Picture It: Celebrating 35 Years of The Golden Girls

By Julia Vargas, Walt Disney Archives

Thank you for being a friend! September 14, 2020, marks 35 years since Touchstone Television’s The Golden Girls first aired on NBC. Early press materials describe the show as “[capturing] the humorous and poignant relationships that develop between four single women—two widows, a divorcee and her mother—spending their golden years together in Miami, Florida.” It depicted strong, educated, and independent lead characters in a time when there were fewer dynamic roles for women, especially of a certain age group. Audiences watched the ladies share friendship, squabbles, and cheesecake (more than 80 were consumed!) through seven seasons, clocking in over 175 episodes.

The starring cast included Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo, described by show publicity as a “feisty, irreverent” Sicilian mother who goes to live with her daughter, Bea Arthur’s character, Dorothy Zbornak, a “no-nonsense school teacher,” who was equally as sarcastic and witty. Rue McClanahan portrayed Blanche Devereaux, the “man-hunting Southern Belle” who owned the home the ladies shared. Lastly, Betty White played the role of sweet, but “spacey,” Rose Nylund, who often exasperated her roommates with reminiscences about her hometown of St. Olaf, Minnesota. Together, they effortlessly flaunted what women in their golden years could contribute to the world. The show ran through September 12, 1992, but has seen a cult resurgence in the ensuing years due in part to its noted social awareness for the time, strong storytelling, and availability in syndication and streaming.

During its original run, The Golden Girls received 68 Emmy® nominations, winning 11, and 21 Golden Globe® nominations, for which they won 4. All the lead actresses won Emmys for their performances on the show, a feat achieved by few productions. Off screen, these leading ladies were also active in advocating for numerous social causes. Both Bea Arthur and Estelle Getty advocated for AIDS activism and education. Arthur, along with Rue McClanahan and Betty White, also advocated for animal rights. White was named the “Ambassador of the Animals” by the City of Los Angeles for her work in animal welfare in 2006. The Golden Girls themselves were honored as Disney Legends in September 2009 at the very first D23 Expo. Fittingly, their award plaques are all displayed together at Disney Legends Plaza on The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California.

The Golden Girls is now available to stream on Hulu.

Disney+ Announces New Olaf Short Coming Soon—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

New Olaf Short Premiering on Disney+ This October

Ready for a few more warm hugs? Disney+ has just the ticket! Earlier this week, the streaming service announced that an all-new animated short—chronicling the origin story of everyone’s favorite sunny snowman Olaf, from the Oscar®-winning 2013 hit Frozen and its acclaimed 2019 sequel—will debut next month!

So what exactly happened to Olaf within the moments after Elsa created him (as she was “letting it go” and building her ice palace) and when Anna and Kristoff first meet him in the forest? Once Upon a Snowman follows Olaf’s first steps as he comes to life and searches for his identity in the snowy mountains outside Arendelle. Directed by Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, and produced by Nicole Hearon with Peter Del Vecho, Once Upon a Snowman will once again feature the voice of award-winning actor Josh Gad, reprising his role from the two films.

once upon a snowman

“This is an idea that started to form when I was an animator on the first Frozen,” Correy recently said. “Dan Abraham and I are so grateful and excited to have had the opportunity to direct this short, working with our incredible colleagues at Walt Disney Animation Studios.” Added Abraham, “Josh Gad gives one of the great animated voice performances as Olaf through the Frozen films. To have the opportunity to work with him in the recording booth was such a privilege and career highlight.”

Look for Once Upon a Snowman on Disney+ beginning Friday, October 23!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

The official start of fall is just over the horizon—so let’s get in some late-summer TV viewing while the gettin’ is good. And just what’s available from around the worlds of Disney this weekend for our watching pleasure? Two brand-new episodes of ESPN+’s series Roll the Tape; a new episode of Disney Channel’s Amphibia; and a host of fabulous Disney movies on Freeform! Read up on what you can expect right here at D23.com.

Official Trailer for Disney+’s Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Debuts

We’re roaring with excitement for Disney+’s upcoming series Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom—especially now that we’ve watched the show’s brand-new trailer. Check out the clip, above.

Premiering globally on Friday, September 25—and produced by National Geographic—Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is narrated by the aforementioned Josh Gad (Frozen) and gives viewers a backstage pass to explore the magic of nature within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT. Each of the eight episodes truly dives into the details, unveiling the multifaceted aspects of animal care, conservation, and Disney Imagineering involved; plus, the series showcases the park’s magnificent array of more than 300 species and 5,000-plus animals, and the herculean tasks their animal care experts undertake to keep things running day and night.

Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom invites fans of Disney, nature, and animals to hang out with all the park’s residents, including baby Grace, the newest member of the gorilla troop; Masai giraffe Kenya; hippo Gus; and alpha male African lion Dakari, among others. Using cutting-edge technology—including custom-built GoPro housings, 18-foot cranes, and underwater camera systems—the series will reveal the world-famous dedication, pioneering conservation, and visionary genius that is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Mark those calendars!

Stay Tuned for Disney+’s Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.

The doctor is in… again! Disney+ just announced late this week that Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. (working title)—a reimagining of the ABC series Doogie Howser, M.D., set in modern-day Hawaii—has been picked up, and is scheduled to go into production later this year. See what you can expect from the new series, created by Fresh Off the Boat’s Kourtney Kang, by clicking here.

derek hough

Derek Hough Returns to the Dancing with the Stars Ballroom

Great news, Dancing with the Stars fans: Emmy® Award winner and six-time Mirrorball champion dancer Derek Hough joins DWTS in a new capacity as a judge when the show kicks off its upcoming season live on Monday, September 14, with a two-hour premiere beginning at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

“This show has been and will always be incredibly special to me,” Hough recently explained. “Coming back feels like coming home, and I couldn’t be more excited to be back in the ballroom.” Hough will join Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli at the judges table; meanwhile, in light of current circumstances, Len Goodman will be unable to judge this season live in the ballroom. Thankfully, he’ll still be sharing his ballroom expertise from the U.K.

Dancing with the Stars, hosted and executive produced by Tyra Banks, returns to the ballroom with a lineup of celebs that includes Carole Baskin, AJ McLean, Johnny Weir, Justina Machado, and more; for a complete list of who’s ready to rumba, click here.

ICYMI: Reimagined Holiday Offerings This Year at Walt Disney World Resort

Sure, we’re still making plans for Halloween… but as we always say here at D23, it’s never too early to get some holiday fun on the calendar. Should you find yourself in the vicinity of Walt Disney World Resort later this year, we have a handy-dandy rundown of the reimagined holiday celebrations kicking off at all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and Disney resort hotels beginning November 6. Take a look (whilst imagining that very first egg nog of the season) by clicking right here—and stay tuned for more holiday hoopla as it’s announced!

Clouds Takes Flight on Disney+ Next Month

Back in 2012, 17-year-old Zach Sobiech captured the hearts of folks around the globe when his original song “Clouds” debuted… and instantly became a viral sensation. The world will be inspired once again by Zach’s musical legacy—and his story about the resilience of the human spirit—when the new Disney+ original movie Clouds premieres next month. Check out the brand-new trailer for the film, above.

Inspired by the incredible true story, the film is a testament to what can happen when you start to live as if each day might be your last. Zach Sobiech (Fin Argus) is a fun-loving high school student with raw musical talent living with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. At the start of his senior year, he is ready to take on the world. But, after receiving the news that the disease has spread, he and his best friend and songwriting partner, Sammy (Sabrina Carpenter), decide to spend Zach’s limited time following their dreams. With the help of Zach’s mentor and teacher, Mr. Weaver (Lil Rel Howery), Zach and Sammy are given the chance of a lifetime and are offered a record deal. Along with the support of the love of his life, Amy (Madison Iseman), and his parents, Rob and Laura (Tom Everett Scott and Neve Campbell), Zach embarks on an unforgettable journey about friendship, love, and the power of music.

Based on the book Clouds: A Memoir by Zach’s mother, Laura Sobiech, Clouds is helmed by actor/director Justin Baldoni (last seen on Jane the Virgin). Look for it on Disney+ beginning Friday, October 16.

ABC Announces Scripted Comedy Premiere Dates for 2020-2021 Season

By Zach Johnson

Get ready to fall in love with ABC’s fall schedule!

The network just announced premiere dates for its Wednesday primetime comedy block. The Goldbergs (with back-to-back episodes), The Conners, and black-ish will return October 21, while American Housewife will join the comedy lineup October 28. Dates for scripted dramas will be announced soon, while dates for ABC’s unscripted series, including Dancing with the Stars, Shark Tank, Supermarket Sweep, and many more, were previously announced.

“We couldn’t be more excited to spread some much-needed joy with our Wednesday night comedy lineup,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “While we had to be incredibly flexible this year, we are so lucky that we’re able to continue our long tradition of making Wednesday night comedy a strong staple of our fall broadcast schedule.”

abc fall comedy

ABC’s Wednesday scripted comedy series premiere dates are as follows:

Wednesday, October 21
8-9 p.m. ET/PT: The Goldbergs (Season 8)
9-9:30 p.m. ET/PT: The Conners (Season 3)
9:30-10 p.m. ET/PT: black-ish (Season 7)

Wednesday, October 28
8:30-9 p.m. ET/PT: American Housewife (Season 5)

A previously announced standalone black-ish event composed of two back-to-back episodes (“Election Special Pt. 1” and “Election Special Pt. 2”) will air Sunday, October 4, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. For the first time, ABC will air a fully animated episode as part of the event. Directed by Oscar® winner Matthew A. Cherry, it will follow the Johnson family as they navigate the upcoming election, with Junior (Marcus Scribner) embarking on his journey as a first-time voter and Dre (Anthony Anderson) launching an exploration into local politics.

Doogie Kameāloha, M.D., a Reimagining of Doogie Howser, M.D., Coming to Disney+

By Zach Johnson

The results are in: Disney+ announced today that a new doctor will be on call in 2021. Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. (working title), a reimagining of the ABC series Doogie Howser, M.D., has been picked up to series. It is now scheduled to go into production later this year. Fresh off ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat, Kourtney Kang will write and executive produce the series for 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios. Jake Kasdan and Melvin Mar are executive producers for the series and Dayna Bochco and Jesse Bochco will produce.

Set in modern-day Hawaii, the 10-episode half-hour comedy will follow Lahela “Doogie” Kameāloha, a mixed race 16-year-old girl, as she juggles a budding medical career with normal teenage dramas. Guiding Lahela (and also complicating matters) is her family, including her spit-fire Irish mother—who’s also her supervisor at the hospital—and her Hawaiian “Local Boy” father, who struggles to accept that Lahela is no longer his little girl.

“Thirty years ago, a young medical prodigy took the world by storm and left a lasting impact on pop culture,” said Ricky Strauss, president, Content and Marketing, Disney+. “Kourtney and the team at 20th Television have created a very modern take on this beloved property which will resonate with our global Disney+ audience. We can’t wait to introduce the world to the new Doogie!”

“Doogie, Howser M.D. is beloved by everyone at our studio, so we knew that if we were going to reinvent it for a new generation, we had to have both the blessing and participation of the Bochcos and a creator with a fresh, new take that made us lean in,” added Carolyn Cassidy, president, 20th Television. “Kourtney’s vision for the character is so inspired, we’ve been dying to collaborate with Melvin and Jake again, and Disney+ is exactly the right home for this idea. We couldn’t be more excited.”

Running for four seasons on ABC from 1989 to 1993, Doogie Howser, M.D. starred Neil Patrick Harris as the now iconic doctor. The hit series catapulted Harris into television stardom and made the term “Doogie Howser” synonymous with kid geniuses everywhere.

7 Ways to Bring Disney Home with The Bowers Museum Store

By the D23 Team

Earlier this year, the Walt Disney Archives’ amazing retrospective exhibition—“Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic”—premiered at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California. Commemorating five decades of collecting and preserving historical materials relating to Walt and the company he founded, the exhibit offers a rare look at some of the treasures from the archives, such as Walt Disney’s office set from Saving Mr. Banks; never-before-displayed production art from Fantasia; maquettes from animated films including Peter Pan and Frozen; the original pitch portfolio used to secure investors for Disneyland; and so much more.

But the exhibit—now extended through February 28, 2021—isn’t the only way the Bowers Museum is helping celebrate all things Disney; their online store has a treasure trove of incredible items fit for any Disney fan’s collection. We’ve picked a fantastic few to highlight in the roundup below…

bowers merch

Walt Disney Archives 50th Anniversary Tote
Be reminded of all the Disney magic seen at the Bowers Museum with this exclusive cotton tote celebrating the exhibition and the archives’ 50th anniversary. This 14.5-inch by 15-inch black bag also features the Bowers Museum logo on the back. The perfect way to show your Walt Disney Archives pride on your next trip to the grocery store!

bowers merch

Walt Disney Archives 50th Anniversary Sweatshirt
Speaking of, here’s a way to wear your Walt Disney Archives pride for all to see… This exclusive zip-front hooded sweatshirt—with the archives’ 50th anniversary logo on the front and the Bowers Museum logo on the left sleeve, is made from 50% cotton and 50% polyester. Available in adult sizing S through XXL.

bowers merch

Walt Disney Notecards
Send your friends and family some magical wishes on these beautiful notecards, which come in a keepsake box embossed with Walt Disney’s signature. Contains 20 cards (two each of 10 designs, including rarely seen photos, promotional material, and more); envelopes; and Walt Disney Archives Collection logo stickers to seal said envelopes.

bowers merch

Walt Disney’s Classic Stories
Looking for a holiday gift for the young (or young-at-heart) in your life? This boxed set contains five classic Walt Disney Little Golden Books originally published in the 1950s and 1960s—including Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse and His Spaceship, Scamp, Cinderella’s Friends, Little Man of Disneyland, and The Lucky Puppy.

bowers merch

The Legacy Collection: Disneyland from Walt Disney Records
Fill your house with the music of Disneyland with this collection honoring decades of magical fun! The 3-disc edition includes over 50 songs, featuring music from fan-favorite attractions. Also includes a full-color booklet of liner notes, with illustrations and original concept art by Lorelay Bové.

bowers merch

The Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between
The companion to a previous Walt Disney Archives exhibit, this colorful coffee table book by Jeff Kurti celebrates the imagination, passion, and attention to detail invested in Disney costuming through the years—offering readers a unique behind-the-scenes view that inspires appreciation for the brilliantly talented designers.

bowers merch

Mickey Mouse Steamboat Willie 11 Inch Plush
Here’s a nod to the one who helped start it all! This adorable 11-inch plush depicts Mickey Mouse in his black-and-white Steamboat Willie best. We think it’d be great to keep you company on those cool fall nights, whilst you sit near the fire watching all manner of amazing Disney+ content… doesn’t that sound cozy?

D23 Gold Members, here’s the best part: You can use your Gold Member discount to get 10% off of the above items… or anything in the Bowers Museum store! Click here for more information.

Just Announced: The Spooky Season Has Arrived with D23 Halloween Hullabaloo

By the D23 Team

It’s the most “wicked-ful” time of the year, and we’re celebrating the season with our very own D23 Halloween Hullabaloo. From our first-ever D23 Halloween Mousequerade Contest and incredible new content to a weekly sweepstakes and exclusive collectibles, we’re filling your fall with lots of treats—and maybe a trick or two thrown in—including:

halloween press announcement

D23 Halloween Mousequerade Contest: Grab your needle and thread for our first-ever virtual costume contest, where creative contestants will be competing for fantastic prizes in front of celebrity judges Ashley Eckstein and Yvette Nicole Brown. And the category is… “All Things Disney.” Costumes should be inspired by the fantastic worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, from movies and TV to Disney Parks attractions and other Disney properties. The Grand Prize winner will receive a $500 Disney Gift Card—and the ghoulish delight of victory! The festivities will be streamed on October 31 on D23.com, as well as D23’s Facebook and YouTube channels. For more information, visit D23.com/Mousequerade.

D23 Halloween Hullabaloo Sweepstakes: What better way to skele-brate the season than with a ghoulishly good sweepstakes? This October, D23 Members can enter for a chance to win a bubbling bundle of prizes from our cauldron. Don’t lose your head, because each week you get a new chance to enter.

Limited-Edition Pins: On September 28 at shopDisney.com, D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase two collectible pins designed by artist Kevin Kidney. These pins, one of the Haunted Mansion’s Hatbox Ghost and the other of Tinker Bell dressed in a wildly witchy costume, are each presented in a limited edition of 1,750.

Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks – D23 Book Launch Party: D23 Gold and Gold Family Members are invited to celebrate the launch of this new book by Disney Editions, as we look at the “spine-tingling half” of the book that pulls back the curtain on that magical combination of Disney and Halloween around the world!

D23 Halloween Hullabaloo Disney+ Picks: For the first four weeks of October, be on the lookout for a new short-form video series featuring our friends from all around Disney who will be sharing some of their favorite films found on Disney+, including behind-the-scenes tidbits to enhance the frighteningly fun experience!

D23 Halloween Mousequerade Costume Contest open to 50 US/DC; D23 Members; 18+. Photo entry begins at 12 AM PT on 9/17/20 and ends at 11:59 PM PT on 10/1/20. If selected as a Semi-Finalist, video entry begins at 9 AM PT on 10/13/20 and ends at 9 AM PT on 10/20/20. Void where prohibited. Rules/odds: https://d23.com/mousequerade-official-rules/.

More details on all of these things and more are available at D23.com.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

By Zach Johnson

In need of another three-day weekend? Us, too! Thankfully, Freeform’s “3-Day Disney Weekends” are still going strong, with 101 Dalmatians (1996), Freaky Friday (2003), and Hercules on the schedule. Meanwhile, the new ESPN+ series Roll the Tape is a slam dunk with sports fans, and two brand-new episodes will roll out Friday. Last but not least, a “ribbeting” new episode of Disney Channel’s animated series Amphibia will debut Sunday.

roll the tape

Roll the Tape—Friday, September 11, on ESPN+
Watch the first 10 episodes of the series, which debuted September 7 exclusively on the streaming service. Join ESPN’s Treavor Scales, Gary Striewski, and Christine Williamson as they review the funniest, most absurd video clips from ESPN’s archive of more than 3 million tapes. From their ’90s-style living room, the hilarious trio provides wise-cracking commentary, covering topics that include celebrity arm wrestling, speed chess, and more.

101 dalmations

101 Dalmatians (1996)—Friday, September 11, at 7 p.m. ET and Saturday, September 12, at 10:30 a.m. ET on Freeform
Kick off the network’s “3-Day Disney Weekend” with the live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1961 animated classic. London-based couple Roger (Jeff Daniels) and Anita (Joely Richardson) are overjoyed when their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdy, welcome 15 puppies. Alas, their joy is short-lived as soon as Anita’s boss, Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close), sets her sights on the litter. Yearning for their spotted pelts, the fearsome, fur-loving fashionista hires two clumsy cronies, Jasper (Hugh Laurie) and Horace (Mark Williams), to dognap the newborns… along with every other Dalmatian puppy in London! It’s up to Pongo and Perdy to rally the town’s animals save them before Cruella commits the ultimate crime of fashion.

freaky friday

Freaky Friday (2003)—Friday, September 11, at 9 p.m. ET and Saturday, September 12, at 8:30 a.m. ET on Freeform
Mom Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) and daughter Anna (Lindsay Lohan) rarely see eye to eye. But one night, after a heated argument in a Chinese restaurant, they eat identical enchanted fortune cookies. The next morning, Tess and Anna awaken to find things have taken a turn for the worse—and the hilarious—when they discover they are in the other’s body. With Tess’ wedding on the horizon, it’s a race against the clock to turn their lives back to normal.

hercules

Hercules—Saturday, September 12, at 12:35 p.m. ET and Sunday, September 13, at 10:30 a.m. ET on Freeform
Stolen from the heavens as a newborn and raised by humans on Earth, Hercules (voice of Tate Donovan) becomes an awkward teenage pillar of strength. After discovering his father is Zeus (voice of Rip Torn), he hopes to be reunited on Mount Olympus—but that means he must go from “zero to hero.” Hercules teams up with babyhood pal Pegasus (voice of Frank Welker) and personal trainer Phil (voice of Danny DeVito) to prove his worth. But it’s no easy task, as he’s up against a hothead named Hades (voice of James Woods). Enlisting Megara (voice of Susan Egan), Pain (voice of Bobcat Goldthwait), and Panic (voice of Matt Frewer) to do his bidding, Hades hopes to seek revenge on Zeus by overthrowing Mount Olympus so he can rule the Universe. There’s just one person standing in his way: Hercules.

amphibia

Amphibia—Saturday, September 12, at 8:30 p.m. ET on Disney Channel
In “Little Frogtown,” Hop Pop (voice of Disney Legend Bill Farmer) investigates the disappearance of an old friend and the shadowy crime syndicate he suspects is behind it. Then, in “Hopping Mall,” Hop Pop takes the kids to a Newtopian shopping mall to buy souvenirs—and Anne (voice of Brenda Song) will do anything to find the perfect gift for her mom. Guest voices include Misty Lee as Priscilla the Killa and Romi Dames as Pearl.

All the Mulan Merch You Need to Channel Your Inner Hero

By the D23 Team

This past weekend, we discovered the heroic tale of Mulan when the film debuted for Premier Access on Disney+. Whether you’re planning a movie night to watch the film for the first time, or hitting “start” on your most recent rewatch, we’ve rounded up some accessories, toys, and more from shopDisney that every Mulan fan can use to celebrate this epic story of a legendary hero:

mulan merch

Mulan T-Shirt for Women – Live Action Film: 
Next time you need inspiration or to find the warrior within, just look down at your T-shirt! Inspired by Disney’s all-new movie, Mulan is featured in a detailed grayscale graphic with her name printed across the front in a white brushstroke style.

mulan merch

Mulan Deluxe Costume for Kids – Live Action Film
Put on this armor inspired by Mulan and go on your own adventure as a courageous hero! The three-piece set includes tunic, coordinating pants, robe outfitted with a knotted belt, panels of armor, and detailed embroidery.

mulan merch

Mulan Two Reflections Doll by Hasbro – Live Action Film: 
When will her reflection show who she is inside? This doll inspired by Mulan features two outfits with accessories, so you can recreate Mulan’s epic journey, risking everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known.

mulan merch

Mulan Role Play Sword 
Loyal. Brave. True. This inscription on the hilt reminds you of Mulan’s oath to be a brave warrior. Relive her epic adventures with this role play sword inspired by the film (complete with “sword sounds” for maximum adventuring!)

mulan merch

Adult Mulan Costume 
Need a Halloween costume? Just want to wear something that makes you feel extra heroic for a day? This Mulan Deluxe Adult Costume by Disguise is perfect for any aspiring warrior or future Halloween costume contest winner. Inspired by the live-action film, it features a jumpsuit with attached red tunic and grey pants. Complete the look with the removable faux leather belt that includes sublimated art armor on the peplum.

mulan merch

Castle Collection Imperial Palace 
The Castle Collection celebrates the storied spaces of our beloved heroines, featuring never-before-seen portrayals of their enchanted dwellings. This set celebrates the story of Mulan, including a high-end figurine and other products inspired by the film.

Every Newly Reimagined Way to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort

By the D23 Team

It’s about to get very merry! A reimagined holiday celebration will begin November 6, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort. All four theme parks, Disney Springs, and Disney resort hotels will be decked with holiday cheer through December 30. Setting the scene for festive fun, guests can look forward to seasonal food and drink, plus exclusive merchandise and some enchanting entertainment experiences.

walt disney world holiday

Magic Kingdom

  • When night falls at Magic Kingdom Park, projection effects will transform Cinderella Castle with a kaleidoscope of designs, including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green, and gold ornamentation. The iconic castle will provide the perfect colorful background for guests seeking a magical holiday portrait.
  • Characters synonymous with the season—including gingerbread men and elves—will join Disney characters in cavalcades through the park.
  • On Main Street, U.S.A., toy soldiers will march with the Main Street Philharmonic as they bring musical cheer for all to hear.

EPCOT

  • Highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will begin November 27. Holiday kitchens will return around the World Showcase promenade, offering favorite dishes such as slow-roasted turkey with stuffing at the American Holiday Table.
  • Favorite Disney characters dressed in their yuletide finest will appear in holiday promenades.
  • Inside World ShowPlace, JOYFUL! will take guests on a musical journey of holiday music, while Voices of Liberty will use their eight-part harmonies to share songs of the season at the America Gardens Theatre.

Disney Animal Kingdom

  • Favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday finest will appear in festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Plus, keep an eye out for Santa Claus!).

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday finest will appear in merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • Minnie Mouse will host a yuletide dining experience at Hollywood & Vine, inviting some of her best pals—including Santa Goofy—to join the fun.

Disney Springs and Disney Resort Hotels

  • Elaborately decorated Christmas trees will spring up throughout Disney Springs.
  • A magical snowfall will enchant guests within Town Center, West Side, and The Landing.
  • Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with delightful décor and a limited-time menu of festive favorites.
  • Disney resort hotels will deck their halls for the holidays, including iconic Christmas trees in lobbies and other festive flourishes.
  • Santa Claus will wave to guests as he makes pop-up appearances.

More announcements about the 2020 holiday season will be made in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to D23.com as we report on all the future festivities.

Peanut Butter Playdough at Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT

Serves 12

INGREDIENTS
2 cups smooth peanut butter
1 cup light corn syrup
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment.
  2. Mix all ingredients until combined and dough comes together. Do not
  3. Portion on to plates using an ice-cream scoop.

Assembly: Serve surrounded by a variety of fun treats to decorate and build creations with chocolate chips, vanilla wafers, pretzel sticks, marshmallows, and/or sprinkles.

As D23: The Official Disney Fan Club continues to celebrate 65 Years of the Disney Theme Park, we’ll be sharing more delicious recipes from the vault over the next few weeks. Some include:

Stilton Cheesecake at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Tuna Burgers at Captain Hook’s Galley at Disneyland Park
Three Cheese Lobster Macaroni at Lumiere’s and Triton’s Disney Cruise Line
Chocolate Soda at Plaza Restaurant Magic Kingdom Park
French Toast with Fresh Berries and Mascarpone Cream at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park
Creamy Parmesan Mashed Potatoes at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Crystal Palace Adobo Pulled Pork at The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom Park
Bread Pudding Soufflé with Bourbon Sauce at Empress Lilly at Walt Disney World Village