The Universe of Powered-Up Animal Pals in the MCU

April 27, 2023November 10, 2023

By Peyton Liebler

One thing is certain: the world needs heroes. But, arguably more importantly, those heroes need a few cute and cuddly compatriots to round out their epic tales of crimefighting and saving the universe... or multiverse, depending on who you ask. After a long day of fighting ancient Egyptian deities or journeying through a void at the end of time, sometimes you just wanna kick back and enjoy some quality playtime with your favorite furry, scaly, and insectoid pals.

D23 is proud to share with you the ultimate guide to the expansive multiverse of creatures that are the pals and/or pets to our most beloved heroes and villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While some possess some truly amazing abilities, others are just truly super friends to the members of the MCU. There is something they all share: they’re adorable beyond all belief.

Cosmo the Space Dog, a yellow lab in a CCCP space suit, looks at something offscreen. She is standing on a metal grate covered in dirt, and a metal structure stands behind her.

Cosmo the Space Dog (Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3)
After appearing briefly during Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) as a captured cosmonaut in The Collector’s fortress on Knowhere, Cosmo has made a few more appearances in the MCU that have had tails wagging around the galaxy. This includes a special residency in the queue of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT in Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park. And we’re especially excited to see Cosmo again, after her appearance in the Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special (2022), where it was revealed that the interplanetary pooch has telepathic abilities. Cosmo was an invaluable asset to the Guardians of the Galaxy in their latest installment, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, where she proved in the final battle against the High Evolutionary that she was a very good dog!

Wanda Maximoff, dressed and styled like a ’90s sitcom mother, puts her arms around her children, Tommy and Billy. Wanda is sitting in between both boys on a yellow couch, and Billy is looking directly at her with his dog, Sparky, in his arms.

Sparky (WandaVision)
Alas, we all know the tragic fate Sparky suffered at the hands of the villainous Agatha Harkness in WandaVision (2021), but that’s not to say Sparky wasn’t the most loyal and caring pet for Billy and Tommy Maximoff. Sparky served as a valuable lesson for the boys—both responsibility and helping them mature in their grieving process. Though Sparky may no longer be with us, he was an honored member of the Westview community, and gave Tommy and Billy something to share and to love. We also are well-aware WandaVision made you cry enough, so we’ll move onto our next special pet...

Morris, a furry and faceless creature with four legs and wings, lies on the ground in a poster for Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings

Morris (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)
You might be asking yourself, what even is Morris? He seems to be a little furball with four wings and no eyes, right? Sounds like something you could only find in the mythical land of Ta Lo. Morris guides Shang-Chi, Xialing, Katy, and the bumbling Trevor Slattery through the compound of the Ten Rings and all the way to the secret entrance of Ta Lo. Interestingly, the design for Morris is actually based off a Chinese Deity called a Hundun, known as a God of Chaos. While Morris may not be the most chaotic of creatures, he’s a huge help to saving Ta Lo and helping the gang accomplish their mission. We’re just glad you can see him, too!

Steven Grant stares into a goldfish tank, which is mostly empty except for the large goldfish swimming directly in front of him.

Gus the Goldfish (Moon Knight)
Amid epic battles in the pyramids of Egypt and psychologically mind-bending interactions, a golden pet sits amongst the central plot of Moon Knight (2022). Steven Grant (aka Marc Spector, aka Jake Lockley, aka Moon Knight... TBD on any more akas) cares for a peaceful pet goldfish who has one fin. Gus faced his fair share of danger, mysteriously being placed in a blender before he was saved. Nevertheless, Gus evaded the blades of the puree mode and was a faithful friend to Steven, sometimes being his only friend. If there’s anything we know, it’s that the best of friends come with fins! They also will fully support you as you return from a treacherous sailing across the field of reeds in the afterlife with a hippo goddess named Taweret. All in a day’s work!

Lucky, a one-eyed golden retriever, sits in front of a line of icy snow on the street.

Lucky the Pizza Dog (Hawkeye)
One of Lucky’s biggest flexes is that he was saved by THE Kate Bishop from the mean streets of New York City. Apart from that impressive encounter, Lucky is a sweet stray that joins Kate and Clint Barton on a wild holiday ride—evading the Tracksuit Mafia and uncovering sinister secrets of the city along the way. Lucky gets into the action, attacking members of the Tracksuit Mafia, and then receiving some stellar slices of pizza for dinner. Lucky then gets one of the best Christmas gifts of all: being adopted by Clint and his family, joining the legendary lineage of Hawkeye. Could you imagine being the pet of an Avenger and being fed Pizza all day? He really is just that lucky.

Alligator Loki (Loki)
It’s up for debate if this rambunctious reptilian is actually a pet; he’s more of a member in a ragtag group of Loki Variants sent to the void at the end of time. Yep, in case you haven’t thought about it, there could be an alligator variant of YOU in the infinite multiverse. But what Alligator Loki does is the same thing that all Loki’s are the best at: surviving. After being pruned by the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and sent to the void at the end of time, Alligator Loki bands together with other Gods of Mischief and figures out a way to live in the harsh climate of the void. He even chomps off the hand of President Loki upon a massive display of “self” betrayal amongst the Loki variants in their bowling alley hideout. Talk about “giving a hand” to a truly applause-worthy alligator.

Fenris, a large black wolf with green eyes, bares her teeth at something offscreen while a storm brews behind her.

Fenris (Thor: Ragnarok)
When the Goddess of Death, Hela, makes her bombastic return to Asgard, you might remember one of the most epic things she did was awaken an army of undead Asgardian soldiers and her monstrous black wolf, Fenris. While Fenris was entirely menacing, she’s also the only Pet who fought the Incredible Hulk! Fenris was integral to Hela’s plan to retake Asgard. Though she was villainous through the very end, she was a good pet and faithful to her owner. And who can blame her? It’s literally Cate Blanchett. We’d help to conquer Asgard and the nine realms, too, if she was the one who asked us.

Ant-Man, wearing his full armor and shrunken down, looks over his shoulder while he rides on the back of an ant.

The Ants (Ant-Man, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania)
Oh yeah, ANTS! This isn’t just about one critter, but a countless army of insect heroes that serve Ant-Man and The Wasp. Some have received some “ant-tastic” names like Marie Ant-oinette, Ulysses S. Gr-Ant, Ant-onio Banderas... the list goes on. But as Hank Pym teaches Scott in Ant-Man (2015), it’s about THE ANTS! If it weren’t for them, Ant-Man and The Wasp would still be stuck on the wrong side of some gi-ant problems, totally unable to escape. And don't forget that a quantum-based colony of these not-so-little Ants went up against Kang the Conqueror, and came out on top! We'll bet that really bugged him! (The puns just keep coming when there's Pym Particles involved!) Whether they're conducting electricity, forming superstructures, or being irreplaceable tools of espionage, these crawlies are anything but creepy—they’re astonishing!

Goose, an orange tabby cat, sits on top of the control panel inside a plane’s cockpit. The image is framed so you can mostly just see Goose, who is looking off camera to the right.

Goose the Flerken (Captain Marvel, The Marvels)
If there’s any pet that’s as powerful as they are cute, it’s Goose. Her former owner, Wendy Lawson aka Mar-Vell, rescued Goose and brought her to the Joint Dark Energy Facility where she worked on Project PEGASUS. During the events of Captain Marvel (2019), Goose joined Carol Danvers and Nick Fury on a dangerous mission between both sides of the Kree-Skrull War. It was shockingly revealed that Goose was not the adorable feline friend she appeared to be, but rather a Flerken—a highly dangerous creature with huge tentacles that deploy from its mouth and an endless appetite to match. This appetite even led to Goose consuming the Tesseract, making her the only pet to eat an infinity stone. Goose is also the reason that Fury wears an eyepatch, scratching him and permanently blinding that eye. An im-purrr-essive resume, if we do say so ourselves.

And the Flerken fun doesn't stop there, as Goose makes her triumphant return in The Marvels, joined by her adorable baby "Flerkittens". If you thought just one of these cosmic kitties causes quite the chaos, wait until you discover what happens when there's countless! Let's just say, this "Flerkitten" appearance is sure to leave you with the most marvelous of memories...

Those a just a few of our favorite critters of the MCU. It’s easy to know who man’s best friend is, but now you might know a bit more about Super Hero’s best friend. Keep in mind, it’s not the powers that make the pet, but the care and dedication they have for the powered-up people who love them right back. And the next time you’re with your own pet at home, we suggest looking into if any of them are hiding any shockingly fantastic abilities. You never really know if your cat might just be a flerken in disguise...

Disney+ Gets Celebrational with Original Muppet Show—Plus More in News Briefs — Disney+ Gets Celebrational with Original *Muppet Show*—Plus More in News Briefs
Sohrab January 22, 2021

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in February 2021
Sohrab January 19, 2021

Inside Marvel Studios’ Ambitious Plans for Disney+
Sohrab January 13, 2021

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!

April 27, 2023June 1, 2023

As a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, you know your magic! This week we’re putting your Muppets knowledge—specifically, The Electric Mayhem Band—to the test to see if you are the ultimate Disney fan.

Which music festival featured a live performance from Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem?

Desert Daze

Coachella

Lollapalooza

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival

Correct! Wrong!

Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem famously performed at the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco in 2016. Follow the band as they record their very first album in the brand-new Disney+ Original series The Muppets Mayhem beginning Wednesday, May 10!

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!

You are the ultimate Disney fan!

Looks like you are a Disney expert! Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge. We’ll see you next week for your chance to uphold your title as the ultimate Disney fan!

Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!

Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge! These questions are tricky, so don’t stop swimming yet. We’ll see you next week for your chance to earn the title of the ultimate Disney fan!

Unlock the Secrets of Lorcana with Disney’s Gorgeous New Trading Card Game

April 27, 2023

By the D23 Team

Calling all art collectors, Disney fans, and card traders! Get ready to experience a whole new world of magical adventures with Disney Lorcana, the exciting new collectible trading card game that’s coming your way this August. We’re here to give you the scoop on what makes this game so special—and why you’ll want to start collecting right away.

Stay Up-To-Date on Disney Lorcana News
First things first: Make sure to follow Disney Lorcana on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the latest news, sneak peeks, and more. And if you’re new to the game, don’t worry—they’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow tutorial videos available at DisneyLorcana.com.

Art on Every Card
So, what makes Disney Lorcana stand out from the rest? Well, for starters, each card features a stunning, original illustration of a Disney character called a “glimmer.” These glimmers appear in all sorts of forms—some familiar and some fantastic—and they’re just waiting to be collected by you.

Here’s a fun fact: Disney Lorcana features more original art than any Disney product ever created! That’s right—every card in this game is a work of art in and of itself, and you’ll love collecting them all.

How to Play
In the game, you’ll take on the role of an “Illumineer,” wielding six magical inks to summon glimmers: amber, amethyst, emerald, ruby, sapphire, and steel. Each ink enhances different parts of a character’s personality, powers, and appearance, making for some truly unique gameplay. For example, amethyst glimmers like “Elsa – Snow Queen” use magic to keep their options open, while powerful steel glimmers like “Captain Hook – Forceful Duelist” are strong and tough.

The Game for Everyone!
But Disney Lorcana isn’t just for expert players—it’s designed to be fun for collectors and players of all experience levels. The goal of the game is to use your team of glimmers to collect pieces of lost “lore” from the realm of Lorcana. The first player to reach 20 lore wins, so get ready to strategize and collect to your heart’s content.

So what are you waiting for? Join the world of Disney Lorcana and discover a new kind of magic. Follow Disney Lorcana on social media; learn to play at DisneyLorcana.com; and get ready to summon some truly beautiful glimmers. See you in Lorcana!

Reach for the Sky with Stoney Clover Lane

April 27, 2023May 18, 2023

By Analise Warner

Go to infinity and beyond with Stoney Clover Lane’s new Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story Collection! This toy-riffic collection brings an iconic movie to life through the lens of everyday essential travel and lifestyle accessories. You’ll have a friend in Stoney Clover Lane’s sleek style and classic characters! Explore a new world for Andy’s favorite toys with prints, patches, pouches and more inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story. Shop the new collection here!

Classic Duffle Bag
An easy choice for a weekender bag, our duffle comfortably holds all of your getaway essentials—like packing cubes, a sweatshirt and pouches—while still fitting under the seat in most airplanes. Features embroidered details from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story.

Camera Bag
This versatile handbag is sleek and stylish, while still having plenty of room for all of your essentials. Features embroidered details from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story.

Mini Pouch
Don’t be fooled by its little size! Our Mini Pouch is tiny but mighty and holds your smaller daily essentials with ease. Features embroidered details from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story.

Classic Backpack
With plenty of room for a laptop and all of your day’s essentials, our Classic Backpack is as convenient as it is chic. Use it as your work bag and fill it with commuting must-haves or bring it along on a day trip to hold snacks, chargers, and a sweatshirt!

Mini Backpack
Designed for kids (but worn by adults too), the Mini Backpack is a must-have for heading to school or for trips near and far! Fill it with school supplies or a change of clothes or shoes. Don’t miss the super-helpful water bottle holder on the side.

Micro Backpack
Our smallest backpack silhouette, this style is designed to be worn by adults. Bring your smallest essentials wherever you’re headed with a Micro Backpack.

Large Pouch
Whether you use it to store hair tools and accessories, first aid, meds, or even more pouches, the Large Pouch is an absolute must-have for staying organized. It’s as helpful for packing and travel as it is for keeping a tidy closet.

Small Pouch
The classic-of-all-classic Stoney Clover Lane items, a Small Pouch is our most versatile piece—its uses range from makeup case to snack carrier to tech charger bag to receipt organizer. It comfortably fits a little bit of everything.

Classic Scrunchie
Make it a statement hairstyle or an arm party with our Classic Scrunchie. This go-to Stoney Clover Lane style features a bow for a little extra sophistication.

Jumbo Fanny Pack
This hands-free accessory is as fashion forward as it is convenient. Our Jumbo Fanny Pack has plenty of room for any of your daily essentials, from a wallet & cell phone to snacks & a water bottle.

Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story Letter Patches
Our unique Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story Letter Patches allow you to customize anything and everything in a font as iconic as the film!

Disney D23 Rewind—Week of April 24

April 26, 2023April 28, 2023

By Courtney Potter

First Look at Disney Channel’s New Animated Series Hailey’s On It!

Disney Branded Television announced this week that its original animated comedy-adventure series Hailey’s On It! will premiere Thursday, June 8, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, on Disney Channel and Disney XD, and stream next day on Disney+. In addition, Disney Branded Television shared the show’s fun new trailer, below:

Auli’i Cravalho (known for her star-making turn in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana) stars as Hailey, a risk-averse but resourceful teenager on a mission to complete every item on her long list of challenging—and sometimes impractical—tasks to save the world.

Featured alongside Cravalho are Manny Jacinto as Scott, Hailey’s best friend, and Gary Anthony Williams as Beta, an artificially intelligent operating system from the future.

From creators and executive producers Devin Bunje and Nick Stanton, Hailey’s On It! is set in Oceanside, California, and follows Hailey as she is pushed outside her comfort zone to discover the greatness that lies within. Whether she’s tackling every ride at the county fair, performing in a musical, reuniting a singing duo, or facing her ever-growing and complicated feelings toward her best friend, Hailey is always encountering new challenges―and more opportunities to conquer her fears…

Disney Branded Television also announced the rest of the series’ voice cast. Joining the series in recurring roles are Cooper Andrews as Hailey’s dad, Kai; Julie Bowen as Hailey’s mom, Patricia; Josh Brener as Hailey’s academic rival, A.C.; Sarah Chalke as a high-energy scientist from the future, The Professor; Nik Dodani as Hailey’s classmate, Thad; Judy Alice Lee as Scott’s younger sister, Becker; Amanda Leighton as the most popular girl in school, Kristine; Joy Osmanski as Scott’s mom, Sunny; and Nico Santos as Hailey’s classmate, Jonathan.

The star-studded guest cast includes Brian Jordan Alvarez, Blake Anderson, Mick Foley, Jo Koy, Jack McBrayer, Bebe Neuwirth, Chris Parnell, Tim Robinson, Natasha Rothwell, Brandon Mychal Smith, Martin Starr, and Al Yankovic aka Weird Al.

Hailey’s On It! is set to feature music from a cross-section of popular genres, from K-Pop and musical theater to pop-rock and EDM. A digital soundtrack with six original tunes will be released Friday, June 9, on Walt Disney Records. Emmy Award^®-nominated Matthew Tishler and Emmy-nominated Andrew Underberg are the series’ songwriters and composers.

But that’s not all: Coinciding with the series premiere, DisneyNOW will launch themed updates in two games—Bubble Burst and Color Splash. Additionally, several Theme Song Takeover, Broken Karaoke, and Chibi Tiny Tales shorts featuring characters from the series will begin rolling out in July on Disney Channel, Disney Channel YouTube, and DisneyNOW. So, stay tuned!

Disney’s The Lion King Featured in The Last Last Late Late Show with James Corden Carpool Karaoke Special

“Circle of Life,” indeed! James Corden and Tom Cruise recently took the stage as Timon and Pumbaa, respectively, in a memorable musical performance of Disney’s The Lion King, which aired Thursday on The Last Last Late Late Show with James Corden Carpool Karaoke Special. The primetime special celebrated the final night of Corden’s late-night series.

Filmed at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, the special also saw Corden and Cruise take on an animal character in the show’s iconic “Circle of Life” opening number.

The Lion King continues to celebrate 25 years on Broadway and—while two Broadway juggernauts have previously reached this milestone—this show marks several historic firsts. Never before has a show in its 25th year been playing in so many productions around the world simultaneously and placed in the Top 5 grossing Broadway shows this long—nearly 1,300 consecutive weeks and counting; additionally, 115,000 people currently enjoy the show in eight productions on three continents every week! There have been 27 productions over its lifetime, seen by a staggering 112 million people.

The Lion King North American tour, which has played nearly 10,000 performances during 240 engagements in 92 cities to more than 23 million theatergoers, celebrated its 21st anniversary on Thursday, April 27. The record-breaking tour is currently playing a three-week return engagement at The Stranahan Theater in Toledo through Sunday, May 7.

To see Corden and Cruise’s The Lion King segment in its entirety, click here.

ICYMI: The Universe of Powered-Up Animal Pals in the MCU

With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 just over the horizon—and with it, the further adventures of Cosmo the adorable canine cosmonaut—we here at D23 have put together a guide to the expansive multiverse of creatures that are the pals and/or pets to our most beloved heroes and villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Take a gander at these furry (or scaley, or sometimes very small) friends!

See the First Trailer for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wish

On ABC’s Good Morning America, Walt Disney Animation Studios just debuted the trailer for Wish, opening exclusively in theaters this fall!

The trailer introduces 17-year-old Asha (voiced by Academy Award^® winner Ariana DeBose); the powerful King Magnifico (voiced by Chris Pine); Asha’s pet goat, Valentino (voiced by Alan Tudyk); and Star, a celestial ball of boundless energy that Asha’s wish calls down from the sky. It also features a snippet of the song “This Wish,” performed by DeBose—one of several tunes written by Grammy^® Award-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice for the film.

The all-new musical-comedy welcomes audiences to Rosas, a fantastical land located off the Iberian Peninsula. “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes,” says Chris Buck, who directs the film with Fawn Veerasunthorn. “People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.”

Adds Veerasunthorn, “We have been inspired by so many iconic films over Disney Animation’s 100 years, especially stories where we explore the power of someone with a wish, combined with the conviction to make that wish come true. Being able to honor that legacy with this incredible story and these amazing characters has been a joy for our entire team.”

In Wish, Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

Wish sparkles onto the big screen beginning Wednesday, November 22!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm^®

Well, as we celebrate this last weekend of April, we’re also heading into a fortuitous month—for it features the final installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Before Vol. 3 launches in U.S. theaters on Friday, May 5, why not reacquaint yourself with Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot, and the rest of that ragtag bunch of heroes by streaming these Guardians titles on Disney+?

**Disney+ Reveals World’s Best First Look and Premiere Date**

Disney+ recently announced World’s Best, Disney’s all-new hip-hop musical comedy adventure, will debut exclusively on the streaming service this June! In addition to the premiere date, the streamer also shared a sneak-peek image from the Disney+ Original Movie, seen above…

In World’s Best, 12-year-old mathematics genius Prem Patel (Manny Magnus), in the midst of navigating the tumultuous hardships of adolescence, discovers his recently deceased father was a famous rapper, and immediately sets out to pursue a career for himself as a rap superstar. While his actions may appear reckless (and the quickest way for him to lose everything), Prem—empowered by imaginative hip-hop-music-fueled fantasies where he performs with his father (Utkarsh Ambudkar)—is determined to find out if hip-hop truly is in his DNA. As his father always used to say, “The world’s best never rest.”

Joining Ambudkar and Magnus in the film are Punam Patel, Jake Choi, Max Malas, Piper Wallace, Kayla Njeri, Dorian Giordano, Kathryn Greenwood, Christopher Jackson, and Doug E. Fresh. Producing the film is Thomas Kail, who directed the Broadway smash Hamilton—a show that not only World’s Best co-star Jackson has a history with (he was Tony^® Award nominated for his role as George Washington), but Ambudkar also participated in, as the originator of the role of Aaron Burr in the musical’s developmental readings. Additionally, Kail and Ambudkar collaborated as director and performer, respectively, in the improvisational hip-hop comedy musical group Freestyle Love Supreme.

“We are all really excited to be bringing this film to Disney+,” says Ambudkar. “It’s got dope music and great comedy, and it brings up some important themes in a really accessible way. It’s emotional, it’s full of love and amazing energy and is a film the entire family can watch together. Plus, it presents for the first time a South Asian family at the core of a Disney movie—something I never had growing up—and was something I really wanted to give young people today.”

World’s Best is written by Jamie King and Ambudkar, with original songs by Ambudkar and Charlie Wilder. Look for it on Disney+ beginning Friday, June 23!

Disney Cruise Line Unveils Dazzling Delicious Delights for 25th Anniversary

Disney Cruise Line’s Silver Anniversary at Sea is bringing with it some shimmering new treats… In celebration of the fleet’s 25th anniversary, our friends at the Disney Parks Blog recently shared a preview of the snacks setting sail from May through September.

So, what can cruise guests expect to feast on? The 25th Disney Cruise Line Cupcake features a vanilla sponge cake topped with vanilla frosting, 25th chocolate décor, and shimmering sprinkles, available via amenities on the ship. At the sweet shops on board each of the ships, the Mickey Chocolate Sphere showcases a chocolate Mickey Mouse sphere adorned with the 25th emblem. Plus, it’s filled with a variety of candy pieces! Captain Minnie is also joining in on the anniversary festivities with the Vanilla Crisped Rice Treat offered at all Cove Café locations; this vanilla-flavored crisped rice treat puts Minnie at the helm with special décor for both her and the anniversary.

Additionally, at both Cabana’s and Marceline’s Market locations, two of the desserts will be getting a Silver Anniversary at Sea upgrade: both the 3 Layer Carrot Cake with lemon frosting and the Disney Cruise Line Anniversary Chocolate Marquise will add 25th chocolate décor. And signature desserts across the entire fleet will be getting a tasty enhancement, adding a special 25th chocolate piece to their already stunning presentation. At Palo, the classic Chocolate Soufflé with double chocolate sauce and vanilla bean gelato will also have a chocolate anniversary piece.

For more info on what 25th Anniversary treats to try during your next Disney Cruise Line sojourn, click here!

Reimagining the Classic Story of Peter Pan & Wendy

April 26, 2023April 25, 2023

By Zach Johnson

If anyone can bring a fresh perspective to a familiar story, it’s David Lowery.

So, as filmmakers Lowery, Toby Halbrooks, Jim Whitaker, and Adam Borba were wrapping production on 2016’s Pete’s Dragon, Disney approached them about doing a live-action adaptation of Peter Pan. “My first instinct was no,” Lowery recalls. “There had been so many great Peter Pan movies already. I love the book. I love the story. It’s one of my favorites, but I didn’t know what I could bring to it. So, I took a couple days and let it percolate in my head, as ideas tend to do, and thought about what would define my version of Peter Pan, and before too long I was hooked—no pun intended.”

Peter Pan & Wendy, streaming Friday on Disney+, is based on both J. M. Barrie’s 1911 classic novel and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 1953 animated feature film Peter Pan. Borba, who serves as an executive producer, believes the reimagined film’s “authenticity” should delight fans of the boy who never grew up. “It feels true to the spirit of the original film,” Borba explains. “This is a movie that’s for everyone—not just a movie for kids, but one entire families will want to see together, or even couples on date night. It’s epic. There are unbelievable set pieces, spectacular action, kids flying, and real magic in this movie.”

From the outset, the filmmakers weighed how much of the original material to keep and how much to discard. “J. M. Barrie was writing at a time when the notion of childhood wasn’t important to people at all,” says Halbrooks, who cowrote the screenplay with Lowery and serves as an executive producer. “It was important to us that the children have an inner life so we understand their fear of growing up. We really dug in on that essential core of the story but went way deeper with it and explored what it means to be a friend, which the source material wasn’t too concerned about.”

As originally written and portrayed, Peter was often cocky, defiant, and obnoxious. This Peter, played by Alexander Molony, is carefree and youthful, although still a little selfish. “We made our Peter slightly more tolerable as a human being,” Halbrooks says. “He is constantly looking for new friends to join him on his adventures. So, when he finds this young girl who also doesn’t want to grow up, he brings her to Never Land.”

Whereas Wendy was “originally just brought along to be the mother of The Lost Boys,” according to Borba, producer Whitaker argues Peter Pan “has always been Wendy’s story. It’s just that this version finally brings her story to the forefront. It is more focused on who and what Peter Pan is through Wendy’s eyes.” Wendy, played by Ever Anderson, “is absolutely the story’s lead,” Borba adds. “Wendy more often than not is the one who drives the action; she’s the one who solves problems. Peter is a lot of fun, but he’s also someone who gets our heroes into trouble just as much as he gets them out of trouble.”

Peter Pan & Wendy also presented the filmmakers with an opportunity to modernize the characters with a cast that reflects a diverse Never Land. As such, they took extra care in addressing the depiction of Tiger Lily and her people by maintaining her heroic status and not—as is done in the original works—perpetuating stereotypes or making her subservient to Peter Pan. In this film, it’s Tiger Lily who saves Peter—not the other way around. “We made sure this is a modern story and one that wasn’t going to play into those horrible stereotypes,” Halbrooks says. “There’s not one character in here that is a protagonist of some kind that we couldn’t get behind and be really proud of.”

The filmmakers also created a new narrative to explore the relationship between Peter and Captain Hook (Jude Law). “From a story point of view, how do you stay true to the classic that everyone loves, yet create something a modern audience would expect?” Borba asks. “David and Toby have created quite a few surprises in terms of characters’ backstories, and once you discover them, the dynamic between Hook and Peter, and Peter’s own decisions, will make total sense, perhaps more so than in the original.”

One thing that hasn’t changed from the source material is the idea that people grow up at different paces—a fact of life that no amount of pixie dust can cover up. “There are times when one character is ready to move on and the other character isn’t, but neither is wrong,” Borba says. “We all come to these points multiple times throughout our lives. We all progress through life differently. We all wrestle with the question of when we should leave Never Land, and where is the right place for us to belong.”

Walt Disney Studios’ Peter Pan & Wendy “lands” on Disney+ on Friday, April 28.

Make these shopDisney Products ‘Part of Your World’

April 24, 2023April 25, 2023

The day is finally here! While we have to wait a little longer before we can watch The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey, shopDisney has a complete collection of whozits and whatzits that have us floating full time!

Ariel Spirit Jersey for Adults – The Little Mermaid – Live Action Film
Rise from the sea to greet your destiny in this dreamy pullover Spirit Jersey with allover “undersea” dye effect, Ariel art, and glittering “Part of Your World” text inspired by Disney’s live-action film, The Little Mermaid.

Ariel Plush Doll – The Little Mermaid – Live Action Film – 9”
Ariel’s red hair cascades down from the head to the tail of this plush little mermaid doll that’s inspired by Disney’s live-action film. Pink fins adorn her soft-scaled tail, which matches her top. She’ll happily swim into your arms!

Ariel Costume for Kids – The Little Mermaid – Live Action Film – Limited Edition
Out of the sea, little ones will wish they could dress up as our live-action little mermaid princess. Luckily, this shimmering Ariel costume is detailed in fanciful undersea fabrics, with iridescent sequins, pleated fins, and tiers of tulle, all for a fabulous look worth treasures untold.

The Little Mermaid Belt Bag – Live Action Film
It’s easy to fathom why anyone would love the aquatic artwork on this belt bag inspired by Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. The simulated leather design features Ariel in an underwater setting while the embroidered bubbles and plants add a splash of color.

The Little Mermaid Throw – Live Action Film
Bring some marine life into your home with this colorful throw inspired by Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. Ariel is pictured holding a dinglehopper as she is joined by her friends Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle in the bold allover pattern of this soft throw that will inspire waves of smiles!

The Little Mermaid Ear Headband for Adults – Live Action Film
Inspired by Disney’s live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid, the soft satin padded ears have an allover golden scale pattern with Ariel featured in the print on the blue satin bow. A bejeweled trident brooch decorates the bow’s knot so you’ll be ready for the next fashion wave.

The Little Mermaid Loungefly Mini Backpack – Live Action Film
You’ll be excited to dive into this mini backpack by Loungefly inspired by Disney’s live action reimagining of The Little Mermaid. Ariel and Ursula are pictured on the simulated leather design, which features layered appliqué artwork and a front zip compartment with a scalloped edge. It’s shore to become a favorite.

The Little Mermaid T-Shirt for Women – Live Action Film
Ariel and Flounder frolic under the sea where they can be part of your world on this synthetic T-shirt featuring sublimated ink art inspired by Disney’s live-action film The Little Mermaid.

Books inspired by The Little Mermaid
Dive into the adventures of Ariel and her friends with titles inspired by the new film. Whether you’re looking at the gorgeous illustrations or sharing the story, these books are sure to make a splash!

Want more? Be sure to check out the full collection inspired by The Little Mermaid at shopDisney!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

April 24, 2023

By Andie Hagemann

Don’t miss all the magical content flying on to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this week. Kick off the week with an all-new episode of American Idol, airing Monday on ABC. Then, follow the Matildas’ quest for glory with Matildas: The World at Our Feet, launching Wednesday on Disney+, followed by two episodes of Single Drunk Female debuting that night on Freeform. A new episode of Secrets of Sulphur Springs airs Friday on Disney Channel, and the highly anticipated Disney+ Original Movie Peter Pan & Wendy launches that same day on Disney+.

American Idol—Monday, April 24, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
In the all-new episode, the top 20 contestants take the stage for another lineup of live performances. While overnight voting results will reveal 10 Idol hopefuls moving on in the competition, superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie will choose two singers to round out the top 12. Tune in to find out whose performances wow the judges and viewers alike.

Matildas: The World at Our Feet—Wednesday, April 26, on Disney+
The Women’s World Cup doesn’t kick off until July, but football fans can whet their appetite with this all-new six-part documentary series that centers around Australia’s women’s national football team aka the Matildas. The series grants viewers unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes footage as the team prepares on and off the field for the 2023 World Cup on home soil. Through emotional interviews, the players and their families share deeply personal moments such as childhood memories, navigating long-distance relationships, motherhood, and more. All episodes are available to stream at launch.

Single Drunk Female—Wednesday, April 26, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
This week two all-new episodes—intended only for mature audiences—premiere on the network. In the first episode, Sam (Sofia Black-D’Elia) and Alex (Ricky Velez) prepare for their first romantic weekend away while Brit (Sasha Compere) struggles with singlehood in surprising ways. Elsewhere, James (Garrick Bernard) seeks help from an unlikely source. Ahmed Ibrahim, a participant of the 2022-23 Disney Directing Program, directed this episode. Then, Sam gets the opportunity to interview Bob the Drag Queen, but she sabotages her chance when she and Alex have their first fight. Meanwhile, James tries to reconnect with Mindy (Jojo Brown).

Secrets of Sulphur Springs—Friday, April 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
It’s time to get rid of the ghost in Room 205. The new episode follows the team as they compile all the skills and knowledge that they’ve recorded about the sinister guest to finally take him down. The spooky series stars Preston Oliver, Kyliegh Curran, Elle Graham, Kelly Frye, Josh Braaten, Landon Gordon, Madeleine McGraw, Diandra Lyle, Johari Washington, and Eugene Byrd.

Peter Pan & Wendy—Friday, April 28, on Disney+
Directed by David Lowery, the live-action reimagining of the beloved classic introduces Wendy Darling (Ever Anderson), a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind who meets Peter Pan (Alexander Molony), a boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside her brothers and a tiny fairy, Tinker Bell (Yara Shahidi), she travels with Peter to the magical world of Never Land. There, she encounters an evil pirate captain, Captain Hook (Jude Law), and embarks on a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change her life forever. The film also stars Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering, Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker, Alan Tudyk, and Jim Gaffigan.

5 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Attractions Inspired by the Real World

April 24, 2023

By Jessica Benda

A cross-continental road trip is no easy feat, but fortunately, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park brings the continents to us!

At Walt Disney World Resort, EPCOT is often known for whisking guests around the world, but Disney’s Animal Kingdom devotes several areas to real-life locations. Sadly, Pandora – The World of Avatar and Dinoland U.S.A. don’t exist outside of the park (unless you leap forward several hundred years or go back a few million), but the park’s Asia and Africa sections reflect international inspiration.

In honor of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 25th anniversary on Saturday, April 22, we’ve rounded up some of the park’s attractions that you can find in real life.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
The mighty Mount Everest is the supreme challenge for any climber, so it’s no wonder that Walt Disney Imagineers wanted to replicate it! In Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, guests wander into a Tibetan Village to board a speeding train, which twists through the icy Himalayas. If ascending the mountain wasn’t daunting enough, the mythical Yeti might just try to keep you there.

Yeti spottings aren’t quite as standard in the Great Himalayas of southeast Asia, but Everest carries other challenges for even the most-seasoned climbers. With an elevation of about 29,032 feet, Everest is the world’s tallest peak. Though dazzling, the mountain has claimed the lives of more than 300 people with its perilous terrain, freezing temperatures, and thin oxygen.

Kilimanjaro Safaris
In Kilimanjaro Safaris, 30 species roam 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes, and rocky wetlands. Guests board a guided safari vehicle for an 18-minute tour through Harambe Wildlife Reserve, which simulates a lush African savanna.

Similar safaris run daily in several parts of Africa, and they are especially popular in Kenya and Tanzania. Kilimanjaro Safaris shares its name with Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, which towers at 19,430 feet tall! Located in Tanzania, it’s the largest free-standing mountain worldwide, which means it’s not part of a mountain range.

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
This exciting stage show brims with innovative puppetry, catchy songs, and real-world locations! Based on Disney and Pixar’s beloved feature, Finding Nemo, the 25-minute tale is set in the oceans we all know and love. The adventure starts with the fish from Dr. P. Sherman’s office, located in Sydney, Australia. While 42 Wallaby Way may not be a verified address, the landmarks seen in the movie—including the Sydney Opera House and harbor—are home to hundreds of explorers each day. Of course, nearby is the spectacular Great Barrier Reef that Marlin, Nemo, and Dory call home.

In the 2016 film Finding Dory, our fish friends cross the Pacific Ocean to get to the Marine Life Institute, a setting for part of the stage show. The institute is fictional, but Morro Bay, California, is a spectacular real-life location. The Monterey Bay Aquarium isn’t too far off!

Maharajah Jungle Trek
Explorers search Southeast Asia through the Maharajah Jungle Trek, which teems with native animals such as the Asian tiger. The Anandapur Royal Forest was crafted especially for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but Southeast Asia is certainly real! The animals seen on the trek—such as Elds deer, the Malayan flying fox, and blackbuck—are native to Southeast Asian regions such as India and the Philippines.

Festival of the Lion King
In Festival of the Lion King, song, dance, and puppetry shine throughout the 40-minute stage show. Audiences are whisked away to the Pride Lands, a sprawling savanna of African wildlife. You got us—the Pride Lands aren’t technically a real place, at least by that name, but the inspiration is just as spectacular. For The Lion King, animators traveled to Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. The East African park is a bevy of wildlife and sweeping cliffs, and it just might remind you of some of your favorite spots in The Lion King!

National Geographic Uncovers a Ton of Secrets of the Elephants

April 21, 2023April 20, 2023

By Zach Johnson

In celebration of Earth Day, National Geographic’s award-winning Secrets of franchise is traveling the world—from the savannas of Africa to the urban landscapes of Asia—to reveal the extraordinary secrets of one of Earth’s most majestic creatures: the elephant. Executive produced by Academy Award^®-winning filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer-at-Large James Cameron, and narrated by Oscar^®-winning actress Natalie Portman, Secrets of the Elephants will premiere on Friday, April 21, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on National Geographic, and all four episodes will stream next day on Disney+.

The largest existing land animals, elephants have roamed the Earth for millennia. But even National Geographic Explorer and elephant expert Dr. Paula Kahumbu admits she’s surprised by the secrets uncovered in the series. “Forest elephants are particularly interesting, because they’ve only recently been discovered as a different species,” she says. “It’s literally happened in just the last few years. We recognized through genetics that they are not the same as savanna elephants; they are 3 million years separated. Yet, they’ve been so poorly studied because they were always assumed to be the same. That’s part of the reason why I really was curious to find out more about them and understand the differences between forest elephants and savanna elephants.”

According to Dr. Kahumbu, the forest elephants, in particular, were “very difficult” to study. “They live in deep, dark forests,” she explains. “They have been persecuted for hundreds of years, if not more. They are very scared of humans, and as a result, they are very dangerous. If they smell humans or see humans, they will try to attack. That is a learned behavior from being persecuted for so long, being killed for their ivory or their flesh. So, it’s very tragic. But at the same time, this series is a great opportunity for us to expose these magnificent animals as a new species—for the first time on film.”

In contrast, the desert elephants in Namibia were incredibly “relaxed,” according to cinematographer Bob Poole—which, of course, made his job much easier. “They understand people are not there to hurt them, so they’re fine with [humans],” he says. “But at times it was difficult, because we were working with a 50–1,000 millimeter lens—and if an elephant comes too close, you’re stuck with a close-up. You want a wide shot, and you don’t want to move because you don’t want to disrupt the scene. We’re trying to film elephants’ natural behavior, and the best way to do that is to almost not be there.”

Capturing the natural world without interference has long been part of the National Geographic ethos. “Animals don’t have a call time, so they’re going to show up when they show up,” Janet Han Vissering, Senior Vice President, Program Development and Production at Nat Geo Wild, explains with a laugh. “And this was shot over two years.”

To Make Secrets of the Elephants, the crew worked with local experts and scientists in Africa and Asia, Han Vissering says: “It was an all‑hands‑on‑deck process.” Not only did they film in multiple locations simultaneously, but they remained mindful of their carbon footprint. “Using our local talent, connections, and scientists is important,” she shares. “We were able to utilize that in full force to get this series done in record time.”

Dr. Kahumbu says working with the local experts and scientists was one of the most exciting parts of the project. “I wanted to go on the ground and embed myself with these phenomenal people who live with these animals, but whose stories have never been told, and whose knowledge hasn’t been seen or understood by people,” she says. “In Namibia, we worked with a man who… it was almost like he could call the elephants. It was incredible! He would stand in the desert’s dry riverbeds and the elephants would walk right up to us. In Borneo, we worked with a phenomenal woman who understood each individual elephant. She knew them by name, and she had learned them as characters with personalities—and that was how she had used science and the behavior of these animals to help the communities understand their animals. And then in the Congo, we worked with rangers. They were extraordinary, because we were on foot in the forest, walking down elephant highways—and every step of the way, I knew we could be in danger. But these guys could read the forest, smell and sense whether there was any danger coming from elephants at any moment. It was profoundly moving for me—life-changing—to know we have these people on the ground. It’s so important that we capture that knowledge and use it to help elephants.”

Ultimately, Dr. Kahumbu says, “I hope that this series profoundly impacts our audiences to fall in love with elephants and understand the pressures they’re facing as human populations grow and expand into elephant rangelands. We know there are solutions, but we need help to secure these elephants and make sure we can coexist with them.”