New Coco Trailer and J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars Return—Plus More in News Briefs

September 13, 2017

By Courtney Potter

Another peek into the world of Coco, and The Force Awakens director will revisit the Star Wars universe… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Brand-New Coco Trailer, Poster, & Fun at Disney California Adventure

Disney•Pixar’s Coco will dazzle moviegoers beginning this Thanksgiving—but if you’re looking for an early peek at all that colorful, musical fun, you’re in luck: A brand-new trailer was just released! Check it out, above, and then double-check your calendar to make sure November 22 is circled in red…

The Coco fun continues this fall at the Disneyland Resort: Beginning September 15, guests at Disney California Adventure can enjoy Plaza de la Familia at the park’s Paradise Gardens—celebrating both Coco and the everlasting bonds of family. It’s all inspired by the traditional Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), when families come together to remember their loved ones. Plaza de la Familia features “A Musical Celebration of Coco,” a performance of dance and music with storytellers. A singing host, Mateo, and an ensemble of Folklórico dancers—plus the Grammy®-winning Mariachi Divas—will bring three songs from the film to life.

Guests will also enjoy authentic Mariachi music on the Paradise Gardens Bandstand; a new “The World of Coco” exhibit; a Tree of Life interactive photo location; and a delicious new menu of Mexican dishes. Plaza de la Familia is a limited-time offering that runs from September 15 through November 2.

J.J. Abrams Returns to Star Wars Universe for Episode IX

Mega-huge news from the Star Wars universe: J.J. Abrams, who helmed the worldwide blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens, will return to complete the sequel trilogy as writer and director of Star Wars: Episode IX!

J.J. and Chris Terrio will co-write the film, which will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Abrams, Bad Robot, and Lucasfilm. “With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy.

Keep your eyes peeled here, and with our pals over at StarWars.com, for more updates in the coming months…

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
October 1, 2017
D23’s Fanniversary Celebrates 35 Years of Epcot
October 1, 2017
A Progressive Dinner Celebrating 35 Years of Epcot
October 3, 2017
D23’s Sip and Stroll
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
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
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 15–November 2, 2017
Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure
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
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
September 23, 2017
DuckTales Series debuts with two new episodes (7 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET/PT)

Amazing Thor: Ragnarok Character Posters… and Tickets on Sale Now!

The opening of Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok is tantalizingly close (we can now count in weeks and not months)… and to celebrate, Marvel Studios just released some amazing new character posters. The colorful images depict the movie’s awesome heavy-hitters—including Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hela (the newest Marvel villain, played by Cate Blanchett), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Asgardian warrior Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson).

Additionally: Are you the kind of moviegoer who likes to plan in advance? (If so, we’re kindred spirits.) You’ll be happy to know tickets for Thor: Ragnarok are now officially on sale wherever movie tix are sold!

In this go-round of Thor’s adventures, our Asgardian hero is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer… and he finds himself in a race against time to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger: the Incredible Hulk. Thor: Ragnarok opens November 3.

Disney Channel’s Andi Mack Returns on October 27

It was one of the biggest Disney Channel debuts in recent history, and it’s coming back soon for its big second season! Andi Mack, the series that has captivated kids and families, makes its season premiere with a one-hour episode on Friday, October 27 (8 p.m. EDT), on Disney Channel and the Disney Channel app (9 p.m. EDT). Created and executive produced by writer Terri Minsky (Lizzie McGuire) and filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah, the series has been lauded for its skillful handling of realistic stories about a girl and her circle of friends and family.

Andi Mack stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Lilan Bowden, Lauren Tom, Joshua Rush, Sofia Wylie, and Asher Angel. Make sure to look for the cast in the new music video for the show’s popular theme song “Tomorrow Starts Today,” premiering Friday, October 20, on Disney Channel and DisneyMusicVEVO. The song is performed by Hollywood Records artist Sabrina Carpenter and will also be released as a single the same day.

Fun New Marvel Super Hero Adventures for Younger Fans

If you’ve got some young Marvel fans in your life, listen up: There’s a brand-new way for them to enjoy their favorite characters! Marvel Entertainment recently announced an amazing multi-platform program called Marvel Super Hero Adventures—featuring stories that touch on themes of friendship, helping others and, of course, heroism.

Beginning this fall, Marvel Animation is set to launch a season of 10 short-form episodes across several platforms; the preschool-audience-focused production will include exciting three-and-a-half-minute animated episodes with Spider-Man in an epic team-up with other Marvel heroes. Plus, Marvel Super Hero Adventures toys and apparel from Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, and more will debut throughout the next few months—as will new early-reader chapter books, which will join the existing line of popular Marvel Super Hero Adventures activity books and storybooks.

Look for more info on exact launch dates—and where you’ll be able to watch the new short-form episodes—soon!

These Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Songs Will Get You Right in the “Feels”

Okay, so we haven’t even gotten to Halloween yet… but we can still enjoy a little early holiday fun, right? Of course! D23 recently got a sneak peek a few brand-new songs from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, the featurette set to debut ahead of Disney•Pixar’s Coco this Thanksgiving—and we bet they’ll get you into the holiday spirit in no time. Listen to snippets of “Ring in the Season,” “That Time of Year,” and “When We’re Together” right here.

It’s Almost Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort!

Speaking of Halloween… On September 15, the Disneyland Resort becomes the Spookiest Place on Earth! Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will welcome visitors to Disney California Adventure, and Cars Land gets a complete All Hallow’s Eve makeover for the very first time. And don’t forget all your favorite Halloween tricks and treats at Disneyland Park—including Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy.

Take a quick gander at what you can expect from Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort this year in the new video, above. It’s sure to be frightfully good fun!

Join the Jamboree: A Brief History of Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club

September 12, 2017September 12, 2017

By Courtney Potter

“Who’s the leader of the club that’s made for you and me? M-I-C-K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E!” Mickey Mouse Club, Disney’s legendary television series, has delighted children (and adults!) around the world since it first premiered on ABC in 1955—just a few months after Walt Disney’s biggest project to date, Disneyland park, opened to the public. But what you might not realize is the TV version was the club’s second iteration…
Back in 1929, the Fox Dome Theater in Ocean Park, California, started a Mickey Mouse Club—a real club that kids could join. Soon, hundreds of other Mickey Mouse Clubs (associated with various movie theaters) sprang up across America. Members attended Saturday meetings where Mickey Mouse cartoons were screened; Mickey-themed bands entertained; Mickey Mouse “credos” were recited; and even a Chief Mickey and Chief Minnie were elected. By 1932, these clubs boasted more than 1 million members! So it’s no wonder Walt Disney would eventually continue that “club” tradition…

With Disney’s all-new, always-on-digital Club Mickey Mouse now airing on Facebook and Instagram, we here at D23 thought it was the perfect time to take a look at the club’s celebrated TV history. Come along and sing a song!

Mickey Mouse Club (ABC, 1955–59)
The original, and still beloved to this day! Mickey Mouse Club debuted on ABC on October 3, 1955, as an hour-long show—every weekday afternoon!—featuring a cast of kids (called Mouseketeers) presenting skits and musical numbers, as well as introducing special guest stars, serials, Disney Newsreel segments from around the world, and plenty of Disney cartoons. There were a grand total of 39 Mouseketeers throughout the show’s four seasons; the original 24 included notable performers like Annette Funicello (pictured below right, later made a Disney Legend in 1992), Bobby Burgess, and Cubby O’Brien… along with songwriter Jimmie Dodd (pictured below left) as host/”Head Mouseketeer” (he wrote the show’s eternally catchy theme song) and Disney staff artist/entertainer Roy Williams as the “Big Mouseketeer.” (Both would also be named Disney Legends in 1992). Later Mouseketeers included Mickey Rooney’s children Tim and Mickey, Jr.; The Donna Reed Show’s Paul Petersen; and Don Grady of My Three Sons (later a composer for film and TV).

Each weekday of Mickey Mouse Club had a different theme—Monday was “Fun With Music Day”; Tuesday was “Guest Star Day”; Wednesday was “Anything Can Happen Day”; Thursday was “Circus Day”; and Friday was “Talent Roundup Day.” The serials featured often took on a life of their own. Perhaps most popular was The Adventures of Spin and Marty (pictured below), starring David Stollery and Tim Considine as feuding teenagers at a boys’ summer camp. Other serials included The Hardy Boys (another favorite), Clint and Mac, The Secret of Mystery Lake, Border Collie, Corky and White Shadow, and Annette.

By the time the series ended—on September 25, 1959—an amazing 260 one-hour and 130 half-hour episodes were produced. And Disneyland fans, you truly have Mickey Mouse Club to thank; Walt Disney’s contract with ABC provided him the money needed to finish building his first park!

The New Mickey Mouse Club (syndication, 1977–78)
The original show was syndicated again in 1975—and proved so popular that Disney created The New Mickey Mouse Club. Running in syndication from January 17, 1977, to December 1, 1978, this contemporary version of the series featured 12 Mouseketeers, a lot of fun musical numbers, and a slightly different “theme day” structure… Monday was “Who, What, Why, Where, When and How Day”; Tuesday was “Let’s Go” Day; Wednesday was “Surprise Day”; Thursday was “Discovery Day”; and Friday was “Showtime Day.” There was only one original serial produced, The Mystery of Rustler’s Cave, though several Disney films were shown in serialized form. Among the notable Mousketeers for this go ‘round were Mindy Feldman (sister of The Goonies star Corey Feldman) and Lisa Whechel—who’d go on to star as Blair on The Facts of Life.

The All New Mickey Mouse Club / MMC (Disney Channel, 1989–94)
When The Disney Channel debuted in 1983, they’d air episodes of the original Mickey Mouse Club daily—which, once again, renewed interest in another updated version of the series. Debuting on April 24, 1989, The All New Mickey Mouse Club was aimed at a slightly older age group… and unlike the first two incarnations, the Mickey Mouse-ear hats were no longer in sight, with the Mousketeers instead donning cool Mouseketeer letterman’s jackets. The show was hosted by actor/voiceover artist Fred Newman (Seasons 1 through 6), Mowava Pryor (Seasons 1 through 3), and Terri Misner (Seasons 4 through 6), and “theme days” included “Music Day,” “Guest Day,” “Anything Can Happen Day,” “Party Day,” and “Hall of Fame Day.” Unlike their ‘70s counterpart, this series included several new serials—notably Emerald Cove and Teen Angel (starring Jason Priestley, later of Beverly Hills, 90210). Shot on location at Disney MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) at the Walt Disney World Resort, this was the first Mickey Mouse Club to feature a live studio audience.

The All New Mickey Mouse Club (or MMC, as it was called later in its seven seasons) is especially known for launching the careers of a seriously huge number of big-name stars: actors Keri Russell and Ryan Gosling (pictured above right); pop stars Britney Spears (pictured above center), Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake (pictured above left), JC Chasez, and Tony Lucca; and The Party, a popular ‘90s pop group featuring DeeDee Magno, Damon Pampolina, Chase Hampton, Tiffini Hale, and Albert Fields.

Club Mickey Mouse (Facebook and Instagram, 2017)
An all-new class of Mouseketeers made its debut on September 8, 2017. Club Mickey Mouse reimagines the beloved franchise for a new generation of fans, who are able to watch the new variety program on a whole new platform: social media. Created entirely for social feeds, Club Mickey Mouse lives on Facebook and Instagram and follows the eight new Mouseketeers as they create new music and choreography—and, of course, friendships—with one another. These amazingly talented teens will document their Club Mickey Mouse journey through Instagram stories, Boomerangs, and Facebook Live videos on the @ClubMickeyMouse accounts on Facebook and Instagram. The team behind Oh My Disney developed this new program that’s literally always-on. Be sure to check it out today, and come back every day for new videos and content that’s made for you and me!

Legendary Disney Animator and Imagineer Francis Xavier “X” Atencio Passes Away at Age 98

September 11, 2017September 12, 2017

Disney Legend Xavier “X” Atencio, a former Imagineer and Disney animator, passed away on September 10 at the age of 98. X was responsible for helping bring to life a number of beloved Disney parks attractions including Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, as well as such animated classics as Pinocchio and Fantasia.

Born on September 4, 1919, in Walsenburg, Colorado, X—whose friends shortened his name from Francis Xavier to simply “X”—moved to Los Angeles in 1937 to attend the Chouinard Art Institute. X thought a job at Disney was out of his reach, but the then-18-year-old artist’s instructors prodded him to submit his portfolio. In 1938, when he got the good news from Disney, X ran from the original Hyperion Avenue studio to his aunt’s house shouting, “I got a job at Disney! I got a job at Disney!”

X first saw his work on screen at the 1940 premiere of Pinocchio, and as he watched, he was incredibly moved by seeing the audience’s reaction. That year, he was promoted to assistant animator for Fantasia but left temporarily to join the Army Air Corps in the war effort.

Upon his return in 1945, he picked up where he left off, returning to the studio and working for the next eight years on animated short subjects. His first on-screen credit was for Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom in 1953, an Oscar®-winning film that took audiences through the history of music. Other films X contributed to during this time included Noah’s Ark (1959) and A Symposium on Popular Songs (1962), both Academy Award® nominees, as well as Jack and Old Mac (1956). He worked on the “I’m No Fool” series for the original Mickey Mouse Club, and in the 1960s, X provided memorable stop-motion sequences for Disney feature films The Parent Trap (1961), Babes in Toyland (1961), and Mary Poppins (1964).

At the request of Walt Disney, X transferred to WED Enterprises (later Walt Disney Imagineering) in 1965 to work on the Primeval World diorama for Disneyland. At first, X was unsure of the move to WED: “I went over there reluctantly because I didn’t know what I was getting into, and nobody there knew what I was supposed to do either,” he recalled. “About a month later I got a phone call from Walt. He told me ‘I want you to do the script for the Pirates of the Caribbean.’” From that point on, X cemented his legacy at WED, playing a key role in the development of music and dialogue for the attraction, including co-writing the iconic song, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).” For the Haunted Mansion, he wrote the attraction’s dialogue and co-wrote the song “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” For Walt Disney World, he contributed to If You Had Wings and Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom, as well as Spaceship Earth, World of Motion, and the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. Throughout his career, X always said that his reward, as it was in the days of Pinocchio, “is still the audience’s reactions.”

“X was an enormous talent who helped define so many of our best experiences around the world,” said Bob Weis, president of Walt Disney Imagineering. “Some may not know that when he wrote the lyrics for ‘Yo Ho’ he had never actually written a song before. He simply proposed the idea of a tune for Pirates of the Caribbean, and Walt told him to go and do it. That was how X worked—with an enthusiastic, collaborative attitude, along with a great sense of humor. His brilliant work continues to inspire Imagineers and bring joy to millions of guests every year.”

X retired from Disney in 1984, but continued working as a consultant to Walt Disney Imagineering for many years, and was inducted as a Disney Legend in 1996. He is survived by his wife, Maureen; his children Tori McCullough, Judianne, and Joe; his stepchildren Brian Sheedy, Kevin Sheedy, and Eileen Haubeil; sons-in-law Mike McCullough and Chris Haubeil; daughters-in-law Kathy Atencio, Trish Sheedy, and Beth Sheedy; and nine grandchildren.

Insider Tips On Getting the Most Out of The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

September 8, 2017

By Jim Frye

Get ready for the biggest and best year yet—don’t miss a beat!

As Epcot turns 35, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off its biggest and most expansive event ever. But don’t be intimidated—whether you’re a newbie or a longtime fan, we have all the tips you need to enjoy the 22nd year of what is believed to be the largest food and wine event in the world.

TIP 1: MAKE A PLAN
With 39 new marketplace dishes; 65 new cocktails, beers, wines, and ciders; 225 Eat to the Beat concerts featuring a record-setting 32 musical acts; and 75 days—the most ever!—from August 31 through November 13; this year’s festival is truly the biggest ever. And to commemorate Epcot’s 35th year, the event pays tribute by offering 35 global marketplaces. Our advice? Definitely make a plan. And the best way to do that is with the official Event Guide. Here, you’ll find information on the global marketplaces, the menus, the Eat to the Beat concerts, the Cheese Seminars, Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, Book Signings, and other special events. With so much to do, a plan is your best bet. And as you enter the Park, pick up the Festival Guide—it’s an indispensable resource for planning your day.

TIP 2: TWO DAYS ARE BETTER THAN ONE
You can have a blast in a single day at the Festival, but if you REALLY want to sample all the scrumptious treats, you might need to break your walkable feast into two days. This is especially true if you plan to taste all the different wines and beers!

TIP 3: SAVE ROOM FOR YOUR ‘MUST-EATS’
Many people make the mistake of filling their bellies before coming to the Festival. No, no, no, no…. you’ll want to save as much room as possible. Pick up the Festival Guide and pick out your must-eat dishes. Make sure you budget your funds and your stomach space for those items. The same goes for the wines and beverages. That way you won’t miss those items you really wanted to taste.

TIP 4: HYDRATE OFTEN
The Florida sunshine can be exhausting all by itself, but mixing adult beverages into the mix requires some forethought. Drink lots and lots of water as you sample. Not only does it keep you hydrated and happy, but it’s good for you too!

TIP 5: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EVENTS
We can’t stress enough how cool these culinary events are! And there are so many—the hardest part is choosing. The Back to Basics sessions include presentations by Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, the National Watermelon Promotion Board, American Heritage Chocolate, and more. Be part of the live audience when The Chew broadcasts episodes from Epcot October 4–6. Immerse yourself in the world of chocolate on a scrumptious tour of the sights, smells, and flavors of the world’s most famous flavor, hosted by Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. And pop the cork on a few new skills during a number of beverage seminars. To make reservations (which is highly recommended), call (407) 939-3378. And check out the Events Page for all the event information.

TIP 6: GO COUNTER-CLOCKWISE AROUND WORLD SHOWCASE
Most people (us included!) naturally move through the World Showcase clockwise. From the Festival Welcome Center, the crowd seems to flow left toward the Mexico Pavilion. To avoid the bulk of the crowds, go against the herd—head right! It might feel weird, but go counter-clockwise toward the Canada Pavilion. Of course, this works best if you arrive earlier in the day—once the nighttime dinner hours roll around, so do the majority of Festival-goers.

TIP 7: TO AVOID THE CROWDS, GO MID-WEEK AND MID-DAY
Let’s be honest—it’s hard to resist the romantic lighting and festival sounds of nighttime around the World Showcase Lagoon. Weekends are the most popular time for Annual Passholders, so naturally they attract larger crowds. But if you want to give yourself and your group a little more elbow room, you might consider going mid-week and earlier in the day. That will give you more time to enjoy your must-eat locations, not to mention easier access to the seminars and demonstrations.

TIP 8: GO WITH FRIENDS!
This might seem like a no-brainer, but go with friends—the more the merrier! Not only do friends and family make the Festival more fun, but they also make it easier to share food and beverages. It’s the easiest way to sample more of the foods and wines. Share. Laugh. Enjoy! The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs now through November 13.

An Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Preview to Make Your Heart Sing

September 8, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

It may be September, but we’ve just received our first gift of the holiday season: a tuneful tease of the music from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, the holiday featurette that opens in front of Disney•Pixar’s Coco on November 22.

This morning, the amazingly talented stars of the film debuted snippets from three of the songs you’ll be hearing—and singing—later in the year. The soundtrack is available on November 3. Take a listen to these three clips, and whistle your way into the weekend:

“Ring in the Season”—Kristen Bell

“That Time of Year”—Josh Gad

“When We’re Together”—Idina Menzel

Celebrate Oswald at Disney Parks

September 7, 2017November 30, 2022

By Jocelyn Buhlman

The world got a little luckier when Oswald the Lucky Rabbit premiered in his very first released cartoon, Trolley Troubles. As one of Walt Disney’s earliest creations, Oswald holds a big place in our hearts for his sassy attitude and his silly antics—which is why we have created this guide to finding all things Oswald at Disney Parks around the world. If you’re looking for some extra luck during your next Disney vacation, check out our list below and get ready to hop to it!

Oswald’s Filling Station (Disney California Adventure)
This roadside stop at the entrance to Buena Vista Street is themed to the lucky rabbit himself. Stop by to pick up some merchandise to share your Oswald love, or take a picture by the station at night when the vintage neon signs are lit up.

Oswald Ears (Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World)
Want to let everyone know exactly how much you love Oswald? Well, “ears” something just for you—a unique twist on the classic ear hat. Stand out from the crowd with your Oswald pride, and let the world know how timeless and classic you really are.

Lucky Express (Shanghai Disney Resort)
While you stroll down Mickey Avenue, make sure to check out this caboose-styled souvenir stand. Themed to Oswald, you can celebrate his lucky spirit with magical merchandise starring this rambunctious rabbit.

Ice Cream Sundae at Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream (Disney California Adventure)
Are you hungry for something sweet? Well, then it’s your lucky day! At Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream, there’s a special sundae named after Oswald himself. Stacked with one scoop of Vanilla and one scoop Chocolate Ice Cream, along with Hot Fudge, Whipped Cream, Chocolate Chips, Cherry, Waffle Cup, and a Chocolate Dipped Banana, this treat is almost as sweet as Oswald himself!

Buena Vista Street Meet and Greet (Disney California Adventure)
If you’re a fan of this funny bunny, why not meet him in person? Hop over to the Hyperion Bridge and say “hi” to the big rabbit himself! He’s a timeless star and fits right into the classic style of Buena Vista Street.

Dancing with the Stars’ New Cast and Disney Holiday Fun—Plus More in News Briefs

September 6, 2017

By Courtney Potter

Read up on the 13 new celebs vying for the Mirrorball Trophy, and start making your Disneyland Resort holiday plans now… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Dancing with the Stars Announces Full Season 25 Cast

We cannot wait to get back into the Dancing with the Stars ballroom—and thankfully, in just about 10 days’ time, we’ll finally be waltzing and cha-cha’ing along with the latest celebrities vying for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Season 25’s fabulous cast was just announced this week on ABC’s Good Morning America, and D23 has our own rundown of who’ll be gracing the dance floor when the show premieres on September 18… as well as info on the all-new DWTS Fantasy League. Check it all out here!

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
September 8, 2017
D23 Member Mixer in Providence
September 9, 2017
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
October 1, 2017
D23’s Fanniversary Celebrates 35 Years of Epcot
October 1, 2017
A Progressive Dinner Celebrating 35 Years of Epcot
October 3, 2017
D23’s Sip and Stroll
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
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
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
2019
Star Wars-Themed Lands Opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Beginning November 10: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort!

It’s true—the official “first day of fall” is still a few weeks’ away (it’s Friday, September 22, by the way), and the holidays are but a faint figure on the horizon. However, that doesn’t mean our pals at the Disneyland Resort aren’t already planning the holly-jolliest holiday season ever! The Happiest Place on Earth will become the Merriest Place on Earth beginning November 10, and it’ll feature returning favorites like Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays, Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, and World of Color—Season of Light; and Disneyland Park’s Haunted Mansion Holiday and the Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks spectacular. Read more about it right here.

ABC Participates in Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief

Looking for a way to give to the survivors of Hurricane Harvey? ABC will join CBS, NBC, FOX, and CMT in airing Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief on Tuesday, September 12, from 8 to 9 p.m. (live on the East Coast; tape-delayed on the West Coast) across the country… with an internationally available live stream on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube starting at 8 p.m. EDT.

The brainchild of Houston native rapper Bernard “Bun B” Freeman and SB Projects founder Scooter Braun, the one-hour special will be based in Los Angeles (with stages in New York, Tennessee, and Texas) and will feature appearances, performances, taped tributes, and messages from some of the country’s biggest stars—including George Clooney, Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, Matthew McConaughey, Julia Roberts, Adam Sandler, Barbra Streisand, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and many more to be announced. Plus, country music legend George Strait will perform live from his benefit concert at San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre that same evening.

Proceeds from the telethon—through the Hand in Hand Hurricane Relief Fund, managed by Comic Relief USA—will benefit United Way of Greater Houston, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, Direct Relief, Feeding Texas, and The Mayor’s Fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief (administered by the Greater Houston Community Fund). Mark your calendars and tune in for what’s sure to be an emotional, uplifting hour.

Spellbinding Selfie: Casting Set for Disney’s Live-Action Aladdin

It’s a whole new world, again: Oscar® nominee Will Smith recently took to his Facebook page to introduce the world to his “new family”—that is, the cast of Disney’s upcoming live-action Aladdin, directed by Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes). Joining Smith, who’ll be granting wishes as the irrepressible Genie, in the adorable selfie are costars Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Naomi Scott (Princess Jasmine), and Marwan Kenzari (Jafar).

Additional costars include Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia, Jasmine’s handmaiden and confidante; Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders, a suitor from Skanland (and potential husband for Jasmine); and Numan Acar as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man. Look for new recordings of the 1992 animated film’s original Alan Menken/Howard Ashman/Tim Rice tunes, as well as two brand-new songs by Menken and Oscar®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Filming just kicked off at Longcross Studios outside London, with a premiere date to be announced in the coming months.

Star Wars Rebels Announces Fourth and Final Season Premiere Date

They say all good things must come to an end, and we have a perfect example: Star Wars Rebels, Disney XD’s Emmy®-nominated animated series, will be returning for its fourth and final season beginning with multiple airings on Monday, October 16—on both Disney XD and the Disney XD app. The one-hour episode marks the beginning of the most important mission yet for the Ghost crew, as the series draws closer to its grand finale. Take a look at the season’s newest trailer, above.

In this final season, the Ghost crew joins the growing Rebel Alliance, struggling to unite against the Galactic Empire. However, when a new Imperial threat arises on Lothal, Ezra (voice of Taylor Gray) leads the crew back to his home world to defeat the oppressive forces of the Empire under the command of cunning Grand Admiral Thrawn (voice of Lars Mikkelsen). Old friends are reunited and new alliances are forged as the series builds to its truly epic conclusion…

Meet Mission Force One—the Next Chapter for Miles of Tomorrowland

There are some fun changes on the horizon for Disney Junior’s Miles from Tomorrowland when it premieres its third season in just a few weeks! Chief among ‘em: the show will debut with the brand-new title, Mission Force One, on Monday, October 16, on Disney Channel (9:30 a.m. EDT), Disney Junior (6 p.m. EDT), and the Disney Junior app.

Don’t worry, though—Miles isn’t going anywhere! The new season follows young adventurer Miles Callisto as he leads a highly skilled team of friends, each with their own unique abilities, on exciting outer-space expeditions. Miles exemplifies science; his sister Loretta specializes in technology; and their friends Mirandos, Blodger, and Haruna focus on engineering, arts, and math (respectively). Their stories introduce totally cool and totally imaginative tools and technology—like new spacesuits and space vehicles—while also illustrating how Miles and his friends help ensure that the universe remains a welcoming, inclusive place for all species.

That’s not all: A series of eight Mission Force One: Connect and Protect shorts will also be available beginning Tuesday, September 5, on the Disney Junior App and will air throughout September on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. And this season, make sure to keep an ear out for fabulous guest stars including Yara Shahidi (black-ish); Disney Legends Mark Hamill and Whoopi Goldberg; and ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee.

Shanghai Disney Resort Welcome Beauty and the Beast Mandarin Production

Amazing news from our friends in China: The Walt Disney Grand Theatre at Shanghai Disney Resort will soon be telling a “tale as old as time” when a brand-new Mandarin production of Beauty and the Beast takes to their stage.

This first show in Disney’s now-legendary roster of Broadway musicals has already been produced in a whopping 37 countries, and enjoyed by—wait for it—an incredible 35 million people since it premiered back in 1994. The Mandarin production will feature talented performers from all across China, as the resort continues its commitment to showcase local talent and deliver phenomenal, world-class entertainment that’s authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese…

Shanghai Disney Resort will collaborate with Disney Theatrical Productions to bring Beauty and the Beast to life, following the success of their Mandarin production of THE LION KING—which will roar into its final performance next month. Look for more info on the new show as it becomes available.

Meet the Celebrity Cast of Dancing with the Stars’ 25th Season!

September 6, 2017September 8, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

A triple-platinum singer-songwriter… An innovative violinist… A Paralympic swimmer, and a six-time pro bowler. These are just some of the celebrities who are putting on their dancing shoes and hitting the ballroom floor for the 25th season of Dancing with the Stars. This year’s lineup also includes a married couple, Nick and Vanessa Lachey, who will compete against each other, paired with another married couple: professional dancers (and newlyweds) Peta Murgatroyd and Maks Chmerkovskiy. The stars will trip the light fantastic for the first time in front of a live audience when the 25th season of Dancing with the Stars premieres on Monday, September 18 (8–10:01 pm. EDT).

Here is the Season 25 lineup of celebrity partners (in alphabetical order by first name) and professional dancers:

Barbara Corcoran, dancing with Keo Motsepe
Barbara is an accomplished businesswomen who parlayed a $1,000 loan into a $5 billion real estate business. It’s no surprise that she’s also a motivational and inspirational speaker. She’s also no stranger to the Disney family, or to fans, as she’s been an investor/Shark for the past nine seasons on ABC’s Emmy®-winning series Shark Tank.

Debbie Gibson, dancing with Alan Bersten
Alan is a first-time pro this season, but the troupe dancer pitched in last season when Maks was sidelined by an injury. He’s paired with a pop icon, singer-songwriter-musician-actress-dancer Debbie Gibson. How’s that for a quintuple threat? Debbie entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest artist to ever write, produce, and perform a No. 1 hit song (Foolish Beat), and she’s known for such hits as “Only in My Dreams” and “Electric Youth.” Debbie has appeared on Broadway, on TV, and even on film with a cameo in the film Rock of Ages.

Derek Fisher, dancing with Sharna Burgess
The former NBA star spent the majority of his 18-season career with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping lead them to five NBA Championships. He holds the all-time NBA record for playoff games played, and he went directly from playing to coaching, joining the New York Knicks as head coach in 2014. In 2016, Derek joined Spectrum SportsNet as an in-studio analyst for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Drew Scott, dancing with Emma Slater
The reigning Mirrorball-winning pro, Emma Slater, hopes for a repeat victory this year, as she takes to the ballroom with “Property Brother” Drew Scott. Drew and his twin brother, Jonathan, are stars of multiple HGTV series, including Property Brothers, Brother vs. Brother, and Property Brothers at Home. He and his brother have launched “Scott Living,” a designer collection of indoor and outdoor furniture, décor, and bedding; they’ve recorded songs, including “Hold On” which hit the Billboard Hot Country charts soon after its release; and they’re authors, with their first book, Dream Home: The Property Brothers’ Ultimate Guide to Finding & Fixing Your Perfect House, reaching the bestseller lists for both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Frankie Muniz, dancing with Witney Carson
Frankie is best known to generations of TV fans as Malcolm of the FOX comedy Malcolm in the Middle. He’s an Emmy and Golden Globe® nominee, as well as recipient of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Young Star Award.” Frankie went on to appear in many films, including Agent Cody Banks, and recently starred in the independent drama feature The Black String. If Frankie puts a little extra speed into his quick-step, it might be because he’s also an accomplished race car driver.

Jordan Fisher, dancing with Lindsay Arnold
If you don’t recognize Jordan’s face, you’ve certainly heard his voice before. Jordan Fisher has recorded the end title credits on for Disney’s Moana—with Lin-Manuel Miranda, no less, who is the genius behind Jordan’s current project: playing the dual roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in Hamilton on Broadway. Jordan recorded the 1970s classic song “I’d Love to Change the World” for the opening to the 2017 ABC miniseries When We Rise, and he’s preparing to debut a full-length album later this year.

Lindsey Stirling, dancing with Mark Ballas
Lindsey is an innovative violinist who has become a YouTube sensation by melding modern classical with the infectious energy of dance and electronica in the music she creates. In addition to her smash hits “Crystallize” and “Shatter Me,” Lindsey has won the Billboard Music Award and has authored her memoir, The Only Pirate at the Party, which debuted on The New York Times best-seller list in 2016.

Nick Lachey, dancing with Peta Murgatroyd
He rose to fame fronting the popular boy band 98 Degrees and launched a successful solo career in music and TV, including as the star of the MTV hit Newlyweds, which premiered in 2003. Nick has stayed in the spotlight as the host of such shows as VH1’s national morning show Big Morning Buzz Live Hosted by Nick Lachey; as the executive producer and star of A&E’s popular docuseries Lachey’s Bar (alongside his brother, DWTS-alum Drew Lachey); and as guest star on popular series that include One Tree Hill, Charmed, and Hawaii Five-O. Nick is vying against his wife, Vanessa, for the Mirrorball Trophy.

Nikki Bella, dancing with Artem Chigventsev
Nikki followed her twin sister, Brie, into the WWE, and the sisters took home Diva titles in 2011 and 2012. They took a brief sabbatical from the WWE, and when they returned, Nikki reinvented herself as the division’s mean-girl powerhouse—and held the Divas title for a record-setting 301 days. She is now a pivotal member of the SmackDown LIVE roster. Nikki has starred on E!’s hit reality shows Total Bellas and Total Divas. She remains a fearless competitor in the wrestling ring… and will likely be just as fearless in the ballroom.

Sasha Pieterse, dancing with Gleb Savchenko
Actress Sasha Pieterse is best known for the Freeform series Pretty Little Liars, in which she was cast at just 12 years old. She also appeared in the Disney Channel Original Movie Geek Charming, and she played the Ice Princess in Robert Rodriguez’s The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl 3D.

Terrell Owens, dancing with Cheryl Burke
T.O., as he’s been known to fans since his days in the NFL, enjoyed a storied football career that included six Pro Bowl appearances, five-time Associated Press All-Pro, five seasons with 13 or more touchdowns, and he was the first to score a touchdown in seven straight Monday Night Football games. Terrell is in second place on the NFL’s all-time career touchdown list. T.O. is the author of a book for children, Little T Learns to Share, as well as a book for adults, T.O.’s Finding Fitness. His “What TO Do” global campaign aims to empower and motivate youth around the world.

Vanessa Lachey, dancing with Maks Chmerkovskiy
She came to fame when she received a crown in the 1998 “Miss Teen USA” pageant, and now Vanessa Minnillo Lachey hopes to beat the other celebs—and her husband, Nick—and receive a Mirrorball Trophy. Vanessa has served as co-host of MTV’s Total Request Live, MTV Hits, and specials that include MTV’s Prom Date; and she’s been a New York-based correspondent for Entertainment Tonight. Vanessa has appeared in several series as an actress, and she’ll next co-host Top Chef Junior, debuting on Universal Kids this fall.

Victoria Arlen, dancing with Val Chmerkovskiy
Victoria was stricken with a rare viral disease when she was 11 years old. She emerged from a coma after four years, but was unable to move her legs for nearly a decade after that. Driven to overcome her doctors’ prognosis, Victoria returned to the pool and became determined to achieve her childhood dream of competing in the Olympic Games. She took home a Gold medal and three Silver medals in the 2012 London Paralympic Games, and also set a world record in the 100-meter free. She is now an on-air TV personality with ESPN, where she has reported on the X-Games, Invictus Games, The ESPY Awards, and Special Olympics World Games. She has triumphed over seemingly impossible circumstances. Will she now be triumphant over her fellow dancers in the ballroom?

And this season, the celebs aren’t the only ones competing. Today ABC also announced the first-ever official Dancing with the Stars Fantasy League, which allows fans at home to predict which couple will take home the dazzling Mirrorball Trophy. Correct predictions earn players points, with each point serving as an entry into a grand-prize drawing for a trip for four to Disney’s Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, along with other cool prizes. Visit ABC.com/DFL for all of the details, and to learn about the weekly game kicking off on September 19.

D23 Takes On Kermit and Miss Piggy About Taking On the Hollywood Bowl

September 6, 2017September 7, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

We’ve seen The Muppets take on many challenges over the years, from hosting a primetime TV variety show and retelling iconic tales like A Christmas Carol and Treasure Island on the big screen, to starring in attractions at Walt Disney World Resort. But this weekend, they’re taking on a new challenge—and a new venue—as they star in their first-ever dedicated live show.

This weekend, Kermit, Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo, and more of your favorite Muppets will grace the historic stage that has welcomed such iconic musical acts as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and the Rolling Stones. The three-night stand features the legendary Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, actor Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live) as special guest, a fireworks finale, and a slew of surprises! Show times are Friday, September 8, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, September 9, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m.; visit HollywoodBowl.com for all of the details and to purchase tickets.

Kermit and Miss Piggy took a few minutes out of their busy rehearsal schedule to chat with D23 about what fans can expect this weekend.

D23: Kermit, The Muppets Take the Bowl is the Muppets’ first-ever dedicated live show, and it’s taking place at one of Hollywood’s most iconic venues. What has it been like to prepare for the show, and work with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra?
Kermit: It’s been total chaos and pandemonium preparing for this show. Which is pretty much what it’s like when the Muppets prepare for any show. But, the Hollywood Bowl is such a legendary venue that we want to make sure we put on our best show ever… and that nobody falls off the stage. As for the great Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and principal conductor Thomas Wilkins: They are the best ever! Not only are they incredible musicians, but they’re extremely patient with the mayhem that always surrounds a Muppet performance. Which reminds me, I want to personally thank the lead oboe player for not pressing charges after he got smacked in the face by Lew Zealand’s boomerang fish. I now have a whole new respect for oboe players.

D23: Are there any interesting challenges that come with working on a live show vs. a TV show or film?
Kermit: Yes. When you work live, everything is “one take.” You’ve got to get it right the first time because there’s no going back and doing it again. And that means we have to be perfect every time with every act. And if you’ve seen us perform, you know we’ll be lucky to be perfect one time with one act. So, make sure you’re there at the Hollywood Bowl to watch the fireworks—both during and after the show.

D23: What moments or songs are you most looking forward to from the show, and why?
Kermit: Well, the great thing about this show is that it’s a wonderful story—about us and about the audience. Y’see, this is a show about leaving your swamp, or wherever you grew up, and following your dream here to Hollywood. I know that’s what happened for me and the Muppets, and that’s true for a lot of folks in the audience. It’s a journey with a lot of great music—both classic Muppet songs and some new surprises—lots of laughs from Pigs In Space, Veterinarian’s Hospital, and other great sketches; a mind-blowing, budget-busting musical extravaganza starring Miss Piggy and… wait for it… our very special guest star, straight from nine fantastic years at SNL, the amazing Bobby Moynihan! Yaaaaaay!

D23: Here’s a question for Miss Piggy.
Miss Piggy: Well it’s about time! I do not like waiting …

D23: Our apologies. How can we make it up to you?
Miss Piggy: Comp tickets to the next D23 Expo.

D23: You got it. Now, Miss Piggy, everyone wants to know: What can we expect to see you wearing for the performance? Will there be multiple costume changes?
Miss Piggy: Will there be costume changes during my performance?! Are you kidding? Sweetie, I’ve had three costume changes and two set changes just sitting here waiting for you to ask me a question! Of course, there will be many, many costume changes. My clothier, dresser and fashionista consultant, Uncle Deadly, has conjured a cornucopia of haute couture that will amaze, dazzle, astonish and, like the eclipse, possibly blind you if you look directly at moi without special glasses. In fact, I’ve been so busy with wardrobe fittings, I’ve hardly had time to rehearse. Oh well, who needs rehearsals? Moi is a star!… Gotta go, I’m terribly late for an important meeting about accessorizing! Kissy Kissy!

D23: Finally, one last question for you, Kermit: We’ve seen what a big part you play behind the scenes. How has it been to bring everyone together for this performance? Any particular challenges working with the talent?
Kermit: Working with our guest talent has been a pleasure. Our special guest star Bobby Moynihan is one of the funniest, most talented and most willing to roll-with-the-penguins performers we’ve ever worked with. His experience doing live shows on SNL is really helping us. Every time Miss Piggy yells “Cut!” Bobby just keeps going. What a trouper!… And there are several surprise guests that you’ll have to be there to find out about. They’ve all been fantastic! As for the rest of our cast: I can honestly say that Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal, Pepe, and everyone else have really risen to the challenge. They’re all committed to making this a show that will make the audience laugh, smile, sing… and duck when Lew Zealand throws his boomerang fish. Be there and find out what happens. See you at the Bowl!

Beauty and the Beast Coming to Shanghai Disney Resort

September 6, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

It’s a tale as old as time, but it continues to be told in new ways—and new languages. The Disney Parks Blog announced that Beauty and the Beast is coming to the Walt Disney Grand Theatre at Shanghai Disney Resort next year, and the hit Broadway musical will be performed in Mandarin.

The production will be performed by talented actors from across China, continuing Shanghai Disney Resort’s commitment to showcase local music theater talent and deliver amazing live entertainment that is authentically Disney and also distinctly Chinese. The show is being brought to the stage by Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Theatrical Productions, whose most recent partnership was the breathtaking The Lion King Mandarin production, which ends its run at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre next month.

Since it opened on Broadway in 1994, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has played to more than 35 million people in 37 countries around the world.

Brand-New Coco Trailer, Poster, & Fun at Disney California Adventure

J.J. Abrams Returns to Star Wars Universe for Episode IX

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

Amazing Thor: Ragnarok Character Posters… and Tickets on Sale Now!

Disney Channel’s Andi Mack Returns on October 27

Fun New Marvel Super Hero Adventures for Younger Fans

These Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Songs Will Get You Right in the “Feels”

It’s Almost Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort!

Dancing with the Stars Announces Full Season 25 Cast

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

Beginning November 10: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort!

ABC Participates in Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief

Spellbinding Selfie: Casting Set for Disney’s Live-Action Aladdin

Star Wars Rebels Announces Fourth and Final Season Premiere Date

Meet Mission Force One—the Next Chapter for Miles of Tomorrowland

Shanghai Disney Resort Welcome Beauty and the Beast Mandarin Production

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

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