Past and Present Collide in Disney•Pixar’s Coco—Plus More in News Briefs

June 7, 2017

By Courtney Potter

Coco introduces its colorful extended family, and Star vs. The Forces of Evil announces a galactic two-hour movie event… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Disney•Pixar’s Coco Announces its Extended Family

The latest animated adventure from Disney•Pixar, Coco, will burst onto the scene later this year—but thankfully, we don’t have to wait ‘til then to find out more about the film’s colorful characters. Who does young Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) meet when he finds himself magically transported to the Land of the Dead? Read about Coco’s eclectic and talented voice cast in our D23 rundown.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
June 14, 2017
Enjoy Complementary Tickets to a Special 3-D Advance Screening of Disney•Pixar’s Cars 3
July 14-16, 2017
D23 Expo 2017
August 19, 2017
D23’s Disney Afternoon on the Lot
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
Parks
August 31-November 13, 2017
Epcot Food & Wine Festival
2019
Star Wars-Themed Lands Opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Studios
June 16, 2017
Cars 3 opens in theaters
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
July 21, 2017
Disney’s Descendants 2 debuts on Disney Channel, Disney XD, Freeform, Lifetime and ABC (8 p.m. ET)
July 21, 2017
Raven’s Home debuts on Disney Channel (10 p.m. ET)

Star vs. The Forces of Evil: Special Two-Hour Movie Event This July

We’ve got news that’s better than a “Rainbow Fist Punch” and cooler than “Jellybean Hallucination Mist”! In advance of its big Season Three premiere this fall, the award-winning series Star vs. The Forces of Evil will offer up a thrilling two-hour movie event on Saturday, July 15, at 11 a.m. EDT (and other times throughout the day) on Disney XD, as well as the Disney XD app and Video On Demand platforms…

Titled “The Battle for Mewni,” the movie follows Star (Eden Sher, ABC’s The Middle) as she returns to her home dimension of Mewni—where she discovers that magic is disappearing throughout the kingdom. She’s got to dig deep and challenge archnemesis Ludo in order to save both her family and her kingdom. Created and executive produced by Daron Nefcy, Star vs. The Forces of Evil also features Adam McArthur (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as Marco Diaz; Disney•Pixar favorite Alan Tudyk (Moana, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) as Ludo and King Butterfly; Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent) as Glossaryck; Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) as Mrs. Diaz; Artt Butler (Tangled: The Series) as Mr. Diaz; and Jenny Slate (Parks and Recreation) as Pony Head.

Ride Miss Adventure Falls at Typhoon Lagoon… Virtually!

It’s almost summer, which means it’s just about the perfect time to visit Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort! But if you can’t make it down there in person, never fear: The good folks at the Disney Parks Blog recently took one for the team and visited the water park for a fun trip through Miss Adventure Falls!

This high-seas adventure is the longest ride in the history of Disney water parks, and it’s a fast-paced journey through the shipwrecked haul of Captain Mary Oceaneer—a globe-trotting treasure hunter whose trusty sidekick, a talking parrot, might visit you along the way. Check out the video above for a salty taste of the thrilling white-water voyage.

The Wicked Weekly to Feature All Things Descendants 2
We’re just a few short weeks away from the debut of Disney’s Descendants 2, featuring the further musical adventures of all our favorite “Villain Kids” (as well as a few newbies). Wanna keep up with exciting D2 news as it happens? (And believe us, there’s a lot to look forward to.) Then be sure to check out the brand-new web series Descendants 2 Wicked Weekly; hosted by Dance Moms alum (and YouTube sensation) Chloe Lukasiak, Wicked Weekly will feature trailers, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and lots of big surprises.

The first episode is now online—and follows D2 star Dove Cameron (Mal) on a behind-the-scenes tour of the film’s set, as well as on a jaunt to a recent Rise of the Isle of the Lost book release event. Take a gander at all the wicked fun, above.

Kim Possible Was All That—and Still Is, 15 Years Later!

June 7, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

Before Star took on The Forces of Evil. Before Rapunzel took her first swing of a frying pan. Before Elena of Avalor broke out of that amulet. There was a “basic average girl… here to save the world.” When Kim Possible premiered on Disney Channel—15 years ago today, on June 7, 2002—she was a very different kind of hero, especially compared to most other animated series—including those from Disney Television Animation, which at the time was producing a number of shows based on films like Hercules and Lilo and Stitch or on classic characters, like Goofy. In fact, Kim Possible creators Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley came to Disney as writers for the Goof Troop series in 1992.

When Disney Channel asked McCorkle and Schooley—a writing team who met while working at a Pennsylvania theme park in 1981—to develop an original animated series, the two fathers of daughters were excited to create a new kind of hero that would appeal to both girls and boys. It was important to McCorkle and Schooley that the series felt real. Kim’s acumen for action was to be treated as “no big deal” by her fellow high school students, and the comedy was to feel contemporary. “We made the decision early on that everybody knows what she does and nobody really cares, because it’s high school and they have their own priorities. What you do outside of high school doesn’t matter,” Schooley explains.

The basic premise came together quickly. How quickly? “We usually hate puns. We’re the most anti-pun people in the world,” McCorkle remembers. “But one day, we were coming back from lunch and stepping into the elevator and I said, ‘Kim Possible. She can do anything.’”

Schooley says he barely missed a beat: “I said, ‘Ron Stoppable. He can’t.’”

“That was the fastest development of a series we’ve ever had,” McCorkle says.

Right from the beginning, McCorkle and Schooley were focused on the chemistry between Kim and Ron. “From the first episode, we knew that’s where it was going, and it was just a matter of how we could get there very slowly and teasingly,” Schooley says, and they assumed that the couple’s happily-ever-after would take place at the end of the 2005 Disney Channel Original Movie Kim Possible: So the Drama. But the show had such a strong following, it was renewed for a fourth season. McCorkle and Schooley were surprised, but appreciated the opportunity to continue Kim and Ron’s story as that of a power couple. The self-described “nerds” confess that they originally identified with Ron, but they changed their minds as time went on. “We came to realize that [with Ron] we just created a funny character. Drakken was us,” McCorkle laughs, referencing Kim’s most determined adversary, who was impatient and somewhat oblivious and always bested by youth.

“I think one of the reasons why Kim Possible endures is that kids just identify with those characters as real,” Schooley says. “I think part of Disney storytelling is those characters transcend in terms that make you forget they’re cartoons and you start engaging with them as if they’re real people. And I think a lot of people had somebody on that show that they identified with because of the way they were portrayed.”

Adds McCorkle, “There’s always heart.”

There’s also guaranteed to be tremendous heart in McCorkle and Schooley’s next series for Disney—the upcoming series Big Hero 6 The Series, which continues the story of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Oscar®-winning film Big Hero 6. The series, which picks up immediately after the events of the movie, is so eagerly anticipated it’s already been picked up for a second season in advance of its fall debut on Disney XD. We couldn’t help but wonder how Kim and Ron might fit into this new group of teens committed to saving the world, led by Hiro and his huggable robot Baymax, along with the no-nonsense Go Go, quirky scientist Honey Lemon, control freak Wasabi, and fanboy Fred.

“Kim is this weird hybrid of Honey Lemon and Go Go. A lot of times, with Ron, she was pretty sarcastic. But she did have a very positive attitude,” McCorkle says. Schooley theorizes that Ron and Fred are definitely cut from the same cloth, and McCorkle quickly points out, “No good would come of that.”

McCorkle and Schooley still hear from fans all around the world who would love to see more of Kim’s adventures, and they’re accustomed to running into cosplay “Kim Possibles” at conventions. Plus, there’s that theme song… “Call me, beep me, if you want reach me…” Schooley acknowledges, “Every now and then you’ll hear it somewhere. The ringtone lives on.”

And so does our love for Kim Possible—even 15 years later.

Celebrate Kim Possible’s 15th Anniversary with These 15 Things that Are So the Drama

June 7, 2017June 7, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

It doesn’t matter when or where there was trouble; we loved watching Kim Possible save the day—with action, fashion, and high school hijinks—and we can’t believe that the animated series premiered on Disney Channel 15 years ago today. What’s the sitch for Kim Possible’s action-packed anniversary? We’ve rounded up 15 reasons why we still love to watch our favorite cheerleader-turned-hero stop bad guys and come to the rescue again and again.

1. The Bad Guys
Whether Kim goes toe-to-toe with the nefariously nonsensical Dr. Drakken and the super-powered Shego or monkeys around to stop Monkey Fist, Kim’s rogues’ gallery of bad, strange, and downright silly villains is part of what makes Kim Possible so endearing to fans. Whether Kim faces off against a scientist’s shenanigans, a ferocious family, or a sinister Scotsman, we love to hate all the baddies who dare to go against the girl who can do anything.

2. The Clothes
Looking good is so the drama in Kim Possible. Whether she’s shopping for the latest trends at Club Banana or trying on the newest super-suit, Kim has to make sure she’s looking good while she’s doing good.

3. The Technology
All the smartphones in the world will never be as cool as the Kimmunicator, but that’s not the only gadget from the show that we wish we could use in real life. The trusty young genius, Wade, invented a whole arsenal of teenage-cool gadgets to help Kim on her missions, from the classic hair dryer grappling hook, to jet packs and laser lipstick.

4. The Crossover Episode
What happens when your favorite world-saving duo meets your favorite alien-finding duo? A super awesome crossover episode happens, that’s what! The special episode of Lilo & Stitch: the Series called “Rufus,” in which our favorite naked mole rat is mistaken for a member of Stitch’s ’ohana. Chaos ensues when Dr. Hamsterviel teams up with Dr. Drakken to try to kidnap Stitch, and Lilo and Kim Possible must team up to save the day!

5. The Music
Who wasn’t singing along “Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me,” to the Kim Possible theme song? Whether dancing along to the theme song or to one of the many great songs featured in the show—admit it, you still know all the word to the “Naked Mole Rap”!—Kim Possible has the perfect soundtrack for any teenager who wants to save the world.

6. The Catchphrases
If you want to be like Kim Possible, you can’t really walk the walk and fight evil scientists and mutant monkeys—but you can certainly talk the talk with all the instantly quotable catchphrases she’s coined. How often have you caught yourself asking “What’s the sitch?” or dealing with trouble by saying “So not the drama.” You can even channel Ron and shout “Boo yah!” when something goes right (or if you’re enjoying a delicious naco).

7. The Friendships
High school is tough and saving the world is tougher, which is why it’s always important to have some good friends by your side. Kim knows she can always count on Ron and Wade to have her back when she goes against the bad guys, and she and her best friend Monique always support each other through the high school drama and world-saving wackiness.

8. The Food
If Kim’s not busy saving the world, there’s one place you can count on finding her: Bueno Nacho, Ron’s favorite eating establishment and home of the naco, the nacho-taco combination you were always dying to try. After a day of stopping bad guys, nothing hits the spot better than a delicious bite to eat.

9. The Family
The Doctors Possible are both geniuses in their own right, but they still try their best to raise their kids to be normal—which is hard to do when your daughter is Kim Possible! Despite all their quirks (and the antics of her younger brothers Jim and Tim), Kim is always there to support and protect her family.

10. Rufus
Team Possible isn’t complete without Ron’s trusty sidekick: Rufus, the naked mole rat! Super-smart and ready to help out in a pinch, Rufus spends most of his time chilling out in Ron’s pocket when he’s not pitching in as they save the day.

11. Guest Appearances
Sometimes the action-packed world of Kim Possible crosses over with our world, like when Smash Mouth performed at one of Middleton High’s school dances. Sometimes the musical guest is more of a surprise— the boy band O-Boys may be fictional, but two of their members are voiced by Lance Bass and Joey Fatone, real life members of the boy band *NSYNC. It’s important to listen carefully, because you never know when a famous voice will cross paths with our favorite world-saving cheerleader.

12. Familiar Voices
If you listen closely, you might also recognize voices from some of your favorite Disney Channel TV shows and Disney Movies. We all know that Even Stevens’ Christy Carlson-Romano voices Kim and Raven-Symoné voices Kim’s best friend, Monique, but did you know that Boy Meets World actor Will Friedle voices Ron Stoppable and Zenon star Kirsten Storms voices Kim’s arch-nemesis, Bonnie Rockwiler? And no-nonsense substitute teacher Mr. Barkin has a very familiar voice—it’s Disney regular Patrick Warburton, known for voicing Kronk in The Emperor’s New Groove and for providing our safety instructions before the Soarin’ attraction at Disney parks.

13. Interactive Games
While we can never truly become Kim Possible, a variety of video games allowed us to step into her shoes for a moment and get a taste of that teenage superhero life. If you really wanted to go on a Team Possible-style world-traveling mission, you could even visit the special Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, which equipped you with your own Kimmunicator and a special mission in one of Epcot’s World Showcase pavilions.

14. The Movie
Kim Possible: So the Drama enthralled fans as a full-length movie that pulled out all the stops for a special adventure for Team Possible: Robots! World Domination! Junior Prom! Faced with the very real threat of Dr. Drakken and Shego finally taking over the world, kidnapping Kim’s father in the process—and destroying everything that makes Bueno Nacho Ron’s favorite restaurant—this Disney Channel Original Movie pulled out all the stops and put Team Possible to the test. And who can forget the heartwarming ending when Kim and Ron finally realized their feelings for each other and became the best couple to ever save the world?

15. The Life Lessons
Even though Kim Possible follows the adventures of a world-saving hero, we can still learn so much about our everyday life from Kim’s experiences. Whether it be the importance of family, the value of friends, or the necessity of being yourself, there’s always something important we can learn from the girl that can do anything.

Emily Blunt Is Mary Poppins and She Looks Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

June 7, 2017June 7, 2017

By Jeffrey Epstein

Emily Blunt has landed—practically perfectly, of course—on the cover of the new issue of Entertainment Weekly, and we could not be more excited. In an exclusive first look, Emily shares her enthusiasm for playing the title role in Mary Poppins Returns, which hits theaters Christmas of 2018. The story provides many of the exciting details fans have been clamoring for. The new film takes place 25 years after the first, during the economic slump of the 1930s in the UK (think: The Great Depression). Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) now lives in the family home (a stunning recreation of the original 17 Cherry Tree Lane!) with his family, when tragedy hits: Michael’s wife passes away, leaving banker/artist Michael to raise their three children on his own. Jane (Emily Mortimer) tries to help lift the spirits—and the family’s finances, which are now tottering, as they face foreclosure on their home—but can only do so much. Enter Mary Poppins. Blunt got the blessing of Julie Andrews herself before production began, and Mary works magic on the children, the family, and everyone she encounters, including Lin-Manuel Miranda in the role of Jack, a lamplighter and former protégé of chimney sweep Bert (Dick Van Dyke). Christmas (2018!) can’t come soon enough!

For more details, check out the Entertainment Weekly story here.

Meet the Family of Disney•Pixar’s Coco

June 6, 2017June 6, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Disney•Pixar’s Coco follows a multi-generational tale of family and adventure, spanning not only across generations, but across worlds. Characters from both the Land of the Living and those who have moved on to the Land of the Dead join Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) on his journey. Directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist, Monsters University) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3), Coco opens in U.S. theaters on November 22, 2017.

“These parallel worlds couldn’t be more different,” said Unkrich. “One is the Rivera family’s charming and hardworking hometown of Santa Cecilia, and the other is the vibrant, rich land where loved ones go when they’ve passed. Coco introduces characters from both worlds on the eve of Día de los Muertos—one extraordinary night when a living boy named Miguel gets a glimpse of the other side.”

Added Molina, “Our voice cast is incredibly talented, helping to shape our eclectic group of characters. Each actor has told us they find something relatable in this film, so they’re finding it easy to capture the heart of this story—it’s all about family, so we hope that these characters will resonate with everyone.”

Meet the family,both living and dead, who will be featured in the latest, colorful romp from the magic makers at Disney•Pixar:

FROM THE LAND OF THE LIVING

ANTHONY GONZALEZ (Ice Box, TNT’s The Last Ship) lends his voice to MIGUEL, a 12-year-old aspiring musician who struggles against his family’s generations-old ban on music. When a magical mishap lands him in the Land of the Dead, Miguel seeks out his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, to help him return to the Land of the Living before it’s too late.
ANA OFELIA MURGUÍA (Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle, Bandidas) voices Miguel’s cherished great-grandmother MAMÁ COCO. She is very old and fragile, but that doesn’t stop Miguel from sharing his daily adventures with her.
RENÉE VICTOR (Showtime’s Weeds, The Apostle) provides the authoritative voice of ABUELITA, Miguel’s grandmother and the ultimate enforcer of the Rivera family’s ban on music. She loves her family very much and will do anything to protect them. But when she gets angry, she wields a mean slipper.
JAIME CAMIL (CW’s Jane the Virgin, Disney Junior’s Elena of Avalor, Secret Lives of Pets) is the voice of PAPÁ, Miguel’s supportive father who hopes that someday Miguel will join him in the family shoemaking business.
SOFÍA ESPINOSA (Gloria) provides the voice of Miguel’s loving MAMÁ who gently encourages her son to embrace their family’s traditions.
LUIS VALDEZ (Which Way Is Up and director, La Bamba and Cisco Kid) is the voice of TÍO BERTO, Miguel’s uncle, a hard worker in the Rivera family shoemaking business.
LOMBARDO BOYAR (Happy Feet, TNT’s Murder in the First) lends his voice to a friendly MARIACHI who Miguel encounters in Santa Cecilia Plaza.

FROM THE LAND OF THE DEAD

GAEL GARCÍA BERNAL (Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle) helps bring to life HECTOR, a charming trickster in the Land of the Dead who is forced to enlist help from Miguel to visit the Land of the Living.
BENJAMIN BRATT (FOX’s Star, Doctor Strange) is the voice of Miguel’s idol ERNESTO DE LA CRUZ, the most famous musician in the history of Mexico. Revered by fans worldwide until his untimely death, the charming and charismatic musician is even more beloved in the Land of the Dead.
EDWARD JAMES OLMOS (Blade Runner, Stand and Deliver) lends his voice to CHICHARRÓN, a curmudgeonly friend of Hector’s who is sadly being forgotten—an unfortunate condition in the Land of the Dead.
ALANNA UBACH (Meet the Fockers, Bravo’s Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce) provides the voice of MAMÁ IMELDA, Miguel’s great-great-grandmother, the matriarch of the Rivera family and the founder of their successful shoemaking business. Miguel meets Mamá Imelda in the Land of the Dead and discovers she does not share his passion for music.
SELENE LUNA (My Bloody Valentine) voices TÍA ROSITA, Miguel’s late aunt who resides in the Land of the Dead.
ALFONSO ARAU (Three Amigos, director/producer Like Water for Chocolate, director A Walk in the Clouds) is the voice of PAPÁ JULIO, Miguel’s late great-grandfather who he meets in Land of the Dead.
HERBERT SIGUENZA (Larry Crowne, Cartoon Network’s Ben 10: Alien Swarm) lends his voice to both TÍO OSCAR and TÍO FELIPE, Miguel’s late identical twin uncles who he meets in the Land of the Dead.
OCTAVIO SOLIS (playwright Lydia, Santos & Santos) is the voice of an ARRIVAL AGENT in the Land of the Dead’s Grand Central Station.
GABRIEL IGLESIAS (Planes, The Nut Job, The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature) provides the voice of the HEAD CLERK in the Land of the Dead’s “Department of Family Reunions.”
CHEECH MARIN (Cars 3, Tin Cup) is the voice of a CORRECTIONS OFFICER in the Land of the Dead.
BLANCA ARACELI (The Bridge) voices the EMCEE for a colorful talent show in the Land of the Dead.

Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios Draw Up Some Serious Magic at D23 Expo

June 6, 2017June 14, 2017

By D23 Team

The creative minds behind your favorite animated films are back at D23 Expo for a weekend full of amazing announcements, presentations, displays, and giveaways.

You can find Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios on the show floor all weekend long in one amazingly animated booth, featuring artist demonstrations, autograph signings with top filmmakers, fan giveaways, and unbelievable interactive displays celebrating the latest films, including Cars 3, Coco, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2.

And of course, both studios will take the stage throughout the weekend in several can’t-miss panels:

Friday, July 14

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter (2:30 p.m., Hall D23) –– Join host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, as he presents Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films. Watch never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming feature Coco and Walt Disney Animation’s Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, and be prepared for surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

Saturday, July 15

The Power of the Princess (10:30 a.m., Stage 28) –– Join hosts Walt Disney Animation Studios animators Amy Smeed and Kira Lehtomaki as the voice actresses behind some of your favorite Disney heroines––Jodi Benson (Ariel), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), and Auli‘i Cravalho (Moana)––take the stage to share stories from the sound booth and beyond.

Creating the Worlds in Pixar’s Universe (12:15 p.m., Stage 28) –– Pixar production designers and artists will literally take guests behind the scenes on a visual tour of the amazing worlds created in Pixar films––from oceans and outer space, to mountain tops and “monstropolises.”

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure: A Sneak Peek at the New Frozen Short Film (2:30 p.m., Stage 28) –– Be among the first to see exclusive and behind-the-scenes footage from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest Frozen holiday short film event, the highly anticipated Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. The film, which features the talents of the original Frozen cast, as well as brand-new songs, is directed by the Emmy^®-winning team Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters (Prep & Landing) and produced by Oscar^®-winning producer Roy Conli (Big Hero 6, Tangled).

The Evolution of Pixar’s Characters (6 p.m., Stage 28) –– Pixar characters are full of personality––from the waves in their hair to the shoes on their feet. Join some of the legendary Pixar artists behind its most memorable characters as they share what it’s like to draw these loveable characters to life.

Sunday, July 16

Bambi’s 75th Anniversary (11:30 a.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage) –– Celebrate the 75th anniversary and Walt Disney Signature Collection release of Bambi with personal stories from the voice cast, anecdotes behind the making of this film and its exquisite hand-drawn artwork, and much, much more.

5 Ways to Celebrate National Doughnut Day at Disney Parks and Resorts

June 2, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Today’s the day we celebrate a treat guaranteed to sweeten up your morning (or afternoon… or evening…)—the doughnut! If you’re spending today at a Disney Park and want to celebrate this essential holiday, or if you just want to turn your summer days at Disney Parks into summer glaze at Disney Parks, we’ve rounded up all of the places you can go to get that special treat. So, sweet-seekers, head to the parks, grab a napkin, and doughnut worry: Here’s everywhere you can go at Disney Parks to add a sprinkle of celebration to your day:

The Main Street Coffee Cart Disneyland
This is where it all started… Back in the fall, you may have heard the rumors of delicious doughnuts decorated with delectable delights like gummy bears, bacon, and more. These secret treats were quietly premiered at Disneyland and quickly sold out in the mornings, gaining popularity as lovers of Disney sweets discovered Disney’s fantastical take on doughnuts, such as the “Avalanche” doughnut (picture above)—the popular Matterhorn Macaroon combined with a doughnut, covered in toasted coconut and caramel drizzle. To learn the behind-the-scenes-secrets of this sweet treat, read the full story of these doughnuts here.

Shmoozies Disney California Adventure
To kick off Disney California Adventure’s super-powered “Summer of Heroes” campaign, Shmoozies is offering doughnuts that are sure to save your day from intergalactic mayhem (or at least from a snack craving). These special doughnuts come in some marvel-ous flavors:

Gamma-Sized Doughnut—filled with blackberry and black currant
The All-American Doughnut—filled with apple and streusel topping
Spider Bite—a cinnamon-spiced doughnut
Local Favorite—a maple-bacon-filled doughnut with maple cream (picture above)

The Coffee House Disneyland Hotel
Just announced today by Disney Parks blog, The Coffee House at the Disneyland Hotel will be making a special rotating lineup of doughnuts that go on sale every morning at 8 a.m. Check out the magical flavors you need to snag to start off your perfect Disneyland morning:

Pineapple Coconut Delight—a green tea frosting-glazed doughnut with pineapple filling, topped with a drizzle of chocolate icing, shredded coconut flakes, and a raspberry (pictured above right)
Royal Strawberry—a strawberry-glazed doughnut filled with Bavarian chocolate, topped with butter streusel, chocolate icing, vanilla-bean Chantilly cream, and strawberry (pictured above left)
Blueberry Candy—blueberry-glazed doughnut filed with blueberry jam, topped with white icing, blueberries, vanilla-bean Chantilly cream, and crushed caramel almond

Refreshment Port Epcot
If you feel like adding a fancy twist to your breakfast treat, why not try out a cronut? This delightful blend of doughnut and croissant is the perfect snack for a day of exploring World Showcase at Epcot. Stop by the Refreshment Port on the right side of World Showcase and enjoy this unique take on the classic treat we celebrate today!

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Magic Kingdom
Take your breakfast to the next level with this recently added offering from the Magic Kingdom: The Doughnut Sundae (pictured above). Adorn your doughnut with your favorite flavor of ice cream, a generous drizzle of hot fudge, a mountain of whipped cream, a sprinkling of peanut butter and chocolate chips, and a cherry on top. This unique treat is the perfect way to celebrate doughnut day in an extra-special (and extra-sweet!) way that’s certain to make you want to celebrate National Doughnut Day every day!

How Doughnuts Became Disneyland’s Latest Must-Have Treat

June 2, 2017June 2, 2017

By Adam Earnhart

Amid the delicious array of breakfast choices that help guests start their Disneyland Park day right, Executive Chef Jason Martin felt something was missing. “I always thought, why aren’t there doughnuts on Main Street? We have a coffee shop. Why not doughnuts?”

Opportunity sat next to Sleeping Beauty Castle at the Main Street Coffee Cart, where the pastry case offerings were going mostly overlooked. But not any doughnut would suffice in this picture-perfect setting. “We have to make these so eye-appealing and colorful [that] when you walk by that cart, your head spins,” said Jason. He envisioned big, hand-crafted doughnuts, smothered in decadent frosting and covered in creative toppings like bacon, toasted marshmallows and Pop Rocks.

Senior Food and Beverage Production Manager Mark Taul said adding doughnuts “sounded like a great idea, but we had to figure out how to execute it.” Typically, food locations avoid running out of items by keeping lots of them on hand—not possible for doughnuts with a short display life.

That challenge became an advantage. Jason pitched making doughnuts in small batches that would sell out within hours, available first thing in the morning with fresh batches before evening parades. They would be prepared in the Jolly Holiday Bakery kitchen, then transported via a special handcart to the coffee cart. However, since the cart’s cooling system couldn’t be used (nobody likes a refrigerated doughnut!), an umbrella was added to shade the display case and keep the toppings from melting.

“By the second day, we had lines of people waiting,” Jason said of the successful pilot, which started last fall. The lineup of doughnuts changes each week, and new doughnut ideas can go from drawing board to guests’ mouths within days. Doughnut holes recently joined the mix of offerings, and fruit- and jelly-filled doughnuts are on the way.

The exclusivity factor continues to garner buzz, particularly among Annual Passholders. Said Mark, “Guests are always asking what the next doughnut is going to be!”

Due to the instant popularity of the Main Street Coffee Cart doughnuts, Disney parks have added doughnuts for purchase both at Disney California Adventure and the Disneyland Hotel. To find out where you can find these sweet treats at the Disneyland Resort (and to learn about the special doughnuts Walt Disney World has to offer), check out our handy guide to doughnuts at Disney Parks.

This story originally ran in the February 2017 edition of Disneyland Line, a newsletter for Disneyland Cast Members. To read more of Adam Earnhart’s Disneyland coverage, check out his writing for the Disney Parks Blog.

Have the Summer of Your Dreams in These Disney Destinations

June 1, 2017

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By Jocelyn Buhlman

The weather’s getting warmer, school is almost out, which leaves us wondering: What do we do over summer vacation? Whether you have a grand adventure planned or are spending the summer at home, you can wish upon a star and go anywhere your dreams take you. These dream Disney destinations would make any summer unforgettable. Where would you want to go?

The Wild West
With Woody and the Roundup Gang
Are you looking for rootin’, tootin’ good time? Well, hop on your horse, and ride like the wind with Sheriff Woody, Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl, Bullseye, and Stinky Pete the Prospector! Whether you are exploring the beautiful desert landscape or exploring the west at its wildest best, you can have adventures just like your favorite cowboy crew.

Central and South America
With Three Caballeros (and the Aracuan Bird)
Why not spend your summer exploring Central and South America? With the Three Caballeros as your tour guides, fun is always on the itinerary. Samba the night away with José Carioca or tap your toes with Panchito Pistoles or watch as Donald tries to win the hearts of the ladies! While you’re traveling with these Saludos Amigos, keep an eye out for the mischievous Aracuan Bird—he’s always looking to cause trouble!

Virginian Forests
With Pocahontas
How high does the sycamore grow? You can find out if you take a trip to the forests with Pocahontas, where you’ll see a magnificent variety of trees, such as pines, oaks, hickories, and maples. You might not be able to paint with all the colors of the wind, but you’ll have a greater appreciation for the earth.

The Mountains of Northern Canada
With Koda and Kenai
While the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) can be viewed from many places in the world, we suggest traveling to Northern Canada. Explore the magic of nature in this stunning space, frequented by Brother Bear’s Koda and Kenai.

The Caribbean Islands
With Jack Sparrow
The Caribbean Islands are the dream summer destination, but if ye be seekin’ more than just surf and sun, call upon Captain Jack Sparrow! But be warned—if you go searching for pirates, keep a weather eye open. After all, you know what they say: Dead men tell no tales.

Danville
With Phineas and Ferb
There’s 104 days of summer vacation, and so many ways to spend them when you’re with Phineas and Ferb! Take a trip to the tri-state area for some fun with the masters of summer. Whether you are planning an ambitious staycation (like building a roller coaster across town) or maybe taking a trip (like travelling around the entire world in one day), these two troublemakers are the ones to make it happen!

Brownstone National Park
With Humphrey the Bear
This New England-based park is known for its beautiful lakes, sprawling greenery, and its… mischievous bears? Humphrey the Bear can be your guide during a relaxing forest vacation, and is happy to teach you all his tricks–– like stealing food, getting free food, and tricking tourists into giving you even more food. Make sure to watch out for Ranger J. Audobon Woodlore—he doesn’t have a lot of patience for silly bears.

Atlantica
With the Little Mermaid
Sure, Ariel got herself some legs so she could visit the land, but what if you were able to swim to where the merpeople are? See the glory of King Triton’s magnificent castle in person, explore a shipwreck with Ariel, and let Sebastian show you why life is so much better under the sea.

Hawai’i
With Lilo and Stitch
Why not spend your summer with the best intergalactic ‘ohana around? Lilo and Stitch’s unique view of the world will give you an out-of-this-world Hawaiian vacation. Whether you are snapping pictures of tourists with Lilo, imitating Elvis with Stitch, or teaming up with the whole family to face off against the latest visiting alien, you’re sure to have a vacation that you won’t forget.

Marvel-ous Experiences Coming to D23 Expo

June 1, 2017June 1, 2017

By D23 Team

Get ready for a super weekend! Marvel will make its way to D23 Expo with awesome presentations and an epic pavilion, celebrating the upcoming film titles from Marvel Studios and all-new console and mobile games coming from Marvel Games.

Presentations
If you’re a Marvel fan, make sure to add these two panels to your must-do list! On Friday, July 14 at 1:15 p.m., Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer of Marvel, will take the stage in the D23 Expo Arena for Cup o’ Joe, a no-holds-barred panel on everything Marvel. Later that day, Marvel Animation will hold a surprise-filled panel of sneak peeks, special guests, exclusive footage, and big announcements about the future of Marvel Animation on Stage 28 at 6 p.m.

Pavilion
Get a closer look at some of the costumes from two highly anticipated Marvel Studios films: Thor: Ragnarok, debuting this November, and Black Panther, in theaters 2018. Plus, explore some of the props from the upcoming Thor film and don’t miss photo opps with exclusive set pieces from the movie. Throughout the weekend, Marvel Studios will host multiple giveaways and events, and even give fans a chance to meet with Marvel Studios’ filmmakers, development team, and talent. Details on talent appearances and special signings will be made available in the D23 Expo App (available soon!).

For the first time at D23 Expo, play as the world-famous Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, and more on new console and mobile games at the Marvel Games Pavilion. Read on to see what games you can experience during D23 Expo:

LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2 is an all-new, original adventure and sequel to the smash hit LEGO^® Marvel Super Heroes. Bringing together iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from different eras and realities, along with signature LEGO humor, the latest epic adventure from TT Games transports players into a cosmic battle across myriad Marvel locations ripped from time and space into the incredible open hub world of Chronopolis.
Adding to the infinitely exciting D23 Expo activities at the Marvel booth, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will offer attendees hands-on opportunities with the next era of the highly revered action-fighting game series. Marvel and Capcom universes collide like never before as iconic characters team up for action-packed player-versus-player combat.
Gazillion will offer a chance to play Marvel Heroes Omega and win fantastic prizes. Marvel Heroes Omega combines the core gameplay style of Action-RPGs (Role-Playing Games) and MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games) with an expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe.
Netmarble is bringing all the best to D23 Expo with MARVEL: Future Fight. Featuring 120 Marvel Super Heroes to choose from, players create teams of their favorites to fight for their future. D23 Expo attendees can drop by the Netmarble booth and try their hand at saving the universe.
Marvel Puzzle Quest is where the best in match-3 puzzle gameplay meets Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes and Super Villains in the most epic puzzle adventure game out on your phone, tablet, and PC. Marvel Puzzle Quest combines favorite Marvel characters with deep RPG leveling, player-vs-player tournaments, Alliances, and much more.

Disney•Pixar’s Coco Announces its Extended Family

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

Star vs. The Forces of Evil: Special Two-Hour Movie Event This July

Ride Miss Adventure Falls at Typhoon Lagoon… Virtually!

Friday, July 14

Saturday, July 15

Sunday, July 16

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