The Technology of Soarin’ Around the World

By Jim Frye

The fan-favorite attraction Soarin’ Over California has gotten a brand-new, high-tech upgrade; new locations; and a whole new theme in preparation for its spectacular premiere at Shanghai Disney Resort. Back in 2001, Soarin’ Over California opened with the most state-of-the-art equipment available, using high-definition film projection, dimensional sounds, scents, and more. But now that digital projection and digital technology have advanced so dramatically, the Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) team decided they needed to take a leap forward with new state-of-the-art equipment, starting with the camera. Of course, as often happens at WDI, what they wanted didn’t exist. So they invented it.

“Just as Walt did with Circle-Vision and some of the other unique formats in the parks, we often custom-design projection and screen technology to create the immersive story environment that we want,” says Tom Fitzgerald, Portfolio Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “The beauty of being Imagineering is that we have an R&D team here, and our Disney Imagineers and researchers developed a state-of-the-art digital camera, one of the highest resolution cameras in the world.”

What that means for guests is that the images on the 80-foot projection screen are going to be as realistic and spectacular as imaginable. But they didn’t stop with the camera. They also updated the projection systems to laser-powered digital projection for high resolution and super-high frame rate. This helps to create a super-bright effect with super-high resolution. It won’t ever fade, scratch, jitter, or show any dirt. “It will stay pristine for every guest who rides it as time marches on,” Fitzgerald notes. “It does what we like to do at Imagineering, which is raise the bar and the quality of an immersive experience for guests. So when you see the new projection system, you absolutely believe you’re in those scenes now. It’s astonishing.”

Helicopter at Matterhorn

The actual filming process stretched out for more than a year, requiring multiple locations all around the world. As the crew filmed, they’d send back footage, which allowed the California team to adjust the shots in real-time. And because Imagineers needed to see the footage as it would look inside the actual attraction, they built a mini-dome for screening the footage at their headquarters in Glendale.

“We built a quarter-scale dome, with a ladder that would take you up into the center of it and we would go up one by one, stand at the top of that ladder, and watch all the footage from the locations to pick the ideal shot,” Fitzgerald says. “And that’s how we put it together.” It wasn’t until the Disney California Adventure Soarin’ attraction went digital that Imagineers were able to actually travel down there at night when the park was closed to guests, put it up in the air and run the footage to make sure that they had all the perfect shots that they wanted. They’d see if there were any issues they needed to adjust or tweak. It was a process of back and forth, back and forth.

“Things look very different on a computer monitor or a TV screen than they do on the dome and we needed to go into that dome and look at the shots,” he explains. “Sometimes we’d pick a take that we might not have picked if we were just looking at things on a television screen. We had to have that immersive format to look at things. And again that’s part of the Imagineering way. You can’t go to Hollywood and say ‘I need a quarter dome to look at my footage,’ so we are in the business and have been for years of building unique screening facilities for our unique film and media experiences in the park.”

Fitzgerald adds, “You know, I think Soarin’ is a very romantic and beautiful experience with that score and the sensation of flying,” he adds. “We wanted postcard-perfect shots to make up the show. Soarin’ is one of the most popular attractions we’ve ever created and this was the natural next step. You’ve flown over California, so now let’s take you on one of the grandest adventures of them all. Let’s take you around the world!”

Excerpted from the Summer 2016 issue of Disney twenty-three. Like what you’re reading? Become a Gold Member now.

Share Your Chinese Zodiac Sign—with a Disney Twist!

Shanghai Disney Resort’s Garden of the Twelve Friends makes for a uniquely lovely stroll and the perfect spot to snap a picture alongside one of the 12 mosaic vignettes that adorn the garden wall. These stunning glass mosaics—created in close collaboration with local Chinese artists and craftsmen—feature every character of the Chinese zodiac, rendered in Disney style and represented by favorite Disney and Disney•Pixar characters. The characters were chosen to symbolize each element of the Chinese zodiac, but they also retain their own distinctive Disney personalities.

What’s your sign? Find it below, and share it with your friends… and see how many traits you have in common with your favorite Disney star!

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Ratatouille’s Remy represents the Year of the Rat. He’s determined, smart and charming. He can adapt to any situation with creative ease.

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Babe, Paul Bunyan’s four-legged sidekick in the 1958 short Paul Bunyan, is patient and has a reasonable demeanor—with hints of a stubborn streak. But overall, Babe—who symbolizes the Year of the Ox—is reliable, kind, and strong.

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Who else but Tigger could represent the Year of the Tiger? He’s self-assured, eager, and gutsy (along with being bouncy and pouncy), and he’s got intensity, charm, and a willingness to try anything new.

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The Year of the Rabbit is symbolized by Thumper, from Bambi. This popular, modest, and honest bunny goes out of his way to show compassion and diplomacy as he faithfully cares for his friends.

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People born in the Year of the Dragon—which has Mushu, from Mulan, as its mascot—tend to be confident, creative, and eternally optimistic.

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Kaa, the wily and persuasive snake from Disney’s 1967 animated hit The Jungle Book, has some traits that are certainly worth emulating: He can be charming… he’s driven… and he’s nothing if not intelligent, like those born in the Year of the Snake.

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Is there any steed more daring, more bold, or braver than Tangled’s Maximus? Folks born during the Year of the Horse tend to be loyal, ambitious, and filled with a sense of adventure.

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The jolly holiday lasts throughout the Year of the Sheep, as far as Mary Poppins’ singing lambs are concerned. If your birthday falls during that year, you’re likely kind, sensitive, and have a soothing, quiet charm.

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We’re in the Year of the Monkey right now, in 2016, and Abu, from Aladdin, embodies the qualities of cleverness, versatility and, of course, high energy.

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Robin Hood’s narrator, Allan-A-Dale, symbolizes the Year of the Rooster. The kind and loyal rooster displays autonomy, confidence, and common sense.

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Courage, integrity, and an all-around cheery outlook: These are the qualities traditionally associated with those born in the Year of the Dog, and Mickey’s best pal, Pluto, is the quintessential symbol of that zodiac sign.

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Hamm, the wisecracking toy from the Toy Story films, is front and center for the Year of the Pig. He’s always there to help his friends when they need him and, like others born in the Year of the Pig, he’s appreciative, honorable, and optimistic.

Day 2: Shanghai Disney Resort – A Fan’s Eye View

By Jeffrey Epstein

D23 is celebrating the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort and bringing you along with us on an exclusive tour of this breathtaking new resort! Our second installment takes you into Shanghai Disneyland through Mickey Avenue, Treasure Cove, Fantasyland, and more. For the first installment, featuring the Shanghai Disney Resort hotels and Disneytown, click here.

Shanghai Disneyland! As the sun was rising, we were up and ready. Today we walked through the gates of Disney’s newest theme park.

We had to catch our breath as the traditional “floral Mickey” came into view. The colorful arrangement welcomes guests into the park, and we knew we were in for something special.

Arcade M on Mickey Avenue

First off, if you’re considering a visit to Shanghai Disneyland, plan to spend a day just gawking at Mickey Avenue. The details are astounding. Imagineers chose to craft Mickey Avenue as a place where Disney’s best and brightest have set up shop. Avenue M Arcade would be the equivalent of the Emporium for guests familiar with our stateside parks. There’s a little bit of everything—and a whole lot of hidden treasures. Look closely above one of the doorways and you’ll find the adorable one-man-band from Pixar’s Tin Toy—or Woody and Buzz in their “original packaging.” We spent as much time exploring as we did perusing the merchandise.

Tin Toy at Mickey Avenue

Across the street in Sweethearts Confectionary, Minnie has treats galore for any sweet tooth. And just as sweet are the adorable family portraits along the walls.

Sweetheart Confectionary at Mickey Avenue

And if you want to truly go on a Disney geek scavenger hunt, that’s just the beginning. Inside Remy’s Patisserie you’ll find Gusteau’s Anyone Can Cook—in French! In Il Paperino (which features scrumptious waffles) guests will find Donald’s entire family tree—and there are enough feathered friends to fill Duckburg and more. Back on the street, keep an eye peeled for the window advertising the Hotel Marceline. And the Laugh-O-Grams Photo Studio. And Floyd and Carl’s Comics (an homage to comic book artists Floyd Gottfredson and Carl Barks). And in Mickey & Pals Market Café, you’ll find images of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Hiawatha, Johnny Appleseed, and more on creatively crafted crates.

Ratatouille at Mickey Avenue

Don’t miss the “1401” address on one of the buildings along a side street (the same address number as Walt Disney Imagineering’s headquarters). There’s an ad for Lightning McQueen’s favorite: Rust-eze. Oh, and of course there’s a 23! Visitors could literally spend a day just sightseeing… But there are way too many incredible attractions to get to (and shows… and parades…).

Whistle Stop Shop at Shanghai Disneyland

We hightailed it to Treasure Cove—the park’s pirate-themed land—for Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. We were totally transported into Jack Sparrow’s world—and his nasty tiffs with Barbossa and Davy Jones, thanks to the incredible lifelike Audio-Animatronics® characters. And keep a weather eye out for the names of the ships (Anne Bonny!), which will have special meaning to fans of both the original Pirates attraction and the films.

Treasure Cove

Don’t think there’s a moment to catch your breath. Next door is the Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular. The lobby is more ornately decorated than some of the most famous Broadway theaters. Our mouse ears are off to those incredible stunt performers. The sword fighting! The swashbuckling! And one intense storm. We have never seen anything like Captain Jack fending off a foe midair (untethered!) as a wild sea cyclone hits the theater.

Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular

We got off our feet for a few minutes to take in Tarzan: Call of the Jungle at Adventure Isle, an epic show that retells the story of Tarzan through traditional Chinese acrobatics and theatrics. We are still in awe of what we saw—from plate spinning and aerial silk dancing to gravity defying acrobatics. The score—performed in Mandarin—remains as vibrant as ever, and Mrs. Potts even makes an appearance! (In her own subtle way.)

Tarzan: Call of the Jungle Shanghai Disney Resort

Next it was off to go Soaring Over the Horizon. Here in Shanghai the concept is that we are being lifted by a magical thunderbird and taken on a journey around the globe—concluding with a stunning view of Shanghai. After taking flight, we came back to Earth for the thrilling Roaring Rapids attraction—including drenching drops and other surprises.

Soaring Over the Horizon

After the intensity, it was time for a little fantasy. (But before you leave Adventure Isle, make sure you get a photo with Woolley, the llama!) Fantasyland is a staple of any Disney park, and in Shanghai, fantasy goes big—with the largest castle ever created for a Disney theme park, the Enchanted Storybook Castle. The craftsmanship on the castle is mind-blowing. Perla and Suzy from Cinderella are crafted into the stonework, as are Tangled’s Pascal, the owl from Sleeping Beauty, and many more fairy-tale favorites. Like Mickey Avenue, we could have gawked at the artistry all day. But we chose to head inside for “Once Upon A Time” Adventure. Just as Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland tells the tale of Aurora, the Enchanted Storybook Castle offers guests the chance to relive Snow White’s iconic story. Some of the special effects—especially the magic mirror, which acts as your portal to the attraction, and the Evil Queen’s interactive smoldering cauldron—are fantastic.

Shanghai Disneyland Castle

The Enchanted Storybook Castle is also unique because it is the only Disney castle with an attraction that goes through it—Voyage to the Crystal Grotto. Traveling through Fantasyland, guests relive magical moments from Disney animated films such as The Little Mermaid, Fantasia, Mulan, Tangled, and Beauty and the Beast (you may need to duck when Mrs. Potts “steams up” and a stream of water shoots out her “nose”!). It culminates in a finale under the castle in a secret chamber where magic crystals come to life. We loved seeing so many of our favorite films together in one attraction.

Beauty and the Beast at Voyage to the Crystal Grotto

Then it was off to Never Land! We heard the Imagineers made some “enhancements” to the traditional Peter Pan attractions, and we loved every single one of them. Nana floating in air was a particular highlight. And be careful not to run into Big Ben.

Tangled Tree Tavern

All this adventure made us hungry, so off we went to the Tangled Tree Tavern. The quick-serve eatery designed after the Snuggly Duckling from Tangled. While we didn’t run into any ruffians or thugs, we did love the spicy Szechuan Chicken!

Alice in Wonderland Maze

Then it was time to venture into Alice in Wonderland Maze. The labyrinth is based on the Tim Burton film, which is incredibly popular in China. At every twist and turn there was something new to see. Careful of the Bandersnatch’s lair—behind the quaking door is some ferocious growling, and Alice wasn’t anywhere to tell him we were just passing through. In a cavern the Cheshire Cat can be found… if you’re lucky. He has a way of disappearing. And while you’re getting entangled in the maze, there’s an abundance of fantastic photo spots including the Red Queen, her guards, and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Gardens of Imagination

From there we strolled into the Gardens of Imagination, which features Disney and Pixar characters in the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Seeing them up close is something else. The tilework is extraordinary, bringing characters such as Mushu, Kaa, Thumper, and Remy to life in an entirely new way.

Fantasia Carousel at Shanghai Disneyland

Along with lush greenery, the Gardens features Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and seeing elephants fly in front of the castle is quite a sight to behold. And we adored the Fantasia Carousel, which celebrates one of our Disney favorites with 62 brightly colored horses from the “Pastoral Symphony” section of the film. Along the carousel’s façade you’ll also catch a glimpse of Sorcerer Mickey and even Yen Sid!

Mickey's Storybook Express at Shanghai Disneyland

The Gardens acts as the “hub” for the park, so we were in the perfect place to catch Mickey’s Storybook Express, an all-new parade led by a colorful locomotive with the number 8 on his “nose” (which signifies good luck!) and Dumbo riding atop! On the Tangled float we finally got to see some of the ruffians we missed at the Tavern (along with Flynn and Rapunzel, of course), and the Frozen segment was led by Sven (let’s face it, reindeer are better than people) with Marshmallow bringing up the rear. But perhaps the most spectacular float was Mulan’s. Riding atop her trusted steed, Khan, our heroine is surrounded by grandly dressed soldiers, drummers, and an ornate pagoda. Is it just us, or does Mulan look great in her warrior outfit? And keep your eyes peeled for hidden Mickeys throughout!

Mulan during Mickey's Storybook Express

After the parade we needed a break. We still had to hit Tomorrowland and more! We’ll be back soon with more on our adventures.

Watch the Shanghai Disney Resort Grand Opening Wherever You Are

By Courtney Potter

Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney resort in mainland China, opens its gates on June 16, 2016, and you can follow the events on Disney channels and on Disney.com.

Watch the grand opening ceremony of Shanghai Disney Resort live on Disney.com Wednesday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. PST (June 16, 10:30 a.m. Shanghai time)!

Disney also invites viewers from all over the globe to experience an “authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese” grand opening celebration with a once-in-a-lifetime television special coming to Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD—simultaneously—this Thursday, June 16 (from 8–8:30 p.m.)! Narrated by Sofia Carson (Disney Channel’s upcoming Adventures in Babysitting), the telecast will feature Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger as he’s joined by nearly 3,000 distinguished guests in front of Shanghai Disneyland’s spectacular Enchanted Storybook Castle. World-renowned pianist Lang Lang will perform an all-new arrangement of “Let It Go” (from Disney’s Frozen), and the Shanghai Symphony—led by acclaimed composer and conductor Tan Dun—will debut an original song, “Ignite the Dreamer Within,” written especially for the grand opening. And of course, expect all the magic and pageantry Disney is known for… including an appearance by Mickey Mouse himself!

Good news: In case you can’t catch the simulcast on Thursday, Freeform will also air the special on Friday, June 17, from 10–10:30 p.m. Don’t miss it!

 

Step Inside the Hotels of Shanghai Disney Resort

By Nicole Nalty

We are just days away from the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, and we can’t wait to see this special moment in Disney history! D23 is taking you through the new resort with an exclusive fan’s eye view of the opening and a closer look at the Disney details that bring Shanghai Disney Resort to life.

Often your first experience on a Disney vacation is checking in to one of the many unbelievably detailed hotels—and Shanghai Disney Resort is no exception. From the extravagant and elegant Shanghai Disneyland Hotel to the colorful and playful Toy Story Hotel, there’s plenty of pixie dust still to come before and after a day at Shanghai Disneyland. We’ve already shared some of the story behind the two Shanghai Disney Resort hotels, but take a closer look with new images of the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel:

Day 1: Shanghai Disney Resort—A Fan’s Eye View

By Jeffrey Epstein

D23 is celebrating the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort and bringing you along with us on an exclusive tour of this breathtaking new resort! Our first installment takes you inside two spectacular hotels, and includes a visit to Disneytown and the Walt Disney Grand Theatre. Check back throughout the week for additional updates.

The opportunity to attend the grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort is any Disney geek’s dream. So when D23 was invited to cover, we jumped at the chance…  on to a plane… and into a car… as fast as we could get there.

Woody Courtyard at Toy Story Hotel

First, we checked into the adorable Toy Story Hotel, our home for the next several days—a gleaming blue glass structure covered with the same puffy white clouds that adorned Andy’s room in the beloved films. A fleet of cheery cast members in brightly colored costumes was there to greet us. All smiles and waving their hands, they make every guest feel like a celebrity. Each visitor receives that same level of unbridled enthusiasm—the true Disney difference.

Front Desk at Toy Story Hotel

The hotel’s colorful details immediately stand out. The reception desk is decorated with racks and racks of oversized, glimmering glass marbles. As we checked in, we noticed Buzz and Jesse posing for photos in the outside courtyard, making magical moments for guests before they even stepped into the park.

Guest Room at Toy Story Hotel

Next it was up to the room. The wallpaper? Again, Andy’s signature puffy clouds. The overhead lamp? A mid-century modern-influenced fixture with Slinky Dog chasing his tail. The safe? A Rubik’s cube. The shower curtain features beautiful concept art of the characters from the film, and everything from the bed runner to the pad of paper in the room is pulled from the film—even the adorable H2O products for the shower and bath! It’s like living in Andy’s room, only without the messes a boy is fond of making.

Lotso Merchandise at Toy Story Hotel

Of course we needed to explore. The hotel—shaped like an 8 (a lucky number in China) or infinity (as in “to infinity and beyond”) depending on your perspective—is large but still easy to find your way around. The Lotso Shop is chock-full of Toy Story-themed goods, as well as many other beloved Disney characters and Shanghai Disney Resort-specific items from T-shirts to pins. After grabbing a snack at the Sunnyside Market (which offers a mix of western and Chinese counter service items), we took a moment to stroll through the quick service Sunnyside Café. Both are themed to the daycare center in Toy Story 3. Beautiful kites of the characters billow from the ceiling. It would be easy to sit there all day… but there was too much else to see!

Sunnyside Cafe at Toy Story Hotel

 

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

Next it was off for a visit to the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. The grandeur of the Art Nouveau lobby with its giant columns and breathtaking glasswork is striking. (We may have noticed a hidden Mickey—one of many—at the concierge desk!) A gorgeous bronze statue of the “Fab Five” playing musical instruments forms the centerpiece of the lobby, which is framed by a stunning view of Wishing Star Lake and—just across from it—Disneytown and Shanghai Disneyland.

Mickey Statue at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

If we’d had more time, we would have kicked back in the Bacchus Lounge, which offers the same dazzling view. With its ornate bar, the lounge offers an array of tasty adult (and kid-friendly) beverages—plus it’s named after one of our favorite characters from Fantasia.

Bacchus Lounge at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

Downstairs, Lumiere’s Kitchen offers a buffet feast fit for, well, a beauty, a beast, and their entire wedding party! And when we arrived a perfectly crafted figure of Lumiere himself was watching over an elaborate array of desserts. (Try the grey stuff—we hear it’s delicious.) And just down the hall is King Triton’s Pool—an indoor watering hole that features motifs of characters from The Little Mermaid, including a stunning one of Ariel.

Lumiere's Kitchen at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

We also got to check out one of the stylish rooms that come complete with pixie-dusted headboards (those who have stayed at the Disneyland Hotel will get a sense of what we mean).

Guest Room at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

 

Then we headed to Disneytown (we had some serious shopping to do). It’s divided into four distinct districts: Marketplace, Spice Alley, Lakeshore, and Broadway Boulevard. Each offers its own unique Chinese-influenced architecture and an abundance of insider Disney details—from hidden Mickeys and buildings with notable years (one building is dated “1938,” the year Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opened in China) to clever artwork such as a poster for the Lakeshore Sisters—Dolly, Dottie and Ethel—the trio of singers who opened the Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café on Buena Vista Street (in Anaheim called the “Silver Lake Sisters”—so perhaps they switched it up for their Disneytown appearance?).

Dozens of stores and eateries keep Disneytown bustling day and night. The combination of Disney specialty shops and traditional stores, such as New Balance and Sephora, creates the perfect balance for Shanghai locals and visiting tourists.

World of Disney at Disneytown at Shanghai Disney Resort

When Disney names a store “World of Disney,” they mean it. The first in mainland China, the store is immense and packed to the gills with Disney delights. In the center of the main room is an enormous eight-foot globe that has a variety of landscapes and images projected on it, from maps to animated children that look straight of out it’s a small world. Guests can find everything from the familiar plush to Shanghai-exclusive collectibles. Fans will appreciate the design flourishes throughout the store, including kiosks that feature posters for favorite attractions from Disney Parks around the world, past and present, such as Videopolis from Disneyland Paris. Connected to World of Disney are an array of “D” specialty shops, including D-Tech, D-Street, and Novel-D, and behind one of the cash registers is large portrait of Mickey Mouse made up entirely of keys from computer keyboards!

And the food? The Cheesecake Factory stood out to us at first—while it’s a common sight back in the States, this is the first Asian flagship site of the popular eatery. And there were plenty of other delicacies to try. The sushi at Hatsune was outstanding. The curry chicken bowl at Blue Frog? Spicy and flavorful. There is literally something for everyone—including an elaborate and welcoming Starbucks for those who need their caffeine fix.

The Lion King

The centerpiece of Broadway Boulevard is the Walt Disney Grand Theatre. This iconic structure is home to the first-ever Mandarin production of The Lion King. And we were fortunate enough to be there for opening night of this theatrical spectacle that has thrilled audiences around the globe. Guests—who included the show’s original director, Julie Taymor, as well as Roy P. Disney, and Marty Sklar—were handed flutes of champagne as they entered the stunning theatre where four exquisite paintings done in traditional Chinese style representing Disney Theatrical shows, including Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Aladdin, and, of course, The Lion King, set the tone for the incredible nighttime experience. One thing guests from around the world can be certain of is, no matter what language The Lion King is presented in, its message and music are universal, as the audience roared (pun intended) with delight at the musical spectacular.

The show capped a spectacular first day at Shanghai Disneyland Resort. And there’s so much more to come.

An Unforgettable Cast: The Faces and Fins of Finding Dory

By Nicole Nalty

On June 17, Finding Dory will star someone old, someone new, and of course, our favorite someone blue! All of your favorite friends from the classic Disney•Pixar film are back, along with a whole slew of new creatures.

Let’s take a closer look at this cast of characters, shall we?

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DORY (Ellen DeGeneres)—The star of the sea in Finding Dory is, of course, our favorite bright blue tang. As we know from Finding Nemo, Dory’s short-term memory loss doesn’t stop her from having an optimistic attitude, that is until she remembers something very important: She’s forgotten her family.

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MARLIN (Albert Brooks)—The grouchy but loveable clownfish is back for another cross-ocean journey, much to his dismay. As we know, Marlin is quite content living a quiet life at home, but after all of Dory’s help finding Nemo, how could he not help his forgetful friend?

NEMO (Hayden Rolence)—Just one year after his big adventure, we find Nemo is still a normal kid—going to school and living on the coral reef with his dad and their neighbor, Dory. Nemo obviously understands the importance of family, so he’s incredibly supportive of Dory’s search for her parents.

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CRUSH (Andrew Stanton) and SQUIRT (Bennett Dammann)—This totally wicked duo helped Dory and Marlin find their way to P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney in Finding Nemo, so it’s no surprise that these two help our fishy friends cruise the ocean once again to find Dory’s parents. Isn’t that so totally sweet?

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RAY (Bob Peterson)—The musical Mr. Ray is back to teach Nemo and his friends about the big blue world, but this time he has a new assistant: Dory. Although Dory is there to help Mr. Ray, it’s actually Mr. Ray who helps her—one of his field trips turns out to be quite illuminating for the blue tang.

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HANK (Ed O’Neill)—This cantankerous septopus is definitely a Mr. Grumpy Gils, as Dory would say—but there’s more to him than meets the eye. He has some seriously impressive camouflaging skills, which is a very helpful talent for such an anti-social septopus. Hank isn’t interested in making new friends—all he cares about is securing a one-way ticket on a transport truck to a facility in Cleveland, where he can life his live peacefully and most importantly, alone.

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DESTINY (Kaitlin Olson)—A larger-than-life whale shark, Destiny is chronically clumsy but has a heart of gold. Destiny meets Dory at the Marine Life Institute, although, there’s something very familiar about her… All we know for sure is that the two have one very important thing in common: they both speak whale.

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BAILEY (Ty Burrell)—A beluga whale with a tendency for the dramatics, Bailey also finds Dory at the Marine Life Institute. But Bailey has other priorities besides making new friends—he’s SURE his echolocation is on the fritz. Destiny tries to keep this beluga from wailing, but she just can’t seem to get through to him.

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JENNY (Diane Keaton) and CHARLIE (Eugene Levy)—At the heart of Finding Dory are Dory’s parents, Jenny and Charlie. They may be a little quirky, but their most important trait is something we can all relate to: an unconditional love for their daughter, Dory.

D23’s Ultimate Countdown to Shanghai Disney Resort: Disneytown

By Tyler Slater

Disney fans… the time has almost arrived—Shanghai Disney Resort opens June 16! We hope you have enjoyed D23’s Ultimate Countdown, but before we see you real soon, enjoy a tour of Disneytown, a charming shopping, dining, and entertainment district! Located right next door to Shanghai Disneyland, visitors feel like they’ve been transported to the early 20th century and travel the globe in search of quality goods, great food, and the best of times.

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The heart of Disneytown is Marketplace, a bustling central plaza filled to the brim with specialty merchandise shops. This district includes three world-class Disney shopping experiences: World of Disney Store, Marketplace specialty shops, and Spoonful of Sugar confectionery.

At the World of Disney Store, families are invited to schedule a stop at this railroad-themed roundhouse and discover a bustling emporium brimming with Shanghai Disney Resort merchandise. Suspended overhead is an eight-foot projected globe that showcases treasured characters and stories from all of Disney’s wonderful worlds. In the Marketplace specialty shops adjacent to World of Disney Store, D-Street offers urban trends and personalized D-Tech products, Novel-D features novelty and lifestyle Disney products, and Trend-D is the place for trendy apparel featuring favorite Disney friends! Then, step in time and head over to Spoonful of Sugar—an innovative confectionery boutique for special gifts including signature chocolates, cupcakes, candy apples, and more. This nostalgic candy shop reflects the optimistic lyrics from the beloved song from Mary Poppins and is a can’t-miss destination for Disney fans visiting Shanghai Disney Resort.

Inspired by Shanghai’s nautical past while also reflecting today’s lifestyles, the Lakeshore district features a beautiful blue, white, and golden yellow color scheme. Here, guests can enjoy stunning views and delicious dining opportunities. Lakeshore’s natural beauty makes it an ideal location for romantic moments and anniversaries, or even weddings!

Guests can season their day or night at Spice Alley—an eclectic and exotic district with a distinct personality. Here, local life spills out onto the street and communal tables create an irresistible atmosphere. Its narrow cobblestone streets and small courtyards will remind guests of a bygone era, and the international array of foods will reflect the story of many different cultures and people coming together. A variety of Asian cuisine is part of the mix and open kitchens provide a sense of warmth and welcome.

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Around the corner is Broadway Boulevard, an upscale street that invites visitors to add some artistic flare to their visit with sophisticated shopping and entertainment. The focal point of this district is the Walt Disney Grand Theatre—home to the first-ever Mandarin stage production of The Lion King This 1,200-seat theatre will become an icon for Disneytown, introducing world-class Disney entertainment experiences to Shanghai and offering fans of all ages the opportunity to celebrate the “Circle of Life” in a whole new way.

To see the list of delicious dining experiences and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious shopping destinations, click here!

Thank you for joining us on D23’s Ultimate Countdown to Shanghai Disney Resort! Always remember: “We’re just getting started.”

To see the entire Ultimate Countdown, click the links below!

10 Things We Love That Were Inspired by Cars

By Jim Fanning

Put that pedal to the metal—it’s time to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Disney•Pixar’s Cars. Originally released on June 9, 2006, this revved-up CGI-animated feature speedily made silver screen stars of racy Lightning McQueen, sporty, sweet, and sensible Sally, scene-stealing Tow Mater, and the whole garage-filling gang from Radiator Springs. To celebrate a decade of Cars-driven good times, strap on your seat belts as we take a road trip through the top 10 fave things we have from this accelerated animated classic.

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Welcome to Cars Land

Ever since opening at Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort in 2012, Cars Land—a 12-acre themed realm inspired by everyone’s favorite Route 66 town—has immersed guests in Radiator Springs. Featuring restaurants, such as Flo’s V8 Café, and shops like Ramone’s House of Body Art, the high-octane attractions include Radiator Springs Racers. Covering six acres—the largest attraction by acreage at the Disneyland Resort—this “E-Ticket” adventure starts out as a leisurely tour of Ornament Valley but goes from zero to 60 as it plunges passengers into an all-out race for the Piston Cup. But there’s more than racing thrills to experience in this incredibly detailed land. The Cars Land rockwork spans more than 300,000 square feet, making it the largest rockwork construction in any U.S. Disney theme park. And in a wondrously beautiful reflection of the film, at sunset 16 neon signs light up the Radiator Springs sky.

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Cars Courtyard at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Perhaps you don’t want to just visit Radiator Springs… Maybe you want to stay there? If that’s so, drive on up to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World Resort, which has a section devoted entirely to the film. A winding “Route 66” path right off the lobby offers guests plenty to see in the desert-themed landscaping including Tow Mater’s Tow & Salvage, the Wheel Well Motel, and Sally’s Coze Cone Motel. Plus, there are multiple photo opportunities with your favorite Cars characters including Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally, Ramone, Doc Hudson, Luigi, Guido and Fillmore. Even the rooms feel right out of Ornament Valley with “traffic cone” lamps, sofas designed to look like the comfy backseat of a car, and furnishings with a mid-century modern feel. It’s the perfect place to park your family.

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Tow Mater, Superstar

If you’re going to create a movie where cars are the characters, you’d better make sure that the film is character driven—and of all the top-gear personalities in Cars, the rusty-but-trusty tow truck, Tow Mater, is the breakout Cars star. This lovable lunk of a 1955 Wrecker has gone on to headline other films, theme park attractions and even his very own Little Golden Books, including Look Out For Mater! and Deputy Mater Saves the Day! The inspiration for the “world’s best backwards driver”? An old tow truck found along Route 66 in Galena, Kansas. “More than any other character that we’ve created at Pixar,” Lasseter said in 2006, “I’m probably proudest of Mater.”

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Getting Cars Kicks on Route 66

The Cars connection with the United States’ legendary “Mother Road” have led many a fan to rediscover—or discover for the first time— the history and legacy of Route 66. A great believer in firsthand research, Lasseter went into overdrive, taking nine key members of the creative team on a nine-day road trip along Route 66 in 2001 in four white Cadillacs to help create the world of Cars. Route 66 expert Michael Wallis was the tour guide. “On our research trip, we went to the cafes, mom-and-pop shops and motels along the way,” Wallis explained. “If you’re a real road warrior and you know the old highway, you will be pleased, because the film is going to remind you of places and people you might know on the Mother Road.” (Mike Wallis makes an audio appearance in the film as the voice of the Sherriff.) And then there’s the 1946 Bobby Troup standard, “Route 66.” Grammy® Award-winning singer/guitarist John Mayer contributed his own distinctive rendition of the classic road-trip tune to the Cars soundtrack.

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Music to Rev Up Your Motor

The chart-topping Cars: The Soundtrack album showcases the memorable musical score and songs composed by frequent Pixar collaborator and Disney Legend Randy Newman. Among the four songs written for the film is a Randy Newman composition called “Our Town.” Sung by legendary Grammy- winning recording artist James Taylor, the tune was nominated for a Best Original Song Academy Award®. As for the score, Cars producer Darla Anderson said, “Randy’s music for the parts of the movie that take place in Radiator Springs has almost a kind of Copeland-like quality to it. He worked with a 110-piece orchestra to get this amazing score. And then he did a lot of side sessions that had a bluegrass quality with mandolin, guitar and a harmonica.”

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A Cars Toy Story

Though we’re celebrating Cars here and not Toy Story, we couldn’t help but mention playthings, for Cars-themed toys—playsets, games and even plush— have brought joy to kids and kids-at-heart alike. Since the film first zoomed into theaters 10 years ago, more than 200 million die-cast cars have raced off shelves and into the homes and hearts of Cars enthusiasts. “The products are really a manifestation of the love of those characters,” noted Lasseter, an avid toy collector himself, “and are a way that collectors, kids and families can have the characters be with them beyond the boundary of the film.”

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New Cars Cartoons!

Mater and the rest of the Cars crew zoomed past their feature debut to star in showroom-new cartoons. These sleek, sporty shorts—Mater’s Tall Tales, including Rescue Squad Mater, Unidentified Flying Mater and Monster Truck Mater—shifted into high gear on Toon Disney in 2008, followed by screenings on Disney Channel and ABC Family (now Freeform). Other speedy shorts include such theatrically released cartoons as Tokyo Mater (2008). Another series of shorts, Tales from Radiator Springs, featured even more animated automobile antics, as in The Radiator Springs 500½, which debuted on Disney Movies Anywhere in 2014.

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Cars Devotees Discover a Classic Car Cartoon

The runaway popularity of Cars led its fans racing to see an earlier “model” of animated anthropomorphic automobiles. Released in 1952, Walt Disney’s Susie, the Little Blue Coupe tells the story of a pretty little subcompact and her various owners. As a youngster, John Lasseter saw the original short on television and ever after it was a favorite—helping to inspire not only the Cars concept but also giving birth to the Cars design aesthetic. He once said, “When you bring an inanimate object like Susie to life, you will always think, ‘What is the face?’ The natural eyes of a car are the headlights, but when you put the eyes in the windshield, that changes the whole dynamic. Moving the eyes to the windshield separates them from the front of the face, the hood becomes the nose and the mouth is down by the grille. Now the body of the car is the head of the character, and that design gives the animators more opportunities for acting.”

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Paul Newman Amps Up a New Audience

In his final role for a major feature film, screen legend and race-car enthusiast Paul Newman voiced racing veteran Doc Hudson. The Oscar® winner and Guinness Book World Record Holder (the oldest driver to win a professionally sanctioned race in 1995 in Daytona) gave a world-class performance as the wise but mysterious 1951 Hudson Hornet. “I’m so proud of this character and thrilled that Paul Newman agreed to provide the voice,” Lasseter once said. “Not only is he one of our greatest actors of all time, but his association with racing made him the perfect choice for this role.” Lasseter became very close with Newman, attending a number of races with the mega-movie star before his passing in 2008. Thanks to Newman’s newfound notoriety, youthful Cars fanatics sought out this ‘new’ star’s previous triumphs, including Newman’s Oscar-winning triumph as Fast Eddie (reprising his classic role in 1961’s The Hustler) in The Color of Money (1986), produced under Disney’s Touchstone label.

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A Shiny New Sequel (or Two)

The popularity of Cars led to a shiny new model, Cars 2 (2011). The sporty sequel actually began during the international Cars promotional tour as Lasseter pondered the many different makes of autos—and even traffic signals and street signs—in England, Japan and Italy, leading to Lightning and Mater becoming embroiled in a World Grand Prix and international intrigue. “It’s not a parody of a spy movie,” Lasseter once said. “It is a spy movie. But it’s with cars as characters. And it’s really cool.” And waiting at the starting line to zoom into theaters is Cars 3. Headed for the fast lane are such new characters as Cruz Ramirez and Jackson Storm, but those four-wheeled favorites McQueen and Mater won’t be left in the dust when Cars 3 cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.

 

Celebrate Your BFF with 7 Fave Disney Friendships

By Courtney Potter

Best friends. They’re there for us through thick and thin… lending a shoulder to cry on when we’re feeling down; keeping us laughing when the going gets tough; and providing us with years (and sometimes decades!) of amazing memories.

Take a gander at these seven cherished Disney duos, below—and don’t forget to let us know your favorites over on Facebook and Twitter.

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Tiana and Charlotte (The Princess and the Frog)

Talk about true-blue friends! These two have known each other since they were children—and despite their differences (Tiana, a no-nonsense aspiring chef whose mother worked for Charlotte’s family; Charlotte, a Southern belle and heir to a sugar fortune), they always have each other’s best interests at heart.

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Mary and Bert (Mary Poppins)

We’re never exactly sure how long nanny Mary Poppins has known Bert—a true jack-of-all-trades—but there’s one thing we can be sure of… that theirs is a friendship that has stood the test of time. Plus, he’s most excellent at keeping some of Mary’s more eccentric habits (jumping into a sidewalk-chalk painting, anyone?) a magical mystery.

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Christopher Robin and Pooh Bear (The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh)

This one’s a sentimental favorite… The character of Winnie the Pooh was based on a teddy bear loved by author A.A. Milne’s son. The unlikely pair found themselves on many adventures—and even though Christopher Robin has to leave the Hundred Acre Wood, Pooh promises to keep their memories of their time together alive.

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Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear (The Muppets)

One of the world’s original “odd-couple” friendships, Kermit and Fozzie—on the surface—couldn’t be less alike if they tried. Kermit crafts a well-thought-out plan; Fozzie often flies by the seat of his pants (if he wore any). Kermit isn’t afraid to get serious; Fozzie cracks jokes left and right. But this duo has a particularly strong friendship… one that’s lasted decades, with no end in sight!

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Mia and Lilly (The Princess Diaries)

The best friendship at the heart of 2001’s The Princess Diaries belongs to quiet, unassuming Mia (Anne Hathaway) and her more-gregarious BFF Lilly (Heather Matarazzo). Initially, Lilly grows jealous of Mia’s princess makeover… but soon enough, the staunch pair reconciles. (In the film’s sequel, Lilly even helps Mia try and choose the perfect suitor.)

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Dory and Marlin (Finding Dory)

The improbable duo at the center of Finding Nemo, Dory and Marlin, have naturally been on our mind, considering the sequel swims into theaters on June 17. We think these two bring out the best in each other—especially when it comes to remembering what’s really important in life.

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Rey and BB-8 (Star Wars: The Force Awakens)

One of the newest best-friendships in the Disney universe, Rey first met adorable droid BB-8 after it avoided capture by the First Order—with the all-important map to Luke Skywalker’s location—and wound up in the Jakku desert. (Extra credit goes to Finn for his addition to this Force Awakens friendship recipe.) Doesn’t everyone need their own spherical-robot BFF?