Disneyland Resort Announces Dates for 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash

By the D23 Team

May marks the halfway point to Halloween, so it’s appropriate that Disneyland Resort just shared the dates for the 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, which will be offered on 27 select nights at Disney California Adventure Park—more nights than ever before!

At this separately ticketed, after-hours event, guests of all ages can enjoy immersive treat trails, unique character sightings, special entertainment, themed merchandise, exclusive food and beverages, and so much more… available onlyduring Oogie Boogie Bash nights. Plus, Oogie Boogie Bash guests can enjoy Disney California Adventure Park three hours before the party begins, as well as unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the party.

Tickets will go on sale soon—but for now, mark those calendars: the dates for the party are:

  • Sunday, August 25
  • Tuesday, August 27
  • Thursday, August 29
  • Tuesday, September 3
  • Tuesday, September 10
  • Thursday, September 12
  • Sunday, September 15
  • Tuesday, September 17
  • Thursday, September 19
  • Sunday, September 22
  • Tuesday, September 24
  • Thursday, September 26
  • Sunday, September 29
  • Tuesday, October 1
  • Thursday, October 3
  • Sunday, October 6
  • Tuesday, October 8
  • Thursday, October 10
  • Sunday, October 13
  • Tuesday, October 15
  • Thursday, October 17
  • Sunday, October 20
  • Tuesday, October 22
  • Thursday, October 24
  • Sunday, October 27
  • Tuesday, October 29
  • Thursday, October 31—Halloween night!

Check out the Disney Parks Blog for more Halfway to Halloween details, and stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks about when Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party tickets will be available. Start planning those frightfully fun outfits now!

15% off Your Bill at Naples Ristorante, Downtown Disney, CA

Naples Ristorante
Where: Downtown Disney
What: 15% Off Your Final Bill
Expires: April 15, 2025

The authentic soul of Southern Italy in the heart of Downtown Disney, Naples Ristorante provides a fun, casual environment in which to enjoy delicious thin-crust pizzas and a full menu of regional Italian specialties!

With spacious patio dining, refreshing wines and spirits and a special menu for younger guests, Naples is the perfect destination for celebrating with family and friends.

D23 Gold Members can save 15% on their bill, excluding alcoholic beverages, when dining at Naples Ristorante in Downtown Disney, Anaheim.

To redeem your offer in-person, please show proof of D23 Gold Membership. It must be presented prior to payment to receive the discount.

NOTE
Offer valid for current D23 Gold Members only. This discount cannot be combined with any other offers. Discount is valid for entire party dining with the D23 Gold Member with one check. Not valid on any contracted special events or banquets. Discount does not apply to alcoholic beverages. Offer expires 4/15/2025.

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

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

2024 Collector Set

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Also includes our quarterly publication and annual Collector Set.

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New Products to Celebrate May the 4th

By Jennifer Chalifoux

May the 4th is upon us, and we’re kicking off this annual fan-favorite Star Wars holiday with new products celebrating the Star Wars galaxy!

Check out the latest from the LEGO® Group, a redesigned TIE Interceptor building set. This new LEGO Ultimate Collector Series addition will be a hit for any Star Wars fan—measuring 13 inches tall, 16 inches long, and 13 inches wide, with 1,931 LEGO bricks!

The LEGO Group has also released new sets to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the LEGO Star Wars collaboration, including a Droideka building set, Mos Espa Podrace Diorama building set, Brickheadz building sets featuring characters from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, and more. Plus, a brand-new coffee-table book detailing the 25-year LEGO Star Wars journey to-date—The Force of Creativity—will be available July 1. There’s even more May the 4th fun to be had for Builders in LEGO Fortnite, thanks to an upcoming collaboration! Fans are advised to “keep their sights to the stars,” with new LEGO Star Wars content arriving in the game beginning today. Play now!

Left – Star Wars The Black Series Super Battle Droid from Hasbro on black background. Middle – Rendering of the Star Wars Retro Collection Episode II & Episode III Multipack from Hasbro. Right – Star Wars The Vintage Collection X-wing Pilot 4-Pack from Hasbro on black gradient background.

Hasbro has just announced new figures from The Black Series, The Retro Collection, and The Vintage Collection! Featuring new sculpts inspired by fan-favorite characters and droids, the lineup includes The Black Series Super Battle Droid, The Retro Collection Star Wars Episode II and Episode III multifigure packs, The Vintage Collection X-wing Pilot four-pack, and more. They will be available tomorrow, May 4, and make a perfect addition to any fan’s collection!

Left – Star Wars Dark Side Trio Coffee Collection from Joffrey’s Coffee on a black background. Middle - Star Wars TruMoo Blue Milk from Dairy Farmers of America on a white background. Right – Star Wars Dark Side Hot Sauce from TRUFF bottle and packaging in a fiery display.

Coffee enthusiasts and Star Wars fans can empower their day with the new Star Wars Dark Side Trio Coffee Collection from Joffrey’s Coffee. Included in the trio gift box are the Dare to Resist Blend, Dark Side Blend, and Double Saber Blend—each grounded in 11 oz. packages and ready for brewing!

Like to add a little milk to your coffee? How about some blue milk?

Star Wars TruMoo Blue Milk is now available at select retailers in most major markets from Dairy Farmers of America! This vanilla-flavored blue milk is inspired by the beverage first introduced in Star Wars: A New Hope and featured in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Also available now, white milk from various DFA regional brands and TruMoo chocolate milk with out-of-this-world Star Wars branding. To learn more about the new Star Wars TruMoo Blue Milk, including interactive trivia, crafts, recipes, and where to find TruMoo Blue Milk products near you, visit starwarsmilk.com.

Keep your tastebuds soaring with a new Star Wars Dark Side Hot Sauce from TRUFF. The brand’s hottest sauce yet, this meticulously crafted blend has a symphony of flavors that intertwine the fiery essence of ghost peppers with the opulent notes of black winter truffles. The sauce is available now for a limited time.

It’s the perfect time to decorate your living space with new Star Wars plushies, collectibles, and homeware!

Standing Darth Vader Hologram Bear from Build-A-Bear Workshop on a white background. Middle – Star Wars Return of the Jedi Nik Sant 1/6 Scale Mini-Bust collectible from Gentle Giant, Ltd on a rendered background. Right – Princess Leia Geeki Tikis Mug on a white background.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is debuting its newest cuddly friend and most fearsome villain: the Darth Vader Hologram Bear. With hologram paw pads, a signature helmet and cape inspired by Darth Vader, this teddy bear is a tribute to one of the most iconic villains of all time! If you’re looking for something to decorate shelf space in your living room or home office, you will love the Star Wars Return of the Jedi Nik Sant 1/6 Scale Mini-Bust collectible from Gentle Giant, Ltd. This new 6-inch mini-bust is detailed in its sculpting and painting and is the latest in the brand’s Star Wars portfolio. It will be available for preorder beginning May 4, at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET.

And if you’re looking to dress up your bookshelf or bar top, look no further! The special-edition artist series Princess Leia Geeki Tikis Mug might be the galaxy’s finest collectible. This stunning ceramic 24-oz mug is limited to only 500 pieces and is available with special release pricing for May the 4th only.

Moving on to apparel, UNIQLO has just released an exciting T-shirt collection designed by Kosuke Kawamura, themed to classic Star Warsart. The Star Wars: Remastered collection inspired by Star Wars characters and scenes features six different short-sleeve styles. You can shop the collection now in the United States, Canada, and Japan.

Looking for the best accessories to pair with your new wardrobe? We have just what you’re looking for.

Top Left – Padmé Dangle Earrings from Girl’s Crew on model. Top Middle – Death Star Necklace from RockLove in necklace box. Top Right – Gray imprinted Star Wars-inspired ring from Enso Rings on a white background. Bottom Left – Jar Jar Binks-inspired socks from STANCE on white background. Bottom Middle – Mace Windu sunglasses from DIFF Eyewear and special logo pin on purple gradient background. Bottom Right – Collection of Star Wars-inspired eyeglass frames from Pair Eyewear on black background.

Get ready for a night out—or a screening of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace!—with the Padmé Dangle Earrings from Girl’s Crew. This stunning set has a matching Padmé Ring. Channel your inner Dark Side any day of the week with the Death Star Necklace from RockLove.

You’ll also love the Jump to Lightspeed and Millennium Falcon Star Wars-inspired rings from Enso Rings, both featuring a unique and flexible design for ultra-comfort throughout the day. Plus, STANCE is celebrating 25 years of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace with a new sock collection. Among my favorites are the Jar Jar Crew Socks for adults and kids. 

The epic style of Jedi Master Mace Windu is bringing a super sleek and eternally cool look to DIFF Eyewear’s newest Star Wars-inspired glasses. The new pair of Mace Windu shades commemorates the Jedi Master’s iconic blade color with purple lenses, while the frame is inspired by the steel color of a Lightsaber hilt.

 Plus, Pair Eyewear also recently debuted a new collection of eyeglasses featuring Star Wars-inspired designs! The Stormtrooper Scenic Split Top Frame highlights the iconic stormtrooper black-and-white color palette from top to bottom, with stormtrooper icons to top off the front design of the frame!

Top – Star Wars Outlaws video game rendering. Bottom left – Star Wars: The High Republic: The Lightsaber Collection from Insight Editions cover art. Bottom right – Star Wars: The High Republic: Beware the Nameless cover art.

Set between the events of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, gamers and Star Wars fans alike can soon experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game. In Star Wars Outlaws, explore distinct planets across the galaxy—both iconic and new! Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. Star Wars Outlaws is coming August 30, 2024, so preorder your copy today!

Spark creativity and dive into the Star Wars galaxy with new books coming soon. In the new Star Wars: The High Republic: The Lightsaber Collection from Insight Editions, readers can discover more than 50 lightsabers from the golden age of the Jedi—with designs and illustrations in a photorealistic manner for the first time ever! In a new tale, Star Wars: The High Republic: Beware the Nameless, the fearsome Nihil continue to spread chaos inside the Occlusion Zone with the help of the mysterious creatures called the Nameless, that feed on the Force itself.

Did you know, the slimy sound of Jabba the Hutt’s movements was made mainly with recordings of hands being run through a bowl of mac and cheese? Learn this and more incredible facts about Star Wars in the upcoming Weird But True! Star Wars from Nat Geo Kids. 

For the latest news, visit StarWars.com.

May the Force be with you!

10% Off at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, Downtown Disney, CA

Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio
Where: Downtown Disney
What: 10% Off Your Bill
Expires: April 15, 2025

Spice up your life at the newly reimagined Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio in Downtown Disney, and enjoy contemporary coastal cuisine, live jazz entertainment, and good vibes!

D23 Gold Members can receive a 10% discount on all food items available for dine-in guests and at Beignets Expressed, from Monday – Friday before 4:00 p.m.

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

Please present proof of D23 Gold Membership at the time of transaction to receive the discount.

NOTE
Offer only available Monday – Friday before 4:00 p.m. (excluding alcohol, gratuity and tax. $50.00 max discount allowed. Not valid on special events, weekend, or major holidays). Valid at Downtown Disney location only. Proof of D23 Gold Membership must be presented prior to payment to receive the discount.

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

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

2024 Collector Set

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

BECOME A GOLD MEMBER

Every Way to Celebrate May the 4th with Fortnite

By Jocelyn Buhlman

May the 4th is just around the corner, and with it comes the promise of Star Wars once again making the lightspeed jump into Fortnite for limited-time fun. Whether you’re hopping on the Battle Bus or building a village in LEGO® Fortnite,  there’s so many ways to play in Fortnite. Here’s all the ways you can celebrate during the Fortnite | Star Wars collaboration, from May 3 to May 14:

A Star Wars Island Arrives in LEGO Fortnite
Rebel and Imperial ships have crash-landed into LEGO Fortnite, which means players can explore the all-new Star Wars island, which will continue to be available in game after Fortnite | Star Wars 2024 ends! Help the Rebel troops survive and build up their village, craft new Star Wars items, explore new locations, and—of course—wield lightsabers! While aiding the Rebellion, make progress in the LEGO Pass: Rebel Adventurewhich has free and premium rewards based on Tatooine and Mos Eisley!

Plus, crash the crash site of the Empire’s Star Destroyer; but be warned—the Empire is trying to make your world their home. You can choose to destroy the Imperial camps, or keep them for yourself. The site will remain in LEGO Fortnite beyond v29.40, so you can admire (or destroy) the Star Destroyer whenever you like.

The new update also brings more LEGO Styles for past Outfits that haven’t gotten a LEGO style yet, including Star Wars Outfits like Darth Vader and The Mandalorian!

Chewbacca Joins Battle Royal
Next time you jump off the Battle Bus (after thanking the bus driver, of course), set your sights on the new Camp landmark to rescue Chewbacca! Our favorite Wookiee will join players in battle with his trusty Bowcaster, and you can liberate your own Bowcaster from Imperial Chests at Stormtrooper roadblocks across the Island.

Plus: Check out new reward Quests and returning gameplay like the Darth Vader boss, Stormtrooper NPCs, E-11 Blasters, and more, available through May 14. Yes, that means you can swing Darth Vader’s Lightsaber once again… assuming you can defeat the mighty Sith Lord in battle! Battle Royale’s Star WarsQuests will be released in two phases: the first on May 3 and the second on May 7.

Fortnite Festival’s Own Hive of Scum and Villainy
Speaking of Fornite Festival… A stage inspired by Mos Eisley’s famous Cantina will be coming to FortniteFestival’s Jam Stage on May 3! Plus, complete Fortnite Festival’s Star Wars Quests to unlock a Battle Pass Level Up Reward and the Seven String Hallikset Guitar. These Quests go live May 3.

Make sure you’ve got the perfect intergalactic instruments for jamming to “Cantina Band,” with new items arriving in the item shop. “Ewok” and roll with the Endorian Drums, or become a Nalargonist with the Nalargon Keytar! Start your galactic grooves on May 3, when the “Cantina Band” Jam Track, Endorian Drums, and Nalargon Keytar will be in the Fortnite Shop with the release of v29.40.

Now THIS is Rocket Racing!
Star Wars Quests land in Rocket Racing on May 3, with more coming starting May 7. Inspired by one of Tatooine’s favorite (and most dangerous) pastimes, players can earn the podracing-inspired Energy Binders Trail and other rewards when completing the Quests. With v29.40, players will be able to earn separate rewards like Anakin’s Podracer Decal and the Darth Maul Decal when completing Quests.

Galactic Goodies in the Item Shop
Add some extra Star Wars swagger to your next game with the new Lando Calrissian, Dagobah Luke, and AWR Trooper Outfits. All three outfits include a LEGO Style, so your Star Wars adventures can continue in LEGO Fortnite. Hitting the road? Make your machine Mando-inspired with the Beskar Car Body, which also grants the car for Rocket League players. For those of you looking for the ultimate track to jam to in FortniteFestival, we’ve got great news: the “Mad About Me” (a.k.a. “Cantina Band”) Jam Track will be available for purchase throughout the event!

Missed out on previously Star Wars Outfits? A large selection will return during the event, including Han Solo, Leia Organa, Finn, Kylo Ren, and Rey!

Virtual Gallery: The Early Years of Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Like the name “Disney,” there is inherent magic in the word “Hollywood.” It represents a cache of cultural nostalgia for the movies we love. When the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park opened at Walt Disney World on May 1, 1989, its dedication plaque described the park’s Hollywood experience as “a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic.” The resulting park history has become one part memory lane, one part dream factory, and one part starring role for every guest who finds themselves immersed in the mythology of Hollywood, the moviemaking process, or the worlds of their favorite television shows and films.

Upon its debut, the park unveiled an impressive roster of new and unique attractions but could also legitimately boast of being a real production facility supported by state-of-the-art soundstages, an expansive backlot, and a functioning animation studio. Disney films of the era were also heralded and promoted throughout the park, oftentimes by way of special costume and prop exhibits, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and celebrity appearances which helped to further tie the in-park experience to its Hollywood roots.

In 2008, the park officially changed its name to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, reflecting a new direction—away from actual production and a behind-the-scenes focus to wholly immersing guests in their favorite TV and film experiences through new and exciting attractions and environments. Still, the park perfectly retains its fantasy aura of classic Hollywood seemingly filled with stars, sky-tracing klieg lights, and cement handprints, successfully creating a nostalgia for “a Hollywood that never was and always will be.”

To celebrate Disney’s Hollywood Studios on its 35th anniversary, the Walt Disney Archives proudly presents a virtual gallery of iconic merchandise, ephemera, and props that chronicle the park’s early years, including its Grand Opening Spectacular weekend (April 28 to May 1, 1989):

Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park Special “Sneak Preview” Guide, 1987
Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park Guide Book, 1989
Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park “World Premiere Night” Invitation, 1989
Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park “Earffel Tower” Postcard, ca. 1989
Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park Commemorative Child Ticket No. 1, ca. 1989
Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park Souvenir License Plate, ca. 1989
Grand Opening Promotional Button Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park 1989
Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park Souvenir Baseball Cap, ca. 1989
“Indiana Jones” Audio-Animatronics® Costume Fedora, The Great Movie Ride [1989–2017]
Star Tours Starspeeder Model made by Industrial Light & Magic, ca. 1987

Opening text adapted from A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of the Most Magical Place on Earth (2021) by Disney archivists Kevin M. Kern and Steven Vagnini and Disney author/historian Tim O’Day, now available from Disney Editions.

D23 Exclusive: Three New Variant Covers for Marvel’s Uncle $crooge and the Infinity Dime

By the D23 Team

What happens when the world’s wealthiest duck teams up with Marvel Comics? It’s a legendary pairing that means one thing for certain: comic fans are in for a treat! For the first time ever, Scrooge McDuck is getting his very own Marvel Comics one-shot, Uncle $crooge and the Infinity Dime #1, helmed by prolific Marvel writer Jason Aaron—known for penning some of the X-Men and Avengers’ most iconic stories. Aaron is teaming up with established Scrooge artists to bring together the world of Uncle Scrooge with the hallmarks of Marvel Comics storytelling.

Uncle $crooge and The Infinity Dime #1 sees Scrooge embark on a time-honored Marvel adventure as he explores the Multiverse to stop a twisted alternate Scrooge from becoming the all-powerful and incomprehensibly rich Scrooge-Above-All! Along the way, the story will introduce exciting new takes on the iconic tycoon with a heart of gold and feature appearances by Scrooge’s nephew, Donald Duck; grandnephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie; and a supporting cast of characters, including Gyro Gearloose.

The comic hits stands June 19, but you can get a taste of the action now with a first look at three variant covers for the comic, created by artists Pepe Larraz, Skottie Young, and Frank Miller.

Uncle $crooge and The Infinity Dime #1 variant cover illustrated by Skottie Young
Uncle $crooge and The Infinity Dime #1 variant cover illustrated by Pepe Larraz
Uncle $crooge and The Infinity Dime #1 variant cover illustrated by Frank Miller

Learn more about this historic collaboration at Marvel.com, and look for Uncle $crooge and The Infinity Dime #1 at your local comic book shops in June!

COMIC SHOP LOCATOR

JUST ANNOUNCED: Two Exhibitions Featuring the Artistry of Disney Costumes, Jewelry, and Accessories to Open in Texas

By the D23 Team

Today, the Arlington Museum of Art in Arlington, TX, announced the September 14 opening of Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume and All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives. Both exhibitions are presented in partnership with the Walt Disney Archives.

“Whether on television, in a movie theatre, or at a Broadway show, when we meet a Disney character for the first time, we instantly begin to understand them. That is how extraordinarily important costume design is to conveying persona,” said Chris Hightower, President & CEO of the Arlington Museum of Art, “and how Disney truly sets the standard of excellence. By bringing these two exhibitions together for the first time, the Arlington Museum of Art surrounds visitors in the transformative power of wardrobe while celebrating the artists whose creativity and talent is conveyed in every design, every stitch, and every jewel.”

This will be the first time that the two collections will be exhibited at the same time by a single venue. Together, they feature more than 300 stunning pieces spanning over 65 years.

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume immerses visitors in the textural storytelling and character development woven into Disney’s iconic costumes. The exhibition is organized into three Disney archetypes: heroes, villains, and the spaces between, dedicated to the complex and intriguing antiheroes of Disney storytelling.

The exhibition features a stunning collection of original costumes, including the Sanderson Sisters’ wicked wardrobe from Hocus Pocus 2 (2022), Mary Poppins’ delightful traveling dress from Mary Poppins Returns (2018), Belle’s ball gown from 2017’s Beauty and the Beast, the Evil Queen and Hook’s costumes from Once Upon a Time (TV, 2011-2018), and the dress worn by Bette Davis as Letha in Return from Witch Mountain (1978).

Through original items including ball gowns, sorcerers’ capes, a pirate’s jacket, and iconic glass slippers, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume celebrates the artistry of some of Hollywood’s preeminent designers. Included in the exhibition are costumes created by Academy Award® winners Colleen Atwood, Sandy Powell, and Tony Walton, as well as Emmy® winner Ellen Mirojnick and Emmy nominees Eduardo Castro and Penny Rose.

All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives

All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives dazzles with prized pieces of jewelry and accessories. From crowns and tiaras to watches, rings, and necklaces, this exhibition gives visitors the rare opportunity to see these iconic jewels up close, while gaining an understanding of how integral they are to completing the ensemble and informing the character.

The exhibit is presented in five parts: “Every Little Detail” brings together over 80 small pieces from earrings, cuff links, rings, and more; “The Feature Vault” is an incredible collection of crowns, tiaras, necklaces, and pendants; “Watches Through the Decades” chronologically showcases the Walt Disney Archives’ collection of wrist and pocket watches; “Made for Screen” gives visitors a peek behind the curtain to see the process of creating some of the most iconic jewelry props; and “Reflections of Reality” showcases jewelry and accessories that were heavily influenced and inspired by real life people and stories.

Bringing together some of the best of old and new, All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives includes King Brian’s crown from Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959) used by Jimmy O’Dea, Elizabeth Swann’s pirate medallion necklace from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl(2003) used by Keira Knightley, Mia’s coronation crown from Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement(2004) used by Anne Hathaway, and Ursula’s shell necklace from The Little Mermaid (2023) used by Melissa McCarthy to capture Ariel’s voice.

More information, including press preview opportunities, will be announced later this spring. Tickets for the exhibitions will be available starting in June, only at arlingtonmuseum.org. Museum members will have early access to free tickets as a part of their membership benefits.

Disney Unleashes First Look and Casting News for Mufasa: The Lion King

By Alison Stateman

Get ready to roar: Disney has unveiled the first teaser trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King! The new film, arriving in theaters on December 20, explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands.

Also announced is an all-star roster of talent bringing new and fan-favorite characters to life—including Beyoncé Knowles-Carter who will voice Nala, and introducing her daughter Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala.

What’s more, award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda is penning the film’s songs, which he’ll produce alongside Mark Mancina. The soundtrack will also feature additional music and performances by Lebo M.

Said Miranda: “Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on The Lion Guard,” referring to the animated series from Disney Junior, “and so many musical contributors over the years. The Lion King has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it. It’s been a joy working alongside [director] Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters.”

The official poster for Mufasa: The Lion King shows a young lion cub at the edge of a watering hole, facing the camera. Reflected in the water is the countenance of an adult male lion with the words: “Disney Mufasa The Lion King” at center, and “In Theaters December 20” below.

Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala—with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny… their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

New and returning cast include Aaron Pierre as  Mufasa; Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother; Tiffany Boone as Sarabi; Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki; Preston Nyman as Zazu; Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride; Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe; Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi; Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia; Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego; John Kani as Rafiki; Seth Rogen as Pumbaa; Billy Eichner as Timon; and Donald Glover as Simba.

Additional casting includes Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominique Jennings.

Blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, Mufasa: The Lion Kingis directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen.

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

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

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

In the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration parade, characters Joy and Sadness from Inside Out are in a life-size Rocket Wagon, which stands on Memory Orbs. Crowds of excited spectators line the parade route, capturing the magic with cameras. Further in the background stands the iconic Pixar-Pal-A-Round attraction. Behind that is the Incredicoaster, featuring red enclosed tunnels.

Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration

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

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

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

During the Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular, dazzling fireworks illuminate the sky above Disneyland’s iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. On the castle is a purple and blue projection showcasing moments from Soul, featuring Joe Gardner.

Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular

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

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

The stage comes to life during Pixar Pals Playtime Party. with an ensemble of beloved Pixar characters and Disney Live Entertainment dancers, bathed in the hues of iconic Pixar coloring: blues, yellows, and reds. From left to right, the stage’s lineup includes Sadness, Joy, Woody, Jessie, Bo Peep, Frozone, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, and Edna Mode.

Pixar Pals Playtime Party

The Pixar Pals Playtime Party will delight the young and young-at-heart at the Fantasyland Theater several times a day. And in between performances of this high-energy dance show, a selection of iconic Pixar shorts will be shown on the theater’s big screen. Plus, you’ll have the chance to mingle with beloved Pixar stars like Ian and Barley from Onward, Ember and Wade from Elemental, and Luca and Alberto from Luca.

 

The Merch is Here!

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

At Disney California Adventure Park, Hollywood Land transforms into Club Pixar for Pixar Fest. Beneath the “Hollywood Studios” arch, a neon sign reads “Club Pixar,” featuring the Pixar logo and the iconic Pixar lamp. Below the sign, a billboard showcases posters from Inside Out 2 and Disneynature's Tiger documentary.

Club Pixar

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

To fuel guests through the night, Club Pixar has themed cuisine, with lots of Pixar-inspired goodies, this event will make you hungry for more!

Pixar or… Food Fest?

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