Marc Davis In His Own Words—Imagineering the Disney Parks Panel Celebrates the Timeless Work of One of Disney’s Greatest Artists

August 26, 2019August 26, 2019

By Max Lark

Had his Disney career ended with what he accomplished as an animator, Marc Davis would be considered one of the greatest artists in Disney history. But in 1962, Walt Disney moved Davis from Walt Disney Feature Animation to WED Enterprises (later Walt Disney Imagineering), where he would become a driving force behind the designs of some of the most iconic Disneyland park attractions, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, it’s a small world, Jungle Cruise, and more—all featuring environments, staging, and storylines that were heavily influenced by his conceptual artwork.

The Marc Davis In His Own Words—Imagineering the Disney Parks panel held on Stage 28 on Sunday afternoon at D23 Expo 2019 celebrated Davis’s incredible second act at Disney. Hosted by Imagineer Christopher Merritt and Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, who co-wrote the magisterial two-volume Disney Editions book of the same name, out September 3, the presentation reminded all in attendance, if they needed it, of the towering accomplishments of one of Disney’s most significant artists of all time. Through rarely seen photos and video sequences, as well as myriad examples of his art—from pencil sketches and designs to fully realized works of art—Merritt and Docter celebrated the work of this seminal artist, who Walt once described as “my Renaissance man.”

“It was a labor of love,” Merritt said during the panel about his and Docter’s five-year effort to write the book (after all, they both have day jobs). “A lot of lunch hours, a lot of late nights.” Merritt and Docter met Davis and his wife, Alice, during their student years at CalArts, visiting them at their Los Angeles home where the two aspiring artists became good friends with two world-class ones. “Chris went to the Library of Congress and unearthed some amazing photographs, unposed pictures of Marc and the Imagineering team working with Walt at the WED Building in Glendale,” Docter said. “We wanted the book to be akin to getting into a time machine and getting to sit alongside Marc,” Merritt added.

Their close friendships with Marc and Alice yielded incredible benefits when it came time to write the book. “Alice basically turned their house over to us,” Merritt says. “We were able to go through old drawers and boxes,” helping them find artwork no one had seen in decades. The Davis household, as photos projected during the panel plainly revealed, was a mini-museum, with walls covered in art of all kinds from all around the world. “Animated versions of some of the artwork made appearances in Up,” Docter, who directed the film, said.

Davis brought a sense of “whimsy and humor” to Disneyland, Merritt added, citing during the panel the playful elephants that charm Guests during their enchanting rides on Jungle Cruise. “He instilled characters with a quintessential Disney touch,” Merritt said. “You don’t notice it right away. But the elephants smile, especially the baby ones. Marc made them look as if they came from nature, but had them do things real elephants wouldn’t.

“One thing that we discovered that surprised us the most was that Marc actually started contributing designs for the theme park in fall 1960, a couple years before he transitioned to WED,” Merritt said.

The book Marc Davis In His Own Words – Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks really has to be seen to be believed. It is chockful of rarely or never-before-seen photos—many of Marc and fellow Imagineers working alongside Walt—as well as drawings, artwork, Marc’s notes and staging ideas, and more. As far as time machines go, you can’t find a better way to journey back to this marvelous era in Disney history.

Every Incredible Announcement from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products at D23 Expo 2019

August 25, 2019August 27, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

Talk about an E-ticket attraction—and we experienced all of it from our seat in Hall D23 at Disney Expo 2019! This morning, during an exciting presentation led by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek, an unbelievable array of new experiences and updates were revealed—from a new port of call for Disney Cruise Line to the first-ever attraction inspired by Mary Poppins at Epcot. It was a morning filled with Disney magic, complete with a surprise appearance by Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke.

Nearly 7,000 fans filled Hall D23 to hear from Chapek, who was happy to detail how Disney is bringing to life the next generation of immersive storytelling—and ensuring that guests are in the starring role.

“It was Walt’s vision for our theme parks to be places where Disney stories come to life in amazing ways, and with the world’s most creative and talented team of artists and dreamers, there’s no shortage of inspiration,” Chapek said.

To begin today’s presentation—always one of the most highly anticipated events at D23 Expo—Chapek returned to where it all began: animation. From Snow White to Frozen, guests can experience our classic characters and stories at theme parks around the world, and today Chapek revealed new details about the next generation of animated stories at Disney Parks.

Magic Happens Parade at Disneyland Park
Next spring, the new Magic Happens parade will make its way down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland park. The parade will feature stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved Disney characters from Moana, Coco, Sleeping Beauty, and more—with Mickey Mouse and his friends leading the way. In addition to an energetic score, Magic Happens will feature a new song produced in partnership with singer-songwriter Todrick Hall. Today, multitalented performer (and winner of Dancing with the Stars’ Season 25) Jordan Fisher got our toes tapping and gave us a sneak peek of the song.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Reminding fans in Hall D23 that Disney Parks, Experiences and Products never forgets that “it was all started by a mouse,” Chapek had updates for fans about the first ride-through attraction starring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in 2020 and Disneyland in 2022. The attraction will take guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy® Award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, and Chapek promised it will feature a stunning “surprise twist.” In Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland, you’ll find the attraction at the El CapiTOON Theater—where Mickey and Minnie’s new short, “Perfect Picnic,” is about to premiere. And, reminiscent of the magic guests experience at Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre, visitors to El CapiTOON can experience a special exhibit created by the Toontown Hysterical Society featuring costumes and props from the toon world. Then, after you enter the cartoon world of Mickey and Minnie, Goofy will be your engineer as you embark on the train ride of a lifetime.

Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort
Today we heard more details about the brand-new land, which will feature a major attraction that combines our unparalleled storytelling with the latest technology, new merchandise, and dining options that you won’t find anywhere other than Zootopia. We can’t wait to “try everything” that the themed land coming to Shanghai Disney Resort has to offer.

Celebrating Animated Stories at Hong Kong Disneyland
When the centerpiece of Hong Kong Disneyland is completely transformed, the Castle of Magical Dreams will honor 13 beloved Disney heroines. And nods to each are part of the castle’s design: Look for adornments such as Snow White’s apple, Cinderella’s coach, and Belle’s rose while you’re strolling by the castle, or enjoying the new daytime show and nighttime spectacular that will take place at the stunning locale. And speaking of transformations, the castle will be home to a new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where young princes and princesses will have the opportunity to become even more regal.

In some of the cooler news of the morning, Chapek revealed that guests will be able to “let it go” at Hong Kong Disneyland and step into the world of Frozen and experience all of its sights, sounds, cuisine, and traditions. The new coaster attraction, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleigh, will take guests on a winding journey through the kingdom, and the popular family attraction Frozen Ever After comes to the park, as well. Guests will also experience a beautiful “winter-in-summer” day, courtesy of Elsa and her magical powers.

First Cirque du Soleil Show Celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios

Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Cirque du Soleil are partnering to bring an incredible, first-of-its-kind show to Disney Springs. “This is destiny,” said Cirque du Soleil director Michel Laprise, who joined legendary Disney animator Eric Goldberg to announce the new show today in Hall D23.

So many of Disney’s most compelling and memorable experiences have come from blending different art forms, and this show promises to be no different. The team from Cirque du Soleil visited Disney parks, The Walt Disney Family Museum, the Walt Disney Archives, and Walt Disney Animation Studios to design the show. In addition to the breathtaking choreography and visuals Cirque du Soleil is known for, the new show will also feature music that integrates beloved Disney themes and music.

Goldberg teased a little about the story, which centers on a young girl whose father is a Disney animator who finds a way to send his daughter on a magical journey of self-discovery through a world of animation. The story is very personal to Goldberg, whose own children grew up surrounded by Disney animation, and he is thrilled to part of this exciting new show. “I admire how the team really came to us and tried to understand what we do, how we do it, and really what makes Disney animation special and unique,” he said. Previews are set to begin March 20, 2020, leading up to the world premiere of the new show on April 17.

Disney store at Target
Bullseye, Target’s adorable mascot, made a surprise appearance on the Hall D23 stage to help reveal that Target and Disney will come together with a creative retail collaboration that encompasses experiential retail and merchandising—including the launch of 25 Disney stores within select Target stores nationwide on October 4, with 40 additional locations opening by October 2020. The “shop-in-shop” will feature an enhanced Disney assortment of more than 450 items, including more than 100 products that were previously only available at Disney retail locations.

Disney’s Hotel New York—The Art of Marvel
“We’ve already shrunk you down to the size of a toy. We brought you to the edge of the galaxy. And now we’re going to give you super powers,” Chapek told the delighted crowd in Hall D23. When Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel opens next summer, it will celebrate 80 years of Marvel art and the artists. Guests will find Marvel art at every turn throughout the hotel, where more than 300 pieces will be on display. Guest rooms will include one-of-a-kind themed suites featuring favorite Super Heroes, who will also meet their fans in a dedicated space within the hotel.

New Details About Avengers Campus
Both of the immersive lands coming to Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris will be linked together in a global story, as the Avengers set out to recruit the next generation of Super Heroes. “In some ways, these new campuses are like the Avengers themselves: a group of diverse individuals who have teamed up for the same purpose,” Scot Drake, creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, detailed today. We’re ready to volunteer our services and step up, suit up, and team up!

At Disney California Adventure, the Worldwide Engineering Brigade, aka “WEB,” will house the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature Spider-Man. In this brand-new experience, guests will take a test spin on the “Web Slinger” vehicle and sling webs just like Spidey, as you help him collect Spider-Bots that have run amok.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll want to stop by the Pym Test Kitchen, where Pym Technologies uses their latest innovations to grow and shrink food. And all around the campus you’ll encounter heroes such as Black Widow, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Doctor Strange, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Super Heroes from Wakanda and Asgard, and Iron Man.

These will open next year in Anaheim as part of phase one, but today Chapek also revealed that a new E-ticket attraction is already planned to open later in phase two. Guests will be able to step on board a Quinjet and fly alongside the Avengers in an epic adventure to Wakanda and beyond on the upcoming attraction that will feature an all-new, innovative ride system.

Epcot’s Amazing Transformation
“Every inch of every park should be magical, and that’s why I’m so excited about this transformation,” Chapek shared. Disney fans can look forward to more attractions for the whole family, more of their favorite stories, and even more shade, he said—the latter evoking a huge laugh from the crowd.

Zach Riddley, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, told Disney fans that his personal goal is to inspire the next generation of children as he was inspired by his first trip to Epcot so many years ago. “I can remember being amazed by fruit that can sing, spiraling journeys through time and space, undersea cities, and a little purple dragon,” he said, adding that what stuck with him were the ideals that embody Epcot most: the power of hope, the power of possibility, and the power of wonder.

Today we learned that Epcot will be comprised of four neighborhoods and filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation that take you to new destinations, where the real is made fantastic in a celebration of curiosity, hands-on wonder, and the magic of possibility:

World Showcase
In a moment that none of the 6,800 fans in Hall D23 will ever forget, Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke joined Chapek on the Hall D23 stage to reveal that World Showcase will welcome the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane, which will join the United Kingdom pavilion as an entirely new neighborhood. Following a heartfelt standing ovation from the crowd, Van Dyke shared why he believes the film is still so dear to the hearts of so many. “What made it was ‘Uncle Walt.’ Walt Disney was a creative genius who looked at the world through a child’s eyes,” Van Dyke said.

The new nighttime spectacular HarmonioUS will follow the limited-time run of Epcot Forever and will be the largest ever created for a Disney park.

The magnifique plans for the France pavilion include the much-anticipated attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, as well as a delicious new restaurant called La Crêperie de Paris, both coming to Epcot in summer 2020. The classic Impressions de France film will be joined by an all-new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along in January 2020.

The Canada pavilion will be home to Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360, which will debut in January 2020 with new scenes and a new story.

In the China pavilion, Wondrous China will take guests on a spectacular journey across China, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.

World Celebration
New magic is coming to the iconic Spaceship Earth, which will remain a voyage through time as the journey transforms with new scenes reflecting the universal nature of the human experience. A new guide and all-new narration will focus on the storytelling that brings people together.

Epcot’s signature festivals will have a home base in a new pavilion that will offer a stunning view of World Showcase—and the distinctive three-level structure will be an especially wonderful vantage point from which to witness the park’s nighttime spectacular.

Dreamer’s Point will also offer spectacular views and will feature lush gardens, a wishing tree, an interactive new fountain, and a new statue that pays homage to Walt. “You all know that Epcot was Walt’s dream,” Chapek said, “and we all imagine him along with us, looking out from this very spot.”

World Nature
Guests visiting this neighborhood will meet and play with magical, living water, which has a mind of its own in the new attraction Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana.”

The new film Awesome Planet showcases the spectacular beauty, diversity, and dynamic story of the planet. It’s coming to The Land pavilion in January 2020.

World Discovery
The new and thrilling family-friendly attraction Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will feature the first-ever reverse launch into space. “It’s going to be awesome,” Chapek said, as he announced the new coaster, which rotates to focus on the action, wherever it might be.

The new restaurant Space 220 takes its name from its distance above earth. Departures begin this winter for the out-of-this-world culinary experience where you’ll also be able to take in daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up.

PLAY! Pavilion will invite guests to discover a city bursting with games, activities, and experiences that will connect them with family, friends, and favorite Disney characters like never before. We’re especially excited to join in an epic water balloon fight with Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby when the pavilion opens (in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary).

And in celebration of Epcot’s incredible transformation, the park will debut a new signature anthem. Today award-winning composer Pinar Toprak gave D23 Expo attendees a preview of her beautiful melody.

Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary
The party is coming to all four parks at Walt Disney World Resort, and we can look forward to highly anticipated attraction openings and new entertainment, special food and beverages, merchandise, and more.

Planned to debut in late 2020, Disney Genie is a revolutionary new digital offering that will enhance the way guests plan for and experience a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Genie will make planning easier and more fun by providing guests customized itineraries geared to princesses, thrill seekers, foodies, families, and more. Guests will even be able to tell Disney Genie what they want to experience, and it will quickly evaluate millions of options to present them with an optimal day.

Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge
Today, Chapek shared a new look at the hotel and proposed Disney Vacation Club resort that draws inspiration from the wonders of nature and artistry of Walt Disney.

Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
Prepare for the ultimate out-of-this-galaxy adventure! When guests board the Halcyon for a two-night adventure at Walt Disney World Resort, they’ll depart together—as they would do on any cruise. But unlike most cruises, they’ll live out their multi-day story as it interweaves with the Halcyon crew, fellow passengers, and “interesting” characters from a galaxy far, far away. You never know who you might encounter. And every window has a view that looks out into space.

The journey will feature incredible dining, a “spaceport” day on Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and special activities—including an opportunity for both kids and grown-ups alike to learn how to wield a lightsaber.

We’ve got a really good feeling about this vacation experience, which will begin booking soon.

Disney Cruise Line (DCL)
Joe Rohde, portfolio creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, came to Hall D23 to share plans for DCL’s new port of call, which was announced today. Lighthouse Point will be located on the breathtaking island of Eleuthera and will celebrate both the stories of the Bahamas and the natural environment of Lighthouse Point itself. Rohde and the team at WDI are working with local artists and cultural experts to create a unique destination that is rooted in Bahamian culture and filled with Disney magic. “The end result will be a place not like any other—not a replica of some old Bahamian town, not a pirate fantasy, but a dreamlike landscape of adventure by the sea, where art and nature combine with Disney magic to create a destination that can only exist in one place: here at Lighthouse Point,” Rohde said. He also noted that Disney will be directly involved in conservation efforts to preserve and protect the environment.

Three new ships are coming to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, and today Chapek announced the name of the first of the trio, which will first set sail in January 2022: the Disney Wish. Rapunzel will grace the stern of the new ship, which will feature an expansive atrium inspired by the beauty of a Disney fairy tale.

Today’s presentation culminated with a video featuring several young people whose lives were changed as the result of wishes granted by Disney as part of its ongoing relationship with Make-A-Wish. They joined Disney characters on stage for a spectacular finale.

“Thank you for helping us celebrate hope, magic, and the power of a wish to change a life—and the world,” said Chapek to bring the morning to a spectacular close. “Because after all, we’re all here because of one man’s wish to build a place where both he and his daughter could have fun together. And look what that’s led to: millions of families around the world brought together by the magic of Disney and millions of magical memories that last a lifetime.”

D23 Expo’s Swinging Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Tarzan

August 25, 2019

By Jim Frye

It was a wild end to a fantastic D23 Expo 2019 as “Two Worlds, One Family: The Making of Tarzan,” gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Disney’s 1999 animated classic. Hosted by Wayne Knight, who voiced Tantor the Elephant in the film, the panel featured directors Chris Buck and Kevin Lima, along with producer Bonnie Arnold. They were joined by animators Bruce W. Smith, Ken Duncan, and Eric Daniels.

Arnold—fresh from her work on Toy Story—said she was always a huge fan of the Tarzan stories, especially the Johnny Weissmuller films, and was ecstatic about joining the production. She was instrumental in helping to choose the songs for the film, which was composed and sung by iconic musician Phil Collins. “Phil was an incredibly good match and so great to work with,” she said.

Exclusively for this D23 Expo panel, one of Phil Collins’ original demo recordings was played, accompanied by the pre-visual artwork from the film. A video clip of Tony Goldwyn, voice of Tarzan, doing the famous “Tarzan call,” was also shown.

But perhaps the biggest “bit of news” to come out of the panel came from Buck, who joked, “Can I please put this rumor to rest? Tarzan’s parents are not Elsa and Anna’s parents.”

A highlight of the event was a video greeting from Disney Legend Glen Keane, character animator for Tarzan. In it, he drew Tarzan on an art pad, then said, “Thank you for the chance of lifetime to do Tarzan. I feel like I was born for that character. Thanks to everyone at D23 Expo for celebrating Tarzan with us.”

The event ended with a concert by Mathew Morrison (Glee) singing songs from his forthcoming Walt Disney Records album, including a new rendition of “You’ll Be in My Heart,” from the film.

D23 Expo Goes Under the Sea with “The Little Mermaid: The 30th Anniversary Celebration!”

August 25, 2019September 3, 2019

By Courtney Potter

“We got no troubles, life is the bubbles!” On this final morning of D23 Expo 2019, we donned our proverbial mermaid tails, grabbed a couple of whozits and whatzits, and headed over to the D23 Expo Arena for an event three decades in the making: “The Little Mermaid: The 30th Anniversary Celebration! Presented by H2O+”!

The party kicked off with none other than Ariel herself, Disney Legend Jodi Benson, who joined an adorable group of literal “little mermaids” (six talented young girls) on a beautiful rendition of Benson’s now-signature tune, “Part of Your Word.” She then welcomed the large and appreciative crowd to a truly auspicious occasion: “I’m really excited because I get to share with you amazing stories and some wonderful memories,” Benson confessed, “and to be able to introduce some of the incredible creators of our film… I’m thrilled that you’ve come to join us today! And who knows—we may even have a little surprise for you, cuz you know how D23 Expo is!” The crowd, of course, went wild.

As if on cue, one of Benson’s colorful Little Mermaid costars suddenly joined her (in puppet form) onstage—King Triton’s trusted advisor and court composer extraordinaire, Sebastian! Before he could wax too rhapsodic (which, if you know Sebastian, he is wont to do), Benson sent him backstage to help coordinate that special surprise she alluded to earlier… and then welcomed to the stage one of the people responsible for bringing the 1989 animated classic to the big screen: co-director and co-screenwriter Ron Clements, who gave some background on how the film came to be. “The Little Mermaid actually came to life for the first time January of 1985… They had a group of us [animation] directors and story people, and [Disney’s Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg] met with us and they said, ‘We want everybody to come up with five new ideas for animated features. We’re gonna reconvene in two weeks and we want everybody to pitch their ideas.’ So I took this seriously… and I went into a bookstore in North Hollywood, and I picked up a book of fairy tales, just at random. And I came across The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen—and I was reading the story, right in the bookstore. It’s a great story—very visual and very cinematic. And I wondered why they hadn’t done it [as an animated film].” The rest, as they say, is history.

Clements then talked about how he and co-director/co-screenwriter John Musker hooked up with lyricist Howard Ashman—who had just come off of creating the Off-Broadway hit Little Shop of Horrors with collaborator Alan Menken. And the filmmakers even found their Ariel through Ashman; at the time, Benson was starring in a Broadway musical he’d directed (and written the songs for, with the late Marvin Hamlisch) called Smile, about the world of beauty pageants. Coincidentally enough, Benson’s big song in the show was called “Disneyland”!

After showing some behind-the-scenes clips of Benson working in the recording studio with Ashman on “Part of Your World”—including one in which Ashman had turned off most of the lights to simulate an underwater “grotto”—Clements revealed that a young Jim Carrey had actually auditioned for the role of Prince Eric. As for late Disney Legend Buddy Hackett, who lent his incredibly memorable voice to the role of Scuttle, Clements admitted that no audition took place; knowing he was interested in the role, they went to meet Hackett at a restaurant in Glendale and knew right away they had their seagull.

Benson then welcomed The Little Mermaid art director Michael Peraza to the stage, who explained that he first found out that “Ron and John” (as they’re colloquially known) were directing The Little Mermaid at a party; Musker had come over to Peraza’s table and asked if he’d like to be involved. Peraza immediately said, “Where do I sign?” As an art director, Peraza was in charge of the “look” of the film—and to demonstrate, he showed some of his very early sketches for the film’s castles; Prince Eric’s royal bath; and Ariel’s underwater hangout. More of Peraza’s sketches appeared in the next clip—an early version of “Under the Sea” (with Ashman singing lead vocals).

Next to join the panel was Disney animator Mark Henn, who (with Glen Keane) was responsible for animating Ariel. Did you know Ariel was almost a blonde? In fact, the filmmakers looked to supermodel Christie Brinkley for inspiration. Ultimately, though, they decided on that now insanely recognizable red hair.

Benson then introduced a clip of her and composer Alan Menken discussing how “Part of Your World” almost didn’t make the final film. (“Can you imagine?” exclaimed Benson.) Menken couldn’t make this year’s D23 Expo (he’s currently working on the brand-new stage adaptation of Disney’s Hercules for the Public Theatre in New York City)—but he sent a video, thanking the fans and offering all manner of best wishes.

After an adorable interlude—in which a blushing Benson and an audience member (chosen for his resemblance to Prince Eric) were serenaded by a live quartet with the film’s romantic “Kiss the Girl”—Benson then introduced principal Ursula animator Ruben Aquino, who discussed how they locked into the look and personality of the iconic villain. (Another fun fact: Some of Ursula’s bearing was inspired by the ’80s TV series Dynasty and its stars Joan Collins and Linda Evans, all favorites of Ashman’s.) Peraza then told what he called the Ursula “jar story”; he and his wife were at home one night watching TV, and the show they were viewing included footage of an octopus in a jar inside an aquarium… All by itself, the octopus opened the jar, escaped the aquarium, and tried to make a break for it! And that’s where Ursula’s half-human, half-octopus form began! And speaking of Ursula, Benson introduced some clips of the actress behind her ridiculously recognizable voice: Pat Carroll! Carroll is unable to travel, so she sent through some hilariously adorable well wishes (and some flawless Ursula cackles!) from her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Following some great footage of Broadway actor Samuel Wright (voice of Sebastian) in the recording studio, Benson surprised the audience with a very special guest: Auliʻi Cravalho, who’s starring as Ariel in the upcoming live ABC special celebrating The Little Mermaid’s 30th, this November 5! “I’m absolutely thrilled,” she said, “and so thankful to be able to come back and play another princess that’s related to the ocean!” Cravalho then showed some sneak-peek concept art for what the stage will look like for the ABC special, which will incorporate live musical numbers into the original ’89 film.

Finally, Benson brought the memorable panel to a close by inviting Sebastian back to the stage to kick off the big surprise—a huge group of dancers and singers performing a rollicking rendition of “Under the Sea,” complete with bubbles cascading down from the rafters! To paraphrase the song, they got the spirit and we got to hear it… and it was a swimmingly spectacular way to start the final day of D23 Expo 2019.

Special thanks to H2O+ for helping us make a splash with this panel! D23 Gold Members, don’t forget that you can get 25% off your purchase at H2Oplus.com!

Keegan-Michael Key Plays Some Lively Brain Games

August 25, 2019August 25, 2019

By Bruce C. Steele

Keegan-Michael Key has always kept television viewers on their toes. With the National Geographic series Brain Games, he’s now aiming a little higher on the body. An enthusiastic Key previewed the show, which challenges viewers to question their perceptions of the world, Sunday at D23 Expo with battles of the sexes and some astonishing mind-reading.

“If you are familiar with earlier seasons of Brain Games, then you know that the show is fascinated with what the brain can do,” Key said. The show returns December 1 to National Geographic—after a three-year hiatus—with a new host and format.

“We have added a live audience, a lot of celebrities, and a world-renowned mentalist,” Key revealed. “Everything is bigger and better!”

The freshly conceived show was previewed at D23 Expo with a snappy video montage of moments from upcoming episodes, including flashes of flame. “We add danger, we add risk— and lots of fireballs,” Key said in the video. “It’s absolutely amazing!”

Brain Games began on National Geographic as a special in 2011 and ran as a series from 2013-2016. The Key-hosted reboot invites both members of a studio audience and viewers at home to participate in breaking down illusions and misperceptions, all in a quest to understand how the brain translates sensory input into what we see as the real world—some of which may not be real at all.

One kinetic and confounding addition to Brain Games is Israeli mentalist Lior Suchard, whom Key introduced at the D23 Expo event as “someone who defies expectations” and “one of the world’s greatest master mentalists.”

Suchard performed some of his stunning feats of mind-reading at the preview. He guessed the name of an audience member’s first crush (it was “Brett”) and used the iPhone of another volunteer—which he unlocked himself—to generate an incredibly long number from random digits offered by the audience. Impossibly, the final iteration of the many-digit number turned out to have been pre-printed on a long scroll Key had been holding throughout the presentation.

Suchard, well known for his many stupefying appearances on late-night and daytime talk shows and for a longtime association with singer-actor-director Barbra Streisand, will be a regular on Key’s Brain Games, interacting with the studio audience.

Another regular on Brain Games will be Cara Santa Maria, whom Key called a “roving scientist who will go out into the field to conduct experiments.” Santa Maria will be familiar to viewers of the earlier incarnation of the show.

At the D23 Expo event, Santa Maria appeared on video in an experiment with actor Colin Hanks at an art exhibition. When 15 randomly selected people viewed the art believing it was created by Hanks, whom many of them recognized, they ranked it an average of 8.1 out of 10. When a different 15 people saw the art, thinking it was created by a rude and pessimistic artist with straggly hair (portrayed by Hanks in makeup), they scored it three points lower.

This discrepancy, Santa Maria explained, was “the Halo Effect,” in which people are more generous in judgments of someone they admire, and the opposite “Horn Effect,” which depresses positive feelings about anything associated with someone they dislike.

Such entertaining demonstrations of real-life evidence of laboratory findings will be just one staple of Brain Games, which turns science into raucous fun. “I’m on the show, and I want to see the show!” Key said.

His enthusiasm for both Brain Games and the D23 Expo was on full display as he frequently interrupted himself to shout “D23!” from the stage, urging the audience to roar in response.

The preview event made a game out of one study that suggested that teams of men are better at performing tasks cooperatively than similar teams of men. Key put that conclusion to the test with four volunteers—two women and two men, yoked into same-sex pairs by double-size aprons. Using only one hand from each person, the pairs had to deflate a giant beach ball, stuff it into a footstool-size box, and tie the box with a bow.

The men got their beach ball deflated into the box quicker than the women, as the science predicted, but they were undone by the requirement that they tie what Key called “a standard Christmas bow”—a task at which the women excelled, winning the competition.

“Sometimes science doesn’t have all the answers,” said Muppet Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, who appeared with sidekick Beaker in a video clip that took audience members to Muppet Labs.

The most practical advice of the afternoon, however, came from Suchard, when he returned the borrowed iPhone to its owner. “Change your password,” he said.

Heroines of the Disney Galaxies Team Up at D23 Expo

August 25, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Some of the most powerful women in entertainment joined forces today at D23 Expo 2019 for Heroines of the Disney Galaxies – Presented by BoxLunch. Hosted by Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, and creator of the Her Universe fashion company and lifestyle brand, and live-streamed for D23 Members, the panel featured guests Sana Amanat, Vice President of Content & Character Development, Marvel; Ally Maki, who plays Mina Hess in Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger and voiced Giggle McDimples in Toy Story 4; Christy Carlson Romano, who voiced the title character in Kim Possible and voices Trina in Big Hero 6: The Series; and Genesis Rodriguez, who reprises her voice role as Honey Lemon from the film Big Hero 6 in the animated series.

Celebrating some of the most inspiring and empowered heroines from the worlds of Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, Eckstein began the conversation by introducing Amy Hansen, who was born with two particularly rare genetic disorders that caused the bone in her right femur to fracture several years ago. Following emergency surgery, Hansen was outfitted with a titanium rod in her leg. While in the hospital and having to learn how to walk again, she turned to Ahsoka for inspiration—and later earned the nickname “Titanium Amy” when she competed in her first Run Disney 5K race. Asked to share some words of wisdom, Hansen said, “You really don’t have to look far. The Force is always inside you… Focus on the things that make you unique, and remember: You’re tougher than you look.” After shedding a few tears, an emotional Eckstein brought her centerstage and said, “I am so inspired by you. You are a real-life Ahsoka Tano to me.”

The discussion then turned to the “trailblazing” heroine Kim Possible, who at the time was an outlier in the male-dominated genre. “I did not realize how groundbreaking it was going to be, but I think that’s what made it so special,” Carlson Romano recalled. “Gender wasn’t a topic.” The writers were often inspired by the actress, known for her work on the Disney Channel series Even Stevens, and would ask her input on how to make her relatable. One of Kim Possible’s most iconic phrases—“What’s the sitch?”—came from the star herself, to which an amazed Eckstein said, “I say that all the time!”

Amanat, who arrived with an exclusive first look at a scene from Marvel Rising: Battle of the Bands (premiering August 28), spoke to the importance of inclusive storytelling. As the co-creator of Marvel’s first Muslim female Super Hero, Ms. Marvel, Amanat said she is especially excited to see the character come to life in her own live-action series for Disney+ (first announced at D23 Expo). “Storytelling is the best form of education,” she said. “It’s the best way to get to know one another in an intimate way.” Eckstein then congratulated her on the series, saying, “That is the epitome of breaking down barriers.”

Maki said she is drawn to roles that portray women, and their interactions with each other, in a positive light. “I wish I had this sense of self-worth and confidence when I was 12, 13, 14 years old,” she said. “Because when I see girls dressing up as Giggle McDimples and they’re in a cop uniform, that means everything to me. It’s everything that I wanted when I was that age. So, it’s very powerful to see these things.” Rodriguez shared that sentiment, recalling how meaningful it is to know that female fans want to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) because of characters like Honey Lemon. “She doesn’t have to compromise her bubbly pink nature to be intelligent. She just is. She is bubbly, she is over the top and happy—and she’s smart.” By contrast, Go-Go Tomago, voiced by Jamie Chung, “is more reserved, but she is also smart,” she added. “There is no definition of how you can be intelligent.”

Disney Movie Rewards’ New Name and App Revealed During D23 Expo Weekend

August 25, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Fans flocked to Anaheim, California, ready to be delighted and surprised, and Disney Movie Rewards delivered during D23 Expo weekend, when it announced its new name and program: Disney Movie Insiders! The news was revealed during a special member celebration at Disney California Adventure park. On September 26, 2019, Disney Movie Insiders will unite new fans and super fans in one place. The special announcement teased a few of the new program’s features, as well as a new mobile app, and promised a lot more to come.

Since 2006, Disney Movie Rewards has delighted fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and Star Wars movies with great rewards and one-of-a-kind experiences, like touring The Walt Disney Studios lot and Walt Disney’s Office. Now, Disney is reimagining the Disney Movie Rewards program to provide more personalized and engaging experiences and evolve its interactions with members. Disney Movie Insiders members will be able to watch trailers and special content for upcoming movies, buy movie tickets directly, earn and redeem points for amazing rewards in new and unique ways, receive access to exclusive perks and sweepstakes, and play interactive experiences on the mobile app.

For more information and updates, visit Disney Movie Rewards, available in the U.S., U.S. territories and Canada (excluding Quebec) for those 13 years and older at the time of enrollment.

On with the Show! Disney on Broadway Takes to the D23 Expo Stage

August 24, 2019September 4, 2019

By Courtney Potter

Disney on Broadway has brought fan-favorite stories to life on stages around the world—and for one night only, most of those incredible stories (and a company of talented performers!) took over the Hall D23 stage at D23 Expo 2019 for Disney on Broadway: A 25th Anniversary Celebration!

An amazing six-piece band, led by Broadway conductor and orchestrator Jim Abbott, kicked off the party with the familiar strains of one of the most sing-along-able songs in the modern Broadway canon… the inimitable “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast. And playing the part of Lumiere (imploring the enraptured crowd to “try the grey stuff”) was our host—Gavin Lee, the Tony® Award-nominated actor who originated the role of Bert in both the West End and Broadway productions of Mary Poppins! Eventually joining him on stage were a cadre of fantastic Disney on Broadway alums: Ashley Brown (Gavin’s Broadway costar in Mary Poppins; Beauty and the Beast; On The Record), Heidi Blickenstaff (Freaky Friday; The Little Mermaid), Kissy Simmons (The Lion King), Josh Strickland (Tarzan), and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King).

Following the opener (and thunderous applause), Lee welcomed the crowd: “We are here this afternoon,” he exclaimed, “to celebrate a pretty amazing milestone—25 years of Disney on Broadway! Now, us humble stage actors are here, [and we] are just so proud and privileged to have been a part of Disney’s incomparable legacy of live theater. And we’re also very excited to be up here, reunited—with you—getting to sing the songs that have made Disney musicals soar on the Great White Way and around the world.” After introducing the cast, Lee continued, “Walt Disney famously said, ‘It all started with a mouse. But for Disney on Broadway, it all started with… the Beast.’” And so continued several more delightful numbers from the first-ever Disney stage musical, which premiered at New York City’s Palace Theatre in 1994: the title song, sung by Blickenstaff and Strickland, and Belle’s beautiful ballad “A Change in Me” (written for the stage musical when R&B star Toni Braxton played the role in 1998 and included in the show ever since) sung by Brown. After a rapturous standing ovation (there were many throughout the afternoon), Lee reminded the crowd that Brown’s first Broadway show wasn’t Mary Poppins… she was actually Broadway’s 15th Belle!

White then helped segue into Disney’s next beast-ly Broadway hit: The Lion King, with songs from Disney Legends Elton John and Tim Rice and wonderfully creative direction by Disney Legend Julie Taymor, which debuted at the New Amsterdam Theatre in 1997. Lee prodded White for the number of times he’s trod to the boards as King Mufasa; incredibly, he has portrayed Simba’s father a whopping 4,308 times! And Simmons has—between the Broadway production, tours, and the production in Las Vegas—played Nala in The Lion King for nine whole years! She attributed her incredible stamina to having been a Collegiate Division I track and field athlete… no wonder she could perform in such an energetic show for almost a full decade. A medley of tunes followed: “Hakuna Matata” by White (getting to channel a certain warthog instead of a lion) and Strickland; “Shadowland” from Simmons and company; “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” sung by Strickland and Brown; and Mufasa’s dramatic “They Live in You” from White.

Lee then regaled the crowd with some background on Disney’s Aida—also written by John and Rice, who began work on this pop-, rock-, and gospel-infused retelling of the classic opera right after the success of their Lion King. One of the numbers, the high-energy “My Strongest Suit,” is sung by the materialistic princess Amneris in honor of her incredible closet of clothing… but Strickland loves the song so much, he decided to put his own spin on it! He then took the stage (with back-up vocals provided by Brown, Simmons, and Blickenstaff) and belted his way through the super-fun tune—followed by Simmons’ dramatic version of Aida’s ballad “Easy as Life.”

Strickland told Lee about his journey onto the Broadway stage as the original Tarzan; a small-town Southerner, he suddenly found himself in front of the musical’s songwriter, Grammy^Ò Award winner and Disney Legend Phil Collins, and all the Disney on Broadway producers wearing only an “itty bitty loincloth.” Happily, he got the role—and he regaled the audience with one of the show’s signature tunes, “Stranger Like Me,” followed by the original 1999 film’s Oscar^®-winning song, “You’ll Be in My Heart,” from Strickland and Blickenstaff.

Next was the show that brought Lee to the Disney on Broadway family—2004’s Mary Poppins! Lee originated the role of Bert in the Cameron Mackintosh-produced stage version of the P.L. Travers classic on the West End in London, and was then asked to join Brown (as the “practically perfect” nanny) in the original Broadway company. Reuniting as these two characters for the first time in eight years, Lee and Brown brought the house down with a medley of some legendary Poppins tunes: “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” “Jolly Holiday,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Step in Time” (complete with an amazing tap solo from Lee), a beautiful rendition of Walt Disney’s favorite song, “Feed the Birds,” and the high-energy “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”—with Lee demonstrating some of Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear’s letter-tastic choreography.

Lee and cast then previewed the latest Disney musical, being created with the Public Theatre in New York City; professional actors, alongside more than 100 community members from all five NYC boroughs, will soon be seen in a brand-new stage adaptation of Disney’s Hercules—opening August 31 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park! The gospel-flavored “A Star is Born” was followed by a unique duet of “Go the Distance” from White and Strickland, and Simmons and the cast belting “Zero to Hero” to the rafters.

Blickenstaff then discussed her very first Disney on Broadway musical; it was The Little Mermaid, but it wasn’t the role of Ursula—at least not initially. No, Blickenstaff played Carlotta, Prince Eric’s maid—a role that was eventually written out of the show! Good thing she was later promoted to Ursula status, and her version of “Poor Unfortunate Souls” proved her iconic-villain mettle. Lee then took the stage again as silly seagull Scuttle, singing the hilarious “Positoovity” (yes, the misspelling’s on purpose), which included yet another amazing tap solo. And White and the cast followed by bringing the party to Hall D23 with “Under the Sea”!

After explaining the true story behind Disney on Broadway’s hit musical Newsies—the Newsboy Strike of 1899—Lee joined the whole cast for “Carrying the Banner,” followed by Brown, Blickenstaff, and Simmons performing a trio version of “Watch What Happens” (sung by cub reporter Katherine Plumber about her hopes to help the newsboys’ cause), and then Strickland took the stage for Jack Kelly’s fan-favorite ballad “Santa Fe”… which received yet another standing ovation.

Next, White and Simmons finally got to share the stage (Nala and Mufasa never do in The Lion King) by taking on the beloved ballad “A Whole New World” from Disney on Broadway’s Aladdin—currently delighting audiences at the New Amsterdam Theatre. The rest of the cast joined them for a rollicking rendition of a new song written by Alan Menken and Chad Beguelin for the stage version: “Somebody’s Got Your Back.”

Of everyone on stage, only Blickenstaff has the distinction of both starring in the recent stage version of Freaky Friday—based on Mary Rodgers’ 1972 book of the same name (and subsequent 1976 and 2003 film versions)—as well as the Disney Channel Original Movie version, alongside Cozi Zuehlsdorff. Blickenstaff sang the show’s big “11 o’clock” number, “No More Fear”; it’s a tune she doesn’t normally get to perform, even though it’s technically her character who does. It’s just that the show’s body swap has happened, and the song is coming out of the daughter’s mouth!

All good things must come to an end, including this incredible show. Lee bid everyone a fond farewell on behalf of the cast and band, and then joined the troupe to perform one final song. Fittingly, it was a now-iconic tune from Disney on Broadway’s most recent hit, “Let it Go” from Frozen! One thing’s for certain: This afternoon’s crowd at Hall D23 will never let go of the memory of such a captivating performance. Cheers to 25 more years of Disney on Broadway fun!

We’d like to extend a special thanks to Yamaha Corporation of America for providing the gorgeous piano used to accompany the talented Disney on Broadway performers.

Marvel Comics Celebrates 80th Anniversary at D23 Expo

August 24, 2019

By Jim Frye

It’s Marvel Comics’ birthday party, but all the guests are the ones who got the gifts!

Super Heroes, Barbarians, Dinosaurs, and a very famous punch to the face of Hitler (go, Captain America!)—this panel had it all as Marvel Comics packed 1,600 eager fans into Stage 28 at D23 Expo to celebrate 80 epic years of publication. And to top it all off, each of those fans walked out with a special advance copy of Marvel #1000, the nearly 100-page anniversary issue that featured the work of 80 different creative teams to produce one of the most ambitious publications in the history of Marvel—or any other comic book company.

Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and Executive Editor Tom Brevoort took the attendees through eight decades of Marvel Comics history, highlighting the highs, the lows, and all the craziness in between. Here are eight of our top moments as revealed during today’s giant birthday panel!

Back in 1939, Timely Comics (later named Marvel), published its very first comic book, which featured individual stories with the Human Torch, the Angel, Submariner, and the Masked Raider.
The very first “Super Hero mash-up,” when more than one Super Hero was featured in a story, occurred in Marvel Mystery Comics #9, featuring Human Torch and Submariner.
During the ’40s and ’50s, several of Marvel’s Super Hero titles waned in popularity as Monster and Sci-Fi stories took their place. But no characters are ever truly forgotten in the Marvel Universe, as many of these early Heroes (such as Captain America and Human Torch) later returned to become fan favorites for decades to come.
The ’60s, though, saw the return of Super Heroes under the creative direction of some titans of the industry—Steve Ditko and Disney Legends Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. They created a new way of telling stories that revolutionized Marvel—and the industry. They gave depth to their characters. Instead of treating them as simply Super Heroes, they created stories about everyday people who just so happened to have super powers. “You’re not really reading about Spider-Man,” said Brevoort. “You’re reading about Peter Parker, who from time to time happens to pull on a costume.” Cebulski agreed, saying, “We’re still telling stories about Peter Parker, Steve Rogers, and Bruce Banner.” Today, Marvel says they’re telling stories about “The World Outside Your Window.”
Spider-Man was first introduced in Amazing Fantasy #15. Ironically, the book originally got canceled, but when Marvel reviewed the sales numbers, they quickly gave Spidey his very own book, which has continued ever since.
Just announced! Marvel is starting a new podcast in partnership with Sirius and Pandora that will highlight the music popular during each decade of the past 80 years. It’s meant to provide readers with a fun, easy companion to the Marvel #1000 It hits store shelves next week!
The ’90s saw massive growth from Marvel’s books: Spider-Man’s return sold 2.5 million copies. X-Force sold 5 million. And the return of the X-Men—which had previously been canceled because of low sales—sold a jaw-dropping 8.2 million issues, which still stands as the industry record to this day.
Not content to rest on its laurels, Marvel has something big planned for the end of this year. Coming the last week of December, Marvel is publishing another whopper of a story. Called Incoming, this massive 96-page book will set the course for 2020.

BONUS: Oh, and how’s this for a bonus—to celebrate its 80th birthday, for the first time ever Marvel Comics featured Mickey Mouse on a cover with its most famous Super Heroes as an exclusive D23 variant cover—available only to those attending today’s huge birthday panel.

“The Musical Journey of Aladdin” is a Wish Come True

August 24, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

Tonight, the D23 Expo Arena was seemingly transformed into a veritable Cave of Wonders, as Scott Weinger and Disney Legend Linda Larkin—voices of Aladdin and Jasmine in the 1992 animated classic—led Disney fans on “The Musical Journey of Aladdin.”

The one-of-a-kind event brought a host of Aladdins to the stage, as Weinger was joined by Brad Kane, who lent his spectacular singing voice to the title role. Clinton Greenspan, who performs the role nightly on Aladdin’s national tour—and who will take on the role on Broadway in just two weeks also joined the presentation—along with a very special surprise guest: Mena Massoud, who played the street rat in the live-action Aladdin that opened in theaters earlier this year.

Weinger and Kane have been with Aladdin the longest, and both reminisced about their auditions, singing “Proud of Your Boy,” a song that ultimately was cut from the film, but has become a powerful part of Aladdin on Broadway. Weinger joked that he “still has a chip on my shoulder” about not having the opportunity to do his own singing in the movie, and he shared a video of a “singing lesson” he recently had with Disney Legend Alan Menken, who guided him through a rendition of “Proud of Your Boy.” (We think he might just be a diamond in the rough.)

Among the other treasures from tonight’s presentation were behind-the-scenes clips from the original recording sessions, of Brad Kane learning a musical phrase from Menken, and of Linda Larkin bringing Jasmine to life. “When I see that girl, I see someone who didn’t know what this was all going to be,” Larkin said.

The musical highlights of the presentation included a stunning performance of “To Be Free” by Deedee Magno Hall, who played Jasmine in the first-ever stage production of Aladdin in Aladdin—A Musical Spectacular at Disney California Adventure; and a show-stopping rendition of “Speechless” from the live-action Aladdin by Lillias White, best known to Disney fans as the voice of the head Muse in Hercules.

Summoned by a magic lamp, Mena Massoud appeared on the D23 Expo Arena stage to share stories about filming the live-action blockbuster. He also brought some special treats for the Disney fans in attendance, in the form of a never-before-seen sequence, “Desert Moon,” which features Massoud and Naomi Scott singing together, even as they were “worlds apart,” according to Massoud, as he was in Jordan while Scott filmed her part in London. He also brought a hilarious blooper reel with him.

Via video message, Will Smith introduced “the genie behind the genie,” choreographer Jamal Sims. With a little help from his assistant, Nicky Anderson—and a troupe of dancers clad in vibrant track suits—Sims gave us a sense of how a lavish dancer number like “Friend Like Me” is put together… before it turns into a massive dance number filmed over the course of more than a week.

Of course, the best was saved for last, as Grammy® winning singer Regina Belle took the stage to discuss “A Whole New World,” revealing that when she recorded the song back in 1992, she had bronchitis and a 102-degree fever—a testament to her incredible talent. She was joined by Broadway performer Norm Lewis for a powerful rendition of the song’s signature anthem to close the show.

The panel was one of those amazing events that only happen at the D23 Expo, but you can see at least some of these unbelievable sights and experience the same indescribable feelings for yourself by bringing Disney’s Aladdin home on Digital this Tuesday on Blu-ray on September 10.