By Cecilia Sarantopoulos
As All Hallows’ Eve creeps ever closer, happy haunts are beginning to materialize… so why not get into the spooky spirit with a favorite Disney film? Take our quiz to see which one you should watch first this season!
By Cecilia Sarantopoulos
As All Hallows’ Eve creeps ever closer, happy haunts are beginning to materialize… so why not get into the spooky spirit with a favorite Disney film? Take our quiz to see which one you should watch first this season!
By Cecilia Sarantopoulos
When Kathryn Hahn was last seen as the witch Agatha Harkness in WandaVision, she was left powerless, trapped in her own mind as Wanda Maximoff stripped away her magic. But in Agatha All Along, from Marvel Television, she returns with a vengeance, ready to reclaim her powers and reveal the depths of her dark, mysterious past.
At a recent press conference for the show, which debuts with two episodes on September 18 on Disney+, the cast and creatives opened up about their experiences bringing this magical series to life. They shared insights into their characters, the intense bond between the actors, and the visceral energy on set.
Hahn described Agatha as a natural performer, full of charisma yet hiding depths of vulnerability. “The villain part is fun and almost the easiest part, because it’s her well-honed performance, and she really thinks that everyone is beneath her,” Hahn explained. Yet, the real challenge was to “allow herself even to crack the door a little to her vulnerability… Anyone could get in there now.” Head writer, director, and executive producer Jac Schaeffer spoke about Agatha’s complexities, noting, “Agatha has many different dimensions and is never about world domination… There’s always something nefarious and complex.”
Working closely with her co-stars, Hahn found herself immersed in a world that felt as real as it was magical. “Once you walked on set, we didn’t really leave for the whole day… It really felt like a coven around a cauldron… It was also so immersive as an actor that you didn’t have to shake off the outside world.”
Schaeffer also reflected on a memorable day of filming: “The day that we did Episode 2, the singing in the basement, a crew member working on sound came up to me afterward and said they’d never experienced anything like it.”
Joe Locke, who plays the mysterious Teen with layers to be unraveled, reflected on the show’s intricacies, especially in the costume design. “If you look closely at all the costumes, you’d find every twist and turn of the show in them, which I think is so clever. I think the costumes hold all the secrets of the show.” For Locke, stepping into this world at just 19 was a dream come true, as he shared, “I had the best time. It was a dream.”
Locke isn’t the only one who found magic in the show’s world. Joining Agatha’s witch coven is Lilia Calderu, played by Patti LuPone. She described Lilia as a “Sicilian witch who started out as a bathhouse singer and ended up being a tarot card reader.” LuPone’s awe for the show’s set design was unmistakable: “I’ve never seen a more beautiful set in my life. It was stunning. Just stunning.”
Aubrey Plaza, who brings to life Rio Vidal, aka the Green Witch, embraced the unpredictable nature of her role and the tumultuous relationship Rio shared with Agatha. “Expect the unexpected—you have no idea what’s going to happen with her, and there are twists and turns and all kinds of shenanigans happening.” Plaza also praised costume designer Daniel Selon’s playful energy during fittings: “Even in the fittings, we would create this environment with music, and we would mess around… He was really fun.”
The dynamics within the coven are further enriched by characters such as witch Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn) and sorceress Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata). Ahn shared how Alice has a complex emotional journey, revealing how her character’s growth is gradually unraveled. “She’s hiding that when you meet her, so she’s wearing a disguise to the world. It was interesting to play with how much you reveal and then mapping that out.” Ahn also noted the sense of camaraderie on set, saying, “A lot of our scenes are all of us together all day long with our feet in the literal dirt.”
On Jennifer’s relationship with Agatha, Zamata shared, “Agatha has a long history with a lot of witches, but they have a nice love-hate thing going on, and it makes for a very fun scene partner when we’re actually playing together.” Much like Ahn, Zamata also fondly recalled the bond formed during the intense filming process in Georgia, comparing it to “summer camp.”
That bond extended to the returning faces from WandaVision. Reprising her role from WandaVision, Debra Jo Rupp returns as Mrs. Hart/Sharon Davis. “I hope that when fans watch the show, they feel what we felt when we made it. It was a very special experience for all of us. I hope that comes through and that’s what they take away,” she said.
Brad Winderbaum, Marvel’s head of streaming, television, and animation, highlighted the tactile realism of the show. “There wasn’t a single green screen in sight on that set… Everything you see on camera was actually there, photographed on the day. And I think you could really feel it in the performances. It feels very tactile and very real and very grounded.”
That authenticity doesn’t stop at the visuals—it’s also woven into the fabric of the show’s storytelling. Executive producer Mary Livanos explained: “It has music, but it’s not a musical; it has drama, but it’s not a drama; it has comedy, but it’s not exactly a comedy. It’s all those things.” She elaborated on the coven’s diverse nature, noting, “What I find so incredible about witches is that they can be anyone, and they can be anything. I think this coven is so wonderful because they’re all so different.”
Agatha All Along promises to be a spellbinding journey, where every cackle and costume tells a story—where magic is not just a fantasy but a palpable reality. As Hahn herself put it, “Our power is really in who we are. Our ‘witchiness’… is our special superpower.”
By Lauren O’Donnell
Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the Empire’s most wanted in Star Wars Outlaws—available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation® 5, and PC through Ubisoft Connect and Epic Games Store. Join emerging scoundrel Kay Vess and her loyal companion Nix as they build their reputation within the criminal underworld and attempt to pull off one of the greatest heists the Outer Rim has ever seen. Pilot Kay’s ship, the Trailblazer, through shipwrecks to find abandoned treasures; race your speeder across open worlds to discover opportunities; or double-cross one syndicate to gain favor with another. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.
The Empire may be in charge in this first-ever open-world Star Wars game, but the syndicates run Kay’s world. Set between the events of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws features fresh landscapes like the sweeping plains of the savannah moon Toshara, and familiar sights like Jabba the Hutt’s palace on Tatooine. Wherever they go, Kay and Nix risk it all, seeking freedom and the means to start a new life.
Explore bustling cities and cantinas, and race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each planet is rich with new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards.
Life as an outlaw is no trip to Tosche Station to pick up some power converters. Choose how to handle each high-stakes situation—whether you take on pirates with your blaster, overcome Imps with stealth and gadgets, or distract syndicate members with Nix to gain the upper hand.
You’ll get to choose which high-risk, high-reward missions you want to take on from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as you grow—or destroy—your reputation in the criminal underworld. As you become the galaxy’s most wanted, every choice you make will influence your reputation.
Opportunities aren’t limited to being on-world; space itself is a playground for action and exploration. Pilot your ship, the Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with the Empire and other foes. Find the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand. You can also choose to answer distress calls from those being attacked by space pirates—or ignore them and loot the wreckage in the aftermath.
Build your reputation and emerge as the galaxy’s greatest scoundrel in Star Wars Outlaws, now available on Xbox Series X|S / PlayStation 5 / PC.
Check out the latest trailer HERE.
By Cecilia Sarantopoulos
As Downtown Disney District evolves, an enticing lineup of shopping and dining experiences is set to elevate the magic at Disneyland Resort. These upcoming additions promise to blend style, flavor, and fandom, offering guests even more reasons to return to this ever-changing destination.
Avengers Reserve: A Super Hero Haven
This winter, Avengers Reserve, a brand-new retail destination, will open its doors, offering fans of all ages a treasure trove of collectibles, apparel, accessories, toys, and comics celebrating Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. It’s the ultimate spot for Super Hero enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the stories and characters they love!
D-Langer Shop: A Fashion-Forward Boutique
Also arriving this winter, the D-Lander Shop will introduce a chic, Southern California-inspired boutique showcasing trendy apparel, accessories, and jewelry. Perfect for Disneyland fans who want to express their style, this shop will feature collections that blend classic Disney magic with contemporary fashion.
Disney Wonderful World of Sweets: A Sweet Transformation
Marceline’s Confectionery is undergoing an exciting reimagining, expanding into the Disney Wonderful World of Sweets. This whimsical shop will offer an array of delectable treats, including churro toffee, caramel apples, and freshly made Werther’s Original caramel popcorn. With an exhibition kitchen visible from the promenade, guests can watch these sweets being crafted before their eyes. While the transformation is underway, a Marceline’s Confectionery cart will ensure no sweet tooth goes unsatisfied.
Kawaii Slime: The Cutest Cart in Town
Welcome, Kawaii Slime! This mom-owned business will bring a playful assortment of slime concoctions in various textures, colors, and scents, offering endless fun for the young and young at heart.
Gourmet Dining with Michelin-Starred Chef Joe Isidori
Downtown Disney’s dining scene is getting two new restaurants! Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori will bring a full-service steakhouse with prime cuts and inventive cocktails, alongside a quick-service barbecue spot offering traditional BBQ dishes with a twist. Both venues promise to deliver culinary delights that are sure to impress.
The Carnaby Tavern: A British-Inspired Experience
Earl of Sandwich fans have more to look forward to with the upcoming Carnaby Tavern. This new table-service restaurant, designed as a nod to the swinging ’60 British pop culture, will offer a vibrant indoor/outdoor dining experience complete with a full-service bar. While construction begins on this concept, the current Earl of Sandwich location will continue to serve guests until 2025.
By Cecilia Sarantopoulos
As the air turns crisp and the nights grow longer, a long-awaited Halloween tradition returns: Freeform’s iconic “31 Nights of Halloween.” From timeless classics like Hocus Pocus, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc., to modern favorites like Cruella, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!, and the Disney+ series Goosebumps, the program offers a perfectly curated selection of eerie entertainment—all October long.
New to this year’s lineup are Arachnophobia, Hocus Pocus 2, Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Muppets From Space, and the broadcast television premiere of Haunted Mansion (2023).
Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a month of hauntingly good entertainment!
Below is the night-by-night list of the programming airing during “31 Nights of Halloween” (all times ET/PT):
Tuesday, October 1
1 p.m. – Halloweentown
3 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
5:05 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
6:45 p.m. – Beetlejuice
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
Wednesday, October 2
1 p.m. – Arachnophobia – Freeform Premiere
3:30 p.m. – Beetlejuice
5:35 p.m. – Casper (1995)
8 p.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Thursday, October 3
11 a.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
1:55 p.m. – Casper (1995)
4:20 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
6:25 p.m. – Monsters, Inc.
8:30 p.m. – Monsters University
Friday, October 4
10:30 a.m. – Halloweentown
12:30 p.m. – Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
2:30 p.m. – The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad – Freeform Premiere
4 p.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
6 p.m. – Cruella
9 p.m. – Beetlejuice
12 a.m. – Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Saturday, October 5
7 a.m. – Spooky Buddies
9 a.m. – Toy Story of TERROR!
9:30 a.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
11:35 a.m. – Edward Scissorhands
2:05 p.m. – The House with a Clock in Its Walls
4:35 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
6:45 p.m. – Beetlejuice
8:50 p.m. – Haunted Mansion (2023) – World Television Premiere
11:30 p.m. – Casper (1995)
Sunday, October 6
7 a.m. – Mrs. Doubtfire
10:05 a.m. – The House with a Clock in Its Walls
12:35 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
2:40 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
4:20 p.m. – Casper (1995)
6:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
9:00 p.m. – Hocus Pocus 2 – World Television Premiere
11:30 p.m. – Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Monday, October 7
1 p.m. – Mrs. Doubtfire
4 p.m. – Edward Scissorhands
6:30 p.m. – Casper (1995)
8:55 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
Wednesday, October 8
1:30 p.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Mansion
3:35 p.m. – Frankenweenie (2012)
5:35 p.m. – The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
7:10 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
8:50 p.m. – Encanto
Thursday, October 9
10:30 a.m. – Halloweentown
12:30 p.m. – Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
2:30 p.m. – The House with a Clock in Its Walls
5 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
7 p.m. – Hocus Pocus – Pop N’ Knowledge
9 p.m. – Beetlejuice – Pop N’ Knowledge
12 a.m. – Twitches
Friday, October 10
10:30 a.m. – The House with a Clock in Its Walls
1 p.m. – Spooky Buddies
3 p.m. – Toy Story of TERROR!
3:30 p.m. – Casper (1995)
5:55 p.m. – Beetlejuice
8 p.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
12 a.m. – Twitches Too
Saturday, October 11
7 a.m. – Toy Story of TERROR!
7:30 a.m. – The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
9:35 a.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
11:40 a.m. – Casper (1995)
2:10 p.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
5:10 p.m. – Monsters, Inc.
7:15 p.m. – Monsters University
9:45 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
11:55 p.m. – Something Wicked This Way Comes
Sunday, October 12
8 a.m. – The Black Cauldron
10 a.m. – Dumbo (2019) – Tim Burton Marathon
12:30 p.m. – Frankenweenie (2012)
5:10 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
6:50 p.m. – Beetlejuice
8:55 p.m. – Edward Scissorhands
11:25 p.m. – Arachnophobia
Monday, October 13
11:30 a.m. – Dark Shadows (2012)
2 p.m. – Edward Scissorhands
4:25 p.m. – Beetlejuice
6:30 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8:35 p.m. – Casper (1995)
Tuesday, October 14
11:30 a.m. – Twitches
1:30 p.m. – Frankenweenie (2012)
3:30 p.m. – Casper (1995)
5:50 p.m. – The Incredibles
8:25 p.m. – Incredibles 2
Wednesday, October 15
1 p.m. – Spooky Buddies
3:05 p.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
5:10 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – Pop N’ Knowledge
6:50 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
Thursday, October 16
11 a.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
1 p.m. – Halloweentown
3 p.m. – Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
5 p.m. – Despicable Me
7 p.m. – Despicable Me 2
9 p.m. – Despicable Me 3
12 a.m. – Muppets From Space – Freeform Premiere
Friday, October 17
12 p.m. – Despicable Me
2 p.m. – Monsters, Inc.
4 p.m. – Monsters University
6:25 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8:30 p.m. – Hocus Pocus 2
12 a.m. – Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Saturday, October 18
7:30 a.m. – Edward Scissorhands
10 a.m. – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
1:15 p.m. – Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
4:30 p.m. – Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
8:15 p.m. – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
11:30 p.m. – Dark Shadows (2012)
Sunday, October 19
7 a.m. – Mrs. Doubtfire
9:40 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
11:50 a.m. – Arachnophobia
2:25 p.m. – Dark Shadows (2012)
5:05 p.m. – Haunted Mansion (2023)
7:45 p.m. – Cruella
11 p.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Monday, October 20
11 a.m. – Alice in Wonderland (2010) (Live Action)
1:30 p.m. – Alice Through the Looking Glass
4 p.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
6 p.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
8:55 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
Tuesday, October 21
10:30 a.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
12:30 p.m. – Arachnophobia
3 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
5 p.m. – Spider-Man: Far From Home
7:55 p.m. – Spider-Man: No Way Home
Wednesday, October 22
12 p.m. – Spider-Man: Far From Home
3:05 p.m. – Spider-Man: No Way Home
6:20 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
8:20 p.m. – Dark Shadows (2012)
Thursday, October 23
1 p.m. – Edward Scissorhands
3:25 p.m. – Dark Shadows (2012)
5:55 p.m. – Aladdin (2019) (Live Action)
8:55 p.m. – Hocus Pocus – Pop N’ Knowledge
12 a.m. – Halloweentown
Friday, October 24
1:30-11 p.m. – Goosebumps (2023) – Season One Marathon
12 a.m. – Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
Saturday, October 25
8:30 a.m. – Halloweentown
10:30 a.m. – Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
12:30 p.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
2:35 p.m. – Casper (1995)
5:05 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
7:15 p.m. – Hocus Pocus 2
9:45 p.m. – Haunted Mansion (2023)
12:25 a.m. – The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
Sunday, October 26
7 a.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
9 a.m. – Spooky Buddies
11 a.m. – Casper (1995)
1:30 p.m. – Frankenweenie (2012)
3:30 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
5:40 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
7:20 p.m. – Monsters, Inc.
9:25 p.m. – Monsters University
11:55 p.m. – The Ηaunted Mansion (2003)
Monday, October 27
11 a.m. – Frankenweenie (2012)
1 a.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
3 p.m. – The Incredibles
5:30 p.m. – Incredibles 2
8:05 p.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Tuesday, October 28
11 a.m. – The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
12:35 p.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
2:35 p.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
5:35 p.m. – Cruella
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
Wednesday, October 29
11:30 a.m. – The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
12:35 p.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
2:35 p.m. – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
5:35 p.m. – Cruella
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
Wednesday, October 30
11:30 a.m. – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
1:30 p.m. – Arachnophobia
4 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
6 p.m. – Casper (1995)
8:25 p.m. – Haunted Mansion (2023)
Thursday, October 31
12 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
2:10 p.m. – Casper (1995)
4:40 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
8:30 p.m. – Hocus Pocus 2
12 a.m. – Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
By Cecilia Sarantopoulos
It’s officially time to embrace your villain era. Haven’t heard? As announced at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa® earlier this month, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort will soon be conjuring up a brand-new Villains Land… and with Halloween creeping ever closer, it’s the perfect moment to discover which Disney villain matches your dark side. (Don’t be shy; there’s a little baddie in all of us!)
Grab your magic mirror and dive into the darkness:
By Zach Johnson
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, a continuation of the Emmy® Award-winning Wizards of Waverly Place, premieres with two episodes Tuesday, October 29, at 8 p.m. ET on Disney Channel. The first eight episodes will be available on Disney+ and Disney Channel On Demand the next day, Wednesday, October 30.
It was also announced today that Raven-Symoné (Raven’s Home) and Danielle Fishel (Girl Meets World) will direct episodes in Season 1.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place follows an adult Justin Russo (David Henrie), who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family: Giada (Mimi Gianopulos), Roman (Alkaio Thiele), and Milo (Max Matenko). When Justin’s sister, Alex Russo (guest star Selena Gomez), brings Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities — and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place also stars Taylor Cora as Winter.
Writers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas executive produce with Gary Marsh, Jonas Agin, Gomez, and Henrie. Andy Fickman directs and executive produces the pilot and will direct multiple episodes in Season 1. Wizards of Waverly Place was created by Todd Greenwald.
The first two episodes of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place will be available on Disney Channel YouTube on October 29 at 9 p.m. PT and Wednesday, October 30, on DisneyNOW.
Following the series’ Disney Channel premiere, two new episodes — including a Halloween-themed episode — will premiere October 30 on Disney Channel. Beginning November 8, episode premieres move to Fridays at 8 p.m. ET, with two episodes weekly.
By Cecilia Sarantopoulos
Summer may be winding down, but the fun on Disney+ is just heating up!
Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) is rarely without her powers, but that’s exactly how she’ll appear in Marvel Television’s Agatha All Along—powerless until she’s freed by the suspicious goth Teen craving a witchy adventure.
Meanwhile, in the LEGO Pixar: BrickToons universe, iconic characters like Nemo, Coco’s Miguel, and the Parr family from The Incredibles are off on thrilling adventures in a LEGO x Pixar mashup we didn’t know we needed but are thrilled to see.
And speaking of premieres, the sing-along version of Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation is just around the corner, inviting fans to belt out their favorite tunes while enjoying the Greens’ out-of-this-world journey.
All titles coming to Disney+ in September are listed below:
Wednesday, September 4
Kindergarten: The Musical (S1, 10 Episodes)
LEGO Pixar: BrickToons (Premiere – All Episodes Streaming)
Thursday, September 5
Are You Sure?! (Episode 6)
Saturday, September 7
Chibi Tiny Tales (S5, 6 Episodes)
Sunday, September 8
Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation (Sing-Along Version) (Premiere)
Wednesday, September 11
Primos (S1, 9 Episodes)
Thursday, September 12
Are You Sure?! (Episode 7)
Friday, September 13
Me & Mickey (Shorts) (S3, 5 Episodes)
LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy (Premiere – All Episodes Streaming)
Thursday, September 17
Dancing with the Stars (Season 33) (Premiere) (Live 8/7c; same time as the broadcast on your local ABC station, based on your location)
Wednesday, September 18
Hamster & Gretel (S2, 8 Episodes)
How Not to Draw (Shorts) (S3, 5 Episodes)
L-Pop (S2, 6 Episodes)
Marvel Television’s Agatha All Along (Two-Episode Premiere at 6 p.m. PT)
Thursday, September 19
Are You Sure?! (Episode 8)
Tuesday, September 24
Dancing with the Stars (Season 33) (New Episode) (Live 8/7c; same time as the broadcast on your local ABC station, based on your location)
Wednesday, September 25
FLY
Marvel Television’s Agatha All Along (Episode 3 at 6 p.m. PT)
Disney Jr.’s Ariel (New Episodes)
Ayla & the Mirrors (Premiere – New Episodes)
By Zach Johnson
Close your eyes and picture your favorite Disney Princess; there’s a good chance she was animated by Disney Legend Mark Henn.
Throughout his illustrious career, Henn served as the supervising animator for five female leads—more than any other artist in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ history. Earlier this month, at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa®, the five actresses who voiced those characters—Disney Legends Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Linda Larkin, Ming-Na Wen, and Anika Noni Rose—reflected on their initial reactions to seeing how their likenesses and mannerisms helped to define the Disney Princesses we know and love today.
Below, Henn’s muses muse on how it felt to see their animated characters for the first time:
“Mark is absolutely wonderful. He is one of our most brilliant animators in the world.”
“Mark’s initial drawings looked almost perfect, like Angelina Jolie. And then he quirked her up a little bit. She’s still beautiful, but a little quirkier. On the wall, the animators had photos of all these famous, beautiful women like Natalie Wood and Audrey Hepburn—and then my funny-looking little picture was down at the bottom!”
“Oh, I thought she was so beautiful. And I was really, really proud to be a part of creating that character with him.”
“Mark is an incredible, expressive artist. He captures each character with such nuance. He can be very quiet and still, because he’s always observing you. He’s always capturing those special little things about the people who are portraying the characters, and that allows him to create these amazing beings that have such a positive and everlasting effect.”
“When they showed me Princess Tiana for the first time, she was in black and white. They told me they needed me to look at something and see how I felt about it; I didn’t know it was going to be her. And when they revealed it, I broke down. I had no idea she was going to look as much like me as she did. Even now, it’s very, very moving to me. It’s amazing. There’s nothing like it… Mark honestly made my dreams come true.”
By Taylor Larsen, Walt Disney Archives
Sixty years ago, the world was introduced to a cinematic version of Cherry Tree Lane. Nice little spot, you might say. Fit with a “responstable” constable who dutifully watches over the Londoners in the area and Bert, a multitalented musician, screever (pavement artist), and London’s finest chimney sweep. Cherry Tree Lane is also the home of Admiral Boom, who is famous for his punctuality. “The whole world takes its time from Greenwich. But Greenwich, they say, takes its time from Admiral Boom,” as Bert puts it.
Just down a bit lives the Banks family at 17 Cherry Tree Lane. “Heavy weather brewing at number 17, and no mistake.” Heavy weather, until one of literature’s most beloved and delightful heroines, Mary Poppins, at long last stepped from the printed page to become an unforgettable personality through the motion picture magic of master storyteller Walt Disney.
Mary Poppins arrives at Cherry Tree Lane amid great fanfare, blown in by the East Wind. Carrying with her a talking parrot-head umbrella and a magical, bottomless carpet bag full of hidden surprises that delightfully puzzle the Banks children and viewers worldwide. For anyone who has seen the film, a whimsical adventure awaits the residents of 17 Cherry Tree Lane, along with some key life lessons. For instance, “Never judge things by their appearance, even carpet bags.” No wonder that it’s Mary that we love!
On the subject of carpet bags, to celebrate one of the world’s most delightful motion picture spectacles—the release of Mary Poppins, a film that would be critically hailed as one of Walt Disney’s crowning accomplishments and beloved by generations—a collection of iconic props, documents, and artifacts from this musical fantasy is proudly presented here by the Walt Disney Archives. One of these awe-inspiring movie props, the charmingly mysterious carpet bag, is seen above. (Yes, the very bag Disney Legend Julie Andrews used!) Perhaps you remember the first time you saw this film, filled with the same wonder of the Banks children as Mary seamlessly opened her bag and pulled out impossibly large items, including a hat stand, gilt-edged mirror, glossy-leaved plant, and lighted floor lamp. Whether or not you wondered how she pulled off this incredible feat, through magic or special film effects (might as well have been magic, given the film was produced in the early 1960s with very little of today’s technology!), it is still easy to relate to the astonished children, especially Michael Banks who observed after peering inside the bag, “But there was nothing in it!”
I can remember my first time watching Mary Poppins, and all the many rewatches since, and still being mesmerized by that scene, wondering how it was achieved. Having seen the actual bag inside the Walt Disney Archives, I can firmly say just how magical an object it is to behold, and I am thrilled that the prop is in good hands. Of course, I’m not the only member of the Archives staff who feels this way. Darlene Fogg, Senior Secretary with the Archives, remembers going to see Mary Poppins during its 1980 theatrical re-release, commenting that the title character was unlike any character she had ever seen before and that everything “from the scenery to the music, right down to the special magical carpet bag” was perfect. “I am so thrilled that the Walt Disney Archives has the carpet bag in [our] collection,” she continues, “along with other precious pieces from Mary Poppins.”
Eager to see some of these other “precious pieces” Darlene was referencing, I peered inside the bag, just like young Michael, to see if there was anything in it. As it turns out, I found a few surprises and have pulled them out for you to enjoy.
The Walt Disney Archives is a treasure trove of Disney’s rich history. Covering more than a hundred years of storytelling, our collection is a testament to Walt Disney’s enduring legacy. The Archives houses countless of historical objects, each with a unique story, that are carefully preserved in unassuming, secret locations in and around the company’s headquarters in Burbank, California. If our very own Mary Poppins were to fly in for a visit, she might say, “Never judge things by their appearance, even unassuming, secretive warehouses.” In that way, the Archives is like Mary’s mystical bag, which holds treasures of every kind. Over 500 objects related to the 1964 film are safeguarded in the vaults of these locales, and here some are “pulled out of the bag” to represent the film’s production, premiere, merchandising, and legacy.
The production of Mary Poppins was a marvel of creativity and ingenuity. Some of the most lavish sets ever seen in a Walt Disney production were designed and housed across four sound stages on The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California. The Cherry Tree Lane and nearby park set filled an entire stage and was a testament to the filmmakers’ attention to detail. Every cherry blossom, made of materials imported from France and Portugal, was mounted into place by hand, creating a stunning (and memorable) visual effect. A 360-degree cyclorama was painted to surround the entire set, adding depth and dimension to the lovely London sky. These settings were designed and created by art directors Carroll Clark and William H. Tuntke, with Emile Kuri, two-time Academy Award® winner, and Hal Gausman handling the set decoration. Noted English designer Tony Walton created colorful costumes and was a design consultant for the overall production.
Pictured above are several items from Mary’s wardrobe that Walton and his team designed: Mary’s classic black hat, with bright red cherries and flowers, her “Jolly Holiday” boots, and her arrival shoes. Becky Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives, recalls a time in her career when she received frequent phone calls from Disney enthusiasts who inquired how many cherries were on Mary’s hat. (If you’re wondering, the answer is eight.)
Some passionate Poppins experts may notice that Mary’s “Jolly Holiday” boots look a bit different than how they first appeared on screen in the pastel English countryside. These shoes were indeed worn by Disney Legend Julie Andrews but were later painted white and used in the 1968 Disney musical The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, where they were worn by actress Lesley Ann Warren.
Speaking of the pastel English countryside, a team of remarkable studio professionals collaborated to ensure Mary Poppins was a monumental work of artistry. The rich and fantastical animated world they created for the film’s “Jolly Holiday” segment acts as a whimsical break from the characters’ everyday London schedule, offering an inviting, impressionistic journey into one of the sidewalk drawings by Bert (our screever friend played by Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke). This practically perfect production art featuring the iconic horse race sequence is a perfect example of the talent, skill, and imagination of art director Carroll Clark and artists (and Disney Legends) Xavier “X” Atencio, Don DaGradi, Bill Justice, and Peter Ellenshaw. This colorful artwork is among hundreds of concept drawings, exploratory sketches, matte paintings, and other visual art from the production carefully preserved in the Walt Disney Archives.
Here’s a glimpse of one of the most beloved props in the Archives collection, and from a pivotal scene in the film: a moment when Mary teaches the Banks children a precious life lesson as she sings to them the special lullaby “Feed the Birds” (written by Disney Legends Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman). The story of how this snow globe, featuring St. Paul’s Cathedral, found its way to the Archives is remarkable. One day, years after the film’s release, the head janitor at the Disney studio found the object in the trash. Thinking it was interesting, he saved it and displayed the snow globe in his office. In the early 1970s, when a then newly hired Dave Smith (founder of the Walt Disney Archives and a Disney Legend) saw it on the janitor’s shelf, he correctly identified it as the one from the film. The legendary snow globe is currently on display at Disney100: The Exhibition in Kansas City, Missouri.
Mary Poppins famously premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Thursday, August 27, 1964—arguably one of the most enlivening nights in Walt Disney’s career. Songwriter and Disney Legend Richard Sherman recalled, “It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life…. After four years of working on this film, I was floating on clouds.” The Archives collection preserves several unique pieces from the historic premiere, including this ticket and envelope (left), an official lapel ribbon worn by premiere staff, and a police pass.
It took seven months to plan for such a lavish and special premiere, and this one would be Walt’s first massive Hollywood event since the groundbreaking Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937. The evening also served as a benefit for CalArts, a groundbreaking school being developed to train a new generation of artists. Before Walt’s masterwork was unveiled to the invited audience, a 15-minute film, The CalArts Story, narrated by famed actor Sebastian Cabot, was screened.
Then, the opening credits for Mary Poppins rolled for the first time. Richard Sherman recalled, “We were all praying it would be a success. We thought it was good, but maybe we were just [biased]. Everybody was just glued to that screen. They laughed at all the right places. After ‘Step in Time,’ there was thunderous, screaming applause…. [and] when it was over, everybody stood up en masse and applauded. And they continued standing for five minutes. Women were wiping their eyes. [Co-producer and Disney Legend] Bill Walsh leaned over and winked. I looked over at Walt, and he was all smiles. He felt so good. What a wonderful thing for the creators of the film to feel and see.”
In its initial release, Mary Poppins was a genuine box office hit and received 13 Academy Award nominations, including five wins. Mary Poppins fandom continues to soar to the highest heights, and the Archives houses an impressive array of representative merchandise produced from the film’s release through the present. Merchandise played a vital role in the marketing of Mary Poppins the world over, as Disney licensed the film’s characters to a variety of companies for use on a plethora of product. On the heels of the film’s 1964 release, our magical prop carpet bag left the Disney studio as part of a promotional giveaway by Kraft Chocolates. The first prize was the carpet bag filled with $10,000 in cash. The winners apparently valued the money more than the bag, which reportedly sat in an attic for some 40 years before being correctly identified and finding its way to the Walt Disney Archives.
Pictured above are several notable pieces from the Archives’ collection of merchandise. Two Mary Poppins dolls—one more vintage, in a stylish blue jacket with matching hat, and a more recent one sporting her iconic “Jolly Holiday” look—showcase the differences and looks across generations. We’re also pleased to showcase this adorable lunch bag with Thermos® and a ceramic Mary, complete with two measuring spoons. And who wouldn’t want to eat ice cream out of that superb ice cream box?
No other studio could have created a film like Mary Poppins. “Mary Poppins resonated with me because it is simultaneously humorous, innovative, and deeply heartfelt,” says Patrick Letrondo Markulis, a Retouching Specialist with the Walt Disney Archives’ photo digitization team. Patrick and countless other fans have learned from the wisdom Mary imparts on the Banks family, hoping her aphorisms, truths, and life lessons stay with them through adulthood. “In the film, and in life, children see a lot of magic that only some adults see. I grew up hoping I’d be one of those adults,” Patrick adds. What better film can teach us, young or young at heart, that magic can be found anywhere, even in unassuming carpet bags.