Celebrate Disney+ Day with Special Offers and Perks

In celebration of Disney+ Day on September 8, fans are invited to join the Disney+ community with a special introductory offer and receive even more value with their subscription with the ultimate collection of limited time offers, experiences, and perks. Starting today at 9 p.m. PT through Monday, September 19, at 11:59 p.m. PT, new and returning subscribers can get one month of Disney+ for $1.99 by clicking here.

The Disney+ Day celebration leads into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa® in Anaheim, California, on September 9, 10, and 11, where subscribers in attendance can receive access to even more onsite perks—and also be treated to exciting announcements and first-looks at upcoming Disney+ Originals.

Subscriber Perks in Honor of Disney+ Day

Both existing and new subscribers can receive the following perks in celebration of Disney+ Day starting September 8 at 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET:

  • Special Access to shopDisney Merchandise: Disney+ subscribers can receive special access to a curated collection of shopDisney merchandise. This custom selection of designs is inspired by favorite Disney+ Day premieres, Disney+ Originals, and more.
  • Disney Cruise Line Offer: Watch the stories you love come to life on a Disney cruise with a special offer for Disney+ subscribers. Third and fourth guests sail free with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom. Disney+ subscribers can book up to two staterooms with this offer, available starting September 8 on select sailings aboard the Disney Magic, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy departing January–April 2023, in select stateroom categories.*
  • Walt Disney World Resort Offer: Experience holiday fun during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration! Disney+ subscribers can be on the lookout for a special holiday offer at select Disney Resort hotels. Click here starting September 8 for additional details.
  • National Geographic Digital Subscription Offer: Disney+ subscribers can get a six-month free trial to Nat Geo Digital. Enjoy subscriber-exclusive content, every page of every issue ever published in our digital archive, and access stories anywhere with the ad-free Nat Geo mobile app.
  • Uber One Offer: Extended in celebration of Disney+ Day, Disney+ subscribers get six free months of Uber One membership, plus $25 off their first Uber Eats order.
  • Disney Movie Insiders Bonus Points: When subscribers link their Disney+ account to their Disney Movie Insiders account by September 30, they earn 150 bonus points and continue to earn 50 points per month as long as their active accounts are linked. It's free to join Disney Movie Insiders, and members can redeem points for rewards, experiences, and more.
  • Disney Parks Early Entry: On September 8, Disney+ subscribers and their party with theme park admission and reservations are invited to enter the theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, and Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris 30 minutes before regular park open to extend the celebrations.**
  • Disney+ Fan-Favorite Screenings at AMC Theatres: From September 8-19, select AMC Theatres will celebrate Disney+ Day with screenings of fan-favorite movies including Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, Lucasfilm’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Disney and Pixar’s Cars, and Disney’s Newsies. Tickets are $5 per screening and available to everyone. Attendees will receive a free Disney+ poster, while supplies last. Plus, a special concessions offer will be available for Disney+ subscribers.

Perks for Disney+ Subscribers at D23 Expo

Disney+ subscribers attending D23 Expo can continue the Disney+ Day celebration with special experiences, giveaways, and offers at the convention. To access the following perks, subscribers can pick up their Disney+ Subscriber Pass September 8 through September 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at D23 Expo Will Call and the Arena Box Office at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena. To confirm your subscriber pass, guests will need to scan their valid D23 Expo badge.

  • Subscriber Screening: On September 8, subscribers and their families heading to D23 Expo are invited to celebrate Disney+ Day with a special screening under the stars of the Disney+ Day Premiere, Pinocchio, at the Hilton Anaheim located adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center. This subscriber-only event will jumpstart the celebration through D23 Expo weekend with special content, a live DJ, a volunteer opportunity, refreshments, giveaways, and more. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the screening will begin at 7 p.m. To access the screening, subscribers must show their Disney+ Subscriber Pass. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Offer Spots: Throughout the weekend, Disney+ subscribers attending D23 Expo will be able to unlock special giveaways or promotions at Offer Spots on the show floor when they present their Disney+ Subscriber Pass. In the Disney+ Innovation Lounge, Disney+ subscribers and D23 Gold Members will receive a Disney+ Collectible Card pack featuring custom illustrations celebrating some of the most popular current and upcoming Disney+ movies and shows.
  • Early Access to Adidas Ultraboost DNA x Marvel Legacy Black Panther Shoe: Subscribers at D23 Expo can sign up for early access to the new Adidas shoe inspired by Wakandan symbols and the iconic costume of the legendary Marvel character Black Panther. Subscribers can stop by the Disney+ Innovation Lounge for a sneak peek at the new shoe, plus get on the list for a limited drop available soon.
  • Citizen: Citizen invites guests at D23 Expo to celebrate “moments in time,” and in celebration of the D23 Expo and Disney+ Day, will offer select products available just for Disney+ subscribers—including a new watch inspired by the Disney+ Day premiere Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder. Attendees can stop by the Disney+ Innovation Lounge or the Citizen booth to learn more.
  • CORKCICLE ®: Experience hero hydration with select CORKCICLE products available at D23 Expo, just for Disney+ subscribers. Subscribers will be able to purchase 24 oz. tumblers inspired by popular Marvel characters Thor and Loki. CORKCICLE will also be offering Disney+ subscribers early access to a new collection inspired by Snow White. Attendees can stop by the Disney+ Innovation Lounge or the CORKCICLE booth to learn more.

Additional Disney+ Day Celebrations from Across the Company

*Excludes taxes, fees and port expenses of approximately $89–$202 per person depending on the itinerary selected (all amounts subject to change). Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses for all guests are not included and are due at time of final payment. Offer excludes suites and categories with restrictions (VGT, OGT and IGT). Offer only available to Disney+ subscribers who are residents of the U.S. and Canada. Disney+ subscriber can book up to two staterooms with this offer; two full-fare guests must stay in each stateroom. The Disney+ subscriber must be the primary guest on the reservation and must sail in one of the staterooms booked with the offer. Proof of Disney+ subscription required. If Disney+ subscription cannot be verified, reservation will be cancelled with applicable cancellation fees. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotions. Valid on new and existing reservations. Offer is subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Stateroom accommodations for four or more guests are limited and based on availability at the time of booking. Offer valid through March 1, 2023

**Guests may be required to verify that they are a Disney+ subscriber by displaying their logged-in home screen on the Disney+ app via their phone to enter early and to receive special benefits at the parks. Please be sure to download the Disney+ app and sign in prior to arrival. 

***shopDisney Free Shipping Promotion Restrictions: Valid September 8, 2022 (12:00 am PT) through September 8, 2022 (11:59 p.m. PT) on select, in-stock items purchased via phone orders and orders placed online at shopDisney.com. Not valid on purchases made at Disney Store retail and outlet locations or Disney Parks and Resorts locations. Free Shipping applies to Standard Delivery on orders sent to a single shipment address in the United States. Offer excludes Additional Shipping & Handling charges, D23 Memberships, gift wrap & gift boxes. Additional Shipping & Handling applies for select items or shipments to more than one shipment address. Merchandise subject to availability. Valid packing slip required for returns and exchanges. Offer subject to restrictions and change without notice. Void where prohibited.

MORE EXPO NEWS

Meet Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the Real Boy Behind Pinocchio

By Zach Johnson

There wood be no Pinocchio without Benjamin Evan Ainsworth.

The young actor gives a solid performance as a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy in Pinocchio, debuting on Disney+ Day. Directed by Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis, the live-action and CGI retelling of the beloved tale also stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jiminy Cricket, Cynthia Erivo as the Blue Fairy, Keegan-Michael Key as “Honest” John, Lorraine Bracco as Sofia the Seagull (a new character), and Luke Evans as The Coachman. Before the film begins streaming on Thursday, September 8, Ainsworth joined D23: The Official Disney Fan Club in a Q&A, sharing secrets from set.

D23: How did you react when you discovered you’d won the role of Pinocchio?
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (BEA): I was kind of shocked—and ecstatic! I was speechless. Obviously, it was an honor to audition with Robert Zemeckis, let alone land the role, and then to be on set and to do the whole process with them, too? I was really excited.

D23: What makes the story of Pinocchio so timeless?
BEA: I remember when I was younger, watching [the animated] Pinocchio, and it’s a lovely story. It’s something you remember, and he’s an iconic character. There are still morals that relate to today’s society, like being truthful. The world is an exciting place, but you have to ground yourself, and you must stay kind and truthful as you explore it.

D23: You provide the voice of Pinocchio in this film, but you were on set every day reading your lines. How did it feel to actually see the world of Pinocchio come to life?
BEA: Oh, it was amazing! It was shot all in this massive studio, called Cardington Studios [in England]—and it was as big as the Titanic! It was this massive place where they kept the zeppelins in the World War. It’s since been converted, and they basically had all of the locations from Pinocchio in this one place, which was so special and cool.

The Blue Fairy, played by Cynthia Erivo, shimmers in blue light as she waves her magic wand in front of the wooden puppet Pinocchio, voiced by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth. Pinocchio is seated in Geppetto’s dimly lit woodshop, and Jiminy Cricket is standing behind him, watching the magical moment unfold.

D23: What was the dialogue recording process like?
BEA: The first bit of recording I did was just with a microphone [in a studio] with Robert Zemeckis. We sat down and recorded the whole movie, but that was just the first part of it. And then we went on set, and I was behind the camera feeding in lines for everyone else. I had a microphone on that picked up any voice lines that I said on set.

D23: What was your favorite part about being directed by Robert Zemeckis?
BEA: I learned a lot about the technical side of things. Being off camera and feeding in lines, I was able to see how the CGI, the live action, the visual effects, and the special effects all come together. Robert was a master at that. Like, I’d see him say, ‘Oh, that green screen needs to go this way.’ He was in control of everything. It was cool to see.

D23: What did you learn from working with Tom Hanks?
BEA: I remember learning so much—not just about the work, but about his career and about all of these amazing things he and Robert Zemeckis had done in the past. I remember in the read-through, before filming, Tom Hanks was sitting to the left of me, Robert Zemeckis was sitting to the right of me, and they were sharing these stories about old films they’d shot together and older Disney movies that they know and love.

D23: How does it feel to reimagine this beloved story—and in such great company?
BEA: It’s literally like a dream come true, right? I would often step back and be like, “Oh, my gosh! This is what I’m actually doing.” It’s a lot of fun. A few people I didn’t actually get to meet when I was shooting, because some of the actors didn’t come in for the live-action bit. That could be a bit confusing, between who was there and who wasn’t—but it was amazing to know that these people were all [part of] the same thing.

D23: What fresh spin are you putting on this version of Pinocchio?
BEA: Well, there’s a few cool new things—maybe a few new songs, a few new characters here and there. I don’t want to spoil too much. Watch it on Disney+ to see!

Behind the Scenes of Nat Geo and Disney: Decades of Inspiration

By the National Geographic Image Collection

This year at D23 Expo, National Geographic is thrilled to offer a brand-new presentation on the Walt Disney Archives Stage, chronicling the incredibly inspiring (and long!) history that National Geographic and The Walt Disney Company have enjoyed for years. In fact, the two have been collaborating and sparking curiosity together for decades!

This exciting presentation, 100 Years of Exploring the World Through Storytelling, will feature Ashley Thomas, who manages the incredible National Geographic Image Collection—the vast digital archive of National Geographic that includes photographs, artwork, maps, graphics, videos, and virtual reality. The collection houses images dating back well over 100 years, receiving images daily from photographers and other talent in the field.

At the heart of National Geographic is the ability to “inspire the explorer in everyone,” and it is something that the brand has been doing for years, including inspiring the creative minds at The Walt Disney Company. Over the decades, many of Disney’s films, characters, animated worlds, adventures, sets, and more have been inspired, and continue to be inspired, by National Geographic. The photographs, artwork, and written word in the National Geographic magazine have served as a reference and source of enrichment for years.

Egypt’s Colossi of Memnon are just one of many images from National Geographic magazine that have inspired Disney stories over the years. From the National Geographic Image Collection.

The Colossi of Memnon, interpreted by Carl Barks for Donald Duck and the Mummy’s Ring from 1943. Barks put the figures in the water to be able to illustrate the ducks in the sailboat for the final scene of the comic book.

In the last century, Disney animators, artists, and Imagineers have all found inspiration in the pages of National Geographic. Disney Legend and long-time Donald Duck cartoonist Carl Barks relied heavily on his vast collection of National Geographic magazines during his storied career. Barks was able to bring real world locations and landmarks, such as the Colossi, to life through the Duck adventures by using National Geographic photography as the inspiration. In the presentation, we will show side by side imagery from the Donald Duck and the Mummy’s Ring comic (1943) and images from National Geographic magazine articles—examples of art imitating life as the ducks go on a journey up the Nile River.

Highlighting this rich history, Thomas’ presentation at D23 Expo even includes exclusive video interviews with both Disney Legend Tony Baxter and Walt Disney Imagineering’s Tom Fitzgerald. For a great example of the real-life inspiration found in the Jungle Cruise have found over the years, dive into our series here!

A peek inside the iconic August 1963 issue of National Geographic.

In fact, the August 1963 issue of the magazine featured a cover article on the collaborations between the two brands, which went on to become an iconic issue for National Geographic and Disney fans alike! And, as a special opportunity during this D23 Expo session, all guests in attendance will receive an exclusive reprint of the magazine!

If you are attending D23 Expo, don’t miss 100 Years of Exploring the World Through Storytelling on the Walt Disney Archives Stage on Sunday, September 11, at 10 a.m.!

See the full D23 Expo schedule—including many more presentations from our friends at National Geographic—here!

An Inside Track on Cars on the Road

By Alison Stateman

Get ready to gear up for a road trip of epic proportions. On September 8, in celebration of Disney+ Day, Cars fans will be treated to a new series of animated shorts from Disney and Pixar that takes two beloved characters on a journey across America.

Cars on the Road follows Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) and his best friend Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) as they head east from Radiator Springs on a cross-country road trip to meet up with Mater’s sister for her wedding.

“This is the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. And coming back to do the voice has just been fantastic,” says Larry the Cable Guy, the longtime voice of Mater. “It’s so much fun doing it with Owen because we both know each other so well by now with these characters. The series is unbelievable, and it’s hilarious.”

The nine-episode Original series, produced by Marc Sondheimer, serves as a reunion of not just the two lead actors—who last worked together on Cars 3 in 2017—but also for Cars and Pixar collaborators Steve Purcell, Brian Fee, and Bobby Podesta, who helm three episodes a piece.

“All three of us have been involved in this franchise since the very beginning. We all go back to Cars 1. So, it’s in our DNA; it’s in our blood. We’re all just heavily rooted in these characters,” says Fee, who wrote and directed Cars 3. “I think the beauty, for me—the joy of working directly with these guys—is that we all have slightly different personalities and thumbprints, and that’s a resource. We kind of rely on each other to help fill in the gaps and make it better.”

During a recent press conference, the creative team shared why a road trip was the perfect vehicle for expanding upon the Cars franchise and the friendship between Lightning McQueen and Mater, while also tapping into their own memories of family road trips.

“When I was 8 years old, my family traveled from Ohio to San Francisco. And that trip stuck with me. I just remember every day was some new adventure,” explains Purcell, who directed Episodes 1, 2, and 8. “And in creating this series and writing these stories, it felt like a great opportunity to create something that was sort of modular—in that every step along the way could be a totally new location and totally new sensibility, and a totally new set of characters.”

“Our touchstones are Lightning McQueen and Mater, and we sort of put them through the wringer and see how their personalities play themselves out. It’s really fun,” he adds.

Lightning McQueen is chased by three ghostly car apparitions illuminated in green in the darkened hallway of a haunted hotel at night during a pit stop in the episode “Lights Out” of Cars on the Road., Lightning McQueen and Mater are chased by a “dino-ca” r” in the desert during a stop at Dino Park in the episode “Dino Park” of Cars on the Road.,Lightning McQueen and Mater, looking concerned, are surrounded by a post-apocalyptic-looking ensemble of aggressive roadsters who sport large spikes on their roofs, trunks, and hoods after being “carnapped.”

Indeed. The series finds the two besties traversing the country with pit-stops to locations including a “dino park,” a roadside circus, spooky campgrounds, and even a haunted hotel. Each episode is chock-full of homages to not only past road trips, but movie genres, directors, animators, and even a Disneyland attraction. For instance, the look and movement of the “dino-cars” in the second episode were inspired by the work of legendary visual effects artist Ray Harryhausen (The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Clash of the Titans)—and there are nods to classic films.

Each episode is singular in terms of tone, look, direction, and music, courtesy of composer Jake Monaco who scored each installment.

“Music has been a part of the Cars world going back to the first film; it’s an integral part of it. And we wanted music to be a part of this as well,” says Fee.

For Sondheimer, partnering with Disney+ allowed them to step out of their usual production methods and expand their creative approach.

“To be able to tell a story, or a bunch of different stories, and put these characters in unique situations…works perfectly for these characters and this franchise. And to be able to have a partner like Disney+ that supports us all along the way—to [be able to] do different things with these characters and try out different ideas—is a perfect match.”

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

It’s nearly the best day of the year: Disney+ Day! On Thursday, September 8, the streamer will debut exciting films and series, and to commemorate the occasion, we’re joining in the celebration with a marathon. We present five titles to binge, including the streaming debut of Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder.

An enormous, animated dinosaur-like car chases Lightning McQueen and Mater through a rural desert landscape. Mater is a brown, vintage tow truck with buck teeth. Lightning McQueen is a red sports car.

Cars on the Road—Disney+
Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) and Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) are back with all-new adventures! The series follows the dynamic duo as they head east from Radiator Springs on an epic cross-country road trip to visit Mater’s sister. Along the way, they encounter outrageous roadside attractions and meet new friends! All episodes are available upon launch.

Actor Natalie Portman portraying Mighty Thor wears metal armor and red cape. Behind her stands actor Chris Hemsworth portraying Thor wearing a similar metal chestplate and red cape. They stand inside a hall with brown beams seen behind them.

Thor: Love and Thunder—Disney+
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced—one of self-discovery. But his efforts are interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the exterminate all gods. Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi), and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who now wields Mjolnir as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to stop the God Butcher before it’s too late.

National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory sits in a large open-top vehicle with an attached camera dolly. He wears gray slacks and a dark blue top. He is filming a large lion in Zambia.

Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory—Disney+
Embark on a journey of epic proportions with 29-year-old National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory through the most spectacular and secretive corners of the world! For weeks at a time, the award-winning cinematographer immerses himself into the animals’ lives to capture the untold stories of iconic creatures living in some of the harshest environments on our planet. From the icy worlds of Antarctica to coming face-to-face with lions in Zambia, this season is jam-packed with spectacular adventures!

Dancing with the Stars judge and professional dancer Derek Hough smiles at the judges’ table. He wears a black dress shirt and light pink suit jacket. The table reads “Dancing with the Stars.” Bright lights and embellishments surround him on the set.

Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances—Disney+
Ahead of the premiere of Dancing with the Stars Season 31, streaming live, exclusively on Disney+, the professional dancers are counting down the series’ 20 most memorable performances. Hosted by Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Cheryl Burke, and Brandon Armstrong, the special highlights Mirrorball-winning performances, showstopping opening numbers, and celebrity mishaps.

Actor Tom Hanks portraying Geppetto bends down with arms resting on his thighs to speak to Pinocchio. They stand in front of the home’s porch. A CGI depiction of Pinocchio wears a yellow hat with a single black band and a white shirt, black vest, and red shorts. Hanks wears a khaki, long-sleeve shirt and brown slacks with gray socks.

Pinocchio—Disney+
The live-action and CGI retelling of the beloved story makes its long-awaited debut! Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the woodcarver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his real son. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide and “conscience”; Cynthia Erivo as the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key as “Honest” John; Lorraine Bracco as Sofia the Seagull, a new character; and Luke Evans as The Coachman.

Building a Fairytale: The Construction of Cinderella Castle, Part 1

By Matt Moryc and Maggie Evenson, Walt Disney Archives

A few miles south of Orlando, Florida, exists a fairytale castle more striking and revered than perhaps all the fortresses and towers of Europe. A structure that pierces the bluest skies and stands out for miles around an endless horizon of the purest green nature. Its surface radiates the intense Florida sunshine during the day and sustains the majesty at night with an array of multicolor lights, exciting projections and powerful fireworks. This dream-like edifice is called Cinderella Castle, and it sits in the heart of Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Construction on Walt Disney World formally began in May 1967, and Cinderella Castle was one of the first structures to be erected on the site. This iconic building, according to an early Walt Disney World press release, “…emerged as a romanticized composite of such royal pleasure courts as Fontainebleau, Versailles and a dozen famed chateaux of the Loire Valley. Among them are Chenonceau, Chambord, and Chaumont…. These and many others combined with original Disney designs prepared 20 years ago…for Cinderella [1950]….”

Unlike the structures built in the Middle Ages, Cinderella Castle was fortified with 276 tons of steel, and crafted out of contemporary building materials such as fiberglass and plastic. Disney artisans created, sculpted, and prefabricated many of the Castle’s features such as turrets, glass mosaics, gargoyles, and imitation stonework. Soaring almost 200 feet into the air, Cinderella Castle sits atop a network of utility corridors (or “utilidors,” for short) where an army of Disney employees and facilities stay hidden from the view of guests who traverse the Magic Kingdom daily.

In honor of Cinderella Castle and the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, here are a series of construction photos from the Walt Disney Archives Photo Library of one of the most iconic American landmarks and architectural achievements in the history of The Walt Disney Company.

Looking north toward Fantasyland, this image captures both the Main Street, U.S.A. utilidor (foreground) and the Fantasyland utilidor and Cinderella Castle foundation (background). The large opening in the steel is where the utilidor will pass beneath the Castle, which will be built overhead on the park’s second level. This system of passageways was designed with an emphasis on keeping backstage elements of the Magic Kingdom hidden from view of guests as not to disturb the carefully crafted environments of each land. Things such as trash removal, cafeterias, breakrooms, storage, office space, and utilities work are just some of the activities and allotted uses of the utilidors that exist just below the surface of the park.

This aerial view looking north shows the massive size of the Fantasyland utilidor that sits between Cinderella Castle and the back of the park. Behind the Castle foundations you can see the utilidor has been covered with what will become the second level of Magic Kingdom. The large, red steel at the top left corner is the building that will eventually house “it’s a small world,” and the body of water across from it is the beginnings of the foundation for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Also, notice that the utilidor passageway to Main Street, U.S.A. has been enclosed.

This northwest facing view shows that the utilidor passageway to Main Street, U.S.A. has been covered with dirt and the previously open ceiling of the Castle’s utilidor has been covered.

Scaffolding continues to rise in this shot looking northeast toward the front of Cinderella Castle.

An aerial view looking at the east facing side of Cinderella Castle. The area just beyond is where Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square will be built.

Many of the ornamental pieces of Cinderella Castle were prefabricated offsite and then delivered to the construction site and lifted into place by cranes.

A construction crew trucks an ornamental section of a Castle tower across the Magic Kingdom site.

The towers of Cinderella Castle rise in this aerial view of the backside of the Castle facing southeast.

Aerial view looking at the front of the Castle.

A shot of the Castle front taken from approximately where guests today ascend the west side ramp leading into the foyer. Notice the steel framework has been erected for the eventual clock above the entryway.

We hope you enjoyed part one of this two-part series chronicling the construction of Cinderella Castle. Check back with us soon for the exciting conclusion!  

Disney Junior Live Ticket Discount

Disney Jr Live
Where: Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza
What: 10% discount for General Members 20% discount for Gold Members
Expires: September 30, 2022

D23 Members enjoy 10% off, and D23 Gold Members enjoy 20% off, Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza tickets 

Dress up and join the party with Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza, launching Friday, September 2 in Southern California. The all-new show features the first appearance of characters from Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends in addition to Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Doc McStuffins, the Puppy Dog Pals, and Alice from Disney Junior’s new hit series Alice’s Wonderland Bakery, live on stage. The immersive, interactive concert experience includes singing, dancing, acrobatics, and 3D special effects. It’ll feature favorite songs from hit Disney Junior series, as well as new original music. In Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza, Mickey, Minnie, and their pals are getting ready to throw a huge costume party—but mysterious weather keeps interrupting the fun. Can Team Spidey help save the Costume Palooza?

*D23 Members get their discount on the following dates, in these cities:

GET TICKETS

Phone featuring the 2024 D23 Gold Member Card and surrounded by sparkles.

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

Where Disney Fans Belong
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings, special shopping events, immersive experiences, and unique merchandise.

JOIN TODAY

NOTE
*Promotion Terms: All tickets sales and offers subject to change without notice. Ticket discounts only available at locations and dates listed above. Offer expires September 30, 2022. 

Freeform Promises a Gourd Time with Its “31 Nights of Halloween” Lineup

By Zach Johnson

Happy Halloween, witches!

Freeform has plenty of tricks and treats in store this year for its highly anticipated “31 Nights of Halloween,” a monthlong lineup of Halloween episodes, feature films, and specials, ranging from beloved classics to recent hits. From October 1-31, viewers can celebrate Halloween at home with haunting titles including Ghostbusters (1984), Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, Halloweentown, Maleficent, and Hocus Pocus. New to this year’s lineup are Get Out, Halloween (2018), and A Quiet Place, among other films.

Below is a list of the programming airing during “31 Nights of Halloween” (ET/PT):

Saturday, October 1
7 a.m.: Edward Scissorhands
9:10 a.m.: The Witches (1990)
11:20 a.m.: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
1:25 p.m.: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
3:05 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
5:10 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
7:15 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
9:25 p.m.: Beetlejuice
11:30 p.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)

Sunday, October 2
7 a.m.: The Witches (1990)
9:10 a.m.: Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
10:10 a.m.: Halloweentown
12:15 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
2:20 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
4:25 p.m.: Maleficent
6:30 p.m.: Beetlejuice
8:35 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
10:45 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)

Monday, October 3
1 p.m.: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) (Freeform Premiere)
3 p.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
5:30 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
8 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

In a still from Hocus Pocus, zombie Billy Butcherson, played by Doug Jones, crawls out of a manhole. His lips are sewn shut, his long black hair is gnarled, and his 17th century clothes are tattered.

Tuesday, October 4
11:30 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
2 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
4:30 p.m.: Edward Scissorhands
7 p.m.: Maleficent
9 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
12 a.m.: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

Wednesday, October 5
12 p.m.: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
2 p.m.: Madagascar
4 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
6 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
8-11 p.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Thursday, October 6
11 a.m.: Madagascar
1 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
3 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
5 p.m.: Shrek Forever After
7 p.m.: Halloweentown
9 p.m.: Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Friday, October 7
10:30 a.m.: Scared Shrekless
11 a.m.: Shrek Forever After
1-11 p.m.: Family Guy
12 a.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2

Saturday, October 8
7 a.m.: Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
8 a.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
10 a.m.: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
12:05 p.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
2:35 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
5:05 p.m.: Beetlejuice
7:10 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
9:20 p.m.: Maleficent
11:25 p.m.: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

In a still from Get Out, Chris Washington, played by Daniel Kaluuya, sits with his mouth agape. Tears are streaming down his cheeks, as he is frozen in fear.

Sunday, October 9
7 a.m.: Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins
7:30 a.m.: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
9:35 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
12:05 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
2:40 p.m.: Beetlejuice
4:45 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
6:55 p.m.: Get Out (Freeform Premiere)
9:25 p.m.: Halloween (2018) (Freeform Premiere)
11:55 p.m.: A Quiet Place (Freeform Premiere)

Monday, October 10
11:30 a.m.: A Quiet Place
1:40 p.m.: Get Out
4:15 p.m.: Halloween (2018)
6:50 p.m.: Happy Death Day (Freeform Premiere)
8:55 p.m.: Happy Death Day 2U (Freeform Premiere)
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Tuesday, October 11
12:30 p.m.: Maleficent
2:30 p.m.: The House with a Clock in Its Walls
5 p.m.: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
7 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
9 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Wednesday, October 12
10:30 a.m.: The House with a Clock in Its Walls
1 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
3 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
5 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
8-11 p.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

In a still from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington wears a Santa Claus suit and stands in front of a Christmas tree. He is bent over and reaching into a toy bag as the Christmas tree lights illuminate his face and white beard. Behind him, a fire crackles, and two stockings are hung by the chimney.

Thursday, October 13 (Tim Burton Day)
10:30 a.m.: Frankenweenie (2012)
12:30 p.m.: Edward Scissorhands
3 p.m.: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
6 p.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
7:30 p.m.: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
9 p.m.: Beetlejuice
12 a.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

Friday, October 14
10:30 a.m.: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Family Guy Episodes
5 p.m.: Beetlejuice
7 p.m. – 11 p.m.: Family Guy Episodes
12-2 a.m.: Family Guy Episodes

In a still from Toy Story of TERROR!, Combat Carl, voiced by Carl Weathers, places his left arm behind Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack. They are in the dark and have scared expressions on their faces.

Saturday, October 15
7 a.m.: Hook
10:15 a.m.: How to Train Your Dragon 2
12:25 p.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
2:25 p.m.: Toy Story of TERROR!
2:55 p.m.: Scared Shrekless
3:25 p.m.: Shrek Forever After
5:30 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
7:40 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
9:45 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
11:50 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

Sunday, October 16
7 a.m.: How to Train Your Dragon 2
9:10 a.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
10:45 a.m.: Scared Shrekless
11:15 a.m.: Shrek Forever After
1:20 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
3:25 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
5:30 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
7:40 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
9:50 p.m.: Maleficent
11:55 p.m.: The Witches (1990)

Monday, October 17
12 p.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
2:30 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
5:05 p.m.: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
7:10 p.m.: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (Pop’n Knowledge)
8:50 p.m.: Hocus Pocus (Pop’n Knowledge)
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Tuesday, October 18
10:30 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
1 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
3:30 p.m.: Fright Night (2011)
6 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
9 p.m.: Beetlejuice (Pop’n Knowledge)
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Maleficent, played by Angelina Jolie, wears black robes, black horns, and bright red lipstick. She waves her fingers, preparing to bestow a curse on the young Princess Aurora, who is sleeping in a basinet before her. Behind Maleficent are assorted guests of the royal family, aghast at Maleficent’s unexpected arrival.

Wednesday, October 19
10:30 a.m.: Fright Night (2011)
1 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
4 p.m.: Maleficent
6 p.m.: Beetlejuice
8-11 p.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Thursday, October 20
11 a.m.: The Witches (1990)
1 p.m.: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
3 p.m.: Halloweentown
5 p.m.: Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
7 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
9 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
12 a.m.: The Witches (1990)

Friday, October 21
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Family Guy Episodes
5 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
7 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
9 p.m. – 11 p.m.: Family Guy Episodes
12 a.m.: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Saturday, October 22
7 a.m.: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
9 a.m.: Maleficent
11 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
1:30 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
4 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
7:15 p.m.: Beetlejuice
9:20 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
11:30 p.m.: The House with a Clock in Its Walls

In a still from Monsters University, Mike Wazowski, voiced by Billy Crystal, is covered in reflective panels, making him look like a disco ball. Sulley, voiced by John Goodman, and other monsters are dancing and smiling around him.

Sunday, October 23
7 a.m.: The House with a Clock in Its Walls
9:30 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
12 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
3:10 p.m.: Beetlejuice
5:15 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
7:25 p.m.: Monsters, Inc.
9:30 p.m.: Monsters University
12 a.m.: Shrek Forever After

Monday, October 24
12 p.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
2 p.m.: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
5 p.m.: Shrek Forever After
7 p.m.: Haunted Mansion (2003)
9 p.m.: Maleficent
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Tuesday, October 25
10:30 a.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
12 p.m.: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
3 p.m.: Halloweentown
5 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
7 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
9 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Wednesday, October 26
12 p.m.: Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
2 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
4 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
6 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
8-11 p.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Thursday, October 27
11 a.m.: Ready or Not
1 p.m.: Maleficent
3 p.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
5:30 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
8 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
12 a.m.: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Friday, October 28
10:30 a.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
1:30–11 p.m.: Family Guy Episodes
12–2 a.m.: The Office Episodes

Saturday, October 29
7 a.m.: How to Train Your Dragon 2
9:10 a.m.: Edward Scissorhands
11:40 a.m.: Frankenweenie (2012)
1:40 p.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
3:35 p.m.: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
5:40 p.m.: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
7:20 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
9:25 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
11:35 p.m.: Ghostbusters II

In a still from The Haunted Mansion (2003), Jim Evers, played by Eddie Murphy, inspects a key in a dimly lit room. His daughter, Megan, played by Aree Davis, stands just behind him, cloaked in shadows. Behind them are the ghost Ezra, played by Wallace Shawn, and the ghost Emma, played by Dina Spybey, who are holding a crystal ball containing the glowing green head of Madame Leota, played by Jennifer Tilly.

Sunday, October 30
7 a.m.: The Witches (1990)
9:05 a.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
10:45 a.m.: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
12:50 p.m.: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
2:55 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
5 p.m.: Beetlejuice
7:05 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
9:15 p.m.: Maleficent
11:20 p.m.: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

Monday, October 31
10:30 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
1 p.m.: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
3 p.m.: Beetlejuice
5 p.m.: Maleficent
7 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
9 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

All programming is subject to change.

D23 Expo 2022 Friends of Disney

By the D23 Team

We are just about one week away from D23 Expo 2022, the Ultimate Disney Fan Event, presented by Visa! This year we have some amazing friends joining us all weekend long across the show floor and we’ve got a special “sneak peek” of what you will find! Be sure to stop by and say hello to these fan-tastic booths and check out their websites by clicking on their corresponding logo at D23Expo.com/partners.

Visa
Visa is taking D23 Expo guests on a journey to the 1920s to explore the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio at 4649 Kingswell Avenue.  Glimpse images from the Walt Disney Archives, learn about Walt and Roy’s early years and see how Visa is helping the next generation of creators dream big.

Amazon
Amazon is thrilled to be the Platinum Sponsor of this year’s D23 Expo, and to bring Walt’s Plane, Mickey Mouse One, to the event. Be sure to stop by the Ultimate Disney Fan Lounge for a gift from Amazon (while supplies last) and visit the Amazon booth, where you can take photos, play a game on Amazon's new Glow device, and explore the newest Amazon exclusives from Loungefly, Funko, Doorables, and more! www.amazon.com/Disney

Target
Join us at Bullseye's Diner! Inspired by the whimsically joyful spirit of Disney and Target stores alike, Chef Bullseye personally invites you to visit his charming pop-up shop where he's whipping up a menu of pre-release plush toys for purchase, D23 exclusive giveaways, and absolutely adorable photo ops!

Enterprise
Enterprise, the Official Rental Car of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, is the world’s largest vehicle rental business and a global leader in mobility solutions that offers car and truck rentals, car sharing, retail car sales and more through a network of nearly 10,000 locations worldwide. Coming soon, Enterprise will be the presenting sponsor of the new TRON Lightcycle /Run attraction at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park. To celebrate the highly anticipated attraction and TRON’s 40th Anniversary, visit the Enterprise booth to hop aboard a TRONLightcycle for a unique photo opportunity.

BoxLunch
Keep the magic going with BoxLunch! Be the first to shop our D23 Expo collection before it’s available in stores or online and get your hands on some exclusive merch only available at the convention! We'll have music, games, giveaways, and special guests throughout the weekend, so make sure to follow @boxlunchgifts on social for the latest info!

Citizen
A first-time sponsor of D23 Expo, Citizen brings TIME to the forefront of their booth. The Citizen Wonder of Time space will showcase an immersive experience, museum, retail space and photo op, while sharing some of your favorite characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and more. Stay tuned for exciting show exclusives and special discounts available throughout the convention.

Twisted Wonderland
Visit Aniplex of America’s Disney Twisted-Wonderland booth and get to know the characters inspired by iconic Disney villains at the Infinity Cube, an immersive experience featuring live 2D animation.  All visitors will receive a hand fan featuring the different dorms of Twisted-Wonderland and, for those who have already downloaded the game, a special gift has been prepared, while supplies last!

Funko – Loungefly
You’ll be bounding with joy when you see the selection of D23 exclusive Disney collectibles, games, and accessories available at the Funko x Loungefly booth! Visit the booth, say hi to the team, and pick up your favorites so you can display your Disney fandom in your everyday fashion!

Pandora
Shop the latest Disney x Pandora collections including our 2022 limited edition D23 jewelry. Discover more about the Disney x Pandora partnership through the years, take a one-of-a-kind photo and enter for a chance to win something special!

Ravensburger
Ravensburger and Disney have collaborated to launch Ravensburger’s first-ever collectible trading card game, Disney Lorcana. In Disney Lorcana, your favorite Disney characters will appear both as familiar friends and as spectacularly reimagined “glimmers” created by magic ink. Visit Ravensburger booth No. 164 to learn more and pick up the Disney LorcanaD23 exclusive collector’s set, containing the first six cards ever created for this groundbreaking new game.

Sunglass Hut
Discover Ray-Ban x Disney sunglasses! Choose from over 20 styles, including Wayfarer, New Wayfarer, Aviators and more. Explore all the different patterns and styles available for adults and children, plus, Disney-themed care kits!

D23 Gold Members get an incredible gift of a Sensational 6 collectible pin with any Ray-Ban x Disney sunglass purchase. There are only 300 of this jumbo size pin in existence… so get yours at Expo! Limit of 1 per Gold Member customer per day.  Disney + subscribers also get a GWP! Each Ray-Ban x Disney sunglass purchase will receive a mystery gift of one of the Sensational 6 characters. Collect them all!

Art of Entertainment
Art of Entertainment showcases renditions from your favorite movies, characters, and stories. At D23 Expo they will be unveiling all new officially licensed Disney, Marvel and Star Wars art, and fans can meet their favorite Thomas Kinkade Studios artists, who will sign and create a character sketch on the back of their art purchase! Guests are invited to enter for daily giveaways and participate in a fun selfie station opportunity, with exclusive show specials offered to D23 Gold Members and Disney+ subscribers.

Beast Kingdom
Story Book Series Snow White & Grimhilde Special Edition Set

    • Bringing the magical innocence of books to life, the Storybook series recreates famous scenes in carefully crafted and painted designs. For fans, this is a diorama full of joy that must be seen to be believed. In this special edition set, they are adding new elements including, but not limited to, character, dressing, designs and special effects which make it a nice combination set that you can't miss.

Stitch Series Special Edition

    • There are three different figures in this Stich special edition series. One presents Stitch with beautiful starry sky skin, one has a pearlescent coating, and one features a body that is a transparent gradient blue. Each figure sports a delicate coating with finely textured color matching.

Besame
Bésame Cosmetics has imagined villains’ personal effects in a stunning new collection—from Ursula’s golden shell to The Evil Queen’s magic spell book.

The booth experience includes a visit to Villains’ Alley, featuring six original photo opportunities, mobile ordering, and order kiosks so guests can order and pick up their purchases anytime without long lines and wait times, plus they are offering a special gift for every participant. D23 Gold members and Disney + subscribers also receive a free gift with purchase of a show exclusive Platinum Gloss in mint julep Flavor to start Disney’s 100 year celebration in style! 

Brother
If you're an avid sewer, crafter, and lover of all things Disney, then Brother has something magical for you! Check out the incredible lineup of Disney-inspired machines or browse the imaginative projects you can create. Brother Ambassadors May Flaum (@CraftWithMay) and Nephi Garcia (@designerdaddy_) bring Disney magic to all their projects, from whimsical art for gift giving to inspired costumes for cosplayers. It's sew easy to bring your favorite Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel characters to life with Brother Sews! See them live at the Brother booth No. 1901 for even more inspiration!

Collectors Editions
Collectors Editions, publishers of Disney Fine Art, is excited to offer a colorful array of inspiring limited edition and original art pieces by a talented portfolio of Disney artists! They’re also proud to feature Cyclops Print Works, a collection of impeccably crafted Disney screen-print editions that celebrate this historic and timeless method of fine art print making. Gold Members & Disney+ subscribers are eligible to receive 23% off members-only pricing on all artwork!

* Exclusive D23 launch of 999 Happy Haunts, by Shag. Come meet Shag, in the Collectors Editions booth on Friday, September 9,  at 2:00 p.m.

Corkcicle®
Corkcicle designs cool products that insulate your favorite things and elevate your every day. Drinkware, coolers, and bags made to go wherever you go and look good doing it. Whether you’re commuting, caravanning, cycling, catching some rays, or strolling through Disney parks, Corkcicle wants to be there to keep you cool every step of the way.

FiGPiN

  • FiGPiNS are 3" tall fully licensed hand-crafted enamel pins constructed from cast zinc alloy inlaid with hard synthetic color enamel and is finished with an electroplated nickel coating and feature a patent pending backer that serves as a pin clasp and display stand-up.
  • Every FiGPiN ever manufactured has a unique serial number laser-engraved on the back. With the FiGPiN App you can unlock that serial number to discover the sequence, volume, and edition.  

PopMinded by Hallmark
PopMinded by Hallmark will be selling the Disney Mickey Mouse Radio, a repainted version of a Keepsake Ornament first offered in stores in 2021. Turn the dial to see the radio illuminate and hear a variety of fun and festive holiday broadcasts. 

House of Sillage
Be the first to experience the newest limited edition fragrance celebrating Minnie Mouse by House of Sillage, launching at the D23 Expo! Discover the Disney x House of Sillage Collection including their Mickey Mouse fragrance, luxurious cosmetics, and scented candles; in celebration of the greatest love story between Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Stop by for a free gift, snap a selfie, and enter for a chance to win a HOS Fragrance!

Iron Studios
Iron Studios makes a glorious return to D23 Expo this year, bringing more amazing Marvel and Star Warscollectibles! Fans fell in love with their X-Men vs. Sentinel sets last time and now everyone can come by booth No. 1620, to take pictures with their menacing life-sized Thanos statue, get some unique Spider-Man 60th anniversary posters and add their Wanda and Vision Halloween MiniCo "Glow in the Dark" D23 exclusive versions to their collections. They’ll be waiting for you! 

Enchanted Disney Fine Jewelry
Enchanted represents the forever after magic that touches lives everywhere. They specialize in honing that magic into unique fine jewelry inspired by the iconic esthetic and personalities each character represents. From sparkling diamonds to dazzling colored gemstones and of course all high-quality metals, they guarantee you will find a piece that is the perfect fit for you! Also, come check out their D23 Exclusive Necklace that comes in rose gold and sterling silver, with sparkling diamonds to make your day shine! Only 100 available so stop by to grab yours today! 

Magical World of Disney Trivia
The Magical World of Disney Trivia is perfect for your next game night! Play as fan-favorite Disney and Pixar characters with the whole family! This collectible trivia game features a unique box and board with original sketch art alongside beautifully sculpted 3D points of interest! 

McFarlane Toys
Get the first in-person look at McFarlane Toys’ Avatar movie lineup, featuring many of your favorites from the first film. You can even enter to win a Todd McFarlane signed prize pack of the entire Avatar collection or maybe even meet Todd himself!

Milk Snob
Seen on Shark Tank, the Milk Snob Cover is the No. 1 product on baby registries in the United States and a proud licensing partner for both Disney and Star Wars! At D23 Expo, they are launching an event exclusive design “Star Wars™ Legends”  in both their multifunctional covers and child blankets.

Monogram International
Monogram International, Inc. will be offering a plethora of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Golden Girls collectibles and gift items.  Check out the variety of blind bags to choose from with trading post option after purchase, as well as banks, mugs, exclusives, and more surprising finds.  Throughout the show, there will be free stickers available and a prize offering of a Monogram logo zipper pouch for every attendee that follows Monogram on Instagram @monogram_collectibles and tags it in their Instagram story.

NEFF
Oh boy, this is good! Neff Headwear, the No. 1 beanie brand in the world, will be selling a limited supply of exclusive pre-release Mickey Mouse peek-a-boo beanies to D23 Gold Members only at booth No. 2874. Many other Disney T-shirts and hoodies will also be available for sale, so don't miss out!

Rock ‘Em Socks
Shop at the World’s Largest Sock Store by Rock ’Em— with over 100 designs featuring characters from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney Princess, Mickey and Friends and much more. Shop early to get your hands on the D23 show exclusive Platinum Mickey Design (Limited Edition of 200) or hit the lights with an entire section dedicated solely to The Muppets! Tons of fun on foot, you won’t want to miss out! 

RockLove Jewelry
RockLove celebrates the wondrous women of Disney, Star Wars and Marvel at D23 Expo 2022. Available online and live at the event, RockLove is launching dozens of brand new jewelry designs, all dedicated to empowering female characters. Join us at Booth No. 2950 for an unforgettable event, including a RockLove D23 Expo 2022 event exclusive that celebrates the true original Disney gal: Minnie Mouse! 

The RSVLTS
RSVLTS (ROSE-UH-VELTS) is a creative brand and apparel company dedicated to making everyday fashion bold and fun with refined designs and high-quality products. Collections are officially licensed with some of the biggest names in pop culture, sports, and entertainment, including Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm and Marvel among others. Playing with “food/beverage” as its D23 Expo inspiration, RSVLTS will showcase some of its latest and greatest collections within the Disney portfolio, including three exclusive button-down shirts— for Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney classic— being offered only at the RSVLTS booth (No. 2370).   

Select Brands
Select Brands is excited to launch the all-new Mickey & Friends kitchen appliance collection at the 2022 D23 Expo. Stop by Select Brands booth No. 2978 in Hall A to be among the first to purchase the new Mickey & Friends appliances at a special D23 Expo price. When you stop by, you’ll also have the chance to enter our daily D23 Expo giveaway and win one of the new Mickey & Friends appliances.

Steiff
Plush collectibles and D23 exclusives from the company chosen by Walt Disney himself to make the first commercially produced Mickey Mouse toys in 1931. Featuring a range of favorite characters. Free gift and 10% discount for Gold Members. 

Super7
Founded in 2001, Super7 is the premier pop-culture design house and producer of lifestyle-oriented collectibles, toys, and apparel. Super7 is excited to showcase new releases from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Disney’s Haunted Mansion, and other great products from your favorite Disney properties, from 3.75" scale ReAction Figures to Supersize premium vinyl figures and more will be featured!

The Topps Company
Topps will be showcasing its suite of Disney-inspired digital collectible apps— Disney Collect!, Marvel Collect!, and Star Wars™: Card Trader! Fans will have a chance to play three types of games at the booth— Trivia, Make Your Own Card, and Memory Game. All offer a chance to win Topps giveaways and a special edition Topps Collector poster!

 

The Walt Disney Family Museum
The Walt Disney Family Museum, co-founded by Walt's daughter Diane Disney Miller, will showcase the slate of current exhibitions, exclusive merchandise, and engaging programs and education opportunities. D23 Expo guests are invited to learn more about their latest special exhibition, Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book: Making a Masterpiece by picking up a free—and exclusive to D23 Expo—commemorative poster each day, Disney+ subscribers can also claim a new, exclusive postcard celebrating the art of The Jungle Book (1967). Throughout the weekend, visit Talent Central for special signings with Andreas Deja, Disney Legend, animator, and exhibition curator; Floyd Norman, Disney Legend, animator, and story artist; and Bruce Reitherman, filmmaker and voice of Mowgli.

Jimmy Chin on the Thrill of Exploring the Edge of the Unknown

By Zach Johnson

For the world’s top adventure athletes, the line between triumph and tragedy is razor thin. So, in the crucial moments when life hangs in the balance, what drives them to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s humanly possible? The answer to that question can be found in National Geographic’s Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin, which hails from Academy Award®-winning executive producers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. Through intimate interviews and archival footage with the world’s top big wave surfers, climbers, big mountain snowboarders, polar explorers, and kayakers, the epic 10-part series—debuting Monday, September 5—will give viewers a front-row seat to adrenaline-filled adventures, uncovering how athletes adapt and evolve, even after being confronted by fear, devastating personal loss, and Mother Nature at her worst.

“I’ve always been really interested in stories about the human potential,” Chin says. “I was compelled to tell these stories because I was surrounded by people whom I really admired and was truly inspired by, which is the impetus of this series. These friends and peers are extraordinary, talented athletes—people who have extraordinary stories, who are performing at the top levels of athleticism.” Chin adds that he was inspired by the “commitment level” each of the adventure athletes demonstrates. “These aren’t sports; these are lifestyles,” he says. “People oftentimes have to make extraordinary sacrifices to be able to do what they do, and they face some extraordinary challenges.”

Filmmaker and climber Jimmy Chin films an interview for Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin. He is wearing a navy blue baseball cap with a brown leather patch, a white T-shirt, and navy blue Northface hoodie. He is looking to his right at a crew member, who is holding a black and white slate for scene 101, take 5.

Featured in the series are mountain climbers Conrad Anker and Alex Honnold; big mountain freestyle skier Angel Collinson; big wave surfer Justine Dupont; mountain athlete Will Gadd; big mountain freeride snowboarder Travis Rice; professional whitewater kayaker Gerd Serrasolses; and Chin himself. Chin, of course, knows a thing or two about leading a life of adventure. As a professional climber, skier, mountaineer, longtime member of The North Face Athlete Team, and National Geographic Explorer, he has worked with many of the greatest modern explorers, adventurers, and athletes, documenting their exploits in the world’s most challenging conditions and locations.

“Part of what this series examines is this close-knit community, because a lot of the crews have to be world-class athletes,” Chin says. “They’re not my crew; they’re everybody’s crew. Travis has his crew. Justine Dupont has her crew. Angel has her crew. These are people who are oftentimes considered family, and there’s so much trust involved when you go into these places where the stakes are really, really high.”

It’s an adrenaline rush, to be sure—one that viewers will be able to experience vicariously at home. “A big part of this series really highlights the joy of what we do: those mystical, transcendent experiences,” Chin says. “We go into the mountains to seek out and explore the edge because that’s the way that we find those experiences.”

Gerd Serrasolses kayaks down a waterfall.

Ultimately, Chin hopes Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin presents a realistic view of the determination and grit required to embark on the adventures seen onscreen. “We want people to understand what the real stakes are, the sacrifices people make, and the challenges people face,” Chin says. “Angel, Travis, and Justine, they make the extraordinary look easy—and it’s not. Sometimes people forget that. We want to show people what’s really happening beyond what you normally see on TV. We want them to see the decisions people have to make, the risks they’re assessing, and how they’re calculated. Only in that way can people understand the mastery of what we’re doing.”

Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin premieres Monday, September 5, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on National Geographic, and all episodes will be available on Disney+ beginning Wednesday, September 7. The broadcast airings are as follows:

  • Monday, September 5: “Before Free Solo” (9:30 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Monday, September 5: “The No Fall Zone” (10 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 6: “Fight or Die” (10 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 6: “Return to Life” (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 13: “Riding the Avalanche” (10 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 13: “Will Power” (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 20: “Eaten by Jaws” (10 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 20: “Live Another Day” (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 27: “Deadly Waters” (10 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 27: “Hunted in the Arctic” (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)