Make Merry at Disney Parks Around the World

November 10, 2016November 29, 2016

By Jocelyn Buhlman

It’s the most magical time of the year, as we put away our goblins and ghoulies from Halloween and start wrapping the streets of Disney Parks with tinsel and snow! Nothing warms our hearts like a little Christmas cheer, and you can stay cozy all winter with the holiday offerings you’ll find at the Disney theme parks. No matter where you’ll be in our wonderful worlds this holiday season, you can have yourself a merry Disney holiday season at one of our theme parks’ very special celebrations.

Disneyland Resort

Disney California Adventure Park gets into the spirit with the brand new Festival of Holidays, which celebrates holiday festivities of diverse cultures with food, music, dance, and craft-making and includes celebrations of Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas/Navidad, and Three Kings Day. Princess Elena, from the Disney Channel series Elena of Avalor, will make her Disneyland Resort debut as part of the Festival of Holidays, performing music and posing for a special character meet and greet. Also be sure to catch Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, returning as part of the fun at Festival of Holidays.

If you’re looking for some of the park’s classic holiday traditions, never fear! World of Color – Season of Light returns, bringing the warmth and heartfelt spirit of the holidays to this stunning, nighttime water spectacular, with its 1,200 powerful fountains shooting water as high as 200 feet to help tell the story. And jolly old St. Nick arrives at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for Santa’s Holiday Visit. His joyful elves have transformed the trail into a magical playground of holiday fun and games, including opportunities for guests to join the ranks of Santa’s elves.

Disneyland Park turns into a winter wonderland with Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, covering the castle in magical snow and icicles for the holiday season. The Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks keep the snowflakes in the air with a special snowfall finale you’ll always remember! Returning once again to spread Christmas cheer is A Christmas Fantasy parade, a daily procession with floats, music, marching “tin soldiers,” and more. Santa appears in the parade and will also be found welcoming guests in Critter Country. And special for November 18, guests and cast members in Disneyland will celebrate Mickey Mouse’s birthday with a special cavalcade that precedes A Christmas Fantasy Parade. Other holiday classics returning to the park include it’s a small world Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Jingle Cruise.

The park itself becomes a jewel of holiday spirit with twinkling lights, festive holiday garland and nearly 1,800 ornaments decorate the soaring Christmas tree in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A., an ideal place for guests to begin their holiday traditions.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom Park provides Christmas classics such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and the Holiday Wishes fireworks show. New offerings include Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, a show starring Mickey and friends in front of Cinderella’s Castle, featuring medleys of delightful classic and contemporary holiday songs, and magical holiday projections on Cinderella Castle building to a sensational, snowy finale. Queen Elsa will also be spreading the holiday spirit to Cinderella’s Castle with A Frozen Holiday Wish (Castle Dream Lights), transforming Cinderella Castle into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace for the holidays.

Epcot spreads cheer across the globe with the Holidays Around the World Marketplaces and entertainment, letting guests experience and taste what the holidays are like all over the world. If you’re looking for some classic holiday traditions, be sure to experience Epcot’s Candlelight Processional, which captures the spirit of the season in the retelling of the Christmas story by celebrity narrators, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and choir. Additionally, Epcot’s nightly IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks show adds a special seasonal finale, featuring holiday greetings in native languages from the countries of World Showcase, along with the classic song “Let There Be Peace on Earth” to add a heartwarming finish.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios enters a world of “Lights! Cameras! Holidays!” with their all-new nighttime spectacular, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, which sends beloved Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects, and Christmas music to create a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday experience for guests—ending with a special message from Santa himself. And if you want more than just a message from Santa, be sure to check out the new opportunity to meet Santa Claus at the Once Upon a Time shop starting November 14. The beautiful, vintage setting reflects the bygone days of Santa’s visits to the great department stores across the country.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom greets guests with a dramatic, animal-themed holiday tree at the park entrance, along with a variety of characters in their holiday best, such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Baloo, King Louie, and more! If you want holiday cheer that lasts all day, enjoy holiday daytime-into-nighttime experiences, such as Tree of Life transformations, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest.

Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disneyland will be creating a Christmas fantasy with holiday trees and holiday photo locations all throughout the themed lands, including a special photo location in Fantasyland where the finished photo will look like a pop-up storybook! The celebration continues with the Disney Christmas Stories Parade, which is themed to seven stories of Disney Christmas, including Frozen, Mickey and friends, and Toy Story. Classic holiday attractions such as Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare and the Country Bear Theater Jingle Bell Jamboree will be returning to keep the holiday spirit strong all season long.

Tokyo DisneySea celebrates not only the holidays, but the 15th anniversary of the park with a nighttime entertainment fantasy on the waters of Mediterranean Harbor called Colors of Christmas: Nighttime Wishes. Once the show is over, enjoy Colors of Christmas: Afterglow, where the Christmas tree and the floating illuminations in Mediterranean Harbor will sparkle and change colors in time to holiday music, allowing Guests to continue to enjoy the atmosphere. If you want A Perfect Christmas, try viewing the show by the same name, starring Mickey and Friends in a celebration of the joys of Christmas. The park’s festive décor includes a 15-meter-tall Christmas tree, Fiesta de la Luz lights along the Lost River Delta, and more!

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Park is decked in its festive best, including a giant Christmas tree that is lit in a caroling sing-along by Mickey and friends! If you want more holiday happiness from Mickey, Minnie, and the gang, be sure to catch Disney’s Christmas Parade on Main Street, U.S.A., with yuletide performers and two new festive floats. And the Disney Dreams! Of Christmas nighttime spectacular returns, now with your favorite characters from Frozen. Still have that Frozen fever? Sisters Elsa and Anna celebrate the holidays with a special Frozen Sing-Along and A Royal Welcome of a carriage ride down the streets of Disneyland! Have you been naughty or nice this year? If you’ve been extra good, make sure to visit with Father Christmas in Fantasyland.

Walt Disney Studios Park is the home of a very merry meet ‘n’ greet with Santa and Disney Characters, featuring Thumper, Miss Bunny, and Santa himself! And to make your holidays extra special, stop by after November 20 to meet Moana, the newest heroine to star in a Disney Animated film!

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland is enchanting guests with A Sparkling Christmas, starting with Santa Goofy. You can send special holiday letters to your loved ones at the Santa Goofy Holiday Mailbox in the Christmas Post Office on Main Street, U.S.A. and receive a special Santa Goofy commemorative postmark on each letter you send. Enjoy the special seasonal entertainment, Holiday Wish Moments, on Main Street, U.S.A. with Minnie, Donald, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale. In the evening, join them all in a special show, A Magical Twilight Snowfall, for a holiday wish. If you want even more festivity, every night you can watch the 18-meter Christmas tree turn aglow for the season with the A Holiday Wish-Come-True Tree Lighting Ceremony. If you need even more Christmas cheer this holiday season, be sure to sample the more-than-50 Christmas treats available in the park and 100-plus options for Christmas-themed gifts!

Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Disneyland celebrates its first-ever Christmas, decking out the park in dazzling decor, with a special overlay for Mickey Avenue, where Mickey and friends greet park guests in festive holiday attire. The highlight of the holiday celebration is the 20-meter-tall Christmas tree, which is lit in a special ceremony every evening while the Enchanted Storybook Castle gleams in the background. If you want to share the seasonal spirit with others, there are 30 limited-release merchandise items, including Mickey and Minnie plushes dressed in their holiday best, along with special Christmas ornaments, holiday clothing, and more available to purchase. Special holiday food will be offered at the Royal Banquet Hall to complete your experience with authentic holiday feasts.

How 2D Animation Brings Moana’s Mini Maui to Life

November 10, 2016November 10, 2016

By Courtney Potter

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ latest film, Moana, sails into a cinema near you this month, and with it comes the story of a fierce young woman on a journey of self-discovery, a mighty demigod looking to regain his hero status, and some truly epic adventure! Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the film introduces some major CG animation advancements—including new techniques to animate hair (check out both Moana and Maui’s luscious locks, created with a fast new computer system called Tonic) and to bring life to the ocean water itself.

But there’s one aspect of the film that harkens back to the days of Walt Disney and his legendary original animators: Maui’s tattoos. Early on in the process, filmmakers decided to bring the demigod’s tattoos—representative of longstanding tradition in Samoa—to life in a time-honored, two-dimensional way. Says director John Musker, “As Maui’s personality began to take shape, we thought, ‘What if a particular tattoo was like his alter ego?’… Eric Goldberg, who’s one of the world’s greatest hand-drawn animators, served as animation supervisor—helping to create these vignettes that play out like billboards on Maui’s chest… It’s a wonderful marriage of hand-drawn and CG animation.”

Recently, D23 was lucky enough to speak with Goldberg about the unique challenges of bringing a hand-drawn, 2-D character to a 3-D, CG-animation world.

On the idea behind making Mini-Maui a full-fledged Moana character…
Eric Goldberg: “Big Maui’s body is covered in tattoos, and most of these tattoos represent his past accomplishments—his deeds of daring-do. Within these visualizations, there’s a small figure representing Maui himself—and over the course of creating the story, we started to refer to him as Mini-Maui, because he became a character of his own right. He actually has personality and a relationship with big Maui. First of all, he’s Maui’s biggest cheerleader and supporter. He’s Maui’s alter ego; he can be ‘swagger-y’ and confident, too, but more than anything else he’s his conscience. One thing John Lasseter [chief creative officer, Pixar and Disney] wanted us to put into the character was that he should be able to kind of ‘give it back’ to big Maui once in a while, so that he’s not just namby-pamby, but you know he can do it with his tongue in his cheek… ”

On the ever-evolving process of combining hand-drawn and CG-animation…
“The way this worked—which was very uniquely collaborative—is, both the CG animators and the hand-drawn animators were issued the scene together. For one particular scene, I was working with an animator named Justin Webber… he says, ‘We thought it’d be really funny to have Maui poke Mini-Maui in the belly,’ and I said, great. I made him this drawing where ‘X’ marked the spot, [saying] that’s where the finger has to go when you animate big Maui. We decided to go ahead and map it onto CG Maui’s body. It didn’t work the first time because of the distortion that you get on his musculature—and so Carlos [Cabral, head of characters and technical animation] and his team of wizards figured out how to get him in the right proportions… [then] I thought well, since he’s getting poked in the belly, he should react to being poked in the belly. Justin and I actually had to agree on the frame number where the poke was going to occur so that we could both animate accurately and have it look like they’re reacting to each other.”

On the interesting challenges Mini-Maui presented…
“This stuff is done traditionally, which also means it’s cleaned up traditionally. So our cleanup lead, Rachel Bibb, did some drawings—and if you look closely, you can see that the white of his eye is actually black and his pupil is actually white. The reason is, they have to draw it this way—even the teeth are blacked in—because it eventually all needs to reversed out to look [correct]. Our cleanup artists have to think in negative… We wanted the tattoos to appear like [real] tattoos, which is dark out of light. If somebody draws in ink on a person’s body it’ll be dark—so since Mini-Maui and the other tattoos were all going to be dark, we have to draw it with a line around it first. But instead we don’t have to fill it all in beforehand. We can reverse it out and get the effect. It’s much easier… ”

On what makes Mini-Maui so special…
“All the animation of the tattoos is done traditionally; it’s all drawn on paper. I went ahead and made model sheets where I’m pushing some his expressions in order to make them readable and get more of an emotional range on him. One reason that’s important is because he is a pantomime character; he has to express everything with his facial expressions and his body… A lot came out from [the story room] and a lot came out just from us batting it back and forth as animators and with John and Ron—and saying ‘Wouldn’t it be fun if Mini-Maui did this?’… We were constantly trying to think of ways that would make things work and be funny.”

Meet Maui—and Mini-Maui—when Moana premieres around the country on November 23!

Robots, Monsters and… Friendship! MECH-X4 Brings Thrills and Heart to Disney Channel

November 10, 2016

By Jocelyn Buhlman

MECH-X4, Disney’s new, live-action series premiering this Friday, November 11 (8:30 p.m. EDT), follows the adventures of Ryan Walker, a “technopath” who controls a 150-foot-tall robot along with his friends, Harris and Spyder, and his brother, Mark. Together, they must protect the city from the threat of giant monsters and uncover the mystery behind the robot.

It’s a story that strikes a familiar chord: a group of kids just trying to get through the perils of high school, only to face a challenge of the supernatural, science-fiction monster variety. The story’s been told everywhere from movies to our daydreams, and there’s a reason it resonates with us so strongly. “It’s energized nostalgia,” Executive Producer Steve Marmel describes. It’s a story in which not only kids can see themselves, but their parents can relate to it, too.

Executive Producer Anupam Nigam emphasizes, “Disney really pushed us to make it serialized and make a show that families would want to watch together.” He adds, “Our running joke is that we hope that parents are the ones saying, ‘Hey, MECH X-4 is on! You can finish your homework later! You don’t have to eat those Brussels sprouts—come on, let’s go watch the show!’”

Things are looking promising for all those families seeking something to watch together: MECH-X4 has already been picked up for a second season. What made Disney so enthusiastic about the show? Anupam describes it as, “a little bit like catching lightning in a bottle.” He explains, “This is the first time in my career that a show was picked up before a season even aired. The confidence Disney has in it is amazing.” Both producers credit Disney for pushing the show to be the best it can be. Steve explains they were encouraged to, “make sure every episode ends with an ‘Oh my gosh!’ moment that propels you into the next episode.”

Anupam adds, “We’re hoping that the cliffhangers and the serialized aspect of it will make kids want to talk about it on the playground or in the cafeteria. Two questions we always ask ourselves when we are talking about episodes are ‘What makes the episode unmissable?’ and ‘What makes this someone’s favorite episode?’”

Really, though, the heart of the show is what draws the most appeal. Steve describes MECH-X4 as, “a show about two brothers and four kids who just happen to work inside a giant, monster-fighting robot.” It’s not just about saving the city from snake-octopus monster combinations and piloting a mysterious and cool giant robot (although we’re already excited just by that!). The relationships between the characters, and how they grow to understand and support each other, is just as important as science fiction thrills. Anupam summarizes it best: “We realized that the show is greatest when they are all together as a team.”

Are you ready to watch this team, and discover the mystery of MECH X-4 yourself? Pop some popcorn, grab your family and tune in to Disney Channel this Friday, November 11, at 8:30 p.m. ET to catch the start of an expanded premiere weekend that will debut 4 new episodes back-to-back through Sunday, November 13!

Get Ready to Play! Toy Story Land is Coming to Shanghai Disneyland

November 9, 2016November 9, 2016

By Nicole Nalty

The world we know and love from Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story will come to life like never before in a new land at Shanghai Disneyland. Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, along with Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and Fan Xiping, chairman of Shanghai Shendi Group, recently celebrated breaking ground on this new expansion.

Just like here in the United States, Toy Story is immensely popular in Mainland China, which makes the new land the perfect first expansion for Shanghai Disneyland. In fact, it’s SO popular, that the expansion began before Shanghai Disneyland opened (Shanghai Disney Resort also features an unbelievable hotel inspired by the series––click here for photos).

Like everything at Shanghai Disneyland, Toy Story Land will be an authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese experience; a truly one-of-a-kind land featuring three attractions and a themed character greeting area. Based on the amazing, innovative attractions we’ve already seen at Disney’s newest theme park, we’re sure Toy Story Land will be an absolutely immersive experience that all Disney fans will love.

Stay tuned to D23 for more Disney news and updates.

Gorgeous New Beauty and the Beast Photos—Plus More in News Briefs

November 9, 2016

By Courtney Potter

Be Our Guest to These Exquisite New Beauty and the Beast Images

Beauty and the Beast—and just last week, our “sneak peek” prayers were answered! The Walt Disney Studios released several new images from the film, featuring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as Beast.

Directed by Bill Condon, the film will bring the story—and its beloved characters—to life in a stunning cinematic event. With an ensemble cast including the likes of Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald, Ian McKellen, and Emma Thompson, Beauty and the Beast will waltz into cinemas on March 17, 2017.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
November 19–20, 2016
D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures
December 4, 2016
Light Up the Season with D23
December 11, 2016
Holiday Gingerbread House Workshop at Downtown Disney
December 13, 2016
D23’s Disney Springs Holiday Celebration
December 13, 2016
D23’s Moonlight and Mistletoe Dinner
July 14-16, 2017
D23 Expo 2017
Studios
November 23, 2016
Moana opens in theaters
December 16, 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in theaters
March 17, 2017
Beauty and the Beast opens in theaters

Parks
September 14–November 14, 2016
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29; December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World Resort
November 11–January 8, 2017
Holidays at Disney Springs
November 14, 2016
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Television
November 11, 2016
Frozen makes its broadcast debut on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/PT
November 20, 2016
Elena and the Secret of Avalor is simulcast on Disney Junior and Disney Channel at 7 p.m. ET
November 24, 2016
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, 8–10 p.m. ET on ABC
November 24, 2016
Freeform’s Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas begins
November 25, 2016
Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration, 8–9 p.m. ET on Disney Channel
December 1-25, 2016
Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas
December 25, 2016
The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration, 9–11 a.m. on ABC

Countdown to Moana—New Featurette and Song Snippet

In just a few short weeks, we’ll meet the newest members of the Disney animation family—a smart, strong, fearless teenager; her demi-god mentor; and their family, their friends, and even their foes. Just this week, we’re getting a glimpse into the amazing work that went on behind the scenes of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana via their new featurette, above. Meet some of the film’s “Oceanic Story Trust”—a group of cultural advisors who collaborated extensively with the film’s creative team—and hear from directors Ron Clements and John Musker, as well as Lin-Manuel Miranda (one of the film’s composers).

Speaking of Lin, we’ve got another Moana treat! Check out this clip from “We Know the Way,” a song from the film co-written and performed by Lin and fellow Moana composer Opetaia Foa’i.

Look for Moana to navigate into a theater near you on November 23.

Original Cast Members Join Disney XD’s Big Hero 6 TV Series

On a scale from 1 to 10, we’d rate our excitement at an 11! Disney XD’s upcoming animated series Big Hero 6—based on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Oscar®-winning film inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name—will reunite a slew of its original cast members for its debut next year. Reprising their roles are Ryan Potter as tech genius Hiro; Maya Rudolph as Aunt Cass; Scott Adsit as huggable robot Baymax; Jamie Chung as no-nonsense, speed genius Go Go; Alan Tudyk as tech guru Alistair Krei; Genesis Rodriguez as quirky scientist Honey Lemon; David Shaughnessy as butler Heathcliff; and Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee as Fred’s dad. Joining the main voice cast are Khary Payton (The Lion Guard) as control freak Wasabi and Brooks Wheelan (Saturday Night Live) as fanboy Fred.

The series picks up immediately following the events of the film and continues the adventures (and friendship) of 14-year-old tech genius Hiro and his amazing, adorable robot Baymax. Along with their friends Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Go Go, and Fred, they form the legendary superhero team Big Hero 6—and embark on high-tech adventures as they protect their city from an array of scientifically enhanced villains. And in the meantime, Hiro faces all manner of trials and tribulations as the newest prodigy at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology. Look for Disney XD’s Big Hero 6 in 2017!

Narrators Set for 2016 Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World

First presented to Disneyland visitors during the 1958 holiday season, the Candlelight Processional—the telling of the Christmas story through spoken word and song—made its way down to Walt Disney World in 1971. Since then, countless celebrity narrators have joined the annual event; now a part of Epcot’s Holiday Around the World celebration, the show includes an amazing 50-piece orchestra and mass choir.

Two new narrators will be joining Epcot’s 2016 Candlelight Processional: Baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. (December 28–30, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star Ming-Na Wen (December 22–24). This year’s star-studded line-up also includes Neil Patrick Harris (November 28–December 1), The View host Whoopi Goldberg (December 2–3), Edward James Olmos (December 4–6), and Jodi Benson (December 25–27). Visitors can catch the performances at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. each night at the American Gardens Theatre.

Heading to Walt Disney World for a holiday vacay? Don’t miss your chance to be a part of a longstanding Disney tradition! For more information—including how you can make reservations for a new Candlelight Processional dining package—check out their event page at DisneyWorld.com.

Exclusive Moana Clip in Disney Crossy Road Mobile Game

Mobile game players, take heed! There’s a wayfinder sailing over the horizon, and she’s headed straight for your favorite Disney game! An exclusive clip from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana—featuring Moana, Maui, and the crazy Kakamora (for the uninitiated, those are the film’s coconut-armored pirates!)—can only be viewed by Disney Crossy Road players in the mobile game. Look for it until November 12.

The integration continues on Thursday, November 17, when Moana-inspired content will be added to Disney Crossy Road, letting players hop into the 8-bit version of Lalotai and explore the Realm of Monsters with new figurines, such as Moana, Maui, Pua, Heihei, Tamatoa, and more. Players can collect shiny treasures along the road as they dodge giant frogs, mutant plants, and massive monsters!

But that’s not all: Disney Crossy Road players will have access to a special in-game promotion with Regal Cinemas that allows them to purchase online pre-sale tickets for Moana through November 22. The perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving holiday weekend…

Fans Choose: Where Should Freeform Host Special Sneak Peeks?

Freeform is offering its fans a very unique opportunity—the chance to choose where the network will host some spectacular sneak-peek screenings for two of its most talked-about shows. As of November 4, fans can vote to bring a screening of the Season 2 premiere of Shadowhunters—as well as the first episode of the new original series Beyond—to their hometown, this December! Let your voice be heard, either at ShadowhuntersTV.com, BeyondTVSeries.com, or on Twitter (by tweeting #ShadowhuntersAndBeyond and the city and state of your choice.

Voting concludes on Tuesday, November 15, at 11:59 a.m. PT—and the winning city will be announced the next day. Once a location has been determined, fans can sign up to attend the screening on a first-come, first-served basis; they must be 18 or older, or attend the screening with a parent/guardian.

If it turns out you don’t live in the city where Freeform ultimately hosts their shindig, fret not: The second season of Shadowhunters debuts on January 2 at 8 p.m. PT, followed immediately after by the premiere of Beyond. (And for those of you who are super curious, the entire first season of Beyond will be available for immediate “binge watching” on digital platforms also on January 2.) Mark those new calendars now!

Bob Mattey: Master of Mechanical Magic

November 8, 2016

By Becky Cline

Legendary mechanical effects man Robert A. Mattey Jr. began his Hollywood career in the late 1920s, while visiting his father, a costume jeweler who created the faux coins used in the 1927 epic film The King of Kings. The 16-year-old Bob was fascinated by the production process, and was hooked for life.

Shortly after, Bob began working in motion pictures himself, most notably for RKO and Universal Studios in films such as King Kong (1933) and Tarzan and His Mate (1934). Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Bob did uncredited work for some of the best special effects supervisors in the industry, building werewolves, carnivorous plants, and much more.

In the early 1950s, Disney art director Harper Goff saw the giant mechanized octopus that Bob had created for the John Wayne film Wake of the Red Witch (1948) and knew that he had found just the man to help him through production troubles in Disney’s new epic adventure 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Harper was having a difficult time with the film’s giant “puppet” squid, which had been fabricated but was not working properly, so he hired Bob to mechanize a new more robust squid, sculpted by Disney artist Chris Mueller.

The film and its monster squid was such a hit that Walt Disney quickly offered Bob a permanent position at the studio as head of the Mechanical Effects Department, and Bob was soon hard at work building a host of mechanical figures for the soon-to-open Disneyland. Bob animated hippos, elephants, and other exotic animals for Jungle Cruise; populated the Rivers of America with lifelike deer, elk, and bears; balanced rocks and made mud baths bubble for the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland; and even worked mechanized magic in Fantasyland where he animated the charming figure of Timothy Mouse high atop the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction and gave guests severe sensory overload in the finale of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Bob continued to work his magic on attractions at Disneyland, including the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea walk-through attraction, the earliest mock-ups of Haunted Mansion, and he provided special mechanical effects for multiple Disney feature films including The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), Mary Poppins (1964), The Happiest Millionaire (1967), Blackbeard’s Ghost (1968), and The Love Bug (1969). But it was in a non-Disney film of the 1970s that Bob’s greatest mechanical “monsterpiece” appeared to terrify audiences around the world—Bruce the Shark in Steven Spielberg’s megahit Jaws (1975).

When Disneyland opened in 1955, Bob was one of the pioneering artists who was given “screen credit” by Walt on the windows of Main Street, U.S.A. The firmly tongue-in-cheek tribute credited him with the title “Taxidermist,” a nod to his ability to create such lifelike dimensional creatures. In the 1970s, the window was moved and altered, but today it has been returned to its original state, to pay homage to Walt’s wonderful wizard of mechanical effects, Bob Mattey.

Celebrate Mickey Mouse’s Birthday with These 11 Swell Cartoons!

November 3, 2016November 3, 2016

By Jocelyn Buhlman

He’s the leader of the club that’s made for you and me, and he’s celebrating his birthday in style this year! While Mickey Mouse travels the world to share his birthday spirit, the rest of us Mouseketeers can celebrate the Big Cheese’s big day from the comfort of our homes, with a little help from some animated classics. Below are 11 of Mickey Mouse’s most memorable, iconic, and just doggone funny appearances in Disney animation!

Steamboat Willie (1928)
You can’t talk about Mickey Mouse cartoons without thinking of Steamboat Willie. The first animated appearance for both Mickey and Minnie, the film follows their charming adventures of mischief and music on a river steamboat. When you find yourself whistling the classic tune from the short, remember that sound is important to this short not only because of the catchy song stuck in your head, but also because it was the first animated short to use synchronized sound!

Mickey’s Follies (1929)
This short consists of a series of performances by Mickey Mouse and his barnyard pals, making musical mayhem in the classic Disney way. For the show’s finale, Mickey performs “Minnie’s Yoo Hoo,” the theme of many of Mickey’s theatrical cartoons. We bet you can’t help but hum along with Mickey himself.

Puppy Love (1933)
Love is in the air when Mickey and Pluto pay a visit to Minnie and her dog, Fifi. Classic cutesy couple conundrums commence as Mickey tries to woo Minnie while his faithful pup tries his charms on Fifi, giving her a box of candies intended for Minnie. When the mix-up causes Mickey to give Minnie a dog bone instead of sweets, a fight ensues—but Mickey and Minnie can never stay mad at each other for long! Watch for the cartoony silliness and stay for the sweet duet from Mickey and Minnie about puppy love.

Lonesome Ghosts (1937)
“I ain’t scared of no ghosts!” In this classic team-up of Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, our three favorite troublemakers are running their own ghost-catching business, but what happens when the crew receives a call from ghosts asking to be caught at their own haunted house? Ghostly goofy hijinks ensue, of course!

The Pointer (1939)
In this short, Mickey teaches Pluto to be a hunting dog in a series of wacky misadventures. Not only is Mickey teaching a new skill, but he’s rocking a new look as well! The Pointer marks the first time general audiences were introduced to Mickey Mouse’s modern character design. Shortly after this cartoon, Mickey would rock his new design with a new outfit as well—a certain red cloak and sparkly blue wizard’s hat for the animated classic The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Mickey Mouse Disco (1980)
If you want to shake your groove thing the Disney way, find yourself a copy of this iconic music video. Created to promote Mickey’s album of the same name, Mickey Mouse Disco is a music video of the Mickey animated shorts we know and love, but remixed to the disco music from Mickey’s album. If you ever wanted to bust a move with the main mouse himself, this music video will give you the chance!

Runaway Brain (1995)
It was a dark and stormy night… And all Mickey wants to do is find enough cash to buy his honey an anniversary present! But his bid for money leads him to accidentally donate his brain to a Frankenstein’s monster-esque creature who now has heart eyes for Minnie! This short, featuring work from animator and Disney Legend Andreas Deja, became an instant classic for its wacky humor and darker tone, which set it apart from the Mickey cartoons of the past.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
Celebrate the holidays the Disney way! The cartoon showcases three stories about the spirit of Christmas, culminating in a Disney-fied version of The Gift of the Magi, starring Mickey and Minnie and reminding us about the love and compassion that lie at the heart of the holiday season.

No Service (2013)
The first episode of Disney’s new Mickey Mouse cartoon series features a play on Mickey and Donald’s classic attire. What does the wacky duo—one clad only in red shorts and yellow shoes and the other in nothing but a sailor shirt—do when they encounter a store with the sign “no shirt, no shoes, no service”? It’s the start of a new era of Mickey cartoons that keep the laughs and smiles going strong for the new generation of Mouseketeers!

O Sole Minnie (2013)
This Emmy® Award-winning animated short follows an Italian romance between Minnie and Mickey along the Venice canals. If you keep a sharp eye out, you’ll catch the familiar clock tower façade of it’s a small world in the background of a scene. This isn’t just a happy little shout-out—the art for the short was inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, the artist and animator whose iconic visual style drove the look for many Disney films and, of course, the it’s a small world attraction at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair and Disney theme parks.

Get a Horse! (2013)
Get a Horse! is a triumphant burst of energy that is full of firsts and milestones! It was Mickey’s first theatrical short since Runaway Brain, earning an Academy Award® nomination for Best Animated Short. Helmed by Lauren MacMullan, this short also holds the distinction of being the first Disney animated film to be directed by a woman! And in a moment of true Disney history, a certain familiar face pokes his head into the cartoon, providing the first Disney appearance of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in 85 years! These milestones already set the tone for the short’s combination of the old and the new, starting off like an old-school black-and-white Mickey Mouse short and becoming 3-D, computer-generated animation as the story progresses, with archival recordings allowing Walt to voice Mickey once again. The short is brimming with Disney energy and the mischievous fun that makes us say “Oh boy!” whenever we think of that famous mouse.

Did You Know? 5 Rootin’ Tootin’ Things You Need to Know About A Cowboy Needs a Horse

November 3, 2016January 29, 2018

By Jim Fanning

Saddle up, pardners! Time to round up a few factoids as we go ridin’, ridin’ along with Walt Disney’s A Cowboy Needs a Horse. Celebrating 60 years of rocking horses and western song, this stylishly animated “special” is special indeed. With the gentle clip-clop-like cadence of the title tune, Disney animation tells the tale of a little boy who, while fast asleep, dreams his way into some well-loved cowboy tropes, including stopping a stagecoach-robbing bandit and saving a train from crashing off a blown-up trestle. True to the cowboy code, this lovable little cowpoke refuses all rewards, even a kiss from a pretty little girl. So pull on yer fancy boots and shiny spurs and let’s pan fer the pure gold nuggets that have made this animated adventure a real gem ever since its release six decades ago on November 6, 1956.

Like fellow animator Ward Kimball, Disney Legend Bill Justice was a talent Walt turned to when he wanted something different. During the 1950s, Bill directed several experimental shorts, created during a time when Disney cut back on production of animated shorts because of rising costs. Walt asked Justice to oversee some productions that would maintain quality Disney animation in short form but at a reduced expense. One of the results was A Cowboy Needs a Horse, a simple but stylish short that relied on strong design, a distinctive premise, and a captivating main character—all tied to an irresistible song. In addition to directing, Justice animated such key scenes as the boy waking up, the bed becoming a horse, the boy riding a horse, and the young cowpoke receiving his western props—each of them drawn in by an oversized animated pencil. Corralling the comical antics were veteran story artists Dick Kinney, who had gagged up many a cartoon starring Donald or Goofy, and Roy Williams, who was gaining fame as the Big Mooseketeer on the phenomenally popular Mickey Mouse Club television series.

Beginning in 1953, with Adventures in Music: Melody, Walt began producing animated shorts with highly stylized designs. Unlike his more traditional animated films, these visually sophisticated shorts drew on modern design and contemporary styles for a more graphic look. The supreme example is the Academy Award^®-winning Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom (1953)—but A Cowboy Needs a Horse is also among these artistic experiments. Abstract shapes combine with stylized designs to form impressionistic mesas, canyons, and deserts, and bold color choices, such as burnt sienna skies, help tell this whimsically western yarn. While the backgrounds—the long pan background of the mid-century modern penthouse that begins and ends the film is a work of art itself—are credited to old hands Ralph Hulett and Al Dempster, Justice relied on his frequent collaborator, Xavier “X” Atencio, who is credited with layout and styling, to create the modernist-design eye candy. In 1965, Walt asked both Justice and Atencio to lend their talents to WED Enterprises, Inc. (now known as Walt Disney Imagineering), where, in addition to many other attractions, they brought their Disney artistry to Pirates of the Caribbean.

The lullaby-like title tune was written by Billy Mills, a prolific Big Band leader who reportedly made 10,000 radio performances, and Paul Mason Howard, composer of such hits as “Shrimp Boats.” The song was recorded by Fess Parker (star of Walt Disney’s “Davy Crockett”) on Disneyland Records (now known as Walt Disney Records) and Jimmie Dodd, the head Mouseketeer on the Mickey Mouse Club TV series, as well as famed singing cowboy star Roy Rogers, who had narrated the “Pecos Bill” segment of Walt Disney’s Melody Time (1948). The score, by turns evocative, exciting, and gently satirical, was composed by Disney Legend George Bruns.

The title song from A Cowboy Needs a Horse was performed on “Fun With Music Day” (plain old Monday to non-Mouseketeers) on the Mickey Mouse Club TV series. Originally broadcast on December 5, 1955—almost an entire year before the animated short was released to theatres. This production number paralleled the basic format of the cartoon, with Mouseketeer Dennis Day at first fast asleep in bed and then dreaming of life as a cowboy in a stylized western set complete with dancing cactus plants (full body costumes with Dennis’ fellow Mouseketeers inside). By the way, Mouseketeers, the famed Mickey Mouse Club title sequence was directed by A Cowboy Needs a Horse director Bill Justice.

On the March 27, 1959, episode of Walt Disney Presents, entitled “Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom,” Walt showcased not only the Oscar^®-winning short of the same name but also other music-centric cartoons, including A Cowboy Needs a Horse. All-new animation was created to introduce the short, including our little cowpoke—who we learn is named “Johnny”— panning for gold with a frying pan in the kitchen sink. Later generations were introduced to this unique little horse opera on Disney Channel and on the popular Walt Disney Home Video Sing Along Songs series—because as the title tune says, “the good Lord knows that a cowboy’s gotta keep ridin’, ridin’ along.”

11 Characters to Inspire Your Dapper Style

November 3, 2016May 13, 2020

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Need a little inspiration for your next fashion phenomenon? D23 rounded up 11 Disney characters who’s style is at their dapper best.

1. Roger and Anita, One Hundred and One Dalmatians
The couple that dresses well together, stays together—and no one is a sharper-dressed pair of puppy parents than Roger and Anita. Rocking cute vests, spiffy suits, and perfectly pressed button-downs, this couple makes dressing dapper an effortless part of everyday life.

2. Mary Poppins and Bert, Mary Poppins
Sometimes you need to save your dapperness for special occasions, like perhaps going on a Jolly Holiday and visiting a chalk pavement picture world. Bert and Mary pull out all the stops in their coordinating outfits, perfect for a day of carousel riding and fine dining.

3. Bowler Hat Guy, Meet the Robinsons
Looking this good has never been so bad. Bowler Hat Guy is so dapper that his own name reflects his sense of fashion. His classic, all-black look is perfect for showing off your style, although your own bowler hat only needs to have secret flying and mind-control powers if you’re planning on pulling off nefarious schemes or hanging out with a T. rex.

4. Pinocchio, Pinocchio
Pinocchio had to work hard to become a real boy, but he was already real dapper from the start of his story. From the wooden puppet’s hat to his suspenders, Geppetto knew how Pinocchio should dress to impress. It’s no lie that he has a dapper look that no one can compete with.

5. Jane, Tarzan
Just because you’re out in the jungle doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be dressed to the nines! Jane manages multiple dapper outfits while out studying the animals of the jungle, rocking both a gorgeous yellow dress and a more exploration-appropriate shirt-and-skirt combo.

6. Dreamfinder, Journey into Imagination
When it comes to dressing dapper, the only limit is your imagination! Just ask the Dreamfinder, decked out in a top hat and waistcoat in brilliant blue, looking fantastic for every flight of fancy. Emulating his look will make you a dapper dream (purple talking dragon optional)!

7. José Carioca, Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros
When it comes to the fashion of the Three Cabelleros, everyone remembers Donald’s classic sailor suit ensemble, of course, but the real fashion star of the trio is a certain Brazilian parrot. With his all-yellow suit-and-hat combo and his trusty umbrella, Jose is ready to Samba!

8. Peggy Carter, Agent Carter
If there’s one character with dapper style that you’ll be marveling at, it’s the genuine 1940s style of Peggy Carter. Whether she’s in uniform or rocking a snazzy coat and hat in Captain America colors, Ms. Carter has the style that leaves everyone staring.

9. Ellie and Carl, Up
Dapper style has no age—just ask Ellie and Carl from Up! As young adults, they coordinate their ensembles with matching suits and dresses, and they keep up that style as the years go by. Don’t forget about Carl’s fabulous collection of ties, either. Together, they’re the couple that made us believe in true love and true fashion.

10. Miss Bianca, The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under
Sometimes big fashion comes in small packages, and Miss Bianca from The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under is a perfect example. Whether she is rocking her purple shawl with her matching fur hat or her matching sun hat, Miss Bianca keeps herself looking dapper in even the most daring of situations. She proves that you can look classy no matter the direness of the situation.

11. Fear and Disgust, Inside Out
Inside Out’s colorful cohorts, Fear and Disgust, make us feel anything but that when we look at their outfits! In fact, we’re downright joyful as we admire Disgust’s darling green dress and purple scarf; and Fear certainly wasn’t afraid to make a bold statement in his sweater vest and tie. Who knew that something as abstract as emotion could dress so well?

7 Mickey-Shaped Treats that are Almost Too Cute to Eat

November 3, 2016November 9, 2018

By Nicole Nalty

Every Disney fan knows––food just tastes better when it’s shaped like Mickey Mouse. Whether you’re craving salty or sweet, there’s a Mickey treat for every appetite. Here are just a few of our favorites, and some of the places you can find them:

Mickey Macaron

One of the newer additions to the Mickey Mouse lineup, this Mickey shaped macaron (our friend Rachel Bshero at the Disney Parks Blog created your guide for macaron vs. macaroon!) is a light delight in any flavor.

If you’re snacking at Walt Disney World Resort you can grab a macaron at Amorette’s Patisserie, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, or indulge in a Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at L’Artisan des Glaces.

If Disneyland Resort is where you’re chowing down, grab this delectable delicacy at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café or a cooled down version in the form of an ice cream sandwich at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure.

Character Dome Cake

Another new addition to Mickey-shaped sweets, this darling dome cake from Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs is the perfect take-home treat to enjoy with family and friends after your Walt Disney World vacation.

Mickey-Shaped Pretzel

In our opinion, it’s always a good time for a Mickey pretzel. You can munch on this savory snack salted or unsalted, with or without cheese dip.

Get your different-flavored twists on at Walt Disney World with a variety of pretzels available at The Lunching Pad, Sleepy Hollow, Gaston’s Tavern, Prince Eric’s Village Market, Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, Sommerfest, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and The Polite Pig.

If you’re deciding whether it’s to be or knot to be at Disneyland Resort, you can grab one of these classic treats at any of the pretzel carts located all around the parks!

Mickey Mouse Waffles

We never waffle over breakfast shaped like the big cheese. The Mickey waffle––along with the equally delicious Mickey pancake––have been Disney Parks staples for generations of Disney fans.

If you’re eating a waffle lot at Walt Disney World, grab your breakfast delight at the Whispering Canyon Café, Fresh Mediterranean Market, Garden Grove, Roaring Fork, and the Crystal Palace.

When you know you’re morning would be just waffle without, well, a waffle, at Disneyland Resort, head over to Carnation Café in Disneyland park and Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel to get your sweet breakfast fix.

Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar

Is there any treat more iconic than the Mickey premium ice cream bar? Creamy vanilla ice cream coated in chocolate, warm this sweet up in your hands before taking your first bite.

If your heart is melting for this cool snack at either Disneyland or Walt Disney World, grab one (or a pair) at any of the carts that sell frozen treats!

Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Sandwich

A Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwich is another cool snack for a hot day. Can’t decide between these frosty eats? Bring a friend to a frozen treats kiosk and get one of each!

Mickey Mouse Beignets

Sprinkled in powdered sugar, these warm desserts, inspired by the iconic New Orleans eat, are best enjoyed with a mint julep.

If you’re ready to say beign-YAY at Walt Disney World, grab a trio of these ch-ear-ful treats at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory.

When all you knead to round up a perfect day at Disneyland is this famous delicacy, head over to the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square, and grab some to share (or eat all on your own, we’re not judging!).

Mickey Krispie Treats

If you prefer more of a crunch to your snack, then the Mickey Krispie Treats should be your go-to. With all sorts of different kinds of flavors and varieties, there’s an ear for everyone who holds Mickey dear.

If you’re saying bon appé-treat at Walt Disney World, you can pick up your favorite flavor at Main Street Confectionery, Candy Cauldron, and Goofy’s Candy Company. And, if this caramelly drizzled confection looks like the exact Mickey Krispie Treat you’d like to eat, you can grab it at Karamel Küche at Epcot.

Next time you’re at Disneyland looking for a snack to love for ears and ears, grab one of these at Goofy’s Kitchen and Pooh’s Corner.

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