General Member Offer: Gift Your Little Explorer This Exclusive Moana 2 Themed Nat Geo Kids Subscription Bundle

November 5, 2024November 4, 2024

In a view from the ocean sits an island. The camera is close enough to see the teal-colored waves gently washing up against the sand. On the shore sits rocks of various sizes, and beyond that a lush green tropical forest. To the right of the forest is a small gray mountain with greenery topping it. In front of the island sits a headline of text that reads: “D23 MEMBER EXCLUSIVE.” Below the headline rests smaller white text that reads: “Get a free sea turtle book and a pop-it toy with your subscription to Nat Geo Kids magazine.” To the right of the image are photos of a National Geographic Kids print magazine issue and a smaller book for Level 2 readers. The smaller book reads “Sea Turtles” with a photo of several multicolored fish with their lips pressed against the back of a sea turtle as it swims underwater in the clear blue ocean. The bigger magazine to the right reads “Special Ocean Issue” with a photo of a dolphin underwater, swimming towards the reader. In front of the magazine is the green pop-it toy shaped like a turtle. Above both magazines is a red circle that, in white text, reads: “INCLUDES FREE LEVEL 2 READER BOOK AND POP-IT TOY.”

Expires: November 30, 2024

There’s no telling how far they’ll go with Nat Geo Kids!

For a limited time, D23 Members can give the gift of wonder to their favorite little voyager—all year long! This exclusive Moana 2 themed bundle from Nat Geo Kids includes a free sea turtle book (for Level 2 readers) and a turtle pop-it toy with every 1-year magazine gift subscription.

Filled with thrilling stories, breathtaking visuals, and hands-on science activities, Nat Geo Kids magazine is the ultimate gift of education and screen-free entertainment. Your young explorer is in for hours of fun with Weird But True! facts, puzzles, games, and National Geographic’s iconic photography and engaging content, designed for ages 7-12.

NOTE
If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must fill out this subscription form for you. Please visit the “Redeem Now” link for more details. Terms & Conditions apply.

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!

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

Behind-the-Scenes Exclusives with Moana 2 Filmmakers

November 4, 2024

By Courtney Potter

We’re a little under a month away from the debut of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, which sails onto screens November 27! In the film, Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) journeys farther than she’d ever thought she’d go. Accompanied once again by demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), along with a new crew of unlikely canoe-mates (voiced by Hualālai Chung, David Fane, and Rose Matafeo), she heads into dangerous water; much like what guides her as a wayfinder, it seems this mission has been written in the stars…

Recently, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club had an exclusive chat with the film’s producers, Yvett Merino and Christina Chen, as well as two members of the film’s Oceanic Cultural Trust—Kalikolehua Hurley and Lāiana Kanoa-Wong—who spoke about the making of this incredible new film and gave us a glimpse into what audiences can expect.

Side-by-side headshots of (l-r) Moana 2 producers Yvett Merino and Christina Chen. Merino has long brown hair and is wearing a pink long-sleeved shirt and glasses; Chen has long back hair and is wearing a black shirt and blazer. — *Moana 2* producers Yvett Merino and Christina Chen.

“Moana is one of my favorite characters,” explains Chen, “and she’s such a great symbol of strength, but also of such goofiness and vulnerability. And she has such love for not only her family, but also for people—and for wanting to find her own individual self and her sense of adventure. I think she definitely fills in that space with Disney heroines.” Adds Merino, “I love that in Moana 2, we see her a little bit older, a little bit wiser. She stands on her own from the first film—but on this one, she really grows into a great leader and great heroine, accomplishing more than what she ever thought she could.”

Catching back up with Moana is a riveting prospect for both producers: “I’m always excited to come back into the world of Moana,” Merino admits. “Christina and I were fortunate to work on the first film together—so when we had the opportunity to come back and work on this one, we were thrilled. But stepping into this world, I’d do any day of the week!” Says Chen, “We were super excited to be able to lean into a character that’s so beloved in the world. I think for us, we took it upon ourselves to take a leap of faith and assume that people would want to hear more about her—and she’s grown, and in the scheme of the story, how she’s continued to evolve three years since the events of the first Moana.”

The pair is especially looking forward to audiences seeing the lush visuals of Moana 2 on the big screen. Explains Chen, “This film is such a spectacular event. The artists have really poured their hearts and souls into the smallest of details, to make this as beautiful as possible. The first film did such a great job of setting that bar—and we wanted to make sure that we not only met that bar but exceeded it. And our crew has done an amazing job in really making sure this is something that you have to see in theaters over and over again.”

Adds Merino, “These animated films, they take hundreds and hundreds of people to make. And for me personally, I feel like it’s such a gift that I get to walk into these doors every day and work with these incredible artists and engineers and production management staff. There are so many people that work so hard to get these films up on the big screen. They’re all amazing, and we’re all really just trying to tell the best story and make the best-looking film.”

Side-by-side headshots of (l-r) Moana 2 Oceanic Cultural Trust members Kalikolehua Hurley and Lāiana Kanoa-Wong. Hurley has long light brown hair and is wearing a pink blazer and yellow shirt. Kanoa-Wong has dark hair and is wearing a flower-patterned shirt and beads around his neck. — *Moana 2* Oceanic Cultural Trust members Kalikolehua Hurley and Lāiana Kanoa-Wong.

One of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ unique additions to its filmmaking process, in terms of both Moana and Moana 2, is the utilization of its Oceanic Cultural Trust—a team of experts in anthropology, linguistics, wayfinding, and choreography, and other advisors who present knowledge of and insight into the peoples of the Pacific. “I started working at Disney Animation on the first Moana film as its community relations manager,” Hurley tells D23, “leading the Oceanic Cultural Trust for that film, and was so lucky to do the same for Moana 2. I’ll always remember when I first heard that Disney Animation was working on a film about a young Pacific Islander. To work on our films, especially with our incredible cultural team, has been one of the great joys of my career.”

Adds Kanoa-Wong, “I got involved because my whole life has been dedicated to language and culture back home in Hawaiʻi. From the time I was a child until I became an adult and took on leadership roles, language, culture, voyaging—all of these cool things that uplift our community—have been a part of my life. And as the Moana team was expanding, they were seeking out additional input, and I got invited to be a part of the Cultural Trust.”

Working on these films has been an especially memorable experience for Hurley, who got to meet an extraordinary individual in the process: “I’m Native Hawaiian, grew up on Oʻahu—and as a Hawaiian person, I know a lot about Hōkūleʻa [a traditional voyaging canoe], the Polynesian Voyaging Society, and of course, [master navigator] Nainoa Thompson. I didn’t grow up around the canoes, so to be able to meet Nainoa—and not just meet him, but collaborate with him in the making of the film… For me, that was one of my favorite memories.”

As for Kanoa-Wong, “I got to visit the animation team in Vancouver, and it was my first time helping to lead on activities that would connect them more to our culture, to our voyaging heritage, and just having such a good time with them. We taught them basics of navigation; we taught them rope making. We also helped to do a little bit of our cleansing in a blessing of the space… Those are the kind of moments that will always live with me; I’m very grateful.”

And the opportunity to advise as part of such a unique cultural team is not lost him: “I’m so proud of our voyaging heritage,” Kanoa-Wong continues. “Often, I feel like people might hear about Pacific Islanders in very small sections of the news. But when you have a platform like entertainment—storytelling in movies like Moana 2—where you’re able to see wayfinding and voyaging at such a global scale is amazing to me. I hope it inspires people to look into it a little bit more and find out about our amazing voyaging ancestors. So if that can be uplifted, then I imagine our families at home, and the people of the Pacific Islands—or people all around the world—can find value in their cultural practices and the things that make them unique and help them arrive to their own space.”

Says Hurley, “Pacific Islanders are not from a monolithic culture. We come from these incredible island nations and have our own distinct cultures and traditions. For Moana 2, a big challenge for us was figuring out how to create the fantastical place that Moana’s from, in Motunui. Working with the Trust—with experts from places like Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Aotearoa, Hawaiʻi, Satawal, and the Solomon Islands—with all of us bringing our own unique contributions to the film, while finding cultural elements we all can resonate with, was something we really focused on.”

She continues, “Many of us Pacific peoples cherish our connections to nature. I hope that Moana 2 inspires us to sit, be quiet and really get in tune with the natural world around us. It could be listening to the rain falling on a roof, or the sound of the wind in the trees, or maybe the voice of a sibling, a parent, a friend, or a neighbor. When we can more deeply connect to the spaces we inhabit, we can gain a deeper appreciation for them. Moana really embodies that; there are many moments in this film where she has to get quiet and ‘tap in,’ and really listen to cues from nature around her to help her find her way.”

“The story of Moana and her growth as a leader is so epic,” adds Kanoa-Wong. “I think something that’s so universal; we’re all becoming leaders of our own lives. We’re all becoming navigators of our own lives. I think for all of us, we hope that audiences can see their own challenges in Moana’s story and learn how to be the best navigators that they can be.”

General Member Offer: Gift Year-Long Adventure with This Themed National Geographic Subscription Bundle

November 2, 2024October 31, 2024

Where: National Geographic

What: Exclusive Subscription Offer

Expires: November 30, 2024

What can we say except “You’re Welcome”?

For a limited time, D23 Members can gift loved ones with a year’s worth of adventure and discovery! This exclusive themed bundle from National Geographic includes a special map tote bag and two bonus issues with every Print & Digital gift subscription.

Unlock their inner voyager and gift a year of exploring nature, science, history, and culture with National Geographic’s breathtaking photography, in-depth articles, and world-renowned stories.

Your gift will also include access to Nat Geo’s complete digital archive as far back as 1888 and new stories published daily on natgeo.com, so adventure is truly endless!

NOTE
Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will automatically be renewed each year. We will send you a notice for each subscription at the end of your introductory term, and before your subscription renews each year, with the then-applicable rate of renewal (currently USD$59/year for US and USD$69/year for Canada).

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!

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

Music by John Williams Director: A Tribute to the “Timeless Nature” of His Work

November 1, 2024November 1, 2024

By Moss Cohen

Fans of Disney Legend and five-time Academy Award® winner John Williams will soon be able to learn the backstory of how the composer created the iconic scores for such beloved franchises as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and many other classic films in the new documentary Music by John Williams streaming on Disney+ and in select theaters.

In the documentary, director/executive producer Laurent Bouzereau sits down with the 92-year-old Williams — often in front of his piano — to discuss his evolution from being the son of a musician to growing into a jazz pianist in his own right, before ultimately becoming possibly the most highly-regarded film score composer of all time.

To properly capture William’s impact as an artist, Bouzereau features interviews with luminaries from the world of film and music such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, and Ron Howard — among many more.

We spoke with Bouzereau about how he was finally able to make the film after 30 years of knowing Williams, the help he received from Spielberg in getting the film made (including Spielberg providing home movies of Williams scoring his films), and what he hopes viewers learn Williams sharing his techniques for making music.

Why did you feel compelled to explore the life and career of John Williams?
Well, I have been obsessed with John Williams, his work and movies really, that he scored for as long as I can remember. So, he’s been part of my film education, and I’ve always felt that there was a story there to be told and to be inspired by. I’ve known John for 30 years and I’ve been trying to do this film for a long time. It’s something that I brought up on several occasions and was always told “No.” But, given my relationship with Steven [Spielberg], it eventually got made.

The film doesn’t just celebrate John Williams’ music, but also it explores his techniques for creating music tailored to each project. What do you hope viewers take away from these insights into how Williams works?
I really feel that John is an eternal student. Actually, the resistance he had about doing this was, “I don’t like to look behind or in the past, I like to look forward,” because he’s constantly challenging himself.

I think that for young people sometimes because of technology today, [they] think that you can be an overnight [success]. It’s kind of a real interesting lesson to realize that it takes work and it takes curiosity and it takes a really big amount of courage to keep on challenging yourself.

When you look at people that were making films 50 years ago when John was emerging as the force that he is today, a lot of people are forgotten, but John is not. He has reinvented himself not only through the opportunities that he got with Steven — who’s never made the same movie twice and the sort of tapestry that allowed John to thrive in — but you just realize that new generations of filmmakers want to work with John. Now, that’s not true for a lot of people, you know?

So, that’s a tribute to not only stamina, but also the timeless nature of what he does. And I think that needed to be documented and told. I really look at him in the same way I look at Beethoven or Mozart or Gershwin. He is that guy and is that talented. So hopefully the message here is clear.

One of the things that keeps coming up throughout the film is the way that he uses character themes like Raider’s March for Indiana Jones, among many others. Why was his understanding of how to create a memorable theme for a character so important to explore throughout the movie?
Here’s the thing: a lot of the movies that John was working on were benchmark films that had a world that was very new to the audience. Think about Star Wars, we had never seen anything like Star Wars. To have the ability to create a score that hits you at the same time as the title and the crawl was a way to pull the audience into a world that we had no idea what to expect. And that alone, I think, gives you permission to enter something otherworldly. But the music is identifiable as very much classical music, something you actually know. So the music plays a role that not only gives you the pathos of the characters and the world you’re your meeting, but by being relatable as a viewer, as a listener, allows you to enter those worlds and feeling usually comfortable in them.

So, that’s a big, big part of what John’s music does. And then in terms of Jaws, for example, the fact that the shark was not working and you didn’t see the shark for the longest time, the music was there to play that character. And then you hear that and you’re like, “Who needs the shark? We have the music, right?” And today if you hum that score people know what it is and what you mean.

There’s an image of John Williams that gets mentioned in the documentary as a sort of a man alone tapping away at his piano writing scores. But what also really came through was how important collaboration was to his process — Steven Spielberg looms large throughout the movie. How did collaboration make him the composer that he became?
I think that Steven and John, and John and George [Lucas], and John and many filmmakers, the reason why the collaboration works is that it’s a brotherhood. Steven describes it as a brotherhood. So, it’s not a fatherhood, which would be like a figure of authority looking down on the filmmakers. It’s not that, it’s a brotherhood. They’re in it together and they speak the same language. And so, I think that’s the secret to John, whereas a lot of composers — and George Lucas actually mentions this in passing — can be very confrontational and do not have the ability to really dialog with filmmakers. And you’ve seen many big, big composers getting fired from movies. But John has this humanity in him that makes him extremely easy to talk to and to collaborate with. And he is very determined and very rigid in his approach to his work in many ways, but not in in any way that you would say that he is the only one running the ship. He is very much at the service of the musicians and of the filmmakers. As I said, brotherhood.

Steven Spielberg provided many home movies of Williams conducting his scores to be used throughout the documentary. And he’s also a producer on the film. How did his involvement enhance the story that you were telling about Williams?
Steven, I owe everything to him. Steven is the one who really, when I went up to him and I said, ‘We’ve got to do this film,’ he’s the one who approached John. But not only was he the bearer of great news to me when John said yes, finally, but he literally said, ‘This is an important film and I want to be there with you the whole time.’

So, we communicated about every single aspect of the film, from who is going to be interviewed to the structure to the design of the title, to everything, the final mix, which we did at Skywalker [Ranch]. So, his contribution to the film is gigantic. And it was also very reassuring to me, as was having Kathy Kennedy and Frank Marshall and, of course, Ron and his company [Imagine Entertainment].

That sort of triangle of [Spielberg’s production company] Amblin and Lucasfilm and Imagine was very comforting to me because I just knew that I could really trust when they watched a cut and identified “Is it working? Is it not working? What do we need?”

Why did this movie need to be made with Disney and Lucasfilm for Disney+?
Well, that’s where it belongs. That’s where it belongs. The combination of Steven, Kathy, and Frank is just essential to me and that part of your family. I couldn’t have done it without the support of Disney and Lucasfilm.

QUIZ: Would You Survive the Witches’ Road?

October 30, 2024

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

In Marvel Television’s Agatha All Along, the Witches’ Road (a magical gauntlet of trials) is not for the faint of heart; it demands courage, honesty, and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. If you so choose, as you navigate through this mystical journey, you’ll face the ultimate test of character—can you confront the truth, collaborate with allies, and make the sacrifices necessary to emerge unscathed? Catch the two-episode finale of the series on October 30!

First Look: Sail the Spellbinding Seas of The Art of Moana 2

October 29, 2024October 29, 2024

By Courtney Potter

Get ready to go behind the scenes of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2 in incredible, colorful detail, thanks to the newest book in the Disney Art of series.

Journey from Motunui across the vast ocean with Moana and her crew in this latest installment, visually revealing the story behind the art and making of Moana 2. This stunning art book highlights the development art and paintings from the film’s creation—including character designs, storyboards, color scripts, and much more—and features exclusive interviews from the creative team along with behind-the-scenes details.

Speaking of, in anticipation of both the book’s debut and the movie’s November premiere, D23 sat down not only with the book’s author—Kalikolehua Hurley, also a member of Moana 2’s Oceanic Cultural Trust and Sr. Manager, Cultural at Walt Disney Animation Studios—but also with co-directors Jason Hand, David Derrick, Jr., and Dana Ledoux Miller for an exclusive chat.

The Art of Moana 2 author Kalikolehua Hurley

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club: Kalikolehua, what was working on the book like?

Kalikolehua Hurley: Working on an Art of book with Chronicle Books is very, very collaborative. We worked closely with our production designer Ian Gooding, and of course with our amazing directors as well, and our producers. We all get to sit and look at the incredible work that has been created by our artists, across the board, and decide in terms of the structure of the book; how we’re going to tell the story.

In our case, you’ll see it tracks Moana’s journey across the film—the new worlds that she visits; the new characters that she meets. It’s been such a wonderful collaboration, and we hope that it highlights everyone’s amazing work.

D23: David, what’s your favorite thing about the book?

David Derrick, Jr.: I love that it shows the evolution of the story, visually—back from where we began. I think one of the earliest drawings I did is in there, of Moana in front of a giant whale shark. You’ll see incredible paintings by [Walt Disney Animation Studios’] Ian Gooding and James Finch, all of our incredible artists—things that sometimes don’t necessarily make it into the final film. And I also love the representation of our story team in there. So many of our jokes land and work because our story team works tirelessly, iterating and making these jokes really work—and making true emotional moments really land.

An image from the new Art of Moana 2 book, authored by Kalikolehua Hurley. The image features six panels, and each features a watercolor-style look at Moana and her little sister Simea walking through various locations on Motunui. The final bottom-right panel finds Moana and Simea standing in the ocean and looking at a bioluminescent sea creature.

D23: Jason, what do you hope The Art of Moana 2 highlights?

Jason Hand: It’s such a great thing to be able to showcase all the amazing artwork that’s created. An animated film is made from the ground up. Every single thing has to be designed or researched—and that book is such a testament to all the incredible work that’s put into what makes an animated film.

D23: Dana, is there anything specific you hope readers take away from this book?

Dana Ledoux Miller: At every stage of making an animated film, we have incredibly inspired artists and craftspeople collaborating to create what has become the stunning visual landscape of Moana 2. I am so thrilled for people to get a glimpse at just some of their amazing work. From visual development to story sketches and beyond, this book takes you on the journey that led to the film you see on the screen.

Look for The Art of Moana 2 on bookshelves (both physical and digital) beginning November 26—or you can pre-order it now from your favorite bookstore! Check out more images from the book, below:

30 Days of Disney: Freeform’s Magical November Lineup Returns!

October 28, 2024October 28, 2024

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Get ready to live your Disney dreams this November as Freeform brings back 30 Days of Disney! For a whole month, Disney magic will fill your screens every night with themed weeks that capture the heart and soul of Disney’s most beloved films. From timeless classics to modern favorites, there’s something for everyone—so you won’t want to miss a single night!

Disney’s most iconic musicals (November 4–8) will have you belting out tunes from Aladdin, Moana, Encanto, and Frozen (and yes, Frozen 2 too!). Gather the family for sing-along sessions that bring out the joy in all of us.

From the sea witch Ursula to the devious Scar, Disney’s villains (November 11–15) take the spotlight in a week celebrating their delightfully wicked ways. Watch Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and Cruella as they show how being bad can be oh so good!

Adventurers at heart, this is your time! Set sail with Jungle Cruise and journey through the Pirates of the Caribbean movie marathon for a whirlwind of excitement, humor, and treasure-hunting thrills (November 18–22).

Princess Week (November 24–28) is the perfect lead-up to Thanksgiving, with fan favorites including Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, The Princess Diaries, and Brave and a special airing of Moana—all in celebration of Disney Animation’s upcoming Moana 2, hitting theaters on November 27.

Below is a night-by-night schedule of movies airing during 30 Days of Disney (all times in ET/PT):

Friday, November 1
10:30 a.m. – The Great Mouse Detective (Disney Animation)
12:05 p.m. – The Aristocats (Disney Animation)
2:00 p.m. – Pinocchio (1940) (Disney Animation)
4:00 p.m. – Finding Nemo (Disney-Pixar)
6:25 p.m. – Finding Dory (Disney-Pixar)
8:30 p.m. – Coco (Disney-Pixar)

Saturday, November 2
7:00 a.m. – Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
9:05 a.m. – Rio 2
11:10 a.m. – The Emperor’s New Groove (Disney Animation)
1:05 p.m. – Onward (Disney-Pixar)
3:15 p.m. – Toy Story (Disney-Pixar)
5:15 p.m. – Toy Story 2 (Disney-Pixar)
7:20 p.m. – Toy Story 3 (Disney-Pixar)
9:50 p.m. – Toy Story 4 (Disney-Pixar)
12:00 a.m. – Peter Pan (1953) (Disney Animation)

Sunday, November 3
7:00 a.m. – Bolt (Disney Animation)
9:10 a.m. – The Rescuers (Disney Animation)
11:10 a.m. – The Rescuers Down Under (Disney Animation)
1:05 p.m. – Lady and the Tramp (1955) (Disney Animation)
2:40 p.m. – 101 Dalmatians (1996) (Live Action)
5:10 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
7:10 p.m. – The Santa Clause
9:20 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
11:50 p.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Monday, November 4
12:30 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
2:30 p.m. – Alice in Wonderland (1951) (Disney Animation)
4:25 p.m. – The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) (Disney Animation)
6:25 p.m. – Aladdin (1992) (Disney Animation)
8:30 p.m. – Moana (Disney Animation)

Tuesday, November 5 – Election Day
12:30 p.m. – Freaky Friday (2003)
2:35 p.m. – The Jungle Book (2016) (Live Action)
5:00 p.m. – Mary Poppins
8:00 p.m. – Mary Poppins Returns

Wednesday, November 6
1:00 p.m. – The Pacifier
3:00 p.m. – Mulan (1998) (Disney Animation)
5:00 p.m. – Soul (Disney-Pixar)
7:00 p.m. – Tarzan (Disney Animation)
9:00 p.m. – The Lion King (1994) (Disney Animation)

Thursday, November 7
1:00 p.m. – Rio 2
3:00 p.m. – WALL-E (Disney-Pixar)
5:00 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
6:30 p.m. – Frozen (Disney Animation)
8:55 p.m. – Frozen II (Disney Animation)

Friday, November 8
1:00 p.m. – The Secret Life of Pets 2
3:00 p.m. – 101 Dalmatians (1961) (Disney Animation)
5:00 p.m. – Hercules (Disney Animation)
7:00 p.m. – The Princess and the Frog (Disney Animation)
9:00 p.m. – Encanto (Disney Animation)

Saturday, November 9
7:00 a.m. – The Secret Life of Pets 2
9:00 a.m. – The Jungle Book (1967) (Disney Animation)
11:00 a.m. – A Bug’s Life (Disney-Pixar)
1:05 p.m. – Cars (Disney-Pixar)
3:45 p.m. – Cars 2 (Disney-Pixar)
6:20 p.m. – Cars 3 (Disney-Pixar)
8:50 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
11:30 p.m. – Casper (1995)

Sunday, November 10
7:00 a.m. – The Game Plan
9:40 a.m. – Holes
12:20 p.m. – Casper (1995)
2:50 p.m. – Up (Disney-Pixar)
5:00 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
7:40 p.m. – Inside Out (Disney-Pixar)
9:45 p.m. – Turning Red (Disney-Pixar)
11:55 p.m. – Meet the Robinsons (Disney Animation)

Monday, November 11 – Veterans Day
12:30 p.m. – Robin Hood (1973) (Disney Animation)
2:30 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
5:00 p.m. – Despicable Me
7:05 p.m. – Beauty and the Beast (1991) (Disney Animation)
9:05 p.m. – The Little Mermaid (1989) (Disney Animation)

Tuesday, November 12
11:00 a.m. – Despicable Me
1:05 p.m. – Despicable Me 2
3:10 p.m. – Despicable Me 3
5:15 p.m. – The Lion King (2019) (Live Action)
7:55 p.m. – Aladdin (2019) (Live Action)

Wednesday, November 13
11:00 a.m. – Despicable Me 2
1:00 p.m. – Despicable Me 3
3:00 p.m. – Enchanted
5:30 p.m. – Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
8:05 p.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Thursday, November 14
12:30 p.m. – Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
2:30 p.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
5:25 p.m. – Cinderella (2015) (Live Action)
7:55 p.m. – Cruella

Friday, November 15
2:00 p.m. – The Fox and the Hound (Disney Animation)
4:00 p.m. – Home Alone
6:25 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
9:00 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)

Saturday, November 16
7:00 a.m. – Alice in Wonderland (2010) (Live Action)
9:30 a.m. – Alice Through the Looking Glass
12:05 p.m. – Home Alone
2:35 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
5:15 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
7:15 p.m. – The Santa Clause
9:25 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
11:55 p.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Sunday, November 17
7:00 a.m. – Chicken Little (Disney Animation)
9:00 a.m. – The Sandlot
11:30 a.m. – Big Hero 6 (Disney Animation)
1:35 p.m. – Wreck-It Ralph (Disney Animation)
3:40 p.m. – Ralph Breaks the Internet (Disney Animation)
6:15 p.m. – The Incredibles (Disney-Pixar)
8:55 p.m. – Incredibles 2 (Disney-Pixar)
11:35 p.m. – Lightyear (Disney-Pixar)

Monday, November 18
12:30 p.m. – Ferdinand
2:55 p.m. – Luca (Disney-Pixar)
5:00 p.m. – Jumanji: The Next Level
8:00 p.m. – Jungle Cruise
12:00 a.m. – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)

Tuesday, November 19
1:00 p.m. – Tangled (Disney Animation)
3:00 p.m. – Coco (Disney-Pixar)
5:10 p.m. – Finding Nemo (Disney-Pixar)
7:15 p.m. – Finding Dory (Disney-Pixar)
9:20 p.m. – WALL-E (Disney-Pixar)

Wednesday, November 20
12:30 p.m. – Tangled (Disney Animation)
2:30 p.m. – Brave (Disney-Pixar)
4:30 p.m. – Moana (Disney Animation)
6:35 p.m. – Frozen (Disney Animation)
9:00 p.m. – Frozen II (Disney Animation)

Thursday, November 21
1:00 p.m. – The Good Dinosaur (Disney-Pixar)
3:05 p.m. – Up (Disney-Pixar)
5:00 p.m. – Beauty and the Beast (1991) (Disney Animation)
7:00 p.m. – The Little Mermaid (1989) (Disney Animation)
9:00 p.m. – The Princess and the Frog (Disney Animation)

Friday, November 22
1:00 p.m. – Meet the Robinsons (Disney Animation)
3:00 p.m. – Bolt (Disney Animation)
5:00 p.m. – Encanto (Disney Animation)
7:00 p.m. – Turning Red (Disney-Pixar)
9:10 p.m. – Inside Out (Disney-Pixar)
11:15 p.m. – Soul (Disney-Pixar)

Saturday, November 23
7:00 a.m. – Rio 2
9:00 a.m. – The Emperor’s New Groove (Disney Animation)
10:55 a.m. – Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
12:50 p.m. – The Pacifier
2:50 p.m. – Mary Poppins
5:50 p.m. – Mary Poppins Returns
8:50 p.m. – Enchanted
11:20 p.m. – Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

Sunday, November 24
7:00 a.m. – The Jungle Book (1967) (Disney Animation)
9:00 a.m. – Tarzan (Disney Animation)
11:00 a.m. – The Lion King (1994) (Disney Animation)
1:00 p.m. – The Lion King (2019) (Live Action)
3:45 p.m. – Aladdin (1992) (Disney Animation)
6:00 p.m. – Aladdin (2019) (Live Action)
8:35 p.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
11:15 p.m. – Casper (1995)

Monday, November 25
1:00 p.m. – The Fox and the Hound (Disney Animation)
3:00 p.m. – The Secret Life of Pets 2
5:00 p.m. – Zootopia (Disney Animation)
7:05 p.m. – Luca (Disney-Pixar)
9:10 p.m. – Cars (Disney-Pixar)
11:30 p.m. – Cars 2 (Disney-Pixar)

Tuesday, November 26
12:30 p.m. – Rio 2
2:30 p.m. – Cinderella (2015) (Live Action)
5:00 p.m. – Cruella
7:30 p.m. – The Princess Diaries
9:40 p.m. – The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Wednesday, November 27
12:30 p.m. – A Bug’s Life (Disney-Pixar)
2:30 p.m. – Hercules (Disney Animation)
4:30 p.m. – Peter Pan (1953) (Disney Animation)
6:05 p.m. – Robin Hood (1973) (Disney Animation)
8:00 p.m. – The Rescuers (Disney Animation)
10:00 p.m. – The Rescuers Down Under (Disney Animation)

Thursday, November 28 – Thanksgiving
8:00 a.m. – Finding Nemo (Disney-Pixar)
10:05 a.m. – Finding Dory (Disney-Pixar)
12:10 p.m. – Coco (Disney-Pixar)
2:25 p.m. – Ratatouille (Disney-Pixar)
4:45 p.m. – Toy Story (Disney-Pixar)
6:30 p.m. – Toy Story 2 (Disney-Pixar)
8:15 p.m. – Toy Story 3 (Disney-Pixar)
10:30 p.m. – Toy Story 4 (Disney-Pixar)

Friday, November 29
7:00 a.m. – The Aristocats (Disney Animation)
8:50 a.m. – Pinocchio (1940) (Disney Animation)
10:50 a.m. – The Great Mouse Detective (Disney Animation)
12:25 p.m. – The Fox and the Hound (Disney Animation)
2:10 p.m. – The Lion King (1994) (Disney Animation)
4:10 p.m. – The Lion King (2019) (Live Action)
6:45 p.m. – Beauty and the Beast (1991) (Disney Animation)
8:45 p.m. – Beauty and the Beast (2017) (Live Action)

Saturday, November 30
7:00 a.m. – The Rescuers (Disney Animation)
9:00 a.m. – The Rescuers Down Under (Disney Animation)
11:00 a.m. – Lilo & Stitch (Disney Animation)
1:00 p.m. – Chicken Little (Disney Animation)
3:00 p.m. – Meet the Robinsons (Disney Animation)
5:00 p.m. – Bolt (Disney Animation)
7:00 p.m. – Zootopia (Disney Animation)
9:10 p.m. – Frozen (Disney Animation)
11:30 p.m. – Frozen II (Disney Animation)

Road Diary Director Discusses Documenting Bruce Springsteen

October 24, 2024

In Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, which premieres on Hulu and Disney+ Friday, October 25, the legendary singer reconnects with his band — and his fans — after six globally tumultuous years to reaffirm the ties that bind with the added perspective of age and the limitless energy of rock and roll.

Emmy^® Award winning director Thom Zimny — whose work with the Boss stretches back nearly 25 years — orchestrates the project with a level of authenticity and soulfulness often unseen in traditional concert films. From the tour’s early prep and rehearsals to the cross-continent performances before hundreds of thousands of fans, Zimny details the current creative process of an artist who’s worshipped at the altar of rock since he bought his first guitar in 1964.

Zimny talked to us about alternating between fan and filmmaker as he experienced and filmed the performances and then edited the footage. As a fan he was able to rejoice in the music, but as a documentarian he worked hard to capture the multifaceted nature of a dynamic performer debuting new songs while finding new meaning in the old ones.

Why did you gravitate toward music and chronicling music?
I’m dyslexic. Growing up, I lived in a world of pure chaos, not being able to read or write comfortably and wanting to express myself. That gave me a connection to visuals and music, a space to dream. I listened to music very religiously. It was a messenger of sorts, in that it could tap into feelings. And I started to play around with editing and music. Actually, one of the first films I made was using a Bruce Springsteen song.

Were you a Springsteen fan growing up?
My first Bruce show was on “The River” tour. I was 18 years old. I hold on to all those memories of growing up on the Jersey Shore, the small-town element and how important the music was to me.

Community is such a strong aspect of the film.
Road Diary is about the conversation that Bruce has had for the last 50 years with fans. There was a community there that I wanted to tap into and show. I think that understanding of community for me came in the early days of being in Jersey and trading tapes and talking about the mystery of the live show. How can we get tickets? Will Bruce show up? All these elements create a bit of a rock and roll energy and myth. I never let go of that stuff.

The shared past is a huge part of Springsteen’s bond with the audience.
I wanted to tap into E Street history, but I also wanted to show Bruce the artist right now. He was telling a story with this set list, and it’s a story that we’ve all been part of. He was using new songs and old songs and building a narrative. A song that you’ve had a history with, like “Backstreets”, changes with Bruce putting it up against a new song, like “Last Man Standing”. I’ve had my own love of certain songs, but now it feels different since we’ve gone through so much with the lockdown. Those are the kind of themes I was chasing early on with the film.

How quickly did you identify those themes?
I don’t think I was very conscious in the beginning days. I try not to create a locked point of view. I tried to stand before the band, the artist, [manager] Jon Landau, and watch them as much as I could and then went back to the editing room. Within a few months, I could see that the songs Bruce picked and how he arranged the set list had a feeling, a tone, that was dealing with themes of reflection, of mortality. It was a perfect emotional place to stay because Bruce is creating music in the moment, but he’s also looking back. And I knew that was a storyline to chase. It broke away from the cliches of rock and roll, opened up the door to relate to the uber fan, but also to someone who’s new to the music.

Did you ultimately find the story in the editing room?
The film gods throw you a lot of great mistakes if you keep your eyes open. I learned from Jon and Bruce to be present, be prepared, but be ready for an audible, a curve ball, something that’s thrown your way. Sometimes it’s archival footage that you stumble across or sometimes you’re filming and you just see.

For example, I filmed Bruce going up the stairs in a certain way, and it felt very heroic and it finds its place in the film. I let the film talk to me. The film will give you direction. Some of the great things are turning over that sense of control that you’re directing everything and forcing a POV. The film, if you pay attention, will tell you where it wants to go.

At one point in Road Diary, Springsteen says if he makes a mistake, then that’s the moment. Sounds like that’s your process also.
That’s the influence I’ve had being around an artist who takes these sorts of chances and is open to the spontaneity and the beauty of things just happening. I’ve watched Bruce in the middle of the show change the set list and change the emotional arc. These are things that I try to reflect in Road Diary. This movie stands in the shadow of a Bruce show.

Can you explain that thought a little more?
It picks up the emotional tones that the actual show itself has: laughter, humor, rock and roll, energy, reflection, sadness, moments of quiet to reflect, the sense of life ending, and what we’re doing in the moment. I can’t verbalize that, but I tried to capture it in this film. That’s why I focused on people’s eyes, their expressions, their moment of transition, where they have a certain set of feelings and they’re connected so deeply to Bruce and the band and the sonic quality and the beautiful storytelling and the writing. You see it in someone’s eyes.

Springsteen narrates and he interacts with the band, but you don’t interview him like you do the band members. Why that choice?
I use Bruce and his voiceover as a quiet, reflective voice sitting across from you in a diner or at a bar, saying thoughts and observations and confessions. That’s one voice. The other is having the band before you right now and putting them against archival clips so you see their history, and see them engage before the camera, telling fantastic stories. I wanted Bruce’s voice to be whispering in your head. In some ways, these thoughts are much more personal and more detailed than some of the interviews in the rest of the film.

The film flows like a conversation.
The great thing of working with Jon and Bruce for the last 24 years is the gift of time and trust. I was able to sit with the band for hours, and in that comes conversation. There are no boundaries. So you get [guitarist] Steven [Van Zandt] saying, “I’m the musical director now; it’s 40 years too late.” That’s what we wanted from the interviews on an emotional level. There’s no forced agenda or narrative. And people are being honest.

Do you consider this to be a performance film?
Good question. I don’t know. There’s no genre that I can lock it into, because it goes from cinéma vérité to rock concert footage to spoken word. This film plays with all the different languages, or at least we try.

For you, where does the fan stop and the filmmaker begin?
There’s a constant conversation between those different parts of me. The fan side is a great guiding force at moments, but the fan would love everything to be in the film and that doesn’t tell a story. The director needs to make a film and sometimes you have to be ruthless. When Bruce and Jon made all those albums, they were ruthless in their editorial. They cut off “Fire,” they cut off “Because the Night” — big hits, but they didn’t fit the narrative of that album. So I’ve learned a few things being around these guys and it definitely has an influence on my filmmaking.

Did your friendship with Springsteen pose any challenges?

I never let that take away from the focus. We all go into this with the desire to make the best story, and nothing is personal. Those explorations don’t fall into a personal space. It’s a film. The fan doesn’t cross over in that world. You stay in the zone of being with them, in sync and trying to make the best film possible.

Do you look at things differently after you finish a documentary?
These films carry a space for me to be able to grow as a person. I can look back at different chapters of my life and what I got from the The Promise [The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town] and that commitment that Bruce had. Or Wings for Wheels [The Making of Born to Run], where things were do or die. Or Road Diary, where it’s acknowledging mortality and how that white light is coming right at us. But you need to enjoy every moment and give your focus to life itself. I’m able to process each one of the films later on, not in the moment. That’s the second part of making these films. Six months from now, I’ll process Road Diary even more.

What was your favorite moment of the tour?
My favorite experience was in Barcelona. I had heard about [the Barcelona fans] from Bruce over the years, but I wasn’t prepared for it. We had just witnessed an amazing performance of “Born in the USA”. I got emotional and everyone in the crew had this emotional reaction. It was a magical feeling of being with thousands upon thousands of people having this moment of unity. The stadium singing back the song was a powerful experience. When I heard the tapes of the crowd singing and matching the level and sound of the band, it took me right back there. Every time I see that in the film, I cherish that moment.

D23 Gold Members Receive “First At” Disney | Citizen – Limited Edition Mickey Mouse Lifestyle – Land, Sea, and Air Collector’s Set

October 24, 2024October 29, 2024

The left side of the graphic showcases close-ups of three Citizen watches that are part of a limited box set. It also shows the Gift With Purchase poster that you would receive if you buy the set. On the right the black text reads ‘Mickey Lifestyle Collector’s Set. D23 Gold Members shop exclusively here first. Only 100 sets available. Shop exclusively here first.’

Where: Citizen

What: Early Access

When: October 24th – October 27th

Capture the thrill of Disney | Citizen with this limited-edition Mickey Mouse Lifestyle Land, Sea, and Air Collector’s Set. Released in 2024 during Citizen’s iconic Promaster 35th Anniversary and with only 100 sets available worldwide, the set includes three special timepieces that celebrate Citizen Promaster’s mission to inspire adventurers to go further, go deeper, and go higher. D23 Gold Members have the chance to receive the captivating assortment before anyone else with the exclusive shopping window beginning on October 24 and opening to the public on October 27^th.

The set includes the all-new Alpine Mickey Mouse watch and fan-favorites Mickey Mouse Water Sport, and Mickey Mouse Aviator with collectible pins and original artwork on the dials by famed Disney Illustrator Jeff Shelly.

The always-intrepid Disney Mickey Mouse scales new heights with this new watch and pin set inspired by the short 1936 animated film, “Alpine Climber.” On an olive-green dial, Mickey Mouse wears a jaunty feathered cap as he attempts to reach the summit wielding a pickaxe and hopping onto snow-topped markers, atop a brushed black IP stainless steel case and a rugged olive-green Cordura strap. A silver-plated metal pin with enamel artwork completes the set.

Make a splash in this Disney Mickey Mouse Water Sport timepiece depicting a scuba-clad Mickey Mouse peeking out from between the 7 and 8 o'clock markers within an underwater scene. A classic, dive-inspired silhouette features astainless steel case and bracelet, luminous hands and markers, and a bezel in two shades of blue and a navy blue dial.

Soar to new heights wearing this vintage-inspired Disney Mickey Mouse Aviator timepiece. Classic details include a tan leather strap with ivory topstitch and rivets. A stainless-steel case encloses an ivory dial with exclusive artwork of Mickey Mouse flying a vintage airplane, with the propeller as the sub second hand.

Each watch is sustainably powered by any light with Citizen’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology and never needs a battery. Own a piece of Disney | Citizen history with this rare collector’s box set.

YOUR GIFT WITH PURCHASE - Experience the enchantment of Disney | Citizen with this exclusive print by renowned Disney artist Brian Blackmore. Capturing the thrilling adventures of Disney’s Mickey Mouse, this limited-edition artwork illustrates Mickey Mouse across sea, sky, and land. Inspired by the dials of the Disney | Citizen Mickey Mouse watches from the new Mickey Lifestyle – Sea, Air, and Land Collector’s Set, the print showcases Mickey Mouse scuba diving near South America, soaring above the world, and scaling the peaks of Antarctica.

Detailed and vibrant, Brian Blackmore's artwork invites you to discover a special hidden Mickey Mouse in a famous location in Florida. This captivating print is the perfect companion to the Mickey Lifestyle – Sea, Air, and Land Collector’s Set by Citizen, offering a touch of magic to your collection.

NOTE
You must be logged in as a D23 Gold Member to obtain access to the shoppable link. If you are already a Gold Member, you can log in at the top of this page. Those interested in joining D23 as a Gold Member can do so here. The D23 Gold Member exclusive shopping window begins October 24^th and opens to the public on October 27^th. Terms and conditions may apply.

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!

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

QUIZ: Do You Know What These Wizards of Waverly Place Spells Do?

October 23, 2024

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

With the much-anticipated Disney Channel premiere of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place on October 29, there’s no better time to revisit the magical mischief of the original Wizards of Waverly Place! From teleportation to animal transformations, the original series enchanted us with its clever, often hilarious spells. But do you remember what each spell actually did? Put your magical knowledge to the test and see if you’re a true Waverly wizard—or if you need a few more lessons at WizTech!

“Transportium Nextorbitorium!”

The ability to teleport to any planet.

The ability to travel back in time.

The ability to teleport into the future.

The ability to pause time for everyone but yourself.

Correct! Wrong!

“Edgebono Utoostis!”

The ability to push someone to the brink of annoyance (perfect for siblings!).

The ability to conjure your ideal, utopian reality.

The ability to duplicate any object.

The ability to rewind time and undo a single mistake.

Correct! Wrong!

“Animoza Espinoza!”

The ability to turn any animal into a human.

The ability to turn any human into an animal.

The ability to communicate with animals.

The ability to control the mind of any creature, great or small.

Correct! Wrong!

“Threemetris Movetris!”

The ability to create three clones of yourself or another person.

The ability to instantly summon a trio of synchronized dancers.

The ability to move three objects simultaneously with your mind.

The ability to teleport someone 10 feet away.

Correct! Wrong!

“Literrarium Terrarium!”

The ability to teleport someone into or out of a book.

The ability to read entire novels at lightning speed.

The ability to absorb the knowledge from an entire library in an instant.

The ability to make your hair write things for you.

Correct! Wrong!

“Hairbrainium Excamchangium!”

The ability to swap intelligence with another person.

The ability to change hairstyles.

The ability to turn your hair into a living creature.

The ability to grow your hair to any length in seconds.

Correct! Wrong!

"Key Largo, Key West, Keychain"

The ability to send someone to the farthest western point in the world.

The ability to turn someone into a keychain.

The ability to make someone speak only words that start with the letter “K.”

The ability to summon any key you need—no more losing your house key!

Correct! Wrong!

“Zippitus-yer-Trapatus!”

The ability to cause someone’s voice to come out as muffled gibberish.

The ability to make someone stop talking immediately.

The ability to make someone uncontrollably sing everything they want to say.

The ability to make someone’s words come out in reverse.

Correct! Wrong!

QUIZ: Do You Know What These Wizards of Waverly Place Spells Do?

Magic Apprentice (1-3 correct answers)

Looks like your spellbook could use some brushing up! While you managed to cast a few good spells, there’s still plenty of magic for you to master. Time to rewatch those episodes, pay close attention to the spells, and channel your inner Russo sibling.

Wand Wielder (4-6 correct answers)

You’ve got some solid magic under your belt! You’re well on your way to being a competent wizard—but there’s still a bit of room to sharpen your magical memory. With some practice, you might just make it into the Russo family’s hall of fame.

Master Wizard (7-8 correct answers)

Congratulations—you’re a true master of the magical arts! You remember these Wizards of Waverly Place spells like they’re second nature, and it shows. You could easily hold your own against any wizard on Waverly Place... or beyond!