Books to Read During Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month

By Andie Hagemann

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month—September 15 through October 15—is well underway, and to celebrate the occasion we’ve compiled a youth-oriented Disney reading list. Here we present six books available from Disney Publishing to delight the young and young at heart.

Illustrated book cover with teal text reading “Disney Encanto: A Tale of Three Sisters.”Mirabel, Isabella, and Luisa are stacked vertically and surrounded by colorful flowers, animals, birds, butterflies, and emblems.

Disney Encanto: A Tale of Three Sisters – Anika Fajardo

Relive the enchantment of Encanto through this delightful book. The Madrigals live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a magical house and charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift—from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel. But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope.

Antonio’s Amazing Gift – Naibe Reynoso

Inspired by characters and scenes from Encanto, this brightly illustrated picture book celebrates a love of animals, new friends, and the magical gifts of the Encanto. 

Illustrated book cover with gold text reading “The Cursed Carnival and Other Countries.”Behind the text is a tall red and white striped carnival tent with lights hanging down. Above the tent is an ominous dark sky.

The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities – Rick Riordan and others

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents 10 new stories—including one of his own—about what it takes to be a hero in any time, setting, and universe. The funny and fast-paced adventures include own-voice stories representing these cultures: Indian, Mesoamerican, Korean, Cuban, Black American, African, Navajo, Mexican, Mesopotamian, and Celtic.

A teen girl wears a purple, long-sleeved sweatshirt and dark slacks. She holds a lantern above her head in her left hand. Behind her is a dark forest with green eyeballs seen in the shadows. The blue text reads “Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares.”

Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares – Tehlor Kay Mejia

The next installment following science-obsessed Paola Santiago picks up six months after she confronted the legendary La Llorona, and life is nothing like she’d expected it to be. Paola is barely speaking to her best friends—Dante and Emma—and what’s worse, her mom has a totally annoying boyfriend. Even with her chupacabra puppy, Bruto, around, Pao can’t escape the feeling that she’s all alone in the world. Pao has no one to tell that she’s having nightmares again, this time set in a terrifying forest. Even more troubling? At their center is her estranged father, an enigma of a man she barely remembers. And when Dante’s abuela falls mysteriously ill, it seems that the dad Pao never knew just might be the key to healing the eccentric old woman. Pao’s search for her father will send her far from home, where she will encounter new monsters and ghosts, a devastating betrayal, and finally, the forest of her nightmares. Mejia draws on her Mexican heritage to tell a wild and wondrous story that combines creatures from folklore with modern-day challenges.

A young girl holds her mouth agape and looks on. She wears a crown on her head and is surrounded by blue circles. Behind her are tall woodland trees. The blue text reads “Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs.”

Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs – Pam Muñoz Ryan

On the brink of her quinceañera and her official coronation, Solimar visits the oyamel forest to sit among the monarch butterflies. There, the sun pierces through a sword-shaped crevice in a boulder, which shines on her and sends the butterflies humming and swirling around her. After the magical frenzy, she realizes she’s been given a gift and a burden: she can predict the near future! She has also become a protector of the young and weak butterflies. This alone would be a huge responsibility, but tragedy strikes when a neighboring king invades while her father and brother and many others are away. The remaining villagers are taken hostage—all except Solimar.

A young girl stands facing a long staircase. She wears a blue dress and a large, orange flame surrounds her. Around the staircase are blue and purple lights. The silver text reads “The Lords of Night: A Shadow Bruja Novel.”

The Lords of Night: A Shadow Bruja Novel, Book 1 – J.C. Cervantes

Available beginning Tuesday, October 4, this is a new spinoff from the Storm Runner trilogy. Fourteen-year-old Renata Santiago is the most powerful godborn of them all, a bruja with a unique combination of DNA. The Mexican blood from her dad’s side gives her the ability to manipulate shadows. Her mom, Pacific, a Maya goddess, gifted her a magical rope that controls time, and Ren recently used it to save a few gods from getting stuck forever in 1987. She brought them back to the present, but her BFF Ah Puch, the once fearsome god of death, darkness, and destruction, is now a teenager with no divine powers. Ren is also a girl with ordinary hopes and dreams. She wishes, for example, that her blog about alien sightings would garner more respect. She’s always been absolutely convinced that there’s a connection between aliens and the Maya civilization. Plenty of online haters feel differently, and they call her a fake, a liar, and a loser. When Ren receives an email about an alien sighting in Kansas, she thinks it may support her theory.

Eight Ways to Celebrate Pixar Fest

Pixar Fest is celebrating iconic stories from the animation studio all month long, and there’s still time to celebrate! We’ve collected eight fun ways to show your love of all things Pixar below.

1. Dress up the whole family with Pixar character costumes from shopDisney!

The Incredibles Costume Collection from shopDisney

The family that trick-or-treats together, saves the world together… or at least brings home the most candy! There’s an incredible costume for every member of your super squad. Dress the family up as Jack Jack, Dash, Violet, Elastigirl, and Mr. Incredible. There’s also an Adaptive Costume for Kids and an Incredimobile Wheelchair Cover.

Looking for more? Kids can dress up as Buzz Lightyear or the loveable Sox—plus so many more costumes inspired by your favorite characters, available at shopDisney.

2. Shop the new Coco collection on shopDisney

shopDisney has a brand-new collection of tableware, apparel, accessories, and more! Celebrate both Pixar Fest and Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month with products inspired by the gorgeous film featuring images of Miguel, Dante, and more!

3. New in 2023: Pixar Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line

Friendship and family fun meets your favorite Pixar pals during Pixar Day at Sea! This day-long celebration brings beloved Pixar stories to life, including the worlds of Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, and more, exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.

Offered during select seven-night sailings on the Disney Fantasy, you’ll experience epic character encounters, unique photo-ops, delicious dining, and totally tubular parties.

Start your morning with your favorite songs from Toy Story alongside Woody, Jesse, and Bullseye during a rootin’ tootin’ good breakfast. Then, spend the day in the sun at Crush’s Totally Awesome Pool Party on the upper decks. In the evening, enjoy a Pixar-themed dinner with dishes inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ California locale. End your evening with an incredible deck party, featuring the Incredibles family and an epic fireworks finale you won’t want to miss.

Book now for Pixar Day at Sea sailings on select cruises January through March 2023.

4. Sign up to run in the 2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

Come join in the fun with the running event that’s different every year! From April 13–16, 2023, we’ll be celebrating the power of friendship with the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend, inspired by some of your favorite Pixar films. You can even kick off the festivities with Springtime Surprise Yoga at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park. Register now for in-person and virtual events!

5. Play Disney Games featuring characters and elements from some of your favorite Pixar films

Disney Games let you live out the stories you love in a whole new way! Check out Disney Mirrorverse, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Disney Sorcerer’s Arena, and Disney Magic Kingdoms for next-level Pixar Fest fun!

Disney Mirrorverse

Mr. Incredible and Violet are leading the new Disney Mirrorverse in-game event celebrating Pixar Fest! Play heroic event quests, and battle through tough enemies to collect festival tickets for incredible rewards at the in-game festival booth. And don’t miss seeing these heroes’ newly evolved super suits in action! The special event runs through the end of September, so go save the day—and the Mirrorverse!

Disney Dreamlight Valley

Celebrate Pixar Fest in #DisneyDreamlightValley’s first in-game season and Star Path! Quest to earn Pixar-inspired rewards like these in this fun event on PC and console!

Disney Sorcerer’s Arena

Celebrate Pixar Fest with a special in-game gift to boost your teams in the Arena. Available for a limited time—redeem today!

Disney Magic Kingdoms

Celebrate Pixar Fest with Disney Magic Kingdoms! Build the Disney Park of your dreams filled with beloved characters, exciting attractions, and special events inspired by Pixar classics including Coco, The Incredibles, Lightyear, and more! Play now!

6. Read a Pixar Story from Disney Publishing

Experience beloved Pixar Stories in a whole new way! Whether you’re exploring the artwork behind the film, reading more about some of your favorite characters, or reliving the adventure at bedtime, there’s a book for every Pixar fan!

Books Inspired by Lightyear

The Art of Lightyear is an exclusive look behind the scenes of Pixar’s original feature film Lightyear that explores the exciting visuals of the film. Lightyear: Izzy Hawthorne: Destiny Awaits is a middle-grade sci-fi space adventure novel following the events of the film from the unique perspective of one of Buzz’s new friends. With an exclusive first-person narrative and other original content, readers will be thrilled by this heroic adventure! For younger readers, Lightyear: Sox on a Mission is a 40-page hardcover jacketed picture book that captures the humor and antics of Buzz and his personal companion robot in a story inspired by the film. Featuring beautiful artwork and packed with heart and humor, this book is perfect for fans of the legendary Space Ranger.

The Incredibles (Little Golden Book)

One of the most iconic Pixar family adventures is retold in the classic Little Golden Book format! The Incredibles stars a family of undercover Supers who are forced back into action to save the world. Featuring Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Violet, Dash, Jack-Jack, Frozone, and many other unforgettable characters, this book is a must-have for children ages 2 to 5, plus fans—and collectors—of any age! Looking for more? The Incredibles 2 Little Golden Book brings back everyone’s favorite family in an exciting, hilarious, and heartfelt super-sequel.

Miguel and the Amazing Alebrijes

Children ages 3 to 7 will love this full-color storybook with a shiny cover, game cards, and over 50 stickers based on the film.

7. Watch your favorite Pixar stories on Disney+

Grab some popcorn for your very own Pixar Fest streaming party! Start the celebration off right with the brand-new series Cars on the Road, now streaming only on Disney+. Cars on the Road follows Lightning McQueen and Mater on a cross-country road trip to attend Mater’s sister’s wedding. Like any good road trip, along the way the pair encounter a handful of adventures and unexpected twists and turns—including a dino park, traveling circus, and even a movie set!  After that, gather your friends and family each week to watch Lightyear, The Incredibles, Coco, and more of your Pixar favorites now streaming on Disney+.

8. Enter for a chance to win a Pixar Prize pack themed to Coco

Beginning on September 25 through October 1, 2022, fans can enter for a chance to win the final #PixarFest prize bundle by taking ALL of the following steps:

  • “Like” the Pixar Fest sweepstakes post on the @DisneyD23Instagram page
  • Comment on the sweepstakes post with #PixarFestSweepstakes, and
  • Follow the @DisneyD23Instagram account, all by October 1, 2022.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter Sweepstakes between 9/4/22 at 9:00 AM PT and 10/1/22 at 11:59 PM PT; conducted as 4 separate sweepstakes. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states & D.C., who are age 18+ at time of entry. Limit 1 entry per person per period. See Official Rules for full details on how to enter, eligibility requirements, entry periods, odds of winning, prize descriptions, and limitations. Void where prohibited.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

Sisters (and brothers), we fly! This week’s slate of content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) will urge you to run amuck, amuck, amuck. On Tuesday, Hulu’s new legal drama series Reasonable Doubt debuts on the streamer with two episodes. Don’t miss the Season 2 debut of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers along with an all-new episode of Andor, both available Wednesday on Disney+. ABC presents The Wonderful World of Disney: Hocus Pocus on Thursday—the eve of the sequel’s premiere! It all culminates with the Sanderson sisters’ long-awaited return with the debut of Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+!

From left to right, actors Emayatzy Corinealdi and Angela Grovey walk through glass doors and down a hallway. Corinealdi wears a white blazer with a tan blouse and tan pants. She holds two large books in her right hand. Grovey wears a blue-gray dress with a large black belt and silver buckle around her waist. The dress has vertical black stripes. She holds files in her right left hand. 

Reasonable Doubt—Tuesday, September 27, on Hulu

Meet Jax Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi). She’s the most brilliant and fearless criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, and she isn’t afraid to challenge the justice system every chance she gets. Jax’s interpretation of the law may be a little controversial, but if you’re in trouble, she’s the one to call. Intended for only mature audiences, the first two episodes are available at launch with new episodes airing weekly thereafter.

From left to right, actors Taegan Burns, Maxwell Simkins, Luke Islam, Brady Noon, DJ Watts, and Swayam Bhatia stand inside on a hockey rink. Each wear green hockey jerseys with yellow helmets, black shorts, and black skates. All jerseys have a skating duck logo and text reading “DUCKS” across the front of the jersey.

The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers—Wednesday, September 28, on Disney+

After winning back the Mighty Ducks team name last year, the squad, along with coach Alex Morrow (Lauren Graham), hits the road to attend an intense summer hockey institute in California run by former NHL player Colin Cole (Josh Duhamel). The Ducks get quacking as they try to survive the uber-competitive environment, but can they win summer? The series also stars Brady Noon as Evan, Maxwell Simkins as Nick, Swayam Bhatia as Sofi, Luke Islam as Koob, DJ Watts as Sam, Taegan Burns as Maya, and Naveen Paddock as Jace. New episodes debut weekly on the streamer.

Actor Diego Luna hides behind a wall. In the distance, two stormtroopers in white armor are seen walking.

Andor—Wednesday, September 28, on Disney+

How did Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) become a rebel hero? This series, set five years prior to the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, explores the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire in an era filled with danger, deception, and intrigue. After the events of Episode 3, how will the rebels move forward? Tune in to find out!

From left to right, actors Kathy Najimy, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Disney Legend Bette Midler stand around Thora Birch, who is seated in a wooden chair. Najimy wears an orange, long-sleeved shirt with a blue and orange plaid long skirt. She holds one end of Birch’s black and orange scarf in one hand. Parker looks at Najimy and wears a maroon dress with sheer, long sleeves. Midler wears an emerald green cape and gown with purple accents. Birch wears a black witch hat with a red sweater with yellow, embroidered suns.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Hocus Pocus—Thursday, September 29, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC

After moving to Salem, Massachusetts, teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister, Dani (Thora Birch), and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing Salem’s bewitching history, Max accidentally frees the Sanderson sisters—Winifred (Disney Legend Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy)—who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.

From left to right, actors Kathy Najimy, Disney Legend Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker stand in the woods. Najimy wears a dark red cloak. Midler wears a green dress and green cloak with gold accents. She holds a large, old book in her left arm. Parker wears a maroon cloak and dress with gold and green accents.

Hocus Pocus 2—Friday, September 30, on Disney+

The witches are back! It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the Sanderson sisters—Winifred (Midler), Sarah (Parker), and Mary (Najimy)—and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high school students—Becca (Whitney Peak), Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham) —to stop the witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve. The spooktacular sequel also stars Sam Richardson, Doug Jones, Hannah Waddingham, Froy Gutierrez, and Tony Hale.

Unwrapping the Secrets of Under Wraps 2

By Zach Johnson

More mummies, more problems.

Premiering Sunday, September 25, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Friday, September 30, on Disney+, Under Wraps 2 picks up as Marshall (Malachi Barton), Gilbert (Christian J. Simon), and Amy (Sophia Hammons) are preparing for a spooktacular Halloween-themed wedding! It should be a happy day for Amy’s dad (Claude Knowlton) and his fiancé, Carl (Antonio Cayonne)… but things start to unravel when the three BFFs discover their mummy pal Harold (Phil Wright) and his eternal love, Rose (Rryla McIntosh), may be in imminent danger.

“At first, Amy and Gilbert are running the school newspaper, just kind of living their normal lives,” Hammons tells D23. “They realize that not only has Harold been moved to another museum, but another mummy from his timeline has been revived—and he’s coming to get Harold.”

That mummy, Sobek (T.J. Storm), harbors a 1,000-year-old grudge against his best friend-turned-bitter-rival. “It’s super chaotic,” Hammons says of the havoc Sobek wreaks. Indeed, Simon adds, “There is a lot going on. It’s an emotional roller coaster.”

(From left to right): Sophia Hammons, in character as Amy, Christian J. Simon, in character as Gilbert, and Malachi Barton, in character as Marshall, walk through a corn maze at night. They are wearing jackets, hats and pants, and Gilbert is recording a video on his phone. The three of them have scared expressions on their faces.

Despite how intimidating Sobek is onscreen, the actors say the new character was a welcome presence on set. “My favorite scene to film was when Sobek brings his guards to life, because these guys were huge,” Barton tells D23. “They were so tall, and it was so fun to have so many mummies on set at one time.“ It was equally fun for Wright, who played the sole mummy in the first film. “It was pretty awesome to have more people on set who had to experience what I went through,” Wright says. “It’s always more fun when there are more characters that view the workday the same way you do.”

A sequel inherently requires bigger stakes—and according to the cast, Sobek is much a more cunning adversary than the criminals their characters faced in 2021’s Under Wraps. With help from his hypnotized lacky, Larry (Jordan Conley), Sobek kidnaps Rose—forcing Marshall, Gilbert, Amy, Harold, and Buzzy (Melanie Brook) to find a way to save her and get back in time for Amy’s dad’s wedding. “Defeating a super powerful mummy is clearly no small task, especially when he has a laser scepter,” Barton says. “But as you will see in the movie, you can do just about anything if you work together.”

(From left to right): T.J. Storm, in character as the mummy Sobek, stands strong as he is kicked in the chest by Rryla McIntosh, in character as the mummy Rose.

Naturally, the characters have grown up quite a lot since audiences first met them in Under Wraps. “In the first movie, a lot of people saw Gilbert as the scaredy cat—which he was!” Simon says. “Now, he’s focusing hard on reinventing himself. He’s really trying to show people that he’s not as afraid he used to be. In fact, he’s started a social media channel, called Gutsy Gilbert, where he reviews all the new Halloween mazes.”

As for Marshall, Barton says, “Similar to the first movie, he really takes on the job of saving Harold—and now Rose, as well. But I think he is also trying to find himself and his place among his best friends.” Amy, in addition to running the school newspaper with Gilbert, is trying to be supportive of her father. “She’s just trying to go to celebrate Amy’s dad’s wedding,” she says. “And then it turns into a whole big thing.”

Obviously, being cast in a sequel to the Disney Channel Original Movie was a dream come true for McIntosh. “Joining the Under Wraps family was everything I wished it would be and more,” she says. “The experience of shooting and creating something so magical is something I’ll never forget. What made the experience so impactful was the people I got to work, learn, and play with. The cast and crew were both amazing!”

Phil Wright, in character as the mummy Harold, is bandaged and wearing an amulet. He is standing on an illuminated dance floor, with his arms and legs outstretched. In the background, bowling pins are lit up and people are wearing Halloween costumes.

Wright worked closely with McIntosh to show her how to best bring a mummy to life… so to speak. “It’s a process that all the mummies have to go through,” he explains. “Alex Zamm, our director, and I call it ‘Mummy Training.’” Harold’s relationship with Rose adds a new dimension to his personality, Wright adds: “Everyone will be pleased to see how much of an effect Rose has on Harold. She brings out another side of him.”

“Not only are Harold and Rose each other’s one true loves, but they are best friends and never forget to have fun—sometimes too much fun,” McIntosh says. Speaking of having “too much fun,” McIntosh’s favorite part of filming was also the most challenging, as it involved “discovering who Rose was and how she felt, then finding creative ways to portray her passions, emotions, and intentions without having dialogue.”

The mummies may not be able to speak, but the cast can’t say enough about how excited they are to share Under Wraps 2 with audiences. “I think fans will be most excited about seeing their favorite characters back together again on another crazy adventure,” Barton says. “This movie was so fun to make, and I just can’t wait for everyone to experience it and meet the new characters!” Wright tells D23, “I hope they appreciate the fun-loving work we put into this project. With the addition of more mummies, more dancing, and more adventure, I’m sure they’ll have a blast watching.”

Meet the Original High School Musical Stars Joining the Cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4

By Zach Johnson

Attention, Wildcats: a new cast list has just been posted!

With production underway in Salt Lake City for Season 4 of the hit Disney+ Original series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Disney Branded Television announced a few familiar faces are returning to East High! Original High School Musical trilogy stars Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Lucas Grabeel, Bart Johnson, Alyson Reed, and Kaycee Stroh are going back where it all began. Also joining the cast in recurring guest star roles are Kylie Cantrall as social media star Dani, Matthew Sato as sitcom actor Mack, Caitlin Reilly as indie film director Quinn, and Vasthy Mompoint as choreographer Krystal. Season 4 of the series, created and executive produced by Tim Federle, will include songs from the High School Musical franchise and original music.

(Back row, from left to right): Tim Federle, Joshua Bassett, Liamani Segura, Julia Lester, Sofia Wylie, Frankie Rodriguez. (Front row, from left to right): Kate Reinders, Lucas Grabeel, Monique Coleman, Corbin Bleu, and Dara Reneé. The cast and crew of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series pose for a group photo on the bleachers in an East High classroom.

After an unforgettable summer at Camp Shallow Lake, the Wildcats return to East High in Season 4, where they prepare a stage production of High School Musical 3: Senior Year. But plans are disrupted when Principal Gutierrez (Valente Rodriguez) announces that Disney has decided to make the long-awaited High School Musical 4: The Reunion movie on location at their beloved high school. Bleu, Coleman, Grabeel, Johnson, Reed, and Kaycee Stroh will play themselves, resurrecting their High School Musical roles as Chad Danforth, Taylor McKessie, Ryan Evans, Coach Jack Bolton, Ms. Darbus and Martha Cox, respectively—and the Wildcats will play featured extras in the movie.

The new cast members and High School Musical veterans join series regulars Joshua Bassett as Ricky, Sofia Wylie as Gina, Dara Reneé as Kourtney, Julia Lester as Ashlyn, Frankie Rodriguez as Carlos, Kate Reinders as Miss Jenn, and Liamani Segura as Emmy. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Seasons 1-3) are streaming on Disney+.

Stream High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+

MagicBand+ is Coming to Disneyland Resort This Fall—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

MagicBand+ Features and Experiences Revealed for Disneyland Resort

Yes, it’s almost time: This fall, MagicBand+ will make its debut at Disneyland Resort, bringing the wearable technology to the West Coast for the first time! Earlier this week, our friends at Disney Parks Blog shared a look at how this innovation will deliver hands-free convenience… not to mention unlock a whole new dimension of amazing Disney storytelling!

Launched at Walt Disney World Resort earlier this summer, MagicBand+ is a next-generation wearable that enables users to see and feel park experiences in a brand-new way, thanks to smart features like color-changing LED lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition. Available in a large (and growing) assortment of designs and colors, MagicBand+ offers yet another opportunity to show off personal style; it’s also rechargeable—with an included charging cable—and waterproof. And when MagicBand+ is paired to a smartphone device through the Disneyland app*, it unlocks personalization options such as selecting unique light colors and adjusting the vibration and motion recognition settings.

MagicBand+ features and experiences will vary between Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. But at launch, the wearable will boast a host of convenient capabilities—with more to come… For instance, users will be able to connect their MagicBand+ to their theme park ticket or Magic Key pass in the Disneyland app for an easy way to enter the Disneyland Resort theme parks (valid park admission and reservation required), or use it to check in at Lightning Lane entrances (separate valid Lightning Lane entry required).

MagicBand+ will also add new, immersive elements and surprises to park experiences. In sync with special moments during select nighttime spectaculars—including World of Color at Disney California Adventure Park—the band will complement the magic in the skies by pulsing with lights and vibrations. And look for a brand-new quest to help you explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge like never before.

There’s lots more to come—so keep your eyes peeled here at D23.com, as well as at the Disney Parks Blog, for all the latest and greatest about what MagicBand+ can do for you. See y’all at the parks!

*Message, data, and roaming rates may apply for use of Disneyland app and Play Disney Parks app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

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

We’ve now passed the first day of autumn—and while it may not truly feel like fall in some corners of the country (lookin’ at you, SoCal!), that doesn’t mean we can’t fake it by cozying up on the couch with fave snacks and taking in some quality viewing this weekend from around the world of Disney. Look for the mid-season premiere of Big City Greens and the big debut of Under Wraps 2 on Disney Channel; new episodes of Celebrity Jeopardy and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on ABC; and much more.

Global Citizen Festival: Take Action NOW—This Sunday on ABC

This Sunday, September 25, ABC will air highlights of the 2022 Global Citizen Festival—from two stages in international cultural capitals, New York City and Accra, Ghana—with the special Global Citizen Festival: Take Action NOW, starting at 7 p.m. EDT). The broadcast will feature exclusive performances from across the globe by the likes of Mariah Carey, Jonas Brothers, Metallica, Usher, SZA, Tems, and many more.

For those who’d like to watch the full festival, you’re in luck: ABC News Live will air the event starting Saturday, September 24, at 4 p.m. EDT, and Hulu subscribers can stream it through the ABC News Live feed.

Hosted by international advocacy organization Global Citizen, the global event is calling on world leaders, corporations, and philanthropic foundations to “End Extreme Poverty NOW.” Award-winning actor, playwright and activist Danai Gurira (Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) will host the festival in Accra, while actor, producer, author, and Global Citizen Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas hosts in New York City.

For more information about the 2022 Global Citizen Festival, visit www.globalcitizen.org.

Disney+ Announces Save Our Squad with David Beckham Premiere Date

They’ve seen it “across the pond,” and now we get to see it here!

Disney+ this week announced that UK Original series Save Our Squad with David Beckham will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on Wednesday, November 9.

Save Our Squad with David Beckham is a heart-warming show that sees Beckham returning to his East London roots to mentor Westward Boys—a young, grassroots team at the bottom of their league, facing relegation. However, this isn’t just any league… this is the same league that Beckham played in as a young boy! Working with the head coaches, he’ll try to turn the team’s fortunes around.

As seen in the sneak peek above, Beckham will mentor the young squad members and give advice and encouragement—including on how to perfect their free kicks, so everyone on the team has the chance to “bend it like Beckham.”

Celebrate Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month with the Ultimate Watchlist

Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month is here, and D23 has compiled a list of movies and TV shows for Disney fans of all ages to enjoy. From TV favorites to Oscar®-winning animated films celebrating the diverse cultures within the Hispanic and Latinx communities, there’s something for everyone.

An image of Mickey Mouse in a drum major uniform—the jacket is yellow and red, with a treble clef and music notes and gold knots across the front, and a gold cape flying out from his shoulders. He’s wearing a fuzzy black drum major hat, and is carrying a drum major baton.

Walt Disney World Resort to Host Largest-Ever HBCU Week

Here’s some very cool news: For the first time, HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Week is being held at Walt Disney World Resort… and it’s expected to be the largest ever! A record 5,000 high school students from the Southeastern region of the United States and beyond are expected to attend the college fair, along with nearly 50 HBCU recruiters who will be handing out college acceptance letters and scholarships—including full four-year rides—on the spot. In all, more than $10 million in scholarships are set to be awarded, which would also be another HBCU Week record!

Throughout the three-day event at Walt Disney World, there will be pomp and pageantry on display, plus fun for the entire family. Starting Friday October 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the HBCU Week college fair will be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, with a lunch and learn series beginning at 11 a.m. The following day, October 8, Magic Kingdom Park will host HBCU Week band parades highlighting Delaware State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Winston-Salem State University, and Alcorn State University. The parades will begin at 9:20 a.m. with the last school performing at 6 p.m. Then on Sunday, October 9, look for the HBCU Week Battle of the Bands at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; tickets are $25 each.

Prospective students are encouraged to register for the college fair—and find more information about the entire event—by visiting HBCUWeek.org.

New Trailer for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Strange World

We’re just a few short months’ away from the latest animated feature from the good folks at Walt Disney Animation Studios—and to tide us over, they just released a brand-new trailer for the film, above…

In the action-packed adventure Strange World, a legendary family of explorers known as the Clades attempts to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog, and a slew of ravenous creatures. The voice cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission; Dennis Quaid as Searcher’s larger-than-life explorer father, Jaeger; Jaboukie Young-White as Searcher’s 16-year-old son, Ethan, who longs for adventure; Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things; and Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, Avalonia’s fearless leader who spearheads the exploration into the strange world.

Helmed by Don Hall (Big Hero 6, Raya and the Last Dragon) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer, Raya and the Last Dragon), and produced by Roy Conli (Big Hero 6, Tangled), Strange World debuts on November 23.

Curious about what went into creating such a unique piece of animated art? Go behind the scenes with the filmmakers right here on D23.com!

The colorful logos for Disney Channel and Disney Junior’s Halloween programming events are side by side; Disney Channel’s has fangs at the bottom, while Disney Junior’s says “Trick or Treat” under the network logo; on left side of the word “Junior” there’s a black cat, and on the right side there is a black Jack-o’-lantern.

Fang-tastic Halloween Programming Comes to Disney Branded Television

It’s nearly time for happy haunts to materialize… so we’re spook-tacularly excited for Disney Channel’s “Calling All the Monsters” and Disney Junior’s “Trick or Treats” programming events—which include the debut of the new Disney Channel Original Movie Under Wraps 2; new Halloween-themed episodes of Raven’s Home, BUNK’D, The Villains of Valley View, Eureka!, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, and Firebuds; and marathons for the whole family to enjoy, airing from this Sunday, September 25, through Monday, October 31!

Plus, beginning Monday, September 26, Disney Channel will air Halloween-themed movies every weeknight at 8 p.m. ET/PT, including fan favorites Hotel Transylvania, Hotel Transylvania 2, Hotel Transylvania 3, Halloweentown, and Halloweentown II.

And make sure to look out for the Season 4 premiere of The Worst Witch on Friday, October 21, at 4:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Tune in… and get ready for grim-grinning ghosts to come out and socialize!

ICYMI: Bertie Gregory Opens Up About His Epic Adventures

In his new series, now streaming on Disney+, National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory takes viewers on some truly incredible adventures—everywhere from Antarctica to Zambia. D23 recently heard from Gregory about what makes the show so special, and took a spin through a few breathtaking images from the series; check it all out by clicking here.

Building a Fairytale: The Construction of Cinderella Castle, Part 2

By Matt Moryc and Maggie Evenson, Walt Disney Archives

Welcome back to the second and final part of our look at the construction of Cinderella Castle. These photos, selected from the Walt Disney Archives Photo Library, are only a taste of the thousands of vintage Walt Disney World images that reside in the collection. In case you missed Part One, please visit this link.

A unique aerial view of Cinderella Castle under construction, taken from above and behind the Castle. The newly planted trees of the Central Plaza are visible at the top of the photo.

A crane lifts the roof portion of a tower into place.

There’s much to see in this aerial shot of the Castle and nearby Fantasyland. Notice the Castle’s golden spire has been staged at the top of the ramps before its eventual placement at the top of the structure. To the left of the castle are the buildings for both it’s a small world (green structure) and “Mickey Mouse Revue,” while the steel structure of the Pinocchio Village Haus takes shape next to it’s a small world. In the top right corner is construction on the lagoon and infrastructure for the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea submarine voyage, while the Snow White’s Adventures and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride buildings sit just below it.

The top portion of Cinderella Castle’s tallest spire is lowered into place as a construction worker in the turret helps to ensure the proper connections are made.

A shot taken from the entrance to the Castle foyer. A sign was placed over the face of the Castle’s clock to remind the planners, designers, and laborers when the Magic Kingdom had to be completed: “Remember Opening Oct. 1971.” A similar sign was also placed over the clock face of the City Hall building on Main Street, U.S.A.

Inside the Castle foyer, the story of Cinderella is depicted along the walls via five dazzling mosaic murals, with each panel in the shape of a Gothic arch 15 feet high by 10 feet wide. This photo shows tile setters cementing the glass pieces into place. The murals were designed by Disney Legend and Walt Disney Imagineer Dorothea Redmond and translated into hundreds of thousands of pieces of glass by a renowned tile mosaicist. More than 400 colors were used, with 100 accent colors, and some of the glass pieces were infused with silver and 14-carat gold. According to a Disney press release at the time, “Some pieces are as small as the head of a tack and many more are hand cut and shaped by a power grindstone.”

A rarely seen view from the balcony of Cinderella Castle overlooking the forecourt area and across the Central Plaza toward Main Street, U.S.A.

An almost-ready Cinderella Castle as viewed from Central Plaza at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. The iconic “Partners” statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse was placed in the planter at the center of this photo in June 1995.

A Fall 1971 view of the completed Cinderella Castle.

A Spellbinding Look Inside Hocus Pocus 2 with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and More Stars

By Zach Johnson

Fans of the Sanderson sisters are in for a treat this Halloween season!

The highly anticipated Disney+ Original movie Hocus Pocus 2 premieres Friday, September 30, on the streaming service. It follows the wickedly wonderful witches Winifred (Disney Legend Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy) as they try to wreak havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve. In celebration of the live-action comedy, an enchanting cover was created exclusively for the Fall 2022 issue of Disney twenty-three, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. In excerpts from those interviews (below), the cast members and director Anne Fletcher discuss revisiting the bewitching characters decades after Hocus Pocus was initially released (and ultimately became a Halloween classic).

The lead actresses had their own ideas about the story they wanted to tell in Hocus Pocus 2, “but nothing major,” Midler says in Disney twenty-three. “Kathy, especially, acted as the keeper of the Black Flame Candle, forgive my pun. She was adamant about what the fans would and wouldn’t accept, and we sort of followed her lead.”

Belissa Escobedo in character as Izzy, Whitney Peak in character as Becca, and Lilia Buckingham in character as Cassie. The characters are dressed for fall, wearing sweaters and jackets, and they are walking out of school next to a crowded bike rack.

Fletcher knew she had her work cut out for her. “It’s incredibly daunting,” says the director. “You want to give fans what they’ve been waiting 29 years for without being redundant. I also kept in mind that there’s a slew of people who have never seen the first movie, if you can imagine! You want to make sure they understand everything without being expositional every five minutes—and do that in a really elegant way.”

To do that, Hocus Pocus 2 introduces characters played by Sam Richardson, Hannah Waddingham, Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, Lilia Buckingham, Froyan Gutierrez, and Tony Hale. Peak, Escobedo, and Buckingham portray three high school students who vow stop the Sanderson sisters from running amuck, amuck, amuck. “These girls have been working professionally since they were kids,” Midler says of the collective experience the young talents brought to the Hocus Pocus 2 set. “I love and respect them all.”

For the younger trio, getting to be a part of the Hocus Pocus franchise—and work alongside Midler, Parker, and Najimy—was a dream come true. “I grew up being a Halloween girl,” says Buckingham, who plays Cassie. “I watch the original movie every October on Freeform, so when I got the audition for the sequel, I was like, ‘If I don’t get this, it’s over!’” Like Buckingham, Escobedo says she had seen Hocus Pocus countless times. “My mom is obsessed with Hocus Pocus. We watch it every single year around Halloween, so I was definitely very familiar with the movie,” Escobedo says. “My mom was in the room when I got the part, and she screamed before I screamed.”

Doug Jones, in character as the zombie Billy Butcherson, stands in a dimly lit graveyard.

For the veteran actors, once they got back into costume for Hocus Pocus 2, it felt as if no time had passed since they filmed the perennial Halloween classic. “The surreal part was looking at myself in the mirror,” says Doug Jones, who returns as the zombie Billy Butcherson. “Putting my zombie makeup, my wig, and my costume back on, I look as though maybe two minutes have passed in the last 29 years! I look exactly the same. Looking at Bette, Sarah Jessica, and Kathy was equally as surreal, because 29 years have passed, and they all look younger and more vibrant than they did the first time!”

Speaking of vibrancy, the musical numbers in Hocus Pocus 2—set to classic songs by Disney Legend Elton John and Blondie—are a real treat. “I come from musical theater, so song and dance is a bit in my bones,” Najimy says. “We had brilliant choreographer and dance team. That being said... dancing on dirt and rocks was a bit of a challenge!”

Naturally, there’s plenty of magic in Hocus Pocus 2, and Midler can’t wait for families and fans to stream the film on Disney+. “It’s a big, broad, family comedy with great effects, a lot of slapstick, and no cursing!” she says. “Who doesn’t love to laugh?” Escobedo agrees, adding, “It’s a wild ride. It’s just as kooky and crazy as the first movie—if not more—because it’s 2022. There’s a lot that we can do with movies now.”

Inside Hulu’s Steamy New Legal Drama Reasonable Doubt

By Zach Johnson

In Reasonable Doubt, the truth belongs to those who twist it.

Onyx Collective’s highly anticipated first scripted series, premiering Tuesday, September 27, on Hulu, centers on Jax Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi), a brilliant and fearless defense attorney in Los Angeles who bucks the justice system whenever possible. Sure, her ethics are questionable, and her interpretations of the law are debatable, but people want her in their corner if (or when) they get into trouble.

With Reasonable Doubt, however, the drama doesn’t unfold only within a courtroom. “Often, legal dramas focus on the professional, and there’s a little bit of personal,” says writer and executive producer Raamla Mohamed, who leads the show’s all-Black writers room. “But I think what separates the show is that it’s about a woman who’s balancing all the things that women have to balance: her career, her friendships, her marriage, her kids. It’s all of those things that, as women, we have to coordinate and figure out. The great thing about it is that you get to see her have a really full life. Sometimes she wins in one part of her life, and then sometimes she wins in another part—just like women do. We’re just trying to win and one, and hopefully it works out.”

According to Mohamed, Corinealdi—best known for her award-winning turn as Ruby in the 2012 indie drama Middle of Nowhere—was the only person who could bring a character such as Jax to life. “We had a lot of people come in to audition—a lot of wonderful, amazing actresses,” Mohamed recalls. “Honestly, just talking about it gets me emotional, because she clearly was Jax. There was no question in any of our minds that she encapsulated both who Jax needed to be and who I wanted to see on screen.”

Reasonable Doubt is produced by ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios, with Simpson Street’s Kerry Washington and Pilar Savone and Wilmore Films’ Larry Wilmore all serving as executive producers. Washington also directs the first episode.

“Raamla was a big part of the reason why I wanted to do the show,” Washington says. “We’ve grown up together in this business. She was a research assistant on Season 1 of Scandal, and we lived through that show together, and then we did Little Fires Everywhere. Raamla’s big, bold, risk-taking, adventurous mind was the big draw. And also, the woman who inspired the show, [co-executive producer] Shawn Holley, is really special and dynamic. When I met her, I got so excited about working on a show that would explore some of the complexities of her work and her life. I knew it would be really, really challenging to find somebody who could play this character as written by Raamla, but Emayatzy actually solved that problem for us; hiring her was a no-brainer.”

Jax is a nuanced character, and as such, Corinealdi appreciated how Mohamed gave her the freedom to experiment. “Raamla was so clear in her point of view, and also so giving within that point of view,” Corinealdi says. “She left the room for us to explore and find things. That’s what made it interesting. One of my favorite things about Jax is that she has all of these different circles she’s in, and she keeps some of them pretty separate, but you get to see her live her life in a way that’s not particularly all together. As Raamla said, ‘That’s life.’ She wrote a woman who is capable of trying to figure all of these things out—and who is willing and has the courage to fail at them at the same time. That’s what I like seeing on television, and I don’t think we have a lot of that.”

5 Things to Know About Avatar and Its Theatrical Rerelease

By Zach Johnson

This Friday, 20th Century Studios will bring the bioluminescent moon of Pandora back to the big screen when writer, director, and executive producer James Cameron’s Avatar returns to theaters in 3D—and, for the first time, in stunning 4K high dynamic range. Following its initial release in 2009, Avatar went on to become the highest-grossing, most successful movie of all time, and it made household names out of stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña. The winner of three Academy Awards®—Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Visual Effects—Avatar can now be experienced as a 4K HDR remastered picture, while theaters with 3D capabilities will present the remastered version with an added dimension to bring the epic story to life.

Recently, Cameron, Worthington, and Saldaña joined Avatar stars Sigourney Weaver (Dr. Grace Augustine), Michelle Rodriguez (Trudy Chacon), and Stephen Lang (Miles Quaritch) to reminisce about making the revolutionary adventure—and D23 was there to round up the top five things audiences need to know about it.

(L-R): The Na’vi avatar Jake Sully (voiced by Sam Worthington) and the Na’vi warrior Neytiri (voiced by Zoe Saldaña) embrace each other and press their foreheads together. Their blue skin is illuminated by the bioluminescent fauna in the background.

1. The story may be the same, but the sweeping visuals are anything but.
When Cameron and executive producer Jon Landau first brought Avatar to the big screen, both the 2D and 3D versions of the film encouraged theaters around the world to upgrade their equipment to deliver the highest quality picture and sound. “It’s been 12 years since the release, so if you’re under 22 or 23 years of age, it’s very unlikely you’ve seen the film in a movie theater—which, in a way, means you haven’t seen the film,” Cameron said. “We authored the film for the big screen, for the giant screen, in 3D, and now we’ve remastered it in 4K, in high-dynamic range and some 48-frame-per-second sections in the film. It’s looking better than it ever looked, even back in its initial release.” In fact, as they were finishing the remastering process, Cameron was blown away by the visuals. “That’s hard to say with any degree of humility, but we were really impressed with how the movie looked—just the physical experience,” he said. “We’re just really excited to share that with people who have never seen it in a movie theater.”

2. Imagination and technology combined brought Avatar to life.
Performance capture was used to render Pandora’s indigenous Na’vi clan and the avatars, and it was an experience Worthington will never forget. “I was like a 5-year-old kid in a big play pit, and the boss was saying, ‘Get to it!’ That was the job,” said Worthington, whose character, former Marine Jake Sully, was reborn as an avatar, a remotely controlled biological body unaffected by Pandora’s toxic air. “You kept pinching yourself, because I didn’t really think this was ever going come out or be a movie. I just thought it was a bunch of fun and I was allowed to experience it.” Like Worthington, Saldaña said, “My imagination was never as infinite as when I was there.” Weaver, who played xenobotanist Dr. Grace Augustine, added, “The idea that from this little room, we were going to create this other world was so fantastic. The only way [audiences] can go to Pandora is by going to the theater and seeing it in 3D.”

(L-R): Sigourney Weaver, in character as Dr. Grace Augustine, places her left hand on the shoulder of Sam Worthington, in character as Jake Sully. Their skin is illuminated by the blue avatar pod behind them.

3. In a film about super-tall blue creatures, the story remains grounded and real.
According to Rodriguez, her favorite scene depicts the tribal ceremony at the Tree of Life, when the Na’vi clan is trying to bring Weaver’s character back to life. “There’s something really powerful about that moment,” Rodriguez explained. “It resonates with me in such a deep way, because it seems so beautiful, natural, ancient, spiritual.”

4. Avatar was intended to be experienced on the big screen.
Thinking back to when she first saw Avatar in a theater in 2009, Saldaña said, “I was completely enamored with what I was sensing, and it was an immersive experience that was unlike anything I had ever seen. I felt grateful. I felt very humbled. Let’s not forget that when Avatar came out, it wasn’t like we came out with a big splash, you know?  We came out, and we were solid, but these ripples kept growing and growing as time kept going by. And they became this really big thing, but it grew. And as it was happening, I felt like I was witnessing something truly remarkable. How people were captivated by it was really humbling.” Weaver marveled at the technological innovations that enhanced the storytelling, saying, “What really moved me was using such effective 3D that you feel like you’re in the room with Jake when he’s having to make some decisions, that you’re in the place with Neytiri when she’s moving through the forest. It took all the barriers away between me and the world—in the emotional scenes with humans and in the world of Pandora. I found that I had much less objectivity. The decisions they made felt much more personal to me because I was in their world with them, and I had something at stake in that world. I couldn’t get away.”

The blue Na’vi warrior Neytiri (voiced by Zoe Saldaña) crouches on a rock. Her tail is extended, and she holds a knife behind her back, ready to strike at any moment.

5. Avatar features themes that are relatable to people from every planet.
Asked why he thinks Avatar appealed to movie lovers of all ages and backgrounds, Cameron mused, “People saw some universality of their lives and these characters through this lens of science fiction.” In addition, the “physical execution” was so crisp that within the first few minutes, “people gave up trying to figure out how it was done,” he said. “They just surrendered to a sense of immersion in a world and in a fantasy. People are willing to go on a fantasy if they can relate to the main characters.” Like Jake, Worthington said, “We’re all looking for our own little clan, our own clique, our own group of people who can comfort us and give us confidence, who we can learn from. I don’t think it was a theme that was hammered out. It was a subconscious feeling we all received when we watched the movie—this sense of wanting to belong.”

Avatar will also be available in Dolby 3D, IMAX 3D, Premium Large Format screens, RealD 3D, and additional formats nationwide. The story of Avatar will continue in the upcoming film Avatar: The Way of Water, opening in theaters on December 16, 2022.