5 New Things We Can’t Wait to Experience at Epcot

October 19, 2017January 2, 2018

By Nicole Nalty

We all have our favorites when visiting a Disney theme park: favorite attraction, show, restaurant… But is there anything better than discovering a new favorite? As Imagineers continue to dream up experiences around the world, it’s fun—as a seasoned Disney theme park goer—to be able to try something new. At D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek shared some seriously exciting announcements surrounding what’s coming up for Epcot, and we can’t wait to experience it all! Take a look below and let us know what you’re most excited to see on Facebook or Twitter.

1. Bienvenue, Remy!
Encountering a Disney character in their native country’s pavilion in Epcot is always a treat, with the addition of Frozen Ever After and Anna and Elsa’s character greeting experience at the Royal Summerhus being the latest seamless blend between the real world and the Disney world at Epcot. In 2021, on the opposite side of World Showcase, guests will enter the world of Ratatouille in a brand-new space in the France pavilion. The new attraction, inspired by the 2007 film, will be patterned after the No. 1 family attraction at Disneyland Paris. Très bien!

2. Guardians of the Future World?
Groot and the gang will make their mark in Future World with a brand-new E-ticket attraction based on the hilarious, action-packed films. Peter Quill (aka Star-Lord) paid a visit to Epcot as a kid, so the park will make a perfect home for this unexpected group of friends when the attraction debuts in 2021.

3. (Sky) High-Class Dining
Mission: SPACE received an update earlier this year, with enhancements to both the Orange and Green Missions, but cadets eager for a bite to eat can satisfy their hunger at new heights with a table-service restaurant next to the popular attraction. While we don’t have intel on its opening date just yet, we can’t wait to experience the out-of-this-world restaurant.

4. China in Circle-Vision
The use of Circle-Vision in Disney theme parks dates back to Walt himself, which makes us even more excited to see an updated film coming to the China pavilion. The new film will be created using a next-generation digital camera system for a seamless (and surely stunning!) Circle-Vision show.

5. Next-Level Transportation
There’s so much to see and do at the Walt Disney World Resort, and soon there will be one more way to get around! Disney Skyliner will connect both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four different resorts: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and the proposed Disney Vacation Club property, Disney Riviera Resort.

Coco, Han Solo, and Black Panther—Plus More in News Briefs

October 18, 2017

By Courtney Potter

A fresh look at Disney•Pixar’s Coco, and the next Star Wars story gets a title… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Brand-New Clip from Disney•Pixar’s Coco

We’re just about a month away from the release of Disney•Pixar’s latest feature, the wonderfully colorful Coco—and we’ve got a brand-new clip to whet your animation appetite! Check out Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) as he—and a well-meaning mariachi player—incur the wrath of Miguel’s grandma in the video, above.

Additionally, take a look at the incredible amount of research that went into crafting the story (and the music) of Coco in this new behind-the-scenes featurette, below. Hear from director Lee Unkrich and producer Darla K. Anderson (both of Toy Story 3 fame), and co-director Adrian Molina—as well as actors Gonzalez and Gael Garcia Bernal (Hector); composer Michael Giacchino (Inside Out, Up); and songwriter Germaine Franco and music consultant Camilo Lara. Mark those calendars: Coco crescendos into a cineplex near you on November 22!

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
February 16, 2018
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther opens in U.S. theaters
Television
October 19–31, 2017
Freeform’s 13 Nights of Halloween
November 2017
Big Hero 6 The Series Premieres on Disney XD

It’s Official! Director Ron Howard Announces Name of Next Star Wars Story

It’s a movie that’s heretofore been untitled… but this week, that all changed! Director Ron Howard took to his Twitter feed to officially announce the title for the next chapter in the Star Wars story—all about the origins of everyone’s favorite “scruffy-looking nerfherder” Han Solo. Watch Ron’s quick, funny video here.

New Black Panther Trailer is All Kinds of Amazing

Oh, the anticipation! Marvel Studios’ Black Panther won’t leap into theaters until February of next year, but that doesn’t mean our excitement is waning… far from it. Case in point: We almost leapt out of our collective chairs over this thrilling new trailer for the film, above. Take a look and see (or leap!) for yourself…

Black Panther follows T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) who—after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda—returns home to his 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 tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. 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 co-starring Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis, Black Panther arrives on February 16, 2018.

Big Hero 6 The Series Kicks Off This November

San Fransokyo, here we come! Disney XD just this week announced that their new Big Hero 6 The Series will launch with a one-hour TV movie (airing simultaneously on both Disney XD and Disney Channel) on November 20. Read all about it at our D23.com rundown here.

Freeform Says “I Do” to Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings

First comes love, then comes marriage… and Freeform will be there to chronicle several Disney-themed nuptials in a brand-new, seven-episode series entitled Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings.

Each hour-long episode will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most spectacular weddings and engagements at Disney Destinations around the globe. From a sun-drenched holiday proposal at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, to a winter wonderland wedding at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, viewers will be guests from the start of each couple’s “happily ever after” journey. The producers of the series—including So You Think You Can Dance’s Simon Lythgoe—worked hand-in-hand with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts to bring you this special inside-look at Disney’s magical wedding planning services. (Fun fact: It’s fair to say everyone loves weddings—Freeform’s original breakout special of the same name, which aired this past May, was its highest-rated unscripted TV special to date!)

Look for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings on Freeform this spring.

Everything You Need to Know About Movies Anywhere

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Gee, I’ve downloaded a lot of movies—Disney and otherwise—over the last few years, and I wish I had them all in one place”… well, listen up! Disney just last week revealed Movies Anywhere, a new hub for all your favorite films. Find out more right here.

Pawesome News: Select Walt Disney World Hotels Now Allow Dogs!

Here is some paw-ticularly great news for Disney fans who don’t want to leave their beloved pooch at home during a Walt Disney World Resort vacation… Guests are now allowed to bring dogs to four resort properties!

As part of this new pilot program, four Walt Disney World resort hotels have been designated dog-friendly: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. There is a per night/per room pet-cleaning rate (between $50 and $75, depending on the property), and a maximum of two dogs per guest room will be accommodated. Each guest room will have easy access to outdoor pet walkways for exercise, and green spaces for your pet to take care of their, shall we say, “business.” But if you’re not a dog lover, don’t worry—each resort will designate certain floors or sections of a hotel as dog-friendly, while the majority of areas will remain canine-free to accommodate guests with allergies or other concerns. They’ve got everyone covered!

And if you think staying at a Walt Disney World Resort property is exciting for humans, check this out: When your pooch “checks in,” they’ll receive their very own Pluto’s Welcome Kit—which includes a mat, water/food bowls, a pet ID tag, disposable bags, puppy pads, and dog-walking maps… plus a Pluto “Do Not Disturb” door sign to alert hotel staff that a pet is in the room. And Disney enjoys a partnership with Best Friends Pet Care, an on-property full-service facility that can provide assistance with pet daycare and other services; do note that fees will apply.

We’re betting the Disney dogs in your life will be paws-itively elated with this pilot program…

New Narrators Added to Epcot’s 2017 Candlelight Processional

And speaking of Walt Disney World Resort, here’s an update on a fan-favorite event that’s only a few short months away: Several more celebrity narrators have been added to Epcot’s 2017 Candlelight Processional.

Joining the previously announced new additions of actors Matt Bomer and Warwick Davis are—drum roll, please—Disney Legend and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 star Kurt Russell and Olympic gold- and silver-medal-winning gymnast (and recent Dancing with the Stars winner) Laurie Hernandez! (Both are first-time Candlelight participants.) And rounding out this year’s list are recent additions—and returning faves—actress/comedian Ana Gasteyer and Ariel herself, The Little Mermaid’s Jodi Benson.

For more information on all things Candlelight Processional, including the fantastic dining packages available, check out the 2017 event’s page at DisneyWorld.com.

10 of Our Favorite Huey, Dewey, and Louie Moments

October 17, 2017October 18, 2017

By Jim Fanning

Their names are Hubert, Deuteronomy, and Louis, but you can call them Huey, Dewey and Louie. Please. A triple threat of mischief, adventure, and comedic quack-ups, Huey, Dewey, and Louie have been enthralling dedicated Duck and Disney fans ever since they were hatched on October 17, 1937. Given their memorable monikers by Disney artist and employee Dana Coty—inspired by the names of political figures Huey Long of Louisiana, Thomas Dewey of New York, and his friend, Louis Schmitt—these beloved brothers may be identical, but they are instantly identifiable in whatever medium they appear. D23 presents 10 hilarious historical highlights of Donald Duck’s troublemaking, trouble-shooting nephews.

1. See You in the Funny Papers
Unlike most of the Disney characters who struck stardom in animated films, Huey, Dewey, and Louie made their debut not on the silver screen but rather in the Sunday newspaper comics section. Disney Legend Al Taliaferro came up with the ducky idea of introducing a trio of troublesome nephews to Donald Duck’s supporting cast—and if Mickey had two nephews, why shouldn’t Donald have a trio of bothersome little-boy relatives to get under(webbed)foot? With identical appearances and personalities, these little look-alikes made their unforgettable debut in the colorful panels of Taliaferro’s Silly Symphony Sunday funny-page feature on October 17, 1937. A Disney Story Department memo filed in the Walt Disney Archives dated February 5, 1937, reads, “Inasmuch as we have decided to actually put a story crew to work on [the animated short] Donald’s Nephews, we would like to recognize the source from which the original idea of these new characters sprang… Thanks.”

2. The Trio Trikes into Movie Theaters (and Directly Over Donald)
With a story crew consisting of Harry Reeves and Disney Legend Carl Barks, Donald’s Nephews reached movie-house screens on April 15, 1938, a good seven months after their comic-page unveiling. First seen in the picture postcard sent by Donald’s sister Dumbella (the nephews’ mother was his cousin Della in the comic strip), Huey, Dewey, and Louie are depicted as angelic little darlings—until the devilish ducklings actually zoom into the room on their tricycles. “They were real little hellions,” said Carl Barks. “They thought they could get away with anything.” Donald’s Nephews was a hit, making it clear that Huey, Dewey, and Louie—who were voiced by the man behind Donald’s famed quack, Disney Legend Clarence “Ducky” Nash —were here to stay, whether “Unca” Donald liked it or not.

3. A Trilogy for the Triplets: Scout’s Honor
Another starring picture was needed for the nephews, but, as Carl Barks recalled, “Harry [Reeves] and I realized that the [combative] character of the nephews in their first appearance would quickly become tiresome to audiences. We set out to make them more interesting and acceptable by broadening their characters.” A camping expedition seemed the perfect situation to test the mettle of this dysfunctionally funny family, so Good Scouts (1938) presented the nephews as, according to a Disney publicity story, “tenderfoot scouts who, in actuality, know far more about Camping and Woodcraft than Uncle Donald.” Good Scouts was a crowd-pleasing success and was nominated for an Academy Award^® as Best Cartoon Short, firmly establishing the nephews as Donald’s co-stars. Sea Scouts (1939) was a sequel of sorts, another top-notch Donald-and-nephews misadventure set on the high seas, while Fire Chief (1940), featuring the ducks as the members of Hook and Ladder Company 13 13/13, scouting for fires to fight, rounded out the Donald-in-charge-but-the-boys-know-best trilogy. Each of these three films established three nephews as what Carl Barks termed “the ‘brains of the family.”

4. A Trilogy for the Triplets, Part Two: Good Sports
Since competition was still at the heart of the Donald-ducklings dynamic, sports provided a healthy (and hilarious) way for uncle and nephews to compete, even though things usually didn’t end up too healthy for Donald. The nephews are Donald’s “putt”-upon caddies rather than his direct competition in Donald’s Golf Game (1939); their uncle’s high-handed manner inspires the triplets to sabotage the game by giving him Goofy Golf Clubs and trick balls. In The Hockey Champ (1939), Donald boasts of his status as the Hockey Champion of Duck Swamp, so the nephews take on the champ in a spectacular hockey game, making him the chump. The third entry in this unofficial trilogy, Donald’s Snow Fight (1942), finds winter sports devolving into a duck version of winter war with Donald’s snow ship attacking the nephews’ snow fort.

5. Huey, Dewey, and Louie, Publishing Kingpins
One of the first Disney comic books to feature original material, Donald Duck Finds Pirate Gold (FC 9 1942) prominently featured the nephews, who are characterized in a new way. Explained Carl Barks, who drew the comic with fellow story artist, Disney Legend Jack Hannah, “The comedy situation of Donald the reckless bungler getting into hopeless troubles from which he is extricated by his sharp-witted, suspicious-natured nephews was competently developed in this story, and it has carried on into many tales of high and not-so-high adventures ever since.” The prominence of the nephews in the long-form Donald Duck adventure stories as well as their popularity classic 10-pagers in the top-selling Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories helped establish the global Disney Comics empire.

6. The Triplets are Top-Billed at Last
Huey, Dewey, and Louie were so popular they were featured in their own comic book, Huey, Dewey, and Louie: Back to School, first published in 1958. Created by writer-artist Carl Barks for the story originally published in Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories, (No. 125, February 1951), he explained that he “patterned the Junior Woodchucks after the Cub Scouts, the little bitsy guys… who were supposed to be so much smarter than their older brothers.” The popularity of the nephews in this scouting organization—and their use of the The Junior Woodchucks Guidebook, a fact-filled, all-encompassing volume, packed with obscure and arcane information—led to the nephews being awarded their own comic-book title in 1966, Huey, Dewey, and Louie: Junior Woodchucks. Some of the early stories, many of which were written by Carl Barks, have the nephews taking on Uncle Scrooge, as the miserly tycoon doesn’t realize how he’s impacting the ecology.

7. The Nephews in New Animation for TV
When Walt Disney entered the world of weekly television in 1954, his favorite characters stepped in front of the TV cameras, and Donald’s nephews were very much part of the new medium. The nephews particularly shine in “Your Host, Donald Duck,” originally seen on January 16, 1957, wherein Huey, Dewey, and Louie do their darnedest to help Donald host the Disneyland series in Walt’s place, only to have to take Donald and his unstoppable ego down a peg by broadcasting some wild sound effects. In another TV highlight, “At Home with Donald Duck” from November 21, 1956, Donald wants to screen his own cartoons but the nephews assert their own tastes by watching the Mickey Mouse Club on the family TV set. Created by the artists behind the theatrically released Duck cartoons, including director Jack Hannah, this new animation of Huey, Dewey, and Louie solidified their position as side-by-side TV stars with Donald.

8. Just Grab Onto Some DuckTales
Their TV careers became a duck blur when, along with their great uncle, Scrooge McDuck, Huey, Dewey, and Louie became the headliners of DuckTales. Premiering in 1987, this groundbreaking Disney TV series inspired by the Carl Barks comic-book epics plunged the nephews into unending globe-spanning escapades of action and d-d-d-danger. For the first time, because of the complexity of some of the Ducks’ tales, there was a way to tell these identical triplets apart. Huey was dressed in red, Dewey in blue, and Louie in green. So important was this duckling distinction that a mnemonic was created: the brightest hue of the three is red (Huey), the color of water, dew, is blue (Dewey), and that leaves Louie, and leaves are green.

9. Quacking Up with Quack Pack
In Lucky Number (1951), Huey, Dewey, and Louie were portrayed not as little boys but as teenagers. This animated short stood as an anomaly until the 1996 debut of the Quack Pack TV series wherein the nephews were also depicted as teenagers, complete with more individualized characters and voices. “Huey is the smooth-talking, wheeler-dealer, who’d rather read the business section than the sports,” explained co-producer Toby Shelton. “Dewey is the philosopher-thinker of the trio. Louie is the athlete, what he lacks in brains he makes up for with pluck.”

10. New DuckTales
When DuckTales got a reboot on Disney XD this year, the personalities of Huey, Dewey, and Louie (voiced by Danny Pudi, Ben Schwartz, and Bobby Moynihan) got a sharp new upgrade. “Since everyone always says ‘Huey, Dewey, and Louie’ in that exact order, we decided to make that the birth order, and by defining that, we were able to assign traits that fit,” revealed executive producer Matt Youngberg. “So, Huey’s the oldest, a little more responsible, a little bit brainy. Dewey wants to stand out, and wants to break out of being labeled as just one of a set of three. And Louie is happy being the youngest child—he can slip under the radar.” As co-producer Francisco Angones put it, “Huey has Uncle Scrooge’s brains, Dewey is Scrooge’s guts, and Louie is Scrooge’s ability to scheme and make money.”

We Know the Name of the Next Star Wars Story

October 17, 2017October 17, 2017

By D23 Team

Everyone’s favorite scruffy-looking nerfherder will take the spotlight in the upcoming untitled Han Solo film, which up until now has been…well, untitled. Now that production has wrapped on the set of the film, legendary director Ron Howard has a special message for us that includes a very special title… Watch his video below, and stay tuned for more information from Solo: A Star Wars Story, slated for release on May 25, 2018.

Hey #Twitterville we just wrapped production so here's a special message #StarWars pic.twitter.com/8QJqN5BGxr

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) October 17, 2017

Big News about Big Hero 6 The Series

October 17, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

If you left your heart in San Fransokyo, you can now mark your calendar for a return trip to the city. Disney XD has just announced that the animated Big Hero 6 The Series launches on Monday, November 20, with a one-hour television movie—Baymax Returns—premiering simultaneously on Disney XD and Disney Channel at 8 p.m. EST. On a scale of one to 10, how would we rate our excitement? It’s got to be at least an 11!

The new series picks up where Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Oscar®-winning feature Big Hero 6 left off. Baymax Returns explores the moment in the film after Hiro believes his huggable high-tech robot is lost in the portal forever and discovers the chip his brother designed to create Baymax. Tech whiz Hiro sets off to rebuild Baymax—and also sets out on a new path as a student at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology. The rest of the Big Hero 6 team—Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Go Go and Fred—are along for the ride in Baymax Returns and in the series, which debuts in early 2018.

But lucky for us, we won’t have to wait until then for new adventures for Hiro and his friends. Two special full-length preview episodes of Big Hero 6 The Series will debut exclusively on the DisneyNOW app and Disney XD VOD immediately following the TV movie. And on Friday, November 24, new Big Hero 6 The Series shorts will begin rolling out every Friday (for six consecutive weeks) on Disney XD, the DisneyNOW app and Disney XD YouTube.

And if that’s simply not enough Big Hero hijinks for you, check out “Pocket Baymax” on the DisneyNOW app the same day that Baymax Returns launches. The customizable, interactive virtual assistant brings Baymax to life in a whole new way.

That’s news that’s worthy of a fist bump and a “Bah-a-la-la-la!”

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!