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Kris Kringle. Sinterklaas. Père Noël. Babbo Natale. Belsnickel. It’s true—Santa Claus goes by many names… but there’s one name that surprised everyone back in the early ’90s: Scott Calvin. Walt Disney Pictures’ The Santa Clause premiered on November 11, 1994, and introduced fans around the world to Disney Legend Tim Allen’s harried, skeptical toy-company-executive divorcé who—during one fateful Christmas Eve—suddenly finds himself in the life-altering position of actually becoming Santa Claus, thanks to a little-known North Pole provision.
In the two-plus decades since its release, The Santa Clause has become a seasonal staple for holiday fans everywhere. And guess what? The film is currently available for streaming on Disney+! Speaking of which, that got us to thinking about all the other great holiday films available for perusal right now on the streaming service. (Yes, we know it’s not yet Thanksgiving, but is it ever too early for feel-good, jingle-jangle fun? We think not.)
And so, we here at D23 have devised a quiz to suss out which holiday movie on Disney+ you should watch to kick off the season. Will it be Scott Calvin and company’s (mis)adventures in The Santa Clause, or maybe something a little more animated? Take the quiz and find out! And don’t forget to check Disney+ for even more options! These films are just the tip of the festive iceberg…
You’re decorating an imaginary Christmas tree… what kind of lights do you use?
What’s the best holiday gift you ever received?
Favorite style of holiday music:
What’s your gift-wrapping style?
Favorite holiday beverage:
Deck the Halls with This Disney+ Holiday Movie Quiz
The Santa Clause
Hot off the heels of his hit ABC series Home Improvement, Allen starred in this funny, feel-good comedy opposite Eric Lloyd as adorable son, Charlie; Wendy Crewson as patient ex-wife, Laura; Judge Reinhold as Laura’s well-meaning new husband, Neal; and David Krumholtz as everyone’s favorite curmudgeonly but kind elf Bernard. If you like hilarious one-liners (who doesn’t?), then The Santa Clause is for you.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens’ iconic story mixed with Jim Henson’s Muppets is an unexpected but marvelous match. Directed by Brian Henson, 1992’s The Muppet Christmas Carol stars Michael Caine as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns the error of his ways courtesy of Kermit the Frog (as Bob Cratchit), Statler and Waldorf (as Jacob and Robert Marley), and more.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
This 1999 release features three individual stories starring Mickey and Minnie Mouse; Goofy and Max; and Donald Duck with his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, all reflecting on the true meaning of the holidays. Tied together by narration from actor Kelsey Grammer, Once Upon a Christmas is the perfect way to incorporate some of your all-time Disney faves into your celebrations.
Miracle on 34th Street
Yes, one of the most iconic holiday movies of all time is available to stream on Disney+! Havoc ensues when a man named Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn)—who claims to be the real Santa Claus—starts working inside Macy’s flagship store in 1947 New York City. Will he prove his pedigree to his doubtful boss (Maureen O’Hara) and her precocious daughter (Natalie Wood) before it’s too late?
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Jonathan Taylor Thomas stars in this 1998 romp as Jake Wilkinson, a self-absorbed prep school student who’s tasked with hitchhiking his way from California to New York (just days before Christmas) whilst dressed as Santa Claus. Notable not only for its fabulous late-’90s-pop-culture appeal, but also as one of Jessica Biel’s earliest screen roles.
Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
Framed as a flashback, with its main story taking place not long after Beast had saved Belle from the wolves, this snowy 1997 sequel to Disney’s animated hit finds Belle (once again voiced by Paige O’Hara) trying to plan an elaborate Christmas celebration for the castle’s amiable inhabitants—all while the vengeful pipe organ Forte (voice of Tim Curry) plots to prevent Belle and Beast from falling in love.
For more than 60 years, Disney has supported the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation as a way to connect with children and families in need during the holiday season. Disney’s relationship with Toys for Tots began in 1948, when Walt Disney and his animators personally designed the original Toys for Tots train logo, which is still in use.
This year, actor and self-proclaimed Disney super fan Neil Patrick Harris helped kick off the holidays by announcing that shopDisney.com | Disney store has teamed up with Toys for Tots (toysfortots.org) to help bring joy to underserved children this holiday season for the third year in a row.
Donate – From now through December 13, 2020, Disney will donate $1 to Toys for Tots for every new unwrapped toy donated at a Disney store or a World of Disney store in the U.S. or online through shopDisney.com. For guests who want to participate online, visit shopdisney.com/ToysForTots to purchase from a selection of 10 toys, accessories, and items eligible for donation.
“This year more than ever, we are hoping to bring some holiday magic to fans and families and help get more toys to children who need them most,” said Edward Park, senior vice president, shopDisney & Disney store. “While this year is different than years past, we have made every effort to shift donations online to shopDisney.com to ensure anyone who wants to participate can do so from home.”
In addition to donating a new unwrapped toy, guests can support Toys for Tots by purchasing a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse gingerbread pin. Disney will donate $1 to Toys for Tots (toysfortots.org) for every Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse gingerbread pin purchased at a U.S. Disney store or on shopDisney.com from November 1 – December 24, 2020.
Early Hour In-Store Shopping – Beat the crowds and reserve a visit at select local Disney store locations before they open to the general public to shop early and have more time to enjoy the holiday season!* Purchase a $1 ticket to Disney store’s holiday early hours at select U.S. Disney store locations, and Disney will donate $1 to Toys for Tots (toysfortots.org) now through December 14, 2020. Each store will offer tickets per its current capacity restrictions, enabling your group, along with a limited number of other groups, to enjoy a socially distanced experience.
shopDisney.com|Disney store continues to offer a broad selection of toys, collectibles, and uniquely designed gifts across Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel for fans of all ages across fashion, accessories, toys, tech, home, and more.
*Select stores only, while supplies last. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable except in the event of cancellation. Event subject to change or cancellation without notice. Limited-edition, limited release, and special-edition products that are due to release on the day of the reservation WILL NOT be available during Early Hour In-Store Shopping events. If you are interested in purchasing one of these items, please plan to visit the store during regular opening hours.
The wait is almost over! On Thursday, PlayStation® 5 will become available in North America, a week ahead of its European launch on November 19. In addition to exclusive PS5 games—like Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, available November 12—more than 99 percent of the 4,000+ PS4 games can be played on either the PS5 console or the PS5 digital edition console. Games will need to be downloaded from PlayStation Store for the latter, and while most games are playable on PS5, some features available on PS4 may be absent.
Our Spidey senses haven’t stopped tingling since the PS5 reveal event in June, when we learned Insomniac Games was developing a game centering on Miles Morales, who was a nonplayable character in the 2018 video game Marvel’s Spider-Man. So, whether you’re adding new titles to your collection or replaying favorites, we’re highlighting seven games featuring Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters that you’ll want to play again and again!
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020) What a tangled web he weaves! Experience the rise of Miles Morales as he masters new powers to become his own Spider-Man. After training under Peter Parker, Miles is ready to protect the people of New York City… or so he thinks. While his mentor is out of town, a dangerous power struggle worsens between Roxxon Energy Corporation and the Underground. Ready or not, Miles is about to discover what it truly means to be a hero.
Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King (2019) This treasured package of two ’90s classics offers new display options, enhancements, features, and game modes, plus multiple versions of the games. In Disney’s Aladdin, join Aladdin and his sidekick, Abu, as they race through the marketplace toward their date with destiny. Travel through Agrabah, the Cave of Wonders, and more exotic locales to defeat Jafar and rescue Princess Jasmine. The Lion King, meanwhile, brings to life the story of Simba, a lion cub tricked into exile by his uncle Scar. Aided by his new friends, Timon and Pumbaa, Simba fights his way through 10 thrilling levels to claim his rightful place as king.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) Set after the events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, meet Cal Kestis, a Padawan who managed to escape the Empire and is now living a quiet life as a scrapper. It isn’t long before he’s pulled back into the never-ending battle between the light and dark sides, and the Imperial Inquisitors continue to hunt him down even after Cal teams up with Resistance members Cere Junda and Greez Dritus. With Cal’s help, they attempt to do the impossible: uncover a hidden list of Force-sensitive children and rebuild the Jedi Order.
LEGO® The Incredibles (2018) You don’t need to put on your super suit to play as your favorite characters from Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles and Incredibles 2. Reimagined in LEGO form, the game recreates hilarious scenes and explosive action sequences from both movies as you battle villains including Syndrome, The Underminer, and more. Unsure which character best suits your playing style? Take our fun quiz, What’s Your Incredibles Super Power?, to get a better idea.
Marvel’s Avengers (2020) The Avengers assemble on A-Day, with Black Widow, Captain America, the Hulk, Iron Man, and Thor unveiling a new headquarters in San Francisco. A mysterious enemy emerges, resulting in death and destruction, and exposing the public to a Terrigen Mist that activates special abilities in Inhumans. Blamed for the tragedy, the Avengers disband, and the scientific A.I.M. organization takes their place as purported protectors of the peace. Five years later, things have only gotten worse. Fed up, a New Jersey teen named Kamala Khan—an Avengers superfan who gained embiggening powers on A-Day—sets out to reassemble and rebuild the Avengers so they can take down A.I.M.’s megalomaniac leader. Before new characters including Kate Bishop and Hawkeye become playable at a later date, take our quiz to find out which Marvel’s Avengers character suits your playing style.
Kingdom Hearts III (2019) Set in multiple Disney and Pixar worlds, the game serves as the final chapter of the Dark Seeker Saga and chronicles the events leading up to the final showdown between Sora and Master Xehanort. After losing most of his powers, Sora travels to Olympus with Donald Duck and Goofy to see if Hercules can help… only to come face-to-face with Hades! Meanwhile, Mickey Mouse and Riku continue to search for Aqua in the Realm of Darkness, while Kairi and Lea train to become Keyblade Masters. Along the way, Sora meets characters from Disney and Pixar films such as Big Hero 6; Frozen; Hercules; Monsters, Inc.; Pirates of the Caribbean; Tangled; Toy Story; and Winnie the Pooh. Can these new friends help Sora finally stop Xehanort from forging the X-blade and summoning Kingdom Hearts?
Star Wars: Squadrons (2020) Embark on missions that take place between Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, told from alternating perspectives of two factions. The story swaps between two customizable pilots from the New Republic’s Vanguard Squadron, who fight for freedom, and the Empire’s Titan Squadron, who demand order. Which side are you on?
By: Cappy Surette
Senior Manager, Executive Communications, Walt Disney World Resort, and Co-Chair, SALUTE Veteran Business Employee Resource Group (Florida-site)
The General Joe Potter ferryboat on Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Walt Disney Company has a long and proud tradition of supporting military personnel, their families, and Veterans that dates all the way back to our founders, Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served the United States during World War I. Roy was a Navy Petty Officer from 1917-1919, and Walt was an ambulance chauffeur for the Red Cross Ambulance Corps in France very shortly after the war ended.
Walt Disney World Resort has several enduring ways we recognize those who serve in the military as well as their family members, including special discounts, hosting the Shades of Green Armed Forces morale, welfare, and recreation hotel at Walt Disney World, and more. But there is another tribute to two special military Veterans on display every single day near Magic Kingdom Park that often goes unnoticed.
One of the highest honors the U.S. military can bestow is naming a U.S. Navy ship after our nation’s heroes. In similar fashion in 1997, Walt Disney World honored U.S. Army Major General William “Joe” Potter and Navy Rear Admiral Joseph “Joe” Fowler by re-christening two of our ferryboats that transport guests to and from Magic Kingdom across Seven Seas Lagoon.
Both men not only served their nation proudly in uniform, but also went on to have incredible careers with The Walt Disney Company—in fact, they are both Disney Legends.
The Admiral Joe Fowler ferryboat was named after Disney Legend Navy Rear Admiral Joe Fowler.
Navy Rear Admiral Joe Fowler Navy Rear Admiral Joe Fowler served during both World Wars, specializing in naval architecture. Among his numerous accomplishments, he supervised the design and building of the largest aircraft carriers that operated during World War II. After he retired from the Navy, Walt Disney personally hired Joe in 1954 to help oversee the construction of Disneyland. He not only led construction work of the park but was chosen to manage operations after the iconic park opened.
Joe went on to lead the planning and building efforts for Walt Disney World. “Can do” was his signature reply when Roy assigned him the formidable mission of managing and planning for the building of Walt Disney World. At one point, he held three posts simultaneously: senior vice president, engineering and construction, for Walt Disney Productions; chairman of the board of WED Enterprises, now known as Walt Disney Imagineering; and director of construction for Disney’s Buena Vista Construction Company.
He retired from Disney in 1978 and was named a Disney Legend in 1990.
The Magic Kingdom I ferryboat was re-launched as the Admiral Joe Fowler on May 28, 1997.
The General Joe Potter ferryboat was named after Disney Legend Army Major General Joe Potter.
Major General Joe Potter Major General William “Joe” Potter served in the United States Army for 38 years before Walt hired him in 1965. He was an engineering and logistical planning genius who made significant contributions during World War II and also served as governor of the Panama Canal Zone.
As vice president of Florida Planning, Joe oversaw construction of Walt Disney World’s entire infrastructure. This involved the layout for all underground utilities and sewer, power, and water treatment plants that were a marvel of modern engineering for the time period. He also responsibly developed drainage canals across the entire property. He worked to preserve the area’s ecology and beauty, giving the waterways a natural appearance. Eagle-eyed guests can still see many of these canals today.
Following the opening of Walt Disney World, he served as senior vice president until he retired in 1974. He was named a Disney Legend in 1997 and another Walt Disney World ferry boat, the Kingdom Queen, became General Joe Potter on June 18, 1997, in his honor.
During National Veteran and Military Family Month, we’re proud to honor the contributions these two Disney Legends made to both our nation and our company. We proudly salute our many cast members and employees who have served, or continue to serve, in the U.S. Armed Forces. We also offer a sincere “thank you” to all our military heroes who are selflessly standing the watch today across the world in support of freedom.
Ready for an early holiday gift of the DCOM variety? Our friends at Disney Channel have just announced that production has begun on the Disney Channel Original Movie Christmas Again, a heartwarming comedy that’s chock-full of Christmas magic. The movie comes from the successful team behind Disney Channel’s fan-favorite series Liv and Maddie, director Andy Fickman (Race to Witch Mountain) and his long-time producing partner, Betsy Sullenger. They serve as executive producers on Christmas Again, which is filming now in Chicago with Fickman at the helm.
Christmas Again boasts a multi-talented cast led by Disney Channel fan-favorite Scarlett Estevez of BUNK’D, along with Daniel Sunjata (Manifest, Rescue Me), Alexis Carra (Fosse/Verdon), newcomer Ashlyn Jade Lopez, Tony Award® winner Priscilla Lopez (A Chorus Line), Beth Lacke (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Tony Amendola (Annabelle), and veteran comedic actor Gary Anthony Williams (Star Wars Resistance).
(L-R) Scarlett Estevez, Daniel Sunjata, Alexis Carra, Ashlyn Jade Lopez(L-R) Priscilla Lopez, Tony Amendola, Beth Lacke, Gary Anthony Williams
Written by Doan La (Black Friday), Christmas Again centers on Rowena “Ro” (Estevez), a high-spirited 11-year-old girl having a hard time getting in the holiday spirit. She wishes that her divorced parents (Sunjata and Carra) were still together; that her dad’s new girlfriend (Lacke) and son were completely out of the picture; and that her family traditions could remain the same as always. After a disappointing celebration with her family—including sister Gabriela “Gabby” (Ashlyn Lopez), Abuela Sofia (Priscilla Lopez), and Abuelo Hector (Amendola)—Ro tells a mall Santa (Williams) that what she wants most for Christmas this year is a “do-over.” Her wish comes true, and Ro unexpectedly finds herself reliving Christmas day over and over… and over again. Can Ro learn to love her modern blended family as it is and discover the true meaning of Christmas—and in doing so, break the strange magical loop? We’ll find out when Christmas Again airs in 2021. Stay tuned to D23 for all of the details.
Ready for something new? This week, Hulu will debut two new original series, starting with The Mighty Ones on Monday and followed by Eater’s Guide to the World on Wednesday. ABC will broadcast The 54th Annual CMA Awards live Wednesday, while the network’s top-rated drama series Grey’s Anatomy will return Thursday. And on Thursday, tune in for the network premiere of Marc Forster’s Christopher Robin, airing on Freeform.
The Mighty Ones—Monday, November 9, on Hulu In every backyard, a secret world exists filled with tiny creatures. Hulu’s new original series follows the adventures of a twig, a pebble, a leaf, and a strawberry—four best friends who live in an unkempt backyard belonging to a trio of equally unkempt humans whom they mistake for gods. But in spite of their diminutive statures, The Mighty Ones are determined to live large! The cast includes Jessica McKenna as the voice of Rocksy, Alex Cazeres as the voice of Berry. Josh Brenner as the voice of Twig, Jimmy Tatro as the voice of Leaf, and Fred Tatasciore as the voice of Mr. Ladybug. All 10 episodes will be available November 9.
The 54th Annual CMA Awards—Wednesday, November 11, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC Yeehaw! Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker will host Country Music’s Biggest Night™ live from Nashville. Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Jenee Fleenor, and Ashley McBryde will open the show with a tribute to Charlie Daniels. The hosts will also take the stage together for an emotional, groundbreaking tribute performance, and Rucker will also perform “Beers and Sunshine” with Lady A. Additional performers will include Jimmie Allen (“Best Shot”); Ingrid Andress (“More Heart Than Brains”); Gabby Barrett with Charlie Puth (“I Hope”); Eric Church (“Hell of a View”); Luke Combs (“Cold as You”); Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber (“10,000 Hours); Florida Georgia Line (“Long Live”); Little Big Town (Kenny Rogers tribute); Miranda Lambert (“Settling Down”); Maren Morris (“The Bones”); Old Dominion (“Lookin’ for Love”); Jon Pardi (Joe Diffie tribute); Carly Pearce with Lee Brice (“I Hope You’re Happy Now”); Rascal Flatts (“Bless the Broken Road”); Thomas Rhett with McEntire, Hillary Scott, and Chris Tomlin (“Be a Light”); Keith Urban (“God Whispered Your Name”); and Morgan Wallen (“More Than My Hometown”). Lambert leads the nominees with seven, breaking the record for most nominations by a female artist, and Charley Pride will receive the 2020 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Eater’s Guide to the World—Wednesday, November 11, on Hulu Discover the most surprising culinary destinations in Hulu’s new original series. Join narrator Maya Rudolph on a quest to find the most unexpected places to score an epic meal while drinking and dining with the locals along the way. The seven episodes, all streaming November 11, will showcase the best eats in Casablanca, New York City, Tijuana, and beyond. We don’t recommend watching this delicious new show on an empty stomach!
Christopher Robin—Thursday, November 12, at 8:30 p.m. ET on Freeform Oh, bother. In Walt Disney Pictures’ heartwarming live-action film, making its Freeform debut, the once adventurous Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) has strayed too far from the Hundred Acre Wood of his youth. Now, it’s up to Winnie the Pooh (voice of Jim Cummings) to bring him home and help him rediscover his imagination. Aided by Eeyore (voice of Brad Garrett), Kanga (voice of Sophie Okonedo), Owl (voice of Toby Jones), Piglet (voice of Nick Mohammed), Rabbit (voice of Peter Capaldi), Roo (voice of Sara Sheen), and Tigger (voice of Cummings), Pooh sets off for London to find their grown-up friend. Their timing couldn’t be better, as Christopher is in desperate need of a wakeup call.
Grey’s Anatomy—Thursday, November 12, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC The two-part season 17 premiere event begins with the episode “All Tomorrow’s Parties.” Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Grey Sloan Memorial and its surgeons’ lives have been turned upside down. Now it’s all-hands-on-deck as Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), Bailey (Chandra Wilson), and the rest of the doctors find themselves on the frontlines of a new era. Meanwhile, an unintentionally started fire has first responders from Station 19 bringing patients in for treatment. Then, in “The Center Won’t Hold,” Bailey finds herself in the center of an argument with patients’ families as they await news about their children who were injured in the fire. Meanwhile, Winston (Anthony Hill) surprises Maggie (Kelly McCreary); Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) and Link (Chris Carmack) try to have some fun as new parents; Teddy (Kim Raver) discovers her relationship issues aren’t a secret in the workplace; and Richard (James Pickens Jr.) and Koracick (Greg Germann) get into a fight.
Today marks the 80th anniversary of the 20th Century Fox film The Mark of Zorro (1940), directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Tyrone Power as Don Diego Vega and his masked alter ego, El Zorro! Set during the days of Spanish California, The Mark of Zorro tells the story of the title character’s fight against the tyranny of the corrupt local alcalde Don Luis Quintero (J. Edward Bromberg) in service of the common people while romancing Quintero’s beautiful niece, Lolita (Linda Darnell). Often cited as one of the defining precursors to the modern superhero, the character of Zorro first appeared in the story “The Curse of Capistrano,” written by author Johnston McCulley and published in 1919. Swashbuckling star of the silent screen Douglas Fairbanks was the first to portray the character in the 1920 film The Mark of Zorro (Fred Niblo, 1920, USA), produced by Douglas Fairbanks Pictures Corporation and distributed by United Artists.
Originally titled to The Californian differentiate itself from the 1920 film, the creative team behind the 1940 film conducted rigorous preproduction research about early California history, from government structures to architectural styles and clothing. Interestingly, there was a concurrent revival of the “Mission” style architecture happening in California, as the state sought to establish a sanitized understanding of its colonial past. The film was a great success and 20th Century Fox had the film dubbed into different Spanish dialects to better capture the markets of Spanish-speaking countries. The Mark of Zorro inspired later adaptations, including Walt Disney’s Zorro television series starring Disney Legend Guy Williams. Slash a “Z” and look below to enjoy a selection of The Mark of Zorro images from our Photo Library!
Mira, Royal Detective Celebrates Diwali with New Episode
Here’s some great news from our pals over at Disney Junior: They’ve got a totally tuneful, completely colorful, mega-meaningful new episode of Mira, Royal Detective all about the celebration of Diwali premiering today—Friday, November 6—and airing all through next week, leading up to the official beginning of Diwali on Saturday, November 14.
In the episode, entitled “The Great Diwali Mystery,” Mira must track down the missing oil used to light traditional lamps throughout the town in order to save the Diwali celebration. Plus, the episode features a new “Diwali” song written and produced by Matthew Tishler and Jeannie Lurie (who write the series’ fabulous songs), and the dance routine was choreographed by So You Think You Can Dance’s Nakul Dev Mahajan (series choreographer/dance consultant).
Hear from many members of the show’s voice cast—including Kal Penn (Mikku), Utkarsh Ambudkar (Chikku), Aasif Mandvi (Sahil), Karen David (Shilpa; Ashima; Rubi), Parvesh Cheena (Manish), Sonal Shah (Poonam) and Leela Ladnier (voice of Mira)—all about what Diwali means to them, in the brand-new featurette, above. Happy Diwali, everyone!
5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend
Looking for some “comfort food” in the form of fabulously fun things to watch this weekend from around the worlds of Disney? You’re in early-November luck—make sure to tune in for a brand-new episode of ABC’s Shark Tank, the network premiere of A Wrinkle in Time on Freeform, and more!
First Trailer for Disney+’s LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special
If you’re ready to feel a smidge of that good ol’ holiday spirit, might we suggest checking out the brand-new trailer—just released this week—for Disney+’s upcoming LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special? It’s chock-full of galactic good cheer…
This new animated special from LEGO (the first to debut on Disney+) directly follows the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker—and finds Rey leaving her friends to prepare for Life Day, setting off on a new adventure with BB-8 to gain a deeper knowledge of the Force. At a mysterious Jedi Temple, she’s hurled into a cross-timeline adventure through iconic moments in Star Wars cinematic history, coming into contact with the likes of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Obi-Wan, and other legendary heroes and villains from all nine Skywalker saga films. But will she make it back in time for the Life Day feast and learn the true meaning of the holiday?
Featuring the voices of Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), as well as Star Wars: The Clone Wars vets Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker), Tom Kane (Yoda, Qui-Gon Jinn), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), and Dee Bradley Baker (clone troopers), the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special premieres exclusively on Disney+ this November 17!
New Aulani Mobile App Offers All Manner of Aloha to Guests
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, recently began its phased reopening—and to help guests maximize all that fabulous vacation time, while safely enjoying all that Aulani Resort has to offer, the Disney Parks Blog announced that a brand-new Aulani Resort mobile app has launched!
Before guests arrive, they can use the app to explore all the magic of Aulani Resort, including the Waikolohe Valley pool area. Whether guests prefer admiring the view from a romantic infinity-edge pool, floating along a lazy river, or splashing down the water slides, there are plenty of magical opportunities for family fun. Other app features allow guests to manage their reservation details; begin the check-in process in advance; search for daily activities on the “Daily ’Iwa” calendar; and find places of interest on the resort map.
Available for iPhone and Android smartphones (message, data, and roaming rates may apply), guests can find the app in the app store by searching for terms like Aulani, Hawaii, Disney, resort, vacation, and Ko Olina.
ICYMI: Must-See Adorable Baby Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Yes, we fully realize we’ve been clueing you into all the adorable baby animals arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom lately—but honestly, how could we not? They are all so ridiculously adorable… plus, many of these births are for endangered species, and are therefore super meaningful to the park’s conservation mission. If you missed D23’s recent rundown of the latest “animals of the cutie-patootie variety,” click here and enjoy!
Looking for something “jaw-some” to watch this weekend? Look no further than Shark Tank, airing Friday on ABC. This weekend is also a great time to plan a movie marathon, as Disney’s A Christmas Carol and Mr. Magoo are both joining the Disney+ library Friday. Plus, the documentary Rebuilding Paradise and the feature film A Wrinkle in Time are also making their network debuts on National Geographic and Freeform, respectively, Sunday.
Shark Tank—Friday, November 6, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC Can two entrepreneurs from California prove they’re worth their salt as they pitch a healthy alternative to the seasoning staple? Sharks Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, and Kevin O’Leary will decide in the brand-new episode, which also features a mother and son team from Massachusetts showing off their spring-loaded cake stand. Then, spouses from Florida demonstrate an entertaining approach to the tried-and-true carving knives often used during holidays. And an entrepreneur from Missouri hopes his rap pitch sticks as he shares a product designed to attach a mobile phone to almost any surface. Then, in a Shark Tank update, season 11 entrepreneurs Sarah Paiji and Syed Naqvi update their investor, O’Leary, on how their New York-based, eco-friendly cleaning supplies company, Blueland, is making waves via online retail during the global pandemic.
Disney’s A Christmas Carol—Friday, November 6, on Disney+ In this 2009 film directed by Robert Zemeckis, which joins the Disney+ library Friday, Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual “bah humbug” attitude, barking at his faithful clerk (Gary Oldman) and his cheery nephew (Colin Firth). He later encounters the ghost of his late business partner, who warns that three spirits will visit him that night. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come (all played by Carrey) take him on an eye-opening journey in the hopes that it will warm his cold heart.
Mr. Magoo—Friday, November 6, on Disney+ This wild and wacky 1997 comedy, which joins the Disney+ library Friday, centers on Quincy Magoo (Leslie Nielson), a lovable but eccentric bumbling millionaire. Targeted by a band of international jewel thieves, the clueless Mr. Magoo sets out to retrieve a precious ruby with the help of his nephew, Waldo (Matt Keeslar), and his dog, Angus. It won’t be easy, of course—especially with someone as conniving as Luanne LeSeur (Kelly Lynch) at the helm.
Rebuilding Paradise—Sunday, November 8, at 9 p.m. ET on National Geographic The commercial-free broadcast premiere of the documentary feature film, from director Ron Howard and Imagine Documentaries, will air on the second anniversary of the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. On the morning of November 8, 2018, a devastating firestorm engulfed the picturesque city—and by the time the Camp Fire was extinguished, it had killed 85 people, displaced 50,000 residents and destroyed 95 percent of local structures. It was the deadliest U.S. fire in 100 years and the worst ever in California’s history. The film tells a moving story of resilience in the face of tragedy, as a community ravaged by catastrophe unites to recover what was lost and to begin the important task of rebuilding.
A Wrinkle in Time—Sunday, November 8, at 11:30 p.m. ET on Freeform Tune in for the network premiere of director Ava DuVernay’s adaptation of the classic novel by Madeleine L’Engle, which follows the adventures of Meg Murry (Storm Reid). On a dark and stormy night, three celestials—Mrs. Which (Disney Legend Oprah Winfrey), Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon), and Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling)—journey to Earth to help Meg find her missing father, Dr. Alexander Murry (Chris Pine). Joined by her brother, Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe), and her classmate, Calvin O’Keefe (Levi Miller), Meg embarks on a dangerous journey to a planet that possesses all of the evil in the universe, where she must face the darkness in herself to find the strength to beat the unyielding evil.
The new Disney and Pixar feature Soul is unlike any animated film to arrive from visionary director Pete Docter, and the winter edition of Disney twenty-three explores this stunning journey from New York City to The Great Before and back again with Docter, co-director Kemp Powers, producer Dana Murray, and stars Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who composed the original score for Soul, and Jon Batiste, who’s behind the jazz compositions and arrangements, talk exclusively with D23 about crafting the intricate score and incredible music for this soulful film, which debuts on Disney+ December 25.
As a special bonus, each issue of the publication, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will include a set of holiday-themed gift tags and a special offer from the Disney Collect! by Topps digital collectibles app.
And as Disney+ celebrates its one-year anniversary, Disney twenty-three talks to the creators and stars behind some of the incredible content coming to the service including The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse, Black Beauty, Godmothered, and On Pointe. Plus, the team behind TheLEGO Star Wars Holiday Special explains how they pieced together this hilarious and heartwarming story—and how it pays tribute to the 1978 classic Star Wars Holiday Special.
Plus, Disney twenty-three circles the Disney Parks globe, stopping at EPCOT to speak with legendary Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald about the creation of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, coming soon to the France pavilion. We also head to Hong Kong Disneyland to explore the spectacular new Castle of Magical Dreams—and take a close-up look at some royal finishing touches. The issue also celebrates 20 years of Disney California Adventure and previews the upcoming Avengers Campus.
Also included in the Winter issue of Disney twenty-three:
Kenneth Branagh and Emma Mackey detail—in an exclusive interview—their lethal journey in Death on the Nile
A look at Disney’s 40-year partnership with Make-A-Wish, granting tens of thousands of truly magical wishes to deserving children
A first look at the latest A Twisted Tale: Go the Distance, as well as the “once upon a time” story of this wickedly good series from Disney Publishing
Stunning concept art from Fantasia in honor of the film’s 80th anniversary
Regular features including From the Desk of, By the Numbers, Character Analysis, D Society, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives
Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of November. Learn more about D23 Gold Membership.
