The Adorable Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway-Inspired Toys You Need to See

By Beth Deitchman

McDonalds

What makes a Happy Meal even happier? Well, feast your eyes on a brand-new line of Happy Meal® toys that have just rolled into McDonald’s®. This new collection is inspired by the Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction and features our favorite mouse and his friends experiencing some of the most iconic attractions from across Walt Disney World Resort.

McDonalds

The 10 individual toys connect together to form a train—with Engineer Goofy leading the way—and each toy has a unique function that enables the character to move as it rolls. Look for Mickey and Minnie celebrating Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Donald Duck taking a spin in a teacup from the Mad Tea Party attraction, Pluto setting sail in a Jungle Cruise boat, and Mickey dropping in at the Hollywood Tower Hotel from The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ attraction, to name just a few of the toys that will be available.

McDonalds

McDonalds

FIRST LOOK: Buena Vista Street Returns and We Have Everything You Need to Know

By Jeffrey Epstein

Buena Vista Street is back! The beloved entryway to Disney California Adventure that celebrates Walt’s early years in Southern California is set to reopen today as an extension of Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. We got a first look at its glorious return and were able to get all the details you need to know! Plus, at the end, we show off some of the holiday décor that just went up around the Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street.

Downtown Disney

“I love coming to Downtown Disney District, especially here on Buena Vista Street when you walk in and see the garland all around the building, the lampposts decorated with ribbon,” notes Rafa Barron, one of Disneyland Resort’s ambassadors. “It brings back those holiday memories”

Downtown Disney

Walking from the main Esplanade area onto Buena Vista Street, the holiday spirit (and music!) is in the air. Bright, swirling greenery and ornaments adorn Oswald’s, and every lamppost is trimmed with care. The Red Car Trolley has even gotten in on the fun. And all the stores have their festive flair as well, from the “classic Christmas” look of Elias & Co. to an expansive garland of candies inside Trolley Treats (and you’re going to need to sample all the treats!). And while Off the Page is not part of this extension, check out the Kingswell Camera Shop for “Kingswell Signature Art,” which offers a few stunning pieces that may make a great stocking stuffer (if you can fit them into a stocking!). And outside Elias & Co., a floral bed bursts with bright red and white blooms to help put you in a holly jolly mood.

Downtown Disney

“This moment is exciting, not only for our guests as they get to visit Buena Vista Street again,” observes a beaming Justin Rapp, Rafa’s partner in making Disneyland Resort ambassador fun, “but it’s also exciting for us because, as cast members, we get to be making that holiday magic that we are so accustomed to.”

Of course, this is not the exact same Buena Vista Street we last visited. Much like they did for the reopening of Downtown Disney District this summer, the Disneyland cast members have worked hard to ensure that the best precautions have been put into place to ensure the safety and security of our guests.

Downtown Disney

“I’m grateful to be able to welcome back guests with health and safety top of mind,” adds Justin. “The training that the cast members have gone through has been incredible. We are trying to make sure guests have a nice safe holiday.”

Well-designed signs that fit into the look and feel of their respective areas outline the protocols that have worked so well at our resorts around the world, reminding guests that masks must be worn at all times unless you are seated and eating or drinking (and yep, that includes when posing in front of all the delightful decorations, so wear a colorful mask!); guests should remain six feet apart at all times; regular handwashing is encouraged (and additional stations with basins have been set up); and of course, please cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing (and if you don’t feel well, stay home—Downtown Disney will be here tomorrow!).

Downtown Disney

The check-out line at Elias & Co. is well-spaced for the safety of guests.

Like the signage, there are now well-themed markers on the floor to denote safe distancing between parties. And loads of additional seating has been added, which guests will certainly need so they can sit down to enjoy the popcorn and turkey legs and churros and Angry Dogs (yep, “imported” from Pixar Pier!). There is expanded seating throughout the area, offering plenty of space for guests to relax and enjoy some of Disneyland’s signature treats.

Downtown Disney

“One thing we have both at Trolley Treats and Marceline Confectionary is toffee,” says Justin of his favorite Disneyland treat. “I love toffee. It’s delicious and we make it fresh right here on Buena Vista Street. Seeing the process—from making the toffee to bagging it and it being sold and then into your stomach—it is so good!”

Rafa prefers the chocolate and peppermint marshmallow wands. “Every time I try it, it brings me back into the holiday spirit.”

Downtown Disney

Carthay Circle remains a beacon. “When you think of Buena Vista Street, you think of Carthay Circle Restaurant,” notes Justin. “And we are introducing Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining. It’s a new and innovative concept with an incredible menu created by our chef. And, beyond that, think about the atmosphere. You’re sitting outside on Buena Vista Street surrounded by holiday décor—I don’t think it gets much better than that!”

Downtown Disney

And at the tip of the street, nestled in front of Carthay Circle Lounge, the Storytellers statue of a young Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse gleams in the sun… perhaps a little bit brighter. In celebration of Mickey’s birthday yesterday, Disneyland unveiled beautiful refurbishments of the Partners statue inside Disneyland Park and the Storytellers statue, and the Disney Parks Blog details how it was done.

Now, onto the details. Be sure to check out the Downtown Disney District Know Before You Go for complete, up-to-date information.

Downtown Disney

Getting into Downtown Disney District / Buena Vista Street

  • Starting November 19, parking in the Simba lot will be $10 per car. As before, there will be temperature checks before you enter.
  • Entrance onto Buena Vista Street will be first-come, first-served. However, once the area has reached capacity, a mobile waiting list will be used.
  • Beginning November 27, the Downtown Disney District (including Buena Vista Street) will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Downtown Disney District hours as well as individual dining and retail location hours may vary, so we always encourage our guests to check the Disneyland app or Disneyland.com for specific location hours of operation.

Downtown Disney

Restaurants/Quick-Serve Locations Open on Buena Vista Street:

  • Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining: The fan-favorite sit-down restaurant of Disney California Adventure will offer al fresco dining and a significantly expanded seating area. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. Starting November 25, guests with proof of reservation to Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining may enter Buena Vista Street up to an hour prior to their reservations with their full party, when Buena Vista Street is at capacity. Guests with a reservation to Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining should speak with a cast member and present proof of the day’s dining reservation for assistance. The entire party must enter Buena Vista Street at the same time.
  • Fiddler, Fifer & Practical: Enjoy a cozy cup of coffee or cocoa or scone!
  • Smokejumpers Grill: This quick-serve restaurant is reopening with a modified menu—but don’t worry, it still includes those incredible onion rings! And with mobile ordering, you can just grab and go!
  • Award Wieners: These dogs are ready to take a bow at this quick- serve, which will offer mobile ordering.
  • Outdoor Vending Carts: Get ready to sample some of your favorite park treats as carts offering churros, popcorn, turkey legs, and even Angry Dogs are ready to serve you sweet and savory sensation
  • Splitsville Luxury Lanes™: Reopening for outdoor dining on November 24, guests can make a reservation or learn more by visiting the Splitsville page on Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app.

Downtown Disney

Miss seeing it snow on Main Street, U.S.A.? Create your own nighttime spectacular with this delightful new snow wand, available in Elias & Co and World of Disney

Shopping Locations Open on Buena Vista Street:

  • Elias & Co.: Along with stores such as Los Feliz Five & Dime and Big Top Toys, this signature shopping destination is bursting with holiday goodies and Disneyland-themed merchandise.
  • Julius Katz & Sons: Home décor abounds in this quaint shop.
  • Trolley Treats: Churro toffee anyone? Go in to see the candy-colored garland; stay for the sugar-coma-inducing deliciousness!
  • Kingswell Camera Shop: Now featuring stunning Disney artwork.

Again, please check out the Downtown Disney District Know Before You Go for complete, up-to-date details.

And have a very merry time looking at some of these shots of the dazzling decorations of Downtown Disney District. and Buena Vista Street.

Get Exclusive Early Access to Enchanting Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectibles

To celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Fantasia, we have exciting new shopping opportunities coming to shopDisney—exclusively for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members!

Starting Wednesday, November 11, at 7 a.m. PT, D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will have exclusive early access to purchase a Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key and Key Pin, before these items go on sale to the general public! Plus, all D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will be able to pre-order a limited-edition Fantasia 80th Anniversary Figure with Snowglobe, while supplies last. All three commemorative items are limited quantities, so be sure to act fast!

Fantasia Limited-Edition Snowglobe Figurine, $149.99 (Exclusive D23 Gold pre-order starting November 11 at shopDisney)

Fantasia Snow Globe
Snowglobe measures 9 1/4″H x 7 1/4″ Diameter.

Cast a spell of enchantment on your home or office with this commemorative 80th anniversary salute to Walt Disney’s masterpiece Fantasia. As the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Mickey Mouse commands his army of Magic Brooms to fill the well on this spectacular limited-edition statue topped by a small snowglobe.

Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key, $12.99 (Exclusive D23 Gold Access ONLY on November 11 at shopDisney)

Fantasia key
Key measures 6″ in length.

To continue with the collectible key series, the new special-edition Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key features Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. The Disney store ”D” key bursts with iconic film motifs. The key also features Fantasyland Castle teeth, the Fantasia film logo, magic brooms, and glitter Sorcerer Hat icons and comes in a commemorative window display box.

Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key Pin, $12.99 (Exclusive D23 Gold Access ONLY on November 11 at shopDisney)

Fantasia pin
Pin measures 2″ in length.

The collectible Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key Pin features Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. It is a miniature version of our Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key and features many of the same design elements and comes in a collectible keyhole display card.

 

Exclusive early access for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members only.

To purchase, log in to shopDisney with the Disney account tied to your D23 Gold Membership.

Not a D23 Gold Member? Join now! 

Offer Details:

Fantasia Limited-Edition Snowglobe Figurine

Early access pre-order offer available only to D23 Gold and Gold Family members. Item will be available for general purchase on January 20, 2021. Valid while supplies last at shopDisney.com (online or via phone orders). Not valid on purchases made at Disney store and Disney Baby Store retail and outlet locations or Disney Parks and Resorts locations or on Disney store merchandise purchased from other retailers or using third party websites. Must be logged in to your Disney Account to redeem, using an account linked to your D23 Gold or Gold Family Membership. Maximum one item per D23 Gold Membership. Item not eligible for any additional promotional discounts or offers except available shipping offers. Offer subject to restrictions and to change without notice. Void where prohibited.

Fantasia Key and Pin

Early access offer available only to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members. Items will be available for general purchase on November 13, 2020. Valid while supplies last at shopDisney.com (online or via phone orders). Not valid on purchases made at Disney store and Disney Baby Store retail and outlet locations or Disney Parks and Resorts locations or on Disney store merchandise purchased from other retailers or using third party websites. Must be logged in to your Disney Account to redeem, using an account linked to your D23 Gold or Gold Family Membership. Maximum one of each item per D23 Gold Membership. Items not eligible for any additional promotional discounts or offers except available shipping offers. Offer subject to restrictions and to change without notice. Void where prohibited.

Inside For Life’s Post-Prison Second Season

By Zach Johnson

In the highly anticipated second season of the hit ABC drama For Life (returning Wednesday, November 18, at 10 p.m. ET), wrongfully convicted inmate turned lawyer Aaron Wallace will finally become a free man. But will he ever truly be free? After spending nearly 10 years behind bars, he will experience the “worst of the worst,” warns series executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. “The trauma from that can be like a soldier reentering society after war.”

Indeed, this season of For Life, inspired by executive producer Isaac Jackson Wright Jr.’s own journey, won’t shy away from the harsh realities Aaron is about to face. “There is the weight of everything he went through last season with the added responsibility of who he is now as a husband and a father,” says Nicholas Pinnock, who plays Aaron and also serves as a producer on the series. “There are certain prison aspects of Aaron that are still with him now that he’s on the outside. He’s not just a free man going straight back into regular, everyday societal life. He’s having to adapt. That adaptation brings with it a weight of its own.” Complicating matters: Aaron will be re-entering society in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the height of the Black Lives Matter movement. “He’s constantly having to navigate himself through those journeys, everything he does on the outside. How is he feeling? How is he navigating?” asks Pinnock. “He’s constantly thinking about these things.”

For Life

Creator and executive producer Hank Steinberg believes “the events of the summer” pushed For Life “even more into the zeitgeist,” resulting in “exciting, challenging and daunting” storytelling. “We feel like we have a lot of responsibility,” Steinberg adds, “but we also have a huge opportunity.”

By dealing with sensitive subject matter head on, the cast and creatives hope For Life will open a constructive dialogue. Says Indira Varma, who plays Safiya Masry, “I think life is complicated and one of the exciting things about this show is that it’s not black and white.”

For Life

Without spoiling anything, what other topics will For Life explore? “What you saw in season one—what you gravitated toward, what you fell in love with, what you identified with, what you connected to—is all going to be there and them some. I mean, I loved season one; I just think season two is going to be better… If the audience can understand it in the way that we’ve depicted it, if they can get an essence of how we felt doing it and what it really means to us, then absolutely it will be a stronger season than season one. And season one was already strong,” says Pinnock, adding, “When I read the first episode for season two, it didn’t feel like it was a hangover from season one. It felt like its own show, immediately. And for me, that’s what a season two pilot needs to feel like… It feels like it’s on its own track, not [like] season one is a train and then season two follows it. No! Season one is on one track and season two is on another, and I think that is what’s going to make it so strong.”

Party Like It’s 1953!

By Rebecca Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives

Inspired by the Mickey Mouse compilation film Mickey’s Birthday Party, which was itself released to celebrate Mickey’s 25th anniversary in 1953, Walt Disney Productions released this fun pamphlet for families. This vintage publication, sponsored by Weather-Bird Shoes, is full of ideas, games, and directions for a birthday party, but is adaptable for any occasion. So, please enjoy this look back, or use it to celebrate your favorite character and his best buddies with your very own “Mickey Mouse Birthday Party.” So much fun… and so easy!

Watch the Brand-New Trailer for High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special

By Beth Deitchman

It’s beginning to look—and sound—a lot like the holidays! Disney+ has just released the trailer for High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special, which is coming to Disney+ on Friday, December 11. As the cast promises, the festive special is full of laughs, a Santa hat or two, a whole lot of music, and dreidels!

#HSMTMTS fans can unwrap an early holiday present courtesy of the brand-new trailer, which includes a preview of “The Perfect Gift,” a new song from the highly anticipated second season of the series, written and performed by Joshua Bassett. “The Perfect Gift” appears on the soundtrack from the special, available this Friday, November 20. Both the soundtrack and special also include a sneak peek of “Something In The Air,” the first major musical number from the upcoming second season of the series.

High School Musical

High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special will bring together the cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Larry Saperstein, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, Frankie Rodriguez, Joe Serafini, Mark St. Cyr, and Kate Reinders—to share childhood holiday memories, best (and most embarrassing!) gifts, favorite traditions, and family photos. But first and foremost, there will be music! Here is the track listing for the special, and for High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special: The Soundtrack:

High School Musical

  • “This Christmas (Hang All The Mistletoe)”—performed by Sofia Wylie
  • “The Perfect Gift”—written and performed by Joshua Bassett
  • “Feliz Navidad”—performed by Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini
  • “The Hanukkah Medley”—performed by Julia Lester
  • “Last Christmas”—performed by Matt Cornett
  • “White Christmas”—performed by Larry Saperstein
  • “Little Saint Nick”—performed by Joshua Bassett and Matt Cornett
  • “Believe”—performed by Dara Reneé
  • “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve”—performed by Kate Reinders and Mark St. Cyr
  • “River”—performed by Olivia Rodrigo
  • “Something In The Air”—performed by the season two cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
  • “That’s Christmas To Me”—performed by Frankie Rodriguez, Kate Reinders, Julia Lester, and Joe Serafini
  • “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”—performed by Dara Reneé

High School Musical

The special is executive-produced by High School Musical: The Musical: The Series creator and executive producer Tim Federle (Golden Globe®- and Academy Award®-nominated Ferdinand) and Ashley Edens (Dancing with the Stars). High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—”Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes as measured by a consensus of reviews by top critics and audience members, and the recipient of the 2020 GLAAD Media Award for “Outstanding Kids & Family Programming”—is available now on Disney+.

High School Musical

Anthony Daniels Talks Bringing LEGO C-3PO To Life in Disney+’s The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Much like the characters of Star Wars use holograms to communicate with each other across the galaxy, last Wednesday, reporters gathered in front of their screens to communicate with C-3PO… or, well, to communicate with the actor who has brought the golden beacon of Human-Cyborg Relations to life for over 40 years. Not unlike the Jedi communing through the Force, Daniels introduces himself with a cosmic statement: “Everybody is listening, but I can’t really see people. I know you’re there. I feel your presence.” While Daniels spent some of the conference musing about a modern saying he thinks would be excellent to introduce to Threepio’s vocabulary (“Mute yourself!” he exclaims in a perfect rendition of C3-PO’s  irritated exclamations, “I’ve just written it down”) he also took some time to answer our burning questions about The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special and his lasting Star Wars legacy.

Lego Star Wars

How Did He Feel About Being part of a New Star Wars Holiday Special?

Anthony Daniels (AD): When I saw what they were going to do [a new special] and that it was LEGO, I was just thrilled to be asked. I was delighted because I know anything with LEGO and with Star Wars is going to be a blast, LEGO has been a wonderful companion to Star Wars. I think people who remember the original holiday special will be surprised. This is different. This is fun. And, it also references so many memories that audiences have around the world.

I love the irreverence that LEGO has always brought, whatever the product, because you can’t be serious if you’re a dumpy inch-and-a-half doll—you cannot be serious. So intrinsically, a LEGO product is going to be fun, it’s going to be irreverent and it’s going to allow you to places you wouldn’t normally go in a Star Wars movie. And that’s why the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special allows you to go on weird adventures, meeting people you wouldn’t normally meet in the same room with and it works out.

What’s the Difference Between Making a Live-Action Holiday Special and a LEGO Special?

AD: The only difference is I’m not wearing the suit. I am there in jeans and a shirt of some kind that doesn’t make rustle-y noises in the microphone, so you have to be careful what kind of material you’re wearing. Because with Threepio, I stand up, I stand as him—very tense because he’s a tense character—but he moves most of the time when he’s talking. And if I’m wearing the wrong clothes, cotton that’s a bit sharp or whatever, it can make rustle-y noises, so I had to be very careful to wear sloppy clothes. That way I can remain as physically as Threepio. If you’re watching me, people forget that I’m there in the shirt and the jeans, they see the gold. That’s kind of fun for me.

In an animation you tend to only have your lines, so always you have to read what, or ask what, the line before was—but, that is second nature to me, because in the original film when I talked to R2-D2 they didn’t tell me [what R2-D2 said], but R2-D2 never beeped or anything until six months later when Ben Burtt, eventually, won an Oscar for being the voice of R2-D2.”

LEGO Star Wars

Why Should You Use The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special to Introduce Your Kids to Star Wars?

AD: Anybody with small children who don’t yet know that Star Wars is a very important film (concerning the adventures of a gold robot played by Anthony Daniels), [The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special is] a great introduction. I think people are going to have fun over the holiday season talking about it and explaining to kids, “Well, this is about this and this is about that. And then let’s go watch the movie.”

It’s interesting that the original film was called A New Hope and these days we need to feel there is hope and there is lightness, and fun, and joy in life. And without realizing it, I think the producers of this film, this LEGO special, have hit the right moment to bring this out because we need, this year, right now in the holiday season, to be reminded that there are good things in life, there are good things to celebrate. It’s difficult right now for many, many people in all sorts of different circumstances.

There’s so much for a family to enjoy and if you’re not there with a family there is so much warmth in the program that you can relax, be there. Just stop looking out of the window for a moment and just sink into this program. And you’ll feel better, I think.

What Does He Have in Common with C-3PO?

AD: People often ask me what characteristics do I share with Threepio and well, how can I put this? Because I liked him very much—and you’d have to ask my wife! I mean, he can be irritating and I’m sure she would deny that I was irritating. But one thing I really do like that I share with him is his sense of loyalty. I think loyalty in humans, loyalty to each other, is extremely important. One of the lovely things in the movies is that Threepio shows great loyalty even to dreadful human beings like Han Solo. Nevertheless, he would want him to be okay, but loyalty to the princess, to Luke Skywalker and of course, to R2-D2. A very, very major important human attribute.

LEGO Star Wars

What Would He Like to Say to the Fans?

AD: I’m going to say, “thank you” to you and everybody else, all the fans, who have reciprocated, who have enjoyed, who have watched, who have loved what I and the other members of the cast and crew and producers and so on have brought to you. Without the fans, there would have only been one Star Wars film. Then it became Episode IV, because the fans took it and loved it—so George made the next film, The Empire Strikes Back, and so on. So, you’re thanking me and I’m thanking you for playing your part as a member of the audience. It’s a two-way process, and you’re part of the team. And I thank you.

Happy Life Day! The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special is now streaming on Disney+.

Three Marvel’s 616 Filmmakers Discuss Their Episodes

By Jim Frye

There’s one simple guiding principle that sets Marvel apart: storytelling that reflects the world outside your window. That means that even though Marvel weaves fantastical tales that span far-off worlds, one thing rings true: Marvel characters are relatable—they’re real people, with real struggles… who just so happen to also have super powers. Captain America may be a super-soldier who can lift a jeep over his head, but in the end, he still gets nervous about asking Peggy out on a date.

The brand-new docuseries Marvel’s 616, premiering November 20 on Disney+, explores the rich legacy of pioneering characters, along with the real-life creators, artists, and passions behind them. Each documentary in the series is helmed by a unique filmmaker and showcases the storytelling, pop culture, and fandom within the Marvel Universe.

Marvel 616

In his episode “Lost and Found,” actor and director Paul Scheer (Black Monday, The Leaguedigs deep into Marvel’s dusty archives and discovers some of the most interesting characters you’ve probably never heard of. “When you hear the name Marvel, you probably have a couple images that pop into your head,” says Scheer. “It’s Spider-Man, it’s Iron Man, it’s Black Panther… but I got to thinking, there’s such a wealth of material in the Marvel 80-year history. I kind of think of it as the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark: In every box there is some sort of treasure, we just have to open the right boxes… and I found some great characters, some that we couldn’t even put in the documentary! Like a cow who was bitten by a vampire and became a Hellcow. Or a medieval, time-traveling knight who was also Billy Ray Cyrus. There was a villain who became Asbestos Lady. Or U.S. 1, who is a truck driver who gets into a terrible accident and gets a CB put into his head and he’s able to click his tongue and talk on a CB!”

 Marvel 616

Actress Gillian Jacobs (Community, Love) goes a different route in her episode “Higher, Further, Faster,” tracing the history and contributions of the women creators at Marvel. “Even going back before Marvel was even a company, there were women in comics,” says Jacobs. “That was incredibly exciting to me, to get to highlight these women who were in the comic book industry in the 1930s and 1940s. I’m so sad I never got to speak to Marie Severin [artist) and Flo Steinberg [editor/publisher, Stan Lee’s assistant], who were two incredibly influential women in the world of Marvel comics. But I did get to talk to Jo Duffy [editor] who worked there in the ’70s… Then to be able to talk to female creators who work there today, it was interesting to see how the female characters have evolved as well.”

Whereas Scheer and Jacobs dove into Marvel’s characters, history, and creators, Alison Brie (GLOW, Community) takes us behind the scenes at a high school-produced one-act play featuring Marvel characters who address real-world teen issues of today. “The Marvel Spotlight Program was completely new to me,” she says. “It’s a collection of one-act plays that are written for high school students to perform, about characters in the Marvel Universe who are also high school or college age. The nature about my episode is dealing with these one-act plays about specific characters, and me wanting to experience them through the eyes of these high school students and how they were relating to the characters. I certainly did research on these specific characters, such as Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan), Squirrel Girl (Doreen Green)—but it was more preliminary research, and once the train left the station it was more about being in the moment, being in tune with the students and their personal experiences. It’s much more about their emotional journey and less about learning every fact about these characters.”

Marvel 616

Other episodes explore topics like Japanese Spider-Man, Marvel artists around the world, cosplay, collectibles, and more. And that name? Marvel’s 616 (pronounced Six-One-Six)? According to executive producer Sarah Amos, it’s a nice, deep cut for our Marvel fans. “The whole series is looking at how Marvel has affected pop culture, and how pop culture has affected Marvel,” says Amos. “Everyone is familiar with multi-verses now. Earth-616 is one of the Earths in the multi-verse. It is the classic Earth we know. Cap, Spider-Man, all the heroes that we grew up on—that core Earth, that is Earth-616.” So, in essence, Marvel’s 616 is the classic Marvel we all know—the core Marvel. The one right outside our window.

Marvel 616

Catch all eight episodes of the series on Disney+ beginning November 20.

Add These D23 Gold Member-Exclusive and Early-Access Items to Your Fantastic World

By the D23 Team

This week, we’re celebrating the wonderful worlds of Disney with an exciting week of virtual events, articles, and merchandise during our D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration. Speaking of merchandise, D23 Gold and Gold Family Members can explore a whole new world of exclusive and early-access merchandise that celebrates the wonderful worlds of Disney Animation, Disney Parks, Star Wars, and more! Check out these items below to find out what treasures are in store for you.

D23 Fantastic Worlds Puzzle

Puzzle

D23 Gold Members will have a special opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind collectible for the ultimate Disney fan! Celebrate the worlds of Disney—both real and imagined—with this 1,000-piece premium puzzle featuring the one-of-a-kind D23 Fantastic Worlds map, designed by Disney artist Bryan Mon!

This boxed puzzle—a limited edition of 3,300—will be available exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family members on shopDisney at 7 a.m. PT on November 23, 2020.

Fantasia Pin Set 

Fantasia

Now’s your chance to take home a melodious tribute to animation history with an exclusive pin set celebrating the 80th anniversary of Fantasia and the 20th anniversary of Fantasia/2000, created in beautiful enamel with glitter infill exclusively for D23 by Disney artist Caley Hicks.

This boxed pin set—a limited edition of 2,000—will be available exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family members on shopDisney at 7 a.m. PT on November 23, 2020.

Exclusive Early Access to Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Hilt, Ben Solo Lightsaber Hilt, and Reforged Skywalker Lightsaber Hilt from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars
©Disney © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.

Get your hands on these detailed creations of the most elegant weapons in the galaxy. From November 19–20, D23 Gold members will have an exclusive “first-access” opportunity to purchase three legacy lightsaber hilts from Star Wars: Galaxy Edge on shopDisney.com, before the general public on November 25. These exclusive items are from Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration Limited-Edition Disney “A Man and His Mouse” Mickey Mouse Plush 

Walter Ego

This Mickey Plush, created exclusively for D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration, honors Mickey’s ‘Walter ego,’ Walt Disney.  Disney artist John Hench decided to honor both man and mouse in Mickey’s 70th birthday portrait by dressing Mickey in an orange cardigan sweater, just like the sweaters that Walt Disney liked to wear around the Studio and WED (now Walt Disney Imagineering). This special-edition Mickey Mouse plush, wearing a similar cozy cardigan sweater, was created exclusively for D23 Members, to honor the Man behind the Mouse, Walter Elias Disney.

Want to make these items part of your world? Become a D23 Gold Member today! For a limited time, you can get a complimentary D23 Fantastic Worlds 4-pin set when you buy a new D23 Gold or Gold Family Membership.

Magical Updates on New Disney Parks Attractions and Entertainment

By Zach Johnson

On Monday, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, took the virtual stage at the IAAPA Expo: Virtual Education Conference to share a behind-the-scenes look at lessons learned over the past year—and to chart Disney Parks’ path forward.

While the pandemic required some projects to be put on pause, Disney Imagineers never stopped dreaming up new experiences. Groundbreaking updates are coming to Disney destinations around the world, with progress continuing to be made on several projects—many of which are pushing the boundaries of innovation and storytelling like never before.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the announcements D’Amaro made today:

Disney Parks Update

Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris
Guests are invited to team up with the Avengers and their allies in a new land: Avengers Campus. The Worldwide Engineering Brigade (aka WEB) building will soon house the attraction WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, where guests will board vehicles and help Spider-Man subdue of an army of Spider-Bots that have taken over Avengers Campus.

Disney Parks Update

Disney Parks Update

Guests visiting Disneyland Paris will soon be able to experience Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, celebrating 80 years of Marvel storytelling in a typical New York setting. Inspired by an art gallery, with more than 300 items from more than 95 artists on display, the four-star hotel will boast one of the largest collections of Marvel artwork in the world.

Disney Parks Update

Disney Parks Update

Walt Disney World Resort
Work continues on the historic, multi-year transformation of EPCOT, including “Harmonious,” Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

Harmonious” will be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created, with massive floating set pieces that house a variety of show effects, including custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, colorful lights, lasers, pyrotechnics and much more. “Harmonious” will feature the hallmarks of a Disney experience, like images and music, which will be reimagined by diverse cultural musicians and artists from around the world.

Disney Parks Update

Work also continues on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the family-friendly “storytelling coaster” that features a revolutionary ride system with vehicles that rotate 360 degrees and can even do a reverse launch! The Omnicoaster is a first-of-its-kind programmable roller coaster ride system, where guests can be rotated along the ride track in any direction while traveling at high speeds. Fun fact: The Omnicoaster name builds upon the tradition of the Omnimover ride system in which Walt Disney Imagineers are able to turn guests in any direction, redirecting their attention to a specific element or scene.

At Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the adventure will start in the “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. Guests will be invited to learn more about Xandar’s treasures… until the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive and adventures across the cosmos ensue. The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

Disney Parks Update

Plans are on track to open Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in 2021. Based on Disney and Pixar’s hit film Ratatouille, this family-friendly attraction will invite guests to shrink down to the scale of a rat for a culinary adventure with Chef Remy. During each adventure, guests will race across Gusteau’s kitchen floor aboard trackless ride vehicles in a rousing 3D chase.

Disney Parks Update

Disney Parks Update

Disney Parks Update

Disney Parks Update

In a galaxy not so far, far away, progress continues at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, where guests will live aboard a starship for a two-day, two-night experience that’s out of this world. Unlike any typical cruise, guests will become the heroes of their own Star Wars story in a new type of immersive experience that only Disney could create. Guests will cruise the galaxy in style aboard the Halcyon, known for its impeccable service and exotic destinations. During their stay, guests will stay in well-appointed cabins, experience onboard dining, make a planet-side excursion to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu and more.

Disney Parks Update

Disney Parks Update

Shanghai Disney Resort
Progress continues on the Zootopia-themed land, where guests will be invited to experience the metropolis of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Oscar®-winning animated film. This expansion—the park’s eighth themed land and the first-ever Zootopia-themed land at any Disney park—will include a new attraction that will seamlessly blend Disney storytelling and state-of-the-art technology to bring this fan-favorite movie and its characters to life. The aerial photo of the area shows how big the show building will be!

Disney Parks update

Tokyo Disneyland
New attractions, restaurants and shops recently opened at Tokyo Disneyland, marking the largest expansion in the park’s 37-year history. Part of the expansion will be “Fantasy Springs,” which will be themed to a magical spring inspired by the beloved films Frozen, Peter Pan and Tangled. It will feature four new attractions, three restaurants and a new Disney-themed hotel situated inside Tokyo DisneySea that will overlook Fantasy Springs.