7 Seasonally Sublime Films to Stream on Disney+

By Courtney Potter

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… so grab your favorite cozy blanket, whip up a piping hot cup of cocoa (we’re fans of extramarshmallows—the mini variety, natch), and settle in for a long winter’s night with Disney+! With the holidays upon us and wintery weather sweeping in across the country, there’s no better time to gather the family—both related, chosen, and the four-legged variety—and enjoy all manner of festive fun available on the streaming service.

This year, the crack team of elves here at D23 has put together a list of seasonally sublime movies available to stream on Disney+—and a few from Hulu, since the beta launch of Hulu on Disney+ is now entertaining bundle subscribers—from around the worlds of Disney (and beyond) that are sure to warm the cockles of your heart. Bookmark this list, so you know what to watch during your next snow day!

By the way: Are you a D23 Member and a Disney+ subscriber and looking for some perfect gifts? Well, you’re in holly-jolly luck! You now have access to Disney+ Perks, which offers 50% off a new D23 Gold Membership—as well as savings on other brands you know and love, like Corkcicle and Sideshow. (Great for under the tree!)

And that’s not all: There’s also a Disney Cruise Line sweepstakes in the offing! Disney+ subscribers as of November 29 who are also D23 Members have a chance to be among the first to set sail on the maiden voyage of the all-new Disney Treasure. For your chance at an incredible seven-night cruise aboard the brand-new vessel (including roundtrip airfare), click here!

Now, onto the list…

In a now-iconic image from Home Alone, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is looking in the mirror, his palms to his cheeks after putting aftershave on his face; the burning has caused him to yell out in pain.

Home Alone >
For the uninitiated, this now-beloved 1990 holiday comedy follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) as he becomes the man of the house… overnight! When the rest of his frenzied family embarks on a Christmas vacation, Kevin is accidentally left behind. Unfortunately, it’s now also up to Kevin to stop two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) from breaking in. Can his DIY booby traps protect the family home? Sure, there’s plenty of slapstick—but this film is pretty heartwarming too, thanks to a delightful turn by Catherine O’Hara as Kevin’s mom, Kate.

In an image from The Muppet Christmas Carol, Tiny Tim (Robin the frog) is sitting atop the shoulder of his dad, Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog), holding his crutch aloft; they’re standing next to Emily Cratchit (Miss Piggy); everyone wears 19th century clothing and they’re standing on a snowy London street.

The Muppet Christmas Carol >
There’s no way we could leave this one off the list… The Muppets’ 1992 take on the classic Charles Dickens tale features Gonzo the Great (voiced by Dave Goelz) as Mr. Dickens himself, as he narrates a faithful adaptation of the tale of the redemption of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Kermit the Frog (here voiced by Steve Whitmire, as Disney Legend Jim Henson had only recently passed when this film was made) takes on the role of Bob Cratchit, and Fozzie Bear (voiced by Frank Oz) costars as Fozziwig, obviously. With songs by The Muppet Movie’s Paul Williams and amazing performances by humans and Muppets alike, this a veritable holiday staple.

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, Elsa (voiced by Disney Legend Idina Menzel) is inside the ice castle she just created. She’s wearing the iconic icy blue gown; crystals are flying from her hands, and she is singing.

Frozen >
The one that started it all! Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2013 Oscar® winner is a perfect “gather the fam”-type film for a cozy night in. Perpetually optimistic princess Anna (voiced by Disney Legend Kristin Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with mountain man Kristoff (voiced by Disney Legend Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister, newly minted queen Elsa (voiced by Disney Legend Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. With help from a sunny snowman named Olaf (voiced by Disney Legend Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana, Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) is on the back of her vessel, steering by holding an oar; there is an island in the distance behind her, and her hair is swept back somewhat by the wind.

Moana >
Feel like warming up after a trek through Arendelle? We’ve got just the thing! This Walt Disney Animation Studios 2017 hit follows an adventurous teen (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) as she sails out on a daring mission to save her people. Early on, she meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), who guides her on her journey to become a master wayfinder. Together they sail across a vast ocean, encountering gigantic monsters and impossible odds… all while Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always desired: her own identity.

In an image from Disney’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Eglantine Price (Disney Legend Angela Lansbury) is sitting on an animated throne surrounded by the children she’s been charged with looking after during the London blitz (played by Ian Weighill, Roy Snart, and Cindy O’Callaghan). To the right is a bird dressed in a suit and glasses; he’s gesturing seriously with his wing.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks >
Swinging it back to a Disney classic, we’re going with one of our all-time favorites—a film that mixes live action with animation and some fantastic tunes from Disney Legends Richard and Robert Sherman: 1971’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks, starring Disney Legend Angela Lansbury! It’s fall 1940, and eccentric spinster Eglantine Price (Lansbury) has been asked to take in three children (Ian Weighill, Roy Snart, and Cindy O’Callaghan) escaping the Blitz in London. But it just so happens that Eglantine is studying to be a witch, hoping her skills will help hasten the end of World War II. Songs, shenanigans, hilarity, and heart ensue. Also starring Mary Poppins’ David Tomlinson, a fellow Disney Legend.

Elf > (Hulu)
… And now for a few options available to Disney+ subscribers thanks to the Hulu beta launch! In this 2003 film (how is it 20 years old?!), Will Ferrell stars as Buddy—a human orphan raised by Santa’s elves at the North Pole. When it’s discovered that Buddy’s real father, Walter (James Caan) is on the “naughty list,” Buddy decides to travel to New York City to help redeem him with some Christmas spirit. While on this crazy adventure, endlessly enthusiastic Buddy meets Jovie (Zooey Deschanel), a dissatisfied worker at Gimbels department store… and romance, surprisingly, ensues.

In a split image, on the left, a colorized image of Natalie Wood as Susan and Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle in 1947’s Miracle on 34th Street; on the right, Sir Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle, dressed in his “normal” clothing, up on top a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Miracle on 34th Street > (1947 and 1994) (Hulu)
Finally, here’s a two-for-one special! The original Miracle on 34th Street, from 1947, is an absolute classic—starring Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn, and a young Natalie Wood as a little girl who (at least initially) doesn’t believe in Santa Claus. The 1994 remake managed to, thankfully, be just as warm and wonderful (in our humble opinion, at least!) as the ’47 version… thanks to fantastic performances from Mara Wilson as the aforementioned non-believer and Sir Richard Attenborough as one of the best Santas ever committed to celluloid.

Hulu Content, Perks, and Sweepstakes Come to Disney+

While What If…?, the exclusive Disney+ series, imagines alternate realities within the MCU, rest assured that everything you’re about to read is happening in our timeline and is available as we speak! If you’ve been toggling between Loki on Disney+ and The Bear on Hulu, your streaming life is about to get a whole lot easier. Last week marked the beta launch of Hulu on Disney+ for Bundle subscribers, making finding your favorite content even easier.

In addition, D23 Members and Disney+ subscribers now have access to Disney+ Perks which offers 50% off a new D23 Gold Membership and other savings on brands you love like Corkcicle, Sideshow, and Under Armour. To top it off, you can even enter a Disney Cruise Line sweepstakes!

We chatted with Joe Earley, Disney Entertainment’s President of Direct-to-Consumer, to get the inside scoop on this exciting development.

A Seamless Streaming Experience Begins
What’s Hulu on Disney+? Imagine opening your Disney+ app and finding a new Hulu tile, sitting cozily next to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic tiles. Just a click on this tile takes you to a world of Hulu’s extensive content – from award-winning originals to next-day TV shows. All this without the hassle of app-switching!

The Beta Phase: A Sneak Peek into the Future
Why beta? It’s all about perfecting the user experience. The official launch is set for March 2024, but today’s sneak peek helps Disney fine-tune this innovative integration.

“It’s an exciting next step for Direct-to-Consumer,” says Earley. “We’re committed to understanding what our subscribers truly desire.”

Balancing Family-Friendly Content with Adult Offerings
Concerns about content clashes? Earley assures that Disney+ will continue to be a safe space for families. This rollout includes time for subscribers to adjust parental controls, ensuring the right content reaches the right audience.

“Disney+ is all about offering ‘kid time,’ ‘we time,’ and ‘me time,'” Earley explains. This integration promises an exciting, age-appropriate experience for everyone.

The Vision Behind the Integration
This move is more than just convenience. It’s about deepening engagement and expanding content discoverability. “It’s an unbelievable value,” Earley shares. “We’re excited to offer a vast content universe under one subscription.”

Maintaining Standalone Apps
Worried about losing standalone apps? Fear not! Both Hulu and Disney+ will continue as separate entities. Hulu + Live TV and Premium add-ons remain exclusive to the Hulu app.

Disney’s Streaming Strategy: A Broader Vision
Earley highlights Disney’s commitment to optimizing content, marketing, and user experience. “Hulu on Disney+ will increase engagement and reduce churn,” he says, emphasizing innovation and competitive edge.

A Final Word from Joe Earley
Earley’s message to subscribers is clear: “Our Bundle subscription offers an incredible range of content from Disney+ and Hulu, promising endless stories and entertainment.”

Disney Earns 27 Golden Globe Award® Nominations

By Zach Johnson

Earlier this morning, The Walt Disney Company received 27 Golden Globe Award® nominations across its content brands and studios, including Disney Television Studios’ 20th Television, FX, FX Productions, Hulu Originals, Marvel Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Searchlight Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Studios.

Searchlight Pictures leads with eight nominations, with Poor Things earning seven in the Motion Picture categories. Leading in the television categories are FX’s The Bear on Hulu and the Hulu Original Only Murders in the Building, which each received five nominations.

Winners will be announced Sunday, January 7, 2024.

A complete list of all The Walt Disney Company nominations follows below.*

Willem Dafoe plays Dr. Godwin Baxter in Poor Things. His face is disfigured and he sits in an oversized chair. Next to him are several glass orbs and tubes that produce gas.

Poor Things (Searchlight Pictures)
7 Nominations

  • Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
  • Best Director, Motion Picture – Yorgos Lanthimos
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy – Emma Stone
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture – Willem Dafoe
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture – Mark Ruffalo
  • Best Screenplay, Motion Picture – Tony McNamara
  • Best Original Score, Motion Picture – Jerskin Fendrix

Sydney Adamu, played by Ayo Edibiri, Natalie "Sugar" Rose Berzatto, played by Abby Elliott, and Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, Jeremy Allen White, look puzzled in The Bear.

The Bear (FX/Hulu)
5 Nominations

  • Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Ayo Edebiri
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Jeremy Allen White
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role on Television – Ebon Moss-Bachrach
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role on Television – Abby Elliott

Loretta, played by Meryl Streep, performs onstage in Only Murders in the Building. She is holding a swaddled baby and is surrounded by several wicker bassinets.

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu Originals/20th Television)
5 Nominations

  • Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Disney Legend Steve Martin
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Martin Short
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Selena Gomez
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role on Television – Meryl Streep

In a scene from Fargo, Scotty Lyon, played by Sienna King, holds hands with Dorothy "Dot" Lyon/Nadine Tillman, played by Juno Temple, who crouches in front of her.

Fargo (FX)
3 Nominations

  • Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television – Jon Hamm
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television – Juno Temple

Janine Teagues, played by Quinta Brunson, talks to Barbara Howard, played by Sheryl Lee Ralph, in a scene from Abbott Elementary. They are standing in the cafeteria.

Abbott Elementary (ABC/20th Television)
2 Nominations

  • Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Quinta Brunson

In a scene from All of Us Strangers, Adam, played by Andrew Scott, leans forward in a crowded bar. Harry, played by Paul Mescal, drapes his right arm over Adam's shoulder.

All of Us Strangers (Searchlight Pictures)
1 Nomination

  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama – Andrew Scott

Ember, a Fire woman, speeds through a metropolis in a scene from Elemental.

Elemental (Pixar Animation Studios)
1 Nomination

  • Best Motion Picture, Animated

Catherine, played by Elle Fanning, sits cross-legged on her bed in a scene from The Great. She is wearing an ornate brocade dress and appears confused or exasperated.

The Great (Hulu Originals)
1 Nomination

  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Elle Fanning

Nebula, played by Karen Gillan, Peter Quill, played by Chris Pratt, and Drax, played by Dave Bautista, suit up for battle in a scene from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (Marvel Studios)
1 Nomination

  • Cinematic and Box Office Achievement in a Motion Picture

In scene from Wish, Asha stands with her arms outstretched as star shines bright above her. They are surrounded by deer, rabbits, raccoons, turtles, and other forest animals.

Wish (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
1 Nomination

  • Best Motion Picture, Animated

*As some of the nominations overlap, these are grand totals for each entity.

Bestselling Author Jeff Kinney Shares Behind-the-Scenes Stories About Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever

By Emily Hewitt

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever, premiering on Disney+ today, is a hilarious and heartfelt animated film that follows the holiday misadventures of Greg Heffley (voiced by Wesley Kimmel). After Greg accidentally damages a snowplow while making a snowman with best friend Rowley Jefferson (voiced by Spencer Howell), he worries he won’t get the new video game console he so desperately wants for Christmas. To make matters worse, he gets snowed in with his family, including his grumpy older brother Rodrick (voiced by Hunter Dillon) and annoying younger brother Manny (voiced by Gracen Newton).

 

The film is based on the book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever, from the wildly successful Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney, who also serves as the writer and executive producer of the new film. Lucky for D23, we had a chance to chat with Kinney about the making of the holiday movie. (Spoiler alert: the conversation discusses plot details.)

“I tried to sort of invert these Christmas stories that are usually about the joy of being together, in this story,” Kinney tells D23. “The last place that Greg wants to be is snowed in with his family, but he can’t do anything to get out of it and it gets more and more stressful for him.”

Greg’s mom’s perspective is especially reflected on-screen as she wants everyone to have a picture-perfect holiday together, juxtaposing Greg’s hopes for the holidays. “I think that she represents a kind of optimism—and Greg represents opportunism,” he explains.

Although the film does show a “nightmarish” side of Christmas, Kinney tried not to be too nihilistic. “You really can’t get away with telling a holiday story without it being really heartwarming,” the author says.

Kinney drew inspiration from a childhood experience: “There was a gift that I really coveted one year, and I found it in the linen closet,” he shares. “There is a big twist in the middle of the story where Greg finds the gift that he wasn’t sure he was going to get and that puts a different twist on things—because now [he’s] going to get it as long as [he’s] good, and that kind of thing did happen to me.”

When adapting the book for film, it was especially important for Kinney to touch upon the irony of Greg being bad, although this is the time of year he is really supposed to be good. He also wanted to include Elfriendo, a stuffed animal elf that watches Greg to ensure he is on his best behavior, to add a horror element to the film.

Kinney wrote the original story when he was in his early 30s and knew little about writing for the screen. In the years since—which have included adapting several of his books for film—Kinney says he’s learned how best to tell a story onscreen.

“What was really great about adapting [Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever] is I can go back to something where I had some good ideas but make it into a really good story,” he admits.

The first book in the Wimpy Kid series, titled Diary of a Wimpy Kid, was published in 2007—and the first film adaptation, of the same title, was released in 2010. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever was published in 2011 and Kinney started developing the film shortly after, though it took 10 years to come to fruition. Around the same time Kinney was asked to create a special for Fox Animation. Thus began a partnership with Fox and then The Walt Disney Company following its acquisition in 2019. In total, Kinney has made seven Diary of a Wimpy Kid films—four live-action films and three animated films.

“I think that Disney films have a certain tonal quality,” Kinney says. “Theirs is a brand that’s really strong and understood by families, and it’s fun for me. It’s a fun challenge.”

He continues, “I think the stories are kind of universal in a way, because they’re the stories of childhood. This story in particular is a whole family story. So, everybody’s experience is reflected on the screen. And I think that the more universal the stories are, the better that they work, not just in the United States, but around the world.”

When making the three animated films based on his books, Kinney wanted to ensure the artistic integrity of the original sources were carried over onto the screen. “We saw the live-action movies where the audience had to make this leap from the page to the actors,” he explains. “[With this film], we wanted to make it feel like Greg’s diaries became real—and I hope that we’ve achieved that.”

For the latest animated Christmas-themed chapter in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Kinney says he has one particular wish: “The hope of anybody that ever puts together a holiday movie,” he admits, “is that it will become a classic.”

Rejoice in Holiday Magic with these Friends of D23 at Light Up the Season

It’s that time of year to officially Light Up the Season! This Sunday, December 10, D23 Members will once again join us on The Walt Disney Studios lot for a jolly celebration and tree lighting. Amongst the glittering decorations and merry music, guests will be able to meet Disney characters in their festive best, enjoy seasonal sweets, and—of course—shop!  Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift for your special someone or just looking for a little treat for yourself, get to know the friends of D23 bringing exclusive discounts, magical prizes, and more to our celebration:

A young man wearing a black turtleneck and red pants stands with a woman with a red bow in her hair, white shirt, and gingham skirt---both are smiling. On the top left is the logo “Disney |Citizen” and to the far right is a large Citizen watch with classic Disney characters on the face.

A woman festively attired in a silver and pink feathered dress stands in profile with a Citizen watch on her wrist. Next to her is a close-up of the watch featuring Minnie Mouse with a disco ball. The logo “Disney | Citizen is at the lower right corner.

Citizen
Be sure to visit Citizen at this year’s Light Up the Season to shop your favorite Disney, Marvel, and Star Warstimepieces all powered by ANY LIGHT and never in need of a battery. The perfect gift for you, your family, or friends at an incredible holiday discount!

A festive snowy scene in a forest; there is a cabin with illuminated windows at center. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck build a snowman to the left of the cabin, while Goofy and Pluto admire a Christmas tree to the cabin’s right, in this Disney Fine Art Print.

Collectors Editions
Collectors Editions, publishers of Disney Fine Art, is excited to offer D23 Members and Disney Employees exclusive savings on limited-edition Disney artwork! Gold Members will receive 23% off at the booth when presenting their Membership Card. Stop by, shop selections, and meet artist Trevor Carlton who will be painting live!

An array of Disney Chase Visa cards is seen with brand icons from left to right, Captain America’s shield/Avengers, Grogu/Star Wars, Cinderella’s castle at Walt Disney World at center, a Disney100 platinum design with Mickey and Minnie, and Black Panther.

Disney Rewards
Holiday cheer from Disney Rewards. Stop by the Disney Rewards booth across from the Disney Studio Store to pick up a special lithograph for a bit of holiday cheer. While supplies last. Want to learn more about Disney Rewards? Visit DisneyRewards.com to explore the Disney© Visa© Credit Cards. Restrictions apply.

Four images of the Disney100 Platinum Edition showcase signature details. From Top left to Bottom right: Full car view; Close-up of hidden Mickeys in wheel hubcap; closeup of interior with Disney100 on screen control; closeup of seatback with Disney100 embossed.

Hyundai
The magic is in the journey.  Experience the joy of the season at the Hyundai Winter Wonderland. Enjoy a complimentary hot holiday beverage and explore the Hyundai IONIQ 5 Disney100 Platinum Edition—the first-ever vehicle designed with visual input from Walt Disney Imagineering. Learn more at:  https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/2024-ioniq-5-d100-platinum

The Iron Studios figurine of Sorcerer Mickey is seen at the center, with the Iron Studios logo at bottom left. The Disney100 logo is at bottom right.

Iron Studios
Hailing from our roots in Brazil, Iron Studios is on a relentless quest to immortalize the most iconic moments and characters for every fan around the world. We are really excited to bring our collection of the Disney Classics, Marvel, and Star Wars figures to D23 fans at Light Up the Season, so don’t miss out and join us at our booth to catch a glimpse of something special!

The LEGO set build of the alien moon of Pandora is seen on a tabletop.

LEGO
Dive into the world of Avatar in a way you’ve never seen before! Over one million LEGO® bricks were used to create this epic build of the beautiful alien moon of Pandora! Visit the lobby of the Frank G. Wells Building to see the diorama with your own eyes.

A full Lionel train is seen with Mickey Mouse as conductor and Donald Duck close by. The train is green and red with cheerful holiday scenes and a few Hidden Mickeys. The Lionel logo set amid a gold-festooned wreath is at top right with the tagline “Memories that last a lifetime.”

Mickey and Minnie handcar in platinum is at lower left. The Lionel logo set amid a gold-festooned wreath is at top right with the tagline “Memories that last a lifetime is at the right.

Lionel
Lionel is thrilled to help Disney “Light Up the Season,” bringing a line of stunning and imaginative Disney and Disney Pixar model train products that will add an extra touch of magic to your home this Christmas! From celebratory Disney100, to Disney Princesses, to Toy Story; stop by to see the Lionel team and our amazing train products that make the perfect gift for all Disney lovers. What better way to start your own family tradition than with a Lionel train under the tree and make memories that last a lifetime. If you are unable to attend the event, you can find all our available Disney products, and so much more, at www.lionelstore.com. We hope to see you there!

The Disney branded TABOO game box sits at center, with playing card, sand timer and other game objects in front.

The Op
The Op, also known as usaopoly, is a leading publisher and manufacturer of board games and puzzles for over 25 years! Our diverse portfolio includes award-winning and bestselling titles such as TELESTRATIONS®,BLANK SLATE™, and TAPPLE™ as well as licensed versions of MONOPOLY®, CLUE®, YAHTZEE®, and more. The Op continues to partner with marquee brands and licensors such as Disney and are excited to celebrate the holidays at the game table!

Stop by our booth to play some games and bring family, friends, and fans together to create memorable experiences through play!

At left in profile is a man wearing a Santa hat and a holiday RSVTS short-sheeve shirt. He holds a pile of wrapped presents that are about to tip over. At left are three RSVTS shirts with holiday-inspired prints. The logo Disney| RSVTS is at top.

RSVLTS
RSVLTS is excited for its first D23 Light Up the Season event! We are bringing all D23 Members a second chance to grab some recently sold-out Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars holiday apparel featuring Mickey, Minnie, Iron Man, Darth Vader, and more. We are also bringing along a Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas favorite just for you. Also, discounts will be available for D23 Gold Members. And don’t forget to check out our Limited Edition Disney100 line at RSVLTS.com.

 

Percy Jackson Quiz: Which Greek God Could You Be the Child Of?

By Jocelyn Buhlman

The December 20 debut of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+ is just around the corner, and we can barely wait to start watching! The series is inspired by Greek mythology and follows Percy Jackson and the residents of Camp Half-Blood, a safe haven for demigod children. Whether you’ve read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series that inspired the new Disney+ show; have just started the books; or are entirely new to the world of Percy and his friends, you might find yourself wondering—if you were a demigod, who would be your godly parent? Well, ponder no longer! Take our handy quiz and we’ll help you discover just who from the Greek pantheon is your parent.

Your best quality is…

What is your life’s goal?

Pick an animal to represent yourself:

What’s your best subject in school?

What are you afraid of?

Snack time! What are you eating?

Hey, let’s watch the 1995 animated classic Hercules!

Percy Jackson Quiz: Which Greek God Could You Be the Child Of?
Your parent is: Aphrodite
Are you a hopeless romantic? Do you easily find beauty in the world around you? If you were a camper at Camp-Half Blood, you’ll probably be claimed by Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Head on over to Cabin 10 to meet your half-siblings—and don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers!
Your parent is: Athena
Wise beyond your years and more than a little bit crafty, it’s only natural that you’re a descendant of Athena! As a child of the goddess of wisdom, the arts, and mathematics, you’ll be right at home at Camp Half-Blood. Just stop by Cabin 6 to meet your half-siblings—and you’ll definitely want to check out the cabin’s library.
Your parent is: Poseidon
Perhaps you’ve always been great at swimming, or maybe storms and earthquakes don’t scare you a bit. You might even be great at riding horses—your godly parent, Poseidon, isn’t just the god of the sea, you know! Besides ruling over storms and floods, he’s also the god of horses. At Camp Half-Blood, you’ll be bunking in Cabin 3. It’s a little empty; Poseidon, along with his brothers, Zeus and Hades, swore to stop fathering demigod children—but the cabin has a lovely sea breeze and a beautiful fountain!
Your parent is: Ares
You’re a fighter, and you value your strength and courage above all else. Your godly father, Ares, would be proud! As the god of war, Ares loves to jump into battle—even if he doesn’t always win… At Camp Half-Blood, it’s easy to spot your cabin since it’s painted bright red! At Cabin 5, you’ll meet your mighty half-siblings who share your fighter’s spirit.
Your parent is: Hermes
It’s hard to stay in one place, isn’t it? You’d rather be traveling the world and meeting new people—just like your godly father, Hermes! As the god of travel and communication, Hermes can be a mischievous at times, but don’t be fooled. He has a welcoming spirit, as demonstrated by his cabin at Camp Half-Blood. Cabin 11 isn’t just home to your half siblings—any demigod who has not yet been claimed by their godly parent is welcome to stay until they learn their true origin.

Madison Skye Validum Shares Behind-the-Scenes Details About Dashing Through the Snow

By Emily Hewitt

Disney’s Dashing Through the Snow is a story about Eddie (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges), a social worker who goes on a Christmas Eve journey with his 8-year-old daughter, Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum), that helps him remember the joy and magic of the yuletide season after they meet a mysterious man in a red suit named Nick (Lil Rel Howery). The film premiered November 17 on Disney+ and will be streaming on Hulu from December 7 through January 21.

Validum recently shared some behind-the-scenes stories about the festive set with D23.

Validum found it easy to get into character and play the outgoing character of Charlotte due to having similar characteristics.

“When I saw Charlotte, I already pictured how she would act,” Validum said. “I saw all her emotions… I think Charlotte [is] so bubbly and bold and exciting, and that’s pretty similar to me.”

To ensure she was in the utmost uplifted spirits when filming this jolly holiday film, Validum performed a specific ritual at the start of every filming day.

“My mom and me, we have a song like, ‘Show ’em what you got / Show ’em what you’re working with / Show ’em what you got,’” Validum said.

One day she especially showed “’em what [she] got” when she filmed a dance sequence with Howery.

“We improvised it,” Validum said. “[Howery] just said, ‘I’m just going to dance. You do whatever you want, and we’ll just match each other and have fun.”

Another major memory for Validum is filming a scene with delicious smelling cookies—which she wanted to eat so badly but had to refrain from devouring! Although she couldn’t eat the cookies on set, she enjoys baking cookies and traditional family foods around the holidays.

“One of our family traditions is that we make macaroni, and we make ackee and codfish,” Validum said. “All of those Jamaican dishes are so amazing.”

Although she also adores opening presents and is wishing for a skateboard this holiday season (after her cousin taught her how to skate), above all, she enjoys spending time with her family.

“Remember that family is so important,” Validum said. “I hope people watch this with [their] family.”

She also hopes that other little girls are inspired to follow their dreams like she has.

“I really want young little Black girls like me to never feel discouraged from acting and always do what you love,” Validum said.  “Because if you pursue what you love, then it wouldn’t be a job, and it would just be a hobby.”

6 Must-Do’s in the NEW Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Game

By Lucy O’Brien

Sivako! Rise to the challenge in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora™, available now! This first-person, action-adventure game is set in the open world of the never-before-seen Western Frontier of Pandora. Reconnect with your lost heritage and discover what it truly means to be Na’vi as you join other clans to protect Pandora.

The continent of the Western Frontier is vast and varied, with a ton of exploration opportunities. We have the scoop on what to do first, according to the game developers. Creative Director Magnus Jansén and Senior Narrative Designer Chella Ramanan share their personal recommendations below for six must-do’s in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.

A Na’vi rides a creature in a rolling field, observing other alien creatures running toward bridge-like rock formations.

Explore Pandora
Take some time to do some exploring, because the entire Western Frontier is built around it, explains Jansén. “Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is all about joyful surprises and discovery, and the awe that you’ll feel after that discovery,” he says. “So, explore on your own. Challenge some preconceptions. Meet the flora and the fauna and interact with them. Some of them are dangerous, some are beneficial. Some give you food, some give you material to make weapons and armor.”

Eavesdrop
“There’s plenty to learn about the characters in the world if you do a little eavesdropping,” says Ramanan. “Eavesdrop on the Na’vi or the Resistance, or any of the characters in the world, frankly,” she says. “There are little nuggets of gossip in there—who fancies who, or who’s stealing stuff from the fridge!”

Several Na’vi ride their banshees over a field of purple flowers. In the distance, a valley with orange-leafed trees sprawls to the horizon.

Use the Hunter’s Guide
Jansén also stresses the importance of using the Hunter’s Guide, a compendium of all the cool things you have discovered, or have yet to discover, in the game. “It’s not just nerdy lore… although there’s plenty of nerdy lore,” he explains. “There’s also a lot of important information in there, like where the best things grow and the best time of day to harvest them. It has gameplay value, too, so don’t sleep on it.” 

Check Out Pandora’s Caves
Ramanan is particularly impressed with the level of detail in the caves in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. “It sounds really weird, but take some time to find a cave,” she says. “They’re stunning. They’ve got all these bioluminescent fungi and little pools of water, and all the soft colors that bounce off the rocks and reflect in the water. Jump into Photo Mode once you find a cave.”

 Experiment With Cooking
Play around with cooking, Jansén recommends, as you’ll unlock benefits from your ingredients. “Just experiment,” he says. “Because once you find out what an ingredient does, it’ll have that benefit for every dish you cook with.”

Two Na’vi welcome you with extended arms into a covered area where a variety of Na’vi are relaxing.

Learn Some Na’vi Words
Ramanan and the Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora actors worked closely with dialect coaches to ensure that the Na’vi language in the game is authentic and pronounced just right. “We consulted Paul Frommer for all of our Na’vi, and then we had vocal coaches in all the recording sessions,” she explains. “So, all the Na’vi words that you hear are true to how they should be pronounced. We have a few words peppered through the dialogue, so see what you can pick up as you explore the Western Frontier.”

For all the Avatar film fans, the game was also created in collaboration with 20th Century Studios and James Cameron’s production company, Lightstorm Entertainment so the game is accurate in terms of Na’vi culture and fits into the Avatar universe.

Now that you know what to do first in the game, it’s time to protect Pandora and become Na’vi in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora! Available now from the Ubisoft Store.

Watch the story trailer below:

A Scent-sational Celebration of Dumbo the Flying Elephant with Scentsy

Ready for some high-flying news? If you love the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction at Walt Disney World® Resort, we’ve got a new scent-sational reason for you to celebrate this nostalgic favorite! We are thrilled to announce that Scentsy, an international fragrance company based in Idaho, is now the official sponsor of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction at Walt Disney World Resort!

After over three years of fragrantly delightful products, Scentsy and Disney are now taking their aromatic adventures to Magic Kingdom® Park! You might have experienced Scentsy fragrances during the annual EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival, at their Blossoms of Fragrance garden which featured three larger-than-life butterfly-shaped floral topiaries and botanically themed scent stations where guests experienced six beloved Scentsy fragrances that tied in beautifully with flowers and gardens.

Coming soon to Magic Kingdom® Park, Scentsy will be the presenting sponsor of “Smellephants on Parade,” a brand-new “search and sniff” experience for noses of all ages, featuring circus-themed fragrances courtesy of Scentsy!

To commemorate the sponsorship, Scentsy is offering a limited-edition, numbered and collectible Walt Disney World: Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Scentsy Warmer and custom fragrance inspired by the attraction, available exclusively online. For more on this incredible collector’s item, or to view other products from Scentsy’s Disney Collection, visit Scentsy.com.

About Scentsy
Scentsy started in 2004, when co-founders Heidi and Orville Thompson launched a big idea in a small, 40-foot shipping container on a sheep farm in Meridian, Idaho. Today, Scentsy is a Forbes-recognized, direct-selling leader known for connecting people through fragrance worldwide. Scentsy has been recognized by Direct Selling News, Idaho Private 100, the DSA Ethos Awards, and others for workplace excellence and growth. Scentsy operates in 14 countries, employs more than 1,300 people and delivers richly scented wickless candles, wax warmers, diffusers, and oils, plus home, cleaning, kids and body products through nearly 200,000 Independent Consultants who share their Scentsy-product passion via in-person and virtual selling. Scentsy believes that healthy, happy families build vibrant communities. Since 2010, Scentsy’s charitable cause program has donated more than $15.2 million to more than 175 global and local charities through the Scentsy Family Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) that funds sustainable nonprofit organizations focusing on children, family, and communities.

To learn more about Scentsy, visit www.scentsy.com.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

By Courtney Potter

The magic of the holidays is in full swing, and that means that lots of merrier-than-usual content is available to watch, from around the worlds of Disney, all weekend long. What’s in store, you may ask? A certain middle-school favorite finds himself contending with a snowstorm just as Christmas is approaching, in a Disney+ original; the Doctor meets a sure-to-be-memorable nemesis, in the final special celebrating the British import’s incredible six-decade history; and so much more! Read on for a small sampling of the festive fun:

In an image from Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever, Manny (voiced by Gracen Newton), Frank Heffley (voiced by Chris Diamantopoulos), Susan (voiced by Erica Cerra), Greg (voiced by Wesley Kimmel), and Rodrick (voiced by Hunter Dillon) are sitting around the Christmas tree in the living room, looking at some toys and talking. To the left of the Christmas tree is a hearth, above which are hung several stockings; to the right of the tree is a window, through which sunlight streams in.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever—Friday, December 8, on Disney+
A hilarious and heartfelt holiday tale centered around everyone’s favorite disaster-prone middle schooler, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever is the latest animated movie based on Jeff Kinney’s insanely successful book series. The winter holidays are turning out to be especially stressful this year for Greg Heffley (voiced by Wesley Kimmel). After accidentally damaging someone else’s property with his best friend Rowley (voiced by Spencer Howell), Greg worries he won’t get the gift he so desperately wants for Christmas. To make matters worse, a snowstorm hits the town—and the entire family is trapped indoors for days! With Christmas right around the corner, will Greg be able to be on his best behavior?

In an image from Disney Branded Television’s Hamster & Gretel, Hamster (voiced by Beck Bennett) is wearing his yellow super hero suit and cape, and is set against a bright yellow “Pow!” comic book-style background. There is a large “H” in red on his chest.

Hamster & Gretel—Saturday, December 9, at 10 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
In the bound-to-be-hilariously-thrilling two-part season 1 finale, entitled “Exclamation Strikes Back Parts I and II,” Professor Exclamation (voiced by Phil LaMarr) traps Hamster (voiced by Beck Bennett) and Gretel (voiced by Meli Povenmire) and takes away their powers.

In an image from The Giggle, the third and final special for Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary, the Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris)—wearing a top hat and tails and carrying a cane—stands in the middle of a busy street, throwing his head back and laughing. Worried people are dashing by him, ostensibly to take cover, as there is debris surrounding the Toymaker on the street.

Doctor Who: The Giggle—Saturday, December 9, on Disney+
If you’re not watching these incredible 60th anniversary Doctor Who specials—as created by returning showrunner Russell T. Davies—you’re seriously missing out. Spoiler alert if you haven’t yet watched last week’s special, “Wild Blue Yonder”: It was the very last appearance of fan-favorite Wilfred Mott, as portrayed by Bernard Cribbins, who passed away in 2022. “Wilf,” as he was affectionately known, was the grandfather of Donna (Catherine Tate), companion to the Fourteenth Doctor (David Tennant), whose familiar face has returned for reasons still mysterious. This week, in the third and final special, the Doctor and Donna meet a most terrifying villain: the Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris in his Doctor Who debut). And there just might be a regeneration in the offing…

In an image from Mickey Saves Christmas, from left to right, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Daisy Duck surround a Christmas tree inside a log cabin. They all wear holiday finery, and Christmas lights adorn both the tree and the wall behind them.

Mickey Saves Christmas—Sunday, December 10, at 7 p.m. ET/PT on ABC (check local listings)
It’s a holiday bonanza this Sunday on ABC! In Mickey Saves Christmas—an original stop-motion animated special that debuted last year across several Disney networks and steaming services—it’s Christmas Eve, and the lights on the roof of Mickey Mouse’s cabin have gone out just as Santa tried to land. Merry misfortune ensues, leaving St. Nick with no toys for the children of Hot Dog Hill! Luckily, Mickey and all his friends are able to hop aboard Santa’s sleigh for a quick trip to the North Pole… but can they save Christmas in time?

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Anna (voiced by Disney Legend Kristen Bell), left, and Elsa (voiced by Disney Legend Idina Menzel), right, watch as Olaf (Disney Legend Josh Gad) is wrapped up mummy-style in a long red scarf by a small child, standing to his right. The sister pair are each wearing their winter coats and are holding lanterns. There are a few gifts at Olaf’s feet, as if he’s a stand-in for a Christmas tree. Several other people stand off to the right.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure—Sunday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on ABC (check local listings)
Following Mickey Saves Christmas is the adorable 2017 Walt Disney Animation Studios featurette Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. It’s the first holiday season since Arendelle’s gates reopened—and Anna (voiced by Disney Legend Kristen Bell) and Elsa (voiced by Disney Legend Idina Menzel), with assistance from Kristoff (voice of Disney Legend Jonathan Groff), are excited to host a big celebration for the kingdom. But when the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their own holiday customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions to delight in together. And so, ever-helpful Olaf (Disney Legend Josh Gad) sets out to comb the countryside with Sven for all the very best traditions and save this inaugural Christmas for his very best friends. Stick around after the short to see how it all began, with 2013’s Oscar®-winning Frozen.