Lizzie McGuire’s Entire Family to Return for New Disney+ Series

By Zach Johnson

Best. News. Ever! Hallie Todd, Robert Carradine, and Jake Thomas will reprise their roles as Jo, Sam, and Matt McGuire in Lizzie McGuire, the highly anticipated Disney+ series. They join previously announced star and executive producer Hilary Duff. This week, the cast reunited for the first time in 15 years for a read-through of the first episode! As was revealed at D23 Expo 2019, original Lizzie McGuire series creator Terri Minsky will return as showrunner and executive producer of the Disney+ series. Rachel Winter will executive-produce, and Ranada Shepard will co-executive produce.

“We are incredibly excited to bring back one of the most popular Disney Channel series of all time along with some beloved and familiar faces,” said Ricky Strauss, president, Content & Marketing, Disney+. “With Terri at the helm and Hilary, Hallie, Robert, and Jake back after all these years, it’s our honor to welcome the McGuire family into the Disney+ family.”

Lizzie McGuire Logo

“Just like there is no Lizzie McGuire without Hilary Duff, there is no McGuire family without Hallie, Robert, and Jake,” added Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. “The original series holds a special place in the hearts of so many, and we can’t wait to introduce fans, both old and new, to an older, wiser, yet still perfectly imperfect Lizzie.”

The new Lizzie McGuire story picks up as the titular character is just about to turn 30. She seemingly has it all­—her dream job as an assistant to a fancy New York City decorator, her dream guy, and a picturesque Brooklyn apartment—but things aren’t always as they seem. With a little help from her friends, her loving family, and her 13-year-old alter-ego in animated form, Lizzie navigates the ups and downs of adulthood.

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!

The Saga Concludes in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

It’s almost time to reacquaint ourselves with the Resistance, and Disney Channel announces a brand-new live-action mystery series… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: The Resistance is Ready…

We cannot believe it’s almost time to bear witness to the beloved Skywalker saga’s conclusion with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (luckily, we can always relive the first eight parts of the saga on Disney+). In case you’d like a second—or 42nd—viewing of the latest (and final) Rise of Skywalker trailer, take a gander at the incredible clip, above.

Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker—where new legends will be born, and the final battle for freedom is yet to come…

Star Wars Rise of Skywalker Poster

The film’s truly all-star cast (most of whom are seen in the brand-new poster, above) boasts the likes of Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, Ian McDiarmid, Billy Dee Williams, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher.

Tickets for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, opening in theaters around the globe on December 20, are on sale now!

Star Wars: Force for Change and FIRST Announce “Build My Droid” Contest

In further fun Star Wars news: If you’ve ever dreamt of creating a droid and seeing it come to life, do not miss you chance to enter Star Wars: Force for Change and FIRST’s brand-new “Build My Droid” contest. You (and your droid) might just win a trip to the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker red carpet premiere this December! We’ve got all the pertinent info; click here to read more.

New Destination Coming to Star Tours – The Adventure Continues

And the Star Wars-related news keeps on comin’! Just this week, our pals at the Disney Parks Blog announced that a new destination—inspired by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker—will be introduced in Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at several Disney Parks around the world. Click here for more!

Sulphur Squad

Disney Channel Announces Live-Action Mystery Series Sulphur Springs

Time travel and mystery are ever so appropriate for this spooky Halloween season, so we’re particularly excited for this latest news from our friends at Disney Channel: There’s a new live-action, genre-bending series on the horizon.

Set to begin production in New Orleans next year, Sulphur Springs is an 11-episode series that follows 12-year-old Griffin Campbell (Preston Oliver), whose family has just uprooted their lives to move to a new town and take ownership of an abandoned hotel—all in hopes of restoring it back to the bustling vacation destination it once was. Not long after Griffin begins his first day at a new school, however, he learns that the hotel he’s just moved into is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a girl who disappeared decades ago. Along the way, Griffin befriends Harper (Kyliegh Curran), a mystery-obsessed classmate; together, they uncover a secret portal that allows them to travel back in time, where they’ll discover that the key to solving the mystery may lie within Griffin’s own family.

Stay tuned for more info on Sulphur Springs—also starring Elle Graham, Kelly Frye, Josh Braaten, Landon Gordon, and Madeleine McGraw—as it becomes available…

Get a Special Look at Frozen 2 at Disney Parks Beginning November 2

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen 2 is set to flurry into theaters November 22—but in the weeks leading up to its big debut, folks set to enjoy some vacay time at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as Disney Cruise Line and Disneyland Paris, will get a sneak peek! See two of the film’s voice stars, Josh Gad (Olaf) and Kristen Bell (Anna), announce the cool news in the clip, above.

Beginning November 3, a special look at moments from the film will be presented in the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure park, for guests gathered to experience the Frozen – Live at the Hyperion stage spectacular. Sneak peeks of the film will also be shown in the Studio Theater at Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris starting November 4; as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World beginning on November 5; and onboard Disney Cruise Line during the month of November.

Frozen 2 follows Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) as she sets out—together with Anna, Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff), Olaf, and Sven—on a dangerous but remarkable journey to discover why she was born with magical powers. The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom… Elsa once feared her powers were too much for the world; now, she must hope they are enough. We can’t wait to find out what happens!

ICYMI: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Gets Second Season

We’ve already seen (along with some equally lucky folks at D23 Expo 2019) the first episode of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and trust us—not only is it hilariously fantastic, but it also made us even more excited to watch the whole series once it launches on Disney+ on November 12. So we’re tickled pink to hear that they’ve already renewed the show for a second season! Read up on the news right here at D23.com.

Chicken Squad

“Bagawk!” Production Has Begun on Disney Junior’s New The Chicken Squad

Do you need some problem-solving chickens in your life? (Honestly, who doesn’t?) Then look no further than an adorable new animated show coming to Disney Junior!

Production has begun on The Chicken Squad, a series aimed at preschoolers and their families that’s slated to debut in 2020. Inspired by Doreen Cronin’s popular book series, The Chicken Squad follows Coop, Little Boo, and Sweetie—a trio of young chicken siblings—and Captain Tully, a seasoned watchdog, who use teamwork and critical thinking skills to solve problems in the neighborhood and keep the peace in their backyard.

The series’ voice cast includes Ramone Hamilton as Coop, the enthusiastic and inventive leader; Maxwell Simkins as Little Boo, the quick and confident younger brother; Gabriella Graves as Sweetie, the strong and big-hearted sister; and friend-of-D23 Yvette Nicole Brown (Disney+’s Lady and the Tramp) as Captain J.J. Tully, a caring retired police dog and mentor to the Chicken Squad.

You Need to See These Adorable Dogs at the Special Lady and the Tramp Screening

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Last night was truly a “Bella Notte” in New York as stars (and so, so many adorable dogs) attended a special event screening of the Disney+ original movie Lady and the Tramp. Tessa Thompson (voice of Lady), Justin Theroux (voice of Tramp), Yvette Nicole Brown (Aunt Sarah), Adrian Martinez (Elliott), F. Murray Abraham (Tony), Rose (Lady), Monte (Tramp), Director Charlie Bean, Producer Brigham Taylor, and Associate Producer Kayla Fishman joined representatives from North Shore Animal League America, as well as special guests, for the screening. Many of the dogs in attendance were adoptable rescue dogs—plus the film’s furry stars Rose and Monte, along with Justin Theroux’s pet dog, Kuma. The photos from the screening are a must-see for any dog enthusiasts out there, so check out our gallery to see all the adorableness in action.

Lady and the Tramp will debut on Disney+ on November 12.

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!

Star Tours — The Adventures Continue to Add New Destination Inspired by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Our friends at Disney Parks Blog just announced an exciting addition to our exploration of the galaxy far, far away. We’re all eagerly awaiting December 20, when the final chapter of the Skywalker Saga, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, debuts in theaters. We’re delighted to discover that on that December date, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be adding new destinations inspired by the latest episode of the Star Wars saga at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort.

We’ll be sharing new details as Disney Parks Blog reveals more!

Build a Star Wars Droid and You Could Win a Stellar Prize

By Zach Johnson

Is your droid the one we’ve been looking for? Star Wars fans who’ve long dreamt of designing their own droid will get the opportunity to do just that through the “Build My Droid” contest. As part of an initiative to inspire the next generation of heroes and innovators in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and creative arts, Star Wars: Force for Change and global robotics community FIRST are teaming up to give fans and artists ages 16 and up the chance to create a droid for the Star Wars galaxy.

Not only will the winning droid be featured in a future story set in the Star Wars galaxy, but the winning designer will be invited to the world premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in December for the public debut of his or her droid design on the red carpet!

“The ingenuity and creativity of Star Wars fans has always amazed me,” Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy says. “When FIRST teamed up with Force for Change, we saw a great opportunity to both highlight their incredible talent and reaffirm the importance of STEM programs. I can’t wait to see what designs they come up with.”

The contest launched today, and applicants must submit their droid design in the form of a sketch, drawing, or painting at StarWars.com/BuildMyDroidContest by November 13, 2019. Eligible countries include United States; Canada, excluding Quebec; Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales only); France; Spain; Belgium; Japan; and Mexico. The judges will be Neal Scanlan, Star Wars creature and special makeup effects supervisor; John Swartz, Lucasfilm vice president, creative producer; Pablo Hidalgo, Lucasfilm senior creative executive; Mayim Bialik, celebrity Star Wars fan and STEM advocate; and FIRST founder Dean Kamen, inventor of the LUKE Arm, a revolutionary prosthesis.

John Boyega

FIRST inspires innovation and leadership through engaging, hands-on robotics challenges developed to ignite curiosity and passion in students in grades K-12. The support of FIRST is part of The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to provide inspiration and opportunity to the next generation of innovators. The 2020 FIRST RISE season is powered by Star Wars: Force for Change. Registration is open for all FIRST programs.

*NO PURCH. NEC. 16+ in 50 US & DC, Canada (ex. Quebec), Mexico, GB, Spain, France, Belgium, Japan. Ends 23:59:59 Pacific Standard Time November 13, 2019 (08:59:59 Paris Time November 14). Prize requires travel to U.S. in December 2019. Max 1 entry per person. Rules/T&Cs: www.starwars.com/BuildMyDroidContest. Void in Quebec and where prohibited. Sponsor: ABC, Inc. d/b/a Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, USA.

You Have to See These Halloween Costume Ideas for You and Your Dog

By D23 Team

Halloween is only two weeks away, but if you don’t already have a costume: don’t fear! There is still plenty of time to get your costumes ready in time for some trick-or-treating adventures. Here are some Disney-inspired costumes from shopDisney.com|Disney store for you and your dog that are paws-itively fun! Don’t forget to use the D23 shopDisney discount when you check out!

Princess Leia Costume and Stormtrooper dog harness

Princess Leia and a Stormtrooper
“Aren’t you a little short for a stormtrooper?” Maybe! But dressing your scruffy-looking pupper in a stormtrooper outfit is so wizard. And for those who prefer the dark side, you can channel Kylo Ren or Darth Vader, too. Either way, these costumes are out of this galaxy!

Adult Minnie Costume and Dog Mickey Costume 

Mickey and Minnie
Have your dog dress as the mouse who started it all. Pair it with a Minnie Mouse costume and you both will have everyone say, “oh, boy!”

Black Spirit Jersey Glitter Ears and Spirit Jersey

Disney Parks Guests
Mickey ears? Check! Spirit jersey? Check! This checklist may sound like getting ready for a day at a Disney Park, but it can also be a last-minute Halloween costume! Both you and your dog can throw on a pair of rose gold ears and a Disney spirit jersey to be a darling Disney duo.

 Family in Toy Story costumes

The Whole Toy Story Gang
There’s no need to go looking infinity and beyond for a costume! In fact, the whole family can join in on this Halloween get-up. From Bo Peep and Duke Caboom to Woody and Buzz Lightyear, this group costume has something for everyone, including your pup!

What’s This? Everything You Need to Know About Haunted Mansion Holiday

By Savannah Salazar

Season’s screamings! Holiday cheer is in the air, and spirits are high, especially at Haunted Mansion Holiday—where the Pumpkin King Jack Skellington and company have gathered for their yearly haunt. Inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, the classic attraction, which is celebrating a “Mostly Ghostly” 50th anniversary this year, gets a frightfully festive transformation just in time for Halloween and Christmas. So, gather around, boos and ghouls, for some spooktacular fun facts.

Haunted Mansion Gingerbread House

Deck the Halls
Outside, the mansion has more than 400 flickering candles to create a ghostly glow, while each night more than 100 jack-o’-lanterns shine bright. And hung both inside and outside the Haunted Mansion are thousands of feet of “Black Gnarly” garland, which Jack Skellington’s ghost dog, Zero, has collected along with more than 200 bones to use as décor and presents. Plus, be sure to look out for Sandy Claws’ list of who’s naughty or nice!

Supernatural Effects
Inside the attraction, there are plenty of haunts coming out to socialize—both from the Haunted Mansion and from Halloween Town. Jack Skellington and Zero appear in an animated sequence above visitors in The Stretching Room as you go farther into the depths of the mansion. During your tour, there are more than two dozen additional denizens of Halloween Town who materialize—from “Scary Teddy” to a man-eating wreath, skeleton reindeer, Oogie Boogie, and Sally.

On the 13th Day of Christmas…
All the rooms of the Haunted Mansion have a bit of holiday spirit, and the séance room is no exception. All around are 13 spinning fortune cards showing Christmas gifts that Madame Leota’s ghoul love gave to her. When it comes to the spirited voice performance of Madame Leota, the voice for the seasonal attraction is performed by Imagineer Kim Irvine, the daughter of Leota Toombs— long-time Imagineer and Disney Legend—whose face was the model for Madame Leota. 

Graveyard Ghouls in Cookie Form

Very, Merry Special (Tricks and) Treats
Since the start of Haunted Mansion Holiday—18 years ago, to be exact—there has been a supernaturally sweet creation prominently displayed in the Grand Hall. This year, the gingerbread house celebrates the 50th anniversary of the ghoulish attraction, and the 10-foot tall Haunted Mansion replica is festooned with 15 spirited ghosts and luminous haunts—all in gingerbread form! Altogether, the house is made of more than 30 pounds of gingerbread and 120 pounds of frosting and icing.

Sally from Tim Burton's The Nightmare before Christmas

Graveyard Ghouls
Now, what’s a tour of Haunted Mansion without a trip through the graveyard? During the holidays, happy haunts, a gaggle of ghouls, and the Pumpkin King come out to socialize, including the iconic Graveyard Ice Angels. Designed with a jagged, ice-carved look, their wings and snow-glow colors shine with ghoulish luster every year. The graveyard itself eerily glows with nearly 7,500 square feet of snow, more than 20 gallons of UV (ultra-violet) paint and twinkles with 1,000 tiny, orange lights decorating the trees. It’s truly a chilling sight.

Mostly Ghostly Trivia Challenge Week 4—Materialize Your Haunted Mansion Knowledge

By D23 Team

As we eagerly prepare for our “Mostly Ghostly” Halloween celebrations, let’s take a look at the ultimate supernatural soirée of silly spooks that’s been waltzing inside Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion for 50 years. Who knew the hereafter could be so much fun?

After five decades of playful ghosts—just one shy of a thousand!—swinging wakes, and a never-ending poltergeist party, how well do you know your Haunted Mansion trivia? Gaze into your crystal ball and see how many of these phantasmagorical facts you can muster. Make sure to scroll down for the answers, and to see how far down your Haunted Mansion knowledge reaches!

1. One of the earliest concepts of a haunted house at Disneyland, depicting a spooky house at the end of Main Street, U.S.A, was created by what Disney artist in 1952?
A) Rolly Crump
B) Harper Goff
C) Yale Gracey
D) Marty Sklar

2. The final exterior for the Haunted Mansion is heavily influenced by what well-known house?
A) The Sauer Castle in Kansas City, Kansas
B) The Winchester Mystery house in San Jose, California
C) San Simeon’s Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo County, California
D) The Victorian-era Shipley-Lydecker House in Baltimore, Maryland

3. Even though the Haunted Mansion exterior was built between 1962-63, what was one of the major reasons it took until 1969 to open the attraction?
A) Walt Disney and his Imagineers were busy with the 1964-65 World’s Fair
B) Resources had to be reallocated to help the war effort
C) The whole Studio was working on Blackbeard’s Ghost
D) Walt was not happy with the storyline of the hatbox ghost

4. How many candles sit atop the birthday cake in the Grand Hall? 
A) 999
B) None
C) 23
D) 13

5. What is the name of the far-from-blushing bride in the attic of the Haunted Mansion? 
A) Leota
B) Aunt Lecretia
C) Constance
D) Ambrose Harper

6. What other prominent spot inside the Mansion do guests also see the Bride from the attic? 
A) Inside the Grand Ballroom, dancing happily alone
B) In the stretching portrait chamber, atop her husband’s tombstone
C) See-sawing in the graveyard with husband number six
D) Playing the pipe organ in the Grand Ballroom

7. The pipe organ seen in the ballroom was featured in what live-action Disney film?
A) The Shaggy Dog
B) 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
C) Treasure Island
D) Darby O’Gill and the Little People

8. What is the name of the real-life singing group who voices the Phantom Five singing busts?
A) The Spirited Five
B) Ghostly Crooners
C) The Mellomen
D) The Ravenscroft Singers

9. Thurl Ravenscroft, the voice of Uncle Theodore in the Phantom Five singing busts, voices what other character in another Disneyland attraction?
A) The Judge in Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
B) Grumpy in Snow White’s Scary Adventures
C) Geppetto in the Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
D) Tangaroa in Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

10. What is the name of the of the ghost, which is based on a story by Charles Dickens, that swings from the chandelier in the Grand Ballroom?  
A) Pickwick
B) Fezziwig
C) Mr. Jaggers
D) Jacob Marley

Correct Answers:

1. B) Harper Goff
2. D) The Victorian-era Shipley-Lydecker House in Baltimore, Maryland
3. A) Walt Disney and his Imagineers were busy with the 1964-65 World’s Fair
4. D) 13
5. C) Constance
6. B) In the stretching portrait chamber, atop her husband’s tombstone
7. B) 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
8. C) The Mellomen
9. D) Tangaroa in Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
10. A) Pickwick

If you got…

0-2/10
Foolish mortal—just kidding! A few more visits with the happy haunts will get you better acquainted—hurry back!

3-4/10
Is it our imagination, or is your knowledge actually stretching? You must be getting your information from somewhere beyond—keep with it!

5-6/10
Don’t rest in peace yet—your insight is giving us hot and cold running chills! A few more correct answers and you’ll be a regular ghost host.

7-8/10
Your genius is beginning to materialize—there’s no turning back now! You’re just a couple tombstones away from a full graveyard—almost there!

9-10/10
You’re clearly clairvoyant! Time to join the rest of the bright spirits at the swinging wake and celebrate.

 

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series to Return for a Sophomore Season

By Beth Deitchman

What time is it? Time for amazing news about a highly anticipated Disney+ series!

What team? Wildcats!

Ahead of its debut on the Disney+ streaming service, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series has been picked up for a second season. Production on the music-filled, comedic series will resume in Salt Lake City, Utah, early next year. Watch the video, below, for the cast’s reaction to the exciting announcement:

For HSM fans who want to “get’cha head in the game” even sooner than Disney+’s November 12 launch date, the first episode of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series will be televised across three networks—ABC, Disney Channel, and Freeform—on Friday, November 8 (8 p.m. ET/PT). The second episode will premiere Friday, November 15, on Disney+, with new episodes premiering on the streaming service every Friday.

“We are incredibly excited to bring the next chapter of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series to Disney+. Tim and this talented cast have delivered a first season that is uplifting, funny, touching, and relatable across generations. We are confident that the world, like us, will want much more of these characters, incredible songs and moments of joy,” said Ricky Strauss, president, Content & Marketing, Disney+.

HSMTMTS Cast

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “We challenged Executive Producer Tim Federle to re-imagine the world of High School Musical for a contemporary audience. At every turn, Tim has delivered a show that’s imaginative, layered, optimistic, and heartfelt, one that remains reverential to the original High School Musical premise while carving out its own identity with new characters, new relationships and both new and familiar songs.” He continued, “We’re thrilled to have the encouragement and support for a second season from our platform partners at Disney+.”

The series is set at East High School, the setting and filming location of the original movies, and stars Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Larry Saperstein, Julia Lester, Dara Renee’, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Mark St. Cyr, and Kate Reinders. They play members of the drama club and their faculty advisors as they work their way to opening night of their school’s first-ever production of High School Musical: The Musical. Show-mances blossom, old friendships are tested while new ones are made, rivalries flare, and lives are changed forever as these students discover the transformative power that only high school theater can provide.

HSMTMTS Troy and Gabriella

Golden Globe® and Academy Award® nominee Tim Federle (Ferdinand) created High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and serves as executive producer. Federle wrote the first episode, which was directed by Tamra Davis. Oliver Goldstick, Davis and Emmy®-winning High School Musical executive producers Bill Borden and Barry Rosenbush are also executive producers of the first episode.

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!

It’s a Lovely “Bella Notte” with Lady and the Tramp—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Follow two adorable dogs as they come to understand the true meaning of “home,” and read up on Disney+’s legitimately incredible catalogue… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Lady and the Tramp Finds Enchantment on Disney+ Next Month…

We can hardly contain our excitement for the launch of Disney+ in just a few weeks’ time; we may or may not have recently gone to our local box store and laid in a cache of binge-watching snacks (we take our streaming very seriously). And one of the marquee debuts is Disney’s Lady and the Tramp—a retelling of the timeless 1955 animated classic. Take a peek at the film’s most recent trailer, above.

Despite their different upbringings, a pampered house dog and a lovably tough stray grow closer—and soon come to understand the true meaning of “home.” Directed by Charlie Bean, from a screenplay by Andrew Bujalski, Lady and the Tramp stars Tessa Thompson as the voice of Lady and Justin Theroux as the voice of Tramp, with Kiersey Clemons (Darling), Thomas Mann (Jim Dear), Janelle Monáe (voice of Peg), Yvette Nicole Brown (Aunt Sarah), and Sam Elliot (voice of Trusty). Enjoy a “bella notte” with some seriously adorable puppers beginning November 12.

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
October 21, 2019
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
October 21, 2019
D23’s Sip & Stroll at Epcot
October 29, 2019
D23’s Mostly Ghostly Halloween on The Walt Disney Studios Lot
November 14, 2019
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: A Day at the Studio Lot
January 17, 2020
Get VIP Tickets to Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical
January 31, 2020
Disney’s Aladdin the Hit Broadway Musical VIP Tickets
August 9, 2020
Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise Presented by D23
Parks
August 16, 20, 23, 27, 30;
September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29; October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31;
November 1, 2019
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park
August 29—November 23, 2019
2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
September 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 2019;
October 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31, 2019
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure park
November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24;
December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 2019
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom park
November 29—December 30, 2019
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
December 5, 2019
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
January 17, 2020
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens at Disneyland park
March 4—June 1, 2020
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort
Studios
October 18, 2019
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil opens in U.S. theaters
November 22, 2019
Frozen 2 opens in U.S. theaters
December 20, 2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters
March 6, 2020
Onward opens in U.S. theaters
March 27, 2020
Mulan opens in U.S. theaters
May 29, 2020
Artemis Fowl opens in U.S. theaters
Television
October 1-31, 2019
Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween
November 5, 2019
ABC airs The Wonderful Word of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live! (8—10 p.m. EST)
November 8, 2019
High School Musical: The Series airs on ABC, Disney Channel, and Freeform (8 p.m. EST)
November 8, 2019
The Rocketeer premieres on Disney Channel (11 a.m. EDT), Disney Junior (5 p.m. EDT), and DisneyNOW
November 16, 2019
Big City Greens Kicks Off Season Two on Disney Channel (9:30 a.m. EST/PST)

This Just In: Disney+ Content Catalogue, Ahoy!

Speaking of Disney+, D23 has a roundup of everything—and we mean everything—you’ll be able to watch when the streaming service begins beaming into all our homes. Classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? Check! Disney Channel Original Movies from the ’90s? Check! Essentially the entire Muppets catalog? Check! (We’re particularly excited about that.) Have a look, and see how many of your all-time faves are listed, by clicking here.

Go Behind the “Sea”-nes with ABC’s The Little Mermaid Live

Disney’s The Little Mermaid celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and it stands to reason that one of the most beloved animated films of all time would get a truly unique and memorable TV event! The Wonderful World of Disney and ABC are proud to present The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live!, a special tribute to the original animated classic and its timeless music; catch a glimpse of some behind-the-scenes magic in the new clip, above.

The Little Mermaid Live! will take viewers on an incredible adventure “under the sea” as live musical performances by a star-studded cast will be interwoven into the broadcast of the original feature film. This never-before-seen hybrid format will feature amazing sets and colorful costumes, with music from the 1989 animated hit as well as the Tony Award®-nominated Broadway stage version—both composed by Oscar®-winning composer, Alan Menken. Howard Ashman’s iconic film lyrics will also be showcased; Glenn Slater, lyricist for the Broadway adaptation, will contribute to the star-studded spectacular as well.

Look for The Little Mermaid Live!—starring Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel, Graham Phillips as Prince Eric, Queen Latifah as Ursula, Shaggy as Sebastian, and John Stamos as Chef Louis—on Tuesday, November 5, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

SWGE Food

SWGE Food

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Debuts Enticing New Eats and 60-Day Reservations

News you can use from the world of Batuu: There are several new food items now available at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, at Disneyland park, to satiate even the hungriest of resistance fighters… Veggie lovers will enjoy the new plant-based Ronto-less Garden Wrap coming to Ronto Roasters, featuring a plant-based sausage with spicy kimchi slaw, sweet pickled cucumber, and Gochujang spread all wrapped in pita bread. And for a really interesting—not to mention tasty—treat, try some of Ronto Roasters’ new Kyryll Pork Rinds with cinnamon-sugar served in a MSE-6 Series Repair Droid souvenir vessel. Meanwhile, next door at Kat Saka’s Kettle, delight in some chocolate popcorn with Crait Red Salt (sprinkled with sale salt from Crait, a now-uninhabited red mineral world). Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is offering up a new kid’s meal, the Garden Patty Bun, while Oga’s Cantina features a brand-new charcuterie plate, the Happabore Sampler.

Speaking of Oga’s Cantina, beginning October 17, that popular watering hole will begin offering advance reservations up to 60 days in advance—following the 60-day reservation process currently offered for other reservation-accommodating restaurants and experiences throughout the Disneyland Resort. And that same new 60-day window also goes for Savi’s Workshop and Droid Depot! Check out the Disneyland Resort website or the Disneyland app for more info, or to make your reservations today.

Raven's Home Cast

Disney Channel Announces Fourth Season for Raven’s Home

Raven-Symoné has been a part of the Disney Channel family for years… and the fun will continue with a fourth season of her hit series Raven’s Home! Production on Season 4 will kick off later this year.

Made for kids age 6–14 and their families, Raven’s Home (a spinoff of the iconic Disney Channel comedy That’s So Raven) finds whimsical, somewhat psychic teen Raven Baxter now a divorced single mom of teen twins, Nia (Navia Robinson) and Booker (Issac Ryan Brown)—and she’s not the only one in the family who can catch glimpses of the future! Booker has inherited his mom’s gift, seeing just enough of the future to try and change it. Hilarity—as it so often does—ensues, as Raven and Booker try to understand their unpredictable visions while navigating a hectic but loving household that also includes Raven’s longtime best friend Chelsea (Anneliese van der Pol) and her son Levi (Jason Maybaum), and Nia’s best friend Tess (Sky Katz).

Catch Raven’s Home on Fridays (8–8:30 p.m. ET) on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW!