You’ve Got a Friend in These Matching Disney Best Friend Phone Wallpapers

By Jocelyn Buhlman

On days for celebrating your most cherished and magical friendships, you can celebrate with your closest pal in so many ways—wear matching outfits, visit a Disney park, enjoy a movie together—and we’ve just come up with one more way to honor your friendship. Download any of these Disney best friend wallpapers below, so you can match with your bestie no matter where you are or what day it is! Find the pair of Disney pals that matches you and your buddy the best, and enjoy this special day of celebrating friendship!

Best Friends phone wallpaper - Woody
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Best Friends phone wallpaper - Buzz
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Best Friends phone wallpaper - Mr. Incredible
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Best Friends phone wallpaper - Frozone
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Best Friends phone wallpaper - Stitch
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Best Friends phone wallpaper - Lilo
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Best Friends phone wallpaper - Pooh
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Best Friends phone wallpaper - Tigger
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Best Friends phone wallpaper - Maui
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Best Friends phone wallpaper - Moana
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9 Secrets You Need to Know About Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger

These heroes might be shrouded in secrecy, but not for long. Olivia Holt and Aubrey Joseph star in the highly anticipated new series from Marvel Television and ABC Signature Studios, Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, which premieres Thursday, June 7, at 8 p.m EDT on Freeform with a two-hour, back-to-back episode. It’s the story of two teenagers from very different backgrounds who realize they have superpowers that are mysteriously linked to one another. Holt’s character, Tandy, can emit light daggers while Tyrone, played by Joseph, can control darkness in this coming-of-age series based on the popular Marvel comic book characters.

We recently attended a panel, hosted by Freeform, featuring some of the series’ creative team and cast including Jeph Loeb, executive producer and Marvel’s head of television; Gina Prince-Bythewood, director; Joe Pokaski, executive producer; Olivia Holt (Tandy), and Aubrey Joseph (Tyrone). And although the plot about Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger is a closely-guarded secret, here are nine of the cool facts we uncovered about the series.

Marvel's Cloak and Dagger

1. From the beginning, the creative team had a clear idea of what was the most important aspect of Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger.
When Joe Pokaski and Jeph Loeb started talking to Freeform, they agreed that the characters of Tandy and Tyrone had to be front and center as the series developed. “We wanted to make sure we understood them,” said Pokaski, who admitted that he had a hard time finding any other comic book characters who had the same type of relationship as Tandy and Tyrone. “They need each other,” he continued. “When you’re coming of age, the feeling you have is, ‘Nobody understands me.’ But what if there was exactly one person who understood you?”

Marvel's Cloak and Dagger

2. Olivia Holt revealed what makes the relationship between Tandy and Tyrone so real.
“As the season went on, I found myself falling in love with their relationship even more, because it’s so complicated and confusing,” said Holt. “As individuals they are so complicated and confusing. That’s the beauty of it. As far as Tandy goes, I found myself loving how she goes through this traumatic experience as a child, [and then] cut to eight years later and she’s cynical and mad at the world and mad at everybody she comes into contact with and cuts off any relationships she has. But the second she comes into contact with Ty, that changes. She’s finally found someone she can trust. They hate each other one second, they love each other the next. It’s a heartbreakingly, refreshingly raw show.”

Marvel's Cloak and Dagger

3. Aubrey Joseph believes there’s something very special about the character of Tyrone.
“What I love about Ty is that he still is able to have so much love in his heart,” said Joseph. “Everything he does is out of love. That’s how I am, too. It was great to come to work and play someone who’s not so far from you.”

4. Gina Prince-Bythewood was drawn to the series for two very personal reasons.
“I have two boys who watch everything,” said Prince-Bythewood, who previously directed the features Love & Basketball and The Secret Life of Bees. “My youngest son asked, ‘How come I never get to see super heroes who look like me?’ And as a woman, to be able to tell a young woman’s story as a hero seemed like a perfect opportunity.”

5. Jeph Loeb shared what he believes to be the biggest secret to Marvel’s success.
Loeb, who oversees all Marvel television series, including Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC, explained the secret to Marvel’s success. “One of our many secrets is that a Marvel hero always begins with the person and not the power,” he explained. “We’re not really as interested in the cape, or the cowl—or in this instance, the cloak—because it’s more important that you care about Tyrone or you care about Tandy.”

Marvel's Cloak and Dagger

6. Aubrey Joseph was pledging a fraternity when he got the part.
Talk about your “nick-of-time” moments. When Joseph came to audition for the part of Tyrone, the producers asked him what else he was working on, as is common practice during auditions, at which point the actor lists what other shows he or she is working on, or whether they’re doing a pilot. “Aubrey comes in and says, ‘I’m pledging a fraternity,’” said Loeb, laughing. “We had to get him out. It was the best thing in the world. He went to USC to get on a television show, and he got on a television show.” Mission accomplished!

7. The series doesn’t just portray Super Heroes in a new way.
“There’s a scene where Tyrone’s dad tries to teach Tyrone how to be a man by sewing,” Pokaski details. “So we’re trying our best to subvert what you’ve seen in genre television. These guys are elevating it. Hopefully we’re getting a message across with a metaphor that’s more powerful than just a one-to-one.”

8. Aubrey Joseph identifies with the real-life storylines of the show.
The two protagonists have unique super powers, but they’re completely relatable, Joseph emphasizes. “I think the fact that we are dealing with so many things that young people are dealing with is going to be refreshing for young people to see,” he said. “To say, ‘That’s me, that’s what I’m going through right now.’ There were times we’d be shooting scenes of things that I was going through in real life.”

Marvel's Cloak and Dagger

9. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood wants to “get it right.” Here’s what she means.
“We’re dealing with some pretty serious things and as artists, it’s very important for us to get it right,” says Prince-Bythewood. “These are two damaged people. Tandy’s character is dealing with something pretty serious. When Olivia and I were talking about how to portray Tandy, we did research, we looked at videos about people who went through the same thing she’s going through. We’re putting something out in the world that kids and teens are going to watch. It’s important to get it right and show that there are consequences to behaviors. It’s not okay to just put something out in the world because we think it looks cool in the moment. Because people act like characters they respect, so it’s important for us to be responsible and get it right.”

Does Your Knowledge of Pixar Go All the Way to Infinity and Beyond?

By Megan Deppe

Back in 1995, Pixar introduced us to a world where toys can talk and move. Since then, we’ve seen bugs create ingenius inventions, rats prepare delicious dishes in a world-class restaurant, and robots fall blissfully in love; and we’ve accompanied a young musician on an incredible journey to the Land of the Dead. Now, prepare for everyone’s favorite family of Supers to make their way back to the big screen by obviously proving that you know Pixar movies—inside out—with our latest trivia quiz! Make sure to scroll down for the answers, and to see how much of Pixar you actually know!

Blast Off with New Ralph Breaks the Internet Trailer—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Ralph and Vanellope brave the wild, wooly world of the Internet, and a brassy buccaneer is making her Disneyland park debut… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

It’s a Worldwide Web of Fun in New Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 Trailer

Everyone’s favorite video-game misfits are back in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ highly anticipated Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2… and courtesy of this hilarious new trailer, above, we now have a better idea of just how Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) face the thrilling, colorful world of the Internet.

It all starts when the pair ventures into the world wide web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope’s video game, Sugar Rush. In way over their heads, Ralph and Vanellope rely on the citizens of the ‘Net to help navigate their way, including a website entrepreneur named Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson) and the adorable brains behind the search bar “KnowsMore” (voice of Disney animation fave Alan Tudyk). But that’s not all: This trailer gives us our first peek at the film’s ludicrously amazing gathering of Disney Princesses, voiced by the original actresses—including Jodi Benson as The Little Mermaid’s Ariel, Anika Noni Rose as The Princess and the Frog’s Tiana, Kristen Bell as Frozen’s Anna, and more!

Look for Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 in theaters this Thanksgiving.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
June 9, 2018
D23’s Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Experience in Florida
June 9, 2018
D23’s Incredible Mixer in Bloomington, Minnesota
June 10, 2018
D23’s Incredible Mixer in Atlanta, Georgia
June 14, 2018
Enjoy Complimentary Tickets to a Special Screening of Disney•Pixar’s Incredibles 2
June 23, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Robin Hood on the Lot
June 24, 2018
D23’s Incredible Mixer in Altamonte Springs, Florida
June 29, 2018
Lunch with Disney Legend: Burny Mattinson
June 30, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Robin Hood at Walt Disney World
November 16-18, 2018
Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
June 23, 2018
Pixar Pier opens at Disney California Adventure
June 30, 2018
Toy Story Land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
August 17, 24, 28, 31
September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
August 30-November 12, 2018
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
September7-October 31, 2018
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
Summer 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at Disneyland Resort
Fall 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at and Walt Disney World Resort
Studios
June 15, 2018
Incredibles 2 opens in U.S. theaters
July 6, 2018
Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp opens in U.S. theaters opens in U.S. theaters
August 3, 2018
Disney’s Christopher Robin opens in U.S. theaters
November 2, 2018
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms opens in U.S. theaters
December 19, 2018
Mary Poppins Returns opens in U.S. theaters
Television
June 9, 2018
Big Hero 6 The Series premieres on Disney Channel (9 a.m. ET/PT)
June 18, 2018
Big City Greens premieres on Disney Channel (9:30 a.m. ET/PT)

news briefs 6-May

Redd Pirate to Debut at Disneyland Park on Friday, June 8!

Ahoy, mateys! Some terribly thrillin’ news from our hearty pals over at the Disneyland Resort: A brassy buccaneer by the name of Redd is soon arriving at Disneyland park, and she’ll be ready to greet visitors in New Orleans Square beginning this Friday, June 8.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, Redd has “been ‘round the world, but the sea is always home”… and she’s currently looking for “brave sorts of recruits for a few little ventures.” Are you bold enough to consider joining Redd for some oceanic escapades? Make sure to visit her at Disneyland park this summer, and you might just find out!

news briefs 6-May

Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure Premiering on Disney Channel June 24

The second season of Disney Channel’s Tangled: The Series is just over the horizon—and it’s celebrating with a brand-new title and a gaggle of great guest voices!

Now called Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, this new chapter of the Emmy® Award-nominated series will follow Rapunzel (voice of Mandy Moore) as she ventures outside of the kingdom in search of where the mystical black rocks lead, after discovering she’s somehow connected to them. Accompanying Rapunzel on her journey is her partner-in-life, Eugene (aka Flynn, voice of Zachary Levi); her best friend and confidante, Cassandra (voice of Eden Espinosa); her loyal chameleon sidekick, Pascal; no-nonsense and dutiful horse, Maximus; Eugene’s best friend, Lance (voice of Tony® Award winner James Monroe Iglehart); and the Snuggly Duckling Pub Thugs. Together, they’ll discover new people and places and embark on an incredible new adventure far beyond Corona’s walls…

Guest voices for season two include Oscar® nominee Carol Kane (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Kathy Najimy (Hocus Pocus), Bruce Campbell (Burn Notice), Britt Robertson (ABC’s For the People), and Timothy Dalton (License to Kill).

Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure—which will again feature fabulous music from Disney Legend Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater—premieres on Sunday, June 24, at 8 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel, the DisneyNOW app, and Disney Channel VOD.

news briefs 6-May

Minnie Van Transportation Service Now Available Across Walt Disney World Resort  

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort soon, you’ll be happy to know there’s a great new way to get to the fun: The Minnie Van transportation service, first announced last summer, is now available for everyone at WDW through the Lyft app.

The service features comfy private vans (driven by trained Disney Cast Members) that offer an easy way for guests to travel to and from all the resort’s parks, hotels, restaurants, and even shopping at Disney Springs. All you need to do is download the Lyft app, open it from anywhere inside the Walt Disney World Resort, and select the Minnie Van service option. And with Lyft, you can request your ride and pay for it all within your smartphone.

Available daily between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. (hours subject to change), the Minnie Van service is polka-dotted convenience for the whole family. Check it out!

news briefs 6-May

Family Food Fight Coming to ABC

Foodies of the world, take heed: There’s a new food-related competition series coming soon to ABC, and we have a feeling it’ll be a deliciously good time.

Based on a hit series from Australia, Family Food Fight will be hosted by restaurateur, food maven, and New York Times best-selling cookbook author Ayesha Curry. The eight-episode series will feature eight families from across the country sharing a common kitchen and pulling out their best culinary moves—serving up authentic family dishes (and drama!) while tapping into their diverse cultural heritage and lots of cool culinary influences. Ultimately, the family who impresses a panel of foodie greats, including host Curry, will take home a cool $100,000 prize and the title of America’s No. 1 Food Family!

Stay tuned to D23.com for more information—including an official airdate—as it becomes available.

news briefs 6-May

news briefs 6-May

Fan Favorites Added to Radio Disney Music Awards Lineup

We’re just weeks away from the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards—and incredible music acts are being added to the show’s lineup as we speak! Case in point: DJ and electronic dance music producer Marshmello and alt-pop trio Echosmith will join previously announced artists Meghan Trainor, Charlie Puth, and American Idol winner Maddie Poppe to rock the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood like never before…

Voting for this year’s RDMAs is still open; fans can make their voices heard and vote for the artists they want to take home a coveted “ARDY” in six different ways—via Disney.com/RDMA; the Radio Disney app; the DisneyNOW app; Google Search Voting; and Radio Disney’s Facebook and Twitter.

The winners will be announced live on Friday, June 22—with a special telecast of the sixth annual event presented on Saturday, June 23 (beginning at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT), on Disney Channel, Radio Disney, the Radio Disney app, the DisneyNOW app, and Disney.com/RDMA. Don’t miss the action!

First Behind-the-Scenes Set Photo from Disney’s Descendants 3

Filming is currently underway for Descendants 3—and all our favorite villain kids (VKs) will be back for more singing, dancing, and villain-y action. (And honestly, we can’t wait!) So color us a-tingle when we spied this new behind-the-scenes set photo (above) featuring Cameron Boyce as Carlos, the son of Cruella de Vil; Sofia Carson as Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen; Dove Cameron as Mal, the daughter of Maleficent; and Booboo Stewart as Jay, the son of Jafar… all gussied up in their VK finery.

Director/choreographer Kenny Ortega (Newsies; the High School Musical trilogy) is back for this third sure-to-be-memorable installment, as are writers Sara Parriott and Josann McGibbon and costume designer Kara Saun (whose work you might recognize from Project Runway). Keep your eyes peeled for more Descendants 3 news in the coming months!

A Stunning Summer of Super Heroes at Disney California Adventure Park

This summer, Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park is positively chockablock with Super Heroes, who are ready to mingle with their mightiest fans. And there’s a super new addition to their roster—Doctor Strange, now appearing for the very first time at the Disneyland Resort. For a sneak peek at what you can expect from your audience with the Master of the Mystic Arts, check out the clip from our friends at Disney Parks, above.

All manner of heroes (including Black Panther, Captain America, Gamora, and Thor) will be looking for some new recruits throughout Hollywood Land this summer—but they’re only around for a limited time! We know what we’re doing this weekend…

Survey Says Celebrity Family Feud is a Must-Watch This Sunday Night on ABC

By Beth Deitchman

For Disney fans, Sunday evenings have traditionally been special times for families to gather ’round the TV and watch a favorite show together—from Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color in the 1960s to, more recently, American Idol’s first season on ABC. But in the case of Celebrity Family Feud, which kicks off its fourth season this Sunday, June 10 (8–9 p.m. EDT), you might feel compelled to do more than just watch. As host Steve Harvey poses questions to celebrity families—which, this season, include the families of NBA stars Stephen Curry and Chris Paul, Team Grey’s Anatomy vs. Team Station 19, and so many more—we’re betting you and your family won’t be able to keep yourselves from calling out your own answers to find out if the “survey says” you’re correct!

D23 spoke with Harvey, a best-selling author as well as a famed television personality, about the game show’s enduring popularity. Whether he’s engaging with celebrities and their relations or families just like yours, Harvey believes that there’s a simple reason why the show continues be one that multiple generations enjoy together. “Everybody can imagine their family up there. The average person at home would love to win the game and they think they can play really well—because at home you know all the answers,” he laughs.

Celebrity Family Feud
(left to right) Steve Harvey with NBA star Stephen Curry and his family, Ayesha Curry, Sydel Curry, Sonya Currey, Wardell Curry.

But Harvey is quick to point out that the survey responses are a relatively small part of the appeal of Celebrity Family Feud (and the original non-celebrity version, as well). The celebrated comedian takes great pleasure interviewing family members before each round begins and getting to know the players. “I have very unique abilities with all families to find the live wire in the family—the character in the family,” he says. If you find yourself wondering why a family member gave a, shall we say, unexpected answer, simply look at Harvey’s face and he’s probably wondering the same thing. “You go up there and you’re racing [an opponent] to hit the buzzer—you’re trying to be first. And in order to be first you’ve got to hit the buzzer and you don’t have time to think so you say the first thing that crosses your mind,” Harvey explains, adding, “You’d be surprised at some of the stuff that comes out of some people’s mouths.”

Celebrity Family Feud
(left to right) MLB legend Johnny Damon at the buzzer with Steve Harvey and Kenneth Smith.

According to Harvey, adding celebrities into the mix allows fans to see that the game—as well as the thought process that goes into playing—is the same no matter who you are. “It’s kind of fun watching them struggle to come up with the right answer and you find out that celebrities are very much just like you,” he says. Harvey admits to becoming a little star-struck when athletes compete on Celebrity Family Feud, and the new season is chock full of them, with NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, MLB legends Johnny Damon and John Franco, NFL Legend Emmitt Smith, and Olympic gymnasts Laurie Hernandez and Shawn Johnson East, to name just a few. “All celebrities wish we could play ball, all of us, so those are kind of like the big moments for me,” he says.

Celebrity Family Feud
(left to right) Anthony Hernandez, Wanda Hernandez, Jelysa Hernandez, Marcus Hernandez, and Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez with Steve Harvey.

Celebrity Family Feud kicks off ABC’s “Fun & Games” lineup on Sunday, which also features The $100,000 Pyramid, hosted by Michael Strahan, at 9 p.m. EDT; and To Tell the Truth, hosted by Anthony Anderson, at 10 p.m. EDT—and Harvey takes the “fun” seriously. “I never meet the contestants before the show and I never ask for the questions, so when I’m reading the question I’m seeing it for the first time and that’s the way I want it,” he says. “I don’t prepare jokes and read the questions beforehand… I just go out there and do the show. I’d rather work that way because I want the show to be more spontaneous and more fun and I think that’s what’s led to its success.”

Say Something Nice with These Disney Quote E-Cards!

By Jocelyn Buhlman

We’ve rounded up some of the nicest things Disney characters have ever said so that you can share those sweet sentiments with everyone you would like to send them to. Have a special someone in mind? Check out our e-cards below and download your favorites!

say something nice

Click here to download.

say something nice

Click here to download.

say something nice

Click here to download.

say something nice

Click here to download.

9 Amazing Experiences Coming to Disney Parks Around the Globe This Summer

By Megan Deppe

As Phineas and Ferb famously noted, there’s 104 days of summer vacation… but for Disney fans, finding a good way to spend that time is no problem whatsoever. Disney Parks around the world are introducing new shows, special character events, and delicious food to ring in the summer months. So pack your sunscreen and Disney-themed tees: It’s time for the best Disney summer yet!

Carnival of Stars

1. Carnival of Stars at Hong Kong Disneyland (Kicked off on March 15, 2018)
A celebration that launched in March continues into the summer at Hong Kong Disneyland. During Carnival of Stars, guests can admire the new “We Love Mickey” projection show along the buildings on Main Street, U.S.A.; see more than 100 Disney characters (including Black Panther, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, and Frozone!) throughout the park; and visit the recently opened Karibuni Marketplace in Adventureland. Additionally, the park’s newest show, Moana: A Homecoming Celebration just debuted in Adventureland last week.

Incredible Summer

2. Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World Resort (May 25–September 3, 2018)
In Magic Kingdom park at the Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll find that some of your favorite characters from Incredibles 2 have taken over Tomorrowland to celebrate all things “super”—and for the first time, they’ve brought Edna Mode along with them. You’ll find the sights and sounds of the world of The Incredibles throughout Tomorrowland—and don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes for a “SUPER” dance party at the Rocket Tower Plaza stage.

FanDaze

3. Disney FanDaze at Disneyland Paris (June 2, 2018)
Where can you find special character appearances, exclusive new shows, tasty original treats, and more? At Disneyland Paris at Disney FanDaze of course! More than 50 Disney characters will take to the streets of the Walt Disney Studios Park in this one-night-only event, including George Sanderson and Needleman from Monsters, Inc., Kuzco and Kronk from The Emperor’s New Groove, and, for the first time ever in a Disney park, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit’s friend Ortensia. Cheer “Woo-oo!” as the Dance Your DuckTales Parade goes by, enjoy the new interactive show Jumba & Pleakley’s Mission: Stitch!, and get moving during the Max-Live! Getting Goofy With It nighttime spectacular before 80 Disney characters bid you a fond good night during the Farewell Street Party. Disney FanDaze becomes a celebration for all the senses as you savor special food offerings at restaurants and kiosks around the park. Watch the evening live on Facebook this Saturday at Facebook.com/DisneyFanDaze.

Summer of Heroes

4. Marvel Summer of Super Heroes at Disneyland Paris (June 10–September 30, 2018)
Beginning June 10, the mightiest Super Heroes in the Marvel Universe are assembling at Disneyland Paris. The new show Marvel: Super Heroes United sees Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, and Black Widow team up to bring down the most dangerous supervillain of them all, Thanos; while Stark Expo presents: Energy for Tomorrow sees Thor, Black Widow, and fellow Avengers take on the God of Mischief himself, Loki. In addition to a Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Dance-Off and heroic encounters with favorite Super Heroes, Heroic Face Painting sessions will give you the chance to unleash your inner Super Hero for a truly epic day at the park.

Beauty and the Beast Shanghai Disneyland

5. Beauty and the Beast at Shanghai Disney Resort (Premieres June 14, 2018)
Experience the tale as old as time in a brand-new way at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, where the first official performance of the new Mandarin production of Broadway’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST opens on June 14. The show will feature talented performers from across China, including some of the actors from Shanghai Disney Resort’s last hit Broadway musical, THE LION KING. The show’s original Broadway creative team has worked with the local cast and crew in Shanghai to bring one of our favorite tales to life like never before.

Typhoon Lagoon

6. Disney H2O Glow Nights at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (June 21–August 11, 2018)
Light up the night at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon with H2O Glow Nights on select nights from June 21 to August 11. Rex, elected as the Dinosaur of Ceremonies, will lead you in the biggest glow party yet, inspired by the Disney•Pixar Toy Story short film Partysaurus Rex. You can boogie at a DJ-hosted dance party, meet favorite Toy Story characters, and indulge your foodie side with an array of limited-time food and drinks for purchase.

Pixar Pier

7. Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure (Opens June 23, 2018)
Pixar Pier, which will feature four whimsical neighborhoods, re-imagined Pixar attractions, fanciful foods, and must-have merchandise, officially opens on June 23. The Incredicoaster takes you on a thrilling race alongside your favorite Supers, while the Pixar Pal-A-Round will let you take in the spectacular view before you set off to try your luck at many of the carnival games located along the Pixar Promenade or stop to enjoy a signature snack. As part of the limited-time Pixar Fest celebration, the Paint the Night parade will also gain a new addition to its lineup as the Incredible family and Frozone take to the streets with their own special blend of high-tech, colorful effects.

Toy Story Land

8. Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Opens June 30, 2018)
Shrink down to the size of a toy and explore Andy’s backyard as the highly-anticipated Toy Story Land opens its gates for the first time on June 30 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests will be able to experience two new attractions—Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers—and the fan-favorite Toy Story Mania will feature a new entrance and queue! Toy Story Land will also be home to Woody’s Lunch Box, a walk-up window serving up sentimental foodie favorites that have been given ultra-modern makeovers.

Tokyo Disneyland

9. Happiest Celebration continues at Tokyo Disney Resort (July 10–September 2, 2018)
As Tokyo Disney Resort continues its 35th anniversary celebration, a new nighttime spectacular, Celebrate! Tokyo Disneyland, debuts July 10 to transport guests around the Kingdom of Dreams and Magic. The show Let’s Party Gras! will also premiere at Theatre Orleans, featuring special scenes for the park’s anniversary; and the special event Disney Natsu Matsuri, which is inspired by traditional Japanese summer festivals will include a special arrangement of the 35th anniversary song when it kicks off this summer. Tokyo DisneySea will bring back Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa with their pirate crew for Disney Pirates Summer, featuring a special pirate battle that will keep guests cool when the temperature goes up!

5 Delectable Details About Disney•Pixar’s New Short Bao

By Courtney Potter

Over the years, Disney•Pixar has created charming animated shorts to usher in their features. Several have gone on to win the Academy Award® for Best Short Film (Animated), including Geri’s Game, For the Birds, and Piper—and all of them have delighted audiences the world over. Thankfully, Disney•Pixar’s latest, Bao, is no exception to that joyful legacy—it’s a heartwarming, humorous, and (dare we say) mouth-watering slice-of-life look at a devoted mother and her pride-and-joy… who just happens to be a dumpling!

Directed by Domee Shi, a story artist at Pixar Animation Studios, Bao follows an aging Chinese mom who—after suffering from a major case of “empty nest syndrome”—gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings (“bao” in Chinese) springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy. Mom excitedly welcomes this new bundle of joy into her life, but Dumpling starts growing up fast… and Mom must come to the bittersweet revelation that nothing stays cute and small forever. It’s a look at the ups and downs of a parent-child relationship told through the vibrant, tasty lens of Domee’s childhood in the Chinese immigrant community of Toronto, Canada. And it’ll invite audiences for a taste ahead of Disney•Pixar’s Incredibles 2, beginning June 15.

“When you watch Bao, we hope that you will feel like you do when you’re at your mom’s house—feeling cozy and safe and loved.”—Rona Liu

D23 was lucky enough to hear from Shi—as well as Bao producer Becky Neiman-Cobb and production designer Rona Liu—during a recent trip to Pixar’s Emeryville, California, headquarters. Read on for some inside scoop on what makes Bao so deliciously distinctive!

On Shi’s novel childhood, and how it helped her “cook up” Bao…
“We were a small immigrant family from China, living in Toronto, and my dad worked away from home a lot,” explains Shi. “So I spent a lot of my childhood and teen-hood with my mom. We did everything together—we ate together; we commuted to work and school together; we even vacationed together… and when I started to grow up, it was hard for her to let go. In fact, she’d often hold me close and say, ‘Oh, I wish I could put you back in my stomach, so I knew exactly where you were at all times!’ And that love of a mom who learns to let go of her little ‘dumpling’ was the spark that became the heart of the short. But I wasn’t just inspired by my relationship with my mom. I was inspired by her. She’s a dumpling queen—growing up, she’d always make dumplings for me from scratch. And as with a lot of parents out there, food was how my mom showed her love for me… I made sure to involve her as much as possible in the research for Bao. I’d bring her in to do dumpling-making demos for the whole crew. And she still hasn’t seen the final short yet, but she’s very happy about the ‘Cultural Consultant’ credit!”

Bao Pixar short

On the timetable of bringing Bao to the screen…
“It was January of 2014, and I had been working as a story artist for about two years on Inside Out,” Shi says. “Pixar was my first gig out of school and I was having a blast. But at the same time I was feeling that itch to really make something of my own. Something that was me… I was working late in my office one night and I decided then and there that I was going to make an animated short, on my own, outside of Pixar.” And choosing a subject was easy: “At the time, my No. 1 obsession in life outside of animation was food… I felt like it was a universal pleasure that everyone can relate to.” Eventually, though, it became clear that Pixar might just be the right place to shape her new dream: “I initially pitched the story to Pete Docter, the director of Inside Out, just to get his feedback on it. But his response was so positive that it encouraged me to pitch Bao, with two other ideas, to the studio itself. And through Pete’s support and feedback, Bao got green-lit in 2015 as the next Pixar theatrical short.”

Bao Pixar short

On the short’s unique visual style…
“I was heavily influenced by Japanese animation,” admits Shi, “[including] the visual style of [the Japanese animated feature] My Neighbors the Yamadas… I love how squishy the characters looked and how ‘pushed’ their expressions are.” Adds Liu, “We knew that this film had to look and feel very, very cute. And that’s because growing up, [Domee and I] were also both influenced by Chinese folk art. The characters in Chinese folk art are often very simple and very graphic… [The artists] tended to remove things like the neck and the joints to make the characters feel rounder and cuter. That kind of simplified approach is actually deep-rooted in Asian art… making a film in CG, we knew we can’t do exactly that, but we still wanted to borrow that kind of philosophy and keep the focus on the characters as much as possible.”

Bao Pixar short

On producer Neiman-Cobb’s role, and her very special addition to the short’s development…
“The producer oversees the crew, budget, staffing—all to ensure that the director’s vision is met on screen,” Neiman-Cobb explains. “For the shorts, we’re often strategizing how to staff and schedule a crew to work within the windows of the feature productions going on at the studio. I also worked closely with Domee, attending all director reviews. I love that I get to be a sounding board for her as we move through the pipeline. I also had a very personal connection to this short: During the production of Bao, I had my own baby ‘bao’—and instantly, my understanding of our main character, Mom, grew immensely. I became the resident expert on all things baby. Baby sounds, baby giggles, baby cheeks. I had the real thing at home to cross-check our work!”

On what the team hopes audiences take home…
Admits Shi, “We want the short to be fun to watch for [audiences], but also an accurate portrayal of a Chinese mom’s life. And I think the Bao crew did an amazing job of both.” “We represent a crew of people that helped bring this story to life,” continues Neiman-Cobb. “We learned how to make dumplings together. We ate dumplings together. We did tai chi together. Everything we did was in service of the story.” And ultimately, says Liu, “When you watch Bao, we hope that you will feel like you do when you’re at your mom’s house—feeling cozy and safe and loved.”

Don’t miss Disney•Pixar’s Bao, premiering ahead of Incredibles 2 in U.S. theaters beginning June 15!

Can You Find Nemo in These Disney and Pixar Films?

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Fifteen years ago today, Finding Nemo swam into theaters. This charming story of a father’s quest to find his lost son captured the hearts of Disney fans everywhere with its touching narrative, highly quotable dialogue, and lovable characters. While Marlin may have found his son by the end of the film, Nemo still managed to just keep swimming into some of our favorite Disney and Pixar films. Can you find him in all of these films?

Monster’s, Inc. (2001)
Our favorite fishy friend makes not one, but two cameo appearances in this ferociously fun film. First, Nemo appears as a friendly toy in Boo’s bedroom (along with some other familiar faces).

Monsters Inc. Nemo easter egg

Later on, sharp-eyed viewers can find Nemo again when Mike throws Randall into a closet—keep a close eye on what’s inside the closet, and you might just spot a familiar fishy hanging on the wall.

Monsters Inc. Nemo easter egg

Brother Bear (2003)
During the “Great Spirits” montage, you’ll need to pay very close attention: While Sitka and Denahi

are fishing for salmon, as Kenai rides a mammoth through their net, you might just spot one very lost

little fish—it looks like Nemo’s traveled a long way from Australia!

Brother Bear Nemo easter egg

Inside Out (2015)
Nemo’s a character who’s captured all of our imaginations, so no wonder we can spot him in Imagination Land inside Riley’s head! While Bing Bong shows off the wonders of Imagination Land—French Fry Forest! Cloud Town! A House of Cards!—keep your eyes peeled for a board game called “Find Me!” With a title like that, it has to be about certain cute clownfish.

Inside Out Nemo easter egg

Maleficent II and Disneyland Paris’ Mouse Party—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

The story of Maleficent and Princess Aurora continues, and there’s a new TV spot for Ant-Man and The Wasp… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

The Fairy Tale Continues: Maleficent II Goes into Production

In 2014, audiences learned the unique origin story of Sleeping Beauty’s eerily enchanting villain when Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning, swooped into theaters across the world. And now, that story continues with Maleficent II—a sequel that just this week went into production in the United Kingdom! Read up on what to expect here at D23.com.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
June 3, 2018
D23’s Incredible Mixer in San Francisco, California and in Phoenix, Arizona
June 9, 2018
D23’s Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Experience in Florida
June 9, 2018
D23’s Incredible Mixer in Bloomington, Minnesota
June 10, 2018
D23’s Incredible Mixer in Atlanta, Georgia
June 14, 2018
Enjoy Complimentary Tickets to a Special Screening of Disney•Pixar’s Incredibles 2
June 23, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Robin Hood on the Lot
June 24, 2018
D23’s Incredible Mixer in Altamonte Springs, Florida
June 29, 2018
Lunch with Disney Legend: Burny Mattinson
June 30, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Robin Hood at Walt Disney World
November 16-18, 2018
Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
February 28–May 28, 2018
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
June 23, 2018
Pixar Pier opens at Disney California Adventure
June 30, 2018
Toy Story Land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
August 17, 24, 28, 31
September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
August 30-November 12, 2018
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
September7-October 31, 2018
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
Summer 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at Disneyland Resort
Fall 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at and Walt Disney World Resort
Studios
June 15, 2018
Incredibles 2 opens in U.S. theaters
July 6, 2018
Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp opens in U.S. theaters opens in U.S. theaters
August 3, 2018
Disney’s Christopher Robin opens in U.S. theaters
November 2, 2018
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms opens in U.S. theaters
December 19, 2018
Mary Poppins Returns opens in U.S. theaters
Television
June 9, 2018
Big Hero 6 The Series premieres on Disney Channel (9 a.m. ET/PT)
June 18, 2018
Big City Greens premieres on Disney Channel (9:30 a.m. ET/PT)

Ant-Man and The Wasp: New TV Spot and a Sneak Peek at Disneyland Park!

Marvel-related merriment shows no sign of stopping this summer—what with Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War still thrilling moviegoers around the world… and now, the next adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man and The Wasp, is just a few weeks away! Check out the film’s brand-new TV spot (in which we get an ever-so-slightly more detailed peek at its mysterious villain, Ghost), above.

Plus, for those of you who are planning a summer “vacay” to Disneyland Resort, we’ve got cool news: Starting June 8, and for a limited time, guests can catch a preview of scenes from Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp at the Tomorrowland Theater inside Disneyland park.

Set in the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War, Ant-Man and The Wasp finds Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) grappling with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) with an urgent new mission. Ultimately, Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from the past. Look for the film to zap into a theater near you on July 6!

news briefs 5/29

The World’s Biggest Mouse Party is Coming to Disneyland Paris

Our friends “across the pond” at Disneyland Paris are getting into the spirit of Mickey Mouse’s big 90th anniversary in un énorme moyen! (That means “a huge way” in French.) A rollicking 90-day celebration, The World’s Biggest Mouse Party, kicks off this October and continues into 2019… and it features a veritable cavalcade of new experiences—including Mickey and His PhilharMagique Orchestra, which makes its debut at Disneyland Parks on October 1. The 3-D experience takes guests on a musical adventure through classic Disney animated films at Discoveryland Theatre in Disneyland Park.

Additionally, from October 1 through November 4, Mickey will appear in a brand-new float in the Halloween cavalcade, and he’ll also reveal his mischievous side at Mickey’s Illusion Manor, performing Halloween tricks from the front steps of his house. And during the holiday season (November 10, 2018, through January 6, 2019), everyone’s favorite mouse will have everyone’s heart jumpin’ for joy when he plays drums in Mickey’s Christmas Big Band in Walt Disney Studios Park.

It’s sure to be a fête to remember!

This Adorable Christopher Robin Trailer is Everything We Need in Life

It’s the trailer that felt like a cuddly, warm hug to moviegoers across the globe—and it’s worth a second (or third, or maybe sixth; we’re not here to judge) look. Take a gander at the just-released trailer for Disney’s Christopher Robin, above.

In this heartwarming live-action adventure, the young boy who shared countless adventures with his band of lovable stuffed animals in the Hundred Acre Wood is now grown up (as portrayed by Ewan McGregor) and living in London… but he’s lost his way. Now it’s up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin rediscover the joys of family life, the value of friendship, and to appreciate the simple pleasures once again.

Starring Hayley Atwell, Bronte Carmichael, and Mark Gatiss—and featuring the voices of Jim Cummings, Brad Garrett, Peter Capaldi, and Sophie Okonedo—Disney’s Christopher Robin is directed by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland). Look for it in your local cineplex this August.

news briefs 5/29

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Names Its Village

Fans at last weekend’s Star Wars: Galactic Nights event down at Disney’s Hollywood Studios were the first to hear some very exciting news—but don’t worry, the word is spreading… and we’re here to share: The village located within the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge themed areas at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts now has a name!

According to WDI Story Editor Margaret Kerrison, Black Spire Outpost is the largest settlement on the planet Batuu—and it’s an infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space. Off the beaten path, this outpost has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful (and notorious) characters. Widely known for the petrified remains of its once towering ancient trees, the spires now stand guard across the river valleys and plains and have long captured the imagination of travelers to this planet. To the first settlers, these petrified spires became more than just landmarks; they became the heart of the outpost itself.

Along with our pals over at the Disney Parks Blog, we’ll be sharing more news from the world of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as we get closer to its mega-huge premiere (in summer 2019 for Disneyland park, and late fall 2019 for Disney’s Hollywood Studios). Keep those eyes peeled and those lightsabers at the ready!

news briefs 5/29

Cache of Awesome Actors Added to Kim Possible Live-Action Movie

“What’s the sitch?” Well, we’ll tell ya! A live-action Kim Possible original movie is coming to Disney Channel in 2019—and it already has its two leads, in the form of Sadie Stanley as Kim and Sean Giambrone as Ron Stoppable… Now, a slew of great co-stars has also been added to the mix! Joining Stanley and Giambrone are Alyson Hannigan (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, How I Met Your Mother, Disney Junior’s upcoming Fancy Nancy) as Kim’s mother, brain surgeon Dr. Ann Possible (aka Mom Possible)—and Connie Ray (The Big C) as Kim’s grandmother, Nana Possible.

Also joining in on the fun are Todd Stashwick and Taylor Ortega as fan-fave villains Drakken and Shego, respectively; Ciara Wilson as new high school student Athena; and Erika Tham as Kim’s childhood “frenemy,” Bonnie. All we have to say is, “Boo-yah!”

news briefs 5/29

Brand-New Moana Stage Show Now Open at Hong Kong Disneyland

As you may be aware, the good folks over at Hong Kong Disneyland have just embarked on a multi-year expansion, which will bring all sorts of new goodies to the resort—including an attraction featuring Ant-Man and The Wasp; immersive areas themed to Frozen and the Marvel Cinematic Universe; and even a transformation of the park’s iconic castle. And the very first new entertainment offering of this expansion has just debuted for lucky guests!

Moana: A Homecoming Celebration is a fresh atmosphere stage show that combines visual storytelling, dancing, puppetry, and music to recount the adventures of Moana after she returns to her home village of Motunui. Set in an all-new outdoor venue in Adventureland, the show invites guests to interact with the performers as they share Moana’s travels with demigod Maui as they work to restore the heart of Te Fiti. And guess what? This show’s a bit of a groundbreaker too; it’s the very first at any Disney park to feature the brave, beloved character.

And here’s some fun trivia: The beautiful costumes featured in the show are more than a year in the making, inspired by styles traditionally worn in parts of the Pacific Islands including Fiji, Tahiti, and Samoa.

So if you find yourselves at Hong Kong Disneyland soon, make sure to see Moana and friends in person. “You’re Welcome!”