the menu for this swampland celebration, here’s a look at we have cooking:

  • Festive Fun at Magic Kingdom Park: D23 Gold members will have access to Magic Kingdom Park during the event hours and will be able to experience the attraction as many times as they wish. (Check-in for this event begins at 5:00 p.m. ET at the Ticket and Transportation Center.) Members are invited to mingle and make some new friends with fellow guests as they snack on some tasty refreshments. After all, we’re on this earth to have some fun!
  • Musical Magic with Live Jazz Performances: While y’all are welcome to make a splash on this adventure again and again, we invite guests of this celebration to take in the enchanting evening ambiance of the bayou all while enjoying live jazz performances! We took Tiana’s advice and made sure to book a band before the festivities got into full swing. It’s time to dust off those dancing shoes!
  • Lively Lagniappe with D23 Gift: Guests in attendance will also receive a little “lagniappe,” (that’s how they say “a little something extra” in New Orleans!) with a D23-exclusive Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Commemorative Pin. We’re positive it’s going to bring your collection to a tantalizing simmer!

It’s sure to be a night full of heart and soul, made even more flavorful by the spice of life! Tickets go on sale Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 10 a.m. PT, with this sensational celebration happening on Saturday, June 22, 2024.  Learn more about this D23 Gold Member Exclusive event here. Please note this event is an individually ticketed event and does not grant admission to “D23 The Princess and the Frog 15thAnniversary Screening at Disney Springs.”

We hope you’re ready for a day of Mardi Gras magic with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club! You won’t find bigger fans of Tiana… other than Louis of course. It’s incredible to think of how far this story has come in the last 15 years, becoming an instant classic with generations of fans.  June 22, 2024, is going to be a day for the ages, and it’s our pleasure to savor these two special celebrations with fans like you! See y’all this summer on the bayou at Walt Disney World Resort!

On with the Show! 35 Years of Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Lindsey Gregory, Walt Disney Archives

Thirty-five years ago, The Walt Disney Company said “Lights, Camera, Action!” to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (which premiered as Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park on May 1, 1989), where guests could experience all the glamour and excitement of Hollywood!

The concept for the park originated long before its first renderings were sketched in the 1980s; in fact, its inspiration began with Walt Disney himself. The idea for a park based on beloved movie themes originated with the grand showman at a time when backlot tours were limited to a privileged few. He first considered a public tour of his studio in Burbank; then, a more elaborate concept for a “Mickey Mouse Park” emerged, but limited land mixed with traffic concerns led Walt to look elsewhere—namely Anaheim, California. The idea evolved, of course, into Disneyland!

While not realized in the 1950s, Walt’s idea of immersing guests in the world of film and entertainment production would continue to echo in the creative minds of the Disney staff, with several adaptations of the concept appearing over the years. One pitch by Disney Entertainment director Bob Jani called for an “Experimental Prototype Community of the Arts” in association with the EPCOT project. By the mid-1980s, a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of filmmaking had been proposed for the park in the form of a Hollywood-themed “Entertainment Pavilion.” The idea quickly grew into its own “boutique” park at Walt Disney World Resort boasting a complete motion picture and television production complex. The project was announced by then-Disney CEO Michael D. Eisner and president Frank G. Wells in July 1985.

Four years after the announcement, the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park premiered with a star-studded Grand Opening Spectacular weekend, April 28 through May 1, 1989. This black-tie celebration featured performances by some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities (including Audrey Hepburn, Kevin Costner, Morey Amsterdam, and future Disney Legends Art Linkletter, Betty White, Annette Funicello, and George Lucas)—with a Parade of Stars and “live” television tapings, including the The All New Mickey Mouse Club for The Disney Channel. The opening also coincided with the 50th anniversary of television broadcasting in the United States, which was honored on April 30 with press conferences; a dedication of the SuperStar Television theater; and a special hand-printing ceremony with TV notables at the park’s Chinese Theatre.

Performers dance down the Streets of America at Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios) for the taping of the televised Grand Opening Spectacular in 1989.
Production crews set up lighting on a set at Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios). © Disney

As Guests entered Disney-MGM Studios and set foot on Hollywood Boulevard (the park officially debuted to the public on May 1), they became immersed in a bustling merchant district populated by a cast of Hollywood hopefuls and pulsing with classic movie-theme tunes, right out of Tinseltown’s first “golden age” of film. (In the summer of 1994, the park expanded to include Sunset Boulevard, a theater district that captured the energy of Hollywood’s second golden age with elaborate facades inspired by famous landmarks like the Warner Beverly Hills and Carthay Circle Theatres.)

Speaking of landmarks, beyond the park’s Chinese Theatre centerpiece, the 130-foot-tall Earffel Tower served as one of the park’s imaginative icons; topped by a 10,000-pound pair of mouse ears, it presided over the park’s backstage production area until 2016. Another Mickey-inspired icon was a 122-foot “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” hat, unveiled at the center of the park in 2001 for Walt Disney World Resort’s 100 Years of Magic celebration. Elaborate icons such as these celebrated the magic and entertainment wizardry of both Disney and the entertainment industry at large.

A nighttime view of the Earfful Tower shimmering over Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
A nighttime view of the Earfful Tower shimmering over Disney’s Hollywood Studios. © Disney

Beyond Hollywood Boulevard, the park was originally divided into two parts: a theme park area, featuring attractions and live shows, and the Backstage Studio Tour, a guided experience showcasing how movies and TV shows were produced. (The first filming took place at the park in February 1988—more than a year before its opening to the public—for the TV movie Splash, Too). Here, Walt Disney’s early dream for a backlot tour was finally realized as guests were immersed in the magic of moviemaking, complete with tours of production facilities, special effects demonstrations, a tram ride past working sets and a residential street, and glimpses at stars at work, all packed into an epic two hours.

At Disney-MGM Studios, a backstage tram passes through the Streets of America on the Backstage Studio Tour.
At Disney-MGM Studios, a backstage tram passes through the Streets of America on the Backstage Studio Tour. © Disney

Nearby, The Magic of Disney Animation offered a memorable behind-the-scenes tour of an actual animation studio, known as Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida. Here, guests could see and interact with Disney animation artists as they carried on the traditions that founded The Walt Disney Company and witness for themselves the production of such animated classics as Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), The Lion King (1994), and Pocahontas (1995), plus Roger Rabbit shorts including Roller Coaster Rabbit (1990) and Trail Mix-Up (1993). Eventually, the Florida studio would serve as the center of production for three animated features—Mulan (1998), Lilo & Stitch (2002), and Brother Bear (2003).

Animators of Mulan (1998) holding maquettes from the film outside of The Magic of Disney Animation attraction at Disney-MGM Studios.
Animators of Mulan (1998) holding maquettes from the film outside of The Magic of Disney Animation attraction at Disney-MGM Studios. Bottom Left to Right: Aaron Blaise, Pres Romanillos, Mark Henn, Ruben A. Aquino, Broose Johnson, Alex Kupershmidt. Top Left to Right: Jeffery Varab, Daniel T. Hofstedt, Tom Bancroft, Barry Temple, Rob Bekuhrs. © Disney

Since opening day, the park’s attractions have immersed visitors into the entertaining worlds of film, television, and other Hollywood entertainment. From 1989 until 2017, The Great Movie Ride, a beloved ride-through attraction featured inside the Chinese Theatre, transported Guests into the movies—with three-dimensional tributes to memorable and enduring scenes from some of Hollywood’s most popular films, including unique interactions between live actors, Audio-Animatronics® figures, and passengers!

In the months following opening day, an elaborate stage production was ready to roll with earthquakes, fiery crashes, and a sensational finale. For nearly 35 years, the Indiana Jones™- Epic Stunt Spectacular! has left viewers on the edge of their seats (and a few lucky audience members in featured roles). This show is a behind-the-scenes look at the work of stunt performers, offering spectators a unique glimpse at what goes on in front of and behind the camera.

After starring in a film, why not visit the stars aboard Star Tours? Opening on December 15, 1989 (after intergalactic space travel was declared safe, according to the Disney News publication), the attraction originally promised passengers daily departures to the moon of Endor and beyond. In the years since, new destinations have been cleared for travel, and guests have visited Hoth, Jakku, Tatooine, and Naboo with some of their favorite light side rebels and dark side leaders on Star Tours — The Adventures Continue. (Learn about the attraction’s latest destinations at Disney Parks Blog!)

Guests jump into hyperspace aboard Star Tours in 1989. © Disney/© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd
Guests jump into hyperspace aboard Star Tours in 1989.

Although the park has experienced an action-filled evolution since its opening 35 years ago (including its renaming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in January 2008), it continues to immerse guests in the magic of entertainment in harmony with Walt Disney’s original concepts. More recent additions, such as the immersive Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—and iconic attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway—put guests in the starring role, keeping bright the spirit of “the Hollywood that never was... and always will be.”

That’s a wrap!

© Disney
© Disney/© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd

Summer with D23: Exclusive Events, Offers, and Inside Out 2 on the cover of Disney twenty-three

By the D23 Team

It’s time for D23 Gold Members to get a generous serving of insider scoop! This summer, The Walt Disney Company is releasing an unparalleled lineup of films and shows from across its many award-winning studios, and the Summer 2024 issue of Disney twenty-three has them all covered, including titles from Marvel Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios.

Inside Disney twenty-three, D23 Gold Members will get a first look at the innovative storytelling and behind-the-scenes moments from beloved franchises and brand-new titles. It starts with the publication’s cover: On June 14, Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust are back and ready for a bumpy ride in Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 as Riley navigates the roller coaster of emotions that comes with being a teenager. The highly anticipated sequel to the 2015 Academy Award®-winning film Inside Out will introduce moviegoers to four new Emotions arriving in Riley’s mind—including Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke), who appears on the cover with Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler). Disney twenty-three talked to both Hawke and Poehler as well as director Kelsey Mann and cast members Tony Hale (Fear), Lewis Black (Anger), and Phyllis Smith (Sadness). They share the inside scoop on the next chapter of Riley’s life and look back at the iconic movie that started it all.

On July 26, the dynamic duo of Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) will team up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest blockbuster. In the Summer issue, director, producer, and writer Shawn Levy and executive producer Wendy Jacobson share how this explosive matchup came together—and what moviegoers can expect from Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine. Another celebrated franchise—Planet of the Apes—that has enthralled fans for generations has unveiled its next chapter with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, now available in theaters. Disney twenty-three readers will learn behind-the-scenes secrets shared by the stars and filmmakers who are bringing this story to fans.

Over on Disney+, Star Wars fans will have the opportunity to learn what life was like before the rise of the Empire when Star Wars: The Acolyte debuts on June 4. In the Summer 2024 issue, D23 Gold Members will get a preview of the show from executive producer Leslye Headland and stars Amandla Stenberg and Dafne Keen.

D23 Gold Members will also have the chance to get an exclusive look at Disney Parks’ largest park expansion, Fantasy Springs, the extraordinary new port of call at Tokyo DisneySea within Tokyo Disney Resort. Inspired by the worlds of Peter Pan (1953), Tangled (2010), and Frozen (2013), Fantasy Springs creates all-new immersive experiences for parkgoers. D23 Gold Members will be the first to see all-exclusive photographs and read interviews with the Walt Disney Imagineers who created this magical port in collaboration with Oriental Land Company.

In anticipation of the upcoming D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Presented by VISA, the Summer issue takes a look at the specially curated exhibition from the Walt Disney Archives coming to the show floor of this sold-out event, set for August 9, 10, and 11 in Anaheim, California. Walt Disney Archives Presents: A Great Big Beautiful Car Show will feature an amazing display of iconic Disney vehicles from classic movies, shows, and Disney Parks. In this Disney twenty-three preview, readers will take a tour of the secret warehouse where so many Disney artifacts are stored and learn the stories behind the vehicles that captivated fans on the silver screen and in real life.

The new issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also introduces readers to the debut of a surprising feature from the Walt Disney Archives titled Down the Rabbit Hole; dives under the sea with Disney Jr.’s Ariel, the upcoming series featuring the little mermaid; and plunges into the heroic, true tale told in Young Woman and the Sea (in theaters May 31) with star Daisy Ridley, who plays American swimming champion Trudy Ederle, and director Joachim Rønning.

Also in the Summer 2024 issue of Disney twenty-three:

  • Previously untold tales from retired Walt Disney Imagineer Bob Weis, the former president of Walt Disney Imagineering
  • A closer look at the Voices of Liberty a capella group, who have been singing at The American Adventure pavilion in EPCOT since Opening Day
  • Regular features including D Society, By the Numbers, Character Analysis, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives

Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps and is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of May.

Along with this one-of-a-kind magazine, D23 Gold Members enjoy additional benefits such as discounts on tickets, hotels, stores, and venues, as well as access to special events that provide fans with distinctly Disney experiences.

New offers include discounts to select Disney Theatrical touring productions; The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington; Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil and Disney in Orlando, FL; The Anaheim Hotel in CA; a National Geographic Kids Subscription and the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel and Swan Reserve. For more offers, click here.

This summer, fans of The Princess and the Frog (2009) can celebrate the rich legacy and exciting future of this treasured story with D23 Member events at the Walt Disney World Resort! A 15th Anniversary theatrical screening of the film at Disney Springs is first on the menu, where fans can enjoy the feature on the silver screen, accompanied by a special Mardi Gras-inspired cookie from the fan-favorite Gideon’s Bakehouse.

In the evening at a separately ticketed event, D23 Gold Members will have the opportunity to be among the first to enjoy the new Walt Disney World attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, at Magic Kingdom Park. D23 Gold Members will be able to ride the attraction again and again, then take some time to enjoy the enchanting evening ambiance of the bayou with live jazz performances and tasty treats available during this celebration of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

More details on these events and others will be served up very soon and can be found here! All events, dates, and discounts are subject to change.

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Our Favorite Disney Monkeys and Apes

By Sohrab Osati

With Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes coming exclusively to theaters on Friday, May 10, it feels like a good time to visit all the wonderful, mischievous, and downright wacky monkeys and apes from the worlds of Disney!

From the White Apes of Barsoom to Abu and Monty Fiske, we think you’ll see the appeal… in all of them!

King Louie, from The Jungle Book, is sitting and laughing on a stone throne-like chair in the middle of the jungle with bananas, some already eaten, all around.

King Louie
The Jungle Book (1967)
Always having a swinging good time, King Louie is an ambitious but laid-back orangutan who wants to become human. He believes that capturing Mowgli and learning the secret of fire will help him achieve this goal.

Abu, from Aladdin, is smiling and looking mischievous as he offers the magic lamp.

Abu
Aladdin (1992)
Abu, Aladdin’s loyal, feisty pet monkey, has a taste for mischief and shiny objects, which sometimes gets him into trouble. Despite his small size, Abu’s big personality plays a key role in Aladdin’s adventures throughout the city of Agrabah.

Rafiki, from The Lion King, is sitting on the ground eating a piece of fruit as he looks into an upside-down turtle shell.

Rafiki
The Lion King (1994)
Rafiki is a wise and mystical mandrill who serves as the shaman of the Pride Lands. Known for his deep spiritual insights, Rafiki ensures Simba achieves his destiny as king while banging on a head or two with his staff.

Kala, from Tarzan, is looking sad inside of a cabin.

Kala
Tarzan (1999)
Kala is a kind-hearted gorilla who rescues and raises the left-behind human child who would become known as Tarzan as her own son. Her nurturing and understanding nature bridges the gap between Tarzan and his gorilla family.

With trees in the background, Terk, from Tarzan, is smiling.

Terk
Tarzan (1999)
Terk, short for Terkina, is a spirited and bossy gorilla who has been Tarzan’s best friend since childhood. She is protective of him and, despite her tough exterior, cares deeply about Tarzan’s well-being.

Lord Monkey Fist, from Kim Possible, dressed in an all-black  traditional martial arts outfit looks unamused at Kim and Ron while crossing his arms.

Lord Monkey Fist
Kim Possible (2002-2007)
Born Monty Fiske, Lord Monkey Fist is a recurring villain that always remembers Ron’s name! From being a British nobleman and renowned archaeologist to becoming obsessed with monkeys and mastering Tai Shing Pek Kwar, Monkey Fist believes himself to be a destined monkey master.

With three different security monitors, each with four camera feeds, The Monkey from Toy Story 3 looks at Woody who appears to be concerned.

The Monkey
Toy Story 3 (2010)
“I’m watching you,” except, instead of it being Roz, it’s none other than the Lotso security guard with a pair of cymbals that’s on the lookout for any runaway toys! Between the loud screeching noise and those crashing cymbals, The Monkey is one to be wary of.

In Planet of the Apes, Caesar looks to his left with a strong gaze.

Caesar
Planet of the Apes series (2011, 2014, 2017)
Raised by humans, Caesar gains enhanced intelligence from a drug designed to cure Alzheimer’s, which leads him to question his place in the world. As he grows, he fights for the rights and freedom of his fellow apes against human oppression and evolves into the wise, compassionate leader of the ape uprising, seeking peace and understanding between species.

From John Carter, two massive White Apes are in the middle of a coliseum carved from rocks in Mars and running toward John Carter who is pulling on a massive metal chain.

White Apes
John Carter (2012)
As tall as 15 feet, the White Ape is the most terrifying creature that resides on Mars (so you name it and think you know it). With a total of four massive arms, these powerful beasts have no rival on Barsoom and are feared even by the greatest Jeddaks.

A painting above a stone fireplace with Albert the Monkey who is hugging Lord Henry. A stone monkey statue is to the left of the painting while to the right are two stone statues with one monkey standing behind a sitting monkey.

Albert the Monkey
Mystic Manor (2013)
Lord Henry’s pet and traveling companion, Albert the Monkey’s mischievous side is what brings everything to life when he opens an enchanted music box in Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland.

So grab a banana (or some popcorn!) and head to a theater near you to see Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. While you’re at it, let us know your favorite Disney monkey or ape on your social platform of choice using #D23!