New Year, New Details—and New Images!— from Incredibles 2, Mary Poppins Returns, and More!

January 16, 2018January 17, 2018

By D23 Team

We’ve cleared our schedule and marked our calendars so as not to miss out on a single movie opening, but this morning The Walt Disney Studios released a host of new information and images about its 2018 slate. Here, in order of release, are the films we simply can’t wait to see this year:

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther—February 16
Chadwick Boseman stars in Marvel Studios’ upcoming film as T’Challa, who returns home to his nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king following the death of his father. A powerful old enemy reappears to test T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—putting the fate of Wakanda, and the entire world, at risk. The brand-new image released today features Boseman as T’Challa, alongside Lupita Nyong’o (left, as Nakia) and Letitia Wright (right, as Shuri). The Black Panther cast also includes Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis.

Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time—March 9
Director Ava DuVernay’s adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s classic novel can’t tesser into theaters fast enough for us. A Wrinkle in Time tells the story of middle school student Meg Murry (Storm Reid), who struggles with issues of self-worth and just wants to fit in. Her parents are world-renowned physicists and younger brother Charles Wallace is extremely gifted in very unique ways—as is Meg, though she has yet to discover that for herself. Following the mysterious disappearance of Mr. Murry (Chris Pine), three celestial beings—Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey), Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon), and Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling)—journey to Earth and guide Meg, her classmate Calvin, and Charles Wallace in tessering through time and space to confront a powerful evil force. Meg’s transformative journey leads her to discover the strength she has within so that she may face the darkness that is rapidly enveloping the Universe.

Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War—May 4
Feast your eyes on this Marvel-ous image that showcases just a fraction of the super-sized cast of characters in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War. The Avengers are assembling, and some of their new friends from work are joining them for what promises to be the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time between our heroes and the evil and powerful Thanos.

Solo: A Star Wars Story—May 25
Have you ever wondered just how Han Solo met his copilot (and furry friend) Chewbacca? Are you curious to know just what happened between Han and notorious gambler Lando Calrissian before the events of The Empire Strikes Back? We may get the answers to these questions, and more, in Solo: A Star Wars Story, opening in U.S. theaters on May 25. We can’t wait to return to a galaxy far, far away for this new stand-alone story.

Incredibles 2—June 15
They’re back—on screens this June, and in this spectacular new image, just revealed today! And, if you’ve seen the first trailer for Incredibles 2, you already know that our favorite family of superheroes faces a new challenge in the film and it’s not just a formidable new villain: It’s the emergence of baby Jack-Jack’s own super powers. With director Brad Bird returning to helm the sequel, Incredibles 2 opens in theaters on June 15.

Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp—July 6
We’ve just caught our first glimpse of Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly in Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp, the follow-up to Marvel Studios’ 2015 film Ant-Man. The new chapter is set in the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War, as Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to find a balance between those two roles, he’s presented with a new mission by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym. Scott must once again don the Ant-Man suit and learn to fight alongside the Wasp to uncover secrets from the past.

Disney’s Christopher Robin—August 3
Oh, bother. We have to wait nearly eight months for this heartwarming live-action adventure about the young boy who relished his adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with his band of stuffed-with-fluff animal friends. In Disney’s Christopher Robin, the title character is now an adult who has lost his way. Can his old friends help him remember the loving and playful boy within? We’ll find out on August 3.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms—November 2
Mackenzie Foy (above right) stars as Clara, whose quest for a one-of-a-kind key leads her to a strange world that is parallel to the one that she knows. There she encounters a soldier named Phillip, a gang of mice, and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers, and Land of Sweets. With Phillip, Clara must brave the Fourth Realm—home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren)—to retrieve the key and (hopefully) restore harmony to the unstable world. The film also stars Keira Knightley (pictured above) as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and also features a special performance by the incomparable Misty Copeland. We can think of no better way to kick off the holidays later this year than with the debut of this film inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman’s classic tale. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms opens in theaters on November 2.

Ralph Breaks the Internet—Wreck-It Ralph 2—November 21
There are no Error 404 messages where Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 is concerned: The film opens in theaters on November 21. In Ralph’s new adventure, our bad-guy hero (voice of John C. Reilly) ventures to the World Wide Web in search of a replacement part that will save Sugar Rush, video game home to fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman). When they find themselves over their heads, they rely on citizens of the Internet—netizens, of course—to help them navigate their way. Joining the voice cast is Taraji P. Henson as website entrepreneur Yesss, head algorithm and the heart and soul of trend-making site “BuzzzTube.” The film doesn’t open in theaters until November 21, but the just-released image, above, provides a first look in the meantime.

Mary Poppins Returns—December 25
Even an average Tuesday can feel like a jolly holiday with the release of a new image from Disney’s upcoming film Mary Poppins Returns. The practically perfect nanny is back, played in the eagerly anticipated sequel by Emily Blunt, and she’s turning humdrum tasks into exciting new adventures with some assistance from her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London. Jack is played, of course, by the über-talented multi-hyphenate Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose credits range from Broadway’s Hamilton to Disney XD’s DuckTales. The film also stars Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks, Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks, Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins, and Meryl Streep as Mary’s cousin, Topsy. We can also look forward to a whole new generation of Banks children, played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh, and newcomer Joel Dawson; as well as some familiar faces… Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, while Dick Van Dyke plays Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character. Mary Poppins Returns opens on December 25, 2018, which promises to be an especially supercalifragilistic day!

Watch These Disney Junior Nursery Rhymes with the Youngest Fans in Your Life

January 12, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

“Mary Had a Little Lamb”… “Rock-a-Bye Baby”… “Rain, Rain Go Away…” These are among some of the first songs you ever learned and, if you’re a parent, they’re likely among the first that you shared with your children. Disney Junior has now brought its special blend of magic to these iconic nursery rhymes, as a well as a brand-new collection that was released today and will continue to roll out throughout the weekend on Disney Junior’s YouTube and the DisneyNOW App.

The Disney Junior Music Nursery Rhymes pair classic nursery rhymes with delightful animation featuring characters from across Disney Junior’s series, from Mickey and the Roadster Racers to the upcoming Muppet Babies. The digital shorts were introduced with the launch of the DisneyNOW app back in September, and in a little more than three months, they’ve amassed more than 80 million views on YouTube, racking up more than 90 million minutes watched.

There are organic connections between the nursery rhymes and the series and characters included in each short, such as “Star Light, Star Bright” featuring the cast of Miles from Tomorrowland and “Happy Birthday,” which premiered on November 18 (an important date for Disney’s brightest star!) and follows Minnie Mouse as she tries to surprise Mickey on his special day. The latest short, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” is a treat for fans of all of Disney Junior’s titles: you can look for a host of characters, including a glimpse at the network’s newest star, Baby Kermit, from the upcoming animated series Muppet Babies. Check out “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” below, and visit Disney Junior on YouTube or DisneyNOW to see the rest.

Minnie Rocks the Dots Fashion Line Roundup

January 12, 2018

By Megan Deppe

It’s time to celebrate fashion icon Minnie Mouse! January marks the start of Rock the Dots, a month-long celebration of all things Minnie that leads up to National Polka Dot Day on January 22. To celebrate, shopDisney has an exciting collection of Rock-the-Dots-themed merchandise. And remember, D23 members get 15% off all purchases of $60 or more!

1. Minnie Mouse Glow Ear Headband
If you’re going to the parks during January, celebrate your Minnie Mouse love by brightening the night with her glowing, glamorous ear headband.

2. Minnie Mouse Dress Knee Socks
Get ready to knock everyone else’s socks off with yours. These Rock-the-Dots socks for women with glitter accents and satin bows are the perfect fashion accessory to pay homage to our fashion icon.

3. Minnie Mouse Mug and Spoon Set
Head to work with the perfect Minnie accessory that will make everyone see spots. The mug, with a cradle for the spoon, is red with pink polka dots on the outside with a white interior with red polka dots.

4. Minnie Mouse Sequined Velveteen Ear Hat for Kids
No celebration of Minnie would be complete without a special set of ears to mark the occasion. Decorated in fanciful fabrics, textiles and trims, this elegant ear hat is great way for kids to have dress in the glamor of Minnie Mouse.

5. Minnie Mouse Large Plush
This big, huggable Minnie Mouse plush is the perfect choice for snuggling.

6. Minnie Mouse Sleep Set for Women
You can count polka dots instead of sheep when you settle in for the night in this comfy Minnie Mouse Sleep Set.

7. Minnie Mouse Comforter – Twin
Speaking of a good night’s sleep, tuck yourself in with the spotted Minnie Mouse comforter. Not only is it perfect for Rock the Dots, but it also shows off Minnie in a chic gold outfit—the perfect example of her impeccable fashion sense.

Remembering Doreen Tracey

January 11, 2018January 11, 2018

By Lorraine Santoli

Doreen Tracey, one of the Mickey Mouse Club’s original Mouseketeers, died from pneumonia on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at age 74, at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, California, a result of complications from a two-year battle with cancer. Tracey, known for her a vivacious personality and all-around performance skills, appeared on Disney’s classic children’s television series throughout its four-year run (1955–59) on the ABC television network. The original Mickey Mouse Club lived on in syndication for decades thereafter, entertaining generations of children around the world.

Tracey was born in London, England, on April 3, 1943, to a theatrical family. Her parents, Bessie Hay and Sid Tracey, had a vaudeville dance act known as Tracey and Hay. When Doreen was four, her family returned to the United States where her father opened a dance studio in Hollywood. It was there that Tracey learned to sing and dance, and, at age 12, she auditioned for the Mickey Mouse Club. During her tenure as a Mouseketeer, Tracey was also cast in Walt Disney Productions’ 1956 feature film Westward Ho the Wagons!, starring Fess Parker. Additionally, she went on to appear on the Mickey Mouse Club’s “Annette” serial, and toured Australia with the Mouseketeers.

Following the Mickey Mouse Club years, in the 1960s Tracey continued her show business career, guest starring on several episodic television programs as well as touring American military bases in South Vietnam and Thailand with her own act. After returning to the U.S., she shifted gears to work behind the scenes and held positions that included publicist to musician and composer Frank Zappa, as well as a multi-decade career in administration at Warner Bros. And while Tracey’s career took many different paths, she always remained close to her Disney roots, maintaining longtime friendships with her fellow Mouseketeers. In the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, she co-starred with them in several Mickey Mouse Club reunion shows at Disneyland and at Disney conventions, last celebrating the show’s 60th Anniversary in 2015. “Our Dodo, as we lovingly nicknamed her, always had a smile on her face,” said fellow Mouseketeer Tommy Cole. “She never failed to make us all feel good, and we will miss her.”

Tracey is survived by her son, Bradley, and two grandchildren, Gavin, age 9, and Autumn, 12. Bradley said of his mother, “She was very brave, very independent, and very loved by her family.”

Minnie Mouse Receives the Ultimate Gift for her 90th Anniversary

January 11, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

She’s a movie legend, a fashion icon, and America’s sweetheart—and she’s celebrating her 90th anniversary in 2018. A milestone that magical demands a pretty spectacular celebration, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is presenting Minnie Mouse with its greatest honor: a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star will be unveiled in a special ceremony on Monday, January 22, at 11:30 a.m. PT. Joining Minnie for her big day will be Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger and global pop icon (and new American Idol judge) Katy Perry.

“Minnie Mouse is a woman of the ages, and her iconic status makes her a great addition to our Walk of Fame!” stated Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies. “Generations of fans of all ages have been looking forward to her seeing her bright new star.”

The star, which is in the Motion Pictures category, will be dedicated in front of Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre. Among the names of the Hollywood luminaries Minnie is joining on the walk of fame are Donald Duck, Tinker Bell, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, Kermit the Frog, and Mickey Mouse, who received his star in celebration of his 50th anniversary in 1978.

Minnie Mouse captured fans’ hearts in her first on-screen appearance in Steamboat Willie, and we’ve only grown to love her more through her continued appearances on screens big and small, her ability to inspire fashion designers and drive trends that have us rocking the dots all year long, and for her support for causes that affect so many communities in positive ways. The recent #ShareYourEars campaign (which resulted in $4 million in donations benefitting Make-A-Wish) featured countless tributes to Minnie, from the über-popular Rose Gold Minnie Mouse Ears sported by guests at Disney parks to DIY Minnie updos.

If you’re unable to be in Hollywood for the fabulous festivities, fear not. Fans around the world are invited to watch the event live on WalkOfFame.com. Minnie has always been a shining star in our eyes, and we couldn’t be happier that she’s receiving one of her own.

Epcot Food Roundup: Dishes Not to Miss at Epcot International Festival of the Arts

January 10, 2018January 11, 2018

By Megan Deppe

If you love food that looks too good to eat (but tastes too good not to eat), you’re in luck—it’s time for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts! For the second year in a row, you can celebrate the joy that only the combination of delicious food and beautiful art can bring, with some seriously artistic dishes that can be found in World Showcase. The festival runs from January 12 through February 19, so you have plenty of time to try these delicious eats. Here are some of the foods we are most excited to taste!

The Deconstructed Dish (Showcase Plaza)

Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake: whipped New York-style cheesecake with fresh Florida strawberries, sugar cookies, and micro-basil (pictured above)
Deconstructed Reuben with shredded corn beef, Thousand Island dressing, pickled red cabbage, and a rye curl
Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with cream bourbon garnished with a waffle crisp and candied bacon

The Artist’s Table (The American Adventure)

Pan-Seared Scallop with chorizo, roasted red pepper coulis, and parmesan crisp (gluten-friendly, pictured above)
Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, milk, and dark chocolate
Orange Cream Funnel Cake

Cuisine Classique (Germany)

Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and aged balsamic
Saint-Honoré Tart: caramel cream tart with caramel glaze topped with cream puffs

Pop Eats (Showcase Plaza)

Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and chocolate (vegetarian, pictured above)
Sous Vide Poulet Rouge Chicken Roulade with apples and sage served with warm brie fondue, blueberry and beet gel and garnished with apple and beet chips

Masterpiece Kitchen (Near Canada)

Wild Mushroom risotto, aged parmesan, truffle shavings, and zinfandel reduction (vegetarian)
Triple chocolate mousse, chocolate crunch, dark chocolate sauce, and gold leaf
Classic Sidecar with a Chocolate Twist

The Painter’s Palate (Odyssey, Festival Center)

Pop’t Art: Abstract-designed sugar cookie with strawberry filling (vegetarian, pictured above, see the recipe here.)
Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts: Whipped Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese with fresh herbs (vegetarian), Chicken Salad with shaved fennel and fresh herbs, and Spicy Tuna with Wasabi and Seaweed Salad

Decadent Delights (Showcase Plaza)

S’mores Tart: House-smoked buttermilk chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, toasted marshmallow meringue, graham cracker dust, and malted milk chocolate sauce (pictured above)
Chocolate Caramel Mousse Bar, flavored meringue kisses, and passion fruit sauce

L’Art de la Cuisine Française (France)

Rillettes du Mans, Cornichons, Carré du Boulanger: house-made pork rillettes, cornichons, and house-made bread (pictured above)
Le Coucher de Soleil: sunset mango and raspberry cake
Frosé: Frozen Côtes de Provence Rosé Wine with Grey Goose Vodka and Peach Purée

Mosaic Canteen (Morocco)

Hummus Trifle: Layered Hummus topped with spiced beef, pine nuts, and dry cherries, served with pita chips
Chebbakia: Hand-twisted strips of fried dough coated with honey, rosewater, and sesame seeds (pictured above)

El Artista Hambriento (Mexico)

Atole de Fresa and Mexican Concha Bread: A warm strawberry drink served with Mexican concha bread (pictured above)
Mixiote de Cordero: wrapped slow-braised lamb, marinated in tres chiles paste and spices

The Painted Panda (China)

Coconut Panda Rice Cake
Crystal Mooncake with fruit filing and garnished with toasted coconut

L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy)

Crema Fritta, Pesche e Rucola Pesto, Ciliege di Amarasca: cream fritters, peach and arugula pesto and amarena cherries (pictured above)
Sformato di Melanzane e Pomodori, Mozzarella Fior di Latte: tomato and eggplant terrine, fior di latte mozzarella

Takumi Table (Japan)

Taiyaki Dessert: Japanese stuffed pastry, sweet red bean filling, sesame cream, and raspberry sauce
Chirashi Sushi and Haupia Pearl: salmon, tuna and yuzu miso with coconut tapioca pudding (pictured above)
Calpico yogurt strawberry swirl sake

Wish Granted: Disney’s Aladdin at Hollywood Pantages Theatre

January 10, 2018

By Courtney Potter

Salam and hello to you, our worthy friends! Ready to visit the fabled city of Agrabah? Well, you’ve rubbed the right lamp—because the North American tour of Disney’s hit musical Aladdin is steering its magical flying carpet onto the Hollywood Pantages Theatre stage in Los Angeles!

Based on the 1992 Disney animated hit, Aladdin brings to bold new life the beloved story of a charming “street rat,” the Genie he befriends, the princess he falls for and the evil vizier he conquers. The show, originally directed and choreographed by Tony® winner Casey Nicholaw, features all the songs you know from Aladdin’s Academy Award®-winning score—written by Alan Menken, the late Howard Ashman, and Sir Tim Rice—as well as a few of the original film’s previously-unheard tunes… plus several more written especially for the stage by Menken and book writer Chad Beguelin. While the show is still thrilling audiences eight times a week on Broadway at New York City’s New Amsterdam Theatre, the Aladdin North American tour kicked off to standing ovations a-plenty at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre in spring 2017 before making stops in Minneapolis, Seattle, and San Francisco. Now, it’s ready to delight Los Angeles audiences during a three-month run at Hollywood Pantages Theatre, beginning January 10… And if that weren’t significant enough, original Broadway cast members Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), Courtney Reed (Jasmine) and Michael James Scott (Genie) are reuniting for five weeks of this limited, 12-week engagement!

D23 recently spoke with Jacobs—as well as SoCal native (and former Disneyland Resort performer) Reggie De Leon, who portrays villainous Jafar’s eccentric sidekick Iago—about what makes this show (and this North American tour) so in-“genie”-ous… “I did Aladdin for about three years on Broadway,” Jacobs explains. “I originated the role there—[but] then to be able to look at the show with new eyes, to revisit it and rediscover it with a new cast, it’s been pretty exciting. And it’s made me fall in love with the show all over again.” Jacobs is no stranger to touring in a Broadway production—Aladdin marks his fifth time seeing the country during the day and performing for audiences at night—but it’s his inaugural “first national tour,” which means a production is premiering in a given city for the very first time. “Each city welcomes you with open arms and throws a big party,” he says, “and they’re excited to have the show—and that just makes it even more fulfilling for all of us.” On a personal level, there’s something truly special about touring, this time ‘round: “I have my wife and kids with me [on tour],” explains Jacobs, whose wife, Kelly, is no stranger to the stage either; she appeared on Broadway in Disney’s Mary Poppins. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done something like that… It’s really been a great experience so far.”

For De Leon, performing in Aladdin is the end result of a years-long wish, materialized. “It was always a dream of mine to work at Disneyland, because I grew up about 15 minutes away from the park,” De Leon explains. “So when I finally got cast in a show there—and I pretty much stayed right up until leaving for the Aladdin tour—it was amazing training and preparation for what I’m doing now.” De Leon graced the stages of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks for almost 15 years—appearing in the opening casts of Snow White: An Enchanting Musical and Frozen – Live at the Hyperion. “Growing up with so many Disney movies, working at the park was a dream come true—and now, as a result of my being on this tour, I was even able to make my Broadway debut!” That’s right: After getting cast as Iago for the North American tour, De Leon was tasked with filling in for Broadway’s Iago, actor Don Darryl Rivera, when he joined the tour himself for its recent Seattle engagement. “The whole experience is beyond my wildest dreams, at this point,” he admits.

Both actors are excited to bring Aladdin to Los Angeles—a “home” of sorts for the show’s source material (having been created at Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank), as well as the literal home of De Leon and several other tour cast members. “I cannot wait,” De Leon declares. “The Hollywood Pantages is the theater I went to, growing up… To now be able to play there—I’m going to have my parents there on opening night, and my wife and all my family—I hope I’m going to be able to keep it together, because it will be such a cool moment to be able to share with the ones I love most in the world… I’m just really excited to bring this show ‘home’!” And Jacobs is convinced L.A. will delight in the show, just like earlier cities on the tour: “It’s been great to see the [public] receive it so warmly.”

All told, audiences—both in Los Angeles, from January 10 through March 31, and at the tour’s future stops (see AladdinTheMusical.com/tour for cities and ticket info)—should expect all the music, mirth and merriment the ’92 film is known for… plus a whole lot of Broadway magic! “It just works so well,” says De Leon, “because the animated feature itself is a musical—and then the show adds fun new characters and songs and all of the amazing scenic elements. I really believe this show captures the heart and spirit of the film beautifully.” Jacobs concurs: “There’s such joy—pure joy in this show, and I feel privileged to take part in it every night. It’s just such a classic tale—who wouldn’t want to get a lamp with a wish-granting genie inside?”

Black Panther’s New Trailer and Coco’s Big Win—Plus More in News Briefs

January 9, 2018

By Courtney Potter

See the new trailer for Marvel Studios’ latest, and celebrate Coco’s Golden Globe win with its filmmakers… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Another Thrilling Look at Marvel Studios’ Black Panther

We’re about a month out from the huge premiere of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther—and during this week’s 2018 National Championship Game on ESPN, fans got another super-exciting look at the film… take a gander at the new trailer, above.

Black Panther follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is put to the test. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, and starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis, Black Panther roars into theaters on February 16.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
January 12, 2018
Lunch with a Disney Legend—Bob Gurr
January 13, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
February 2, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Peter Pan on the Lot
February 3, 2018
D23 Member Night at Disney’s Aladdin at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre
February 10, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Peter Pan in Florida
February 20, 2018
D23 Member Night at Disney’s The Lion King in Orlando
Parks
January 12–February 19, 2018
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
January 26–February 18, 2018
Lunar New Year Festival at Disney California Adventure
February 28–May 28, 2018
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
March 2–April 12, 2018
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
April 13, 2018
Pixar Fest begins at the Disneyland Resort
Summer 2018
Star Wars: Pixar Pier opens at Disney California Adventure
2019
Star Wars-Themed Lands Opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Studios
February 16, 2018
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther opens in U.S. theaters
March 9, 2018
Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time opens in U.S. theaters
May 4, 2018
Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War opens in U.S. theaters
June 15, 2018
Incredibles 2 opens in U.S. theaters
Television
March 4, 2018
The Oscars air live on ABC (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)
March 11, 2018
American Idol premieres on ABC (8–10 p.m. ET)

Coco Wins Big at Golden Globes

Great news, amigos! At this past weekend’s 75th Annual Golden Globe® Awards, Disney•Pixar’s Coco took home the coveted “Best Motion Picture, Animated” award from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Read up about the filmmakers’ reactions to winning right here at D23.com.

Latest A Wrinkle in Time Trailer Dazzles and Delights

Speaking of last Sunday’s big ceremony, Disney debuted a brand-new trailer for A Wrinkle in Time the same evening… and it’s made us even more excited to see this film in theaters this March. Check the trailer out for yourself, above.

Directed by visionary Emmy® winner and Oscar® and Golden Globe nominee Ava DuVernay, A Wrinkle in Time is an epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic. Through one girl’s transformative journey led by three celestial guides, audiences will discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality—and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by one’s own light.

Starring Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Peňa, Zach Galifianakis, Chris Pine, and Storm Reid, Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time opens across the country on March 9.

Tons of Fun in Store This Year at Disneyland Resort

If you’re anything like us, you follow the goings-on at the Disneyland Resort with churro-scented bated breath… so when our pals over at the Disney Parks Blog posted an excellent rundown of all the new stuff to expect there in this new year, we made several notes (in red ink!) on our calendar.

From the brand-new adventure, inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi, at Star Tours—The Adventures Continue at Disneyland park to Disney California Adventure (DCA) park’s Lunar New Year celebrations and this spring’s Food & Wine Festival; and from the kick-off of Pixar Fest to the return of the Paint the Night parade (this time over at DCA); plus, let’s not forget the permanent transformation of DCA’s Paradise Pier into Pixar Pier… all told, there are mass quantities of fun on the horizon!

Keep your eyes peeled for more info on many of these exciting additions in the coming months.

Disney Launches Sixth Annual Magic of Storytelling Campaign

Book lovers, unite! Disney|ABC Television and Disney Publishing Worldwide recently announced they’ll donate up to 1 million books to First Book, a nonprofit that provides new books to educators and organizations serving children from low-income families, as part of Disney’s sixth annual Magic of Storytelling campaign—going on now through March 31, 2018. The Magic of Storytelling campaign aims to inspire families’ imaginations; cultivate a lifelong love of reading in kids; and bring books to underserved communities across the country…

Over the years, Disney has helped First Book provide more than 61 million books to children in need—and has encouraged millions to take action to help bring new books and resources to kids across the country. The books Disney donates are distributed by First Book to educators in schools and programs exclusively serving children from low-income families around the United States.

The campaign’s brand-new PSA, narrated by A Wrinkle in Time star Oprah Winfrey, debuted recently during ABC’s Good Morning America. Give it a looksee, above! And for more information about how you can donate—as well as your chance, through the Magic of Storytelling sweepstakes, to win a trip to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa—visit MagicofStorytelling.com.

Experience Star Wars Like Never Before—Now at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts

D23.com was lucky enough to chat with Cliff Plumer, CEO of The VOID, about his company’s brand-new hyper-reality experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire—created in collaboration with Lucasfilm’s ILMxLAB and now open at both Downtown Disney® District at Disneyland Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. See what he had to say about this thrilling new encounter here.

Pop’t Art Recipe from Epcot International Festival of the Arts

January 9, 2018

Bake your own masterpiece with this Pop’t Art recipe straight from the Epcot International Festival of the Arts.

Makes 6

SUGAR COOKIE
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1 egg white
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/8 teaspoon salt

TOPPING
6 tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread

GLAZE
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Food coloring

FOR SUGAR COOKIE:

Cream the sugar and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Add egg white and beat for 1 minute.
Slowly add sifted flour and salt and beat at medium speed until a soft dough forms.
Cover bowl and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or silicone baking mat.
Roll dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into six, 3×5-inch rectangles.
Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool for 30 minutes.

FOR TOPPING:

Spread 1 tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread on each cookie, leaving a border of about 1/8 inch around the edges of each cookie.
Set aside.

FOR GLAZE:

Whisk powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of the milk, and the vanilla extract in a pie plate until smooth. Add additional milk if the glaze is too thick.
Set aside 2 tablespoons of glaze in a small bowl.
Dip each cookie, chocolate-hazelnut side down, in the glaze to cover the chocolate.
Set on a wire rack to dry.
Mix remaining glaze with desired color or colors of food coloring. Use a fork to drizzle colored glaze on top of the cookies.

This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens.
The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.
All recipes are the property of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc.,
and may not be reproduced without express permission.

Coco Seized its Moment at the Golden Globes

January 8, 2018

By D23 Team

Like all of us, the members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association couldn’t forget Disney•Pixar’s Coco. The stunning film was named Best Motion Picture, Animated during the 75th Golden Globe® Awards, which took place last night in Beverly Hills, California.

Director Lee Unkrich, co-director Adrian Molina, and producer Darla K. Anderson accepted the award on behalf of the film. Coco, which boasts dazzling animation and universal themes surrounding family and following your dreams, “would not exist without the incredible people of Mexico and their beautiful traditions of Día de Muertos,” noted Unkrich, who also expressed the filmmakers’ gratitude to “the loved ones that are no longer with us, who in ways great and small paved the way for us to be the people that we are today. We love you, we honor you, you inspire us.”

Disney•Pixar’s Coco has also received 13 Annie Award nominations.

Disney Legend Oprah Winfrey was also honored during last night’s Golden Globe Awards. Winfrey, who stars in the upcoming live-action feature adaptation Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time, which opens on March 9, received the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Cecil B. DeMille Award.

Visit GoldenGlobes.com to view the complete list of this year’s honorees.