Gold Member Offer: VIP Discounts & Perks at Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Maingate

March 6, 2025March 5, 2025

Aqua blue chairs line the pool area of the Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Maingate. Behind the chairs are green palm trees of several different sizes; a table off to the right is set up for guests to enjoy a meal in the Southern California sunshine. To the left of the pool are the towering buildings that make up the rooms of the hotel. The pool is a blue turquoise color.

Where: Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Maingate

Expires: January 16, 2027

Nestled near the Disneyland Resort, Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Maingate offers spacious two-room suites with full kitchens—making it a perfect destination for couples and families. But if you don’t feel like cooking, great news: Enjoy a free hot breakfast buffet each morning before heading to the Resort!

D23 Gold Members will enjoy exclusive savings while staying at this magical Good Neighbor Hotel, including:

15% off the daily room rate
15% discount on food and beverages
$15 self-parking (a $10 savings off the daily rate)
A commemorative D23 Member pin upon check-in, one (1) per room, while supplies last

Make your Disneyland stay even more enchanting with these Members-only D23 perks—because magic is in the details!

To redeem your offer online, follow this link:

A two-bedroom suite at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Maingate. In the foreground, the living area consists of a two-seater couch with two pillows opposite a dresser with a flatscreen TV. An orange ottoman stands in front of the couch. At the end of the room is a large window with grey curtains pulled to the side; to the left of the window is a standing lamp, turned on and providing more light. In the background, through a doorway, is the bedroom with two queen-sized beds.

NOTE
Proof of D23 Gold Membership is required at check-in. Guests must present either a physical membership card or a digital membership card accessible through the D23 App to redeem this offer. Rates are subject to availability and may be limited during peak travel periods. Blockout dates apply and vary by season. Cancellation Policy: Reservations must be canceled at least 48 hours before check-in to avoid any penalties. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in a charge for one night's stay. All discounts subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. D23 Gold Members must present their valid D23 Gold Member card prior to purchases to receive any applicable benefits or discounts. Benefits and discounts at Disney-owned and operated locations are determined solely by Disney, are subject to restrictions and exclusions, and may be valid at only select locations. Check third-party locations for details about their offered benefits and discounts, if any; Disney is not responsible for benefits and discounts offered by any third parties. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited by law.

Phone featuring the 2024 D23 Gold Member Card and surrounded by sparkles.

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Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

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Imaginative Entertainment and Immersive Experiences Await Guests Aboard the Disney Treasure

March 5, 2025

By Zach Johnson

Honoring Walt Disney’s love of adventure, the Disney Treasure offers new entertainment and experiences for guests to enjoy during their seven-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida. From splashy stage shows to an animated attraction, there’s so much for guests to discover aboard Disney Cruise Line’s new ship.

It all begins in the Grand Hall, the foremost gathering space for guests aboard the ship, inspiring exploration and wonder. Themed to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Aladdin, it’s the home base for everything from character encounters to comedy shows and musical performances.

Towards the bow, guests will find the Walt Disney Theatre — an opulent show palace that comes alive with Broadway-style productions developed exclusively for Disney Cruise Line, including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Disney Seas the Adventure. The former brings Belle’s enchanting adventure to life onstage, incorporating elements from the live-action and animated films. The latter spectacular features beloved characters from Disney and Pixar stories alongside renditions of Disney songs. The Walt Disney Theatre is also home to Disney The Tale of Moana, the world’s first stage adaptation of the beloved Disney Animation film.

In addition to the live entertainment offerings, Never Land Cinemas and Wonderland Cinemas — a pair of intimate, luxe screening rooms — elevate the onboard cinematic experience for guests to see first-run films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and more.

Kids Clubs and Family Fun

Thrills await on the AquaMouse, Disney Cruise Line’s attraction at sea that features 760 feet of winding tubes suspended high above the upper decks. On the Disney Treasure, guests can join Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie in search of a legendary treasure that’s hidden within the mysterious ruins of an ancient temple in “Curse of the Golden Egg.” Booby traps and other hilarious mishaps send guests in unexpected directions as they splash, drift, and slide around the ship’s top deck on the zany water ride.

Families with young children can play around at Toy Story Splash Zone, featuring larger-than-life rubber bath toys and the Slide-a-saurus Rex slide, then beat the heat at Wheezy’s Freezies with a cool-down treat. Inspired by the penguin from Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story 2, this poolside spot mixes up frozen-fruit smoothies for the whole family to enjoy morning, day, and night.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club invites children to embark on Disney adventures of their very own with interactive programming. The immersive spaces (detailed below) are thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration and discovery. Expertly developed programming combines physical play and age-appropriate technology to create deeply engaging, enriching experiences, each led by a team of Disney counselors.

Inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club, guests will find:

Star Wars: Cargo Bay: Peculiar creatures and legendary characters from a galaxy far, far away take center stage immersing kids in their own Star Wars story as they take on the role of creature handlers and learn to manage a mischievous menagerie.
Marvel Super Hero Academy: Led by Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Ant-Man, young “recruits” train to become Super Heroes at a cutting-edge Avengers facility.
Fairytale Hall: In multiple royal activity rooms, princesses and princes let their creativity shine at Rapunzel’s Art Studio, act out stories at Belle’s Library, and more.

Walt Disney Imagineering Lab: Kids discover the secrets of world-renowned Disney Imagineers — the creative masterminds behind Disney theme parks, resorts, and cruise ships — through a series of hands-on activities and inventive experiments.
Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck: Set sail on a fun-filled adventure at this nautical playground inspired by the colors, icons, and magic of Disney Cruise Line, featuring various maritime-themed physical and sensory-style activities and games.

At the “it’s a small world” nursery, children between 6 months and 3 years old can play games, make crafts, watch movies, or take a nap — all while being looked after and entertained by expert Disney counselors at the internationally themed childcare center.

At Hero Zone, action-packed physical challenges and exhilarating competitions abound on this groundbreaking recreation space where families can play together, testing their strength, speed, and stamina during a thrilling competition based on Pixar Animation Studios’ The Incredibles. Featuring high-energy hosts, epic music, and amazing special effects, families will team up to conquer an elaborate course of over-the-top obstacles inspired by the film.

Edge is the ultimate tween club for kids ages 11-14. They can relax, play games, and make new friends in this vibrant club inspired by trendy urban lofts in New York City. They can also take plenty of pictures to share with their friends back home, as the faux-grass picnic area and “photo walls” featuring graphic art are fun, trendy spots for capturing fun selfies.

At The Hideaway, teens and tweens will discover a chill hangout to relax, socialize, listen to music, sing karaoke, and more. At Vibe, teens will meet new friends, watch movies, play games, and participate in entertaining activities made just for them. Inspired by a Parisian artists’ loft, the youth club boasts stylish architectural elements with an electric retro twist.

Honoring the spirit of Disney Animation’s The Lion King, the Sarabi lounge is home to musical performances, comedy acts, and more. Featuring a two-story LED screen, as well as a full-service bar and spacious seating, Sarabi offers family fun during the day and adult-exclusive activities at night. The adjoining Sarabi Snacks offers various food and beverages.

Entertaining Dining Experiences

The Plaza de Coco restaurant offers a theatrical dining experience for guests of all ages, featuring two distinct nights of entertainment that continues the story of Pixar Animation Studios’ Coco. The menu draws inspiration from Miguel’s colorful world and the flavors of Mexico. For the first dinner, join Miguel and other characters for a festive gathering in Mariachi Plaza that honors the heritage of music and love that runs deep within the Rivera family.

“Our story takes place three years after the film,” Juan Cantu, Show Director, Disney Live Entertainment, said. “In working with our partners, we asked permission to continue the story and not just retell it. We first had to figure out the emotional beats, so we thought about the important lessons the film teaches us about generational healing. Music is a strong part of that. We also wanted to center it around our traditional celebration of Dia de los Muertos. There was a careful planning for what we wanted the experience for the week to be, and we had to decide what would be for night one and what would be for night two.”

For the second dinner, Miguel reunites with his great-great-grandparents, Hector and Mamá Imelda, and transports them to the town square in Santa Cecilia with the help of his magic guitar to celebrate Dia de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead. Diners are invited to join them as they honor all celebrations, from guests’ birthdays to anniversaries and more.

The whole family is invited to assemble at Worlds of Marvel, an innovative restaurant that features Super Heroes in a larger-than-life showcase of groundbreaking quantum technology and world-class cuisine. Currently exclusive to the Disney Treasure is Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix, an out-of-this-world celebration honoring the Super Heroes of the MCU who safeguard the world. Featuring Rocket Racoon and Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, the story unfolds onscreen when Groot decides to throw the ultimate surprise party for Rocket — just in time for dessert! Guests eat to the beat of an “awesome mix” of popular songs as they test their knowledge of the MCU with onscreen activities and trivia.

Quick Bites and Treats

Speaking of food, discover a mix of mouthwatering cuisines at Marceline Market, named for Walt Disney’s early childhood hometown in Missouri. Here, guests will find classic favorites, international specialties, and plant-based offerings served for breakfast and lunch.

In the center of the upper decks, guests will find tasty offerings and fan-favorite treats from uniquely themed food stations at Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods: Mickey’s Smokestack BBQ, Donald’s Cantina, Daisy’s Pizza Pies, Goofy’s Grill, and Minnie’s Delights.

For guests who need a quick coffee, tea, or snack, look no further than one of two specialty walkup cafés located just steps away from the Grand Hall. Heihei Café, inspired by Disney Animation’s Moana, serves coffee, tea, and specialty beverages, as well as themed snacks. Inspired by Disney Animation’s Mulan, The Jade Cricket Café honors the Fa family’s “lucky” cricket, Cri-Kee, who is represented on the bar top by a jade sculpture. Thoughtful design details include one of the film’s most iconic quotes, which appears on a mirror behind the bar: “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”

In the welcoming Triton Lounge — a versatile space designed to be fun for all — guests can sip refreshing beverages while engaging in various activities such as karaoke and trivia.

A Private Oasis

Guests sailing aboard the Disney Treasure get to spend a day at Disney Castaway Cay, a private island reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests on Bahamian and Caribbean cruises. Whether guests choose to bike around the island, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or go the distance with a 5K run, they get to choose their own adventures.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500, or contact their travel agent.

Daredevil: Born Again Brings Marvel Action Back to Street-Level

March 5, 2025

Daredevil leaps back into action Tuesday on Disney+ with Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again. In the new series the story of Matt Murdock/Daredevil (played by Charlie Cox) and Wilson Fisk/Kingpin (played by Vincent D’Onofrio), continues in pulse-pounding fashion.

Murdock, a blind lawyer with heightened abilities, is fighting for justice through his bustling law firm — rather than as Daredevil — and former mob boss Fisk is pursuing his own political endeavors in New York. When their past identities begin to emerge, the two men find themselves on an inevitable collision course.

Filled with Daredevil’s signature gritty action and street-level drama, the series features familiar faces, such as Karen Page (played by Deborah Ann Woll), Foggy Nelson (played by Elden Henson), and Frank Castle/The Punisher (played by Jon Bernthal) — as well as new characters, including former NYC DA Kirsten Mcduffie (Nikki James) and therapist Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), who’s Matt Murdock’s new love interest.

“We've all had one goal in common: to do a show that the fans are waiting to see, and we've put a lot of effort into doing that,” D’Onofrio said.

Brad Winderbaum, Head of Television, Streaming, and Animation at Marvel Studios, echoed D’Onofrio’s sentiment for producing the new series. “I really approached it as a fan, as something I would want to see,” he said.

“It’s All Born Out of Character”

Born Again finds the characters having “come up in the world,” as Fisk says to Murdock in the first episode. Cox noted that their come up also means the characters have “a lot more to lose.”

“The idea of losing it can make you feel like you're backed into a corner,” Cox continued. “That's when behavior becomes questionable.”

That questionable behavior often reveals itself as one of Daredevil’s signature characteristics — gritty, realistic, hand-to-hand action.

“It's all born out of character,” Winderbaum said of the stunts and action. “Nothing is done arbitrarily. It's a violent world, and these are characters that use violence in order to trade power.”

Scenes are written so that action doesn’t come out of nowhere. Rather, characters will interact in a way that creates tension that is wound tighter and tighter.

“And then you have these explosive releases in the action sequences,” Cox said.

That pressure is kept simmering throughout the episodes to ensure that the action is used sparingly, and therefore when it’s most impactful.

“There’s So Much Stuff to Explore”

What drives the narrative to those explosive moments comes from the characters and the situations they find themselves in.

“They’re such layered characters. There's so much stuff to explore,” Cox said.

Both Cox and D’Onofrio have inhibited these roles for a decade, and the richness of the writing keeps them coming back. “I haven't gotten bored of playing this character,” D’Onofrio said. “Like, not even a bit.”

While the series is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — which has captivated audiences with heroes saving not just the world, but at times the entire galaxy — Daredevil: Born Again intentionally keeps its preoccupation on the streets of New York City.

“It's really like the comics where you would pick up an issue of Daredevil and you want to stay in a grounded, street-based ecosystem,” Winderbaum said.

That grounded basis makes space for the series to dig deeper and find the dramatic potential within street-level storytelling in one city.

“It looks at New York as being kind of this medieval kingdom filled with power struggles and deceit and unexpected acts of loyalty. It’s an amazing tapestry that [showrunner] Dario Scardapane and team have built,” Winderbaum said.

Exploring Tones

Working with Marvel Television creates the opportunity for a show like Born Again to capitalize on storytelling that can take risks as well.

“If you look back at the comic books, there's an array of tones and genres and comedy and drama and action to choose from. But it's never tonally one thing,” Winderbaum explained. “Being able to explore that darker tone that many of the comics live in is an important part of the storytelling process for the studio, but also something that Disney has really been supportive in helping us explore.”

D'Onofrio concurred that Marvel and Disney have been supportive of ensuring that Daredevil: Born Again was made with trust in their creative partners.

“They really trust us and they've been really great with us about everything when it comes to Daredevil. And we couldn't ask for better people to work for,” D’Onofrio said.

“The Best Part of Television”

With a TV-MA rating, Daredevil: Born Again caters to an older, more mature audience. And as Winderbaum explains, that makes it a fit on Disney+.

“Disney+ has really become a service that has all sorts of content on it,” Winderbaum noted. “To me, it feels like the best part of television where you can sit down and watch anything you want.”

Disney+, of course, features beloved programming not only for fans of all ages, but also from the most beloved brands in the world — whether that’s Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Hulu, Disney Animation, National Geographic, ESPN, and so much more.

“It's all this amazing stuff on the service, and there's all these echelons of content,” Winderbaum said. “And TV-MA content, which we've been able to explore as part of the Marvel brand and the Marvel identity.”

Everything New Coming to Disney+ in March 2025

March 5, 2025March 4, 2025

By Cassandra Pinkney

March is an action-packed month on Disney+, with a wide array of magic, marvels, and mishaps to choose from. Beginning this month’s line-up is Marvel Television’s highly anticipated Daredevil: Born Again, a thrilling series about blind lawyer Matt Murdock and the heightened abilities he uses to fight for justice, which kicks off with a two-episode premiere on March 4. Later in the month, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip follows one unlucky family that has their Spring Break plans turned upside down when they discover a cursed idol while on vacation. Meanwhile, the six-part documentary series David Blaine Do Not Attempt seeks out people from around the world with extraordinary, even magical, abilities. Disney Animation fans can follow Moana and Maui as they embark on their bravest adventure yet, when Moana 2 makes it’s streaming debut on Disney+ this month.

Monday, March 3
Malawi Wildlife Rescue (S2, 6 Episodes)

Tuesday, March 4
Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again (Two-Episode Premiere)

Wednesday, March 5
Morphle: Shorts (S1, 15 Episodes)
Primos (S1, 9 Episodes)
Win or Lose (New Episodes)

Tuesday, March 11
Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again (Episode 3)

Wednesday, March 12
Disney Jr.’s Ariel (S1, 4 Episodes)
Port Protection Alaska (S8, 10 Episodes)
Meet the Pickles: The Making of Win or Lose (Premiere)
Moana 2 (Premiere)
Win or Lose (New Episodes)

Tuesday, March 18
Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again (Episode 4)

Wednesday, March 19
Life Below Zero (S23, 20 Episodes)
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (S2, 12 Remaining Episodes)

Saturday, March 22
Animals, They’re Just Like Us! (S1, 6 Episodes)

Monday, March 24
David Blaine Do Not Attempt (Two-Episode Premiere)

Tuesday, March 25
Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again (Episode 5 & 6)

Wednesday, March 26
Morphle and the Magic Pets: Shorts (S1, 10 Episodes)

Friday, March 28
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip (Premiere)

Monday, March 31
David Blaine Do Not Attempt (New Episodes)

30 Years of Indiana Jones Adventure: The Attraction by the Numbers

By Cassandra Pinkney

For the past 30 years, Disneyland Park’s Indiana Jones Adventure attraction has been letting guests test out their adventuring skills as they find themselves journeying deep into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. At D23’s recent Spotlight Series event, chronicling Walt Disney Imagineering’s creation of the iconic attraction, current and former Imagineers Susan Bonds, Daniel Jue, and Charita Carter delighted fans with behind-the-scenes stories about how Indiana Jones Adventure came to be.

To celebrate this attraction’s 30th anniversary, here’s Indiana Jones Adventure by the numbers:

5 Stories
Of the many iconic moments within the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction, the “Cavern of Death” scene is an expansive, treacherous part of every adventurer’s journey through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. Measuring five stories high, this iconic moment of the ride is stocked with numerous special effects, including real fire and the Eye of Mara looking for you as you try to escape her wrath.

8 Months
Imagineers worked diligently on Indiana Jones Adventure to ensure the attraction was as thrilling and immersive an experience as possible. An especially impressive component of the attraction are the Enhanced Motion Vehicles (EMVs) that guests ride in. These vehicles were developed by Walt Disney Imagineering Ride Engineering and Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development. After development, it took eight months to program them to move correctly and give guests the exciting experience this attraction is now known for. For Imagineer Ed Fritz, that meant riding the bumpy EMVs for eight months straight to make the attraction perfect.

14 Types of Stamped Concrete
No stone was left unturned when it came to the development of the queue for Indiana Jones Adventure. Fourteen different types of stamped concrete were used throughout the queue, with many bearing messages of doom that guests can decode. Amidst these harrowing messages about the fate that awaits adventurers inside the Temple of the Forbidden Eye are also homages to Imagineers and others who worked on the attraction. For instance, initials of prominent members of the Indiana Jones Adventure team can be seen stamped into the concrete in the “Obelisk of Doom” area of the queue.

16 Feet
When Imagineers were building Indiana Jones Adventure, they only had the space between Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise to work with… so they “bought” themselves room for the attraction’s impressive temple and winding jungle queue by rerouting Jungle Cruise and using part of a Disneyland parking lot to create the ride! Even today, guests can feel the tight quarters that Imagineers had to work with when they find themselves in the parts of the queue with a mere 16-foot space between the Pirates and Jungle Cruise attractions.

18 Seconds
Approximately every 18 seconds, a new group of travelers dares to gaze into the eyes of Mara when their ride vehicle is deployed. These adventurers have the choice of three treasures when they enter the Temple of the Forbidden Eye: earthly riches, eternal youth, or visions of the future. For those who drink too much from the Fountain of Youth, strollers are available when they escape from the temple… (Just kidding!)

27 Trees
Imagineers wanted a mature forest for the attraction’s queue, making guests feel as though they were exploring an ancient temple in India. Disneyland’s original landscaper and Disney Legend Bill Evans consulted with the Indiana Jones Adventure team and explained the origin of many Jungle Cruise trees, and how they could be relocated and used within the new attraction’s queue. In total, 27 trees were replanted—preserving Disneyland’s original foliage and adding to Indiana Jones Adventure’s ancient mystique.

90-Piece Orchestra
John Williams’ Indiana Jones scores feature some of the most iconic music in Disney’s catalog. To incorporate Williams’ score into the experience, a 90-piece orchestra recorded a version that was perfectly timed to the attraction. An on-board sound system plays this score—one of the many ways innovations featured in this attraction—in addition to a number of sound effects, keeping guests fully immersed in the story of the attraction and setting the standard for technological sophistication on future attractions.

400 Imagineers
Over the past 30 years, Indiana Jones Adventure has cemented itself as a truly iconic attraction. This was no easy feat. It required the work of about 400 Imagineers to bring it to life!

1,300 Props
The Indiana Jones Adventure queue is just as immersive and captivating as the attraction itself. To make guests feel like they were embarking on their own adventure, over 1,300 props were used throughout the queue. Some were used in the first three Indiana Jones films—such as the German troop vehicle seen in the outside portion of the queue. The vehicle has a bar attached to its front bumper, which is left over from when filmmakers rigged it for one of Indiana Jones’ impressive stunts.

1935
Indiana Jones Adventure is set in the year 1935. The story of the attraction takes place between the events of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), also set in 1935, and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), set the next year. Guests can find many references to this period throughout the attraction—including a real magazine from the 1930s featuring Mickey Mouse on the cover, seen when you pass by Indiana Jones’ office.

2,000 Skulls
It is said that many enter the Temple of the Forbidden Eye… but few exit. Those who gaze into the eyes of Mara in the pursuit of earthly treasures may encounter a different, more eternal fate. To represent the many souls lost in the temple, Imagineers furnished the attraction with over 2,000 replica human skulls. One of these unlucky adventurers can be seen in the “Hall of Skeletons” portion of the attraction wearing a Mouseketeer cap that says “Bones.”

Special thanks to Walt Disney Imagineering for sharing their knowledge about the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Showrunner Jeff Trammell on Putting Peter Parker and Lonnie Lincoln on Parallel Paths

February 28, 2025

By Zach Johnson

How does circumstance alter a person’s destiny?

That’s the question Jeff Trammell, the head writer, executive producer, and showrunner behind Marvel Animation’s series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, often asked himself as he was weaving together the narrative for Season 1, now streaming on Disney+.

Throughout 10 episodes, high school freshman Peter Parker (voiced by Hudson Thames) does his best to balance typical teenage tribulations with his alter-ego’s abnormal adventures. Above all, Peter just wants to help people, an attribute he shares with his classmate and friend Lonnie Lincoln (voiced by Eugene Byrd)—that is, until fate intervenes

“There was an early version of the show where Peter and Lonnie were on completely opposite ends,” Trammell recalled. “As time went on, I thought, ‘I don’t know if that’s fun. Let’s try putting Peter and Lonnie together and seeing how they complement each other.'”

According to Trammell, “Peter and Lonnie share a lot of really cool personality traits, but they’re also very different. Being able to juxtapose those characters as we take them on similar journeys with different obstacles is something I was really interested in exploring.”

Thames said the dynamic between Peter and Lonnie is filled with nuance and heart. “I think Peter’s relationship with Lonnie is really beautiful,” the actor said. “It’s one of my favorite parts of the whole series, actually. I think the way that it grows and changes is really cool.”

Peter is dealing with a lot, from an unrequited crush to an internship at Oscorp Industries—not to mention everything he does as Spider-Man. Lonnie has a lot on his plate, too. As captain of the football team, he wants to make his parents proud. Family means everything to Lonnie, which is why he doesn’t think twice about saving his little brother from the 110th St. gang—even if it means changing the trajectory of his own life.

“Lonnie has so much history in the comics, but there is so much more to explore with him onscreen,” Trammell said. “That was what really drew me to him. Peter is going through growing pains, and he cares so much, and Lonnie is doing the same. Lonnie has a huge heart, and so he does what he feels is necessary given the circumstances. At the end of the day, he cares too much—to a fault. Peter is like that, too. They’re both intrinsically people who want to help but are taken on different journeys throughout the course of this show.”

In the Season 1 finale, Lonnie was able to help Peter when he needed it most—proving that, perhaps, he’s not a victim of circumstance after all. But the events in that episode also hinted that his life is about to get, well, harder. “A lot of those teases are there because they’re all so exciting to explore,” Trammell said of what happens to Peter, Lonnie, and their friends in the finale (and what lies ahead). “I look at Season 1 like we’re building this world, and we’re setting the board. In Season 2 and future seasons, now we’re playing the game.”

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Star Janice LeAnn Brown Takes Fans Behind the Scenes of the New Series—and Season 1 Finale

February 28, 2025February 27, 2025

By Cassandra Pinkney

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place star Janice LeAnn Brown says that fans are in for some magical delights as the first season of the series winds down, with its finale airing this Friday, February 28. “Your jaw may drop,” she tells D23. “[Fans] can expect fun, adventure, learning. They can expect some wholesome moments and to just relax and forget about every problem in the world and just watch some magic.”

In the continuation of Wizards of Waverly Place, Brown plays a young wizard named Billie, who she describes as a “rascally little fashionista.” The first season follows Justin Russo (David Henrie) as he leaves his mortal life behind to train Billie and protect the future of the Wizard World, all while dealing with the sticky situations Billie and his children Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko) find themselves in.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is Brown’s first time playing a TV series regular. She loved Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (2009) growing up and tells D23 she feels “so honored” to be taking on such an important role in this new series. Her excitement was just one part of the “emotional roller coaster” she was on when she learned she was the series lead. “I put a lot of pressure on myself,” she admits. Her on-screen family, including Wizards of Waverly Place actors David Henrie and Selena Gomez (Alex Russo), helped put things in perspective. “Having such an amazing support system calmed me down and I started trusting myself more. They made it so much fun,” she says. “It was such a blast.”

Brown is no stranger to a Disney production. Before she picked up her wand, Brown appeared in other Disney shows, including Bunk’d (2015-2024) and Just Roll with It (2019-2021). “A Disney set is probably one of the most fun sets to be on,” she says. “There’s always laughter and it’s a very wholesome place to be.”

Brown says her experience on Wizards Beyond Waverly Place taught her a lot about herself and she hopes that her character can grow just as much. “I want her to stop using magic for everything, and really listen and take things in,” she says. “I hope that she can enjoy the mortal world just a little bit, rather than causing chaos everywhere.” Brown also thinks a good place for Billie to start would be to “maybe listen to Justin just once!”

The love that the Russo family has for each other in the original Wizards of Waverly Place makes the new show special and, according to Brown, is felt just as much behind the scenes as it is on-screen. She relates to the way Billie finds her way into the Russo family and hopes that her performance can teach viewers, who also relate to her character, that “love exists and that they don’t have to give up on family.”

In fact, Brown says watching the series together could be an excellent tradition for families, especially for viewers of the original Wizards of Waverly Place who now have younger siblings or children of their own. “It’s a great way to spend time with your family. There are jokes for adults. Jokes for kids. Jokes for teenagers. It’s literally for everyone,” she says.

11 all-new episodes of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, including the Season 1 finale, premiere February 28 on Disney+.

QUIZ: How Much Do You Know About Disney at the Oscars®?

February 26, 2025February 28, 2025

By Cassandra Pinkney

And the Oscar® goes to… Disney!

Disney has a storied history with the Academy Awards®, earning its first statuette over 90 years ago in 1932—and it has remained a fixture of the ceremony ever since. This year, The Walt Disney Company earned 15 nominations and is looking forward to a star-studded evening at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, live on ABC and Hulu.

In preparation for Hollywood’s biggest night, test your knowledge of Disney’s legacy at the Oscars.

Maria Canals-Barrera on the Magic of Reprising Her Beloved Role in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

February 26, 2025

No need to cast a summoning spell, this iconic Disney mom is back! After more than a decade, Maria Canals-Barrera is returning to her fan-favorite role as Theresa Russo in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. “It felt like we didn’t skip a beat,” she told D23 in an exclusive conversation about reprising her role in the continuation to Wizards of Waverly Place. “It felt like a wonderful opportunity to get to bring [Theresa Russo] back.”

To Canals-Barrera, the continuation captures everything that made the original series so magical. “A lot of talent and heart went into the show. There’s the same commitment to honoring the original show but creating something new that’s very satisfying.” She credits the show’s creative team with much of its success. David Henrie (Justin Russo) and Selena Gomez (Alex Russo) are back as a series regular and guest star, respectively, as well as executive producers. Canals-Barrera says that the creative team’s care for the show allowed them to “create something special.”

A key component of the Wizards of Waverly Place franchise has always been family. The Russo family mantra, “Russos always have each other’s backs,” lives on in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. “Unconditional love is so evident,” Canals-Barrera says about the newest generation of the Russo family, headed by Justin Russo and his wife Giada (Mimi Gianopulos). She is especially thrilled about her character, now a grandmother, sharing this love with the youngest members of the Russo family, Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko), in addition to Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown), a powerful young wizard who stays with the Russo family to train with Justin.

Playing a mother on-screen in Wizards of Waverly Place and being a mother off-screen, Canals-Barrera can relate to the importance of family. “I use a lot of myself,” she says of playing her character. “Being a good mother is the hardest thing in the world, and it is my goal to be the best mom I can be.” She draws parallels between her own journey of motherhood and the process which her character navigates. “With Teresa, having the limitation of being a mortal and having to deal with her kids having these magical powers was a great challenge,” she says. She expresses a deep fondness for the character of Giada Russo because she, like Theresa, is a mortal mom who deals with the struggles all moms face as well as the troubles that come from having wizards in the family. “I get to meet her where she’s at and love her unconditionally,” she says.

As a Cuban American, she also appreciates that Theresa Russo is “an American mom on an American show” while still celebrating her Latin heritage. “They didn’t put me in a box,” she says of her portrayal. This type of representation feels realistic to Canals-Barrera and audiences alike, as she learned from her daughter. “I remember my daughter saying, ‘Mom, friends at school really love that you’re like their mom.’ That kind of representation really did matter to a lot of young people, even if it’s unspoken.”

Canals-Barrera is as much a fan of the Wizards of Waverly Place franchise as she is a part of it. The continuation, she says, has something for new and old audiences alike, making it perfect for the whole family. “Hop on board! As an OG fan, it’s so satisfying,” she says. “You’re going to love it.”

This episode, along with 11 all-new episodes of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, premieres February 28 on Disney+.

A Complete Guide to the 97th Oscars® on ABC and Hulu

February 26, 2025February 28, 2025

By Zach Johnson

It’s almost time to roll out the red carpet for the 97th Oscars^®.

Before Hollywood’s biggest night, get all the details on this year’s ceremony, from the host and the nominees to the presenters and the performers — in addition to all the pre- and post-awards coverage of the big wins, fabulous fashions, viral moments, and so much more.

When are The Oscars airing?
Held at the Dolby^® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, The Oscars will air live on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT — and, for the first time, stream live on Hulu. The ceremony will stream on Disney+ internationally and air on broadcast outlets globally.

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How and when can I watch the Oscars pre-shows?
Leading into Oscars weekend, Good Morning America‘s Lara Spencer will be on the ground in Los Angeles Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with a preview of Oscars preparations, including a sneak peek of The Governor’s Ball (the official Oscars afterparty) with celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. James Longman will join Spencer and GMA’s coverage Friday. Whit Johnson will also be on-site for special segments throughout the weekend. In addition, Good Morning America will mark its 50th anniversary with a look back at its extensive coverage of the Oscars throughout the years, culminating with the GMA Oscar Monday After-Party, broadcast live from both Hollywood and New York City on Monday, March 3.

Countdown to the Oscars with Robin Roberts: A Special Edition of 20/20 will air Friday, February 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu. In this primetime special, Disney Legend Robin Roberts interviews Oscar nominees Jesse Eisenberg, Cynthia Erivo, Coralie Fargeat, James Mangold, and others. The special also includes spotlights on nominees Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Mikey Madison, and Zoe Saldaña, among others. Connelly also sits down with O’Brien to find out what the first-time host is planning.

ABC News will present a star-studded pre-show, On The Red Carpet at the Oscars, on Sunday, airing across ABC Owned Television Stations and Affiliates as well as streaming on ABC News Live from 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT until the awards show begins. ABC News’ Linsey Davis, Johnson, and Chris Connelly, along with KABC’s George Pennacchio and Variety‘s Clayton Davis will welcome and interview this year’s Oscar nominees and presenters as they arrive, while KABC meteorologist Leslie Lopez, supermodel Roshumba Williams, and fashion expert Joe Zee will be on site to discuss all the night’s best fashions.

Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer will host The Oscars Red Carpet Show, the official lead-in to the 97th Oscars, on ABC Sunday, marking Palmer’s inaugural year and Hough’s second consecutive year doing the honors. The 30-minute special will highlight nominees, performers, and presenters, providing a multi-view experience of the red carpet arrivals.

Tune in throughout the week and into Oscars weekend for additional coverage from ABC News Live, ABC News Radio, ABC NewsOne, GMA3: What You Need to Know, Nightline, This Week with George Stephanopoulos, The View, and World News Tonight with David Muir.

Who are this year’s Oscar nominees?
The Walt Disney Company received 15 Oscar nominations across The Walt Disney Studios, content brands, and platforms (Disney+ and Hulu). That includes eight for Searchlight Pictures’ A Complete Unknown, two for Searchlight Pictures’ A Real Pain, one for 20th Century Studios’ Alien: Romulus, one for Disney Branded Television’s Elton John: Never Too Late, one for Pixar Animation Studios’ Inside Out 2, one for 20th Century Studios’ Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and one for National Geographic Documentary Films’ Sugarcane.

For a detailed list of Disney’s nominations, click here. To see all the nominees, click here.

Where can I stream Disney’s Oscar-nominated films?
A Complete Unknown is in theaters and available to rent or purchase on premium VOD platforms (PVOD). Visit D23.com to find out where to stream A Real Pain, Alien: Romulus, Elton John: Never Too Late, Inside Out 2, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Sugarcane.

Who is the hosting the 2024 Oscars?
As announced in November 2024, Emmy^® Award-winning television host, writer, producer, and comedian Conan O’Brien will host The Oscars, marking his first time doing the honors.

“Conan is a preeminent comedic voice whose decades-long success is marked by his distinctive humor and perspective,” Craig Erwich, President, Disney Television Group, said when O’Brien’s involvement was announced. “He joins an iconic roster of comedy greats who have served in this role, and we are so lucky to have him center stage for the Oscars.”

Who is performing at the Oscars?
Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, LISA of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and RAYE will participate in showstopping performances celebrating the filmmaking community and some of its legends. The Oscars also will feature a special appearance by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. The producers will continue to announce talent joining the show leading up to the ceremony.

Who is presenting at the Oscars?
Joe Alwyn, Dave Bautista, Halle Berry, Sterling K. Brown, Penélope Cruz, Disney Legend Miley Cyrus, Willem Dafoe, Ana de Armas, Lily-Rose Depp, Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr., Elle Fanning, Disney Legend Harrison Ford, Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, Selena Gomez, Goldie Hawn, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Cillian Murphy, Connie Nielsen, Amy Poehler, Margaret Qualley, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Alba Rohrwacher, Zoe Saldaña, June Squibb, Ben Stiller, Emma Stone, Miles Teller, Disney Legend Oprah Winfrey, Bowen Yang, and Rachel Zegler are confirmed to present during the show.

How do I play Oscars Pick ‘Em?
Oscars Pick’em is a free to play game on ESPN.com/ABC.com, the ESPN App, and the ESPN Fantasy App that serves as a second screen experience for movie and gaming fans alike. Players compete by predicting who they think will win in all 23 categories. During the live broadcast, their selections will be scored in real time as each winner is announced. The grand prize is a trip for two to Los Angeles for the 2026 Oscars Watch Party and $5,000, and 10 first prize winners will receive an Oscar prize pack. (See complete rules for details.)

How can I follow along on social media?
Chicken Shop Date‘s Amelia Dimoldenberg will serve as The Academy’s official social media ambassador and red carpet correspondent, after first holding the position in 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Amelia as our social media ambassador and red carpet correspondent to provide viewers with exclusive access to the Oscars,” Jennifer Davidson, The Academy’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, said in a statement. “Amelia’s widespread appeal and unique approach resonated with global audiences, and we are looking forward to her affable and engaging perspective on the Oscars experience.”

Fans can also follow along via ABC’s official Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X accounts.

GoodMorningAmerica.com—as well as GMA’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X accounts—will provide live coverage of the red carpet and award show starting at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT. ABCNews.com will also publish real-time updates on Oscars Sunday.

Who is on the Oscars production team?
The team behind this year’s ceremony includes executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor; executive producer Katy Mullan; co-executive producer Rob Paine; producers Taryn Hurd, Sarah Levine Hall, Jeff Ross, Mike Sweeney; director Hamish Hamilton; production designers Misty Buckley and Alana Billingsley; music director Michael Bearden; supervising choreographer Mandy Moore; and lighting designers Bob Dickinson and Noah Mitz. Joining Conan O’Brien as a writer are Amberia Allen, José Arroyo, Josh Comers, Dan Cronin, Jessie Gaskell, Skyler Higley, Berkley Johnson, Ian Karmel, Brian Kiley, Laurie Kilmartin, Carol Leifer, Jon Macks, Matt O’Brien, Agathe Panaretos, and Mike Sweeney.

What happens after the Oscars?
During the Oscars, Disney Legend Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos will be waiting in the wings to speak with winners the moment they walk offstage. Overnight, the Live with Kelly and Mark team will create the fan-favorite “After the Oscars Show” special, featuring the best moments with the biggest Oscar winners and, of course, the night’s most fabulous fashions. Come Monday morning, Ripa and Consuelos will walk onto the stage — ready or not — to talk to special guests, introduce a show-stopping musical performance, and more.