QUIZ: Did You Spot All These Moana Easter Eggs?

By the D23 team

The much-anticipated Moana 2 is sailing into theaters on November 27, and we’re already feeling the ocean breeze of excitement. But before we dive into Moana’s next big adventure, let’s take a moment to remember our first visit to Motunui, and revisit its magical hidden secrets. Take this quiz to find out if you’re the ultimate Moana expert—or if it’s time to rewatch the first film and brush up on your lore!

What Disney robot is sneakily represented by one of the Kakamora?(Required)
What Frozen character makes a brief appearance in Moana?(Required)
Which The Little Mermaid character is referenced in the ocean-themed tapa cloth?(Required)
What priceless Disney object can be spotted in Tamatoa’s treasure trove?(Required)
Who does Maui briefly transform into while mastering his shape-shifting powers?(Required)
Which Disney character makes a surprise appearance during Moana's credits?(Required)

Disney Festival of Holidays Brings Seasonal Delights and Live Entertainment to Disney California Adventure

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

The holidays are a feast for the senses at Disney California Adventure Park. This year’s Disney Festival of Holidays celebration, which runs from November 15, 2024, through January 6, 2025, highlights a diverse season of celebrations with fresh experiences and culinary delights, giving you plenty of reasons to visit. Ready to unwrap some holiday fun? Let’s dive into some of the sights, sounds, and specialties you can look forward to.

The Festive Food Marketplaces spread throughout the park transform Disney California Adventure into a culinary wonderland, offering delectable holiday-inspired treats that celebrate traditions from across California. A standout this year? The Sticky Toffee Pudding Macaron—a bite that pairs the pastry’s traditional crispy shell with vanilla buttercream, date cake, and salted toffee sauce.

Pro Tips:

Stop by multiple Festive Food Marketplaces to create your own festive feast.

Grab a Sip and Savor Pass—it’s the perfect way to indulge in many of the festive flavors of the season!

A photo featuring a plate with a holiday-themed, milk-chocolate macaron in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head, smiling. Pinecones and pine tree leaves are arranged around the sides.

Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without seasonal entertainment featuring beloved characters from the worlds of Disney. This year’s live entertainment includes Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season, a brand-new street performance set outside the Paradise Gardens Arch, celebrating community and family.

Mirabel, the beloved protagonist from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, brings the story of the Madrigal family to life with beloved songs from the film, colorful costumes, and heartwarming messages. It’s a perfect opportunity to sing along to favorites including “The Family Madrigal,” while reveling in the holiday spirit.

Over on Buena Vista Street, the holidays meet the vibrant energy of Coco in a new, interactive street performance by the Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland, including an appearance by Miguel himself. A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel! seamlessly blends the magic of Coco with festive holiday cheer, showcasing bilingual live songs that celebrate both the season and the beloved film.

In a photo from the A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!performance at Disney California Adventure, the mariachi group Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland is joined by Miguel from Pixar Animation Studios’ Coco. They wear traditional mariachi attire in red and green, while neon blue and purple lights illuminate the performance. The background features trees and a dark sky.

The holiday season transforms Disney California Adventure into a dazzling wonderland of festive decor. At the heart of it all, Cars Land steals the spotlight with its holiday makeover, where even the tiniest details—like tire-shaped Christmas trees—add to the magic. Strolling through Radiator Springs feels just like stepping into a holiday postcard come to life.

In a photo of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, a garland decorated with Christmas lights and a wreath at its center hangs across the entrance. The background features a neon-lit sign that reads “MOTEL,” along with a lit Christmas tree and the mountain peaks of the Radiator Springs Racers ride.

This year, let Disney California Adventure be your holiday headquarters—where festive sights, delightful treats, and seasonal entertainment come together to create unforgettable memories.

Holiday Gifts for Every Fan on Your List

By the D23 Team

D23 Members searching for the perfect holiday gifts for all the Disney fans on their lists are in for a magical array of choices from our Friends of Disney. What’s more, with limited-edition items and some special discounts exclusively for D23 Members at the offer, you may just want to scoop up an item (or two or three!) for yourself.

Two models, one woman and man, are adorned with BoxLunch Disney apparel, and smile at the camera. A backdrop of a holiday wreath and other evergreen is behind them with copy that reads “25 % off your next purchase”

BoxLunch

Celebrate the Magic of Fandom with BoxLunch! Get 25% off your next purchase, in-store or online, and get you holiday shopping done for the Disney fans in your life. Find all your fandom favorites at your nearest BoxLunch or at BoxLunch.com.

NOTE
*Valid for one-time use on a qualifying purchase made online at www.BoxLunch.com and in BoxLunch stores through December 4, 2024. Limit one coupon per customer. Original coupon must be presented and surrendered at time of purchase in-stores. Must use promo code D25 during checkout online. Cannot be combined with BoxLunch Money coupons, or any other offers, promotions, coupons, or discounts. Not valid toward select Loungefly, select Funko products, select toys and collectibles, select home goods, select bags and accessories, select beauty, select licensed and non-licensed apparel, select books, donations, prior purchases, gift cards, taxes, or shipping. Other exclusions may apply. Void if copied, reproduced, sold, transferred, or where prohibited by law. Coupon has no cash value, is not redeemable for cash, and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Employees of Hot Topic, BoxLunch, and Her Universe are ineligible. BoxLunch reserves the right to modify or end this promotion at any time.

(From Left to Right) A promotional image for Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls features the outer box of the game with several Disney heroines featured along with the product name. At right copy reads “Heroes unite! A cooperative board game of action and adventures. 50 % Off, Shop Now, with puzzle pieces at bottom and the logo for Ravensburger on lower right corner.

Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition)

Celebrate Black Friday with 50% off Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition) from 11/24-11/30, in-store and online at Target. Get the perfect gift for your next family game night. Step into the Realm of Light and play as one of your favorite Disney and Pixar heroes: Belle, Moana, Violet, and Maid Marian. Work together in this cooperative game to complete your quests and take down the Vortex of Darkness!

(From left to right) A promotional card features Mickey Mouse dressed in Santa gear with holiday evergreen and berries tucked into his hat. He smiles and has his hands placed at either side of his hips. Copy at right reads “Disney Fine Art by Collectors Editions, D23 Member Exclusive, Save 30%, Only at Disneyfineart.com, Use Code: Member30, Some restrictions apply. Discounts not valid on original artwork. Offer expires 1/2/25.

Collectors Editions

Give the gift of Disney artwork this holiday season! D23 Members can enjoy exclusive savings on a wide variety of officially licensed Disney Fine Art! Shop our collection of limited-edition artwork today!

Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game, Gateway is at center over a dynamic blue and purple magical background. Disney characters Stitch, Maleficent, Mickey Mouse in adventurous attire and Elsa are seen on the game packaging along with product name.

Disney Lorcana TCG Gateway

Get Disney Lorcana TCG Gateway for 50% off this Black Friday when you shop at Target in-store and online from 11/24-11/30! Wield magical ink and experience your favorite Disney characters as you’ve never seen them before. Structured like a board game, Gateway provides an easy-to-learn entry point into the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game with everything you need to play in one convenient box!

(Left to right) Disney Pinnacle’s Disney Best Pals Vol. 1 Digital Pin Starter Bundle is displayed with characters Timon, Sebastian, Flounder, and Pumbaa.

Disney Pinnacle by Dapper Labs

Don’t Forget the Sidekicks!
While heroes get the spotlight, their pals bring the fun! Get digital pins featuring Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Sebastian, Flounder, Timon, and Pumbaa in the Disney Best Pals Vol.1 Starter bundle and enjoy 70% off—Just in time for Black Friday! Complete the set by collecting the digital pins featuring Chip and Pascal through the Revolving Storefront and earn 3 FREE Mystery Capsules. Disney Best Pals Vol.1 Starter Bundle is limited to 1 per account.

A myriad of holiday products featuring Disney characters and stories are showcased from Disney Store, from PJs to specialty ear bands and toys.

Disney Store

Gift the stories you love from DisneyStore.com—a one-stop shop for all of your favorite Disney items.

(From left to right) A large image of the limited-edition Micro Gauntlet features 200 sets of Infinity Stones from East Continental Gems. Lined up in a row at center are six smaller images each featuring one Infinity Stone. Copy at left center reads “Introducing the Micro Series” with the logo “ECG” with a round jewel graphic is at bottom left and Marvel logo at bottom right.

ECG: Infinity Gem Collection

The powers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are now perfectly pocket-sized. East Continental Gems introduces the latest addition to the Infinity Gem Collection: a limited-edition set of Micro Gauntlets. This unique series features 200 sets of Infinity Stones. Every piece is meticulously set in a 1-inch brass Gauntlet that complements its singular ethereal beauty. This distinguished collectible captures the allure of Marvel’s Infinity Saga in a miniature, elegant form. Choose the Infinity Gem that resonates most with you, collect them all, or gift them this holiday season to the Marvel fans in your life and add a touch of luxury to their collections.

A promo image features the Funko brand logo at upper left corner with copy ‘tis the season for Holiday Must-Haves” and “Shop Collection,” with element for Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas at bottom left. Opposite within a seeming snow globe we see from left to right, Santa Jack and Santa Funko figures set before a building topped with “Christmas Town.”

Funko

Give the Gift of Fun! Collectibles, display sets, accessories— we’ve got them! Plus, you can get sitewide savings at Funko.com starting on 11/22 for Black Friday!

Girls Crew

Girls Crew

Time to make your holiday wish list because Girls Crew’s newest limited-edition jewelry collection is in full swing! With 10 festive styles to choose from, be sure to grab these soon before you’re left out in the cold. P.S. follow @shopgirlscrew on social media for exciting stocking stuffers throughout the year.

An array of bottles, some small and others large adorned with Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears from House of Sillage’s Mickey & Friends Collection are displayed on an evergreen mantle.

House of Sillage

House of Sillage brings the magic of Disney to life with the enchanting Mickey & Friends Collection. Crafted with our signature attention to luxury and detail, this collection captures the timeless charm of beloved Disney characters in beautifully designed, limited-edition creations. Enjoy an exclusive offer today and indulge in the whimsical world of Disney with House of Sillage.

A figurine of Deadpool from Iron Studios is decked out with a Santa hat, green and red festive sweater with interlocked candy cakes in the background.

Iron Studios

For those of you Disney Fans getting ready for the holiday season, Iron Studios has your favorite characters waiting to join your collection! If you’re looking for a gift to someone you love or yourself, check out ironstudios.com now.

A promo image from left to right reads “Introducing Disney, Disney Princess Gingerbread Castle” with the logo for Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. at bottom. At right are two packages of Joffrey’s Disney Princess Gingerbread Castle holiday blend is prominently displayed.

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. ®

Bring festive flavors to your mug with our all-new Disney Princess Gingerbread Castle flavored coffee. Part of the Disney Specialty Coffee Collection, this medium-roast features flavor notes of gingerbread cookies and frosting.

Shop now at JOFFREYS.COM and enjoy 20% OFF* your purchase using code: D23GOLD.

NOTE
*Offer valid through Dec. 31, 2024, and is for D23 Members only, cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.

A set of Minnie Mouse jewelry, a gold and pink-jeweled necklace and pair of earrings are seen against a pink background with the copy “Disney I Kendra Scott” at Right and @Disney at bottom right.

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott is a fashion-lifestyle brand built on big dreams, colorful confidence, and inspired design. And this holiday season, we invite you to unwrap the wonder with the special-edition Disney | Kendra Scott collaboration! Drawing inspiration from iconic characters, this collection features the beloved silhouettes of Disney’s Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in Kendra Scott’s signature shapes and one-of-a-kind materials to evoke joy and bring the dazzling feeling of everyday magic to life.

Items from Kidrobot’s Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas featuring Oogie Boogie, Sally, Jack, and more are shown at right against a green checkered background with the film logo at left and Kidrobot logo at bottom left.

KIDROBOT

Step into the world of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas with Kidrobot! This spooky collection from the premier creator and dealer of limited-edition art toys and premium plush brings the beloved characters of Halloween Town to life in stunning detail. At Kidrobot.com, you’ll find must-have items featuring Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King, Sally the clever rag doll, Zero the ghost dog, the villainous Oogie Boogie, and more! From soft plush toys and window clingers to premium dolls and interactive collectibles, these delightful products perfectly capture the magic of Tim Burton’s classic animated film in a way only Kidrobot can!

© Disney

Lionel Trains exclusive D23 locomotive and rolling stock is featured in action, rolling down a silver track.

Lionel Trains

Kick off the holiday season with a Lionel Trains exclusive D23 locomotive and rolling stock. These limited-edition products are on track to be out of stock soon! As a special treat please enjoy FREE SHIPPING by using the promo code above. Happy Holidays from Lionel Trains!

Loungefly logo is prominently displayed over image with several special holiday products featured. Clockwise from upper left: A male model holds a mini backpack with Jack Skellington, items from a Winnie the Pooh collection, a female model holds silver-toned items featuring classic Disney characters and at bottom left items featuring gingerbread variants of Stitch are showcased.

Loungefly

Loungefly is where fashion meets fandom—find innovative accessories and apparel to show off what you love every day. Get sitewide savings at Loungefly.com starting 11/22 for Black Friday!

Items from Lug’s holiday collection are displayed, from left to right, a tartan-print duffel, red large, quilted backpack, blue smaller, multi-pocketed bag and in front from left to right a silver small bag and green quilted wristlet.

Lug

Lug is your go-to destination for stylish, functional bags and accessories designed to make life more organized and colorful. From travel bags to everyday essentials, we blend fashion with convenience for busy lifestyles. Our Holiday Gift Guide makes checking off your shopping list easy. Get in the holiday spirit with our curated selection of cozy bags, home organization must-haves, and more!

A Promotional image for Milk Snob’s Black Friday Sale, which states it runs from Nov 20th – Dec 2nd, at left a baby wears a decorative snuggle with copy reading “Shop 30% Off,” at right a mom is using a Mickey Mouse-embossed privacy nursing cover with copy “CODE: D23BIGSALE.

Milk Snob

Milk Snob is a premium baby products company, walking alongside parents to help make babyhood a little easier! We are offering exclusive Black Friday early access to D23 Members! Shop 30% off all collections with code D23BIGSALE at checkout Nov 20-Dec 2.

NOTE
30% off: Offer valid on Milk Snob merchandise (excluding Market, Bundles/Gift Boxes, and Gift Card products) on milksnob.com only from November 20, 2024, at 12 a.m. CST to December 2, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CST in the continental USA. Not valid on any other site or in store. Not valid on international purchases. Discount applies to merchandise only, not value of gift cards purchased, packaging, applicable taxes, or shipping & handling charges. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Milk Snob LLC is not responsible for lost or stolen coupons.

A multi-image graphic features an array of Mondo products, ranging from premium collectibles, vinyl soundtracks and screen-printed posters. A graphic at center reads “Happy Holidays” with the brand logo Mondo at center.

Mondo

Mondo creates premium collectibles, vinyl soundtracks, and limited-edition screen-printed posters inspired by iconic stories and characters. Collaborating with top artists and these beloved properties, Mondo offers high-quality products for passionate fans worldwide. Check out Mondo gift options on mondogiftguide.com and use code D23 for 10% off now through 12/31/2024.

Ultimate figures from NECA’s Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas are seen from left to right, Jack Skellington, Sally, Mayor of Halloween Town and Santa Jack.

NECA

Celebrate more than 30 years of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas! The classic 1993 animated film returns to shelves with a set of brand-new Ultimate figures from NECA. Turn Christmas into a spooky season once again by collecting all four action figures: Jack Skellington, Santa Jack, Sally, and the Mayor of Halloween Town! Each fully articulated figure is sold separately with multiple accessories and comes in collector-friendly packaging.

© Disney

A Dual image showcasing Ravensburger Custom Photo Puzzle product, shows a large image of a puzzle featuring an image of two blue beach loungers from back on the sand with an ocean with sunny blue sky and puffy clouds, with the top of a palm tree at upper left and the puzzle box for the image smaller and embedded at lower left.

Ravensburger Custom Photo Puzzle

Spread holiday joy with 30% off Ravensburger Custom Photo Puzzles! Transform cherished Disney memories into a unique and meaningful gift this season. Offer available to D23 Members from 11/20-11/29, ensuring guaranteed delivery for the holidays!

(from left to right) A red pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses sits atop a red table and green pair of Ray-Ban’s sit on a green table. The red has a neon-lit icon of Minnie Mouse and atop the green a neon-green icon of Mickey Mouse from Sunglass Hut’s Mickey Mouse Collection.

Sunglass Hut

Discover Ray-Ban sunglasses in collaboration with Disney. Take a look at the Wayfarer, New Wayfarer, Aviators and the complete Mickey Mouse collection. Explore all the different patterns and styles available for adults and children, which are also available with polarized lenses. Select your next Disney sunglasses now!

Moana 2 related products offered exclusively at target are featured, with toys at center, and Moana 2 loungewear displayed on a smiling, blond teen at right. The characters of Maui and Moana are positioned at left.

Target

Dive into a sea of adventure with Moana and Maui. Shop Moana 2 toys, clothing and more available at Target.

© Disney

Set against a red, snowflake embossed background a holiday image of a holiday canvas from Thomas Kinkade Studios featuring classic Disney characters before a Christmas tree is at center. Copy reads from left of image “Holiday Sale” and at right, “23% OFF* & Free Jewel Enhancement*.

Thomas Kinkade Studios

This holiday season, bring the warmth and wonder of Christmas into your home with Thomas Kinkade. We’re offering Free Enhanced Jewel Highlighting on select 14x14 Gallery Wrapped Canvas* with code FREEJE and 23% off select Brushstroke Vignettes** with code 23BSV. Make your walls merry and bright with the magic of Kinkade art!

NOTE
*Free Jewel Highlighting applies to Disney Robin Hood, Disney Hercules, Disney Mickey and Minnie Trimming the Tree and Disney Frozen Celebration in Arendelle **23% off applies to Disney Maleficent, Disney Evil Queen, Disney Queen of Hearts and Disney Ursula. While supplies last.

A promotional image features six packaged Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed” 3D platformer from THQ Nordic for various gaming platforms, stacked three at top, and two at bottom. A close-up of the game cover with Mickey Mouse from the back and paintbrush in right hand, with a trail of drawn, energetic ink with the character of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit at top right above the wave of ink.

THQ Nordic

Embark on a magical journey in Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed! Shape your adventure with the stroke of a brush and transform Wasteland as Mickey Mouse in this beautifully recreated 3D platformer.

© Disney. © 2024 THQ Nordic AB, Sweden. Developed by Purple Lamp GmbH, Austria, published by THQ Nordic GmbH, Austria. All rights reserved.

Disney Cruise Line Welcomes the Disney Treasure During “Christening Spectacular’ in New York City

On Tuesday night, Disney Cruise Line officially welcomed its new ship, the Disney Treasure, with a spectacular waterfront christening celebration on the Hudson River in New York City.

In a stunning display of storytelling like only Disney can do, the night sky above the Disney Treasure sparkled and danced with a larger-than-life light show depicting the stars and icons of beloved Disney adventures represented on board the new ship, including Aladdin, Haunted Mansion, Moana, and Coco.

The dazzling tribute to the stories and characters was brought to life by a synchronized showcase of 1,000 drones set to a stirring medley of inspiring Disney songs. Award-winning singer-songwriter Jordin Sparks lent her own star power to the celebration with a powerful live rendition of “Live the Adventure,” the original anthem of the Disney Treasure.

Relive the magic, courtesy of our friends at the Disney Parks Blog:

“For more than 100 years, Disney stories have filled the world with joy and wonder, capturing the hearts and imaginations of generations across every continent. And since the launch of the Disney Cruise Line in 1998, our ships have become brand ambassadors that bring our world-class storytelling and the immersive nature of our theme parks to new audiences in new places all over the world,” Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, said when he kicked off the celebration. “We also know that at the heart of everything we do at Disney are the dedicated Cast Members and employees who create the magic that brings joy to millions of people around the globe, and we are proud to honor our employees as the official godparents of the Disney Treasure.”

The Disney Treasure “Christening Spectacular” culminated in the drones forming a 65-foot-tall champagne bottle that burst into a grand finale of bubbling pyrotechnics as voices from across The Walt Disney Company, the honorary godparents of the Disney Treasure who bring Disney storytelling to life every day, recited a traditional blessing to bestow good fortune on the vessel and its travelers.

Drones form Madame Leota above the Disney Treasure cruise ship.

“This is an unprecedented era of growth for Disney Experiences, and a dramatic period of expansion at Disney Cruise Line,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “We are more than doubling our fleet to 13 ships by 2031 so that we can bring Disney cruise vacations to even more families across the globe. With the Disney Treasure, we continue to deliver an unparalleled family vacation at sea through the magic of Disney storytelling. The memories our guests create onboard this stunning ship will last a lifetime.”

The Disney Treasure, sister ship to the Disney Wish (launched in 2022) and the Disney Destiny (setting sail in November 2025), calls upon the bold and heartwarming stories of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Parks attractions to offer new and guest-favorite experiences steeped in the theme of adventure. These include an original Broadway-style retelling of Moana; immersive dining experiences inspired by Pixar’s Coco and Marvel Super Heroes; a splashtacular Mickey Mouse-themed water attraction; signature fireworks at sea; imaginative clubs for kids of all ages; and an all-new collection of Disney Parks-inspired lounges for adults, including the first-ever inspired by the Haunted Mansion.

Drones form a champagne bottle above the Disney Treasure cruise ship.

The ship embarks on its maiden voyage on Saturday, December 21, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida. The Disney Treasure is part of a multi-year expansion of the award-winning fleet, which currently includes six ships and seven more ships on the way by 2031.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500, or contact their travel agent.

D23 Exclusive: Making Moana 2 Music with Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear

By Courtney Potter

Adventure is calling—and it’s music to our ears!

We’re mere days away from the premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, which picks up with the tenacious wayfinder (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) three years after the events of the first beloved film. An unexpected call from her ancestors sends Moana on a journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters. With the help of Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) and a motley crew of unlikely seafarers, she faces a truly life-changing quest…

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club recently had the chance to chat exclusively with Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear—the Grammy®Award-winning duo (The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical) who penned five brand-new songs for the film! (Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i and three-time Grammy winning composer Mark Mancina—whose music was heard in the first Moana—return and provide three new songs as well.) See what they have to say about joining the world of Motunui; working with the likes of Cravalho, Foa‘i, and Johnson; what they hope audiences take away from the film; and so much more:

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho), left, is standing with her family—sister Simea (voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), mother Sina (voiced by Nicole Scherzinger), and father Tui (voiced by Temuera Morrison), right. Sina is holding Simea in her arms, and Simea is reaching out to Moana; they are all smiling at each other. Lush island greenery is seen behind them.

D23: What excites you both about this story? And about helping bring Moana and Maui’s latest adventures to musical life?

Emily Bear (EB): What I love about Moana is that her journey is wholly her own. In the first movie, there was a journey of self-identity and self-discovery, and that continues in the second one. So to be able to share the story of such an inspiring and powerful young woman—who is not defined by anyone else around her; she’s her own person—is really cool.

Abigail Barlow (AB): I agree—she is a true Disney heroine. And I also love that on this journey, she has a new crew; she really gets the chance to be a leader. Seeing that, and getting to represent that in music—and getting to explore new voices that are added to this story—has been really fun too.

EB: Oh, and the Pacific Islands culture and the music—and working with Opetaia—have been so insanely cool! To learn so much about how music is such a huge part of the way that the peoples of the Pacific and their stories live. It just makes the whole thing so much more meaningful.

D23: I was just about to ask—how was it working with Foa‘i and Mancina, as the “veterans” of Moana-related music?

AB: Magical!

EB: The way their brains work is so cool. And that’s what I love about collaboration, too—they view music in a completely different way than we do. The stuff that they come up with, it really is just magical; it’s something that we would have never, ever thought of. We told them this during a [recording] session, but all we hoped for is that our songs were a beautiful vehicle for them to share their voice.

D23: Was there something you set out to accomplish, specifically, with your songs for the film? Anything you felt was crucial to illustrate, or emphasize?

AB: There was a poster that was in the Moana 2 story room two years ago, when we first started on this project, and it said, “You never stop discovering who you are.” And I think that still rings true now that we’re getting close to releasing this movie. I think that really was the main goal of the music—to continue Moana’s journey of discovering herself, discovering her people, her culture, and also remaining in the world that has already been built of beautiful music from the first film.

EB: Our world gets so much bigger in this movie; the scope is so much larger—and I think we wanted our music to reflect that. So the music is bigger, it branches out more… and also giving Moana a more mature voice. She’s older, she’s grown in her views, and the world has changed. So especially with her big song, we really wanted to show that growth and that vulnerability, and her new awareness that she didn’t have when she was 16. She’s almost 20 now—a lot can happen in three years. Trust me, we know! We were there not that long ago. I felt like a whole new person from 16 to 19.

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) is sailing on her canoe in the middle of the ocean. She’s steering the canoe with one hand, and her hair is windswept. She has a hopeful expression on her face. 

D23: Speaking of Moana—what was the collaboration like, working with Cravalho?   

AB: She is so talented; just so incredibly poised and a joy to work with. She really brought Moana to these songs. They didn’t come alive until she sang them. And getting to collaborate, getting to find the direction of her vocal performance—it was such a joy. Magic all around. 

EB: It’s rare that we get to work with someone who’s close to our age, writing for a character that’s also close to our age. So I think we were able to communicate in a way that maybe we couldn’t do with someone who’s a different generation or different demographic or whatever. I feel like when we were working with her, we were able to push each other in a way that was really very cool. And the camaraderie was amazing. And she’s just undoubtedly amazing.

D23: And what about the directors—David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller?

AB: This team cares so much about this film, and about the culture. It’s been so wonderful to learn; I feel like life has been a classroom for the past two years. Getting to sit in on story trust meetings—where they take apart the storyline and then put it back together, and ask and answer questions constantly, to make this movie the best it can possibly be—was just glorious.

EB: Yeah—I mean, the care that they had for the world and the story and the history and the connection to heritage was incredible. I remember David was showing us how much detail and care and research went into every little thing you see on that screen—from the way that Moana’s hair is parted to the etchings on the side of a canoe that few might notice. But it’s all there.

AB: And handled with care.

EB: So much care.

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) is standing looking at the camera, holding his hook over one shoulder. The sun on the horizon, and the ocean, are seen behind him.

D23: Do you have any particularly standout memories from the whole process?

 AB: So many beautiful ones. I guess one that stands out was when Dwayne heard his song for the first time. We got a FaceTime call that we thought was coming from Jared [Bush, co-writer/executive producer of Moana 2 and Walt Disney Animation Studios chief creative officer], so we answered, but it was Dwayne. And I called him “Mr. The Rock”—because I was so overwhelmed, and I’m in my Barbie robe getting ready for a Broadway show. And Emily was in the car…EB: He starts saying “Don’t crash, don’t crash!”

AB: And then he said he got chills, listening to the song. That was all we needed to hear—that he loved the song and that he was excited to record it. It was a magical moment that also made it feel that much more real. Although it still doesn’t feel real, and I don’t think it will feel real until it’s in the theaters and we’re sitting there watching it. But his response was everything.

EB: I’ll also never forget the first time that we presented the music to the team. It got easier after that first time, but—you’re working with all new people, you’re in a new story with new characters, and you’re just hoping and praying [they like it]. The first time that you play something for someone, it’s very scary. Of course, we wanted this to work really well. So seeing their reactions—the story team’s faces—after we played the song will be forever burned into my brain; it was amazing. To know that, from the start, we had a connection to Moana that other people resonated with was very special. It gave us a lot of motivation and trust in ourselves to keep going.

A promotional image of Moana 2 songwriters Abigail Barlow (left) and Emily Bear (right). Barlow has long, dark red hair and is wearing a strapless white gown, black gloves, and black boots. Bear has pulled-back dark hair and is wearing a black and denim top with a black-and-white polka-dot skirt, and black and white heels. They are sitting on a trunk and looking at the camera.

D23: How do you feel now that the movie’s about to premiere? And what do you hope audiences take away from Moana’s journey in this film?

AB: This whole process from beginning to now has been so wonderful. There’s nothing else quite like animation—and Disney Animation at that—and the creation of the films that are so beloved by the culture; that have cemented themselves in culture. I hope that audiences come away from the film feeling that, like the poster on our wall, “You never stop discovering who you are.” That would be a great message for little girls to take away from the film, especially.

EB: It’s truly been the honor of a lifetime, working at Disney. And we hope that everyone loves the movie as much as we do!

You’ll Love These Moana Coloring Pages

By the D23 team

Moana fans, get ready to set sail once again! Moana and Maui are returning to the big screen in Moana 2, hitting theaters on November 27. While we eagerly await this much-anticipated sequel, we’ve got a perfect way to celebrate the original that started it all: Moana-themed printable coloring pages inspired by the first film! Dive into the spirit of adventure and creativity—you never know how far your coloring journey will go.

Go Behind An Almost Christmas Story with Director David Lowery

By Moss Cohen

In 2020, a tiny owl was rescued from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City. Today, audiences can watch his fictionalized animated journey in An Almost Christmas Story — exclusively on Disney+ — as dreamt up by director David Lowery and Academy Award® winning producer Alfonso Cuarón.

In the film, the owl — known as Moon — unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents.

The talented voice cast includes Cary Christopher as Moon, newcomer Estella Madrigal as Luna, Jim Gaffigan as Papa Owl, Mamoudou Athie as Pelly, Alex Ross Perry as Dave The Dog, Gianna Joseph as Peaky, Phil Rosenthal as Punt, with Natasha Lyonne as Pat, and John C. Reilly as The Folk Singer, who performs four songs in the short, two of which are original songs.

We spoke with Lowery about how he landed on the unique visual style of the film, directing vocal performances vs. live action, and which classic Disney animated movie ignited his love of cinema.

An Almost Christmas Story has a very distinct visual style, the use of the cardboard and the paper esthetics. How did you settle on that style?

Once we decided to make the film an animated film, even before it was fully animated — because at one point it was going to be a kind of hybrid. I decided I wanted New York City to be made entirely out of cardboard, and that was the inciting incident for this entire project.

I grew up making everything out of cardboard. All of my movies I made as a little kid were full of cardboard spaceships and castles and props. My dad and I used to build castles and  huge cities in the basement out of old boxes. We even had a box called the “box box” in our house where we’d put cardboard so we could use it in arts and crafts, so that was an intrinsic part of my childhood, and it was the defining esthetic choice for this movie and everything else, every other choice we made was sort of begat by the decision to go with cardboard for New York City.

An owl named Moon (left) appears startled after a young girl named Luna falls on the ice while skating in Rockefeller Plaza in a scene from An Almost Christmas Story.

What were the benefits of collaborating with producer Alfonso Cuarón on this film?

As a fan of cinema, to just have conversations with him, not even about this, just to talk about other movies, just getting to know him and become friends with him, it was an incredible gift to get to collaborate with him as well. But he was so supportive in going in whichever direction I wanted to take this. When this was initially conceived, it was going to be live action. And the point at which it became animation, it went through different stages of animation. We were going to do it with puppets and then it was a hybrid that eventually became fully CG, and he was always supportive of every version of that and always looking for how we could make that version the best possible version. How could we push it forward? How can we make it feel unlike anything else anyone has ever seen before? He trusted me to make the best movie I could make. But he would always give just little suggestions that I could take or leave along the way that really helped form it into what it finally became.

Director David Lowery (left) and producer Alfonso Cuarón (right) pose for a photo in front of the ice skating rink at in Rockefeller Plaza.

This is part of a trilogy of short Christmas films on Disney+ for Cuarón [Oscar® nominated Le Pupille and The Shepherd]. Did you feel that you needed to have a continuity with those, or could you make it your own?

There was no need for a continuity whatsoever. In fact, I think it would’ve been in one of his notes. He was so adamant for all those films, each filmmaker to make a movie that’s true to themselves. He wanted, as an audience member, as a fan of cinema, to see a Christmas movie made by Alice Rohrwacher or Iain Softley.

And that was the case with this one, too. He really kept saying, “I may have come up with these characters, I may have written the script, but what is the David Lowery version of this?” And that was what he encouraged me to do.

The whole cast for An Almost Christmas Story gives amazing performances. What goes into directing a voice performance versus a live action role.

It’s really interesting because my memory of doing all of those vocal performances involved me acting also because everyone’s recording in a booth by themselves, so I’m playing every other character. And so I was much more involved. I was directing through my own performance often. I would just do something faster because I knew that they would respond more quickly. I would say something. I would bring my tone down. So I was involved in a much different way, a much more physical way than I’m used to. But it was really fun and I really loved it.

I did that on Skeleton Crew as well because I did the voice of various puppet characters on set who are all now voiced by professional actors who do a much better job than I did. But I found that I could control the scene when I was performing in a really interesting way, in a way that I’m not able to when I’m directing, because then I’m behind the periphery, I’m on outside the proscenium. But when I was inside that proscenium, it changed the way in which I was able to participate and to direct the scene. And that was really fun.

An owl named Moon crouches in a scene from An Almost Christmas Story.

You’ve directed two features [Pete’s Dragon and Peter Pan & Wendy] for Disney. You’ve done An Almost Christmas Story. You have an episode of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew coming up. Why do you keep coming back and working with Disney?

With the case of Star Wars, that’s an easy one because I am in this business because of Star Wars.

The first movie I ever saw was Pinocchio, and it set me on the path to where I am now. I didn’t come out of that movie theater at the age of four thinking I want to be a filmmaker, but it ignited something in me, and I can still remember sitting in that theater. I think we all can remember the first cinematic experience we’ve had. And to know that, for probably many children, the movies I’m making for Disney will be their first cinematic experience is an incredible privilege. It’s a luxury, a privilege, a responsibility, and it’s a way in which I feel I can do something good as a filmmaker.

An aerial shot of the Rockefeller Plaza ice skating rink — from inside the Christmas tree — in a scene from An Almost Christmas Story

Sometimes as a director, I’m just trying to entertain myself. I’m trying to make a movie that matters to me. And certainly the Disney movies matter to me, they are some of the things I’m proudest of. But I also know that somewhere out there, there is going to be a child who watches An Almost Christmas Story this Christmas, and it will be the first thing they’ve seen. And I need to make sure to the greatest extent of whatever abilities I have as a filmmaker that I’m giving them the best possible introduction to cinema that I can, because I know that it’s going to be a formative experience.

Often when I’m making a movie, I try not to overthink things. I try to really go with my gut instinct. But when I’m making a movie that I know is going to be seen by kids of all different ages and adults too, I take that into consideration every day when I’m making a film, whether it’s a script or on set every single day, I’m thinking like, “This is going to be someone’s first cinematic experience. We have to make it count.”

The poster for An Almost Christmas Story

Diving Off the Screen: Masterful ‘Little Mermaid’ Product Art

By Francesca Scrimgeour, Walt Disney Archives

It’s hard to believe that 35 years ago, an effervescent young mermaid with a bubbly personality made her debut on the animated feature scene, forever altering the course of Disney animation. The Little Mermaid (1989) marked a return to Disney’s storytelling roots as the first full-length production to draw inspiration from a classic fairy tale in three decades. Disney Legend Glen Keane, the directing animator primarily responsible for Ariel, encapsulated the excitement of creating the imaginative film: “This story is different from any fairy tale Disney has ever done. The heroine feels more real and relatable. What she desires may seem impossible, but hopefully, the audience becomes so invested in her determination that they’ll root for her success.”

The legacy of The Little Mermaid ripples far beyond the motion picture screen as millions of fans have brought the magic of the animated classic home through merchandise that have served as emotional touchpoints to Ariel and her friends. And while the film’s production art has often been the focus of study and celebration, less featured have been the illustrations produced for a number of memorable and much beloved consumer products.

In celebration of the film’s initial release on November 15, 1989, the Walt Disney Archives invites you to explore our rarely seen collections of merchandising artwork, including illustrations created for publishing and home entertainment releases—each a treasure (or, thingamabob?) unto itself.

Ariel spinning Flounder underwater with bubbles and kelp around them.

The first of these is a charming entry from the Little Nugget Book series from Golden Press. Illustrated by Kerry Martin and Fred Marvin, this 1992 adaptation of The Little Mermaid features stunning illustrations that complement the text for young readers:

The full scope of the artwork created for this book is breathtaking in its own right. And while the illustrations are adapted for literary format, our art collection allows us to appreciate the artists’ initial vision.

Diving deeper into our publishing art collection, we present original illustrations from How to Draw The Little Mermaid from Walter Foster Publishing. This book, also published in 1992, offers artists of all ages the chance to make a splash with easy-to-follow instructions for drawing their favorite characters in a variety of poses.

A sole drawing of Flounder with a white background.

Two pieces from the collection are highlighted here: a completed illustration of Flounder (above) and the beautifully designed background that complements it (below). Seeing the entire scene offers a glimpse into the artist’s fully rendered concept—truly a “fin-tastic” way to appreciate the artwork!

Undersea, pink-toned sunset background with a view of the sea floor with rocks, coral, and seaweed.

Our staff also explored a collection of home entertainment artwork to uncover this next piece. During the Company’s early tide of home video releases, Disney fans had the chance to reel in their favorite films, often accompanied by beautifully designed packaging, such as this Little Mermaid VHS cover. Below, you can see an early example of home video art featuring Flounder and some of Ariel’s “Under the Sea” friends alongside designated spaces for product text. The artwork is vibrant and inviting, making it even more tempting to take off the shelf and enjoy!

Underwater painting of the yellow fish Flounder alongside several other sea creatures, including four trumpet-playing seahorses and a lobster playing a pair of purple and pink clams on the ocean floor.

Along those same towlines, additional supplemental art was crafted for individual Walt Disney Home Video stories featuring Ariel, much like the piece showcased below. This VHS cover artwork was designed for the 1995 release Princess Collection: Ariel’s Songs and Stories, which featured two episodes from the popular animated TV series Disney’s The Little Mermaid: “Wish Upon a Starfish” and “Metal Fish.” A close look at this original artwork offers a detailed glimpse beyond what ultimately made it onto the final product.

Ariel and Flounder underwater admiring a dancing couple wind-up toy.

We hope this unique glimpse into the Walt Disney Archives collection inspires you to have your own artistic celebration honoring this milestone anniversary of The Little Mermaid, a timeless classic that continues to enchant audiences and shape the ocean of animation.

Meet the Characters of Moana 2

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Moana has charted a course to our hearts ever since we first met the brave wayfinder in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2016 feature, Moana. Now, we’re preparing to follow her next journey in Walt Disney Animation Studio's Moana 2, in theaters November 27. Featuring music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina, this tuneful new adventure takes Moana across the ocean with faces both familiar and new. Before we dive into the film and join Moana on her quest, find your way to the characters who bring this adventure to life:

Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) stands at the front of the ship, looking out into the distance and smiling as her hair blows in the ocean breeze.

Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho)
Last time we saw Moana, she’d just restored the Heart of Te Fiti and taken on a new role as leader and wayfinder to the people of Motunui. In Moana 2, we see Moana in full adventurer mode—returning from her latest exploration and ready to face her next. Her ancestors have called out to her to break a curse and adventure to a mysterious island hidden in a storm. It’s up to Moana to step onto the sand of the island and reconnect the people of Oceania. . It’s a daunting mission across the ocean—but she won’t be alone this time. She’s recruiting a crew to join her on this perilous journey—as well as her favorite demigod.

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) has just landed from a jump, knelling on one knee with his right arm extended, brandishing his hook. He is in a purple cave filled with fog.

Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson)
Everyone’s favorite demigod is back and ready for action! Moana’s journey to the mysterious island reunites her with Maui three years after the events of the original Moana. Maui is just as strong-willed and beautifully coiffed as we remember him, covered in magical tattoos commemorating his mighty feats. As a shapeshifter, Maui uses his mighty hook to turn into any animal—which gets him into trouble as often as it gets him out of it. His friendship with Moana has evolved—he respects her. He will always tease her, but he’s also rooting for her every step of the way.

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) holds her little sister Simea (voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) in her arms as they both look up into the camera. Around them, the ocean has parted into a sandy pathway where they stand.

Simea (voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda)
With the ancestors urging her to venture out on a dangerous mission, Moana knows she must leave Motunui. But it’s harder to go now that she has an adorable little sister, Simea, who thinks the world of Moana and misses her terribly when she’s gone on her wayfinding journeys. While there may be an ocean in between them, their bond is unbreakable no matter where Moana goes.

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, Loto (voiced by Rose Matafeo), Moni (voiced by Hualalai Chung), Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho), and Kele (voiced by David Fane) stand on their ship, looking out at something off screen. Behind them is the ocean, disappearing into a cloudy fog.

Loto (voiced by Rose Matafeo)
This time, Moana’s not adventuring alone. She has a crew supporting her with various skills and talents. Loto, a brilliant but quirky engineer, maintains their canoe. Loto’s always thinking about the best ways to improve her designs, often enacting the changes in real time, whether the rest of the crew is ready or not.

Kele (voiced by David Fane)
It’s a long journey to find the lost island that will break the curse and reconnect the people of the Pacific, so Kele joins Moana’s crew to grow and maintain their food. As an elder on Motunui, Kele isn’t as passionate about adventure as the rest of the crew. But he is passionate about the plants he grows!

Moni (voiced by Hualālai Chung)
As a storyteller on Motunui, Moni knows all about the legends and lore, and will surely tell the tale of Moana’s journey for years to come. He is a huge fanboy when it comes to Maui and Moni’s size and stature make him a powerful asset to Moana’s crew.

Matangi (voiced by Awhimai Fraser)
Matangi (Awhimai Fraser) Matangi is a mysterious figure who challenges everything Moana thinks she knows about herself. Surrounded by flying foxes, Matangi is one with her airborne cohort, which makes it a bit tricky to work with her.

Country Music’s Biggest Quiz! Celebrating the 58th Annual Country Music Awards

By the D23 Team

Ready for the 58th Annual CMA Awards? Put your knowledge to the test with our quiz! Then, make sure to join Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning, and Lainey Wilson as they host Country Music’s Biggest Night™ LIVE From Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 20, on ABC!

The annual CMA Awards is the longest-running music awards show on network television... so what year did everyone start turning on and tuning in to this EPIC show?(Required)
Luke Bryan may have grown up on a peanut farm, but peanuts aren’t his favorite snack! What is Bryan’s go-to preshow snack?(Required)
A young Lainey Wilson paid her musical dues impersonating what popular singer at nursing homes, birthday parties, and other small events?(Required)
The road to becoming a country music star is paved with hard work! What was Luke Bryan’s first less-than-glamorous job?(Required)
Known for his powerful vocals and thoughtful songwriting, Chris Stapleton currently holds the CMA record in this category with seven sensational wins.(Required)
Kelsea Ballerina’s first song was a last-minute Mother’s Day gift for her mom. Only a true fan can name this sentimental song!(Required)
George Strait is the only artist to win in this CMA category five times, taking home trophies in 1985, 1996, 1997, 2007, and 2008. Name that category:(Required)
Brooks and Dunn have created cowboy alter egos, and all their albums include a tale of these two... can you name these fictional cowboys?(Required)
Country superstar Kacey Musgraves has been writing and performing songs since she was a little girl. To make sure she was ready to perform at a moment’s notice, what did she always have with her?(Required)
Shaboozey got his stage name back in high school when people had a hard time pronouncing his real last name, Chibueze. What does “Chibueze” actually translate to?(Required)