Disney/ABC Television Group Launches Next Generation of its WATCH ABC Services

Disney/ABC Television Group has re-launched its industry-defining WATCH ABC services with enhanced social sharing features that provide fans with an even more personalized experience. With a complete redesign of the user interface and user experience also included, this re-launch is the most significant update to the service since its debut.

The new social features include:

FastShare: Whether it’s that laugh-out-loud joke, an unbelievable plot twist or can’t-miss moment, the new FastShare feature allows fans to easily access and share clips of their favorite and most shareable in-show moments, all while staying within the viewing experience in the app. Fans can also share the entire full episode.
Social Lens: Integrates fan’s personal Facebook and Twitter into the WATCH ABC app so they can watch the content they love while they socialize with their friends.
Multi-Cam: Offers fans exclusive access to backstage/venue cameras during live events.

In addition to added benefits for fans, the new features present powerful sponsorship opportunities for advertisers who want their messages to reach fans while they are watching and socializing around their favorite shows. WATCH ABC’s dynamic ad serving technology ensures clips shared using FastShare include targeted advertiser messages and Social Lens position their brand in the context of fans’ personal social spheres—and are viewed while fans are watching the shows they love.

The overall look and feel of WATCH ABC has also been updated to include a heavy emphasis on bold, simple graphics and content hierarchy that reflects the most popular shows, as well as the inclusion of short-form video that enhances the show experience.

The WATCH ABC app can be found in the App Store, Google Play and the Amazon Appstore.

Why Patrick Page Is Excited For You To See The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Since 1999 when Der Glockner von Notre Dame debuted to smashing success in Germany, Disney Theatrical fans have clamored for an American musical theater adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Next month, the show makes its debut at La Jolla Playhouse (to be followed by a run at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey next spring), and the dream of hearing the bells of Notre Dame live on stage will become a reality.

Disney Theatrical veteran Patrick Page, whose credits include Scar in The Lion King, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, and The Green Goblin in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, will bring to life the villainous Frollo. After just one week of rehearsals, Patrick sat down for his first interview about the role (and about being a lifelong Disney fan) with D23.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame isn’t your first work with Disney. Were you a fan before you became involved with Disney professionally?
I was kind of obsessed with Disney as a kid. We lived in Oregon and every year I would ask my parents if we could go to Disneyland, because we used to watch The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights, and you would see Disneyland on the show and it was just so magical. I wanted to go and every year I would ask, and every year I think my parents would genuinely try to see if they had the time and the money to take us on a trip there. And so every year I would think we were going to get to go, but it wouldn’t happen for one reason or another. Things were pretty tight in those days.

Finally, one year I said, “OK, if I earn the money, then can we go?” and they said, “Yes,” thinking that there was no way I could do that. But I held a garage sale—and I’m sure I didn’t make enough money to make the trip—but I earned enough to make a difference, and so we finally went and it was completely magical for me in every way. Probably more so, because it was something I had wanted to do, and it had been put off for so long, it seemed like it was going to be impossible and then we finally did it. It was just extraordinary.

Did you have a favorite attraction on that first visit?
You know, I was quite obsessed with the macabre in those days, so I loved Haunted Mansion. It was something that didn’t exist when I was really little, and so it was one of those ones that became a new attraction. You would see Walt Disney on an episode of The Wonderful World of Disney, and he introduced Haunted Mansion. I guess that would have been the one for me.

Some of your most memorable roles have been baddies like Scar, The Green Goblin, and now Frollo, but you were also Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. Was it fun to get in touch with your lighter side, pardon the pun, in that role?
Yes—my wife loved that role for that reason, because so often I get to play the bad guys, and that’s where we met, on the first national tour of Beauty and the Beast, so she loved that side of me. That’s just such a beautiful role to play because he really is literally and figuratively the light of the production. He’s always bringing energy and light into the scene, so it was really wonderful fun.

You mentioned you met your wife [Paige Davis, former host of TLC’s Trading Spaces] in Beauty and the Beast. Can you tell us about the beginning of that love story?
She was in the ensemble when we began, and it was the very first national tour of the show in 1995. We rehearsed in New York and we opened in Minneapolis, and we started hanging out when we were on the road as friends. We were both coming out of other relationships, so we were friends first, and then we just kept hanging out! We’re still hanging out! It was a very romantic way to meet.

How did you come to be involved with The Hunchback of Notre Dame?
In this particular case, I had done The Lion King and I was also involved in a workshop of Newsies before it had its first performances. So I know all those people and they know me, and I had been with The Lion King off and on for a period of about five years. I think when this came up it was just one of those things that felt right. They called me when they were doing the first in-house readings of it and they asked me if I would come and read, but I wasn’t able to because I was out of town. I felt so devastated. But then finally when they were doing the lab last year, they called and asked again, and I enthusiastically said, “Yes!” It went well, and here we are.

How familiar were you with Disney’s animated film version of Hunchback before you became involved?
I saw it when it came out, and as an actor, of course, you sort of know what you’d like to play, and I immediately felt that with the role of Frollo. First of all, there are so few roles written for a bass-baritone singer, so I immediately felt that it would be something that I would like to do one day, having no idea if ever a show would be made of it.

With the film, as I said, I was very into the gothic and the macabre as a kid and so I was a big fan of the novel and of the movie with Charles Laughton; and so for me the film straddled two worlds. On one hand there are some Disney aspects to it, like the gargoyles that are Quasimodo’s buddies, but on the other hand, it’s quite dark—you have Frollo singing about “Hellfire.” It was a remarkable achievement, and clearly something that wanted to move forward into another medium.

You mention your love of the film’s darkness, and it is certainly darker than previous films that Disney has brought to life on stage. Is there a different creative process with this show than something with more levity?
No, because my job is always the same, which is to try to be as truthful in the situation as I can possibly be. What’s nice about this material is it’s very deep and very rich, like an oil painting where all of the details are filled in. In that way, it’s very rewarding to play.

Fans of your work with Disney Theatrical might not know that you’re also an incredibly accomplished Shakespearean actor. Does that classical training come into play with a character like Frollo, who’s almost Shakespearean in his inner torment and complexity?

It absolutely does. In fact, Shakespeare wrote a character, Angelo, in Measure for Measure, on which I’m quite sure Hugo partially based Frollo. Hugo was a great fan and reader of Shakespeare. Angelo is a man of extreme moral rectitude who finds himself passionately in love with a young girl named Isabella, who’s a novice in a nunnery, and that conflict between the view he has of himself as a righteous, moral man and his instincts tears him and all the people around him apart.

What aspects of the show are you most excited for audiences to see?
I think they will be excited and very moved by how much this has become a stage representation of the novel, with the extraordinary score by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. It took a step in that direction in Germany, and it’s taken a further step in that direction. I think all movement in that direction is a good thing.

Last question: With Scar, Lumiere, and now Frollo, you’ve brought a trifecta of legendary Disney characters to life on stage. If you could play another Disney character onstage, even one whose story doesn’t have a Broadway adaptation yet, who would it be and why?
Good question. It’s sort of obvious for me, but I think Shere Khan.

Insider’s Guide and Complete List of 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Experiences

Celebrated for its inspired flavors, high-energy Eat to the Beat concerts, and premium dining events, the festival kicks off a week early and runs 53 days until November 10—seven days longer than last year’s event—and features more than 270 chefs, including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country. A rockin’ after-hours street party and a premium food-and-beverage package for Walt Disney World Resort guests will debut during the 19th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase September 19 through November 10, 2014.

And that’s just for starters…

Also hot off the 2014 festival event menu, we suggest you check out these additional add-on experiences at the festival—there are a lot of them!

Back to Basics (Free)
Turn ho-hum into yum yum during this complimentary Festival Welcome Center experience at the Welcome Center Spotlight Stage on Fridays through Sundays at 12:15 pm., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., and 6:15 p.m. At Back to Basics, you’re invited to collect a diverse assortment of epicurean advice from the pros. These tips and tricks may seem simple… but rest assured, they can make a profound effect on your next dinner party! Check out the official Back to Basics event calendar for the complete list of seminars.

Culinary Demonstrations ($15)
Elevate your talents in the kitchen as you expand your culinary aptitude daily at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. at a series of exciting demonstrations taught by the best—located this year at the Festival Welcome Center Chef’s Showcase. Cook up a new kind of cuisine as you learn from some of the most celebrated chefs the world abroad! During every 45-minute session, collect a hearty list of useful culinary tips—as instructed by a few of the leading minds the kitchen has to offer. Then, dive into the appealing range of flavors being demonstrated while you sample each dish and beverage. Check out the official Culinary Demonstrations event calendar for the complete list of seminars.

Wine and Beverage Seminars ($15)
Located at The Festival Center on the Vineyard Stage, join drink specialists daily at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. and pick up new techniques while sampling selected beverages at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Absorb all-new abilities at a fascinating seminar featuring beverage specialists and wine professionals alike. Check out the official Wine and Beverage event calendar for the complete list of seminars.

Mixology Seminars ($15)
Imbibe on a mouthwatering mixology lesson from the masters while you rediscover the classic art of the mixed drink, daily at 6 p.m. at the Festival Welcome Center Vineyard Stage. Head over for a happy hour and watch a skilled mixologist demonstrate his or her knack for the cocktail! From celebrated libations you know and love to some all-original ideas you may never have tried—or heard of, for that matter—reserve a spot at a mixology seminar where you can sample the know-how and sip away at the sensational sequence of concoctions being prepared. Cheers! Check out the official Mixology event calendar for the complete list of seminars.

Cheese Seminars ($79)
Study up on the “wheys” of the world as you travel around a robust wheel of international selections at the Festival Welcome Center Chef’s Showcase on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Experience the unique nature of each featured region and try out their cheeses paired with select wines, beers, and other beverages.

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Late Nights LIVE! Street Party ($79)
The new Epcot Food & Wine Festival Late Nights LIVE! street party will span the World Showcase promenade from the United Kingdom pavilion to World Showcase Plaza from 9:45 p.m. to 1 a.m. each Thursday. It includes six tastes (food and beverages) from select marketplaces, live music, and entertainment for $79 plus tax. (Admission to Epcot is not required after 9 p.m. for guests who have purchased credentials to the event.)

Shake and Indulge Like the French featuring Grand Marnier ($55)
Treat your senses to a range of exceptional cognac flavors before learning how to muddle and shake like a pro at the France Pavilion at Epcot Saturdays, September 27 to November 8, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. During this all-new event, the festivities begin with a welcoming glass of mimosa followed closely by a sampling of Grand Marnier’s finest: Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, Grand Marnier 100th Anniversary, and Grand Marnier 150th Anniversary. It’s a perfect opportunity to see why this family-owned liqueur has been in business since 1827! Later, step up to the bar and pick up tips on the way to becoming your own mixologist before topping off the experience with a series of decadent delicacies—including the famous Crepes Suzette and desserts au Grand Marnier—from the chefs of Monsieur Paul.

“Sunday Mornings with…” Hosted by Disney Vacation Club ($99)
Bask in brunch splendor and save room for exquisite desserts that tingle the taste buds while delighting the eye at the Epcot Festival Welcome Center, Chef’s Showcase on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Presented by Disney Vacation Club, this plated brunch event is accompanied by an assortment of freshly baked breakfast breads and a sparkling wine toast. In addition—feast your eyes on the stage as a highly acclaimed pastry chef or baker crafts three sweet treats for you to enjoy!

Boot Camp Series ($119)
Get in culinary shape fast with intense basic training to step it up in the kitchen and tackle epicurean challenges you never thought possible—this year at an all-new event on select Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the World ShowPlace Events Pavilion East Hall. Set out on an interactive adventure to sharpen your abilities in the worlds of cuisine and libation. During the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Boot Camp Series, discover the inspiration to create over the course of a two-hour instruction from a prestigious expert. Get ready to grow your culinary confidence! Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in all that tickles your palate—the revelations will leave you hungry for more!

Italian White Truffle & Wine Pairing Dinner ($225)
Savor your way through a lavish menu of gastronomic joy where white truffles are showcased with skill and creativity at the Italy pavilion at Epcot on select Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. During this opulent 5-course Italian dinner, a variety of regional Italian wines have been selected to pair perfectly with each fragrant dish featuring white truffles. Prepare to experience aromas and tastes like never before—while only a select variety of truffles are prized in the world, even fewer are as highly sought after as the whites!

Mediterranean Food and Wine Pairing ($55)
Discover the sensuality of dishes created with Mediterranean and Moroccan inspiration as you pair them with fine wines at the Morocco pavilion at Epcot on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Immerse yourself in the surroundings—beautiful Moroccan tile-work and tapestries. During this Mediterranean dining event, delight in views of shimmering waters as you’re treated to tastings from both land and sea—carefully and artistically prepared—all while sipping from wines, perfectly selected to pair with each fragrant bite. Between the exotic flavors and vibrant décor, you’ll feel as if you’ve been magically transported to the Moroccan seashore.

Food for Thought ($169)
Join celebrity chefs for appetizing tips, enchanting trips down memory lane, and scrumptious bites from their cookbooks at this all-new event at the Epcot, Festival Welcome Center Chef’s Showcase on select Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.! Savor tantalizing tales from the life journey each chef takes to reach culinary success. And as the story unfolds, enjoy three tasty bites. Each one is from the chef’s own cookbook! Throughout each session, you’re invited to pick up tips and techniques to enhance your skills in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to join in the conversation—because as everyone knows, the finest pairing is great food and great conversation among friends!

Party for the Senses featuring Disney Chefs Around the World ($149 General Admission, $189 Reserved Seating, $299 Vine View Lounge)
Come along on a grand culinary tour, as led by many of the most revered minds behind the world of fine dining at the World ShowPlace events pavilion on October 25, 2014 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. At Party for the Senses featuring Disney Chefs Around the World, you can set out on a culinary journey like no other—one that guides Guests like you through tastes and techniques from the United States, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Follow along as the pros direct you from station to station, and show you samples of cuisine that best represents their culture—as well as the Disney Parks and Resorts they call home!

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package ($199)
For Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests, plus Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotel guests, the Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium package will debut at $199 per guest, plus tax and Epcot admission, and runs from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday between September 22 and November 6. The package includes an in-room gift with wine for guests 21 and older, a festival wine glass, truffles, and a credential for 10 VIP “premium package areas” around World Showcase promenade where marketplace items can be ordered and delivered to guests. The package also includes a festival MagicBand, a $50 Disney Gift Card and one admission to Late Nights LIVE! on Thursday night.

Eat to the Beat Dining Packages (Prices Vary)
Pair an unforgettable lunch or dinner with a sizzling show, complete with guaranteed seats to the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Check participating restaurants, including Biergarten Restaurant, Chefs de France, Coral Reef Restaurant, The Garden Grill, La Hacienda de San Angel, Nine Dragons Restaurant, Restaurant Marrakesh, Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining, Tutto Italia Ristorante, and Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, for availability and more information. Eat to the Beat concert performances play three times each evening at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. New Eat to the Beat acts include Fuel (October 9–10), Jim Brickman (October 23–24), Los Lonely Boys (October 25–26), and David Cook (November 6–7). The Pointer Sisters (September 22–23), Christopher Cross (September 26–27), and other fan favorites will return to play the festival stage. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (November 8–10) will close the event.

Call (407) 939-3378 to book any of these experiences at the all-new Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Watch a New Big Hero 6 Trailer

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes Big Hero 6, an action-packed comedy-adventure about the special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.

The film hits theaters November 7.

Tonight on ABC

Grey’s Anatomy (8 p.m. ET/PT)

With Cristina gone, a new doctor, Maggie Pierce, making the rounds and Derek wanting to move to Washington, D.C., Meredith struggles to regain a sense of normalcy both at home and in the hospital. Meanwhile, Callie and Arizona come to a decision about surrogacy, Amelia overhears a big secret, Bailey realizes she will have to fight Alex for Cristina’s board seat and a freak accident causes two teenagers to be caught in a very compromising position.

Scandal (9 p.m. ET/PT)

Nearly two months after Olivia and Jake boarded a private jet to stand in the sun together, everything has changed. With another four years in the White House, Fitz and Cyrus are doing everything they can to make a positive impact on the nation. Meanwhile, Mellie struggles to cope with the loss of her son and the gladiators feel the impact of Olivia’s absence.

How to Get Away with Murder (10 p.m. ET/PT)

Annalise Keating is a tough-as-nails Criminal Law Professor and when Wes Gibbins starts his first day at Middleton University, he has no clue what he’s walking into. In her class, “How to Get Away with Murder,” Annalise challenges her students to solve some of the most difficult criminal cases that her law firm takes on, and in the end, she selects a group of the smartest, most promising students to come work for her. The competition is on and the students will stop at nothing to make sure they get to the head of her class. While Annalise seems to have it all together, we soon learn that her clients’ secrets aren’t the only ones she’s keeping. Meanwhile, in flash-forwards, we learn that the price of impressing Annalise might just be too much for some, when a group of four students, Wes, Connor Walsh, Michaela Pratt and Laurel Castillo, get involved in their own murder-mystery cover-up.

Tonight on ABC

The Middle (8:00 p.m. ET/PT)

In the season premiere episode, “Unbraceable You,” Frankie makes a giant blunder when she discovers that school started a week earlier than she thought, and Sue and Brick must scramble to catch up on the days they’ve missed and re-acclimate themselves to school life. Meanwhile, it looks like the “Year of Sue” might be starting off on a high when she finally gets her braces removed. Axl beats Mike at basketball for the first time in his life, and Brick gets creative in an attempt to find the perfect school book bag.

The Goldbergs (8:30 p.m. ET/PT)

After spending the summer apart with Dana and unsure of their relationship, Adam makes a mixtape to express his feelings… only to have it intercepted by Beverly, who thinks it’s meant for her! Adam must carefully navigate not hurting Beverly’s feelings as his relationship with Dana progresses. Meanwhile, Barry gets a fake ID, but after showing it off to the entire school, it’s confiscated and Barry needs to make good on some promises he made to his classmates.

Modern Family (9:00 p.m. ET/PT)

The five-time Emmy®-winning series returns for its sixth season with the premiere episode, “The Long Honeymoon.” This summer has been exceptionally blissful in the Dunphy house, Alex is away on a humanitarian trip and the rest of the family is getting along swimmingly, but when Alex comes home, there is an immediate shift in mood. Elsewhere, Mitch and Cam have returned from their honeymoon and Mitch is acclimating to real life much quicker than the still lovey-dovey Cameron. And, Gloria has taken issue with how little effort Jay puts into his appearance and decides to give him a taste of his own medicine.

black-ish (9:31 p.m. ET/PT)

Like any parents, Andre “Dre” (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross) Johnson want to give their children the best. But their offspring’s childhood is turning out to be much different than theirs. They now realize at least two things: There is a price to pay for giving their children more than what they ever had, and these loving parents are totally unprepared for the fallout. “Pops” (Laurence Fishburne), Dre’s dad, takes every opportunity to offer his old-school opinion on family issues. In the series premiere, titled “Pilot,” Dre, an advertising executive, is happily anticipating a promotion at work, which would make him the firm’s first African American senior vice president. Rainbow, an anesthesiologist, is looking forward to Dre’s raise. Meanwhile, Andre Jr. makes an announcement—he’s converting to Judaism so he can have a bar mitzvah, like all of his friends.

Nashville (10:00 p.m. ET/PT)

In the uniquely structured season premiere, a torn Rayna must choose not just between two men, but two directions that her life could take. Juliette, struggling to repair her relationship with Avery, auditions for the leading role of a film biopic. Meanwhile, Scarlett, determined to start fresh, embarks on a road trip home and bonds with an unexpected stowaway, and Will and Layla manage the fallout from his on-camera confession. The third season premiere of Nashville features three live performances within the episode—each performed twice—once for the East Coast and once for the West Coast. Real-life superstar duo Florida Georgia Line will perform one of their songs, Chris Carmack (Will Lexington) will sing “If It’s Love,” written by the Striking Matches, and Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne) will sing a song he co-wrote with Deanna Carter, “I Know How to Love You Now.”

Take a Look at Shanghai Disneyland’s Enchanted Storybook Castle, Plus Much More

Shanghai Disneyland’s Enchanted Storybook Castle Honored for its Design

Though the Shanghai Disney Resort is still under construction, its Enchanted Storybook Castle has already been lauded for its innovative design and technology practices. Walt Disney Imagineering was given the American Institute of Architects’ Technology in Architectural Practice Award for its successful implementation of Building Information Modeling, which uses three-dimensional design and provides a virtual representation of the actual building to be built.

The photo above offers a two-dimensional look at the castle that will stand at Shanghai Disneyland.

Save the Date!

Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
Summer and Fall 2014
D23 Disney Fanniversary Celebration
September 27
D23 Member Night at Aladdin on Broadway
October 11
From the Vaults: Sleeping Beauty
November 8
Walt Disney Studios and Archives Tour
November 11
The Hunchback of Notre Dame VIP Experience
November 22-23
Destination D: Attraction Rewind at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World
Through January 4, 2015
Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
August 14-16, 2015
D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California
Television
September 29
Phineas and Ferb—“Lost in Danville” premieres on Disney XD at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.
October 13
Star Wars Rebels premieres on Disney XD at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
October 20
Kirby Buckets debuts on Disney XD at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Parks
September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, and 28; and October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 31
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties at Magic Kingdom Park
September 26, 30; October 3, 6, 8, 10, 14, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, and 31
Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort
November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, and 30; and December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 19
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties at Magic Kingdom Park
Studios
October 10
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day opens in theaters.
November 7
Big Hero 6 opens in theaters.
December 25, 2014
Into the Woods opens in theaters.
March 13, 2015
Cinderella opens in theaters.
June 19, 2015
Inside Out opens in theaters (along with the short Lava).

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage To Reopen at Disneyland Park September 27

After an extended refurbishment, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage will reopen on September 27. The attraction has been refreshed and repainted, a process that necessitated draining 5 million gallons of water from the lagoon. The Disneyland Resort worked closely with the Orange County Water District to treat and store the water (which was later refilled), a process that was first used at Disney California Adventure to prepare for World of Color.

Watch Danny Elfman Read From Nightmare Before Christmas

The acclaimed musician and composer Danny Elfman created the score for Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and also served as Jack Skellington’s singing voice in the film. The Disney Parks Blog shared a video of Elman’s visit to Haunted Mansion Holiday, where he recorded a special reading from the film.

Go Behind the Scenes of Haunted Mansion Holiday

The Disney Parks Blog shared the video above, giving Disney fans a sneak peek at the Haunted Mansion‘s annual transformation into Haunted Mansion Holiday. Members of the Disneyland Resort Creative Team share their favorite parts of the annual holiday makeover. We’re amazed they could each choose only one!

Pete’s Dragon Cast Members Announced

The Walt Disney Studios has announced that Oakes Fegely and Oona Laurence will star in a modern reinvention of Pete’s Dragon. Fegely will portray the title character, while Laurence will play Natalie, a role created for this new iteration of the 1977 musical, which combined live-action and animation.

Big Hero 6 Lands at Disney Store

Action figures, electronic accessories, plush dolls, and apparel are among the many items you can now purchase from Disney Store in anticipation of the November 7 release of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Big Hero 6. You’ll find Baymax, Hiro, and Honey Lemon, along with the film’s other colorful characters, at a Disney Store near you or online.

May the Force Be With Your Favorite College Sports Team

A new collection of apparel and accessories allows fans to show their school pride and their love for the Star Wars saga. More than 50 schools are represented in the collection, currently available at retailers like Kohls and Old Navy.
Read More. ►

Watch A New Clip From Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

The Walt Disney Studios’ feature Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day follows 11-year-old Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life—and soon learns that he’s not alone when his mom, dad, brother, and sister all find themselves living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. The film hits theaters October 10, but in the meantime, check out this latest clip from the film.

Full List of Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition) Power Discs Revealed

The 2.0 Edition of Disney Infinity is now available in stores. In advance of this, Disney Interactive announced a full lineup of 82 Power Discs, the circular and hexagonal discs that allow gamers to customize their play experiences in the game.
Read More. ►

New Personalized Marvel Action Figures are “Super Awesome”

Hasbro and 3DPlusMe have announced “Super Awesome Me,” a personalized 3-D printing experience that allows kids (of all ages!) to become one of their favorite characters, Captain America or Iron Man. As part of the Marvel Super Hero September campaign, fans can visit an in-store scanning station where a special 3-D scanner captures their likeness to create a model, which can ultimately turn into a one-of-a-kind 12-inch action figure. For more information or to locate a participating retailer, visit SuperAwesomeMe.com.

Last Chance To Be Part of Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush

The interactive experience that allows guests and cast members alike to be part of the story, Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush, is coming to a close on September 27. The story will feature a big finish, so the citizens of Frontierland and its rival, Rainbow Ridge, are planning special events and surprises throughout the final day. Visit the Disney Parks Blog for the latest details on September 27.

New iPhone 6 Cases Coming to D-Tech on Demand at Downtown Disney Marketplace

A new iPhone necessitates a new Disney-themed phone case—or several. The Disney Parks Blog reports that D-Tech on Demand is offering cases for the new iPhone 6 at its location in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World. Beginning in October, the D-Tech on Demand team will also offer select iPhone 6 cases at additional Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort retail outlets; and iPhone 6+ cases will arrive at the Marketplace Co-Op location later this fall.

First Look at PANDORA Jewelry Coming to Disney Parks

This fall, PANDORA Jewelry will launch a collection of .925 sterling silver and 14K gold charms inspired by beloved Disney characters. The collection will feature 16 items that have been created specifically for Disney Parks—and that will only be available for purchase in the Parks, as well. The Parks-specific charms include a Minnie Sparkling Ear Hat dangle and a “Mickey-Mania” charm made from sterling silver with red, light yellow, black, and white enamel. And the can’t-miss item from the collection is, of course, a charm bracelet to house your new Disney-themed treasures. The other items from the collection will be available in select retail locations at Disney Parks and at PANDORA stores across North America.

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) Launches in Retail Stores Nationwide

Disney Interactive and Marvel today launched Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes—the follow up to last year’s No. 1 best-selling new hybrid toy/video game of 2013 (according to the NPD Group’s video games retail sales data). The game is available for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and the WiiU system from Nintendo.

The Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes Starter Pack features the 2.0 game software, the Disney Infinity 2.0 Base, Marvel’s The Avengers Play Set with three character figures (Iron Man, Black Widow and Thor), two Toy Box Game Discs, a web code card and countless hours of creative play in the all-new Toy Box 2.0. Marvel’s Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy Play Sets, along with additional figures from those worlds, will be sold separately. All characters and Power Discs from last year’s release of Disney Infinity are compatible with Toy Box 2.0.

The new game introduces interactive Super Hero figures from across the Marvel Universe with original Play Set storylines written with the help of award-winning Marvel comic writer Brian Michael Bendis. Each new character brings a variety of super-powered and unique gameplay mechanics such as flying, web slinging, wall crawling, wall smashing and more.

An improved Toy Box 2.0 mode makes it easier for players to create and share their one-of-a-kind levels and games with family and friends using their favorite Marvel and Disney characters, vehicles, settings and items. New and enhanced Toy Box tools and toys will make the groundbreaking game mode even more accessible for players of all ages. Toy Box Game Discs deliver new structured gameplay modes to the Toy Box where players can engage in classic Dungeon Crawler and Tower Defense gameplay using any character from across the Disney Infinity universe.

Honors for Innovative Design of Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disneyland

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) has recently received a prestigious professional honor for the innovative design and technology practices that have been used in the development of Enchanted Storybook Castle, currently under construction at Shanghai Disneyland.

The American Institute of Architects presented its Technology in Architectural Practice Award to WDI for its successful implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM). While traditional building design uses 2-D drawings and elevations of a planned building, BIM adds three dimensions (height, width and depth) and is a virtual representation of the actual building to be built. Embedded with data, this digital model can be linked to schedules so that designers can see the construction of a building over a period of time. The image above represents a snapshot of the BIM model.

“Our commitment to collaboration, teamwork, and mutual success enables us to create those magical, innovative experiences in a way that only Disney can do,” David Van Wyk, WDI project management and integration executive, said. “When the whole organization is thinking about reinforcing each other’s efforts, it allows individuals the ability to focus on what they need to do to accomplish our shared goals. By using BIM processes and technology on this and other projects to be built around the world allow us to work smarter and more efficiently as a team.”

For more on this story, visit the Disney Parks Blog.

What’s New at Disney Parks for Halloween 2014

Disneyland Resort

(September 12 through October 31) New to Halloween Time at Disneyland this year are the latest twists at Haunted Mansion Holiday, including its 2014 gingerbread house, and additional entertainment experiences at the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch, with more mysterious fun joining the Astounding Cauldron of Magic.

11 Not-To-Miss Halloween Attractions at Disneyland Resort ►