Top D23 Expo 2022 Guest Tips

September 1, 2022March 28, 2024

By the D23 Team

Can you believe it? D23 Expo 2022 is only a few days away! If you’re joining us in person, we’re offering up some top tips and the latest, greatest information you need to know before attending:

OVERNIGHT QUEUES

For the health and safety of all guests, overnight queuing is not available for D23 Expo 2022, and will not be allowed around the perimeter of the Anaheim Convention Center.

STANDBY QUEUES

For guests who do not get reservations for panels or presentations, standby queues will be available for presentations at all D23 Expo stage venues, Talent Central, and for most experiences across the show floor.

SHOW ENTRY

Show hours for all guests are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day of the Expo. There will be five entry points starting at 5 a.m. There is no queuing at entries before 4:30 a.m.

After entering the plaza of the Anaheim Convention Center, follow signs and event staff directions for entry to the show floor and D23 Expo stages. Hall D23 Preferred Seating, StagePass, and standby queues are in Hall E. Those with a StagePass for Hall D23 will be directed to Hall E to queue.

There will be security screening at all event entrances, including bag check and metal detection. Please allow ample time when planning your arrival. View the D23 Expo Policies for details about prohibited items.

Please show common courtesy to fellow guests and our cast members by not using profanity or engaging in unsafe, illegal, disruptive, or offensive behavior; jumping lines; or saving places in lines for others. For your safety and the safety of others, please refrain from running or operating your mobility device at an unsafe speed.

GUEST PARKING

D23 Expo is being held at the Anaheim Convention Center:

800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802

Parking is available for $20 at the Anaheim Convention Center starting at 5:00 a.m., payable by credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay (cash is not accepted). Please allow ample time for parking, as some lots may be off-site. Accessible parking is on a first-come, first-served basis at Car Park 1 and Car Park 4.

Please note: Overnight parking is prohibited at the Anaheim Convention Center. For those parking at the Anaheim Convention Center, all vehicles must be cleared by 10 p.m. to avoid being towed. Anaheim Resort Transportation may be utilized from local public transit hubs, including the ARTIC station. Please visit rideart.org for local transportation routes and schedules. Additionally, there are ride-share drop-off and pick-up locations at the north side of the convention center on Katella Avenue and at the south side on Transit Plaza.

SAFETY

The health and safety of our attendees is our utmost priority. The following guidelines are based on information currently available regarding the behavior and characteristics of the COVID-19 virus. As more clarity with respect to these variables emerges, it is expected that these guidelines may need to be adjusted accordingly. Any updates to these guidelines for D23 Expo will be available in Safety Guidelines.

Anyone experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19 such as cough, headache, fever, body aches, chills, etc., should remain home and isolate.

Vaccination & Testing

Proof of vaccination or a negative test will NOT be required for guests.

Masks

Masks are recommended for ALL GUESTS at all times throughout D23 Expo weekend.
Masks will be strictly enforced for ALL GUESTS in certain areas where talent is present.
If the spacing between talent and guest is 6 feet or MORE, guests may remove masks while taking their photo.
If the spacing between talent and guest is LESS than 6 feet, guests must REMAIN masked.

Areas where masks are required for all guests will be clearly marked and enforced. Those who refuse to wear a mask will be asked to leave the area. Signage will be present at the event regarding masking and symptoms.

SHOPPING VIRTUAL QUEUES

In order to use the virtual queues at D23 Expo, you’ll need to download both the D23 Expo 2022 app and the Disneyland Resort app. And don’t forget: Guests do not need to be in the Anaheim Convention Center to join a virtual queue.

Step 1: Open the D23 Expo app and navigate to the retail location. Guests may alternatively use their mobile device camera to scan a QR code located at the entrances of the locations listed above.

Step 2: Tap “Join Virtual Queue” at your retail location. Guests can request to join a D23 Expo virtual queue at 6 a.m. or 1 p.m. PST.

Step 3: You will be navigated to the Disneyland Resort app where you’ll be prompted to log in if you haven’t already. Once you’re logged in, select the number of Guests and tap “Join Virtual Queue”. Guests may join for up to 2 people and may only join one queue at a time.

Step 4: You will see a confirmation screen with an estimated wait time. While you wait for your boarding group to be notified, enjoy other D23 Expo experiences.

Step 5: You’ll receive a push notification when your group is ready. Notifications are expected to begin after 10 a.m. PST, and you’ll have one hour to arrive back at your selected retail location after you have been notified.

Note: We think you’ll love virtual queues because you’ll be able to explore the show floor while you wait—but there may still be a queue outside of your retail location. Joining a virtual queue does not grant any or immediate access to the D23 Expo or any experience. Virtual queues are limited in capacity and subject to availability.

Shoppers eager to begin exploring the shelves of D23 Expo Marketplace, Disney Studio Store Hollywood, Mickey's of Glendale Main Store, Mickey's of Glendale Pin Store, D23 Expo Shop x Mickey's of Glendale, and D23 Expo Marketplace Limited Edition Annex will also have the option to join a standby physical queue. Access to the standby queues will begin with show entry on a first come first serve basis, and line capacity is limited.

Visit Things to Know to access additional information regarding D23 Expo 2022.

MORE EXPO NEWS

Disney+ Docuseries Growing Up Helps Remedy Life’s Growing Pains

August 31, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Growing up is hard to do, but the new innovative hybrid docuseries Growing Up, debuting exclusively on Disney+, seeks to alleviate those embarrassing and challenging moments of adolescence.

Created by Brie Larson and Culture House, the series explores the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of adolescence through 10 compelling coming of age stories. The series uses narrative, experimental, and documentary filmmaking to follow one casted individual, ages 18-22, as they tell their story. They represent a wide range of lived experiences, giving audiences emotionally powerful narratives that offer an engaging look at teenage-hood and the diverse social, familial, and internal obstacles young people face on their path to self-discovery and acceptance. Each 30-minute episode features one young person, or “Hero,” and their experience growing up. All 10 episodes debut on Disney+ Day, Thursday, September 8, on the streaming service.

“It all started with a thought while I was driving, where I realized that I was living with shame about who I was,” says Larson, who also serves as an executive producer and directed the “Clare and Isabel” episode. “I was noticing how I was presenting myself in the world, either shielding certain parts of myself or living in fear. I thought, ‘If I’m feeling this way, other people must feel this way.’”

Larson brought on Nicole Galovski as showrunner and executive producer to help bring the illuminating project to the screen. “We highlighted the topics that we knew we wanted to address—what was really affecting young people—and we started to research and do a lot of Instagram reaching out and looking at local newspapers for young people who had stories within the kind of range of topics represented in the series,” Galovski says.

“[Growing Up] is about sharing, and at the same time, it’s about celebrating and recognizing that we have more similar than different,” Larson says. “It set us on this glorious path meeting so many wonderful young people as well as our incredible directors.”

In Growing Up, viewers will meet the fascinating Heroes—Alex Crotty; Clare Della Valle and Isabel Lam; Amiri Nash; Athena Nair; Sofia Ongele; Emily Flores; Sage Dolan-Sandrino; Gavin Arneson; Vanessa Aryee; and David Puma—as told through the lenses of directors Galovski and Kishori Rajan, Elegance Bratton, Smriti Mundhra, Yara Shahidi, Ashley Eakin, Sydney Freeland, Bernardo Ruiz, Ekwa Msangi, and Rudy Valdez.Additionally, the directors each have a shared lived experience with their respective Hero.

“As a longtime documentary filmmaker, it was such a pleasure to jump into something like this, and I got to direct an episode with Gavin,” Ruiz says. “Gavin had done so much work already, in thinking about his life and his story so my job was to shape those elements that I felt were most potent.”

Adds Ruiz, “Without spoiling anything, Gavin and I have similar histories—we both lost our fathers when we were teenagers. For me, I think telling a story about the processing of grief, but also how someone can rely on people and resources to grow and become stronger, felt very important.”

For Della Valle, participating in the group sessions with her fellow Heroes was a cathartic experience, and she hopes viewers will hold similar conversations with their friends after watching the series. She says, “I hope they’ll say, ‘I was watching the show, and they said this thing, do you feel that way, too?’”

Lam feels participating in Growing Up illuminated how relatable each story is, despite each Hero’s differences. “When we first got on set, and we met all the Heroes, we knew nothing about each other,” Lam says. “But once we started spending some time together, it was amazing how each of us could pull something from each other’s stories. By the end, you feel like you have a place.”

From the directors to the Heroes and the crew, filming Growing Up was a transformative experience, according to Larson. “I’ve never had an experience where people felt seen, transformed, and connected to what it was that they were doing,” Larson says. “I remember finishing this, thinking, ‘Even if no one ever sees this, I feel like there was a lot of healing that happened here and a lot of connections.’ We realized how much we all have in common, and no one can escape the growing up experience.”

She continues, “I cannot say, sitting here as an adult, that my growing up is done. I have so much love and gratitude for our incredible Heroes who had the courage to say things that I’m not sure if I would have had the courage to say—and do it in a way that brings so much love, joy, and celebration to things that are painful, but part of life.”

Lilly Singh, Raven-Symoné, Tim Allen, Laurence Fishburne, Brie Larson, Michelle Yeoh, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and More to Attend Disney Branded Television Panel at D23 Expo

August 31, 2022March 28, 2024

Disney Branded Television, home to some of the most iconic stories and characters in the Disney canon, is bringing its Disney magic to kids and families and Disney fans of all ages with its first-ever D23 Expo showcase, Disney’s Epic Entertainment Showcase: The Musical: The Extravaganza!, hosted by Raven-Symoné and Lilly Singh on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, at 3:30 p.m. in Hall D23.

This fan extravaganza will feature big news, big stars, big musical performances and big previews of upcoming series, movies and specials across Disney+ Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Plus, this epic presentation will also be available as part of D23 Expo [LIVE], which will livestream many of the biggest D23 Expo panels and presentations throughout the weekend.

Scheduled to appear during Disney’s Epic Entertainment Showcase: The Musical: The Extravaganza! are the stars and creative teams of some of the biggest upcoming titles from Disney Branded Television across Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior, including the following:

Disney+

American Born Chinese: Executive producer Kelvin Yu and stars Michelle Yeoh, Daniel Wu, and Ben Wang
Growing Up: Executive producer and director Brie Larson and series subject Vanessa Aryee
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: Stars Joshua Bassett, Sofia Wylie, Matt Cornett, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, Frankie Rodriguez, Saylor Bell Curda, Adrian Lyles, Larry Saperstein, Joe Serafini, and Liamani Segura
National Treasure: Edge of History: Stars Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lisette Olivera, Zuri Reed, Lyndon Smith, Antonio Cipriano, Jordan Rodrigues, and Jake Austin Walker
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Executive producer and author Rick Riordan and special guests
Prom Pact and Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.: Stars Peyton Elizabeth and Milo Manheim
Choir: Detroit Youth Choir and choir director Anthony White
The Muppets Mayhem: Stars Lilly Singh and The Electric Mayhem, including Teeth, Floyd, Lips, Zoot, Janice, and Animal
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder: Creator and executive producer Bruce W. Smith, executive producer Ralph Farquhar, and cast members Paula Jai Parker, Alisa Reyes Karen Malina White, Soleil Moon Frye, and JoMarie Payton
The Santa Clauses: Stars Disney Legend Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, Kal Penn, Elizabeth Allen-Dick, Austin Kane, Matilda Lawler, Devin Bright, and Rupali Redd
ZOMBIES 3: Stars Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Kylee Russell, Carla Jeffery, Trevor Tordjman, Chandler Kinney, Pearce Joza, Matt Cornett, Terry Hu, and Kyra Tantao

Disney Channel

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Executive producers Laurence Fishburne and Steve Loter, and cast members Diamond White, Fred Tatasciore, and Libe Barer
Phineas and Ferb: Creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh
Raven’s Home: Stars Raven-Symoné, Issac Ryan Brown, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Felix Avitia, Emmy Liu-Wang, and Rondell Sheridan
Under Wraps 2: Stars Malachi Barton, Christian J. Simon, Sophia Hammons, and Phil Wright

Disney Junior

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery: Star Donald Faison
Firebuds and Alice’s Wonderland Bakery: Star Yvette Nicole Brown
Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends and Mickey Mouse Funhouse: Star John Stamos
Mickey Mouse Funhouse: Star Harvey Guillén

In addition to the Hall D23 showcase, select casts from multiple hit Disney Branded Television series will participate in events throughout D23 Expo, including panel sessions with popular current and upcoming series. The schedule is as follows:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Hamster & Gretel
4:30-5:30 P.M. | Location: Backlot Stage
Join the cast and creative team of Disney Channel’s Hamster & Gretel as they share a behind-the-scenes look at what went into making the music-filled animated series and content from the show.

Guests scheduled to appear include Dan Povenmire (creator and executive producer), Joanna Hausmann (co-producer/story editor), Michael Cimino (Kevin), Meli Povenmire (Gretel), Carolina Ravassa (Carolina), Brock Powell (Lyle aka FistPuncher), Karina La Voz (La Cebolla), and Thomas Sanders (Neighslayer).

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
11:45 A.M.-12:45 P.M | Location: Hyperion Stage
Watch an exclusive sneak peek of the premiere episode of Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, followed by a Q&A with cast and creative team, ahead of the 2023 debut on Disney Channel and Disney+.

Guests scheduled to appear include Diamond White (Lunella/Moon Girl), Fred Tatasciore (Devil Dinosaur), Libe Barer (Casey), Laurence Fishburne (executive producer), Steve Loter (executive producer), and Pilar Flynn (producer).

The Santa Clauses
6:00-7:00 P.M | Location: Premiere Stage
Join The Santa Clauses cast and creatives for a lively panel as they discuss the return of the beloved franchise and share a first look at the upcoming Disney+ Original series.

Guests scheduled to appear include Tim Allen (Scott Calvin), Elizabeth Mitchell (Carol), Kal Penn (Simon), Elizabeth Allen-Dick (Sandra), Austin Kane (Cal), Matilda Lawler (Betty), Devin Bright (Noel), Rupali Redd (Grace), Jack Burditt (executive producer), and Jason Winer (executive producer).

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
10:30-11:30 A.M | Location: Premiere Stage
The cast and creative team of the Disney+ animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder gather to discuss the acclaimed revival of the groundbreaking series The Proud Family and share an inside look at the upcoming season.

Guests scheduled to appear include Bruce W. Smith (creator and executive producer), Ralph Farquhar (executive producer), Kyla Pratt (Penny Proud), Paula Jai Parker (Trudy Proud), JoMarie Payton (Suga Mama), Cedric “The Entertainer” (Uncle Bobby), Keke Palmer (Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins), EJ Johnson (Michael Collins), Alisa Reyes (LaCienega Boulevardez), Karen Malina White (Dijonay Jones), and Soleil Moon Frye (Zoey Howzer).

Additionally, Disney Branded Television series and talent will also appear on the Expo Live Stage, the Disney Bundle Stage and at Talent Central throughout the weekend.

D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo [LIVE]. For more information, visit D23Expo.com.

MORE EXPO NEWS

On Sale Soon: A D23-Exclusive Jumbo Pin Celebrating 75 Years of Fun & Fancy Free!

August 30, 2022September 6, 2022

By Peyton Liebler

Fee-fi-fo-fum, D23 is celebrating 75 years of classic FUN! Commemorate the giant 75th Anniversary of Fun & Fancy Free with a jumbo pin, fit for a Giant like Willie!

Inspired by the Disney classic Fun and Fancy Free, which premiered September 27, 1947. Fun and Fancy Free is a delightful gem that not only sparkles with charm but is unbelievably rich in history-making Disney moments. It was the last animated feature starring Walt Disney as the voice of Mickey, and the only film featuring all four of Walt Disney’s most famous characters: Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Jiminy Cricket. Following Disney’s classic tradition of great storytelling, unforgettable characters, music, and adventure, Fun and Fancy Free is the joyful telling of Bongo and Mickey and the Beanstalk, two timeless tales magically brought to life by the beloved Jiminy and the masterful combination of animation and live action.

D23-Exclusive Fun and Fancy Free 75th Limited Edition Jumbo Pin
Climb up into the world of circus bears and beanstalks with this D23 Gold Member-exclusive oversized pin! This beautiful pin is the ultimate way to commemorate 75 years of Walt Disney’s animated classic Fun and Fancy Free. Featuring the heroic Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy gazing out from their gargantuan beanstalk, narrowly avoiding Willie the Giant, it’s a mythically magical pin that will send you soaring into the heavens!

Our Fun & Fancy Free 75th Anniversary pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,000, are available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney on Tuesday, September 6, at 7 a.m. PST.

BUY NOW

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. These pins are sold for $19.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pins of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.

On Sale Soon: D23-Exclusive Pin Celebrating 95 Years of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit!

August 30, 2022September 6, 2022

By Peyton Liebler

Celebrate the ostentatiously original, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit! Reflect on 95 years of animated antics with Oswald and his adventurous toon-tastic spirit!

Inspired by the classic character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit who made his theatrical debut on September 5, 1927, in Trolley Troubles, one of the Walt Disney Studio’s early animated shorts. Oswald went on to star in even more animated shorts produced by the Walt Disney Studio and was the original predecessor to one Mickey Mouse. Oswald made his triumphant return in 2010 with the Epic Mickey games and has made cameos in animated shorts and Disney Parks ever since!

D23-Exclusive Oswald the Lucky Rabbit 95th Anniversary – Commemorative Pin
Show off your luck and grab this special pin! This D23 Gold Member-exclusive pin is the best way to celebrate 95 years of classic fun with Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. This pin features the mischievous character modeled after his first appearance in 1927. Sketch into the animated antics with this lucky pin!

Our Oswald the Lucky Rabbit 95th Anniversary pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,500, are available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney on Tuesday, September 6, at 7 a.m. PST.

BUY NOW

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to your D23 Gold Membership. These pins are sold for $14.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pins of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, edition sizes, and retail prices.

Quiz: What’s Your Super Hero Day Job?

August 29, 2022June 15, 2023

By Victoria Hunt

Our favorite Super Heroes are just like us—well, kind of. We may not have superhuman abilities like other-worldly strength or web-flinging spider senses, but many of Marvel’s leading characters lead more-routine lives when they’re not saving humanity. Some, like Jennifer Walters, aka She-Hulk, doggedly pursue lifelong career goals

In case you don’t wake up with the ability to lift cars or swing from buildings, take our quiz to find out which Super Hero day job fits you best.

If you could live in any city in the world, it would be:

New York City

Los Angeles

London

San Francisco

What’s your favorite attraction at Disneyland?

Matterhorn Bobsleds

Peter Pan’s Flight

Space Mountain

Pirates of the Caribbean

On your day off, what are you doing?

Day off? There is way too much work to do!

Relaxing with a good book

Trying a new hobby

Bingeing the latest Disney+ series

What does your dream home look like?

A modern home on a large plot of land

A charming brownstone with a stoop

An old manor with lots of character

A city loft with incredible views

Which Disney sidekick do you relate most to?

Tinker Bell

Sebastian

Mushu

Olaf

Lastly, what Disney Parks snack are you munching on?

Turkey leg

Churros

Pickle

DOLE Whip®

What’s Your Super Hero Day Job?

Scientist, like Bruce Banner

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) stands to the left of Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). Banner is wearing a blue plaid shirt, black pants, and a white lab coat. He is wearing frameless glasses and has black wavy hair. Stark has facial hair and a black wristwatch and is holding a tablet. He is wearing a black zip top and black pants.

Just like our friend the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), you are a perfect balance of creativity and determination. When in his human form as Dr. Bruce Banner, he is a genius and scientist—oh, and he’s funny! You may seem a little rough around the edges when emotions get the best of you, but that doesn’t take away from your incomparable intelligence and ability to make a room burst into laughter with your fast wit. We could totally see you in a lab working on the next scientific breakthrough!

Lawyer, like Jennifer Walters

Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) stands in a court room with her hands in front of her. She is wearing a suit but the sleeve on her right arm has been ripped down to the forearm. The dress shirt is white, and her suit is dark gray. She has curly brown hair.

Like Jennifer (Tatiana Maslany), you are well-spoken and newly aware of your own strength. Who could make a better lawyer than someone who is confident and caring? You may need to sharpen your skills just a tad, but in no time, you will be defending innocent people just like She-Hulk!

Surgeon, like Dr. Stephen Strange

To be a surgeon, one should be patient, thoughtful, and strategic—just like you and Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). Make sure you learn from his mistakes before taking on the task of becoming a neurosurgeon, though. Before he was offering aid in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a Super Hero, Dr. Strange was arrogant and egotistical—perhaps leading to the terrible accident that ended his career. Don’t forget to be understanding and humble even when you save lives every day!

Photographer, like Peter Parker

You see life through a different lens than most people (pun intended). Like Peter Parker (originally played by Tobey Maguire), you are a softer soul with an ability to connect with people on a deeper level. Try your hand with a camera and take pictures of your family, friends, and even pets! It may be a great creative outlet for you to express yourself.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

August 29, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

From prehistoric family hijinks to a reluctant Super Hero, the content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this week has something for everyone! On Wednesday, Season 4 of The Croods: Family Tree debuts on Hulu, and Phoebe hosts a dinner party on Everything’s Trash, which airs on Freeform. Jennifer Walter contends with an unruly client in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, launching Thursday on Disney+, and that same day, ABC’s Press Your Luck welcomes a new crew of feisty contestants. Then, two special guest stars help Daisy on Mickey Mouse Funhouse, airing Friday on Disney Channel and Disney Junior!

The Croods: Family Tree—Wednesday, August 31, on Hulu
Everyone’s favorite prehistoric family is back with all-new hilarious and heartwarming adventures! Season 4 begins with some family bonding between Grug (voiced by Kliff Vandenheuvel) and Thunk (voiced by AJ Locascio). Then, Phil (voiced by Matthew Waterson) invents a new game that everyone can’t stop playing! The series also includes the voices of Amy Landecker as Ugga, Ally Dixon as Eep, Artemis Pebdani as Gran, Darin Brooks as Guy, Amy Rosoff as Hope, and Kelly Marie-Tran as Dawn. All episodes of the Hulu Original are available to stream at launch.

Everything’s Trash—Wednesday, August 31, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Phoebe (Phoebe Robinson) decides to host a dinner party with only the best intentions. However, she quickly realizes playing host is a little more complicated than she expected as not all of her invited guests get along. EEK! This is going to be a fun evening…

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law—Thursday, September 1, on Disney+
Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk (Tatiana Maslany) is slowly embracing her new moniker and role representing superpowered individuals at GLK&H. However, her first client Emil Blonsky/Abomination (Tim Roth) is making her rethink things after footage of his prison escape makes the rounds around every media outlet. Will she be able to secure a solid alibi for Blonsky despite the incriminating video footage?

Press Your Luck—Thursday, September 1, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Host Elizabeth Banks is joined by three new contestants—Jake Marshall from Loveland, Colorado; Freddie Walton from San Diego, California; and Rita Bohl from Ione, California—who all are vying for big bucks while avoiding the WHAMMY! Will the pressure of the competition interfere with sportsmanship?

Mickey Mouse Funhouse—Friday, September 2, at 8 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and 12 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior
Daisy wants to learn how to whistle and seeks out help from the Muses, Thalia (voiced by Roz Ryan) and Calliope (voiced by Lillias White), for guidance. Ryan and White reprise their roles from the 1998 film Hercules. Then, after a lazy day in the Funhouse, the pals decide to play in Sportopia!

Start Wishing with New Pinocchio Trailer—Plus More in News Briefs

August 26, 2022

By Courtney Potter

**Like a Bolt Out of the Blue: Check Out the Magical New Pinocchio Trailer**

We’re tantalizingly close to Disney+ Day on September 8—and to celebrate its impending fun, Disney+ just released a new trailer for its highly anticipated live-action reimagining of Pinocchio. Check it out, below.

Academy Award^® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the wood carver who builds Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) and treats as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Oscar nominee Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the seagull, a new character; and Luke Evans is the Coachman. The film also features Kyanne Lamaya as Fabiana and Jaquita Ta’Le as her marionette Sabina; Giuseppe Battiston as Stromboli; and Lewin Lloyd as Lampwick.

And don’t forget: There’s so much to look forward to on Disney+ Day… Check out our rundown for what to expect, and make sure to mark those calendars—and pop enough popcorn to last you into the night! You’ll need it!

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

We’re big into celebrating World Princess Week ’round these parts, so we’re planning on continuing the festivities well into the weekend; won’t you join us? There’s all sorts of princess-related animated fun to be had on Disney+, including Cinderella, Raya and the Last Dragon, The Princess and the Frog, and so much more. Find your favorite spot on the couch, your preferred streaming device, and settle in…

**First Looks at Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT**

Speaking of World Princess Week, the good folks over at Disney Parks Blog just shared a first look at one of the incredible new attractions coming soon to EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort: Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana!

For the young and young at heart, Journey of Water—located within EPCOT’s World Nature neighborhood—will allow guests to explore and engage with water as it travels from the sky to the ocean and back again.

Walt Disney Imagineering partnered with artists and cultural consultants from Walt Disney Animation Studios to bring this experience to life and capture the splendor of the natural water cycle. The attraction is also inspired by Moana’s determination to protect her environment and her bond with water. Shapes and characters from Moana will be carved into the rocks and waterways throughout the attraction.

Stay tuned for more information as more exciting developments on both Journey of Water and EPCOT’s transformation are revealed…

D23 Expo [LIVE] Livestream Schedule Announced

Well, friends, we here at D23 are as busy as ever, prepping for D23 Expo 2022—and we’re particularly excited to be livestreaming more Expo content than ever before! To that end, we just announced our livestream schedule… and it is pretty darn fantastic, if you ask us. Take a gander at what you can expect, and join us all weekend long for more fun than you can shake a lightsaber at.

**Second Season of The Villains of Valley View is Coming Soon**

Earlier this week, our pals at Disney Branded Television announced the second season renewal of their hilarious comedy The Villains of Valley View, which follows a family of supervillains forced to hide their powers and adopt “normalcy” in suburbia. With 10 episodes of Season 1 currently available to watch on Disney Channel and Disney+, production on Season 2 will begin this fall in Los Angeles.

When teenage supervillain Havoc (Isabella Pappas) stands up to the head of the League of Villains, her family is forced to change their identities and relocate to a sleepy Texas suburb. With the help of her effervescent new neighbor Hartley (Kayden Muller-Janssen), Havoc—going incognito as Amy—must somehow hide her superpowers and quell her villainous nature in favor of something she and the rest of her family have fought against all their lives: being normal.

In addition to Pappas and Muller-Janssen, returning for season two are series regulars Lucy Davis as Eva/Surge, James Patrick Stuart as Vic/Kraniac, Malachi Barton as Colby/Flashform, and Reed Horstmann as Jake/Chaos.

The Villains of Valley View was created by Chris Peterson and Bryan Moore, who also serve as executive producers and showrunners. Look for new episodes from Season 1 to start airing on Fridays beginning October 7 on Disney Channel!

**New Trailer Celebrates Avatar’s Return to Theaters Next Month**

James Cameron’s Avatar broke box-office records worldwide—and now, with its first sequel coming to theaters later this year, audience can get prepared by revisiting Pandora on the big screen in a whole new way.

Beginning September 23, Avatar will return to theaters in 4K High Dynamic Range. (Knowing Cameron’s proclivities toward state-of-the-art technology, you know that means the movie will look incredible!)

Written and directed by Academy Award^® winner Cameron, Avatar stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, the film won three—for Cinematography, Production Design, and Visual Effects.

Avatar: The Way of Water, the first Avatar follow-up, splashes its way into your local cineplex beginning December 16.

Stars A-Plenty Sign On for Normal Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter

He’s created some of the most iconic TV shows of the 20th (and 21st) century, and he’s still going strong… so some celebrations are definitely in order! And Jennifer Aniston, Jimmy Kimmel, Amy Poehler, and Octavia Spencer are now set to appear in honor of iconic television pioneer Norman Lear in ABC’s upcoming special, Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter—airing Thursday, September 22, at 9 p.m. EDT, and available the next day on Hulu.

Honoring the life and legacy of remarkable storyteller, activist, and philanthropist Lear, the one-night-only celebration will feature intimate conversations, special performances, and surprise reunions that pay homage to the man behind some of television’s greatest stories in celebration of his 100th birthday.

“I’ve always believed music and laughter have added time to my life,” Lear recently said. “I’ve seen a lot throughout my 100 years, but I would’ve never imagined America having a front-row seat to my birthday celebration.” Additional talent and performances will be announced at a later date.

Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter is produced by Done+Dusted, and executive produced by David Jammy, Brent Miller, Garrett English, Raj Kapoor, and Eric Cook. James Merryman is set to direct.

**ICYMI: 5 Pieces of Important Intel from the Andor Cast and Crew**

D23 was lucky enough to hear from the folks behind Lucasfilm’s Andor—set to debut on September 21—and we hand-picked five critical pieces of information you have to know before you join the rebellion (from the comfort of your home, or wherever you like to stream, of course). Hear from star Diego Luna, showrunner Tony Gilroy, and more.

The Official D23 Expo Cosplay Meet-Ups and Photo Shoots Return!

August 25, 2022March 28, 2024

It’s that time of year again—when the call goes out across the Disney fandom, sending out a cry for assistance from the most fashionable heroes around: “Cosplayers, Assemble!”

This year, we’re bringing back the official Cosplay Meet-Ups and Photo Shoots* for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars fans, exclusively at D23 Expo 2022. All you need is to suit up and grab your D23 Expo ticket—then meet us at the Grand Plaza Fountain during the times below to snap a pic and immortalize your cosplay creation.

All D23 Expo attendees are welcome to join the jamboree! Search #D23Expo on social media to follow along with the magic.

Friday, September 9
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Heroes & Villains

Saturday, September 10
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Marvel

3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Star Wars

Sunday, September 11
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Princesses & Parks

*D23 Expo 2022 admission required

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

August 25, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Hear ye, hear ye… a royal celebration is coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this weekend! With World Princess Week festivities underway through Saturday, August 27, keep the revelry going with a Disney Princess movie marathon highlighting these beloved characters and the courage and kindness that they inspire in their fans around the world. We present five animated feature films to binge watch on Disney+…

Cinderella (1950)—Disney+
Dreams do come true! The animated classic—now part of the Walt Disney Signature Collection and the National Film Registry—is the ultimate rags-to-riches story. Cinderella (voiced by Disney Legend Ilene Woods) is reduced to being a lowly servant to her bitter stepmother and stepsisters. However, thanks to a little “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” from her Fairy Godmother (voiced by Verna Felton), Cinderella receives beautiful ballgown and magical transport to attend a royal ball. The only catch: She must be home before the stroke of midnight.

Aladdin (1992)—Disney+
Aladdin (voiced by Scott Weinger), a street-savvy young man in Agrabah, falls in love with fiercely independent Princess Jasmine (voiced by Disney Legend Linda Larkin) after a chance meeting in the marketplace. However, an antiquated law prohibits Jasmine from marrying anyone who isn’t of royal lineage. Meanwhile, the evil vizier Jafar (voiced by Jonathan Freeman) is determined to capture the throne for himself. After Aladdin discovers a magic lamp that unleashes a powerful genie (voiced by Disney Legend Robin Williams), the pair embark on a mission to bring Al and Jasmine together and save Agrabah.

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)—Disney+
This year, Raya makes her official debut as a Disney Princess! In the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons once lived together in harmony. However, when menacing monsters called Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, the Druun have returned, and it’s all up to a lone warrior named Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran) to find the last dragon and stop the Druun.

Pocahontas (1995)—Disney+
An adventurous Native American woman named Pocahontas (voiced by Irene Bedard) is uncertain about her future, especially with her father, Chief Powhatan (voiced by Russell Means), urging her to marry a brave warrior. However, when English settlers arrive in Jamestown, the land of the tribe of Powhatan Indians is threatened. And things become even more complicated when a romance blossoms between Pocahontas and Captain John Smith (voice by Mel Gibson).

The Princess and the Frog (2009)—Disney+
Tiana (voiced by Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose) dreams of opening her own restaurant in New Orleans… and she’s “Almost There.” However, her dreams take a slight detour when she meets Prince Naveen (voiced by Bruno Campos), who has been turned into a frog by Dr. Facilier (voiced by Keith David). Naveen mistakes Tiana for a princess and kisses her in the hopes of breaking the spell, but instead, she is also transformed into a frog. The unlikely duo embarks on a journey down the Bayou to seek the help of a voodoo priestess (voiced by Jenifer Lewis).