11 Awesome Epcot Audio-Animatronics® Figures

October 16, 2017March 26, 2018

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Epcot is the home of original Disney Parks characters that have stolen the hearts of fans around the world. Whether they are part of the world of tomorrow or showcasing the wonders of countries all over Earth, the Audio-Animatronics^® figures of Epcot are known for their whimsy, their educational value, and their innovation. To celebrate 35 years of Epcot, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Audio-Animatronics^® characters from the park.

1. Dreamfinder and Figment, Journey into Imagination (1983–98)
One little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation, or so said Dreamfinder, one of Epcot’s most beloved original characters. Riding along on his Dream-Catching Machine, this jolly journeyer traveled the universe collecting the stuff dreams are made of. By gathering two tiny wings, big yellow eyes, horns of a steer, the nose of a crocodile, and a dash of childish delight, he created Figment! Together, Dreamfinder and Figment took guests on an amazing adventure into the imagination—collecting, storing, and recombining ideas in the worlds of literature, music, fine arts, and science. Guests fell in love with the duo, and to this day, Dreamfinder and Figment are still inspiring Disney fans to find the magic spark to make dreams come true.

2. Olaf, Frozen Ever After (2016)
His name is Olaf, he likes warm hugs, and he’s one of the most technologically advanced Audio-Animatronics^® figures at Walt Disney World^® Resort! Guests may feel like Olaf walked right out of the film Frozen and into the attraction with his fluid movements and facial expressions as he sings to guests, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” His ability to walk, talk, and sing is not just a sign of Elsa’s amazing magic, but also the talent of the Imagineers who help shape our amazing experiences at Disney parks all over the world.

3. “Looking Back at Tomorrow” robots, Horizons (1983–99)
While Horizons is beloved for its optimistic view of our potential futures, it also features a whimsical “Looking Back at Tomorrow” sequence that offered a glimpse at past visions and views of yesterday’s future. As the attraction’s narrators state, “People have been dreaming about the future for centuries,” and in this sequence, guests explored scenes of Jules Verne’s science-fiction adventures and retro-futuristic vehicles, such as blimps and zeppelins, conceived in the mind by French illustrator and novelist Albert Robida. These aren’t the only past visions that guests could marvel at. In an art deco-themed sequence, guests could glimpse at a smug robot butler (with vacuum cleaner and feather duster in hand) and giggle at a multi-armed robotic chef making a mess of the kitchen. These robots have become beloved icons for Horizons, occasionally featured on park merchandise and even popping up in other Disney attractions. Guests love both the exciting potential of robots who can do our chores, and the silliness of the robots themselves, reminding us that the future is not just about progress, but also fun. (Remember fun?)

4. Used chariot salesman, World of Motion (1982–96)
World of Motion used a record 139 Audio-Animatronics^® humans and animals to illustrate a light-hearted look at transportation, set to the tune of X Atencio and Buddy Baker’s classic song, “It’s Fun to Be Free.” The attraction showcased a history that guests couldn’t exactly read in a text book—such as a caveman trying to cool off his overworked feet or the Babylonians’ rejected attempts at inventing the wheel. A particularly beloved scene of the attraction even featured a used chariot salesman, marking down his chariots’ prices and proclaiming a “sale colossus” for his customers. These Audio-Animatronics^® figures were particularly remembered for their expressive and exaggerated features—reminiscent of sculptor Blaine Gibson’s earlier work on Pirates of the Caribbean—and several later found new homes in the original Pirates attraction at Disneyland!

5. Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin, The American Adventure (1982)
The American Adventure tells the dramatic story of the United States of America with an impressive cast of Audio-Animatronics^® figures from American history, hosted by Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin. The cast has become famous for showcasing a wide variety of technological feats, such as Frederick Douglass riding the Mississippi River on a raft and Will Rogers twirling his own lasso. But the real standouts are the hosts, who guide guests through the country’s history. Along the way, they do some pretty cool things themselves. Famously, Benjamin Franklin walks up a set of stairs, a first-of-its-kind feat for an Audio-Animatronics^® figure! Not only that, but the two hosts even shake hands at the attraction’s finale. If you’re a fan of Audio-Animatronics^® and of classic Epcot storytelling, this attraction cannot be missed.

6. Three-headed troll, Maelstrom (1988–2014)
Before the Norway pavilion featured Frozen, it offered an attraction with another beloved (but not quite as huggable) Audio-Animatronics^® figure. Maelstrom told the history of Norway, both man-made and mythological, featuring Vikings, polar bears, and some very upset trolls. That’s right, while guests were journeying through Norway’s rich history, they accidentally wandered into the marsh of a very angry three-headed troll. “This is troll country!” one of the heads proclaims, before banishing guests backwards “over the falls!” We’re pretty sure that the troll meant to scare us away, but guests kept riding Maelstrom again and again to experience the spirit and adventure of Norway—trolls and all!

7. Bonnie Appetit & the Kitchen Kabaret cast, Kitchen Kabaret (1982–94)
Eating right has never sounded so good! Kitchen Kabaret was a musical revue about the joys of nutritious food, located in Epcot’s The Land pavilion. Hosted by the charming Bonnie Appetit, Kitchen Kabaret featured classic performances by acts such as Mr. Dairy Goods and his Stars of the Milky Way and the Colander Combo and Fiesta Fruit (are you humming “Veggie Veggie Fruit Fruit” yet?) The Broccoli Audio-Animatronics^®character was so popular that a nearby merchandise location—Broccoli & Co.—was named after him! In 1994, the attraction transformed into a new musical revue—the all-star benefit for good nutrition Food Rocks—and featured more performing produce to make us dance, sing, and maybe stop for a snack or two. While the new Food Rocks cast members were based on popular music artists, one figure from Kitchen Kabaret remained: Mr. Dairy Goods became the lead singer of The Refrigerator Police (singing “Every Bite You Take.”)

8. SMRT-1, Communicore (1982–94)
Before Innoventions, Communicore was Future World’s go-to spot for uncovering the many marvels of the future. Guests could explore hands-on exhibits (using new-fangled touch-screen technology) or, if they were feeling lonely, have a chat with SMRT-1. SMRT-1 was an interactive Audio-Animatronics^® robot that guests talked to through a telephone in order to play fun trivia games using the latest in voice technology. It’s not every day that you get to go to a theme park and have a chat with a cute little robot, so SMRT-1 stood out from the crowd and kept guests chatting, bringing the spirit of Communicore to life.

9. Buzzy, Cranium Command (1989–2007)
There are a lot of thrilling challenges at Epcot, whether you’re testing out a fast car or traveling to Mars, but nothing required more bravery than having to pilot the brain of an adolescent boy! Only young Buzzy, the new Cranium Commando ready to prove himself, could ensure that 12-year-old Bobby had a good day at school. Guests joined Buzzy inside the cortex for an adventure through crushes, bullies, food fights, and more! In addition to his body crew (reporting in on video screens), Buzzy was joined by another lovable Audio-Animatronics^® figure, the Hypothalamus, who cracked jokes in a monotone deadpan. Together, they made Cranium Command the show that’s on everyone’s mind.

10. The Three Caballeros, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros (2007)
These three lovable characters have not just travelled to Mexico—they’ve been all over the world of Disney Parks! Originating in the Mickey Mouse Revue at the Magic Kingdom, these Audio-Animatronics^® characters then journeyed to Tokyo Disneyland to perform when the attraction moved to Japan in 1983. Now, you can find them in Mexico—well, in Epcot’s Mexico pavilion! Donald, Panchito, and José Carioca join guests in the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, carrying on some wonderful Disney history with them. Discover more about the journey of these Audio-Animatronics^® figures here.

11. The cast of Spaceship Earth (1982)
It’s difficult to pick just one Audio-Animatronics^® figure from Epcot’s most iconic attraction. Journeying through the story of human communication, guests seem to love all the characters found in Spaceship Earth, from cavemen and Phoenicians to a lute player and a sleeping monk. One of the attraction’s more recent additions is a computer engineer, who is seen working on a giant mainframe computer in her lab coat and stylish boots. Despite being added to the attraction in 2007—25 years after the attraction premiered—this character has become so popular that Vinylmation product has been made in her likeness, and she remains an icon representing one of the reasons why guests continue to enjoy Spaceship Earth again and again.

How Two of Star Wars Rebels’ Rebel Girls Inspire Us to Be Heroes

October 13, 2017October 12, 2020

By Jocelyn Buhlman

While the Disney XD animated series Star Wars Rebels has come to an end, the impact of the show will doubtlessly continue long after the final credits roll. To celebrate the fan-favorite series, we talked with the actresses who lend their voices to two fan-favorite characters, Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano) and Vanessa Marshall (Hera Syndulla), about the mark their characters have made on audiences everywhere.

Ashoka Tano’s story began back in 2008, when she appeared as one of the lead characters in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Now in Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka is a full-time rebel making waves across the galaxy, but her start as Anakin Skywalker’s plucky padawan was no less impactful.

Eckstein explains, “Ahsoka was the first female Jedi who was a lead in the Star Wars universe.” While we had seen our share of rebel princesses and noble senators, Ahsoka marked the first time that a leading lady was wielding a lightsaber. Fans across the galaxy took notice.

A lot of people could see themselves in Ahsoka. Eckstein tells us, “To have this 14-year-old-girl as the Padawan to Anakin Skywalker is literally groundbreaking. I don’t take that for granted.”

Once Star Wars: The Clone Wars ended, Ahsoka’s story was left hanging: She chose to leave the Jedi Order, disillusioned and unsure of her next step. But that wasn’t the end for her.

Appearing initially under the codename of “Fulcrum,” Ahsoka Tano made a surprise return to the Star Wars animated universe in Star Wars Rebels, now taking a leadership position in the Rebel Alliance. Her fate at the end of Season 3 was last left unknown after facing off against her former master—Darth Vader himself.

Regardless of what happens next to Ahsoka, Eckstein makes one thing clear: Ahsoka is a hero. Eckstein says, “In my everyday life, I want to carry on the Ahsoka torch. Ashoka makes you a better person.”

Marshall, voice of high-flying pilot and “Team Mom” Hera Syndulla, has similar feelings towards her own character. She says that she often catches herself asking, “What would Hera do?”

Daughter of Cham Syndulla, a resistance fighter on the planet Ryloth, Hera disagreed with her father’s focus on Ryloth alone. Marshall describes, “She took to the air and left her family. She came to join the Rebel Alliance and put that cause ahead of everything, including her own life.” Hera had a bigger world to save than just one planet.

Marshall admires the spirit that drives Hera. She explains, “What I love about Hera is that she manages to be very nurturing and kind, and everything we would want in a mother figure, but she’s also very fierce and strong, and her talents in the areas of fighting and flying are also very impressive. Not that those things are mutually exclusive, but I think that she has such an elegant combination of those things, that she makes a pretty powerful icon for young women to look up to. I think anyone can draw strength from her.”

Both actresses express how much it means to them to play such strong, dedicated characters. Marshall has been a fan of Star Wars since the very first movie came out, and being a hero in the galaxy far, far away is something she once only dreamed of. “When the first movie came out, I saw it with my family in Colorado and it just changed my life,” she explains, “It grabbed a hold of me, and that was that.”

Eckstein shares a similar appreciation. “I have Disney in my DNA,” she explains. Coming from a family who worked at Walt Disney World, and even working at the parks herself, Eckstein always knew there was a place for her in the Disney magic—she just had no idea how big of a place it would be. Playing a hero as dynamic and unforgettable as Ahsoka has a lasting impact on not just Star Wars, but her own life. “It’s an honor that I never take lightly and I never take for granted,” she explains.

11 Reasons Why You’ll Want to Get Married at Epcot

October 13, 2017January 2, 2018

By Courtney Potter

Imagine committing to the love of your life amidst the allure of “Venice, the City of Love.” Or exchanging vows in a serene Japanese courtyard, surrounded by shady maple trees. Or even walking down a cobblestone aisle, in front of friends and family, in the middle of a colorful Bavarian village. With Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings—a division inside The Walt Disney Company dedicated to creating all manner of Disney-related nuptials—you can have a dreamy “destination wedding” without needing a passport… and it’s all thanks to some truly unique, utterly gorgeous, and distinctly Disney locations inside Epcot’s amazing World Showcase.

In honor of this year’s D23’s Fanniversary, celebrating Epcot’s incredible 35th year, we took a closer look at some of the Walt Disney World wedding venues to highlight 11 reasons why you’ll want to get married at one of the park’s spectacular locales.

Do you have a favorite? Or did you and your spouse actually get married at Epcot? Head over to D23’s Facebook or Twitter to let us know!

1. You’ll find yourself in the middle of a quiet mountain town—surrounded by waterfalls and alpine trees—if you choose this elevated terrace at the Canada pavilion for your ceremony. You and your guests will be nestled against a stunning backdrop inspired by the Canadian Rockies. (Pro tip: Try and figure out a way to serve poutine at the reception… )

2. What could be more appropriate for a love-filled wedding than a replica of the real “City of Love”? Couples can get married right in the middle of the Italy pavilion, complete with its reproduction of a grand ducal palace. You’ll also revel in the soothing sounds and lovely Baroque design of the Neptune Fountain, inspired by Rome’s world-famous Trevi Fountain.

3. The Germany pavilion is as lively as any real Bavarian village—so it’s the perfect place to kick off the biggest celebration of your life! Your ceremony can take place smack in the middle of the pavilion’s courtyard; its central clock tower is a replica of Munich’s famous Glockenspiel, chiming a special melody on the hour. (If you’re looking for a true “fairy tale” wedding, this might just be your location.)

4. If something exotic is a little more to your liking, check out the Morocco pavilion… where you and your wedding guests will be surrounded by beautiful artistry and old-world culture. The only pavilion built under the auspices of a government, Morocco is among the loveliest and most authentic at World Showcase—inspired by the North African cities of Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakesh.

5. As your guests pass through a traditional torii gate—marking the boundary “between the everyday and the sacred”—they’ll enter an exquisite Japan pavilion courtyard filled with well-tended gardens, koi ponds, and babbling streams. There’s also a beautiful bamboo bridge that could make for some gorgeous wedding photography.

6. The magnifique France pavilion is available for dessert party receptions (who wouldn’t want a French dessert party, honestly?), as well as wedding portraiture. If you’ve been wanting to live your Beauty and the Beast fantasy with your beloved, this might be the place to take all those pre-wedding photos. This location’s got an incredible view of an Eiffel Tower replica.

7. If you’re looking for something truly majestic, think about a rehearsal dinner or reception (or even wedding photography) at the China pavilion. Pass through “The Gate of the Golden Sun,” modeled after the Summer Palace of Beijing’s main gate, and celebrate your big day amid the splendor of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations. The Great Hall of China is furnished with gorgeous lacquered woods and alluring murals depicting ancestral China.

8. History will absolutely have its eyes on you (well, at least your family will) when you have a reception in the inspiring American Adventure Rotunda. A glossy terrazzo floor heightens the elegance of the circular ballroom, and guests will be seated around its perimeter so that all in attendance can witness your first dance together as a newlywed couple. A lofty domed ceiling and white columns give it a true air of distinction.

9. Now here’s a very cool Epcot wedding bonus: There’s actually a location in Future World where a happy couple can hold their reception! Dive into an ocean of love with a super-splashy event staged in the totally unique underwater setting of The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion; inside is a lavishly appointed “salon” that looks upon a 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium teeming with 6,000 sea creatures representing more than 65 species. You’ll feel like Ariel in no time!

10. Imagine having the crown jewel of Epcot, Spaceship Earth, as the backdrop for your wedding photos… Several of the World Showcase wedding locations offer this vista, perfect for shooting your first images as a married couple.

11. The other bonus of having your wedding at a World Showcase locale is ending your big night with a dessert party while watching IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, Epcot’s epic nighttime spectacular that chronicles the past, present, and future of the planet—and celebrates the spirit of humanity. Snack on sweet treats as you and your guests enjoy a fireworks show in your very own private viewing location.

For more information on all things nuptial at Epcot World Showcase (and beyond), visit Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings!

Everything You Need to Know About Movies Anywhere

October 13, 2017

By D23 Team

Everyone has a favorite Disney movie––some of us have more than one!––and that’s one of the reasons why we’ve always loved Disney Movies Anywhere, which has allowed us to watch our favorites, well, anywhere.

Now, Disney fans can enjoy Disney movies and more with Movies Anywhere––a new hub for your favorite films. The new (free!) app will link together your Amazon Video, Google Play, iTunes, and/or Vudu accounts so all of your films are in one place, and you can watch them from anywhere, including on Amazon Fire devices, Android devices and Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, Roku devices and even from your browser.

If you’ve already started your Disney Movies Anywhere collection, you can continue to enjoy your films for a limited time before Disney Movies Anywhere closes, and you can easily transfer your collection over to Movies Anywhere now, where you can start adding more favorites from Disney and more to your digital film library.

Head over to MoviesAnywhere.com for more information––Happy watching!

Hello from World Showcase! 11 Postcards for the Epcot Explorer

October 12, 2017January 2, 2018

By D23 Team

Say “hello,” “bonjour,” or “guten tag” to friends and family with these postcards inspired by the 11 pavilions rounding out Epcot’s World Showcase. Download your favorite below!

Click here to download the Mexico Pavilion postcard.

Click here to download the Norway Pavilion postcard.

Click here to download the China Pavilion postcard.

Click here to download the Germany Pavilion postcard.

Click here to download the Italy Pavilion postcard.

Click here to download The American Adventure Pavilion postcard.

Click here to download the Japan Pavilion postcard.

Click here to download the Morocco Pavilion postcard.

Click here to download the France Pavilion postcard.

Click here to download the United Kingdom Pavilion postcard.

Click here to download the Canada Pavilion postcard.

The Walt Disney Archives’ New Exhibit is Good for the Sole

October 12, 2017

By Rick Lorentz, Archivist, Walt Disney Archives

“As soon as he saw the Big Boots, Pooh knew that an Adventure was going to happen…”—Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh and his creator, A. A. Milne, would be happy to see how many “big boots” and tales of “adventure” are on display in the latest Walt Disney Archives exhibit. The Sole of Disney features more than 40 pairs of fashionable footwear on display in the lobby of the Frank G. Wells Building at The Walt Disney Studios.

Some of the most recognizable characters and personalities in Disney history have walked, danced, and strutted their stuff in an amazing collection of stylish shoes. There are stylish white boots worn by Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins (pictured above) as she strolled through the countryside on a “Jolly Holiday.” Queen Narissa (as portrayed by Susan Sarandon in Enchanted) stopped traffic in New York City when she crossed the street wearing thigh-high blue iridescent platform boots.

Three pairs of cowboy boots represent some of the earliest costume pieces acquired by the Walt Disney Archives. Black boots with a white trim across the pullstrap have the handwritten name of Roy Williams on the inside. Roy, the “Big Mooseketeer” of the Mickey Mouse Club wore the boots during episodes of “Talent Roundup Day” episodes. Another original Mouseketeer, Doreen Tracy, wore white boots (pictured above left) with a Mickey Mouse Club logo on the side during her appearances on “Talent Roundup Day.” The Further Adventures of Spin and Marty gave Annette Funicello a chance to mosey around the Triple R Ranch in stylish blue cowgirl boots with yellow stitching (pictured above right).

The smallest pair of shoes on display surprisingly does not belong to Lucy Pevensie (Georgie Henley, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe). Chloe (Beverly Hills Chihuahua) has the honor of walking in not just two, but four pink and white sneakers (pictured above left)—the tiniest shoes in the Walt Disney Archives costume collection. And it’s not just stars of film and television who have amazing “soles.” Remember swinging Teddi Barra from The Country Bear Vacation Hoedown? Her bright yellow rain boots (pictured above right) with a fluorescent pink trim are surely one-of-a-kind! Also representing Disney Parks and Resorts is a set of four mule shoes (pictured below left) used in the former Pack Mules Through Nature’s Wonderland attraction at Disneyland.

Some costume designers walk the extra mile when it comes to designing a unique but practical pair of shoes. Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time) jumped and raced across the desert in a pair of regular black sneakers (pictured above right). The common everyday shoes were redesigned and built upon to create the more appropriate (and comfortable!) period costume of black leather boots.

So, whether your taste in footwear is a pair of practical Adidas sneakers (The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou) (pictured above) or the more expensive Jimmy Choo high heel of Verla Grubbs (Carol Burnett, All My Children), enjoy this photo gallery of the new exhibit, representing the “adventures” experienced by some of Disney’s most famous characters.

D23 Gold and Gold Family Members have the opportunity to visit the Walt Disney Archives as part of The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23. Check out upcoming tour dates on D23’s lineup of events for 2018!

Spectacular New Star Wars: The Last Jedi Trailer—Plus More in News Briefs

October 11, 2017October 15, 2017

By Courtney Potter

Catch a glimpse of the next chapter in the Star Wars saga, and read up on the all-new soundtrack for Olaf’s Frozen Adventure… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Stop Everything—The New Star Wars: The Last Jedi Trailer Just Landed!

Unless you want to remain spoiler-free—which is a noble pursuit, we agree—we suggest stopping everything you’re currently doing (even reading this article!) and watch the brand-new trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, above. Go ahead, we’ll wait. It’s worth it…

Wasn’t that phenomenal? There’s just so much to unpack… We won’t go into any specifics, just in case you really are trying to remain blissfully unaware of what’s to come when you venture to your local cineplex this winter. But what we can say is that this trailer makes us even more excited for the next installment from a “galaxy far, far away.”

By the way, tickets for Star Wars: The Last Jedi are now on sale; check your local theaters (in person or online) for more information. And we’ll see you there—wearing our Jedi robes, natch—on December 15!

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

October 29, 2017
D23’s Spooky Screening Series: Halloweentown on The Walt Disney Studios Lot
November 17, 2017
Lunch with a Disney Legend: Russi Taylor
November 18, 2017
D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Florida
November 18, 2017
Mickey’s of Glendale—Orlando Shopping Event
November 18, 2017
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
November 26, 2017
Join D23 at the Saks Holiday Breakfast with Snow White
December 6, 2017
D23’s Holidays in Hollywood
December 10, 2017
D23’s Light Up the Season
December 10, 2017
D23’s Holiday Shopping Day at Mickey’s of Glendale
February 2, 2018
D23 Member Night at Disney’s Aladdin at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre
Parks
August 25 and 29, September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, and 29; October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, and 31; November 1
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
August 31-November 13, 2017
Epcot Food & Wine Festival
September 15–October 31, 2017
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
September 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, October 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31
Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park
November 10–January 7
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
December 16
Star Wars: Galactic Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
2019
Star Wars-Themed Lands Opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Studios
November 3, 2017
Thor: Ragnarok opens in theaters
November 22, 2017
Coco opens in theaters
December 15, 2017
Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in theaters
Television
October 19–31, 2017
Freeform’s 13 Nights of Halloween
November 2017
Big Hero 6 The Series Premieres on Disney XD

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Soundtrack Debuting November 3

Looking for the sonic equivalent of a warm hug? You’re in luck, because the soundtrack to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming featurette Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, is debuting on November 3! Featuring four all-new songs written by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson (Between the Lines) and a score by Frozen’s Christophe Beck, it’s sure to become a true holiday staple. Read more about it right here!

Ring in the New Year with Pluto and Friends at Tokyo Disney Resort

Did you know that 2018 is the Year of the Dog? Our friends over at Tokyo Disney Resort are planning to celebrate in a big way, with a five-day celebration featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and—of course—Pluto!

To honor the Year of the Dog, the customary kadomatsu decoration at the entrance to World Bazaar in Tokyo Disneyland will feature Pluto—and the entrance to Passaggio MiraCosta in Tokyo DisneySea will display Pluto-fied banners. Plus, all of your favorite Disney characters will wish everyone a happy “New Year’s Greeting” during a very special parade at Tokyo Disneyland and a harbor show at Tokyo DisneySea every day of the celebration. (Mickey and Minnie will be dressed in their finest kimono to honor the occasion.) And more than 50 new merchandise and food/beverage items will be on sale, starting November 17; look for a Pluto motif daruma (a Japanese good luck doll), New Year’s greeting cards, desserts served in adorable souvenir Japanese tea cups, and themed limited-time menus at both the Disney Ambassador Hotel and Tokyo Disneyland Hotel.

The celebration takes place this January… so here’s to a happy and healthy new year—for both you and the pet pooches in your life!

Get into the Spooky Spirit with Haunted Mansion Promos on Disney XD

Ever wondered what it might be like if your favorite Disney XD characters met some of the 999 happy haunts inside Disneyland Park’s famed Haunted Mansion? See for yourself in three new Halloween promos now airing on Disney XD! Check out our rundown of these cool stop-motion-animated spots in this D23.com article.

Second Season of Elena of Avalor Premieres This Saturday, October 14

Princess Elena is returning to court! The second season of Disney Channel’s über-popular Elena of Avalor kicks off this Saturday, October 14 (at 9 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel and 11:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior) with a special Día de los Muertos-themed episode! This new season follows Elena as she takes on more responsibility as a leader—and delves deeper into the magical land of the jaquins.

In the season two premiere episode, titled “The Jewel of Maru,” Elena is visited by the ghosts of her parents on the Day of the Dead and meets another ghost named Amaláy who stands watch over the powerful Jewel of Maru. Elena of Avalor stars Aimee Carrero as the voice of Princess Elena; Jenna Ortega as Princess Isabel; Chris Parnell, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Carlos Alazraqui as jaquins Migs, Luna, and Skylar, respectively; Emiliano Díez as Francisco; and Julia Vera as Luisa. Guest stars this season include Rosie Perez, Mario Lopez (along with his daughter Gia), Kimiko Glenn (Broadway’s Waitress), and Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg.

Plus, in conjunction with the season premiere, a new short-form series—Adventures in Vallestrella, set in the land of the jaquins—will soon debut on Disney Junior and the DisneyNOW app. So keep your eyes peeled, and your Scepter of Light at the ready…

Bring Epcot Home with These Amazing New Photos

If you’ve been searching for a way to celebrate Epcot’s incredible 35th anniversary in the comfort of your own home, check out a series of four historical photographs now available from the Walt Disney Archives… perfectly suited for display! See the available images, and learn more about sizing and framing options, here.

13 Awesome Disney Girls to Celebrate on International Day of the Girl

October 11, 2017

By Megan Deppe

“For every girl who dreams big, there is a princess to show her it is possible.” The motto for Disney’s “Dream Big, Princess” campaign is an important message every day, but today—declared by the U.N. to be the International Day of the Girl—is the perfect opportunity to celebrate girls from all the worlds of Disney who inspire others to realize their potential. Ashley Eckstein, who voices Ahsoka on Star Wars Rebels, has experienced this firsthand: “I soon realized that being a part of the Star Wars universe was way bigger than myself… I quickly realized what [this role] meant to an entire generation of girls, and I was inspired by Ahsoka, and wanted to be more like Ahsoka.” To celebrate International Day of the Girl, we’re taking a look at 13 Disney ladies who have inspired us and will continue to inspire us for years to come.

1. Rey, Star Wars
This Star Wars leading lady certainly knows how to “fight like a girl.” Rey calls out her boss for paying her less for the same amount of scrap, she gets herself out of Kylo Ren’s hold without Finn or Han, and she is more than capable of defending herself against Finn when she mistakes him for a thief. Rey always keeps going and does her part to help those who need her.

2. Violet Parr, The Incredibles
Violet knew all her life that she had superpowers, but the shy and quiet girl just wanted to be “normal” and blend in with everyone else. When she and her family are in danger for the first time, Violet falters and her powers don’t work. But her love for her family and her determination to keep them safe give Violet confidence to show her heroic side, which helps her realize that it’s OK to be different and she can make a great difference.

3. Princess Elena, Elena of Avalor
Elena’s resilience is perhaps one of her greatest qualities, and one that anyone can admire. After being trapped inside of a magical amulet for years, Elena has to learn how to run a country with no experience, but she’s willing to learn and refuses to allow any challenges to stop her. When she makes mistakes, she acknowledges them and keeps moving forward because she knows there’s a kingdom depending on her.

4. Mia Thermopolis, The Princess Diaries
When we first met Mia Thermopolis, she’s almost the antithesis of what we imagined a princess to be—shy, and unable to even speak in front of her class without being sick—but she becomes a young woman who takes control of her life and can rule a country on her own. She never loses sight of herself, and she fights for the rights of both her people and other girls. Mia sometimes stumbles, but she never loses sight of where she is going—and she gets there on her own terms.

5. Mal, Descendants
Mal has always been a character at a crossroads, torn between her evil origins and doing the right thing. She shows us how to stand up for what we believe in, to face our fears, and never to compromise who you are for someone else.

6. Lilo, Lilo and Stitch
If you’re ever looking for a master of confidence, look to Lilo and be subsequently impressed because she’s surer of herself than people five times her age are. Lilo knows how other characters view her, but that never stops her from being herself, whether she’s taking a peanut butter sandwich to Pudge or choosing a misfit dog/alien to become part of her ‘ohana. Lilo perfectly embodies the confidence all girls should have in themselves, as well as the willingness to keep believing in others.

7. Mulan, Mulan
Mulan was nervous to go to war—she doubted that she could pass herself off as a man when she left her home, but she set off on her quest regardless, because she knew consequences of the alternative. Throughout her journey, Mulan proved herself as a smart strategist and a capable fighter, but perhaps her greatest quality is putting others first.

8. Ahsoka Tano, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels
Ahsoka is first introduced as an excited fangirl, but as the series goes along she evolves into a confident, skilled young woman who learns how to think for herself and not blindly accept what she’s been told. In order for us to realize our dreams, we should not be afraid to question the way things work and form our own opinions, and Ahsoka demonstrates that throughout her journey.

9. Marnie Piper, Halloweentown
Every Halloween we’re reminded of what makes Marnie Piper so wonderful. Her classmates may consider her weird for enjoying ghosts and goblins, but she believes in magic and possibilities—and she isn’t afraid to admit that she doubts herself: “The truth is, there’s nothing special about me.” We beg to differ! But once Marnie discovers she’s a witch, she does everything she can to live up to her potential; she’s proud of who she is and of her family’s very special history. If “being normal is vastly overrated,” Marnie teaches us that left of center can be a pretty cool place to be!

10. Merida, Brave
Merida is often celebrated for her independence, but we can also take note from her ability to learn. Throughout Brave, Merida believes her problems stem from her mother not listening to her—but as her adventure continues, Merida realizes that she also has to listen. While it’s a good thing to have strong opinions and beliefs, anyone can benefit from the fact that there is always more to learn.

11. Tiana, The Princess and the Frog
Tiana is so hardworking and her entrepreneurial spirit is something that anyone could admire. She understands that you can dream as big as you want but it takes hard work to turn a dream into reality, and just because a dream is hard work doesn’t mean it isn’t a dream worth having.

12. Kim Possible, Kim Possible
Kim saves the world because she genuinely wants to help other people, and she lives her life being true to herself, which is a great way to live your own life even if you’re not a “basic average girl… here to save the world.”

13. Moana, Moana
Last, but certainly not least, is our wayfinder, Moana of Motunui; and yes, we will board her boat and sail across the sea to restore the heart of Te Fiti! She takes responsibility for her village and is willing to give up her dream of going out to sea, and then embarks on what seemed like an impossible task for the sake of her island. Moana recognizes that there are things she doesn’t know, but she constantly seeks to improve her skills for the benefit of her people. She has all the qualities of a leader, and you need only look to Moana to summon the strength to be a leader yourself.

Did You Know? 8 Frightfully Fascinating Facts About Trick or Treat

October 10, 2017October 1, 2021

By Jim Fanning

On October 10, 1952, Walt Disney’s Trick or Treat flew into theatres just in time for Halloween—and for 65 years, this classic animated short has hilariously haunted audiences with an autumnal bounty of boo-tiful laughs. Both scary and sweet, Trick or Treat details how, on one eventful All Hallows Eve, Donald Duck is determined to play the tricks on his nephews— costumed as a devil, a ghost, and a witch—and keep the treats for himself. Huey, Dewey, and Louie set out to reclaim Halloween with the help of a sympathetic witch named Hazel and her anthropomorphic broom, Beelzebub. The “waggish hag” (as Disney Publicity referred to Hazel) pulls out all the scary stops to help the kids get their candy and uses her witch’s brew (“This is the real thing,” Hazel explains, “right out of Shakespeare!”) to conjure up a spook-tacular parade of ghouls and ghosts to scare “that quacking rogue” into giving the determined doorbell-ringers their rightful treats and sweets. To celebrate this wickedly fun animated short’s milestone anniversary, here’s a goodie bag brimming with frightfully fascinating facts that are all treats, no tricks.

1. Jack Hannah Stages a Spooky Halloween Classic
In a career encompassing 65 Donald Duck shorts, Disney Legend Jack Hannah later recalled directing this Halloween-themed cartoon as a particularly enjoyable “treat.” Rough animation was completed by February 1952. An incomplete version was screened for specially invited Disney Studio personnel not involved in production. A common Disney practice in the 1950s and 1960s, these test screenings were known as ARI (Audience Research Institute), a system created by public opinion polling expert George Gallup and adapted by Disney to measure audience reaction to in-production films. Jack later recalled that Trick or Treat had a particularly strong reaction at the ARI screening—as director, he would have been present and reviewed the completed survey cards—and a Disney Publicity press release reported the same. Calling Trick or Treat “a masterpiece of jovial jitters,” the press release stated, “It has just been viewed at the studio in the early phases of production, and even in the state of animation shows the sure signs of another Disney short subject hit.”

2. The “Wright” Story Man for a Halloween Tale
Veteran Disney story artist Ralph Wright created the story, filled with wild gags conjured up by Hazel’s Halloween witchcraft. A contributor to everything from shorts (the Goofy “How-To” series) to features such as Bambi (1942) and Alice in Wonderland (1951), Ralph was renowned for his wild ideas—and for Trick or Treat, his wild imagination was exactly what the witch doctor called for. Ralph was inspired to create some of the cartoon’s craziest Halloween hijinks as in the sequence where Witch Hazel enchants Donald’s webfeet to dance, prance, or kick up the candy-closet key that he has swallowed. “We had a problem getting that to animate right,” revealed Hannah. “We were very careful to prepare a strong storyboard, but the animator still had a little trouble making the Duck kick the key out of his own bottom.” Incidentally, if Ralph Wright was ever looking for a Halloween costume he would have been well suited to trick or treat as a certain gloomy donkey, for Ralph was immortalized as the original voice of Eeyore in the Winnie the Pooh featurettes.

3. The Cinderella Songwriters Scare Up a Trick-or-Treat Theme
Early storyboard drawings portray Witch Hazel as singing her own Halloween ditty, but as Walt and his artists realized that this animated short was shaping up into something exceptional, it was decided to add a full-fledged theme song, composed expressly for this short. The musically memorable result was “Trick or Treat (For Halloween),” composed by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston, the team responsible for the songs in Cinderella (1950). Sung in the film by the Mellomen, who harmonized for many a Disney project, the Trick or Treat theme song was later recorded by Mouseketeers Karen Pendleton and Cubby O’Brien in 1958 for the Holidays with the Mouseketeers recording.

4. Speaking of (and for) Witch Hazel
In directing Trick or Treat, Jack Hannah found working with the dynamic new character of Witch Hazel a real scream. “We had a lot of fun with her. She spoke sort of Shakespearean English, full of thous and thees.” The First Lady of Animation Voices, acclaimed voice artist June Foray, was signed on to perform the comical but classically toned old-hag’s voice. (Interestingly, June later voiced another—and similar—character named Witch Hazel in several Warner Bros. Bugs Bunny cartoons.) For Disney, Foray went on to voice Grammi Gummi in Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears, Magica de Spell in DuckTales, and Grandmother Fa in Mulan (1998).

5. Carl Barks Treats Us to a Comic Book Version
At the same time Trick or Treat was hitting the big screen, a comic-book adaption (Donald Duck, Issue 26) by renowned writer artist and Disney Legend Carl Barks was hitting newsstands. Western Publishing comics editor Chase Craig said, “We wanted to do a Halloween book, and Disney had made this picture Trick or Treat, so we got the storyboards on it and turned them over to Carl.” (Ironically, Barks recalled, “I didn’t see the movie until long afterwards. I was sent the storyboard stats and told to make the stuff into a feature-length story. I soon found out the material wouldn’t fill the 32 pages that were than the length of a feature, so I added some extra stuff.”) In addition to a sequence where the nephews attempt to find the hair of a billy goat to complete Witch Hazel’s spell, the added material mostly centered on a six-armed Cyclops Smorgasbord the Ogre—otherwise known as Smorgie the Bad—but Barks’ editors excised the Smorgie sequence before publication. Three decades later, the “lost” pages were restored under Barks’ supervision or publication in the hardcover collection, The Carl Barks Library, in 1986, and the Halloween-centric comic-book story has been reprinted internationally many times since in its complete form.

6. Witch Hazel Flies in to Stay
Though she may lack the glamour and beauty of a, shall we say, traditional movie queen, Witch Hazel makes up for it with a crazy kind of charisma. Though she never appeared in another theatrically released Disney cartoon, she made other appearances in other media, such as “The Mad Hermit of Chimney Butte,” broadcast on Walt Disney Presents on April 1, 1960, featuring new animation of Witch Hazel directed by Jack Hannah. A Little Golden Book, Donald Duck and the Witch, was published in 1953, just a year after the short’s release. The art was adapted by Disney artist Dick Kelsey for this new version of the Trick or Treat story, in “witch” Donald, the nephews, and Hazel all share a fall harvest feast. Hazel went on to more publication fame as the star of comic books overseas as well in the U.S., as in the second issue of The Beagle Boys comic book (November 1965)—even if Hazel is inexplicably called Wanda Witch.

7. Witch Hazel Goes on the Record
The bewitching star of Trick and Treat conquered another showbiz medium when in 1974 this winningly witchy woman was featured on her own LP record album. Released on the Disneyland Records (now Walt Disney Records) label, the Trick or Treat: Story and Songs of Halloween LP is an unusual blend of the original animated short’s soundtrack melded with newly written narration for Witch Hazel, performed by Disney Legend Ginny Tyler. Beloved as the “Disneyland Storyteller,” Ginny delivers Hazel’s dialog in her own style, while at the same time skillfully matching June Foray’s original dialog, much of which is retained for this classic recording. As an extra spooky surprise, the LP came complete with two Halloween masks, one of Hazel, the other of a pumpkin, presumably the jack-o-lantern who pops up to say “Boo!” at the cartoon’s conclusion.

8. A Halloween Classic
In development as early as 1951, this special seasonal short was targeted for an October 1952 release, even though it played a special pre-release engagement in late September at the prestigious Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The enduring appeal of Trick or Treat was demonstrated the very next year with its inclusion in Halloween Hilarities, a theatrically released compilation of spooky Disney shorts. From then on, the bewitching battle between Donald and Witch Hazel has been showcased in innumerable anthologies, including the Disneyland TV series (where the merrily macabre short made its television debut in “All About Magic” on January 30, 1957). Trick or Treat was also featured in The Mouse Factory (“Spooks and Magic,” 1972) and the frequently broadcast fan- favorite special A Disney Halloween, which first aired in 1981. A Trick or Treat cameo can be spotted in the all-new animated special, The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular, that debuted on Disney Channel on October 8, 2017, with Huey, Dewey, and Louie sporting their costumes from the classic animated short. So be sure and put into practice the lesson Unca Donald learned in Trick or Treat: “When ghosts and goblins by the score, ring the bell on your front door, you’d better not be stingy or your nightmares will come true!”

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Soundtrack to Ring in the Season

October 10, 2017October 11, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

We’re shivering with excitement about returning to Arendelle in the upcoming featurette, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, opening in front of Disney•Pixar’s Coco in U.S. theaters on November 22, 2017. We’ve heard snippets of three original songs from the featurette, and they’ve been stuck in our heads ever since. But today Disney revealed the entire lineup for the featurette’s soundtrack, which is set for release on November 3. That gives us three weeks to memorize those lyrics, because we know we’ll be singing our way out of the theater.

The soundtrack features four original songs written by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson (Between the Lines), which will be performed by the amazing cast of the 2013 feature Frozen—Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, and Jonathan Groff—who return for the featurette. The score is by Christophe Beck, the talented composer who penned the score for the feature.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure directors Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters said that the music helped to shape the new story. “Music has always been a hallmark of Disney Animation, especially the world of Frozen,” said Deters. “So we’re thrilled to include four new songs to help tell our story.”

“Kate and Elyssa have such a sense of fun and enthusiasm,” added Wermers-Skelton. “The songs really capture the spirit of Olaf and his holiday endeavor.”

In addition to the four new songs—“Ring in the Season,” “The Ballad of Flemmingrad,” “That Time of Year,” and “When We’re Together—the soundtrack includes instrumental/karaoke versions of the new songs as well as the “Olaf’s Adventure Score Suite” from Beck.

Here’s the full lineup:

“Ring in the Season” – Performed by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel and Josh Gad
“The Ballad of Flemmingrad” – Performed by Jonathan Groff
“Ring in the Season” (Reprise) – Performed by Idina Menzel
“That Time of Year” – Performed by Josh Gad and Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell and Cast
“That Time of Year” (Reprise) – Performed by Josh Gad
“When We’re Together” – Performed by Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell and Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff
“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” Score Suite – Composed by Christophe Beck and Jeff Morrow
“The Ballad of Flemmingrad” (Traditional Version) – Performed by Jonathan Groff
“Ring in the Season” – [Instrumental Karaoke Mix]
“That Time of Year” – [Instrumental Karaoke Mix]
“When We’re Together” – [Instrumental Karaoke Mix]

You can preorder the soundtrack now, or you can pick up the soundtrack on November 3 at your favorite music retailer!