D23 Gold Members Receive Discounts and Perks at Sheraton Garden Grove – Anaheim South Hotel

Sheraton Garden Grove
Where: Sheraton Garden Grove, CA
What: Exclusive Discounts and Perks
Expires: December 31, 2024

D23 Gold Members can experience modern comfort at the Sheraton Garden Grove – Anaheim South, an official Disneyland® Resort Good Neighbor Hotel. 

Your magical journey is just a short shuttle ride away. At Sheraton Garden Grove – Anaheim South, D23 Gold Members can take advantage of this exclusive offer:

  • 15% discount off the Best Available Rate (BAR)
  • 50% discount off of overnight parking
  • 10% discount when dining in the Park Grill, Park Grill Lounge, or Room Service
  • Disney promotional item (one per room, while supplies last)

To redeem your offer, use the below link:

NOTE
This promotion may not be used in conjunction with any other discount or promotion. This offer is based on availability. Travel must be completed by December 31, 2024. Blockout dates may apply. Must present proof of D23 Gold Membership upon check in. If no D23 Gold Membership pass is presented, the rate will be modified to the Best Available Rate. Marriott standard cancellation policy applies. 

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

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

2024 Collector Set

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

BECOME A GOLD MEMBER

Star Wars Takes Over the Empire State Building with Product Reveals, a Light Show, and More! 

By Jennifer Chalifoux

It’s almost time again for the Star Wars fan-favorite holiday: May the 4th.

Hayden Christensen sits beside a large sculpture of Darth Vader inside the Empire State Building. He wears a black sweater, pants, loafers, a dark gray blazer, and coat. Above the sculpture is a black arch adorned with "Star Wars," "THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING," and a Lucasfilm trademark, against the backdrop of the New York City skyline.
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust

We kicked off the official March to May the 4th last week, as Disney Consumer Products and Lucasfilm took over the Empire State Building with product reveals, activities, and news spotlighting the villains of the Star Wars galaxy—all commenced by Star Wars actor Hayden Christensen.

Darth Vader, wielding a red lightsaber, stands before a red circle featuring a mountain in a poster promoting the 2025 Star Wars Celebration in Japan. Surrounding the circle is a branch adorned with purple flowers, while small gray planes dot the background. The bottom of the poster displays the text: "JAPAN 2025 STAR WARS CELEBRATION."

First on the list of exciting announcements: We have an update about Star Wars Celebration, the Ultimate Star Wars Fan Event, taking place April 18–20, 2025, in Japan. Tickets for Star Wars Celebration 2025 will go on sale Thursday, May 2, at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET.

The key art for the event has been created in the traditional black-ink painting style known as sumi-e, with Darth Vader placed in the foreground. Brush strokes extend from the Sith Lord to the branches of a cherry blossom tree, leading to AT-ATs, X-wings, and TIE fighters. The Rising Sun of the Japanese flag balances the image, with Mount Fuji featured in its center. For more information, visit StarWarsCelebration.com.

In a poster for the movie Star Wars – Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn (left) and Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi (right) stand back-to-back, holding green and blue lightsabers respectively, dressed in brown Jedi robes. Above them, Natalie Portman as Queen Padmé Amidala wears a red and gold velvet gown with draped sleeves and a gold and red headpiece, her black hair wrapped around it, seated on a metallic throne with orange velvet. Behind Padmé Amidala, Darth Maul's piercing eyes loom. The poster features text from top to bottom: "25th ANNIVERSARY," "EVERY SAGA HAS A BEGINNING," "STAR WARS EPISODE I THE PHANTOM MENACE RETURNS TO THEATERS MAY 3RD, 2024," "WITH AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE UPCOMING DISNEY+ STAR WARS SERIES THE ACOLYTE," followed by credits for talent and creatives.

Next, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Fans can soon experience a limited-time re-release of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, in theaters beginning May 3, to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary. In addition, fans will also be treated to an exclusive look at The Acolyte, the upcoming Disney+ series set during the High Republic era, following all The Phantom Menace screenings. The upcoming Disney+ series, set approximately 100 years before The Phantom Menace, launches exclusively on Disney+ June 4.

On May 4, in honor of both the film’s anniversary and the Star Wars fan holiday, fans will have the opportunity to see all nine episodes of the Skywalker Saga in theaters for a premium marathon event. Those attending will receive a limited-edition poster. Tickets are on sale now.

A collectible Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket served with popcorn is pictured on muddy terrain.

Planning a visit to Disney Parks? From April 5 to June 2, 2024, Disneyland Park guests can enjoy new experiences and limited-time Star Wars offerings during Season of the Force, including Hyperspace Mountain, themed food and beverages, merchandise, and more.

For a limited time beginning May 4, while supplies last, guests can purchase the collectible Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket at select locations—served with popcorn, french fries, or Galma Garlic Puffs, depending on location—throughout Disneyland Resort. Also debuting during Season of the Force, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will provide a fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park on select nights, with galactic music sweeping through the spires. For more information, visit Disneyland.com.

Coming in May, for a limited time while supplies last, the Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket will also be available for purchase at select locations throughout Disney‘s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. You won’t want to miss it!

In a poster for the Star Wars Season of the Force event, a young girl is holding a green lightsaber. From top to bottom, the poster reads: “Star Wars Season of the Force,” “4.5.24-6.2.24.”

During select nights in April and May, Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite will grant guests of all ages special after-hours access to Disneyland Park with the purchase of a separate event admission ticket. Enjoy Star Wars character sightings, event-themed menu selections, and exciting entertainment—including lightsaber instruction and a costume cavalcade, a celebration that invites guests dressed in Star Wars costumes to join in a march down Main Street, U.S.A.! Plus, discover special Star Wars-themed photo opportunities, merchandise and more!

The ticket to this event also includes admission to Disneyland Park as early as 6:00 p.m.—that’s 3 hours before the party begins—on the valid date of your ticket. Guests with a ticket to this event do not need to make a theme park reservation to enter Disneyland Park at 6:00 p.m. or later.

In a kitchen, a TruMoo Star Wars Blue Milk product (left) is on a table. To its right is a Stormtrooper Cookie Jar holds two cookies, resting on two books.

New products across a variety of categories were also recently revealed, including exciting first-time collaborations for Star Wars with Fisher-Price for their Imaginext® Star Wars Darth Vader Bot and Dairy Farmers of America for their TruMoo Star Wars Blue Milk, coming in April.

The future-predicting Force N’ Telling Vader toy from Hasbro is pictured inside and outside of its box.

 

A Darth Vader holiday animatronic from The Home Depot, holding a candy cane instead of a lightsaber.

Additional new reveals include the future-predicting Force N’ Telling Vader toy from Hasbro, the first of three new Star Wars dark side timepieces from Citizen Watch – STAR WARS™ | Citizen Imperial Stormtrooper, collectibles themed to Star Wars starships from Jazwares, and Darth Vader- and stormtrooper-inspired holiday animatronics from The Home Depot.

A boy standing outside the “THE STAR TRADER” store is wearing a white T-Shirt that reads “MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU 2024.”

Two boys are sporting Star Wars hoodies in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The hoodies, black in color, proudly display "25 Star Wars Episode I Phantom Menace" on their backs. In the backdrop of the photo, a haze of red fog sets the scene.

Plus, Disney Store unveiled collections launching in the weeks leading up to May the 4th, including May the 4th Be With You 2024, Star Wars Artist Series by Will Gay, a thrilling collection created in honor of the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, and a refresh of Star Wars roleplay apparel and accessories.

A boy wearing a black Darth Vader hoodie with red detailing is holding up the Darth Maul Legacy LIGHTSABER Set inside a box with neon yellow details.

Disney Store also announced The Sith Apprentice: Darth Maul Legacy LIGHTSABER TM Set – Limited Edition, complete with light and musical effects, launching on May 4, 2024, at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET.

The cover of the book "Star Wars Icons: Darth Vader" displays the text "STAR WARS ICONS: VADER" against a backdrop of a red circle divided diagonally into four equal parts, then further sliced horizontally into unequal parts. In a preview of the book's contents, a red-hued photo featuring Darth Vader and other Star Wars characters is visible in the background.

Readers can unmask one of the most memorable characters of all time and discover the incredible story behind the creation and the legacy of the galaxy’s most complex character, Darth Vader, in Star Wars Icons: Darth Vader. This new book, coming soon by Insight Editions, covers the character’s journey, from his genesis in George Lucas’ first drafts of Star Wars to Anakin Skywalker’s tragic fall to the Dark Side in the prequel trilogy, and beyond.

The Empire State Building illuminated, depicting two Star Wars characters engaged in combat with blue and red lightsabers. The building is adorned with hues of red, blue, and purple. The nighttime skyline of New York City forms the background of the photo.

Closing out the festivities at the Empire State Building takeover was a 5-minute dynamic light show featuring fan-favorite scenes from Star Wars films and streaming series—with a special focus on villains including Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, stormtroopers, and more. The spectacle was synched to John Williams’ “The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme),” which was played simultaneously on iHeartMedia’s Z100 New York radio station and on the iHeartRadio app.

A life-size doll of Darth Vader (left) and Hayden Christensen (right) is about to pull a lever that lights up the Empire State Building. Christensen is wearing a black crewneck sweater and a dark gray coat.

Beloved Star Wars actor Hayden Christensen, who portrays one of the most recognizable antagonists of all time, Darth Vader, was on-hand for a special lighting ceremony to announce the launch of the campaign.

As the March to May the 4th continues, for the latest product reveals and updates, visit StarWars.com.

May the Force be with you!

D23 Gold Members: Enjoy a Free Chocolate Bar with Specialty Sundae Purchase at Ghirardelli Chocolate!

Ghirardelli
Where: Disney Springs, FL. and Disney California Adventure, CA
What: Free chocolate bar with specialty sundae purchase
Expires: December 31, 2024

At Ghirardelli, we pride ourselves on making quality chocolate so delicious it Makes Life a Bite Better. As the longest continually operating chocolatier in America, Ghirardelli has delighted consumers with new chocolate experiences for nearly two centuries. Founded by Domingo Ghirardelli in the heart of San Francisco, Ghirardelli Chocolate is committed to using high quality and sustainably sourced cocoa beans to ensure a rich and velvety chocolate flavor since 1852.

D23 Gold Members can enjoy a free chocolate bar with specialty sundae purchase at the following locations: 

  • Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop at Disney Springs, FL
  • Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop at Disney California Adventure, CA

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

  • Guest must present proof of D23 Gold Membership at the time of purchase to receive the offer.

NOTE
*Limit one per person. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. $5 Value. Store Use Only: Redeem with "Mkt.FreeBar" Button.

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

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

2024 Collector Set

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

BECOME A GOLD MEMBER

7 Hulu Series You Can Now Stream on Disney+

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

The long-awaited merger of Hulu and Disney+ has finally arrived, simplifying streaming with one less password to remember. Hulu on Disney+, for Disney Bundle subscribers in the U.S., brings together the extensive Disney+ and Hulu libraries all in one place. The new experience is a seamless showcase of the value of the Disney Bundle that allows Bundle subscribers (or those who hold subscriptions to both standalone apps) to stream extensive Hulu content directly in the Disney+ app. Bundle plans are available starting at $9.99/month, while Disney+ and Hulu each remain available as standalone offerings. ​

Here are seven must-watch Hulu series that you can now enjoy on Disney+.

In a scene from the television show Shōgun, Hiroyuki Sanada (Lord Yoshi Toranaga) is standing and wearing a gold kosode. Anna Sawai (Toda Mariko) kneels in front of Yoshi Toranaga and is wearing a light blue kosode. Courtesy of FX Networks.

Shōgun (2024)

This FX saga tells the story of two daring souls and a mysterious samurai: John Blackthorne, a brave English sailor marooned in Japan where he discovers the magic of a new culture; Lord Toranaga, a wise daimyo battling his foes with cunning; and Lady Mariko, a skilled translator who strives to prove her loyalty and honor despite her troubled past.

In a scene from the television show The Bear, Carmy, played by Jeremy White, is sitting on a metallic kitchen shelf. He is wearing a white T-shirt and a blue apron. Courtesy of FX Networks.

The Bear (2022-present) 

Returning to Chicago from the fine dining industry, a young chef finds himself at the helm of his family’s sandwich shop following a tragic loss. Far removed from his previous world, Carmy faces the daunting challenges of small business ownership, a stubborn kitchen team, and strained familial ties, all compounded by the aftermath of his brother’s suicide. Amidst the struggle to revitalize both the shop and his own spirit, Carmy discovers unexpected support from his gritty kitchen crew, who ultimately become his chosen family.

In a scene from the television show Abbott Elementary, Jacob Hill (left), played by Chris Perfetti and Janine Teagues (right), played by Quinta Brunson, are sitting in chairs within an audience space, clapping with pride. Perfetti wears a checkered shirt, a green sweater, and a mustard puffer jacket, while Brunson wears an orange and red striped dress. Other audience members are also seen joining the applause.

Abbott Elementary (2021-present)

Abbott Elementary is a heartwarming American mockumentary sitcom set in the underfunded and predominantly Black Willard R. Abbott Elementary School in Philadelphia. Led by the perpetually optimistic second-grade teacher Janine Teagues, the ensemble cast navigate the challenges of mismanagement and harsh conditions while striving to make a difference in the lives of their students. With a mix of humor and sincerity, the show highlights the dedication of teachers, including Janine, Jacob, Barbara, Melissa, Ava, and Gregory, as they experience the trials and triumphs of working in education.

In a scene from the television series Only Murders in the Building, actors Selena Gomez (Mabel), Martin Short (Oliver), and Steve Martin (Charles Haden) stand frozen as they encounter a woman. Gomez has a startled expression and is wearing a white and black patterned coat with matching loafers. Short, smiling, dons a lilac shirt, gray undercoat, black jacket, colorful shawl, gray pants, and black sneakers, and is gripping Martin's forearm. Martin, also shocked, sports a striped, blue shirt, blue sweater with matching stripes, and blue jeans. The background showcases the interior of an apartment.

Only Murders in the Building (2021-present)

This delightful comedic mystery series bring together the unlikely trio played by Steve Martin (Charles Haden), Martin Short (Oliver), and Selena Gomez (Mabel). Set in a posh New York City apartment building, the show follows these three neighbors who bond over their shared obsession with true crime podcasts. When real murders shake up their building, they embark on hilarious and amateur sleuthing adventures, complete with witty banter and unexpected twists.

In a scene from the television series Normal People, Connell (left), played by Paul Mescal and Marianne (right), played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, are seated on a marble pavement. Connell wears a gray T-shirt, black cargo shorts, and sneakers, while Marianne wears a black midi dress and sneakers, holding an ice cream cone. Marianne gazes at Connell while he looks down.

Normal People (2020)

Based on Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel of the same name, Normal People explores the complex relationship between Connell and Marianne, two young adults from a small town in Ireland. The series follows their journey through high school and university as they navigate love, friendship, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of societal expectations and class dynamics, Normal People delves into the intricacies of human connection and the impact of intimate relationships on shaping one’s identity.

In a scene from the television series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, from left to right, Diane Lane, Calista Flockhart, and Chloë Sevigny stand indoors conversing. They are in black dresses, with Flockhart and Sevigny seen holding drinks as they gaze toward Diane.

Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (2024)

Season 2 of Ryan Murphy’s Feud anthology is set in the glamorous world of 1950s and 1960s New York City. It explores the complex dynamics of friendship, betrayal, and ambition within the upper echelons of society. The season delves into the infamous feud between writer Truman Capote and the glamorous socialite “swans” of high society, including Babe Paley and Slim Keith. Through a mix of historical drama and fictionalized storytelling, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of these larger-than-life personalities and the scandals that rocked their social circles.

In a scene from the television series Reservation Dogs, Bear Smallhill (left), played by D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, is walking with Cheese (right), played by Lane Factor. Bear wears a gray graphic hoodie, a blue jacket, black jeans, and black sneakers. Cheese sports a red cap, a short-sleeve black shirt with floral details, green cargo pants, and black slides. In the background, a blue truck and a white trailer are visible.

Reservation Dogs (2021-2023)

Reservation Dogs captures the essence of Indigenous youth with its refreshing blend of comedy and drama. Set in rural Oklahoma, the series follows a tight-knit group of four teenagers navigating the challenges of adolescence while dreaming of a brighter future away from their reservation community. With its authentic portrayal of Native American life and heartfelt storytelling, Reservation Dogs offers a compelling and often humorous exploration of friendship, identity, and the pursuit of dreams.

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in April 2024

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Spring has sprung and along with it comes exciting announcements of what fans can expect to find on Disney+ this April!

Beginning on Wednesday, April 3, audiences can stream Wish, the latest Walt Disney Studios Animation film. The story revolves around Asha (voiced by Oscar®-winner Ariana DeBose), a quick-witted idealist on a mission to preserve the dreams of the citizens of the kingdom of Rosas. Standing in her way is King Magnifico (voiced by Chris Pine), who fully grasps the potency of understanding one’s desires and aims to control them.

Exciting news for fans of Star Wars: The Bad Batch and X-Men ’97! Both series will be rolling out new episodes starting April 3, followed by weekly releases throughout the month.

Then, on Earth Day, Monday, April 22, Disneynature’s Tiger, narrated by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the world of nature’s majestic tigers. Join Ambar, a determined young tigress, as she navigates the challenges of protecting her cubs from predators like pythons, bears, and rival male tigers.

In a scene from Tiger, a grown tiger is crawling on uphill terrain, filled with fall-colored leaves. Trees are in the background.

Tigers on the Rise, a companion film to Tiger, also premieres on Earth Day. It celebrates the efforts of vets, scientists, and community patrols who work tirelessly to ensure the harmonious coexistence of humans and tigers.

All titles coming to Disney+ in April are listed below:

Monday, April 1
Theme Song Takeover (S3, 4 episodes)

Wednesday, April 3
Alice’s Wonderland Bakery (S2, 5 episodes)
Chibi Tiny Tales (Shorts) (S4, 12 episodes)
Wish
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3, Episode 310 “Identity Crisis,” Episode 311 “Point of No Return”)
X-Men ’97 (Episode 4)

Sunday, April 7
Bluey (Season 3, New Episode Premiere: “Ghostbasket”)

Wednesday, April 10
Firebuds (S2, 4 episodes)
The Incredible Dr. Pol (S23, 10 episodes)
Shorts Spectacular (S2, 3 episodes)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3, Episode 312 “Juggernaut”)
X-Men ’97 (Episode 5)

Sunday, April 14
Bluey (Season 3, New Special Premiere, Extended-Length Special “The Sign,” 28 minutes)

Wednesday, April 17
Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet (S12, 14 episodes)
Drain the Oceans (S6, 6 episodes)
PJ Masks: Power Heroes (S1, 8 episodes)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3, Episode 313 “Into the Breach”)
X-Men ’97 (Episode 6)

Monday, April 22
Secrets of the Octopus (S1, 3 episodes)
Tiger (Premiere)
Tiger on the Rise (Premiere)

Wednesday, April 24
Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition (S1, 11 episodes & S2, 12 episodes)
Bring It! (S6, 10 episodes)
Dance Moms: Abby’s Studio Rescue (S1, 7 episodes)
Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends (S3, 5 episodes)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3, Episode 314 “Flash Strike”)

QUIZ: Are You a Portorosso Pro? Take Our Luca Quiz

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Gelato, pasta, and endless scooter rides: what’s not to love about Pixar’s Luca? The 2021 Pixar Animation Studios film, making its theatrical debut on March 22, is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about two young sea monsters who magically appear as human boys when they leave their underwater Mediterranean home and hang out in a scenic small town on the Italian coast. As Luca and Alberto learn about human society, they’re at constant risk of their secret identities being discovered. It’s a story brimming with valuable lessons about friendship, family, and self-acceptance—all set against the backdrop of the stunning Italian Riviera.

According to Luca director Enrico Casarosa, sea monsters are a metaphor for:

Correct! Wrong!

How many scales does sea monster Luca have on his body?

Correct! Wrong!

Jack Dylan Grazer, who voices Alberto, recorded every single line of dialogue inside:

Correct! Wrong!

One of Luca’s chores on his underwater family farm is herding fish. What type of fish are they?

Correct! Wrong!

Simulation supervisor Henry Garcia called the front part of Luca’s hair:

Correct! Wrong!

Who is Alberto inspired by and named for?

Correct! Wrong!

Throughout the movie, Alberto and Luca often say “Silenzio, Bruno!” Why?

Correct! Wrong!

Emma Berman, who voices Giulia Marcovaldo, related with her character’s:

Correct! Wrong!

Filmmakers were inspired by these two animals to showcase the incredible transformation from sea monster to human and back again in a fun and organic way:

Correct! Wrong!

According to screenwriter Mike Jones, what do Vespas symbolize for Luca and Alberto?

Correct! Wrong!

Quiz: Are You a Portorosso Pro? Take Our Luca Quiz
Santa mozzarella! That didn’t go well. Luckily, Luca and Alberto are ready to lend a helping hand and guide you through all things Portorosso. They know that setbacks are just part of the journey, and, with their encouragement, you’ll find your stride.
Non male! It’s clear that the film’s charm and allure have captivated your interest, but there is still much more to explore below, and above, the surface.
Bravissimo! Your love for Luca and knack for details are apparent. Ercole is keeping a close eye on your every move, knowing that you pose a significant threat. Keep up the fantastic work!

Disney Destiny Will Bring Stories of Legendary Disney Heroes and Villains to Life

Disney Cruise Line revealed the first details about its next ship, the Disney Destiny, as it reached a new construction milestone today with a keel laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

With the good luck garnered by this maritime tradition, this ship of legends and lore is beginning to take shape.

The design theme of the Disney Destiny, sister to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will be “Heroes and Villains,” drawing on the legacy of beloved Disney stories, characters and theme park attractions, to forge a cruise vacation that will empower guests to embrace their own calling aboard every unforgettable voyage.

Concept art shows the Disney Destiny ship sailing in the ocean.

The Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering teams were inspired by the dynamic duality of every great Disney story, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their purpose, when developing the Disney Destiny.

Onboard, guests will encounter heroes and villains alike—including those from beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios stories like The Lion King, Hercules, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians—within the spaces, experiences and entertainment throughout their voyage.

To embody and embolden the theme, Disney also unveiled brand-new filigree artwork for the bow of the Disney Destiny, continuing a beloved Disney Cruise Line design tradition. The illustration depicts Minnie Mouse striking a valiant pose in a heroic ensemble, her cape waving majestically in the sea breeze as she boldly leads guests toward their vacation destinies.

The gold Disney Destiny Bow filigree is set against a black backdrop.

“The Disney Destiny will celebrate our most legendary Disney stories and characters, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “As we continue to expand our fleet, the Disney Destiny will further strengthen our position as a leader in family cruising as we offer even more ways for families to experience Disney magic and world-class service at sea.”

The Disney Destiny is scheduled for delivery in 2025 as part of a multi-year expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet that includes the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the Disney Adventure that will homeport in Singapore, and the new island destination in The Bahamas, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

A gold Disney Destiny Keel coin sits in the sand.

Behind the Scenes of Marvel Animation’s X-Men ’97

By Zach Johnson

The wait is over, bub.

Set a few months after the events of X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–97), Marvel Animation's X-Men '97 finds the beloved team of Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase), Jean Grey (voiced by Jennifer Hale), Storm (voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith), Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd), Rogue (voiced by Lenore Zann), Beast (voiced by George Buza), Gambit (voiced by AJ LoCascio), Jubilee (voiced by Holly Chou), Morph (voiced by JP Karliak), Bishop (voiced by Isaac Robinson-Smith), and Nightcrawler (voiced by Adrian Hough) back in action—except now, they're struggling with the loss of Professor X and pondering their own futures.

"The X-Men are a team that protects a world that hates and fears them," says executive producer Brad Winderbaum, Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation for Marvel Studios. "There's always a double-edged sword when it comes to mutants' place in society."

Jubilee generates rainbow pyrotechnic energy plasmoids from her hands. She is in the center of the dance floor, surrounded by other humans.

One of the X-Men's greatest adversaries, Magneto (voiced by Matthew Waterson)—the self-proclaimed master of magnetism—has devoted his mutant life trying to protect the less fortunate. But in Professor X's absence, he has been charged with leading the X-Men and fostering a peaceful coexistence. "Some humans have come around and learned to live in harmony with mutantkind," Winderbaum says. "Some mutants have come around—like Magneto, who wants to uphold Xavier's vision of the future. However, some factions of society still hate and fear the mutants, which leads to a number of problems for the team."

Not only does X-Men '97 feature plenty of action and adventure, but it also shines a light on more serious topics—just as the groundbreaking X-Men: The Animated Series did. "We explore bigger themes that deal with inclusiveness, racism, social justice, civil rights—everything that, frankly, was in the bedrock of the characters in the comics that [Disney Legends] Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created," says Winderbaum. "The Chris Claremont run in the comics is also very much at the heart of this story and is extremely important. At its core, this is a soap opera. It's a story about characters who are volatile when they're put together, who are in trying situations due to living in a society that doesn't embrace them."

Rogue flies through orange and yellow clouds.

From Loki's Kate Herron to The Marvels' Nia DaCosta, X-Men: The Animated Series was formative in that it introduced many future Marvel Studios filmmakers to a world of multi-dimensional heroes and villains. By all accounts, X-Men '97seems poised to do the same. "Across the board, the project that's been mentioned more than any other as a creative touchstone when we meet with filmmakers is X-Men: The Animated Series," Winderbaum says. "That's certainly true for me. It was the first time I ever saw anything serialized on television. Even though I was maybe 9 or 10 years old at the time, it never felt like it was talking down to me; it treated me like an adult. It had themes that resonated with me. I remember feeling real emotion when certain things would happen—like Morph's death in the first episode. I think about that all the time, the way that made me feel. It was an important show for a lot of a lot of people—for a lot of filmmakers—in my generation."

Stream the first two episodes of Marvel Animation's X-Men '97 now on Disney+. A new episode will debut each Wednesday leading up to the Season 1 finale, streaming May 15.

Everything Just Announced About D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

Disney fans around the world will once again gather in Anaheim, California, from August 9 through 11, 2024, for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, a one-of-a-kind experience showcasing the unparalleled storytelling and innovation from across The Walt Disney Company.

This year, D23 has been revamped to be more expansive and more immersive than ever before, offering fans access to more of what they love from across the worlds of Disney at an amazing value. With returning fan favorites and new surprises, this extraordinary event will feature three days of marquee showcases and presentations, an expanded show floor with the latest from Disney brands and partners, increased shopping opportunities, and a week-long celebration of Disney fandom leading up to the event.

Today, we shared a sneak peek at programming, logistics, ticketing, and D23 Member benefits in anticipation for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT’S NEW

  • Three nights of marquee showcases at the Honda Center
  • D23 Day at Angel Stadium on Sunday, August 4
  • D23 Day at Disneyland Resort on Thursday, August 8
  • The largest, most expansive show floor in D23 history
  • Expanded shopping experience
  • D23 Fan-tastic Prizes Sweepstakes—the biggest sweepstakes in Disney history

EVENT PROGRAMMING

D23 Day at Disneyland Resort
Thursday, August 8

Before the magic of Disney comes to life during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, guests can kick off the weekend’s festivities at the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will welcome ticketed D23 fans from rope drop to late night, featuring unique offerings for fans, including a custom cavalcade, an energetic dance party, special photo opportunities, and more.

Disney Junior will also join the festivities and host a music-filled celebration at Disney California Adventure Park. And, starting Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Downtown Disney District guests will find special offers, décor, and magical moments. Disney Junior festivities will also extend through Sunday, August 11, at the Downtown Disney District.

Admission to both theme parks is available for purchase to all Disney fans. Regular theme park admission prices apply and theme park reservations will be required. Guests can visit disneyland.disney.go.com for all ticket options and other details.

Honda Center

This year we’re introducing a new venue for some of our programming, showcasing the best of Disney storytelling and innovation. For the first time ever, the Honda Center will be home to three nights of marquee showcases—Disney Entertainment, Disney Experiences, and Disney Legends—allowing us to bring bigger shows with more magic to the biggest audience of Disney fans in the world.

Disney Entertainment Showcase
Friday, August 9 – 7:00 p.m.
Honda Center

Enjoy the magic of Disney Entertainment in a star-studded showcase featuring the best of Disney storytelling onstage and onscreen. Get an exclusive look at the movies, series, and shows fans love, and a glimpse into what to look forward to from Disney’s film studios, television and streaming services, live stage shows on Broadway, and beyond. Join some favorite stars as they give a peek behind the curtain at upcoming projects, never-before-seen footage and art, surprise announcements and special guests, musical performances, and exclusive new content coming to the big screen, to smaller screens, and to the stage… all from Disney Entertainment.

Disney Experiences Showcase
Saturday, August 10 – 7:00 p.m.
Honda Center

Join Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro for a special showcase featuring the latest on new and highly anticipated projects in development around the world for Disney Parks, experiences, and beyond. With global announcements, special surprises, and showstopping performances, this will be a show that the biggest Disney fans won’t want to miss.

The Disney Legends logo in gold text against a black background. Sparkles and gold lines surround the text.

Disney Legends Ceremony
Sunday, August 11 – 5:00 p.m.
Honda Center

Ryan Seacrest will host this special ceremony to celebrate the 2024 class of Disney Legends—14 individuals who have made a significant impact on the Disney legacy. Filmmakers, Imagineers, artists, writers, and other magic makers will be honored in a spectacular award show featuring special performances and special guests. This year, the Walt Disney Archives is honoring Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.

Show Floor

The Anaheim Convention Center will once again showcase the best of Disney storytelling and innovation with an immersive show floor full of great experiences and activities. This year, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club worked with Walt Disney Imagineering to redesign and expand the immersive show floor.

Fan-favorites will return to the show floor, including pavilions from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney+, Marvel Studios, Disney Experiences, Lucasfilm, and a first-of-its-kind exhibition from the Walt Disney Archives titled “A Great Big Beautiful Car Show." Throughout the exhibition, the Archives will display some of the most iconic—and more than a few unusual—vehicles from beloved stories across the many worlds of Disney that have traveled on the big screen, television, and even down Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park. Along with the pavilions, fans can experience returning favorites such as photo spots, interactive displays, pin trading, and concessions.

Shopping

Fans can take advantage of great shopping opportunities including a dedicated space to shop and experience limited-edition merchandise and collectibles. Other fan-favorite shopping destinations will return including Mickey’s of Glendale, The Hollywood Studio Store, and The Emporium. Plus, The Walt Disney Company Store will make its debut and feature exclusive D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event branded products.  

Presentations

The word “Mousequerade” is written in all lowercase, sparkly white text. Below the word is a needle running parallel to the text, with sparkles coming out of the needle’s tip. A thread is run through the needle’s eye and is wound into the shape of a three-circle Mickey Mouse head. The image is against a dark blue, starry background.

Each day at the Anaheim Convention Center, attendees will have the opportunity to attend specially curated shows, panels, presentations, and conversations with storytellers, creators, and talent from across The Walt Disney Company. These daytime presentations will feature distinctly Disney content that will entertain fans of all generations on five different stages:

  • This year, D23 is bringing back the big Anaheim Convention Center arena to accommodate even more fans for spectacular entertainment and productions on the Premiere Stage. The fan-favorite ultimate costume contest, Mousequerade, will return to this stage once again as a host of celebrity judges critique the most incredible handmade costumes designed and created by D23 fans. Registration for Mousequerade is now open.
  • An expanded Walt Disney Archives Stage will host a variety of panels, creative discussions, and engaging presentations that will speak to many aspects of Disney history, spanning the entire legacy of The Walt Disney Company. Session topics include Walt’s famous trip to Latin America in the 1940s, hosted conversations with members of the newest class of Disney Legends, and more.
  • The Hyperion and Backlot Stages will offer more niche and intimate sessions for guests to enjoy.
  • New this year, the Spotlight Stage will be located on the main show floor for deeper conversations with stars and storytellers as well as interactive entertainment for fans throughout the day.

D23 Fan-tastic Prizes Sweepstakes

Fans can also enter an unparalleled sweepstakes, one of the most expansive in Disney history.  D23: The Ultimate Disney Sweepstakes – FANtastic Prizes is a spectacular lineup of exclusive prizes and engaging experiences that only Disney can deliver! One of the spectacular prizes includes a sailing on the seven-night maiden voyage of the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Treasure.*

Additional Opportunities

Throughout the week leading up to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, fans can also enjoy additional opportunities to celebrate their fandom:

The left half of the image features Angel Stadium during an orange and red sunset, with the haloed A logo of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the upper left corner. The right side of the image features the words “D23 Day August 4, 2024, Angel Stadium” in white text against a blue background partially shaped to look like Mickey ears. The text and shapes behind it are against a red background the same color as the Angels logo.

D23 Day at Angel Stadium
Sunday, August 4

CR4155_TUDFE_anaheimbobblehead_mockup (1)

The first ever D23 Day at Angel Stadium will take place on Sunday, August 4, 2024, as the Angels take on the New York Mets. The stadium will come to life with D23 fun, including special trivia, photo spots, and more. The first 23,000 fans in the gate will also receive a commemorative and one-of-a-kind D23 Mickey Mouse bobblehead. Specially priced tickets are on sale now for D23 Members.

Image of the event name D23 Night at the Anaheim Packing District with the Anaheim Packing District Est. 1919 logo on a blue gradient background.

Anaheim Meet-Up
Tuesday, August 6 at 5:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, August 6, fans can meet up for a “D23 Night” at the Anaheim Packing District in the heart of Downtown Anaheim to enjoy local foods, drinks, trivia, and special D23 touches. No ticket is required; fans can mix and mingle and get ready for the week ahead! D23 will also be partnering with Ravensburger to create a game night integration where Fans can learn to play the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game or try out some of their other games like Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil and Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition). More details to follow in the coming months.

Image of Jack-Jack, waving one hand and smiling in a red onesie. Disney. Pixar. The Incredibles 20th Anniversary, Outdoor Screening, Pearson Park Amphitheatre, Anaheim, California. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club in collaboration with Street Food Cinema, A Til Events Production.

The Incredibles Screening
Wednesday, August 7 at 8:00 p.m.

D23, in collaboration with Street Food Cinema, will present an outdoor screening of The Incredibles to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The event will take place at Pearson Park Amphitheater in Downtown Anaheim. Tickets are available here.

TICKETING INFORMATION

To allow for fans to have as much flexibility and choice as possible when it comes to accessing the many opportunities at multiple venues throughout the weekend, D23 is offering several ticketing options that allow fans to build the itinerary that works best for them at a great value:

  • D23 Ultimate Fan Pass 3-Day Ticket includes a 3-day assigned seat for evening shows at the Honda Center and 3-day access to all experiences at the Anaheim Convention Center—starting at $297/ticket.
  • D23 Ultimate Fan Pass 1-Day Ticket includes a reserved seat for that day’s evening show at the Honda Center and same-day access to all experiences at the Anaheim Convention Center—starting at $99/ticket.
  • D23 Preferred Ultimate Fan Pass 3-Day Ticket, which is exclusive to D23 Gold Members, includes a 3-day floor seat for evening shows at the Honda Center (same seat each night), and 3-day access to all experiences at the Anaheim Convention Center—starting at $999/ticket.
  • D23 Fan Pass provides access to the Anaheim Convention Center only:
    • 1-Day Pass
      • Gold Members: $79/ticket
      • General Members: $89/ticket
    • 3-Day Pass
      • Gold Members: $209/ticket
      • General Members: $259/ticket

For each ticketing tier, including the D23 Gold Member Exclusive Preferred Ultimate Fan Pass (3-day only), D23 Ultimate Fan Pass (1-day or 3-day), or D23 Fan Pass (1-day or 3-day), guests can purchase up to 8 total passes.

D23 Gold Members will have first access to a limited number of 1-day and 3-day tickets for a limited time beginning March 26, 2024, at 12 p.m. PT. D23 Gold and General Members who are also Visa cardholders—and who pay with their Visa—will have pre-sale access to a limited number of 1-day and 3-day tickets, for a limited time, beginning March 27, 2024, at 12 p.m. PT. Tickets for all D23 Gold and General Members will go on sale beginning March 28, 2024, at 12 p.m. PT, while supplies last. Attendees must be a D23 Member to purchase tickets. Fans can join as a complimentary General Member or upgrade to Gold Membership on D23.com.

Limited edition D23 Event 2024 merchandise. Available for purchase with tickets only.

D23 GOLD MEMBER BENEFITS

In addition to an exclusive pre-sale window and discounted tickets, D23 Gold Members will also have access to additional benefits, discounts, and offers from various groups across the show floor and throughout Downtown Disney. D23 Charter Members who joined D23 in 2009 will have exclusive access to a private lounge off the show floor. And, for the first time ever, D23 Gold Members attending the event will receive a commemorative and collectible pin.

TRANSPORTATION

Fans will have access to several transportation options to maximize their time at the different venues. Complimentary round-trip shuttle service will be available between the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center before and after the evening shows. Parking at the Anaheim Convention Center will also be available as it has been in previous years on a first come, first served basis. Additional transportation and parking details will be provided closer to the event.

RESERVATIONS AND STANDBY QUEUES

The advance reservation system for most panels, presentations, and shows at the Anaheim Convention Center will be expanded to allow guests to make reservation selections for up to 8 total guests to include their entire party. New this year, guests will have the opportunity to add, modify, or cancel their reservations before the event. Standby queues will be available at all stage venues for guests who do not receive a reservation for panels or presentations, as well as Talent Central, and for most experiences across the show floor. For the health and safety of all guests, overnight queuing is not available for the event and will not be allowed around the perimeter of the Anaheim Convention Center or the Honda Center.

For the latest news on D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, visit https://ultimatefanevent.d23.com/. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., 18+, who are current D23 Members (D23 General Plan is free). Void where prohibited. Begins 7/8/24 and ends 8/11/24. For Official Rules including prize and odds, visit fantasticprizes.d23.com.

Meet the 2024 Class of Disney Legends

For nearly four decades, the Disney Legends Awards program has honored gifted animators, Imagineers, songwriters, actors, business leaders, and more for the significant impact they’ve had on the Disney legacy. This year, we’ll be honoring the 2024 class of Disney Legends during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on Sunday, August 11, at 5 p.m. at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, this ceremony will celebrate the new class and look back at their many contributions to Disney magic.

The Disney Legends program, a treasured tradition of The Walt Disney Company, began with inaugural inductee Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire) in 1987. The awards ceremony is just one of the many spectacular events fans can enjoy during the three-day D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

The Disney Legends, Class of 2024, stand in a line onstage at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, flanked by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

Magical Moments from 2024 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony at D23

READ NOW

The 2024 Disney Legends Award Honorees are:

Colleen Atwood

Colleen Atwood
For Colleen Atwood, designing costumes for movies both fantastical and fabulous is like creating her own Wonderland. This prolific costume designer has been nominated for an Academy Award® a dozen times and has won four Oscars, including for her visually evocative work in Alice in Wonderland (2010).

Born in Ellensburgh, Washington, Colleen briefly studied painting at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. Working in high fashion retail at designer boutiques, her strong sense of visual style enabled her start as a fashion advisor. Through that world, Colleen was offered an unexpected opportunity to be a production assistant in the art department on Ragtime (1981). In New York, she was fortunate enough to align with many filmmakers such as Jonathan Demme, Michael Apted, and Michael Mann.

Colleen was then introduced to filmmaker Tim Burton—and soon would be Burton’s “go to” costume designer. Their first film together, Edward Scissorhands, was the first of 12 Burton movies she designed costumes for, including Disney’s live-action reimagining of Alice in Wonderland (2010) and Dumbo (2019). The upcoming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) will mark the creative duo’s 13th collaboration.

For the over 50 films and TV series she’s costumed, many of them center on visually stunning imaginary environments that call for a lot of world-building. It’s Colleen’s ability to cross and blend genres in her approach to character costuming that has enabled her work in such fantastic films as Planet of the Apes (2001), Into the Woods (2014), Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016), Lady and the Tramp (2019), and The Little Mermaid (2023). 

 

Photo by D’Andre Michael
Photo by D’Andre Michael

Angela Bassett
It takes a strong woman to portray a strong female character, and Angela Bassett fits the bill. From her breakout role as single mother Reva Devereaux in John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood (1991), to her portrayal of fierce Queen Ramonda of Wakanda in Marvel’s Black Panther films, Angela’s unmistakable voice, signature delivery, and grand presence command immediate attention.

Born in New York City, Angela lived in North Carolina until the age of four, when her family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. The first Black student attending Boca Ciega High School to be admitted to the National Honors Society, Angela went on to Yale, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in African American Studies in 1980 and a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama in 1983. In 1988, she moved to Los Angeles.

Angela has portrayed many real-life characters, including Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks, but it was her powerful portrayal of Tina Turner in Touchstone’s What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993) that earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award® nomination and a Golden Globe® for Best Actress, making her the first Black performer to win this category. She received two Emmy nominations for outstanding narrator for National Geographic’s The Flood (2018) and the Disney+ docuseries The Imagineering Story (2019), and was nominated for her second Academy Award, this time in the Best Supporting Actress category, for the role of Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). She is also the star and executive producer of the hit ABC drama 9-1-1; voiced Dorothea Williams in Disney and Pixar’s Oscar-winning animated feature Soul (2020); and received an Honorary Academy Award in 2024.

Disney Legend Martha Blanding sports shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a blue and patterned shawl with a Disneyland name tag, smiles while standing in front of a background of shops and buildings.

Martha Blanding
Martha Blanding helped put the “happy” in The Happiest Place on Earth. As the first-ever full-time Black Tour Guide, Martha personified the philosophy of creating happiness for others while embodying the principles of hospitality and courtesy Walt Disney sought to establish for Disneyland cast members.

A proud native of South Central Los Angeles, Martha was studying to become a teacher when she decided to take a chance working at Disneyland in 1971. Hired as a Tour Guide, she quickly attained full-time status and, within a year, climbed the ladder to become a VIP Hostess—touring such notables as Diana Ross, Elton John (who would later become a Disney Legend), Olivia Newton-John, Cary Grant, and Cher, plus domestic and international government officials, including a delegation from the USSR.

Martha later became the first-ever Black female in management at Disneyland (and one of the first Black management members at The Walt Disney Company), as an expert merchandise, candy, and film buyer for nine years, and eventually as the senior manager of Disneyland Resort Merchandise Special Events. In this role, she worked with world-renowned artisans, celebrities, and Disney Legends. She also became a pioneering producer of the Official Disneyana Convention, a forerunner of today’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. 

A co-founder of PULSE, an employee resource group for Black cast members, Martha routinely served as a trusted mentor to fellow employees. Adding to her many “firsts” during her groundbreaking career before retiring in 2022, Martha also became the first Black employee to commemorate 50 years with The Walt Disney Company—and now she becomes the first Black Disney Parks employee designated a Disney Legend.

James L. Brooks, a Disney Legend, is smiling and looking slightly upwards. He is wearing glasses and has a beard and mustache.

James L. Brooks
Acclaimed for character-driven, writer-centric projects that deftly combine comedy and poignancy—such as 20th Century’s Broadcast News (1987)—James L. Brooks is a TV and film icon responsible for some of the most beloved entertainment projects of all time. Jim made one of the most impressive directorial debuts in film history with Terms of Endearment (1983), for which the multi-hyphenate took home three Oscars® for writing, producing, and directing.

Growing up in New Jersey, Jim’s career trajectory kicked-off as a writer for CBS News in New York. When he moved to Los Angeles in 1965, a chance meeting with established writer Allan Burns led to his writing for television comedies—and before long, he created the groundbreaking ABC series Room 222 in 1969 and Taxi in 1978.

In 1986, Jim founded his production company, Gracie Films, where he and his team are trailblazers in the world of television. At Jim’s invitation, Matt Groening created animated interstitials for the company’s The Tracey Ullman Show featuring a dysfunctional family that led to a full-fledged animated series—the first since the 1960s: The Simpsons, in 1989. The longest-running primetime scripted show in television history, The Simpsons quickly exploded into a cultural phenomenon.

Currently in its 35th season, The Simpsons has won 37 Emmy® Awards. Jim also co-produced and co-wrote The Simpsons Movie in 2007. He continues to serve as executive producer of the misadventures of the animated citizens of Springfield, and maintains that the series has not outlived its popularity—especially now with it streaming on Disney+. He’s currently working on his next feature film for 20th Century Studios, Ella McCay.

 

James Cameron

James Cameron
James Cameron is an acclaimed filmmaker, ocean explorer, and environmental advocate. As director, writer, and producer, he’s responsible for some of the world’s most memorable films—including The Terminator (1984), Aliens (1986), The Abyss (1989), Titanic (1997), Avatar (2009), and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), the latter three being among the four highest-grossing films of all time. Titanic alone won 11 Oscars®, including James’ for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Editing. He is currently in post-production on Avatar 3, and in pre-production on Avatar 4 and 5.

Teaming up with Walt Disney Imagineering in 2011, he helped to steer the creation of an Avatar-inspired area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The result, Pandora – The World of Avatar, is an area which immerses guests in an interactive environment that brings the world of the film series to life, and features the popular attractions Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.

Under his Earthship Productions banner, James has produced 12 documentaries, including six about Titanic, as well as three other deep ocean exploration films—most in partnership with National Geographic. He executive produces National Geographic’s Secrets series, including the Emmy® Award-winning Secrets of the Whales and Emmy-nominated Secrets of the Elephants, with Octopus launching on Earth Day 2024. He also executive produced the OceanXplorers series, due in fall 2024 from National Geographic.

Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis sports short silver hair, wearing subtle makeup and small stud earrings, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression against a plain grey background.

Jamie Lee Curtis
Born in Santa Monica, California, to Hollywood power couple Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, Jamie Lee Curtis excelled as a performer early on—winning people over with her exuberant personality. Originally planning to major in law enforcement, an acting manager suggested Jamie Lee try auditioning. To her surprise, she was signed to a contract at Universal, one of the last performers to be so engaged. She was later cast as iconic “Scream Queen” Laurie Strode in John Carpenter’s thrilling classic Halloween (1978), establishing her trajectory as a bona fide movie star.

The Oscar® winner has demonstrated her versatility with a variety of captivating roles over her career, including suburban housewife-turned-international-spy Helen Tasker in True Lies (1994), and no-nonsense mom Tess Coleman in Disney’s remake of the classic body-swap comedy Freaky Friday (2003). In 2023, Jamie Lee returned to both Disney and the macabre genre to portray the legendary Madame Leota in Haunted Mansion, inspired by the classic Disneyland theme park attraction. The author of 13 best-selling books, all exploring core childhood issues, she is also the founder and CEO of My Hand In Yours™—a charitable organization that offers comfort and celebratory gifts where 100% of every sale is donated directly to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

For her many performances, Jamie Lee has received a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globes®, and nominations for a Primetime Emmy® and a Grammy®. Most recently, she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).

Photo by Noua Unu Studio
Photo by Noua Unu Studio

Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus is an award-winning superstar singer, songwriter, and actress, who first rose to fame as a Disney Channel sensation.

Miley started her acting career at 8 years old—and at 13, she auditioned for the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana. The series premiered in March 2006 to the largest audience for a Disney Channel Original Series, drawing an average of 4.4 million viewers per episode. A 2007 episode of the series still ranks as the highest-rated basic cable series telecast ever, with 10.7 million total viewers.

She embarked on her wildly popular “Best of Both Worlds Tour” in 2007, and in 2008, she voiced the character of Penny in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ feature Bolt. For the film, Miley earned a Golden Globe® Award nomination for Best Original Song (“I Thought I Lost You”). The following year, she would take center stage once again as the lead in Hannah Montana: The Movie, which included the hit song “The Climb.”

2023 saw the release of Miley’s new album, Endless Summer Vacation, which inspired the documentary concert special Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), airing on Disney+. At the 66th Annual Grammy® Awards in 2024, Miley was honored with her first-ever wins for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. At just 31 years old, Miley is now the youngest honoree ever to be named a Disney Legend.

Steve Ditko

Steve Ditko
Originally hailing from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Steve Ditko’s love for comics began at a young age. After serving in the U.S. Army, where he drew comics for the Army newsletter, one of his idols, Batman artist Jerry Robinson, became his mentor. By the early 1950s, Steve’s first work appeared in print, and shortly thereafter he made his way to Atlas Comics—the precursor of Marvel Comics.

The artist would quickly leave his mark, leading Stan Lee to rechristen Amazing Adventures as Amazing Adult Fantasy (later Amazing Fantasy) to showcase Steve’s talents. In 1962, that collaboration led to one of the most popular comic book characters of all time. The introduction of Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15 stands as one of the landmarks of both Steve’s career and Marvel history.

Steve went on to co-create most of Spider-Man’s now-infamous rogues’ gallery and re-envisioned many of Marvel’s iconic characters to what we know today. He redesigned Iron Man’s armor into the popular red-and-gold design, and in the Hulk comics, he codified Bruce Banner’s transformations to be a function of his anger. It is perhaps with Doctor Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts, that Steve truly expressed his visionary impulses—the early stories in Strange Tales could only have come from the mind of Steve Ditko. He left Marvel to pursue other work in 1966 but returned in 1979. In the 1990s, Steve helped to co-create all-new characters, including Speedball and Squirrel Girl.

One of the greatest artist-writer talents in comic book history, Steve’s imagination and creative vision changed the comics industry and super hero storytelling forever.

 

Photo by Alexi Lubomirski
Photo by Alexi Lubomirski

Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford has portrayed some of the most iconic action heroes to ever burn up the big screen. After appearing in a small but impressive role in American Graffiti (1973), directed by fellow Disney Legend George Lucas, Harrison proved to be perfect for the role of Han Solo, cynical smuggler and captain of the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977). He would go on to portray Han in all three episodes of the original Star Wars trilogy. Harrison also stars as the titular character in the blockbuster Indiana Jones films.

Over his decades-long career, Harrison has been widely honored for his many contributions to the film industry, including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ Albert R. Broccoli Britannia Award, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Cecil B. DeMille Award, the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2023 was the recipient of an honorary Palme d’Or from the Cannes Film Festival.

Some of his most notable film credits include an Oscar®-nominated performance in Witness (1985), along with Blade Runner (1982), 20th Century’s Working Girl (1988), Presumed Innocent (1990), Patriot Games (1992), The Fugitive (1993), Clear and Present Danger (1994), Sabrina (1995), Air Force One (1997), Touchstone Pictures’ Six Days, Seven Nights (1998), What Lies Beneath (2000), Morning Glory (2010), 42(2013), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), and 20th Century Studios’ The Call of the Wild (2020). Harrison also stars in the hit television shows 1923 and Shrinking.

More recently, Harrison returned to a couple of his most celebrated roles. For the fourth time in the film series, he portrayed Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and once again donned Indy’s fedora in the fifth Indiana Jones installment, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023). Harrison will also appear as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in the Marvel Studios live-action adventure Captain America: Brave New World, to be released in 2025.

 

Disney Legend Mark Henn sports glasses and a mustache, wearing a light pink shirt, smiling at the camera while seated at a desk. The background includes a shelf with various items and a window with blinds.

Mark Henn
Mark Henn joined Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1980, where he became an assistant animator on The Fox and the Hound (1981). His first major assignment was animating Disney’s most beloved character, Mickey Mouse, in Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)—Mickey’s first big-screen appearance in 30 years.

Mark would go on to serve as the supervising animator for five female leads, more than any one artist in the history of the studio: Ariel (supervised with fellow Disney Legend Glen Keane), Belle (supervised with James Baxter), Jasmine, Mulan, and Tiana. He also animated Simba from The Lion King (1994), the title character in Pocahontas (1995), and Giselle from Enchanted (2007). Most recently, Mark has helped a whole new generation of Disney animators bring “the illusion of life” to character animation in CG features such as Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). He was lead 2D animator on Big Hero 6 (2014) and Frozen (2013), and served as a 2D animator for “Mini Maui” in Moana (2016). In 2000, Mark brought his vast animation experience to directing with the acclaimed short, John Henry.

In 2013, he received the prestigious Winsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement, ASIFA’s highest award in animation. And in 2018, befitting his longtime association with Mickey Mouse, Mark was commissioned to paint Mickey’s official portrait for the character’s 90th anniversary. From Mickey and a little mermaid to Mini Maui, the enchantment of Disney animation is personal for this animator.

Disney Legend Frank Oz sports a white beard and glasses, wearing a white button-down shirt, standing with his arms crossed against a backdrop of a brick wall and a weathered wooden door.
Photo by Victoria Labalme

Frank Oz
Creator. Director. Producer. Performer. Writer. Actor. Icon. Superlatives all that describe the one and only Frank Oz.

As a respected director, Frank has helmed more than a dozen films—including co-directing The Dark Crystal (1982) with Jim Henson, The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), Touchstone Pictures’ What About Bob? (1991), In & Out (1997), Bowfinger(1999), The Score (2001), Death at a Funeral (2007), Muppet Guys Talking (2017), and others, as well as the 2021 Hulu presentation of the long-running Off-Broadway hit he also directed, Derek DelGaudio’s In & Of Itself.

A four-time Emmy® winner, Frank is the recipient of The Art Director’s Guild Contribution to Cinematic Imagery Award, The Comedy Awards’ Creative Achievement Award, The Saturn Lifetime Achievement Award, two George Foster Peabody Awards, three Gold Records, two Platinum Records, and a host of other accolades and honors.

He originated and performed the characters of Grover, Bert, and Cookie Monster for Sesame Street, along with Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Sam Eagle, and Animal for The Muppet Show, performing in hundreds of television shows and specials with The Muppets—including the memorable Muppet*Vision 3D for Disney Parks.

Frank also originated and performed the character of Yoda for George Lucas’ Star Wars galaxy, first in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and followed by Return of the Jedi (1983), The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), Revenge of the Sith (2005), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019).

He’s also acted in several live-action movies, from The Blues Brothers (1980) to Knives Out (2019), and has voiced characters in Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. (2001), Inside Out (2015), and Inside Out 2 (2024).

 

Disney Legend Kelly Ripa sports shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a bright pink shirt, smiles at the camera with a white background.

Kelly Ripa
Kelly Ripa is one of the most powerful voices in media, with a diverse body of work both on and off camera. With a career at ABC spanning over 30 years, Kelly has welcomed viewers with her sharp wit every morning as co-host and executive producer of the nationally syndicated show Live.

Beginning her career in entertainment as an actress, Kelly has starred in numerous celebrated television series—appearing on such shows as the soap opera All My Children and the sitcom Hope & Faith.

Kelly and her husband Mark Consuelos ventured into the development side of entertainment when they began their production company, Milojo Productions. Milojo produces content across multiple platforms, producing the Emmy®-nominated documentary The Streak for ESPN and the critically acclaimed documentary Off The Rez for TLC.

She’s earned numerous accolades over the years, including multiple Daytime Emmy® Awards, the prestigious Excellence in Media Award from GLAAD and Glamour’s Woman of the Year Award. She was also recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as part of the Women in Entertainment Power 100 list, as well as the publication’s 35 Most Powerful People in Media.

In September 2022, Kelly added New York Times best-selling author to her resume, when her collection Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories was published. Additionally, she recently launched the second season of her own podcast titled Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa. She lives in New York City with Mark Consuelos, and together the couple have three children.

 

The image features Disney Legend Joe Rohde. He is seen wearing a straw hat and has a distinguished beard. Joe Rohde is also notable for his unique earring, which includes multiple charms and beads.

Joe Rohde
Retiring in 2021 as a portfolio creative executive with 40 years at Walt Disney Imagineering, Joe Rohde was the overall creative executive and supervising designer for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, including later expansions such as Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain and Pandora – The World of Avatar. Joe’s other notable projects include The Adventurers Club (formerly a part of Pleasure Island at Walt Disney World); Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi; and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney’s California Adventure Park. 

Joe grew up in Honolulu and the San Fernando Valley, creating art and theater sets, acting in school productions, and exploring film backlots with his cameraman father. He attended Occidental College, graduated with a major in studio art, and went to work as teacher—where at 25, he was recruited by Walt Disney Imagineering. His first assignment was as a model builder for the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT.

Joe’s big Imagineering break came with the development of a certain animal-focused theme park for the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park would prove to be a celebration of animals; a passionate argument for the coexistence of conservation and communities; and a recognition of the essential role that ecosystems play in our existence. Joe was also instrumental in creating the Disney Conservation Fund, which has disbursed over $125 million in grants to projects worldwide. He is well known for his intensive focus on the philosophy of narrative placemaking and experiential storytelling.

Joe now uses his art to raise funds for both international conservation and local community projects. In 2022 he received the Disney Conservation Fund’s first Conservation Legacy Award, and he’s appeared on numerous documentaries about Imagineering.

John Williams

John Williams
The unforgettable music of John Williams is the soundtrack of our lives.

In a career spanning more than six decades, this most prolific of movie composers has created the music for more than 100 films—including all nine Star Wars saga films and all five Indiana Jones films. Born and raised in New York, John moved to Los Angeles with his family in 1948. Venturing back to the East Coast to attend The Julliard School, he later returned to Los Angeles to commence his career.

Early on, Williams composed the music for more than 200 television films and numerous TV series including Lost in Space for 20th Century Fox. John’s artistic partnership with director Steven Spielberg, now in its 50th year, led to an introduction to fellow Disney Legend George Lucas and what became the biggest film phenomenon of its time, Star Wars (1977).

John has received five Academy Awards® and 54 Oscar® nominations—most recently for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)—making him the Academy’s most-nominated living person and the second-most-nominated person in the history of the Oscars... a number second only to Walt Disney. He has also received seven British Academy Awards (BAFTA), 26 Grammys®, four Golden Globes®, and five Emmys®, as well as the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, and an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.

 

Disney Legends 2024