General Member Offer: Discounted Rate & Free Parking from Springhill Suites Anaheim Maingate

August 22, 2024December 30, 2024

Exterior view of the SpringHill Suites by Marriott with fireworks lighting up the sky in the background. The hotel has a modern design with tall palm trees in front. On the right, two smaller images show the interior of the hotel rooms. One room features a comfortable bed with a window view of the fireworks, while the other room has bunk beds and a desk area, with another bed visible in the background.

Where: Springhill Suites Anaheim Maingate, CA

Expires: December 31, 2025

Enjoy sweet perks and special D23 Member discount during your next Disneyland vacation at Springhill Suites Anaheim Maingate!

All D23 Members can receive 10% off standard rates, free parking, a snack and bottled water, plus an extra touch of Disney magic with a special D23 gift at check-in.

Located just steps from the Mickey & Friends parking structure and tram, Springhill Suites Anaheim Maingate is a short walk or ride away from The Happiest Place on Earth.

Guests can also enjoy other local favorites like the nearby Anaheim Packing District, with easy access to the ART bus.

This offer includes:

10% off standard rates
Complimentary parking
One (1) snack
One (1) bottle of water
One (1) D23 gift

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

NOTE
Offer must fall within valid stay window and booking window dates. Rates are per room per night and subject to availability at the time of booking. Taxes and other fees may apply. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 rooms or more. Blockout dates may apply. This promotion may not be used in conjunction with any other discount or promotion. This offer is based on availability. All subject to change. Restrictions apply. Snack will be a choice of either one (1) chips or cookies with one (1) bottled water. Must present proof of D23 Membership upon check in. D23 Member gift is one (1) per room, while supplies last.

All discounts subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. D23 Gold Members must present their valid D23 Gold Member card prior to purchases to receive any applicable benefits or discounts. Benefits and discounts at Disney-owned and operated locations are determined solely by Disney, are subject to restrictions and exclusions, and may be valid at only select locations. Check third-party locations for details about their offered benefits and discounts, if any; Disney is not responsible for benefits and discounts offered by any third parties. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited by law.

Phone featuring the 2024 D23 Gold Member Card and surrounded by sparkles.

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!

Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

Where Disney Fans Belong
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings, special shopping events, immersive experiences, and unique merchandise.

JOIN TODAY

Alien: Romulus Director: New Film Is “Above All Things, a Horror Movie”

August 19, 2024

By Moss Cohen

The Alien franchise is one that has taken many twists and turns over the decades since the first chapter, Alien, was released in theaters in 1979.

“It went through many, many transformations and natural evolutions of a franchise,” Fede Alvarez, the writer and director of the latest installment, Alien: Romulus, said. “The whole point of this movie was to take back Alien to the simplicity of the beginning of the franchise, where it was, above all things, a horror movie.”

20th Century Studios’ Alien: Romulus — which took the No. 1 spot at the box office over the weekend with an estimated $41.8 million domestic opening — follows a group of young space colonizers as they’re scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station. The group — played by a cast of exciting young stars like Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu — are attempting to make a quick score and be on their way within minutes, only to come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.

Marrying the Old and New

In order to achieve the scariest atmosphere possible, Alvarez chose to emulate the original film in the series, which was directed by legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott.

To take the movie back to its horror roots, “We needed to make the film the way those first films were made,” Alvarez explained. “Those films were pre-digital effects.”

That means the baseline for the production process was practical and in-camera — just like the earlier films in the series. Sets and creatures were built so that the actors could feel the same terror on set that audiences would feel in theaters.

“That’s why we built everything on practical effects, animatronics, [and] miniatures for the spaceships, and combined them with the latest computer-generated work that the best companies like Industrial Light & Magic and WĒTĀ can provide,” Alvarez said. “I think it’s a marriage of the new things and the old things, the classic things that create a movie that looks modern.”

The Original Returns

“The best partner you can have for an Alien movie, obviously, is Ridley Scott,” Alvarez said.

And that’s just who Alvarez got. Scott — the director of the original film and producer and director on many of the subsequent films in the series — acts as a producer on the latest movie and was hands-on in giving Alvarez advice to strengthen the production.

“He’s been a great partner at every level,” Alvarez noted. “At the beginning, he was the first one to really pinpoint the things that we were going to make this movie pop. And he was totally right. So, he helped me to zero in on the elements that needed all of my attention.”

Scott was also on hand during the editing process to help “tighten up the pace, kick the tires, make sure that everything that was on the movie needed to say on the movie,” Alvarez said. “And he’s been a great advocate for the film since.”

Made for Theaters

Scott is a filmmaker with no shortage of box office hits, and — unlike many of the characters in the films — the iconic Alien film series is one of the highest-grossing science fiction horror franchises in box office history.

With all its real Xenomorphs and practical sets, Alien: Romulus is also made to be seen on as big a screen as possible.

Audiences have the opportunity to experience Romulus in a variety of premium and large screen formats only available in theaters — everything from IMAX to XD to ScreenX to 4DX.

Alien: Romulus continues a string of major theatrical releases from The Walt Disney Company over the past few months, with hits like Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine (which both crossed $1 billion at the box office), and another film that reinvigorated a franchise formerly under the 21st Century Fox umbrella — Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which was May’s biggest release and ultimately earned nearly $400 million at the global box office.

Collectively these films showcase the company’s ability to produce and market theatrical films in innovative ways — like seeing apes riding horseback along the beach or facehuggers strewn across attendees of San Diego Comic-Con — that drive awareness to large swaths of moviegoers.

Unlike the original film’s famous tagline, when fans see this new horror film in theaters, other viewers will be able to hear them scream.

No Wonder That It’s Richard That We Love—Celebrating Richard M. Sherman at D23

August 19, 2024September 13, 2024

By Courtney Potter

Throughout D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman—who passed away earlier this summer—was honored for his decades-long contribution to The Walt Disney Company. Listening to his friends and family speak of the iconic songwriter over the course of the weekend, one can only think to paraphrase a certain song from 1964’s Mary Poppins: “When the day is gray and ordinary, Richard makes the sun shine bright…”

On Saturday, August 9, Disney historian Tim O’Day hosted “Magic Journeys: Memories of the Sherman Brothers,” featuring stories from Richard’s son Gregg and Robert’s son Jeff—both of whom followed their fathers into show business, and who also co-directed the 2009 documentary The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story.

In fact, many people might not realize that the Sherman brothers followed their own father into the business too: “Our grandfather Al Sherman was a Tin Pan Alley songwriter,” explained Gregg. “He came over in 1909 [from what’s now Ukraine] and had an amazing life as a real musician… One of his first gigs as a pianist was playing in Herald Square [in New York City]. They were raising war bonds—it was 1917, World War I. And this impresario handed him sheet music. Our grandfather wasn’t very conversant in English yet, but he played the song—‘Over There.’ And George M. Cohan sang it right there in Herald Square for the very first time, with our grandpa behind the keys.” Al Sherman also helped discover Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald, to name a few!

Richard wanted to be a serious composer, and Robert a novelist—but at the suggestion of their father, they combined their talents… and the rest, as they say, is history. Their early successes, including the song “Tall Paul” (recorded by Disney Legend Annette Funicello) is what helped them attract the attention of Walt Disney, and they became the first staff songwriters hired by the company.

Greg continued, “If you have two people that think alike and have the same piece of ideas, you’re not going to get a very good piece of content. But they came from stereo-optic places. My uncle was a little more of a ‘doer’ and sort of thoughtful. And my dad was jumping off of buildings, so to speak. The joke around the Disney lot was that they were Tigger and Eeyore [from Winnie the Pooh]—and that was kind of accurate… but it worked in the creative process, because they came from different points of view. And they always agreed when the song was ready, that it was right.”

Added Jeff, “They were originally Vine Street writers. You’ve heard probably of the Brill Building in New York—but when the 1950s came, all the music business started becoming kind of centered in Hollywood. So you’d have to go up and down Vine Street and say [to the writers who worked there], ‘We need a Latin song here’ or ‘We need something in French’—so they got really used to writing whatever it was. It was kind of a perfect combination. When they got to Disney, Walt saw they could write all these different styles. He had Disneyland; he had this TV show; he had all these things going on. He said, ‘As staff songwriters, you guys can write all my stuff.’ And they shared a story similarity. They were all great storytellers. Walt understood they could tell part of the story in a narrative way through their talents.”

The Shermans were prolific writers, and often wrote many songs for a project—which meant some would inevitably, and for many reasons, not be used. But occasionally, the story surrounding the song that was included is particularly memorable: “It was 1960, 1961, and I was at school—and they were giving out the polio vaccine that day,” explained Jeff. “I come home—and my dad usually was at work with Richard until about 5 or 6 o’clock. This day, he was there when I got home from school. The shades were down. He looked really depressed. He said, ‘How was your day?’ I said, ‘Oh, well, I got the polio vaccine at school today.’ And he looked at me. What I didn’t know is that day they had had Julie Andrews at the studio and they played all the songs from Mary Poppins. Their favorite song was a song called ‘Through the Eyes of Love.’ They thought this was the best—their magnum opus. And so Julie listened to all the songs. She loved them. And then they play ‘Through the Eyes of Love,’ and she says, ‘Ah, I don’t know.’ She told Walt she wasn’t really completely happy with that song—and they were crestfallen.”

He continued, “So they worked for a little while trying to think, “Hmm… ‘A stitch in time saves nine’ or something like that—they couldn’t come up with anything that was more Mary Poppins-like. It was the day I came home from having taken the vaccine. And I told my dad, and he goes, ‘Wait a minute. You let somebody give you a shot at school?’—knowing how much I hate getting shots. I said, ‘No, they took out this cup and put sugar in it, and they put the medicine on that. I just ate it.’ My dad looked at me kind of funny—and he went over to the phone and called Richard. And the next morning they wrote, ‘A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down…”

At Sunday’s “Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman,” host John Stamos welcomed a gaggle of notables—all of whom shared heartfelt stories and songs dedicated to the memory of the legendary tunesmith. The show started off with a truly moving short film dedicated to Richard, featuring a brand-new verse for “It’s a Small World” that he wrote only last year. Disney CEO Bob Iger then took to the stage to also debut a special short video of Richard sharing said lyrics with him at his office on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California.

Next, Disney on Broadway’s Ashley Brown and Michael James Scott, along with the MeloD23 Singers, warmed up the crowd with a fantastic rendition of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” before Disney Legend Don Hahn moderated a panel including Brown (who also sang a beautiful rendition of Sherman’s “A Kiss Goodnight”); Disney Legends Floyd Norman and Tony Baxter; and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.

Baxter told the large Premiere Stage crowd how much Disneyland—and by extension, the Sherman Brothers music—meant to him, years before he worked for the company himself, and became close friends with Richard as well. “With my ‘trusty tape transport’—that’s for you, Richard—I would make treks to Disneyland, where it was illegal to tape anything. You had to put [the recorder] in a Disneyland bag, then go to the Monorail station, and then go back into the park like you bought something earlier in the day,” he explained, to laughter from the audience. “So the Tiki Room was the grand prize—no one had ever recorded that… but if you had ever told me that I’d go from that level of loving these people and their music, to where they were friends, I wouldn’t have believed you. These guys were real people who just happened to be able to create incredible, fantastic things.”

Between so many more incredible stories, more songs were shared… including Darrin Criss and Stamos offering up a delightful rendition of “I Wanna Be Like You” from The Jungle Book; a surprise rendition of “Let’s Get Together” by Disney Legend Hayley Mills—who sang the original version of the song in 1961’s The Parent Trap—and Lesley Ann Warren; Richard’s granddaughter, Mandy Rose Wolf, singing the Sherman brothers’ Oscar^®-nominated “The Age of Not Believing” from Bedknobs and Broomsticks; and the entire cast (and crowd) singing “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” from Mary Poppins.

23 Magical Moments from D23

August 16, 2024September 3, 2024

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

With the whirlwind of excitement from this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event still fresh, there’s no better time to recap 23 standout moments that fans—whether attending in person or watching from afar—will cherish. From unforgettable reunions to moving speeches, this year’s event was a celebration of magic, dreams, and the stories that connect us all.

Disney Legend Hayley Mills (left) and Lesley Ann Warren (right) are on a stage holding hands. Mills is wearing a long sleeve dress with red and white prints, holding a microphone in her right hand. Warren is wearing a pink blazer with silver buttons and pants, holding a microphone in her left hand.

Iconic Duet: Hayley Mills and Lesley Ann Warren Reunite at “Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman”

At Sunday’s tuneful celebrating of Disney Legend Richard Sherman, his fellow Disney Legend Hayley Mills and iconic actress Lesley Ann Warren stole the spotlight with a surprise duet of “Let’s Get Together.” Their performance was like a time machine straight to Disney’s golden era, and the audience was all in!

Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose sings on stage in a bright green strapless maxi dress adorned with silver chains and flower-shaped brooches. The background is black with sporadic colorful light dots projected.

Anika Noni Rose Serenades Fans with “Almost There”

Talk about royal treatment! At the “Disney Princess: Creating Tiana’s World” panel on Sunday, hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown, fans were treated to a musical feast as Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose—our beloved Princess Tiana—graced the stage with a soulful rendition of “Almost There.” Rose shared her journey from auditioning to recording, giving fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it took to become Disney’s first Black princess.

On a stage reading “Simple Plan” with a broken heart tattoo and an x-eyed smiley face and “D23,” Pierre Bouvier sings and Sebastien Lefebvre is playing the electrical guitar. To their right is a crowd of fans, dancing and singing along.

Simple Plan and Mickey Mouse Rock D23 with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” Performance

On Friday, August 9, Simple Plan set the D23 Spotlight Stage ablaze! With their newest single from the highly anticipated pop-punk Disney cover album A Whole New Sound on the horizon, the band cranked up the nostalgia to 11.

Fans of the early 2000s sensation were up and singing along to their greatest hits, but it was their lively rendition of The Lion King’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” that truly stole the show—celebrating the movie’s 30th anniversary with a punk twist that even Rafiki would’ve danced to.

D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT PRESENTED BY VISA - On Friday, August 9, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center, fans of all ages and from around the world experienced SIMPLE PLAN: LIVE IN CONCERT. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center on August 9, 10, and 11, 2024, is a one-of-a-kind, multi-day fan experience showcasing the very best in creative storytelling and unrivaled innovation from across the worlds of Disney. The event has been reimagined to be more expansive and more immersive than ever before, offering fans access to more of what they love. (The Walt Disney Company)
PIERRE BOUVIER, JEFF STINCO, SEBASTIEN LEFEBVRE, CHUCK COMEAU

From left to right, Don Peri, Peter Docter, Domee Shi, Peter Sohn, Jennifer Lee, Jared Bush, and Ron Clements are sitting on grey sofa chairs on a stage. The background includes blue stage curtains and a screen showing a live video of Ron Clements speaking into a microphone.

“So How Do You Direct Animation, Anyway?” Panel on Friday

... Well, how do you? Pete Docter, Jared Bush, Peter Sohn, Jennifer Lee, Ron Clements, and Domee Shi each brought their unique take to the evening’s burning question. Pixar Chief Creative Officer Docter shared his tip on avoiding set-in-stone line readings, while Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Lee recounted how Olaf was born from a marathon improv session with Disney Legend Josh Gad. The panel made it clear: The road from idea to screen can be bumpy—but it is this very journey that breathes life into the characters and stories we know and love.

At the Disney Legends Handprint Ceremony, Disney Legend Miley Cyrus (right) poses with her handprint alongside Mickey Mouse (left). Cyrus is dressed in a black blazer, while Mickey waves at the camera. The backdrop features graphics reading “D23 The Ultimate Disney Fan Event,” “VISA,” and small blue Mickey Mouse symbols.

Miley Cyrus Becomes the Youngest Disney Legend

From rocking out on stage as herself to dazzling us with her alter ego Hannah Montana (whom she’s still “so proud to be”), Cyrus is now officially a Disney Legend! It’s like she’s living her own "Best of Both Worlds" fantasy—but this time, the spotlight is all hers. So, here’s to Cyrus, proving once again that she’s not just living the dream—she’s making history!

Disney Princesses Unite to Honor Animator Mark Henn at Legends Ceremony

Disney Legends Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Linda Larkin, Ming-Na Wen, and Anika Noni Rose—who voice Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Mulan, and Tiana, respectively—gathered to honor their masterful animator at Sunday’s Disney Legends Awards Ceremony at the Honda Center. Earlier that day, during the “Disney Legends in Conversation” panel, Disney Legend Don Hahn cheekily revealed that—as the genius behind five of Disney’s unforgettable heroines—Henn is affectionately known as “the ladies’ man” around the studio.

D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT PRESENTED BY VISA - JODI BENSON, PAIGE O’HARA, ANIKA NONI ROSE, LINDA LARKIN, MING-NA WEN at the DISNEY LEGENDS AWARDS CEREMONY at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on Sunday, August 11, 2024. (The Walt Disney Company)

D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT PRESENTED BY VISA - JODI BENSON, MARK HENN, PAIGE O’HARA, ANIKA NONI ROSE at the DISNEY LEGENDS AWARDS CEREMONY at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on Sunday, August 11, 2024. (The Walt Disney Company)

BDX Droids at Imagineering: Behind the Dreams

Occasionally appearing in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, the BDX Droids took the Imagineering: Behind the Dreams pavilion by storm and melted attendees' mainframes with their adorable movements. Capable of free-roaming, what makes these droids so unique is their extremely expressive motions, something Disney Research and Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development put great care into.

Fifteen fans dressed as Sugar Rush racers pose around a Sorcerer Mickey hat with a sparkling “D23” sign outside the Anaheim Convention Center. Behind them, a fountain and a poster reading “D23 The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Presented by VISA” are visible on the convention center building.

Sweet Victory: Sugar Rush Racers Group Cosplay Takes D23 by Storm

From intricate gumdrop accents to sophisticated lollipop motifs, these fans’ sugary ensembles almost gave us a cavity... and we liked it! They took “group cosplay” to a whole new level, turning a cosplay meet-up at Grand Plaza Fountain into a visual candy land. Delicious!

D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT PRESENTED BY VISA - Fans of all ages express their creativity through costumes celebrating their favorite characters and films. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center on August 9, 10, and 11, 2024, is a one-of-a-kind, multi-day fan experience showcasing the very best in creative storytelling and unrivaled innovation from across the worlds of Disney. The event has been reimagined to be more expansive and more immersive than ever before, offering fans access to more of what they love. (The Walt Disney Company)

D23 Mousequerade: Meet the Showstopping Cosplay Winners

When Disney magic meets high fashion, the results are nothing short of enchanting. From meticulously sewn crystals to hand-painted details, the craftmanship at this year’s D23 Mousequerade was truly exceptional. But it wasn’t just about looking good—these cosplayers knew how to work the runway, too. Take a gander at 2024’s three categories and their winners:

“Fantastic Worlds” – Diva of EPCOT: Tangledfett
“Epic Adventures” – The Rumor, The Legend, The Mystery! Grand Duchess Anastasia: Maryna Matlock
“Cast of Characters” – Golden Afternoon: Cassie Wanda and Friends
“Audience Choice” – Disney’s Magic Beginning: Jessica Martin and Friend

Daniel Diemer sits on a gray sofa chair during D23’s Percy Jackson... panel, wearing a blue and white striped short-sleeve shirt and white pants. He holds a microphone in his right hand, smiling warmly.

Daniel Diemer Surprises Fans at Percy Jackson and the Olympians Panel

The crowd erupted in cheers at Daniel Diemer’s unexpected arrival at the Percy Jackson and the Olympians panel on Saturday—a clear testament to fans’ heightened anticipation for the new season! Diemer, who will be joining Season 2 of the series as a cyclops and Percy’s (Walker Scobell) half-brother, shared his thrill about diving into the world of demigods and monsters.

D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT PRESENTED BY VISA - On Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center, fans of all ages and from around the world experienced PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS PANEL. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center on August 9, 10, and 11, 2024, is a one-of-a-kind, multi-day fan experience showcasing the very best in creative storytelling and unrivaled innovation from across the worlds of Disney. The event has been reimagined to be more expansive and more immersive than ever before, offering fans access to more of what they love. (Disney/Frank Micelotta)
WALKER SCOBELL, ARYAN SIMHADRI

Dan Povenmire (left) and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (right) are on a stage in front of a blue curtain at D23 2024, each standing next to an easel with a large drawing pad. Both men are smiling as they each hold a marker, having just drawn Perry the Platypus, a platypus detective from the show Phineas and Ferb.

Phineas and Ferb Creators Share Behind-the-Scenes Secrets at D23

Have you ever wanted to draw Perry the Platypus? Well, you’re in luck! Masterminds Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh took fans behind the curtain during Friday’s “Shenanigans with Phineas and Ferb” panel, sharing secrets about the creation of everyone's favorite teal spy. From the show’s origins to the wackiest inventions they’ve dreamt up, the duo dished out all the deets on how they turned a simple summer into a legendary series.

And yes, they even gave a step-by-step guide on how to sketch out that iconic platypus grin. Fans left with a new appreciation for the show's humor—and a few doodles of their own!

David Blaine stands on a stage at the Honda Center during D23 2024, holding out a deck of cards in a black plastic case labeled “DO NOT OPEN.” He is dressed in a black suit and t-shirt, with blue projections illuminating the background.

David Blaine’s Do Not Attempt Nat Geo Series Premieres First Look

This isn’t your average magic show; it’s a high-stakes extravaganza where the line between illusion and reality blurs, and you’ll find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew about magic (and maybe even gravity). “I’ve always loved things that look like magic but are real,” says Blaine in the show’s trailer.

As part of the announcement, Blaine did a card trick on the Honda Center stage during Friday’s Entertainment Showcase. David Blaine: Do Not Attempt will premiere on National Geographic in 2025—remember, do not attempt!

Coco Jones (right) is wearing golden one-shoulder gown stands on stage during the Disney Princess concert at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2024, holding a microphone. To her right is a musician; in front of her, a man, dressed in a shiny, dark-colored suit, is seated at a piano, playing music from a sheet on the stand. The stage is softly lit with a backdrop of subtle, glowing orbs.

Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, and Coco Jones Dazzle in “Disney Princess: The Concert”

Disney Legends Jodi Benson and Paige O’Hara and special guest Coco Jones graced the Premiere Stage on Friday for a magical evening at “Disney Princess: The Concert.” Dressed in their royal best, fans of all ages were transported to a fairytale world where dreams truly do come true.

From left to right, during D23’s “A Beautiful Tomorrow... 60 Years of the World’s Fair” panel, are Leonard Maltin, Pete Docter, Tom Fitzgerald, Ted Ryan, Ramsey Avery, Kevin Feige, Jon Favreau, and Michael Giacchino. They’re sitting on gray sofa chairs, and the background features a blue curtain.

Star-Studded Surprises at “World’s Fair” Panel: Jon Favreau, Kevin Feige, and More

The “A Beautiful Tomorrow—Just a Dream Away: Disney at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair” panel on Saturday turned into a full-on star fest: Hosted by Leonard Maltin, the panel featured Walt Disney Archives’ Becky Cline, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald, and Tomorrowland production designer Ramsey Avery, who took fans on a trip back to the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair and the debut of the Ford Mustang. Surprise guests Jon Favreau, Kevin Feige, and Michael Giacchino crashed the party, dropping insider gems and leaving attendees buzzing with excitement.

A group of cosplayers dressed as “Peelverines,” a creative Fortnite-related mashup of Peely the banana and Wolverine, at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2024. They’re striking dynamic poses on a purple carpeted floor, with large windows in the background revealing the interior space where the photo is taken.

“Peelverine” Cosplay Steals the Show: Epic Games/Marvel Mashup

As Fortnite gears up for its Marvel-centric Chapter 5, Season 4: Absolute Doom, the excitement has sparked some truly inventive cosplay... including this standout “Peelverines” (Peely x Wolverine) ensemble. Fans at D23 embraced the superhero twist, and the spectacle was as creative as it was hilarious!

Toy Story 5: Toys vs. Electronics—New Adventure Revealed

In an exciting twist for the beloved franchise, Toy Story 5 is set to pit our favorite toys against the new wave of high-tech gadgets. The latest installment—announced at Friday’s Entertainment Showcase—promises a showdown between timeless playthings and the sleek, shiny electronics of today, as Woody, Buzz, and their crew navigate the challenges of an increasingly digital world. Expect plenty of nostalgic charm, high-stakes adventure, and, of course, the heartfelt moments that have always defined the Toy Story series.

Disney Channel Star Reunite at D23 for Nostalgic Celebration

Thirteen Disney Channel stars turned Saturday’s panel into a nostalgic fiesta, with veterans like Raven-Symoné, Monique Coleman, Corbin Blue, and David Henrie dropping wisdom bombs for the rising stars of Descendants: Rise of Red, ZOMBIES 4, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, and Disney Jr.’s Ariel. Tears were shed, laughter echoed, and the event was a heartwarming celebration of Disney Channel’s enduring legacy and of what’s to come.

Jim Cummings is standing in front of a black background, holding a lit candle with his hands. He is wearing a black and white Disney bomber jacket.

Jim Cummings Surprises Fans with Intro for “Magic After Dark: The Story of Disney’s Nighttime Spectaculars”

Fans were absolutely buzzing over Jim Cummings’ surprise intro at the “Magic After Dark: The Story of Nighttime Spectaculars” panel on Sunday. The renowned voice actor, known for his iconic roles including Winnie the Pooh and Darkwing Duck, introduced the presentation with a goosebump-inducing live performance of the famous opening to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”

Oogie Boogie Voice Actor Ken Page Takes the Stage with Spooky “Poor Unfortunate Souls” Performance

Iconic voice actor (and Broadway vet) Ken Page emerged from the shadows during Sunday’s “Disney Character Voices: Inside the Studio” panel, giving everyone a frightfully delightful surprise by performing “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” As his hauntingly perfect rendition filled the room, one thing became clear: Halloween came early, and it came with a bang!

Father-Son Duet: Bill and Austin Farmer Sing “Nobody Else But You”

Gawrsh—some Kleenex, anyone? Disney Legend Bill Farmer and his son Austin took to the stage of the “Making A Goofy Movie: The Road to Lake Destiny” panel on Friday to perform “Nobody Else But You” from the film, and their duet was the ultimate feel-good moment. With every note, they proved that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

A fan dressed as Deadpool is posing outside the Anaheim Convention Center during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. They’re wearing a Deadpool costume with a crop graphic tee featuring Deadpool and Wolverine with “Besties” written on it, along with Minnie Mouse ears. The fan is making peace signs with their hands.

Deadpool Cosplay Frenzy

Deadpool cosplays were out in full force, with fans clearly still buzzing from the recent Deadpool x Wolverine movie smashing the $1 billion box office mark. The Merc with a Mouth was everywhere—cracking jokes, striking poses, and proving that he’s just as unstoppable in cosplay form as he is on the big screen. It was hard to tell where the movie magic ended and the con-floor antics began.

At a photo opportunity (from left to right), Malia Baker, Dara Reneé, Kylie Cantrall, and Joshua Colle from Descendants: The Rise of Red and ZOMBIES 4 are interacting with a young fan at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Reneé and Colle are high-fiving the young fan.

ZOMBIES 4 and Descendants: Rise of Red Cast Shine at Talent Central

At Talent Central, the atmosphere was charged with heartfelt moments as the casts of ZOMBIES 4 and Descendants: Rise of Red came together with fans for some truly memorable interactions. Guests had the chance to chat, laugh, and pose for photos with their favorite stars—an unforgettable opportunity for many!

D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT PRESENTED BY VISA - D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center on August 9, 10, and 11, 2024, is a one-of-a-kind, multi-day fan experience showcasing the very best in creative storytelling and unrivaled innovation from across the worlds of Disney. The event has been reimagined to be more expansive and more immersive than ever before, offering fans access to more of what they love. (Disney/Laura Grier)
MEG DONNELLY, MALACHI BARTON, FREYA SKYE

Sherman Brothers Tribute: Heartfelt Home Videos and Touching Memories

The “Magic Journeys: Memories of the Sherman Brothers” panel on Saturday wasn’t just a stroll down memory lane—it was a full-on feels fest. With home videos from their Disneyland visits and stories about the brothers’ weddings days, the panel gave fans a peek into the lives of Disney’s most iconic songwriting duo.

From the earworm magic of “It's a Small World” to the tongue-twisting fun of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” this tribute reminded everyone that the Sherman Brothers didn’t just write songs—they penned the anthems of our childhoods.

The Poobian, the Better: An Exclusive Look at Young Jedi Adventures Season 2 From Prolific Voice Actor Dee Bradley Baker

August 16, 2024August 20, 2024

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

From lightsabers and pirates to friendships and learning moments, Season 2 of Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, which premiered on August 14 on Disney+, promises to take viewers on even more thrilling and heartwarming journeys across the galaxy.

The beloved Young Jedi trio—Kai (voiced by Jamaal Avery Jr.), Lys (voiced by Juliet Donenfeld), and Nubs (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker)—finds new guidance under Master Zia’s (voiced by Nasim Pedrad) new Padawan, Wes Vinik (voiced by Gunnar Sizemore), and his astromech droid RO-M1.

In an exclusive interview during a press conference for the new season of the show, Baker gave fans a sneak peek of what they can look forward to. “Fans can expect more of everything they loved about Season 1 of Young Jedi Adventures, but there’s even more,” says Baker. “There are more fantastic worlds, more creatures and aliens—which I’m very excited about—and more of that signature Star Wars gee whiz,” he adds. As the young Jedi enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of the Force, they will explore new planets, forge new friendships, and confront emerging threats like the pirate group, The Ganguls.

Baker’s extensive voice-over repertoire in the Star Wars universe includes roles such as Hunter in Star Wars: The Bad Batch and Captain Rex along with the entire clone army in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Nubs is a unique and beloved character in his collection—an adorable, cuddly fan favorite who embodies the spirit of adventure and heart across the series.

Nubs speaks Poobian—a distinctive alien dialect understood by characters within the Young Jedi universe. While the audience might not catch every word, Baker’s nuanced tonality, Nubs’ expressive gestures, and the responses of other characters offer clear contextual cues.

To create a Poobian dialogue that feels both authentic and seamlessly integrated with the script, Baker said he keeps “a really specific, English version [of what Nubs says] in mind that fits the script” and experiments with various improvisations of it. “You can spin Nubs’ lines an infinite number of ways that align with the story, giving the animators something fun to work with as well,” he added.

Baker’s connection to Nubs is deep and intuitive. “I completely relate and understand him,” Baker said. “Nubs asks smart, interesting, reasonable questions; he’s a very smart little guy. Even though he doesn’t use English words, you always know what he is saying, and he’s always right there and involved with the story and the business playing out.”

To keep his voice in tip-top shape while recording Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, Baker’s remedies include a good night’s sleep, reading, journaling, and meditating. “I don’t really do vocal warm-ups anymore because, thankfully, I’m working enough that my voice is regularly warmed up,” he explained. “I’m now relaxed into my station as a voice actor and I’m not doing things that work against me or damage my voice.”

Gold Member Offer: 10% Off at Planet Hollywood, Disney Springs

August 16, 2024December 30, 2024

Where: Planet Hollywood

What: 10% Off

Expires: April 15, 2025

Planet Hollywood is the world’s preeminent restaurant destination dedicated to celebrating the entertainment industry. With an extensive menu, over-the-top desserts, playful cocktails, and beverages, Planet Hollywood is a high energy, fun experience for all!

D23 Gold Members can save 10% on food, beverages (excluding alcohol), and merchandise at Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs, Florida, when you present your Gold Membership card during your meal.

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

For reservations, visit PlanetHollywood.com, book on OpenTable, or call (407) 827-7827.

NOTE
No minimum purchase required. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One discount per visit, per check. No cash value. Excludes banquets & group menus, tax, gratuity, and purchase of gift cards. Valid at Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs, Orlando only. Subject to change without notice, You must present a valid D23 Gold Membership card at time of purchase to receive the discount at checkout.

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!

Where Disney Fans Belong
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings, special shopping events, immersive experiences, and unique merchandise.

JOIN TODAY

Frozen Smash “Let It Go” Reaches RIAA® Diamond Status with 10 Million Sales

August 14, 2024August 20, 2024

By Zach Johnson

This past spring, “Let It Go” from the Frozen Original Soundtrack was certified Diamond by the RIAA^®(Recording Industry Association of America), signifying 10 million in sales—a historic first for Walt Disney Records. And on Saturday at D23: The Official Disney Fan Event presented by Visa^® in Anaheim, California, Disney Music Group President Ken Bunt presented two Diamond plaques to songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez.

Performed by Disney Legend Idina Menzel, “Let It Go” took home the Academy Award^® for Best Original Song in 2014, as well as the GRAMMY Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media in 2015. The Frozen Original Soundtrack features eight original songs from Anderson-Lopez and Lopez, plus a score by the award-winning composer Christophe Beck.

In a 2023 interview with D23.com, Lopez opened up about the success of “Let It Go” and its enduring impact.

“In the documentary series about Frozen 2, Into the Unknown, there’s a scene where one of the animators shows the directors this letter about ‘Let It Go,'” Lopez recalled. “This girl shared her experience of having been really depressed and thanked Disney for changing her life and being her strength in a moment of need. That got me.”

Lopez further explained that his collaborators were hoping to help along the narrative of the film and write something meaningful to themselves. “We never were trying to help a girl get through a tough time. But it turns out that’s the purpose of this,” Lopez said. “At its best, music can save people’s lives. It can help people get through rough times. That’s one of the functions of art. And God bless Disney for having the reach that it does, in terms of in terms of helping people all over the world.”

Menzel, who accepted the Diamond certification for “Let It Go” on ABC’s American Idol in May, previously opened up about the song’s impact. “It’s been this incredible gift in my life. What’s so beautiful is that not only does Elsa connect with a young audience, but she gives us all permission to be our greatest selves,” she said. “And because I get to perform the song over and over, she never goes away. When I’m feeling down or insecure about my own power, she reminds me to harness that. So, it’s really been this constant gift that just keeps on giving.”

Speaking of the “gift that just keeps on giving,” the Frozen franchise continues to snowball. At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, it was announced that Disney on Broadway’s Frozen, which was filmed onstage, will premiere on Disney+ in 2025—and Samantha Barks, who stars as Elsa, dazzled the audience with a rendition of “Let It Go.” Plus, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Jennifer Lee, who wrote and directed 2013’s Frozen and 2019’s Frozen 2, shared concept art for Frozen 3, opening only in theaters on November 24, 2027.

In addition to multiple attractions and experiences at Disney theme parks around the world, the first Frozen-themed land, World of Frozen, opened its gates at Hong Kong Disneyland late last year. What’s more, World of Frozen will open at Disney Adventure World in 2026 as part of Disneyland Paris’ largest expansion and transformation to date.

Beyond the Frozen films and various Disney theme park offerings, Disney Store offers a range of Frozen products that includes apparel, books, costumes, games toys, and more.

Wildcats, Wizards, and More at “Stay Tuned: You’re Watching Disney Channel” at D23

August 13, 2024August 13, 2024

By Courtney Potter

“We’re all in this together” sang the East High Wildcats… and excited fans at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event were together feeling all the feels, as a whopping 13 beloved Disney Channels stars gathered for a hilarious and heartfelt panel celebrating favorite shows and Original Movies of years gone by—as well as today’s hit franchises, including Descendants, and the return of a certain wizard family to our screens!

Moderated by Ashley Eckstein (herself a Disney Channel alum), “Stay Tuned: You’re Watching Disney Channel” welcomed Meg Donnelly, Malachi Barton, and Freya Skye from the ZOMBIES franchise; David Henrie and Janice LeAnn Brown from the upcoming Wizards Beyond Waverly Place; That’s So Raven star Raven-Symoné and her Raven’s Home co-star Mykal-Michelle Harris; Monique Coleman, Corbin Bleu, and Dara Reneé from the world of High School Musical; and Reneé’s Descendants: The Rise of Red co-stars Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, and Ruby Rose Turner to the stage for some rapid-fire questions, hilarious stories, and even a smattering of emotion. Below are a few memorable moments:

Several panelists found out they’d been cast in their Disney Channel projects in, shall we say, unusual ways:

“After a long audition process, because of the time difference from London to Los Angeles, I found out at 3 a.m. in the morning,” remembered ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires co-star Skye. “My parents got a phone call. I had a hair mask in; I had pimple patches everywhere! So they said, ‘Freya, quickly, maybe take off some of those patches!’ I was like, ‘What? Okay…’ They said, ‘They need some headshots of you.’ So I stand in front of the wall; I’m posing at 3 in the morning for some headshots—I don’t know how I believed it! And then that’s when they told me, and I just burst into tears. It was a dream come true. I’ve loved these movies forever, and then to get to be a part of it—it’s just such an honor. So we went downstairs and we put on ‘Someday’ [from the original ZOMBIES film] first, and then we just blasted the whole ZOMBIES soundtrack until 6 a.m. in the morning. We had a party! It was such a surreal moment, and I’ll definitely remember that one forever.”

Added her co-star Barton, “I actually had gotten tricked by my manager and my agents. They called me and they said that I hadn’t gotten it. They prepared me for that disappointment—but my mom couldn’t keep a straight face behind the camera. So I immediately knew what was going on.”

Bleu giving credit to Disney Legend Kenny Ortega for fostering the original High School Musical’s success, and on his mentorship of the cast:

“I feel like you have so many cogs that were just all moving in the right direction,” he explained. All of us had worked before; we’d all come from a background in the entertainment field, but nobody was a household name at that point. So you really were watching all of these ‘unknowns’ that were living their best lives. Everyone on set—all of us—were dedicated, hardworking enjoying the process, but we really were authentically living this experience. I think [you can see] that joy is there, and I feel like Kenny not only nurtured that, but he also demanded perfection.”

He continued, “When I think back on my lessons in life, in discipline and how I approach my work, so much of that comes from Kenny. There wasn’t a single moment in those movies where he wasn’t focused on every single little detail, down to our background actors. There were times that he would go have discussions with them; explain to them what’s going on in the scene. He would do a take over again, because the energy coming from the background actors wasn’t ‘correct’—and that isn’t often the case. Oftentimes directors just get the shot, and as long as what’s happening in the foreground is good, they don’t care about anything else. But he wanted every single detail on that screen to be perfect.”

Coleman on how singularly special it was, returning to High School Musical: The Musical: The Series:

As the actress recalled, “In the fourth season, the one that I was in, it had been 15 years [since High School Musical had debuted]—and it really had actually been 15 years, in real life. And so that ‘meta world’ that we were existing in came full circle. When we pulled up to East High School, and I saw it for the first time in all of those years, it literally did feel almost like returning to high school in some way. Before we shot our episodes, Tim Federle, who was the creator, actually reached out and said, ‘You’re going to be coming back on the show and I actually want to hear from you: If you were given the opportunity to say anything, what would you want to say? Either as your character, or as yourself?’”

She added, “I’m a little older than everyone—and so for me, I’ve had a lot of life experiences since then. Having played Taylor McKessie, which was very much like my personality in terms of being an overachiever and so forth, I said to him, ‘I would love to come back and make it clear that your life is not just about your accomplishments; it’s not about what you’ve done. It’s about who you are.’ Because at the end of the day, the thing that is so special is that we get to continue to do this together. After we had shot our scene, Dara and I, when we had it ‘in the can’—I think it’s an iconic scene, it’s so special and powerful to me—Tim literally said, ‘Okay, you guys, we have it. I want to give you one just for you.’”

Coleman continued, “And he allowed us to just literally do the scene and say whatever we really wanted to say—to each other. And just thinking about what it was like as a young Black actress [during the first High School Musical], and how special it is to be able to share the screen with Dara… that moment right before he called action, Tim said, ‘Take up space, ladies.’ And for me, that healed every trauma, every pain point, everything. [I thought about] every door that was opened by the people that had come before me, like Raven and so forth. I felt like I got to heal a part of myself that used to not think that I was enough, by being able to look into Dara’s eyes and think, wow—I’m so happy that you’re here with me in this moment. It was really amazing.”

Henrie on why now is the right time for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place:

“Selena [Gomez, original Wizards… star and executive producer on the new series] and I would just hang out so much over the years,” explained Henrie, “and then I got married and my wife and Selena became close. And Selena would come over, and we’d be reminiscing about old memories and talking about what our characters would be doing nowadays. After a while I said, ‘Selena, we should just have this conversation in front of Disney. I have a feeling it would go well.’ So that’s what we did! We pitched a show idea. And the thing that fueled us the most was wanting to bring back those Wizards of Waverly Place family values in a sitcom format for a whole new generation… The thing that always touched Selena and I over the years was when fans from all over the world would come up to us and say, ‘Hey, we come from a tough situation in life. We come from a really broken situation, and your show showed us that there is this thing called family that can have each other’s backs—no matter what. And it made me want to have a family one day.’ So thank you guys for that.”

Raven-Symoné on how what she’s learned—and how she’s grown—during her time with Disney:

“I grew up watching Flip Wilson, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett,” she admitted. “My parents did not allow me to watch ‘normal’ television. I was only allowed to watch those kinds of variety and comedy shows. So when I was auditioning for Absolutely Psychic—which is the original pilot for what That’s So Raven was called—and knowing that I was able to implement the things that I had studied and learned [from those shows] for so long was an absolute pleasure. I had the bruises and the medical bills to prove it,” she added, to laughter from the audience.

“Disney Channel is one of the only networks that keeps ‘situation comedy’ alive in the way that they do, which I love. And I think it’s important that everybody should know how to prat fall,” she added, demonstrating a perfect pratfall down from her chair onto the stage, eliciting even more laughs from the crowd. She the continued, “But it’s surreal, working with a company that actually allows you to step up the ladder with every single project that you do. I actually got asked to direct an episode of That’s So Raven back in the day because of where I was and how we did things. And I turned it down because … I didn’t want to do it [then]. But as I continued working with this network, now I have an overall deal with Disney; I’m able to produce, I’m able to direct, I’m able to work with young talent and show them what I went through. I learned everything [comedy] that I needed to know from the classics like Flip Wilson, and when it comes to production, from Disney.”

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Cast Share Season 2 Casting News and Teaser Trailer at D23

August 13, 2024August 27, 2024

By Alison Stateman

The Disney+ Original series Percy Jackson and the Olympians made quite a splash with a star-studded panel Saturday at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Moderated by Juju Green, aka Straw Hat Goofy, the panel featured series stars Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson), Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase), and Aryan Simhadri (Grover Underwood), along with Charlie Bushnell (Luke Castellan) and Dior Goodjohn (Clarisse La Rue), who join as series regulars this season.

Also on hand were executive producers Jonathan E. Steinberg, Dan Shotz, and Craig Silverstein, plus surprise appearances from Toby Stephens (Poseidon), Jason Mantzoukas (Mr. D/Dionysus), and Daniel Diemer (Tyson), who was recently revealed as joining the cast as a cyclops and Percy’s half-brother. The panel marked the first public appearance of all six of the Season 2 regulars together. Mantzoukas also confirmed that he’ll return as Camp Half-Blood’s camp director, Mr. D, and exclaimed how happy he was to return this season.

Fans were given a tantalizing look at the coming season through a teaser trailer featuring a more grownup Percy (Scobell) taking the reins of a chariot.

They also revealed that Sandra Bernhard, Margaret Cho, and Kristen Schaal will guest star in the upcoming season as the Gray Sisters. Bernhard will portray Anger, the Gray Sister in charge of collecting cab fare from heroes who call upon the taxi. Anger impatiently awaits her turn to use the one eye shared among the sisters. Schaal will portray Tempest, who currently has the coveted eye and uses it to peer at the heroes, read their future, and tease them about their crushes and social lives. Cho will portray Wasp, the main driver of the Gray Sisters Taxi. She takes the heroes on a high-speed and hair-raising journey to Camp Half-Blood. Even though she’s blind most of the time, she’s truly seen it all.

Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is based on The Sea of Monsters, the second installment of Disney Hyperion’s bestselling Percy Jackson book series by acclaimed author Rick Riordan.

A Taste of Disneyland Treats to Come at D23

August 13, 2024August 27, 2024

By Alison Stateman

Disney fans were given a delectable taste of Disneyland treats to come Friday at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The panel, “Disney Eats: Disneyland Foods – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow,” moderated by Pam Brandon, co-author of the Official Disney Parks Cookbook series, was chock-full of fascinating tidbits from Disneyland chefs John State, Culinary Director, Disneyland Resort; Jimmy Weita, Executive Chef; and Graciela Gomez, pastry sous chef at the Central Bakery at Disneyland Resort.

Each shared their personal journey leading to their culinary careers at The Happiest Place on Earth and how they honor Walt’s legacy while continuing to elevate park offerings.

Slate was a chef in Northern California when Disney recruited him to open the Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s BoardWalk at Walt Disney World Resort in 1995, where he was part of the opening team that planned and designed the restaurant. “It felt like I was joining the Olympic team, like I was joining an energy level of talent and skill that was going to continue to elevate our brand. It was already well-established but there was just room to keep growing,” he shared. “You mentioned evolution [in food] at Disney World and that’s what I saw. I could just see the rising ships; high tides rise all ships. I could just see the energy was contagious.”

State joined Disneyland Resort in 2015 where he was instrumental in developing new food and beverage concepts. “When I started at Disneyland Resort, I became the coach of the Olympic team. I had the opportunity to have chef Jimmy on my team, who is an incredible think tank. A good coach just guides the talent. They were already telling good stories, but we needed to help amplify their voice a little bit,” he continued.

The central focus on storytelling at Disney extends not just to the entertainment it creates, but to its embodiment at Disney Parks in attractions, shows, parades, and, yes, the food and drink generations of parkgoers have come to enjoy. “Storytelling is the heart of it all. Even with dining on day one of Disneyland Park, we were serving prime rib on Main Street, U.S.A.—that legacy with dining certainly impacts what you do today,” Brandon pointed out.

“I think I have the coolest culinary position at the resort because I’m not tied to a restaurant, necessarily,” said Weita, oversees the Festivals and Park Events Culinary Team—researching, developing, and executing Disneyland festivals and all park-catered events. “We really have the ability to push the envelope.”

While guests might want to feel and taste and have the experience Walt did back in the day, Weita and his team work on translating food from the 1950s to today’s tastes. “Walt was very big on canned chili. He used to walk around the park with canned chili and he also liked short ribs, so we developed an item for one of our events where we put it in a plastic tin can and it was chili beans and short ribs. When you ate it, you could almost feel like this probably was like what he had, but [our version was] very current and relevant. It was a lot of fun to put our twist on what he may have had.”

Weita, whose self-professed favorite Disneyland treat is the corn dogs from the Little Red Wagon, shared a few new treats coming to the menu for the upcoming Festival of the Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park.

Among them is a delicious treat that tips its hat to Thanksgiving leftovers—with a twist.

“Our take on it is cheddar mashed potatoes. We played around with turkey, but popcorn chicken is just oh so good—it’s got turkey gravy, and we always have to put something fun on top, so we are doing a dried cranberry stuffing on top for crunch,” he shared to happy gasps from the audience.

A chorizo queso fundido mac and cheese with tortilla crunch on top is also in the mix. “And on the sweet side, I’ll give you three words: ‘sticky toffee pudding,’” he said. “But not like you think,” Gomez interjected with a laugh.

Of course, one perennial holiday isn’t going anywhere—gingerbread cookies. This season’s recipe, Gomez says, took incorporating two separate recipes and over a year to develop!

“We had to physically make two different types of dough and get different percentages of each and mix them together to get that perfect consistency.”