Disney Earns a Record 166 Primetime Emmy® Award Nominations

By Zach Johnson

Television’s biggest night is right around the corner!

The Walt Disney Company proudly announces an impressive 166 nominations for the 73rd Primetime Emmy® Awards. While the Television Academy announced the attributed total number as 146, the Company additionally recognizes all the programming produced for third party platforms and by all its production and studio entities. The Company’s nominations span 85 categories and 38 titles, and winners will be revealed September 19.

For the second year in a row, Disney+ leads the way with Lucasfilm Ltd.’s The Mandalorian garnering 24 nominations, including Outstanding Dramas Series. Additionally, Disney+’s limited series from Marvel Studios WandaVision received 23 honors, including a nomination for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress (Elizabeth Olsen) and Outstanding Lead Actor (Paul Bettany) in a Limited or Anthology Series. Similarly, Disney+’s Hamilton became a fan-favorite this year with 12 total nominations, including two nods for Outstanding Lead Actor—Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr.—and a nomination for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded). Marvel Studios and Disney+’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier scored five nominations, including one for Don Cheadle, who is up for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.

Hulu Original The Handmaid’s Tale netted a series-best 21 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series and a Lead Actress nod for Elisabeth Moss, making season four the most nominated season to date. Additionally, Pen15 earned the platform its first Outstanding Comedy Series nomination, and Aidy Bryant earned her first lead actress nomination for Shrill. National Geographic scored 13 total nods, including Cynthia Erivo’s critically acclaimed performance in Genius: Aretha, as well as reality and documentary programming City So Real and Secrets of the Whales. FX’s Pose earned 10 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, as well as Outstanding Lead Actor for Billy Porter and a historic first-ever nomination for a transgender nominee for Mj Rodriguez as Outstanding Lead Actress. FX’s much-talked-about The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears also received two nominations, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.

ABC’s black-ish earned a series-best of six nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actor (Anthony Anderson) and Lead Actress (Tracee Ellis Ross). This marks Anderson’s seventh nomination, making him the most nominated Black actor in Emmy history in the Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category. Additional series with multiple nominations include 20th Television-produced This Is Us and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.

Congratulations to all of The Walt Disney Company’s nominees:

the mandalorian

The Mandalorian (Disney+/Lucasfilm Ltd.)
24 Nominations

  • Outstanding Drama Series
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Giancarlo Esposito
  • Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series – Carl Weathers
  • Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series – Timothy Olyphant
  • Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series – Disney Legend Jon Favreau
  • Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series – “Chapter 13: The Jedi”
  • Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series – “Chapter 16: The Rescue”
  • Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) – “Chapter 13: The Jedi”
  • Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
  • Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour) – “Chapter 15: The Believer”
  • Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour) – “Chapter 13: The Jedi”
  • Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes – “Chapter 13: The Jedi”
  • Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series – “Chapter 11: The Heiress”
  • Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series – “Chapter 13: The Jedi”
  • Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series – “Chapter 15: The Believer”
  • Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series – “Chapter 16: The Rescue”
  • Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling – “Chapter 16: The Rescue”
  • Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup – “Chapter 13: The Jedi”
  • Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) – “Chapter 16: The Rescue”
  • Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) – “Chapter 13: The Jedi”
  • Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie
  • Outstanding Stunt Coordination
  • Outstanding Stunt Performance – “Chapter 16: The Rescue”
  • Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) – “Chapter 13: The Jedi”

wandavision

WandaVision (Disney+/Marvel Studios)
23 Nominations

  • Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
  • Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Paul Bettany
  • Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Elizabeth Olsen
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Kathryn Hahn
  • Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – “Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience”
  • Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – “Previously on”
  • Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half-Hour)
  • Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
  • Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes – “Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience”
  • Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
  • Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – “On A Very Special Episode…”
  • Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – “The Series Finale”
  • Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling
  • Outstanding Main Title Design
  • Outstanding Period and/or Character Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) – “Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience”
  • Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score) – “Previously On”
  • Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics – “Agatha All Along”
  • Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music
  • Outstanding Music Supervision
  • Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special – “The Series Finale”
  • Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – “The Series Finale”
  • Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or A Movie
  • Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – “All-New Halloween Spooktacular!”

the handmaid's tale

The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu Original)
21 Nominations

  • Outstanding Drama Series
  • Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series – Elisabeth Moss
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – O-T Fagbenle
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Max Minghella
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Bradley Whitford
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Madeline Brewer
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Ann Dowd
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Yvonne Strahovski
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Samira Wiley
  • Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series – Alexis Bledel
  • Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series – Mckenna Grace
  • Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
  • Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series – “Home”
  • Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour or More)
  • Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
  • Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series
  • Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling – “Vows”
  • Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) – “Pigs”
  • Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) – “The Crossing”
  • Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
  • Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes

hamilton

Hamilton (Disney+)
12 Nominations

  • Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)
  • Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Lin-Manuel Miranda
  • Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Leslie Odom Jr.
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Daveed Diggs
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Anthony Ramos
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Jonathan Groff
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Phillipa Soo
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Renee Elise Goldsberry
  • Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
  • Outstanding Picture Editing for Variety Programming
  • Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special
  • Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Special

pose

Pose (FX/20th Television/FX Productions)
10 Nominations

  • Outstanding Drama Series
  • Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – Billy Porter
  • Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series – Mj Rodriguez
  • Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series – “Series Finale”
  • Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series – “Series Finale”
  • Outstanding Contemporary Costumes
  • Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling
  • Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)
  • Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup
  • Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series – Pose: Identity, Family, Community

black-ish 
black-ish (ABC/ABC Signature)
6 Nominations

  • Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – Anthony Anderson
  • Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series – Tracee Ellis Ross
  • Outstanding Contemporary Costumes
  • Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling
  • Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Stacey Abrams

This Is Us (20th Television)
6 Nominations

  • Outstanding Drama Series
  • Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – Sterling K. Brown
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Chris Sullivan
  • Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series – Phylicia Rashad
  • Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup
  • Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)

dancing with the stars

Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
5 Nominations

  • Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming – Artem Chigvintsev, Choreographer
  • Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming – Derek Hough, Choreographer
  • Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program
  • Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Series
  • Outstanding Contemporary Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program (Non-Prosthetic)

falcon and winter soldier

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (Disney+/Marvel Studios)
5 Nominations

  • Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series –Don Cheadle
  • Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) – “One World, One People”
  • Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie
  • Outstanding Stunt Coordination
  • Outstanding Stunt Performance – “Truth”

oscars

The Oscars® (ABC)
4 Nominations

  • Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
  • Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special
  • Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special
  • Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Special

Ratched (20th Television)
4 Nominations

  • Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series – Sophie Okonedo
  • Outstanding Period Costumes
  • Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling
  • Outstanding Period and/or Character Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)

fargo

Fargo (FX/FX Productions)
3 Nominations

  • Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Anthology Series or Movie
  • Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
  • Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special

genius aretha

Genius: Aretha (National Geographic/20th Television)
3 Nominations

  • Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Cynthia Erivo
  • Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming
  • Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

life below zero

Life Below Zero (National Geographic)
3 Nominations

  • Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction or Reality Program (Single or Multi-Camera)
  • Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program
  • Outstanding Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program

pen15

Pen15 (Hulu Original)
3 Nominations

  • Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

The Politician (20th Television)
3 Nominations

  • Outstanding Contemporary Costumes
  • Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling
  • Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)

secrets of the whales

Secrets of the Whales (Disney+/National Geographic)
3 Nominations

  • Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
  • Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program
  • Outstanding Narrator – Sigourney Weaver

Shark Tank (ABC)
3 Nominations

  • Outstanding Structured Reality Program
  • Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program – Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary
  • Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program

Central Park (20th Television Animation)
2 Nominations

  • Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Tituss Burgess
  • Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Stanley Tucci

city so real

City So Real (National Geographic)
2 Nominations

  • Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
  • Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program

the connors

The Conners (ABC)
2 Nominations

  • Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series
  • Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series

jimmy kimmel live

Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC/ABC Signature)
2 Nominations

  • Outstanding Variety Talk Series
  • Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Series

Framing Britney Spears

The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears (FX)
2 Nominations

  • Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special
  • Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program

archer

Archer (FX/FX Productions)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Jessica Walter

becoming

Becoming (Disney+)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program

Bob’s Burgers (20th Television Animation)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Animated Program

disney holiday singalong

The Disney Holiday Singalong (ABC)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming – Derek Hough, Choreographer

Family Guy (20th Television Animation)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Seth MacFarlane

grown-ish (Freeform/ ABC Signature)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour)

inside pixar 

Inside Pixar (Disney+/Pixar Animation Studios)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series

Last Man Standing (20th Television)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series

Maggie Simpson in: The Force Awakens from Its Nap (Disney+/20th Television Animation)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Short Form Animated Program

once upon a snowman

Once Upon a Snowman (Disney+/Walt Disney Animation Studios)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Short Form Animated Program

rebuilding paradise

Rebuilding Paradise (National Geographic)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program

Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (Lincoln Square Productions)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Television Movie

running wild with bear grylls

Running Wild with Bear Grylls (National Geographic)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Structured Reality Program

shrill

Shrill (Hulu Original)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series – Aidy Bryant

The Simpsons (20th Television Animation)
1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Animated Program

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Zach Johnson

National Geographic’s SHARKFEST continues on Monday with the marquee special Shark Attack Investigation: The Paige Winter Story, where experts unpack the details of Paige Winter’s attack and share the inspirational story of her continued shark advocacy. Two days later, Marvel Studios’ Loki reaches a magical and mischievous climax on Disney+. That same night, Good Trouble returns on Freeform, and on Thursday, American Horror Stories begins streaming exclusively on FX on Hulu. Last but not least, Mickey the Brave!, a Disney Junior primetime special preceding the series debut of Mickey Mouse Funhouse, airs Friday.

Shark Attack Investigation: The Paige Winter Story

Shark Attack Investigation: The Paige Winter Story—Monday, July 12, at 10 p.m. ET on National Geographic
Paige Winter was only 17 years old when she lost a leg and portion of her hand to a shark. Now, experts are unpacking the details of Winter’s attack to determine what kind of shark is responsible for her injury and what, if anything, can be done to prevent this from ever reoccurring. Despite all she has endured, this inspirational teen remains an advocate for sharks and, with the help of professionals, takes brave steps to overcome her greatest fears.

loki

Loki—Wednesday, July 14, on Disney+
After escaping Alioth, thanks to Classic Loki (Richard E. Grant) realizing his glorious purpose, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) hope to finally face whoever is behind all of this. (This being the Time Variance Authority, of course.) But what—or who—will Loki and Sylvie find in that just-discovered castle? Only time will tell…

good trouble

Good Trouble—Wednesday, July 14, at 10 p.m. ET on Freeform
In “Knocked Down,” Callie (Maia Mitchell) and Gael (Tommy Martinez) decide to give their relationship a shot. Meanwhile, Malika (Zuri Adele) is blindsided by news from Isaac (Sarunas J. Jackson); Alice (Sherry Cola) returns to the comedy program after getting some unlikely help; and Davia (Emma Hunton) feels confused after Dennis (Josh Pence) returns.

american horror stories

American Horror Stories—Thursday, July 15, on FX on Hulu
Intended for an adult audience, this new anthology series packs plenty of chills and thrills. A spinoff of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s award-winning American Horror Story, a different horror story is featured each episode. Cast members include Madison Bailey, Matt Bomer, Dyllón Burnside, Ashley Martin Carter, Gavin Creel, Belissa Escobedo, Rhenzy Feliz, Virginia Gardner, Kaia Gerber, Amy Grabow, Nico Greetham, Naomi Grossman, Paris Jackson, Billie Lourd, John Carol Lynch, Sierra McCormick, Kevin McHale, Charles Melton, Danny Trejo, Aaron Tveit, and Kyle Red Silverstein, among others.

mickey the brave

Mickey the Brave! —Friday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m. ET on Disney Channel
The all-new series Mickey Mouse Funhouse debuts with a primetime special in which Mickey Mouse and his pals befriend Funny (voice of Harvey Guillén), an enchanted talking playhouse with the power to lead them on adventures to anywhere their imaginations can take them. In Mickey the Brave!, Funny transports the Sensational Six to the Kingdom of Majestica, where they encounter Farfus, a dragon who’s been causing trouble in a village.

“We’re Going to Walt Disney World”: Sabrina the Teenage Witch

By Matt Moryc, Walt Disney Archives

If you grew up watching television in the 1980s and 1990s, then you might agree that there is an objective argument to be made that some of the greatest family sitcoms of all-time were produced during this era. The American Broadcast Company (ABC) was at the forefront of this golden age of television with their Friday night programming block titled TGIF (short for “Thank Goodness It’s Funny”). Debuting in 1989, TGIF became a staple in millions of homes across America, and would continue to be throughout the ’90s as audiences tuned in weekly to watch classic shows such as Full House (1987-1995), Boy Meets World (1993-2000), Family Matters (ABC: 1989-1997; CBS: 1997-1998), and Step by Step (ABC: 1991-1997; CBS: 1997-1998).

For Disney fans, these titles are memorable not only for their place in ABC history, but also for the episodes each show filmed at Walt Disney World Resort. The idea to send family sitcoms to the vacation kingdom could not have come at a better time for The Walt Disney Company as it was in the midst of vastly expanding its influence on ‘90s popular culture with a string of hit animated films and new theme park attractions that were ripe for promotion via television programming created for families.

In 1996, a spellbinding new show joined the TGIF line up with the debut of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, starring Melissa Joan Hart, Caroline Rhea, and Beth Broderick. Sabrina Spellman (Hart) is a teenager who discovers on her 16th birthday that she comes from a lineage of witches with magical powers. Both of Sabrina’s aunts, Hilda Spellman (Rhea) and Zelda Spellman (Broderick), also witches, provide Sabrina with the moral compass and guidance required to teach her how to harness these newfound magical abilities. And let’s not forget Salem (voiced by Nick Bakay), a talking cat and friend to Sabrina.

In early March 1998, during production of the show’s second season, the cast traveled to Walt Disney World Resort to film an episode at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park—one month before the park’s grand opening on April 22, 1998. The episode aired soon thereafter on April 24, 1998.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Left to right: Sabrina Spellman (Melissa Joan Hart), Harvey Kinkle (Nate Richert), Willard Kraft (Martin Mull), and Valerie Birkhead (Lindsay Sloane).

In the episode titled “Disney World,” Sabrina’s class goes on a field trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom thanks to some mind control magic applied to Principal Kraft (Martin Mull) by the Quiz Master (Alimi Ballard), a fellow witch that is tasked with helping Sabrina complete her witch’s license. The Quiz Master tells Sabrina that in order to get one step closer to her license, she needs to learn how to create a potion to turn herself into an animal (convenient, considering how many species exist at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!). Meanwhile, Sabrina’s two aunts are also traveling to Florida, but as class chaperones. Hilda insists the first thing they do when they arrive is to ride all of the thrilling attractions, but Zelda convinces her they should first check out a paleontological dig happening at The Boneyard in the DinoLand U.S.A. area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Sabrina Spellman (Melissa Joan Hart) and Albert the Quizmaster (Alimi Ballard) in a scene filmed at the seating area of Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

True to sitcom form, each storyline plunges into chaos as magical mix-ups occur at every turn: Hilda turns Sabrina’s crush Harvey (Nate Richert) into a cast member at Kilimanjaro Safaris to ensure that cheerleader antagonist classmate Libby (Jenna Leigh Green) can’t flirt with him; Zelda finds an ancient human bone at The Boneyard and uses her magic to turn it into a caveman; and Sabrina’s best friend Valerie (Lindsay Sloane) and Libby accidentally drink the animal potion, turning themselves into zebras. Of course, by episode’s end everything is resolved as Libby, Nate, and Valerie return to their normal state with no memory of what happened to them; Sabrina passes her witch’s exam; and Zelda and Hilda teach the caveman a smidge of English and turn him into a cast member selling refreshments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you think that synopsis was strange—which it definitely is—don’t miss out on watching the episode for yourself on Hulu.

As a bonus—and a thank you for making it all the way through such a totally quirky article— here is a selection of publicity images courtesy of ABC from the television special Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary Party, hosted by Melissa Joan Hart and Will Friedle, star of Boy Meets World. The special aired on ABC on February 28, 1997, and included special guest appearances by Drew Carey, Michael J. Fox, Rosie O’Donnell, Jeff Daniels, Donna Summer, Gloria Estefan, and The Village People.

Celebrate even more Walt Disney World nostalgia with the 2021 D23 Gold Member Collector Set, exclusively available to D23 Gold Members!

Celebrate Halfway to the Holidays with Disney Parks

By the D23 Team

Deck the halls, jingle those bells, and let it snow (even if it’s 85 degrees out)—because as of today, we’re officially Halfway to the Holidays! As our friends at Disney Parks Blog just revealed this morning, the merriest season of them all kicks off November 12, and there’s heaps of holly-jolly fun in store! So what can you expect? We’ve made a list and checked it twice… so be good and read on:

parks holiday

Walt Disney World Resort
Wrapped up festively within “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” commemorating the resort’s 50th anniversary, the holidays at Walt Disney World begin on November 12 and are sure to delight both young and young-at-heart. At Magic Kingdom Park, glittering decorations will return to Main Street, U.S.A.—and special holiday projections will appear most nights (alternating with Beacon of Magic, part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”), once the sun sets, on Cinderella Castle. But that’s not all: Starting November 8 (consider it an early gift from Santa!), the all-new “Disney Very Merriest After Hours”—a special-ticketed event through December 21—will feature four hours of seasonal delights including “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks”; Disney characters throughout the park; holiday music and décor; yummy treats included; and much more! As with other Disney After Hours events, a limited number of tickets will be sold for this event and go on sale next month, with an early purchase window available to guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

parks holiday

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sunset Season’s Greetings will return—as the Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard comes to life (also alternating with Beacon of Magic) with projection effects that magically transform it into a snowy corner of Arendelle, a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, and more. There’ll be vintage-themed holiday décor throughout the park; Santa Claus will bring some North Pole cheer to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard; and Olaf will radiate with sunny holiday cheer over at “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.”

parks holiday

Meanwhile, The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will return this year, from November 26 through December 30, and feature Holiday Kitchens all across the park; performances by the iconic Voices of Liberty; the always popular Cookie Stroll; and lots of fun and frolic.

parks holiday

And at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, look for the return of seasonal décor and festive Disney character flotillas sailing down Discovery River to the sounds of joyful songs of the season… and the park’s Tree of Life will offer up both holiday-inspired and Beacon of Light-themed magic.

parks holiday

Of course, Disney Springs—the shopping, dining, and entertainment destination—will transform into a winter wonderland, full of enchanting lights and décor and lots of surprises. Great news: The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll returns this year, with its host of elaborately decorated, Disney-themed trees—some new and some inspired by “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” Plus, a magical snowfall will add whimsy and wonder to Town Center.

parks holiday

Disneyland Resort
We can hardly believe it, but Haunted Mansion Holiday—the makeover of the classic attraction with all things Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, which we here at D23 look forward to every single year—celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2021! So make sure to mark those calendars: It officially returns to Disneyland Park beginning September 3. (Just a few tantalizing months away!) Disney Parks Blog revealed a first look at this year’s amazing Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house, as well as a sneak peek at some chilling and thrilling new themed merchandise.

parks holiday

Keep your eyes peeled for more info on what to expect later this year at Disneyland Resort, as we ride our one-horse open sleigh ever closer to the holiday season….

parks holiday

Disneyland Paris
Beginning November 13, the good folks at Disneyland Paris will invite guests to celebrate the manner of holiday magic with “Disney’s Enchanted Christmas!” at Disneyland Park—featuring favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, snowflakes falling from the sky on Main Street, U.S.A., and more merriment than you can shake a minty macaron at…

parks holiday

Disney Cruise Line
For those taking to the seas this holiday season, the Disney Cruise Line fleet will be decked from bow-to-stern with holiday cheer and entertainment during Very Merrytime Cruises, from early November through December. Holiday magic is unwrapped for the whole family with festive holiday décor (including a three-foot-tall Christmas tree in the ship’s atrium), favorite characters in their finest holiday attire; tropical holiday fun at Castaway Cay, complete with very special “snow flurries”; and visits from none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus!

parks holiday

The Merriest of Merchandise and Limited Time Holiday Drink Offerings
Disney Parks Blog also debuted an early look at new holiday-themed merchandise that—much like a certain jolly man in a red suit and some reindeer—will be arriving at Disney Parks and shopDisney.com this holiday season. Keep your eyes peeled for ornaments depicting beloved scenes and iconic characters from your favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars films, as well as a super-festive new Spirit Jersey, Mini Backpack by Loungefly, and matching ear headband. And don’t forget these adorable new holiday-themed charms from Pandora Jewelry?

parks holiday

parks holiday

Those hankering for a taste of the holidays right now can visit Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company’s The Landing at Disney Springs through July 18 and pick up a cup of their just-returned Peppermint Mocha Latte. And here on the West Coast, at Downtown Disney in Disneyland Resort, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is bringing back their Peppermint Classic Shake. (Okay, now we’re hungry… )

A Halfway to the Holidays TikTok Live Event from Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Want another festive way to celebrate this auspicious holiday-halfsies mark? Be sure to tune in this Wednesday, July 14, at 7:30pm ET for a special after-hours tour of Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, with an inside look at favorite attractions, a sneak peek at limited time offerings, and other surprises.

Keep Santa’s plate of cookies and glass of milk nearby, because he’s sure to help deliver more festive news on all things Disney Parks holidays in the coming months… stay tuned!

Celebrate Your Fandom with the D23 Gold Member Mickey Mouse and Figment Magnet Set

By the D23 Team

D23 Gold Member Mickey Mouse and Figment Magnet Set

They’re back! Our exclusive Mickey and Figment magnets, which first debuted during our Member Appreciation Month back in March, have returned so you can show off your fandom in style. If you missed your chance to get a magnet (or you already have one and want to continue covering your fridge in Figment), don’t miss out on this limited-edition magnet set, on sale exclusively to D23 Gold Members at shopDisney starting July 12. The two vinyl magnets are inspired by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Mickey Mouse, and EPCOT’s Journey Into Imagination attraction!

 

 

Hades Is Up to No Good in the Descendants: The Royal Wedding Trailer

By Zach Johnson

Bibbidi, Bobbidi… Boom!

Disney Channel’s Descendants: The Royal Wedding invites viewers to Auradon’s biggest social soiree: Mal and King Ben’s wedding! Happily-ever-after continues for the power couple as they prepare to say “I do” at a magical celebration with friends and family. But Mal’s father, Hades, threatens to ruin the big day: “You didn’t think this was over, did you?”

Enjoy a first look at the special, courtesy of our friends at Disney Channel:

The animated special will feature a brand-new song, and the original Descendants cast—Dove Cameron (Mal), Sofia Carson (Evie), Booboo Stewart (Jay), Mitchell Hope (King Ben), Sarah Jeffery (Audrey), Melanie Paxson (Fairy Godmother), China Anne McClain (Uma), Jedidiah Goodacre (Chad), Anna Cathcart (Dizzy), Dan Payne (Beast), Bobby Moynihan (Dude the Dog), and Cheyenne Jackson (Hades)—will be reprising their roles. The absence of the character Carlos, played by the late Cameron Boyce, will be acknowledged in the storyline, and Boyce’s memory will be honored during the telecast.

Descendants: The Royal Wedding, written by Sara Parriott & Josann McGibbon and Ricky Roxburgh, is based on the Descendants movies by Parriott & McGibbon. The animated special is directed by Salvador Simó and is produced by Final Frontier Entertainment.

Descendants: The Royal Wedding will premiere Friday, August 13, on Disney Channel, immediately after the 8 p.m. telecast of the all-new Disney Channel Original Movie SPIN.

Magic and Music in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

First Look at Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto

Here’s something very cool to kick off your weekend: a first look at the latest from our pals at Walt Disney Animation Studios! They’ve just released a teaser trailer for Encanto… it’s the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto.

This all-new animated feature follows Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz), an ordinary 15-year-old girl who’s struggling to find her place in her family. “Mirabel is a really funny, loving character who also deeply yearns for something more,” Beatriz recently said. “She’s also not afraid to stand up for what she knows is right—something I love and relate to very much. I’m Colombian on my father’s side, and playing this role fills me with immense pride.” An avowed “Disney kid,” she added, “I’d burn through my VHS tapes and adored every single magical story that the world of Disney introduced me to. I learned in those stories that anything is possible, especially if you believe in magic and the goodness rooted deep inside us all.”

In the film, the magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift, from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, that is: Mirabel. But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope.

Directed by Byron Howard and Jared Bush; co-directed by Charise Castro Smith; and produced by Clark Spencer and Yvett Merino, with all-new songs by Tony® winner and Oscar® nominee Lin-Manuel Miranda, Encanto is slated to enchant its way into theaters on November 24!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

Here we are, firmly planted within the month of July… and after some weekend fun in the sun, we think there’s nothing better than heading inside for a spell and enjoying some quality content from around the worlds of Disney. So what can you expect? A new episode of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (featuring the first appearance by Asher Angel); more fun from National Geographic’s SHARKFEST; ABC’s broadcast of The 2021 ESPYS Presented by Capital One; and lots more.

Just Announced: “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” Coming to Disney Wish

Readers of D23 will remember our recent look into all the brand-new merriment available to Disney Cruise Line guests when the Disney Wish sets sail in Summer 2022. Well, just this week, we’ve been privy to further details of what to expect—specifically regarding a very cool new Marvel dining adventure that guests will find on board…

“Avengers: Quantum Encounter”—first announced via a sneak peek introduced by Kevin Feige, President, Marvel Studios and Chief Creative Officer, Marvel (seen above)—is Disney Cruise Line’s most ambitious dining experience ever. This exclusive Avengers adventure will assemble some of Earth’s Mightiest, and tiniest, Super Heroes in a larger-than-life showcase of revolutionary quantum technology and world-class cuisine. It’s more than a meal and more than a show… It’s something that’s never been done before in a restaurant on land or at sea!

The experience will follow Ant-Man and The Wasp as they embark on their first public speaking engagement on behalf of the Avengers. They’re hosting a special presentation of the most powerful Super Hero tech, giving the audience an up-close look at holographic models, field reports, and iconic scenes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe displayed on the screens surrounding the room. The highlight is a hands-on demonstration of the latest and greatest Pym Tech, the Quantum Core, which uses cutting-edge (and highly unstable) technology to shrink and grow targets at the push of a button; a few “misfires” result in hilarious Ant-Man-style hijinks, but the real trouble begins when an unexpected villain shows up with a fearsome army in tow! Ant-Man and The Wasp will need all the help they can get to save the day—calling on Captain America, Captain Marvel, and even the brave diners of the Disney Wish for back-up.

Menus are still in development, so keep your eyes peeled for further details.

Disney+ Reveals Japanese Anime Studios Bringing Star Wars: Visions to Life

Mere days ago, at Anime Expo Lite, Disney+ announced the names of the seven Japanese anime studios bringing their unique talent and perspective to Star Wars: Visions—a collection of animated shorts from Lucasfilm that will stream exclusively on Disney+—and offered fans an exciting sneak peek; check it out, above.

The anime studios revealed are Kamikaze Douga, Geno Studio (Twin Engine), Studio Colorido (Twin Engine), Trigger, Kinema Citrus, Science Saru, and Production IG. Each studio will use their signature animation and storytelling styles to realize their own visions of the galaxy far, far away.

As a first formal foray into anime, each Star Wars: Visions short bears a unique Japanese sensibility—which, in many ways, aligns with the tone and spirit of Star Wars storytelling. From the (lightspeed) jump, stories told in the Star Wars galaxy have counted Japanese mythology and the films of legendary director Akira Kurosawa among their many influences, and these new visions will further explore that cultural heritage through the one-of-a-kind animation style and perspective of each anime studio.

Look for all episodes of Star Wars: Visions premiering on Disney+ this September.

Disney on Broadway’s Live at The New Am: A Benefit Concert for The Actors Fund

The good folks over at Disney on Broadway just announced a sure-to-be-incredible benefit concert, coming up in just a few weeks’ time. We’ve got all the news that’s fit to print about Live at The New Am: A Benefit Concert for The Actors Fund—featuring Disney on Broadway faves Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), Michael James Scott (Aladdin), Kissy Simmons (The Lion King), and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)—right here at D23.com.

philharmagic coco

Disney and Pixar’s Coco Joins Mickey’s PhilharMagic on July 17

Fans of all things jubilant, listen up: Mickey’s PhilharMagic will soon have a tuneful new addition! Beginning on July 17, a brand-new animated scene—anchored by the song “Un Poco Loco” from Disney and Pixar’s 2017 hit Coco—will debut inside the attraction at Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Paris, before being added to Magic Kingdom Park later this year as part of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration.

The Academy Award®-winning feature’s fun, upbeat music and characters combined with the humor of Donald Duck marks the first time Disney and Pixar animators have worked on a creative venture where characters from both animation studios will be seen together onscreen. Pretty cool, right? In addition, one of the film’s original composers, Germaine Franco, has produced a brand-new Coco score unique to Mickey’s PhilharMagic.

Should you find yourself at one of the aforementioned Disney Parks soon, do yourself a favor and check it out!

ICYMI: You’re Invited to Descendants: The Royal Wedding This August

It’s sure to be the social event of the season—and luckily, we all get to attend! The wedding of Mal and King Ben from Disney’s Descendants is just over the horizon, but will Hades let it go off without a hitch? For more on what you can expect from the all-new animated special Descendants: The Royal Wedding, including a “save the date” teaser trailer, click here.

Everything to Do, Eat, and See at the 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Presented by CORKCICLE®

By Zach Johnson

Ready to experience a whole new world?

Join us as we sip and savor across six continents at the 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE®! For 129 delicious days, from July 15 through November 20, you’re invited to celebrate the very best of food and beverage at more than 20 festival-exclusive global marketplaces opening this week—with even more opening in October! In addition to all the classics and fan favorites, there are seven new marketplaces:

  • The Noodle Exchange (Near Traveler’s Café)
  • Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
  • The Rotunda Bistro (American Adventure Rotunda)
  • The Swanky Saucy Swine (Near Disney Traders)
  • Brew-Wing at the EPCOT Experience
  • Lobster Landing (Near Mission: SPACE®) (Opening October 1)
  • Mac & Eats (Near Mission: SPACE) (Opening October 1)

Emile’s Fromage Montage is the perfect way to get your cheese fix. Review your Festival Passport to locate the five select marketplaces to purchase tasty cheese dishes. After collecting your stamps, stroll over to Shimmering Sips marketplace to get a special prize!

epcot food & wine

Embark on a Ratatouille-inspired adventure that’s très magnifique! Kids of all ages can search for Remy on a savory scavenger hunt around the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Simply purchase your map and stickers from select Festival merchandise locations, including Port of Entry, Pin Traders, and World Traveler (located at International Gateway). Next, locate statuettes of Remy hidden throughout World Showcase and the Global Marketplaces and match the ingredient stickers to your map. Once you’ve found them all, bring your completed map to Disney Traders, World Traveler, or Gateway Gifts (located at the entrance to World Showcase) and choose a fun surprise—compliments of Chef Remy!

In addition to the mouthwatering food and beverage offerings, take in the sights and sounds of the spirited entertainment options available at EPCOT. Offerings will include:

  • JAMMin’ Chefs (Canada Mill Stage)
    • This funky drumming crew uses pots, pans, and other unlikely instruments.
  • Mariachi Cobre (America Gardens Theatre)
    • Enjoy an exuberant performance of world-famous, traditional folk music.
  • Voices of Liberty (America Gardens Theatre)
    • Get swept away by vocal performances honoring America’s spirit and beauty.
  • America Gardens Bandstand
    • The festival will open with America Gardens Bandstand presented by Florida Blue Medicare, a live music concert series presented Friday through Monday evenings. Local bands from across Central Florida will take to the America Gardens Theatre stage, playing popular songs of yesterday and today. Additional details will be announced at a later date via TasteEPCOT.com.

Now that we’ve whet your appetite, sink your teeth into this year’s foodie guide:

epcot food & wine

Earth Eats hosted by Impossible™ (Between Imagination! and Refreshment Port)

Food:

  • The Impossible Burger Slider with Wasabi Cream and Spicy Slaw on a Sesame Seed Bun (plant-based)
  • Impossible Three-Bean Chili (gluten/wheat friendly; plant-based; new)

Beverages:

  • Spiced Apple Twinings of London Chai Tea (non-alcoholic; new)
  • Stephen Vincent Pinot Noir, California (new)
  • Spiced Apple Twinings of London Chai Tea with Whiskey (new)

epcot food & wine

The Noodle Exchange (Near Traveler’s Café) (NEW)

Food:

  • Traditional Spicy Vietnamese Beef Pho with Shaved Beef, Enoki Mushrooms, and Thai Basil (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
  • Char Siu Pork Udon with Enoki Mushrooms, Bok Choy, and Soy Pickled Egg (new)
  • Shrimp and Coconut Curry Rice Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Thai Basil (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
  • Tofu Pho with Enoki Mushrooms and Thai Basil (gluten/wheat friendly; plant-based; new)

Beverages:

  • Playalinda Brewing Company Yaupon Brothers Green Tea Pale Ale, Titusville, FL (new)
  • A to Z Riesling, Oregon (new)

Select dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

epcot food & wine

Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE (Near Port of Entry)

Food:

  • Shimmering Strawberry Soft-Serve in a Waffle Cone
  • Banana Bread with Mixed Berry Compote (plant-based)

Beverages:

  • Tropical Mimosa with Sparkling Wine and Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava Juices
  • Key Lime Mimosa with Key Lime Sparkling Wine and Cranberry Juice
  • Blood Orange Mimosa with Sparkling Wine and Blood Orange Juice
  • Mimosa Flight
  • CORKCICLE Stemless Flute

epcot food & wine

Australia (Near Port of Entry)

Food:

  • Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion, and Snap Peas (gluten/wheat friendly)
  • Roasted Lamb Chop with Sweet Potato Purée, Bush Berry Pea Salad, and Pistachio-Pomegranate Gremolata (gluten/wheat friendly)
  • Deconstructed Pavlova with Pastry Cream, Citrus-macerated Berries, and Lemon Myrtle Meringue (gluten/wheat friendly)

Beverages:

  • Coopers Brewery Original Pale Ale
  • Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (new)
  • Robert Oatley Chardonnay (new)
  • Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon (new)
  • Wine Flight

Select dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

epcot food & wine

Refreshment Port hosted by Boursin® (Near Canada)

Food:             

  • Braised Beef Poutine: French Fries, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce, Cheese Curds, and Gherkin Relish (new)
  • Maple Boursin Cheesecake with Whipped Boursin Maple Bourbon Cheese and Candied Pecans

Beverages:

  • Numanthia Termes Tinta de Toro Red Wine (new)

epcot food & wine

Ireland (Near United Kingdom) (Opening October 1)

Food:

  • Fisherman’s Seafood Pie
  • Roasted Irish Sausage with Colcannon Potatoes and Onion Gravy
  • Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard

Beverages:

  • Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
  • Bunratty Mead Honey Wine
  • Guinness Baileys Shake

epcot food & wine

Canada

Food:

  • Canadian Cheddar and Bacon Soup served with a Pretzel Roll
  • “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce (gluten/wheat friendly)

Beverages:

  • Collective Arts Audio/Visual Lager, Hamilton, Ontario (new)
  • Château des Charmes Cabernet-Merlot Old Vines (new)

epcot food & wine

Appleseed Orchard (Canada Theatre)

Food:

  • Apple Crumble Tart (new)
  • Apple Chips (gluten/wheat friendly)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Apple Pie (non-alcoholic)
  • Cinnamon Apple Cider (non-alcoholic; new)
  • Collective Arts Brewing Circling the Sun Hard Cider, Ontario, Canada (new)
  • Original Sin Hard Cider McIntosh, New York, NY (new)
  • Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Saint Chéri Bourbon Barrel Aged Cherry, Armada, MI (new)
  • Big Storm Brewing Co. Apple Blonde Ale, Clearwater, FL (new)
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Apple Pecan Brown Ale, St. Petersburg, FL (new)
  • Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company Apple-y Ever After Green Apple Sour Ale, Orlando, FL (new)
  • Apple Blossom Sky: Fanta Apple, Ginger Beer, Floodwall Apple Brandy, Maple Syrup, and Mini Marshmallows
  • Beer Flight
  • Cider Flight
  • CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

epcot food & wine

Brazil (Between France and Morocco) (Opening October 1)

Food:

  • Moqueca: Brazilian Seafood Stew featuring Scallops, Shrimp, and White Fish with Coconut-Lime Sauce and Steamed Rice (gluten/wheat friendly)
  • Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Onions (gluten/wheat friendly)
  • Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread (gluten/wheat friendly)

Beverages:

  • M.I.A. Beer Company Limāo Lager, Doral, FL (new)
  • Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

epcot food & wine

Belgium (Between France and Morocco) (Opening October 1)

Food:

  • Beer-braised Beef served with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
  • Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache
  • Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream

Beverages:

  • St. Bernardus Witbier
  • Belgian Abbey Ale (new)
  • Delirium Red Fruit Beer
  • Chimay Dorée Gold (new)
  • Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
  • Beer Flight

epcot food & wine

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (NEW)

Food:

  • Fried Falafel Pita with Tahini Sauce (plant-based; new)
  • Grilled Kebabs with Couscous, Tomato-Onion Salad, and Garlic Aïoli (new)
  • Lemon-Garlic Chicken
  • Moroccan Spiced Lamb
  • Harissa-marinated Beef Tenderloin Tips
  • Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with Hummus, Zaalouk, and Zhoug Dips (new)
  • Pistachio Cake with Cinnamon Pastry Cream and Candied Walnuts (new)

Beverages:

  • Fresh Orange Juice (non-alcoholic; new)
  • Fresh Blood Orange Juice (non-alcoholic; new)
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Fig Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL (new)
  • Bold Rock Ginger Turmeric Hard Cider, Nellysford, VA (new)
  • Woodchuck Cinnamon Nutmeg Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT (new)
  • Fig Cocktail with White-Cranberry Juice and Fig Vodka (new)
  • Cider Flight
  • CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

epcot food & wine

Greece (Near Morocco)

Food:

  • Spanakopita
  • Griddled Cheese with Pistachios and Honey (gluten/wheat friendly; Emile’s Fromage Montage; new)
  • Lamb Moussaka (new)

Beverages:

  • Mylonas Assyrtiko White Wine (new)
  • Skouras Zoe Rosé (new)
  • Kir-Yianni Naoussa Xinomavro Dry Red (new)
  • Wine Flight

Select Dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

epcot food & wine

Hops & Barley (American Adventure)

Food:

  • New England Lobster Roll: Lobster with Herb Mayonnaise on a Griddled Roll
  • Hot Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Cream and Pickled Vegetables (new)
  • Freshly Baked Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Beverages:

  • 81Bay Brewing Co. Strawberry and Lime, Tampa, FL (new)
  • SweetWater Brewing Company Hazy IPA, Atlanta, GA (new)
  • Lord Hobo Brewing Boom Sauce DIPA, Woburn, MA (new)
  • Bold Rock Roast Coffee Hard Cider, Mills River, NC (new)
  • Longevity Chardonnay, California (new)
  • Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon, California (new)
  • Beer Flight

epcot food & wine

The Rotunda Bistro (American Adventure Rotunda) (NEW)

Food:

  • Chilled Smoked Shrimp Salad (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
  • Wild Mushroom and Truffle Tart with Gruyère and Crème Fraîche (new)
  • Chilled Crab and Avocado Parfait with Caviar (gluten/wheat friendly; new)

Beverage:

  • Domaine Carneros Cuvée Brut Rosé, California (new)

epcot food & wine

Spain (Between Italy and Germany) (Opening October 1)

Food:

  • Charcuterie with a selection of imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses, and Olives with an Herb Vinaigrette (gluten/wheat friendly)
  • Spanish-style Paella with Rice, Chorizo, and Shrimp (gluten/wheat friendly)
  • Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar, and Smoked Paprika (gluten/wheat friendly)

Beverages:

  • Estrella Galicia Cerveza Especial Lager (new)
  • Avaline White Blend (new)
  • Faustino VII Rioja Rosado (new)
  • Espelt Garnacha
  • Wine Flight

epcot food & wine

Germany

Food:

  • Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions, and Cheese (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
  • Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
  • Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce

Beverages:

  • Gaffel Kölsch, Cologne (new)
  • Weihenstephaner Lager, Freising
  • Schöfferhofer Wild Cherry Hefeweizen, Mainz (new)
  • Selbach-Oster Riesling
  • Beer Flight

epcot food & wine

The Alps (Near Germany) (Opening October 1)

Food:

  • Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Alpine Ham, Baby Potatoes, Cornichons, and Baguette
  • Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Baby Potatoes, Cornichons, and Baguette
  • Blueberry and Almond Frangipane Tart with Crème Fraîche

Beverages:

  • Huber Vision Grüner Veltliner, Austria (new)
  • Cave De La Côte Rosé Gamay, Romand
  • René Favre Dôle, Chamoson
  • Frozen Rosé
  • Wine Flight

epcot food & wine

Kenya (Outpost) (Opening October 1)

Food:

  • Kenyan Coffee Barbecue Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato & Corn Mealie Pap and Kachumbari Slaw (gluten/wheat friendly)
  • Piri Piri Skewered Shrimp with Citrus-scented Couscous 

Beverage:

  • Tusker Lager

epcot food & wine

Refreshment Outpost

Food:

  • Spicy Githeri with White Beans, Pigeon Peas, Ben’s Original Quinoa & Ancient Grains Medley, and Kachumbari Slaw (plant-based)

Beverages:

  • 3 Daughters Brewing Allspice Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
  • CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

epcot food & wine

India (Near China) (Opening October 1)

Food:

  • Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa, and Coriander Pesto Dips
  • Korma Chicken with Basmati Rice, Crispy Chickpeas, and Spiced Yogurt Sauce (gluten/wheat friendly)
  • Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Chickpeas, and Ben’s Original Basmati Rice (gluten/wheat friendly; plant-based)

Beverages:

  • Mango Lassi (non-alcoholic)
  • Taj Mahal Premium Lager (new)
  • Sula Brut Tropicale Sparkling Wine, Nashik (new)
  • Sula Chenin Blanc, Nashik
  • Mango Lassi with Sōmrus Chai Cream Liqueur

Select dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

epcot food & wine

The Swanky Saucy Swine (Near Disney Traders) (NEW)

Food:

  • Crispy Barbecue Pork Rinds with Pimento Cheese (gluten/wheat friendly; Emile’s Fromage Montage; new)
  • Roasted Porchetta with Pork-fat Roasted Rosemary Potatoes and Lemon-Parsley Salsa Verde (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
  • Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs with Green Onions and Peanuts (new)
  • Crispy Pig Ear Salad with Fire Roasted Tomatillo Sauce, Pickled Red Onions, Queso Fresco, Roasted Corn Salsa, and Avocado Cream (gluten/wheat friendly; new)

Beverages:

  • Parish Brewing Co. SIPS Pinot Noir Black Currant Sour, Broussard, LA (new)
  • Rombauer Zinfandel, California (new)
  • Bourbon Bloody Mary with Labrot & Graham Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (new) 

Select dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

epcot food & wine

Hawaii (Near Disney Traders)

Food:

  • Kālua Pork Slider with Sweet-and-Sour DOLE Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
  • Teriyaki-glazed SPAM Hash with Potatoes, Peppers, Onions, and Spicy Mayonnaise
  • Tuna Poke with Eel Sauce, Spicy Mayonnaise, and Crispy Shrimp Chips (new)
  • Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts (Emile’s Fromage Montage)

Beverages:

  • Kona Brewing Co. Hanalei Island IPA, Kailua-Kona, HI (new)
  • Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
  • AULANI Sunrise: Vodka, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and Grenadine

epcot food & wine

Brew-Wing at the EPCOT Experience (Opening October 1)

Food:

  • Garlic-Parmesan Wings with Celery and Ranch (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
  • Barbecue Wings with Celery and Ranch (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
  • Teriyaki-Sesame Wings with Celery and Ranch (new)
  • Traditional Buffalo Wings with Celery and Ranch (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
  • Mango-Habanero Wings with Celery and Ranch (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
  • Cheese Flatbread (new)
  • Pepperoni Flatbread (new)

Beverages:

  • Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company Pineapple Vibes Blonde Ale, Orlando, FL (new)
  • Central 28 Beer Company Groveland Road Blood Orange IPA, DeBary, FL (new)
  • Wicked Weed Brewing Watermelon Dragonfruit Session Sour, Asheville, NC (new)
  • Bold Rock Honeycrisp Hard Cider, Nellysford, VA (new)
  • Starcut Ciders Magpie Hard Cider, Bellaire, MI (new)
  • Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Apple Lantern Roasted Pumpkin, Armada, MI (new)
  • Beer Flight
  • Cider Flight

epcot food & wine

The Donut Box (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet®)

Food:

  • Candy Jar Donut made with M&M’S, SNICKERS, and TWIX (new)
  • Sriracha-glazed Donut (new)
  • Chef’s Donut of the Day (new)
  • The Donut Box: Pack of the 4 Daily Donuts
  • Crispy Chicken on a Sriracha-glazed Donut

Beverages:

  • Strawberry Smoothie (non-alcoholic)
  • Left Hand Brewing Bittersweet Imperial Coffee Milk Stout, Longmont, CO (new)
  • Black and White Coffee Cocktail
  • CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

epcot food & wine

Flavors from Fire hosted by The NFL on ESPN presented by Chevrolet® (Near Test Track)

Food:

  • The Corned Beef Corner Route: Smoked Corned Beef with Crispy Potatoes, Cheese Curds, Pickled Onions, and Beer-Cheese Fondue (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
  • The Chimichurri-up Offense: Charred Chimichurri Steak on a Smoked Corn Cake with Pickled Vegetable Slaw and Cilantro Aïoli (gluten/wheat friendly)
  • The S’mores Whoopie Pie-lon: Smoked Chocolate Cake, Graham Cracker, Marshmallow, Chocolate Ganache, and Candied Bacon

Beverages:

  • Saugatuck Brewing Company Bonfire Beer, Douglas, MI (new)
  • Four Virtues Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel, California (new)
  • Swine Brine featuring Jim Beam Bourbon

epcot food & wine

Lobster Landing (Near Mission: SPACE) (Opening October 1) (NEW)

Food:

  • New England Lobster Tail with Lobster Bisque Sauce (new)
  • Lobster Chowder with Bacon, Corn, Potatoes, and Oyster Crackers (new)
  • Baked Lobster Dip with Old Bay Chips (gluten/wheat friendly; new)

Beverages:

  • Coronado Brewing Co. Salty Crew Blonde Ale, San Diego, CA (new)
  • Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa (new)
  • Sean Minor Chardonnay, California (new)
  • Cape Codder: Vodka with Cranberry, Pomegranate, and Lime (new)

Select dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

epcot food & wine

Mac & Eats (Near Mission: SPACE) (Opening October 1) (NEW)

Food:

  • Traditional Macaroni and Cheese with Herbed Panko
  • Truffle Macaroni and Cheese with Herbed Panko (new)
  • Cowboy Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Pork Belly, Brisket Burnt Ends, Pickled Peppers, and Onion Straws (new)
  • Macaroni and Cheese with House-made Italian Sausage and Peppers (plant-based)

Beverages:

  • 81Bay Brewing Co. Lemon Hazy IPA, Tampa, FL (new)
  • L’Ecole No. 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines, Columbia Valley, WA
  • Evolution by Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR

Select dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

epcot food & wine

Mexico

Food:

  • Chilaquiles con Chorizo: Crispy Corn Tortillas tossed in Salsa Verde and Monterey Jack Cheese topped with Crema Mexicana, Queso Cotija, Pickled Onions, and Ground Chorizo (new)
  • Taco de Ribeye: Shaved Ribeye, Red Onions, and Poblano Peppers on a Corn Tortilla with Ranchera Salsa, Cotija Cheese, and Chives (new)
  • Capirotada de Chocolate: Abuelita Chocolate Bread Pudding served with a Chocolate Crème Anglaise

Beverages:

  • Mexican Craft Beer: Tulum Artisanal Lager crafted with Citrus notes and made with Mexican Caribbean Seawater
  • El Tigre Margarita: Ojo de Tigre Mezcal with Pomegranate, Prickly Pear, Pineapple, and Ginger Juices served on the rocks with a Hibiscus Salt Rim (new)
  • La Clásica Reyes Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, Lime Juice, and Agave Nectar served on the rocks with a Chile Piquín Salt Rim (new)
  • White Passion Fruit Sangria: White Wine, Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur, and a hint of Ilegal Mezcal (new)

epcot food & wine

France

Food:

  • Beignet aux Trois Fromages: Warm Beignet filled with Three Cheeses (new)
  • Croissant aux Escargots: Escargot Croissant with Garlic and Parsley
  • Coq au Vin, Pommes Dauphine: Chicken braised in Burgundy Wine with Bacon and Puffed Potatoes (new)
  • Crème Brûlée au Grand Mariner: Vanilla Crème Brûlée with Grand Marnier Liqueur (contains alcohol; new)

Beverages:

  • Evian Sparkling Cucumber and Mint Water with Magnesium and Zinc (non-alcoholic)
  • Strawberry Rose Mimosa: Pol Remy Sparkling Wine, Orange Juice, and Monin Strawberry Rose
  • Rosé Pétillant Méthode Traditionnelle Champenoise: Rosé Sparkling Wine, Pink Flamingo
  • Chardonnay, Louis de Camponac
  • Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Blend, Bordeaux, Château de Prieuré
  • La Passion Martini Slushy: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Cranberry, and Passion Fruit Juice

epcot food & wine

Italy

Food:

  • Mezzelune Croccanti: Crispy Half-moon Breaded Mozzarella-filled Ravioli with Pomodoro Sauce (new)
  • Ravioli: Grilled Chicken Ravioli with Alfredo Sauce, Romano Cheese, and Prezzemolo (new)
  • Bomboloni: Cream-filled Italian Doughnut with Raspberry Sauce and Powdered Sugar

Beverages:

  • Pinot Grigio
  • Chianti
  • Prosecco
  • Rosa Regale
  • Moscato
  • Italian White Sangria with Prosecco
  • Italian Red Sangria with Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Italian Margarita with Tequila and Limoncello
  • Peroni Pilsner

epcot food & wine

China

Food:

  • Pan-fried Chicken Dumplings with House-made Sweet and Spicy Sauce
  • ZiRan Beef Bao Bun: Grilled Beef with Cumin (new)
  • Crispy-fried Pepper Shrimp with Spicy Sichuan Noodles

Beverages:

  • Mango Bubble Milk Tea: Assam Black Tea, Whole Milk, and Mango Syrup (non-alcoholic)
  • ByeJoe Punch: Chinese BaiJiu Spirit, Lychee Syrup, Soda Water, and Piña Colada Mix
  • Dragonfly: Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, Absolut Vodka, Orange Juice, and Mango Syrup
  • Kung Fu Master: Absolut Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Syrup, and Orange Juice
  • Jasmine Draft Beer

epcot food & wine

Japan

Food:

  • Teriyaki Chicken Bun: Steamed Bun filled with Chicken, Vegetables, and Teriyaki Sauce
  • Tempura Shrimp Sando: Crunchy Shrimp served with Yuzu Crab, Green Onions, and Eel Sauce served on a Bun (new)
  • Spicy Hako Sushi: Spicy Tuna and Salmon served Box-style with Red Tempura Crunch and Volcano Sauce (new)

Beverages:

  • Kochi Lemon Drop: Vodka, Yuzu, and Lemon Juice garnished with a Lemon Jelly (new)
  • Ozeki Platinum Sake: Junmai Daiginjo (Refreshingly Dry with a Fruity Flavor) (new)
  • Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company Urayasu Rice Lager, Orlando, FL (new)

epcot food & wine

Funnel Cake

Food:

  • Mini Candied Bacon S’mores Funnel Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

epcot food & wine

Joffrey’s

Beverages:

  • The American Adventure – Cinnamon Chai: Refreshing Iced Chai topped with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon (non-alcoholic)
  • Near Disney Traders – Double Trouble Chai: Tantalizing Iced Chai with a Single Shot of Espresso topped with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon (non-alcoholic)
  • Near Canada – Tropical Tea Breeze: Iced Tea and Frozen Lemon with a splash of Coconut Syrup (non-alcoholic)
  • Near Mission: SPACE – Cocoa Cold Brew: Kona Mocha topped with Whipped Cream and drizzled with Chocolate (non-alcoholic)

The 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE is available with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. Visit our friends at the Disney Parks Blog, and we’ll continue to update this guide as details are announced.

Everything to Know Before You Watch Marvel Studios’ Black Widow

By Zach Johnson

Natasha Romanoff’s past is one tangled web.

Despite her checkered past, she became one of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s most formidable agents before joining the Avengers. Known as the Black Widow, Natasha strives to make up for prior misdeeds by helping the world—even if that means getting her hands dirty in the process.

Created in 1964, the master spy was brought to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by Scarlett Johansson in 2010’s Iron Man 2—although she used an alias, Natalie Rushman, to keep an eye on Tony Stark aka Iron Man (Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr.) while pretending to work in the legal department at Stark Industries under Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Flirty and mysterious, she intrigued Tony from the moment he laid eyes on her. Tony did some quick research and discovered that Natalie was a “very, very impressive individual” who was fluent in several languages and also modeled in Tokyo. In other words, he said, “She’s got everything that I need.” Pepper urged Tony to behave professionally around Natalie, who continued to charm and disarm him while undercover.

While secretly suffering from palladium poisoning, Tony threw himself a wild birthday bash that ended in catastrophe. Defeated and hungover, he met with S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)—and it was there, inside Randy’s Donuts, that Natasha revealed her true identity. “I’m a S.H.I.E.L.D. shadow,” she told a stunned Tony. “Once we knew you were ill, I was tasked to you by Director Fury.” She then injected him with lithium dioxide to help take the edge off. “It’s not a cure,” Natasha explained. “It just abates the symptoms.”

black widow

When Tony next saw Natasha, she was back to work as Natalie—with Pepper and Happy Hogan (Disney Legend Jon Favreau) none the wiser. “Are you blending in here well, Natalie? Here at Stark Enterprises?” Tony asked. “Your name is Natalie, isn’t it?” After Pepper and Happy left them alone, Tony continued to test her. “Boy, you’re good. You are mind-blowingly duplicitous. How do you do it? You just tear things… You’re a triple imposter,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like you. Is there anything real about you?”

Later, after things went haywire at the Stark Expo, Natasha forced Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) to reveal where Ivan Vanko aka Whiplash (Mickey Rourke) was controlling the Hammer Drones that had attacked Tony and forced everyone to flee. She then instructed Happy to drive her to Hammer Industries. “When we arrive, I need you to watch the perimeter,” she instructed him while doing a quick change in the backseat. “I’m gonna enter the facility and take down the target.” Upon their arrival, Happy still hadn’t pieced things together and insisted on going in with her. He went to-to-toe with one security guard while Natasha took down nearly a dozen without breaking a sweat. After rebooting the War Machine suit for James Rhodes (Don Cheadle), her work was done. “Reboot complete,” she told Tony over their secure comms. line. “You got your best friend back.”

black widow

The next time we saw Natasha was in Marvel’s The Avengers in 2012. While being interrogated and tortured by Georgi Luchkov (Jerzy Skolimowski), a Russian arms dealer, S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) called with a new priority mission. “I’m in the middle of an interrogation,” said an in-control Natasha, who had played a damsel in distress to perfection. “This moron is giving me everything.” After learning that Clint Barton aka Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) had been compromised, Natasha took down her captors with ease and left to find Bruce Banner aka the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) in Kolkata.

After luring him to the outskirts of the city, she explained that while S.H.I.E.L.D. had kept its distance over the years, it now needed his help in locating the stolen Tesseract—a mysterious power source with the potential energy to wipe out the entire planet. “It emits a gamma signature that’s too weak for us to trace,” Natasha explained to Bruce. “There’s no one that knows gamma radiation like you do. If there was, that’s where I’d be.” Later, after Tony, Steve Rogers aka Captain America (Chris Evans), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) joined their efforts, Natasha interrogated Loki (Tom Hiddleston), who’d stolen the Tesseract and used it to subjugate Clint. Loki assumed she had feelings for Clint, but Natasha replied, “Love is for children. I owe him a debt.” The truth, she said, “is really not that complicated.”

“Before I worked for S.H.I.E.L.D., I… well, I made a name for myself. I have a very specific skillset. I didn’t care who I used it for—or on. I got on S.H.I.E.L.D.’s radar in a bad way,” Natasha told a caged Loki. “Agent Barton was sent to kill me. He made a different call.”

black widow

By helping Clint, Natasha reasoned, she could wipe out the red in her ledger. Loki saw it  differently. “Can you? Can you wipe out that much red? Dreykov’s daughter? São Paolo? The hospital fire? Barton told me everything. Your ledger is dripping. It’s gushing red. And you think saving a man no more virtuous than yourself will change anything? This is the basest sentimentality. This is a child at prayer. Pathetic! You lie and kill in the service of liars and killers. You pretend to be separate, to have your own code, something that makes up for the horrors,” Loki told her. “But they are part of you—and they will never go away!”

Pretending to cry, Natasha called Loki a “monster.” Thinking he had bested her, Loki commented that they already had a monster within their ranks. “So… Banner,” said Natasha, who had deftly managed to outwit Loki, the God of Mischief. “That’s your play.” As the Avengers debated their next move, Clint arrived to set Loki free, unleashing the Hulk in the process. Natasha managed to escape, thanks to Thor, before taking down Clint. As his memories came flooding back, a shaken Clint asked, “Do you know what it’s like to be unmade?” Natasha shot Clint a look that could kill and answered, “You know that I do.”

Loki resurfaced in New York City, where he used the Tesseract to open a portal for the Chitauri to invade Earth. The Avengers worked together to minimize casualties and stop the destruction. (At one point, as Natasha fired shot after shot, she joked, “This is like Budapest all over again.” Clint replied, “You and I remember Budapest very differently.”) Natasha eventually made her way to the top of Stark Tower. Thanks to a fail-safe that Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård) had installed earlier, Natasha was able to close the portal.

Though the Avengers went their separate ways, Director Fury had a feeling they’d be back…

black widow

Cut to 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where Natasha and Steve continued to operate on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D. While on a mission to reclaim the hijacked Lemurian Star, Steve realized their directives were different when he caught Natasha saving S.H.I.E.L.D. intel. “It’s a good habit to get into,” she said with a smirk, knowing that she’d just broken Steve’s trust. Steve later shared his concerns with Director Fury, who was attacked shortly thereafter. While in the hospital, Director Fury seemingly died on the operating table. Natasha was in disbelief, and after Steve was ambushed at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, she decided to confide in him. “I know who killed Fury,” she said. “Most of the intelligence community doesn’t believe he exists. The ones that do call him The Winter Soldier. He’s credited with over two dozen assassinations in the last 50 years… Five years ago I was escorting a nuclear engineer out of Iran. Somebody shot out my tires near Odessa. We lost control, went straight over a cliff, I pulled us out. But The Winter Soldier was there. I was covering my engineer, so he shot him straight through me. Soviet slug, no rifling. Bye-bye, bikinis… Going after him is a dead end, I know. I’ve tried. Like you said, he’s a ghost story.”

Natasha and Steve then headed to Camp Lehigh in Wheaton, New Jersey—the same United States Army facility where Steve had once trained for World War II. Along the way, the two Avengers got to know each other on a deeper level. “The truth is a matter of circumstance. It’s not all things to all people, all the time,” Natasha said. “Neither am I.”

At Camp Lehigh, they discovered HYDRA had infiltrated S.H.I.EL.D. 70 years prior. Evading a bomb and HYDRA agents, they escaped and showed up on the doorstep of Sam Wilson aka The Falcon (Anthony Mackie). “Everyone we know is trying to kill us,” Natasha told him. After getting cleaned up, Natasha further opened up to Steve: “When I first joined S.H.I.EL.D., I thought I was going straight, but I guess I just traded the KGB for HYDRA. I thought I knew whose lies I was telling, but I guess I can’t tell the difference anymore.”

black widow

Later, while questioning S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Jasper Sitwell (Maximiliano Hernández), Natasha, Steve, and Sam were attacked by The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan). They were soon apprehended, but it wasn’t long before S.H.I.EL.D. agent Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) freed them and brought them to a hidden base where they learned Director Fury was very much alive—and determined to take down HYDRA once and for all. They hatched a plan in which Natasha used a Photostatic Veil to disguise herself as a member of the World Security Council and take down Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford), one of HYDRA’s top operatives who had infiltrated S.H.I.EL.D. After disarming him, Natasha removed her disguise and quipped, “I’m sorry. Did I step on your moment?” She then dumped all of S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA’s secrets onto the internet. “If you do this, none of your past is going to remain hidden,” Pierce warned. “Are you sure you’re ready for the world to see you as you really are?” Natasha looked him straight in the eye and fired back, “Are you?”

In the aftermath, Natasha testified before the Department of Defense on Capitol Hill. “HYDRA was selling you lies, not intelligence,” she said. Threatened with sanctions, Natasha didn’t back down. “You’re not going to put me in a prison. You’re not going to put any of us in a prison. You know why? Because you need us. Yes, the world is a vulnerable place, and yes, we help make it that way. But we’re also the ones best qualified to defend it. So, if you want to arrest me—arrest me,” Natasha said. “You’ll know where to find me.”

Natasha later met up with Steve and Sam and told them she’d be on her own for a bit. “I blew all my covers,” she explained. “I gotta go figure out a new one.” She then revealed she had called in a few favors from Kiev to get a dossier on The Winter Soldier and his whereabouts. “Be careful, Steve,” she warned. “You might not want to pull on that thread.”

black widow

In 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, Natasha and Bruce were closer than ever. But as she flirted over drinks, Bruce remained clueless about the “fella” who’d done her wrong. “He’s not so bad,” Natasha said. “Well, he has a temper. Deep down, he’s all fluff. Fact is, he’s not like anybody I’ve ever known. All my friends are fighters, and here comes this guy who spends his life avoiding the fight because he knows he’ll win.” It didn’t hurt that he was a “huge dork,” she added. “Chicks dig that.” Before Bruce could wise up and make a move, Tony’s Iron Legion attacked them under the orders of a new threat: Ultron (James Spader).

After Ultron escaped, the Avengers tracked him down on the African coast. There, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) inflicted a nightmarish vision on each of them—one that forced Natasha to relive the horrors of the Red Room where she was trained to be a spy. As the team recovered, Clint took them to his home, knowing they would be safe there. Clint’s secret family life surprised everyone except Natasha, with whom he shared everything. While there, Natasha broached the idea of running away with Bruce, who argued there is “no future with him” because he’s incapable of having children. What he didn’t know until that moment is that Natasha couldn’t conceive a child, either. “In the Red Room, where I was trained, where I was raised, um… they have a graduation ceremony. They sterilize you,” she said, tears streaming down her face. “It’s efficient. One less thing to worry about. The one thing that might matter more than a mission. Makes everything easier—even killing.”

black widow

Realizing Ultron wanted to “evolve,” the Avengers split into two groups, with Natasha, Clint, and Steve sent to stop him from obtaining the Regeneration Cradle in South Korea. Natasha succeeded, but while entering the Quinjet, she was knocked out and taken captive.

Bruce later comes to her rescue, telling her, “Our fight is over.”

But Natasha never backs down from a fight, and they reunited with the rest of the Avengers in Sokovia, where Ultron had built his doomsday project. Steve wanted to evacuate citizens from the levitating country, and Natasha said that may require staying behind. “There’s worse ways to go,” she said. “Where else am I gonna get a view like this?”

With most of the civilians out of harm’s way, Natasha tried to calm the Hulk down. Just then, Ultron fired shots in the direction, so the Hulk carried Natasha to safety. He then boarded a Quinjet to stop Ultron. Hoping to appeal to Bruce, Natasha reached out to him via their internal comms. “Hey, big guy. You did it. The job’s finished,” she said. “Now I need you to turn this bird around, OK? We can’t track you in stealth mode. So, help me out. I need you…” Before she could finish her sentence, the Hulk turned the monitor off and left.

But the Hulk left Natasha with a new purpose: training new Avengers alongside Steve.

black widow

In 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, Natasha was forced to choose sides after an unfortunate incident in Lagos resulted in multiple casualties. Established by the United Nations and ratified by 117 nations, the Sokovia Accords limited the Avengers’ ability to interfere in international incidents. Tony was in favor of signing the accords, while Steve was not—and Natasha found herself somewhere in the middle. “Maybe Tony’s right. If we have one hand on the wheel, we can still steer,” she told Steve. “If we take it off…” If her position confused anyone (namely Sam), Natasha made her point clear: “I’m just reading the terrain. We have made some very public mistakes. We need to win their trust back.”

Steve was then called away after learning Peggy Carter (Hayey Atwell) had died, and Natasha surprised him by supporting him at her funeral in London. They talked shop for a bit, with Natasha saying, “Just because it’s the path of least resistance doesn’t mean it’s the wrong path. Staying together is more important than how we stay together.” Steve remained unconvinced, and Natasha dropped it. After all, the Sokovia Accords weren’t why she had flown across the pond. In truth, Natasha told Steve, “I didn’t want you to be alone.”

Natasha then traveled to Vienna, where the accords were being ratified. A bomb exploded at the United Nations, killing Wakanda’s King T’Chaka (John Kani). The Winter Soldier was framed for the attack, and Natasha tried to reason with Steve. “I know how much Barnes means to you. I really do. Stay home,” she said. “You’ll only make this worse. For all of us. Please.” Steve was eventually apprehended, along with Sam and Bucky aka The Winter Soldier, and Natasha quipped, “For the record, this is what making things worse looks like.”

The Winter Soldier escaped soon after, as did Steve and Sam. Tony was given 36 hours to bring them in, prompting Natasha to recruit T’Challa aka Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman). Lines were drawn and the team was split into two by the time everyone reunited at Leipzig-Halle Airport. “Steve, you know what’s about to happen,” Natasha said. “Do you really want to punch your way out of this one?” When it became clear that no one would win the fight, Natasha changed sides and decided to help Steve and Bucky escape. With a sigh, she stung T’Challa: “I said I’d help you find him, not catch him. There’s a difference.” Natasha later pleaded with Tony to help Steve and Bucky, arguing, “We played this wrong.”

black widow

Black Widow—the first film in Phase Four of the MCU—is set after the events of Captain America: Civil War. Now a fugitive, Natasha is looking to start over. That’s easier said than done, of course, especially when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Reuniting with people from her past (David Harbour, Florence Pugh, and Rachel Weisz), Natasha may finally have the chance to wipe the red out of her ledger—if only she can stop General Dreykov (Ray Winstone) and put a stop to his Red Room operations for good.

The action-packed thriller Black Widow will debut simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access (for a one-time fee of $29.99) in most Disney+ markets on July 9, 2021. To find out what happens to Natasha after the events of Black Widow, stream Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, both available now on Disney+.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

By Zach Johnson

The “Summer of Disney+” continues when the 2006 film Flicka, loosely based on the 1941 children’s novel My Friend Flicka, joins the Disney+ library on Friday. A new episode of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, featuring the first appearance by Asher Angel, debuts the same day on the streaming service. National Geographic’s SHARKFEST is in full swing, with World’s Most Dangerous Shark debuting Friday. The next night, recap the year in sports when ABC broadcasts The 2021 ESPYS Presented by Capital One, then celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Fox and the Hound by streaming the animated film on Disney+.

Flicka

Flicka—Friday, July 9, on Disney+
In Wyoming, Katy McLaughlin (Alison Lohman) dreams of working on her father’s ranch—and one day taking it over. She tames a wild mustang and names her Flicka, eventually discovering that they are more alike than she imagined. So, after her father, Rob (Tim McGraw), sells Flicka, Katy schemes to win back the horse by entering a dangerous race.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—Friday, July 9, on Disney+
When Gina (Sofia Wylie) finds herself stranded at the airport over Spring Break, a surprise run-in with Jack (Angel) changes her mind about what she wants. Meanwhile, the separated Wildcats find a way to bond over song during their time off, as Ricky (Joshua Bassett) finally sees his mom again after their opening night run-in at High School Musical.

World’s Most Dangerous Shark

World’s Most Dangerous Shark—Friday, July 9, at 10 p.m. ET on National Geographic
The great white shark has a reputation for being the scariest in the sea, but renowned explorer Jacques Cousteau called the oceanic whitetip “the most dangerous of all sharks.” Now, two teams of experts are diving deeper into the world of the oceanic whitetip to reveal what makes this species a contender for the title of “world’s most dangerous shark.”

ESPYs

The 2021 ESPYS Presented by Capital One—Saturday, July 10, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Broadcast live from The Rooftop at Pier 17 at the Seaport in New York City, host Anthony Mackie joins top celebrities from sports and entertainment to celebrate the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, remembering unforgettable moments, and honoring leading athletes and performances. Presenters include Kane Brown, DaBaby, Charli D’Amelio, Dixie D’Amelio, Alexandra Daddario, Taye Diggs, Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, Nina Dobrev, Dude Perfect, Rob Gronkowski, Sabrina Ionescu, Chloe Kim, Zachary Levi, Tracy Morgan, Joe Namath, Julius Randle, Disney Legend Robin Roberts, Mikaela Shiffrin, Iliza Shlesinger, Kurt Warner, and Roy Williams. Top athletes and celebrities scheduled to attend include Jocelyn Alo, Sasha Banks, Bianca Belair, Paige Bueckers, Jared Butler, Tyler Campbell, Vernon Davis, Mike Evans, Sarah Fuller, Chris Godwin, Derrick Henry, Justin Herbert, DeAndre Hopkins, Matt James, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Ronald Jones II, Giselle Juarez, Johnny Juzang, Rachael Kirkconnell, Betnijah Laney, Ally Love, LeSean McCoy, Amanda Nunes, Naomi Osaka, Jason Pierre-Paul, DiDi Richards, Shannon Saile, DeVonta Smith, Jalen Suggs, Nigel Sylvester, Drew Timme, Tara VanDerveer, and Chase Young, as well as Chris Nikic (Jimmy V Award for Perseverance recipient) and Maya Moore (Arthur Ashe Award for Courage recipient).

the fox and the hound

The Fox and the Hound—Saturday, July 10, on Disney+
Orphaned baby fox Tod (voices of Keith Mitchell and Andy Rooney) befriends a young hunting dog named Copper (voices of Corey Feldman and Disney Legend Kurt Russell). Everything changes when Copper learns to hunt and discovers he must pursue his friend. Tod is taken to a game preserve for safety, where Copper and his master hound him. But when the chips are down, Tod and Copper remember that their friendship overcomes all.