Disney Debuts Heartwarming Holiday Short in Collaboration with Taika Waititi

Disney is using the power of its timeless original storytelling to inspire joy and wonder this holiday season with an all-new short in collaboration with Academy Award® winner Taika Waititi.

“For generations, Disney has been an ever-present part of the holiday season all over the world, and this short builds on the enduring connection that so many families have with Disney during this special time of year,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Taika Waititi on this timeless story of childhood friendship against the backdrop of this magical season.”

A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus follows the journey of a child who discovers a curious octopus has attached to his head during a seaside vacation. After returning home, the boy forms a true friendship with the octopus by introducing his new companion to his life on land — harnessing the power of the Force with his Jedi lightsaber, playing with his Buzz Lightyear action figure, and imagining Santa Claus’ route around the world with the map on his wall — before taking the lovable octopus out into the world to experience the joy of the holidays, hidden under his Mickey Mouse beanie.

While watching the Disney holiday classic, The Santa Clause (1994), the boy comes to understand the extent of the octopus’ desire to explore everything the world has to offer, and he sets in motion a plan to make it happen. For the boy and the octopus, it is the precious everyday moments of childhood and friendship, as much as the magic of the season, that make their time together so meaningful. Disney fans will love finding even more hidden easter eggs throughout the holiday short including from beloved films like Moana (2016), Lilo & Stitch (2002), and Toy Story (1995), among others.

An orange octopus sits atop a young boy's head. It's a crowded day at the beach.

“The story manages to connect the feelings that you get around the holidays, and the joy, the goodwill, and everything, with those same emotions and those same sensibilities you get from Disney films,” Waititi said. “I think they go hand in hand and it’s the perfect match — and only Disney could have made something like this… with me.”

(Click here for an exclusive Q&A with Tim Pennoyer, Director of Brand Marketing, who helped spearhead the holiday campaign.)

A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy and The Octopus marks the latest creative collaboration between Waititi and The Walt Disney Company. Waititi is the director of Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), and Searchlight Pictures’ Jojo Rabbit (2019) and Next Goal Wins (2023), as well as the executive producer of Hulu’s Reservation Dogs, What We Do in the Shadows, and Interior Chinatown. The short was created in conjunction with global creative agencies adam&eveDDB and Untold Studios, and produced by Hungry Man.

A young boy, with an orange octopus on his head, plays with a Buzz Lightyear toy.

A melodic rendition of “Part of Your World” from the Disney classic The Little Mermaid (1989) can be heard throughout the short, highlighting the octopus’ desire to explore the world above. This beautiful take on the fan-favorite song was recorded live by a 60-piece orchestra and mixed in the legendary recording studio Abbey Road.

The short is one of the many ways fans can experience Disney holiday magic, with special experiences at Disney Parks around the world, delightful products that bring beloved Disney stories to life, holiday classics streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, and the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive, which helps bring joy to children in need during this season of giving.

The Latest Marvel Trailers, Sneak Peak at Avatar: Fire and Ash, and Much More | D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience

By the D23 Team

D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience on Sunday wrapped up its historic three-day run at the Transamerica Expo Center in Sao Paulo. The country’s largest-ever event for Disney fans too place November 8 through 10 and featured spectacular programming; immersive offerings that brought fans closer to beloved stories from all the worlds of Disney; a variety of panels and presentations by local and international talent; live performances; and a Disney Store developed in collaboration with Mercado Livre.

Renato D’Angelo, General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Brazil, opened the convention Friday morning by cutting the ribbon alongside the beloved Brazilian Disney character, Zé Carioca.

Disney Live Action and More

Also on Friday, fans showed their support and excitement at Arena D23 by Bradesco/Visa for a series of announcements by Disney Live Action, Pixar, and Walt Disney Animation Studios—revealing new details, exclusive previews, and trailers.

Hosted by Otaviano Costa and Carol Moreira, the event welcomed studio leaders, including Jared Bush, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ chief creative officer, and Jonas Rivera, executive vice president of film production at Pixar, plus Mufasa: The Lion King director Barry Jenkins. But it was the enthusiastic São Paulo crowd that really turned up the volume of the celebration for The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming theatrical releases and streaming titles.

D23 Brazil fans were delighted with the announcement that Ice Age 6 is officially in production. Manny, Diego, Ellie, Sid, Scrat, and Baby Scrat are heading back to the big screen in an epic animated adventure. A short video to celebrate the announcement was also released featuring returning cast members Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, and John Leguizamo, who will also be joined by Denis Leary and Simon Pegg in the new film. More details and cast announcements will be revealed at a future date.

Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King director Jenkins greeted excited fans, offering details about the all-new story that explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands. D23 Brazil guests were the first to see a new trailer for the film, which opens in theaters across the United States on December 20.

Rachel Zegler, star of Disney’s Snow White—a live-action reimagining of the classic tale—gave a magical shout-out via video to the D23 Brazil attendees, who were treated to an exclusive new trailer. Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy will join the fairest of them all in theaters on March 21, 2025.

Stitch, a fuzzy blue alien with dog-like ears and features, stands in a child’s bedroom on top of the bed. He is wearing a yellow lei and staring confusedly at the camera.

The crowd also caught a glimpse of the fan-favorite fugitive alien from Disney’s much-anticipated feature Lilo & Stitch. The live-action reimagining of the animated classic about the lonely Hawaiian girl and her new, out-of-this-world alien friend who helps mend her broken family opens in theaters on May 23, 2025.

TRON: Ares, which opens in theaters on October 10, 2025, didn’t disappoint when star Jared Leto appeared on the big screen via video. Additionally, fans were treated to a special look at the film, which follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission—marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.

Pixar Animation Studios

Jonas Rivera, Executive Vice President of Production at Pixar, thanked fans for their support of Inside Out 2—the highest-grossing animated film of all time, that currently tops the list of highest-grossing films released in 2024 (worldwide)!

Dream Productions, a new limited series from the world of Inside Out, returns to Riley’s mind, where a team of directors hope to find the next hit dream. Fans got a special look at the series, plus the very first episode in its entirety. All four episodes begin streaming on Disney+ on December 11.

Win or Lose, an all-new original series launching on Disney+ on February 19, 2025, features the intertwined stories of different characters as they each prepare for their championship softball game. The D23 Brazil audience was given a sneak peek of the winning series.

Jonas Rivera, Executive Vice President of Production at Pixar, holds a microphone as he speaks onstage at D23 Brazil.

The audience was also the first to see an exclusive new trailer in the works for Pixar’s upcoming feature film Elio, which opens in theaters June 13, 2025. Fans learned more about Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination who gets beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization that mistakes him for Earth’s leader.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Disney and Pixar feature film Hoppers introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use new technology to “hop” her consciousness into a life-like robotic beaver. The audience saw a special piece about the film, which opens in theaters in 2026.

Audiences first met Buzz, Woody and a toybox full of toys nearly 30 years ago—and D23 Brazil fans were invited to reminisce... But on June 19, 2026, fans will behold the next chapter when Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 hits theaters. This time around, it’s Toy meets Tech: Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the rest of the gang’s jobs get exponentially harder when they go head-to-head with this all-new threat to playtime.

The Parr family will be back on the big screen in Incredibles 3. Fans were delighted to see first-hand that their favorite Super family has another adventure in the works.

Walt Disney Animation Studios

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Jared Bush shared his excitement about two upcoming features heading to theaters. As co-writer and executive producer of Moana 2 and writer/director of Zootopia 2, Bush had the inside scoop.

Moana 2 voyages into theaters this month, on November 27, and fans at D23 Brazil were treated to a sneak peek of the film. Stars Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson gave fans a “chee hoo!” via video to build excitement for the film, which picks up three years later when Moana sets out to save her people’s future. Brazilian superstar Any Gabrielly, who voices Moana in the Brazilian dub, performed the end-credits version of a new song from the film, “Beyond.”

For Zootopia 2, Bush introduced a very special video greeting from Shakira, who shared for the first time that she’d be returning to play Zootopia’s pop sensation Gazelle in the new movie. The sequel to the global phenomenon sees detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who turns the mammal metropolis upside down. Fans got a special look at the film, which hits theaters in November 2025.

Day 2 Special Guests

The excitement continued on Saturday as Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Marvel Studios treated the crowd inside Arena D23 by Bradesco/Visa to sneak peeks, trailers, and surprises spotlighting upcoming films and series.

Otaviano Costa and Carol Moreira once again served as event hosts, welcoming megastars to the stage, including Rami Malek (The Amateur); Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio (Daredevil: Born Again); David Harbour (Thunderbolts*); and Anthony Mackie and Danny Ramirez (Captain America: Brave New World). Also on hand were director and Disney Legend James Cameron (Avatar: Fire and Ash), who appeared live from New Zealand, and Marvel Studios executives Kevin Feige, Producer and President, and Brad Winderbaum, Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation. Together, they revved up the São Paulo crowd and celebrated the upcoming slate from The Walt Disney Studios.

Star Wars

Star Jude Law greeted fans in a pre-recorded message before introducing a special look at Skeleton Crew, a brand-new Star Wars series launching Tuesday, December 3, with the first two episodes on Disney+.

The logo for the Disney+ series Andor, featuring sans serif white text against a black background.

Representing Season 2 of the critically acclaimed, Emmy® Award-nominated series Andor, droid B2 EMO rolled on stage to meet the D23 Brazil fans, who went wild. The Disney+ launch date for the acclaimed, thrilling series—April 22, 2025—was revealed, and the crowd got a special look at the series’ second and final season. The 12 episodes of Season 2 carry the story of Cassian Andor and the emerging rebel alliance over the climactic four years that lead to the discovery of the Death Star and the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016).

In a pre-recorded video, director and Disney Legend Jon Favreau and producer Dave Filoni introduced the audience to a special sneak peek of Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu, the upcoming Star Wars feature film that will open in theaters on May 22, 2026. Starring Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver, directed by Favreau and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Favreau, Filoni, and Ian Bryce, this exciting new adventure in the Mandalorian and Grogu’s journey is currently in production.

Otaviano Costa, left, Rami Malek, center, and Carol Moreira, right, speak onstage during Day 2 of the D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience at Transamerica Expo Center on November 9, 2024, in São Paulo, Brazil. Behind them is a huge video display depicting white letters against a green and black background, but the words can’t be made out.

20th Century Studios

Star and producer Rami Malek hit the stage to share details about the feature film The Amateur and share a special look with fans. The action-packed espionage-thriller opens in theaters April 11, 2025. The crowd was the first to see a new trailer for the film that introduces Charlie Heller (Malek), a brilliant but deeply introverted decoder for the CIA whose life is turned upside down when his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack. When his supervisors refuse to take action, he takes matters into his own hands—embarking on a dangerous trek across the globe to track down those responsible.

James Cameron joined fans live from New Zealand to discuss Avatar: Fire and Ash, and shared five new pieces of early concept art from the upcoming film. Avatar: Fire and Ash takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with Marine turned Na’vi leader Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Na’vi warrior Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and the Sully family. The movie opens exclusively in theaters December 19, 2025.

Marvel Studios

Kevin Feige thanked fans for the huge success of Deadpool & Wolverine, which had a record-breaking run at the box office this year and arrived on Disney+ on November 12. He shared a special greeting from the film’s star and producer, Ryan Reynolds, before a trio of films were spotlighted:

  • Captain America: Brave New World stars Anthony Mackie, who makes his big-screen debut as Captain America, and Danny Ramirez, who plays the Falcon, came onstage to talk about the film, which releases in theaters on February 14, 2025—and also shared a clip and brand-new trailer with the audience.

  • The excited crowd then welcomed Thunderbolts* star David Harbour to the stage, where he talked about the upcoming action-adventure in which he plays Red Guardian. Florence Pugh, who returns as Yelena Belova, recorded a greeting for the fans, who were also treated to a special look at the movie. Opening in theaters on May 2, 2025, Thunderbolts* features the irreverent team-up of the MCU’s least anticipated band of misfits.

  • Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family. The crowd was given a sneak peek of the upcoming movie that will open in theaters on July 25, 2025.

Brad Winderbaum then presented a special reel of Marvel Animation’s upcoming shows, and took the crowd through a pair of upcoming animated series and one hotly anticipated live-action series coming to Disney+:

  • The D23 Brazil audience was the first to see an exclusive trailer and poster celebrating the third and final season of the popular series What If…? The culmination of the adventure through time and space, Season 3 sees classic characters making unexpected choices that will mutate their worlds into spectacular alternate versions of the MCU. Traversing genres, bigger spectacles, and new characters, the series launches Sunday, December 22. The trailer premiered online on November 11.
  • The crowd then got a sneak peek at Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, a new, original animated series premiering January 29, 2025. It follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming a hero, with a journey unlike anything fans have ever seen—and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots.
  • Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio surprised fans when they hit the stage to share details and a special look at Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again, which launches March 4, 2025, on Disney+. Cox plays a blind lawyer with heightened abilities who’s fighting for justice through his bustling law firm, while former mob boss Wilson Fisk (D’Onofrio) pursues his own political endeavors in New York.

Larissa Manoela (left) and Josh D’Amaro (center), Chairman, Disney Experiences, wave to the audience during Day 2 of the D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience in São Paulo, Brazil. To D’Amaro’s right is the character José Carioca, a green parrot in a yellow suit jacket with a hat and black tie. Behind them is a video screen displaying graphic representations of the castles from Disney Parks.

Disney Experiences

Larissa Manoela welcomed Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, to the stage to share what’s on the horizon for Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World Resort, and Epic Games. The stage also vibrated to the beat of live musical performances from Any Gabrielly and Larissa Manoela.

Alongside Michael Hundgen from Walt Disney Imagineering, D’Amaro highlighted some of the new themed areas, attractions, and shows in development around the world—including those inspired by Disney Villains, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Indiana Jones, Encanto, Avatar, The Lion King, Moana, Coco, and Hercules. The duo also surprised fans with a first look at new artwork from highly anticipated upcoming projects, including the Moana float coming to the brand-new nighttime parade “Disney Starlight,” arriving at Magic Kingdom next year, and a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern.

Feige joined D’Amaro to discuss the expansion of Avengers Campus at the Disneyland Resort with two new attractions: Stark Flight Lab and Avengers Infinity Defense. In addition, they shared an exclusive video with the audience in Brazil that highlighted Disney’s collaboration with Epic Games. The world’s most remarkable characters and stories will converge in a connected universe where fans will be able to watch, play, and even create their own Disney stories.

Upcoming Releases on Disney+

Presented live on Sunday from Arena D23 by Bradesco/Visa, the main stage of D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience, was a flurry of content coming to Latin America:

  • Live from set in Vancouver, Percy Jackson and the Olympians stars Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri and series co-creator and author Rick Riordan, virtually joined to tease the highly anticipated second season. Fans in attendance of the presentation were the first to hear that Andra Day will be joining season 2 as the Greek goddess of wisdom and mother to Annabeth Chase, Athena. Additionally, the cast shared sneak peek at the Grand Hall set from Camp Half-Blood, Riptide, Zeus’s Lightning Bolt, Annabeth’s Dagger and Grover’s Pipes. Season two is currently in production in Vancouver and premieres on Disney+ in 2025.
  • Phineas and Ferb co-creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh—who also lend their voices to Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz and Major Francis Monograma, respectively—were joined on the panel by Vincent Martella, the English voice of Phineas Flynn, to surprise fans with an exclusive sneak peek at the new season.
  • Liza Colón-Zayas and Lionel Boyce, stars of the Emmy® Award-winning series The Bear, were greeted with a standing ovation from the audience and spoke of the success of the series that has become a true international phenomenon.
  • A sneak peek of the new Korean series Light Shop was presented along with, for all K-Pop and BTS fans, the trailer for the documentary series JUNG KOOK: I’m Still. Both premieres will arrive exclusively on Disney+.
  • Chandra Wilson, who plays Dr. Miranda Bailey, and James Pickens Jr., who plays Dr. Richard Webber, on the iconic ABC series Grey’s Anatomy were on hand to reflect on the cultural impact of the series that’s captivated audiences around the world. The first 19 seasons are available on Disney+. Season 20 will arrive in March 2025.
  • In a video recorded exclusively for D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience, Noah Hawley— creator, screenwriter and director of Alien: Earth—presented the new poster and preview of the horror television series based on the Alien franchise that will premiere soon.

Brazilian Original Productions

The audience also attended vibrant panels full of news from the upcoming Disney+ Original Productions and Star Original Productions releases.

Presenter Otaviano Costa welcomed Xuxa to the Arena D23 by Bradesco/Visa stage; together with Brazilian actress Ywyzar, they shared an exclusive preview of Tarã, the new series that tells the story of Gaia and her mother’s quest to save Planet Earth from extinction.

Maria e o Cangaço tells the story of the most important woman in the cangaço—a social, political, and cultural phenomenon that occurred in Brazil in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Stars Isis Valverde and Sérgio Machado were on hand, and revealed the new poster and trailer of the series.

Exclusive content from the sports series Jogo Cruzado was presented, along with stars Pedro Amorim and Maria Farkas.

Capoeiras follows the story of the young capoeiristas Veneno da Madrugada and Noivo da Vida. Raphael Logam, Sérgio Malheiros, Bruno Gissoni and Juliana Alves were on hand at D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience and shared details of the new series.

Exclusive content from Amor da Minha Vida surprised fans in attendance. The new series premieres on November 22 and stars two best friends who experience their love life and their unbreakable relationship. The panel featured director René Sampaio and creator/director Matheus Souza, alongside stars Bruna Marquezine (who also directs for the series) and Sérgio Malheiros.

D23 Brazil’s Interactive Experiences

At D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience, guests enjoyed the magic of Disney throughout the weekend, interacting with a universe of immersive attractions.

On the Pixar side, attendees could enter Andy’s room, which included furniture of gigantic proportions so they could feel like one of the toys from the Toy Story franchise—which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025.

The Marvel zone featured surprises and interactive activities from upcoming titles Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and Daredevil: Born Again. Nearby, visitors could access a makeover by choosing a Super Hero-style haircut at the Marvel by Corleone barbershop.

At the Star Wars space, fans of all ages had the opportunity to test their Jedi skills in a laser maze and other activities inspired by upcoming Lucasfilm releases including Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and the global phenomenon The Mandalorian.

The Disney Store, a 900,000-square-meter space, offered more than 1,000 official items and exclusive event products. Developed in collaboration with Mercado Livre, the store featured clothing, collectibles, toys, books, and much more from The Walt Disney Company brands.

The Disney Moments by Claro Stage was the open-to-all venue dedicated to Disney characters, cosplayers, live shows, and sports. With continuous programming throughout each day, fans enjoyed pocket shows from Disney Princesses, Mickey Mouse and Friends, Toy Story, and more.

Meanwhile, ESPN and Radio Disney offered attendees the experience of live broadcasts with the presence of sports talent and local artists, respectively.

The magic of Walt Disney World Resort was also present at D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience, with different areas for fans to take photos inspired by Disney theme parks, such as Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT. And the nearby Disney Cruise Line area was the ideal place for guests to meet some of their favorite Disney characters.

What was your favorite moment or announcement from D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience? Share it with us on socials at @DisneyD23 and #D23!

10 Disney Movies to Fall in Love with This Autumn

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

As the leaves turn to gold and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like a cozy Disney movie marathon to set the perfect fall vibe. Whether you’re craving heartwarming stories or adventure-filled tales with a touch of whimsy, these 10 films bring the magic of autumn right to your living room.

In a scene from Bambi, Bambi (voiced by Donnie Dunagan), a young deer, gazes at Thumper (voiced by Peter Behn), a young rabbit. The two look at each other in amazement. The background showcases watercolor-like designs of a forest, featuring a rock boulder and a leaf.

Bambi (1942)
Few movies capture the natural beauty of the changing seasons quite like Bambi. This classic tale brings viewers into the forest, where friendships form and life lessons unfold amid breathtaking autumn landscapes. It's a reminder of the delicate balance of nature, with scenes that range from playful to profound.

In a scene from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, the Headless Horseman, wearing flowing crimson cape, raises his sword high while riding a powerful black horse rearing on its hind legs. Ichabod Crane (voiced by Bing Crosby), looking terrified, pulls on the reins of his panicked, wide-eyed white horse. The background features an eerie forest background with fog.

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
Ready for a classic Halloween watch? (It’s not too late!) The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad combines the thrill of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with a lively adaptation of The Wind in the Willows. With its spooky, fog-covered scenes and mischievous storytelling, this double feature is a must for an autumn night.

In a scene from The Fox and the Hound, Copper (voiced by Corey Feldman), a hound dog, and Tod (voiced by Keith Coogan), a fox, are playfully running and laughing in the woods. The background features two trees and scattered dry leaves on the forest floor.

The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Nothing says autumn like a nostalgic tale of friendship—and The Fox and the Hound delivers that in the most touching way. Against a backdrop of changing leaves and woodland scenes, this story explores the bittersweet reality of growing up and the loyalty that can transcend even the deepest divides. Be prepared for some tears and a reminder of life’s most cherished bonds.

In a scene from James and the Giant Peach, James (voiced by Paul Terry)—now transformed into a doll-like boy—sits at the center of a web. Miss Spider (voiced by Susan Sarandon), an anthropomorphic wolf spider, approaches him. With short black hair, two golden eyes on either side of her head, and a striking black-and-white body, she holds James’ right arm, wrapping another of her legs around his neck.

James and the Giant Peach (1996)
For a whimsical, slightly eerie tale, James and the Giant Peach serves up a mix of adventure and autumnal wonder. The film takes viewers on an imaginative journey from the bleakness of James’s life to the warmth of camaraderie and courage. Packed with stop-motion charm, this story feels like biting into a juicy, fall-spiced peach pie.

In a scene from Pooh’s Grand Adventure, Winnie the Pooh (voiced by Jim Cummings) sits perched on the branch of a large tree, surrounded by a dreamy expanse of soft, fluffy clouds. The nighttime sky is deep blue with stars and a full, glowing moon. Pooh wears his signature cropped, short-sleeved red top; cradles a honey pot in his arms; and looks at the moon and stars.

Pooh’s Grand Adventure (1997)
Autumn is about getting lost and finding yourself again, and Pooh’s Grand Adventure is the epitome of this cozy, heartfelt experience. Following Pooh and his friends set out to rescue Christopher Robin, it’s a warm hug of a film—full of fall leaves and the sweetest honey pots.

In a scene from Enchanted, Giselle (Amy Adams) runs through Central Park with her arms outstretched. She wears a short-sleeved blue dress with a sweetheart neckline and colorful accents, opening at the front to reveal a white, crystal-embellished underskirt. In the background, people play the cajón drum, while Robert Philip (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey) follows Giselle. Tall trees frame the park, with buildings rising in the distance. 

Enchanted (2007)
Enchanted takes fairy tale magic and brings it into the real world, perfect for a whimsical fall escape. As Giselle (Amy Adams) transitions from an animated wonderland to bustling New York City, she navigates romance and adventure with an autumn-in-the-city vibe. It’s a love letter to classic Disney stories, with a modern twist to keep you enchanted all season long.

In a scene from Fantastic Mr. Fox, Mr. Fox (voiced by George Clooney), an anthropomorphic fox, sits at a table and looks at Mrs. Fox (voiced by Meryl Streep) as she sets down a heart-shaped dish. Mr. Fox is dressed in a short-sleeved white shirt with a striped tie, while Mrs. Fox wears a yellow wrap dress adorned with small red apple details. The background reveals the cozy interior of the Fox family's dining and kitchen area.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Quirky, charming, and full of fall-hued visuals, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightfully witty adventure. With director Wes Anderson’s signature style and a story of cleverness, community, and courage, this film serves up a feast of fall scenery.

In a scene from Brave, Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) draws an arrow while holding her bow, her gaze focused intently on her target. She wears a long-sleeve, blue dress with a satin-like sheen, accented by white and gold details. In the blurred background, a male warrior watches Merida with interest.

Brave (2012)
Set in the rugged, misty Highlands, Brave is a perfect pick for those crisp, blustery fall days. Merida’s (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) journey of bravery and self-discovery is one of magic, mystery, and the feeling of an ancient world brought to life. With sweeping landscapes and a story that celebrates the strength of family, this film is as fierce and powerful as the changing winds.

In a scene from Into the Woods, Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford) skips along a path covered in fallen leaves. Encircling the frame are twisted branches intertwined with grass and foliage. In the background, pointed-roof houses and dense trees are visible. Little Red wears a short-sleeved blue dress beneath a red cloak and carries a woven basket.

Into the Woods (2014)
When autumn brings the promise of adventure, Into the Woods weaves together classic fairy tales with a darkly enchanting twist. The film’s forest setting is as tangled and alluring as its musical storytelling, with a haunting reminder that every wish comes with a price. It's the perfect film for those who crave magic with a hint of mystery.

In a scene from Coco, Miguel (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez), dressed in a red hoodie over a white shirt and blue jeans, stands wide-eyed and surprised in the cemetery, surrounded by glowing skeletal ancestors. Next to Miguel stands Dante, a black dog, with his tongue out and ears perked up. The background features a cemetery bedecked in glowing candles and flowers.

Coco (2017)
Fall is all about celebrating family and traditions, and Coco beautifully captures this spirit. With vibrant visuals set against the colorful Día de los Muertos, this film invites you into a heartfelt adventure about the power of music, memory, and love. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and feel eternally connected to the ones who came before.

Was your favorite movie on our list, or did we miss one of your go-to fall favorites? Share yours with us on socials at @DisneyD23 and #D23!

Everything Coming to Disney+ in November 2024

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Cozy up with your favorite fall treats and settle in—Disney+ has a November lineup that’s as inviting as the season itself! From the spellbinding Music by John Williams, celebrating the legendary composer’s unforgettable scores with exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes footage, to heartwarming tales perfect for the holiday spirit, there’s something for everyone.

An Almost Christmas Story debuts with the enchanting adventure of Moon, a young owl who befriends a lost little girl in a journey through the city. This month also serves up fresh drama with new episodes of Ayla & The Mirrors, the inspiring premiere of Out of My Mind, and dazzling performances on Dancing with the Stars Season 33. Here’s everything to look forward to on Disney+ this November!

All titles coming to Disney+ in November are listed below:

Recent November Debuts
Music By John Williams (Premiere)
Ayla & The Mirror (New Episodes)
Endurance

Wednesday, November 6
Kindergarten: The Musical (S1, 5 Episodes)

Monday, November 11
SuperKitties: Su-Purr Adventures (Shorts) (S1, 4 Episodes)

Tuesday, November 12
Dancing with the Stars (Season 33) (Live 8/7c; same time as the broadcast on your local ABC station, based on your location)

Thursday, November 14
The Stanford Prison Experiment: Unlocking the Truth (3 Episodes)

Friday, November 15
An Almost Christmas Story (Premiere)

Monday, November 18
Me & Mickey (Shorts) (S3, 4 Episodes)

Tuesday, November 19
Dancing with the Stars (Season 33) (Live 8/7c; same time as the broadcast on your local ABC station, based on your location)

Wednesday, November 20
Big City Greens (S4, 1 Episode)

Friday, November 22
Out of My Mind (Premiere)

Monday, November 25
Tsunami: Race Against Time (S1, 4 Episodes)

Tuesday, November 26
Dancing with the Stars (Season 33) (Live 8/7c; same time as the broadcast on your local ABC station, based on your location)

Wednesday, November 27
Disney Jr.’s Ariel (S1, 4 Episodes)

Thursday, November 28
Mary Poppins Special

Friday, November 29
Descendants: The Rise of Red (Sing-Along Version)
Miraculous World London: At the Edge of Time
Oz the Great and Powerful
Beatles ’64 (Premiere)

Saturday, November 30
Broken Karaoke (Shorts) (S2, 5 Episodes)
Mickey and Minnie’s Christmas Carols (Shorts) (Season 1, 5 Episodes)

Gold Member Offer: Pre-Sale & Discounts to Select Disney Theatrical Productions

Actor Mukelisiwe Goba performs on stage as Rafiki in Disney Theatricals’ The Lion King, with a large orange sun and silhouette of antelopes in the background. Goba is singing with power and holding their hand to the sky.
Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki. The Lion King North American Tour ©Disney. Photo by Matthew Murphy
Where: Online
What: Pre-sale and discounts to select Disney Theatrical touring productions
Expires: Various Dates

Available exclusively to D23 Gold Members:

Step into the magic of Disney on stage! As a valued D23 Gold Member, we’re excited to offer you an opportunity to experience Disney Theatricals’ world-renowned touring productions of The Lion King and—coming soon—Beauty and the Beast. From enchanting visuals to beloved music and stories that have touched millions, these unforgettable productions promise an engaging experience for Disney fans of all ages.

As a D23 Gold Member, you have exclusive pre-sale access to secure your seats before the general public. Whether it’s being transported to the Pride Lands of Africa with The Lion King or the timeless beauty of France through Beauty and the Beast, you’re in for an extraordinary theatrical experience!

With limited seating, don’t miss this chance to see your favorite Disney tales come to life...

The Lion King

A collection of three images: Seen in the top left corner, from The Lion King North America Tour, is the Lionesses Dance—where five dancers are dressed as lions in mid jeté with powerful arms; on the bottom left is the full company of The Lion King performing “The Circle of Life,” where all actors are dressed as African animals and Rafiki is presenting Simba to the Pride Lands; on the right, a logo reads “Disney, The Lion King, The World’s Number One Musical,” with a drawing of a lion’s head against a yellow background.
Top left: Lionesses Dance. The Lion King North American Tour ©Disney. Photo by Deen van Meer. Bottom left: Company of The Lion King on Broadway. Circle of Life ©Disney. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s The Lion King... More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular—one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by 20 million theatergoers in over 80 cities. Critics praise, “The Lion King remains a dazzling, profound spectacle.”

Beauty And The Beast - Coming Soon!

A collection of three images: on the top left, Belle (Shubshri Kandiah) and Beast (Brendan Xavier) are on stage and dressed in formal attire, in a ballroom, and raising their glasses to each other—Belle is in her iconic golden ball gown, and Beast is in a blue suit and white shirt; on the bottom left, Belle (Shubshri Kandiah) and Lumiere are seen dancing with the cast during Be Our Guest—Belle is in a blue dress and Lumiere (Rohan Browne) is dressed as a golden suit; on the right, the logo for the production is seen, reading “Disney Beauty and the Beast, The Musical,” with the silhouette of Belle and Beast embraced in a hug, surrounded by rose petals.
Top Left: Shubshri Kandiah (Belle) & Brendan Xavier (Beast). Photo by Daniel Boud. ORIGINAL AUSTRALIAN CAST. ©Disney Bottom Left: Shubshri Kandiah (Belle) & Rohan Browne (Lumiere). Photo by Daniel Boud. ORIGINAL AUSTRALIAN CAST. ©Disney

“Be Our Guest” at Disney’s 30th anniversary production of Beauty and the Beast! This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. Beauty and the Beast is the beloved musical that will fill your heart with joy and Disney magic... Kicking off in 2025, Disney will bring a reimagined version of the beloved tale to audiences throughout the United States.

NOTE:
ALL SALES FINAL. No exchanges or refunds. Block-out dates and other restrictions may apply. Standard service fees apply to online and phone orders. Dates, times, prices, and cast subject to change without notice. Offer may be revoked without notice. All prices include a facility fee ($2.50 Edmonton & Calgary, $4.50 Vancouver). Limit nine (9) tickets per household. Tickets must be purchased by February 9, 2025. As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, Disney on Broadway recommends its productions for ages 6 and up. All guests entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
You must be logged in as a D23 Gold Member to participate. If you are already a Gold Member, you can log in at the top of this page. Those interested in joining D23 as a Gold Member can do so here.
PLEASE BE ADVISED - Permission to Film/Photograph/Record: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises for the event, you irrevocably consent to and authorize Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., its parent, affiliated, and subsidiary companies, and their respective successors and assigns (collectively “Producer”) to photograph and make sound recordings of you and any children accompanying you (as may be applicable) and to use such photographs and recordings throughout the universe, in whole or in part, for any purpose whatsoever in all known and hereafter existing media and in any language in perpetuity. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.

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

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

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The Walt Disney Archives Staff Reveals Favorite Treasures from the Collection

By Walt Disney Archives Staff

Founded in 1970, the Walt Disney Archives has collected, preserved, and shared the history of Walt Disney and the Company he founded. In the decades since, the collections of the Archives have grown in size and scope—not unlike The Walt Disney Company itself—and its staff remains committed to safeguarding the priceless artifacts, stories, and treasures for future generations to study, learn from, and delight in.

In celebration of American Archives Month this past October, the staff of the Walt Disney Archives revealed via Instagram some of their favorite props, costumes, artwork, merchandise, and other historical objects from their department’s vast collection. Join us as we highlight these treasures for D23 Members and show how each item has made profound emotional connections with your fellow Disney fans on the Archives staff.

“My very favorite assets are all on exhibition right now! But I am very fond of ‘Excalibur’ from King Arthur (2004), because not only is it very cool, but it was the very first feature film prop I acquired for the Archives when I was promoted to Collections Manager and began our 'Collections Department' at the Walt Disney Archives.” – Becky Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives
“One of the amazing things about our collection is how diverse it is, with representation across the many worlds of Disney history—from film to television and beyond. My daughters grew up watching Disney Channel, and I used to love coming home to tell them what new TV assets we acquired in the Walt Disney Archives. One of these being ‘Bizzy,’ the aardvark plush from the series Bizaardvark (2016–2019). It’s one of my favorite props in the collection; whenever I see it, I think of my daughters and the joy the show brought our family.” – Joanna Pratt, Director, Operations and Business Strategy, Walt Archives
“‘Diving deep’ into the Walt Disney Archives collection, some of my favorite historical objects are the prop and costume elements preserved from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954). Currently on display within the Walt Disney Presents gallery attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, you might be able to catch a glimpse of an original Nautilus crew dive helmet, dive boots, and undersea rifle. These pieces represent a treasure trove of material that helped create one of the most memorable films in not only the Disney canon—but all of Hollywood history.” – Kevin M. Kern, Research
“As a woman in computer science and a tactical warrior in the digital realm of the Grid, Yori/Lora(Cindy Morgan) has always inspired me. Tron was groundbreaking for its use of CG imagery to create a unique three-dimensional world, and the artistic design of the costumes played a vital role in that effect. For these reasons, I chose to showcase Yori’s iconic cap and boots from the 1982 film. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is connecting with legendary items and feeling the creativity, craftsmanship, and inspiration they represent – all while preserving them for future generations to enjoy!” – Francesca Scrimgeour, Research
“These puppets used in 1961’s The Parent Trap [designed and animated by T. Hee and Disney Legends X Atencio and Bill Justice] are some of my favorite items in the Walt Disney Archives collection. The creative display of stop motion animation in the film’s opening titles established the story in such a charming, inventive way. This movie holds a special place in my heart—not just for the amazing script, but also because it stars my favorite actress, Disney Legend Hayley Mills. I was so amazed when I found out we have these precious puppets within our collection after all these years!” – Darlene Fogg, Operations
“Early in my Disney career, I had the joy of touring youth groups through what is now the Walt Disney Presents gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where, since 2001, artifacts from the Walt Disney Archives have helped trace Walt's life and career. Students always seemed inspired by the story we told of the Mickey Mouse Hand Car, manufactured by Lionel Trains around the time that company filed for bankruptcy. A runaway success during the 1934 holiday season, the toy famously saved the day for Lionel—a reminder of the impact Mickey and Minnie have made on the world at large. Every piece in our collection really does tell a story!” – Steven Vagnini, Research
“Queen Susan’s horn, used by actress Anna Popplewell in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), reminds me of my childhood, whether it was reading the 'Narnia' books or sitting at home clicking ‘replay’ on my DVD. The films made me believe in magic, and I still feel connected to Susan’s character today. What I love most about this prop are the design details of the single mother of pearl inlaid daffodil head at the mouthpiece, which is akin to Susan’s crown, and the complex, fluid mane of a carved lion (presumably representing Aslan) wrapping around the horn.” – Lindsey Gregory, Research
“Most prop books are filled with blank pages. There may be a few pages with images or text that the camera will slowly scan. But the Book of Secrets used in National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) is filled with beautifully written pages of calligraphy, photos of historical events, and recreated news clippings and documents. The book is truly a work of art, with incredible details of information supposedly provided by U.S. presidents throughout history. Bravo to the film’s prop crew!” – Rick Lorentz, Acquisitions
“From Disney movies to park attractions, everything is enhanced, and fully complete, with music. The fact Walt Disney’s piano had so much iconic music played on it makes this piece so magical. As part of my role, I’m grateful to organize tours which allow some of Disney’s biggest fans to see this instrument up-close inside Walt’s formal office. It’s here where Walt would periodically call in the wonderful Sherman brothers to play one of his favorite songs, 'Feed the Birds' from Mary Poppins (1964), which warms my heart and fills me with joy.” – Laura Sanchez, Operations
“This glass slipper from Kenneth Branagh’s 2015 adaptation of Cinderella represents hard-fought kindness and impossible hopes made real. I love that the film ends with Ella proudly adopting the cruel name weaponized against her and, in doing so, taking back her life. Working so closely with artifacts that tell such stories is an absolute dream come true.” – Patrick Letrondo Markulis, Digitization
“One of my favorite assets in our collection is a double-ended lightsaber hilt belonging to the vision of a Dark Side Rey in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). I am in awe of the propmakers who create detailed, interactive versions of these mythical objects that function for a real-world set. Preserving and caring for items such as these is a responsibility that I do not take lightly!” – Katie Strobel, Collections
“Of all the wonderful assets in our collection, this costume worn by Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater in Titanic (1997) stands out as a testament to the incredible skill and craftsmanship of Academy Award®-winning costume designer Deborah Lynn Scott and her team of artists. Having grown up watching the film, what a privilege it is to be part of a team that ensures these works of art will be preserved and enjoyed for years to come!” – Christina Pappous, Digitization
“This Shere Khan model is one of my favorite assets in the Archives because my master’s thesis compared The Jungle Book films from 1967 and 2016. Several larger-than-life models were made and puppeteered by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop for the 2016 live-action film so that actor Neel Sethi (who plays Mowgli) could have authentic interactions with his animal ‘co-stars.’ To me, this model showcases one of the creative ways director and Disney Legend Jon Favreau approached the reimagining of the iconic animated film.” – Julia Vargas, Research
“Getting to work with this cherished collection is a privilege and honor that I never take for granted. When considering my favorite piece from the collection, I wanted to honor our department’s legacy and the hard work of those before me, like Disney Legend Dave Smith, who established the Walt Disney Archives. This sign was made during the Archives’ early years, when Dave moved the small department from the offices of Walt Disney into its second location, in the Casting Building at The Walt Disney Studios. Now, some five decades later, it’s remarkable to think how much our department—and collections—have grown.” – Jessica Amezcua, Collections
“This background concept from Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966) is one of my favorite artifacts because it is a reminder of the creative ingenuity and technical mastery of Disney animation artists, and the ability of their pieces to exist as standalone works of art that could be displayed in a gallery or someone’s home. This painting allows you to see the care and attention that would ultimately be applied to every frame of this featurette. Growing up, 'Pooh Bear' was one of my best friends, so it is a joy and an honor to help care for items like this in the collection." – Emily Cooper, Collections
"The story of the Philadelphia Eagles (life-long fan here) reminds us that life has its challenges, but family, friends, and community can raise our spirits—and together, we are stronger. This is a message explored in Disney’s 2006 film Invincible and symbolized here by the helmet and jersey worn by actor Mark Wahlberg as Vince Papale. Pursue your dreams, because even though you may have doubts or fears, the reward can be something you will cherish forever. Overcoming obstacles, as Vince did (ultimately playing for the Eagles), makes our heroes invincible!” – Jeff Golden, Digitization
“Every time I step into Walt Disney’s offices, I can’t help but feel a mix of awe, honor, and inspiration. The spaces brim with fascinating treasures, each one with its own unique story. My absolute favorite object is this tiny deer—not just because it’s incredibly cute, but because Walt made it himself by hand. Like Walt, I have a deep appreciation for miniatures, and its place behind his working desk, next to his prestigious Irving Thalberg Award, shows how much it meant to him.” – Kelsey Williams, Exhibitions
“Ever since I first saw What About Bob? (1991) as a teenager, my father and I have laughingly recited our favorite lines every chance we get. In the film, a psychiatrist, Dr. Leo Marvin, uses puppet versions of his family to act out their problems, much to the chagrin of the children. It was only fitting that director and Disney Legend Frank Oz, who had brought to life characters such as Miss Piggy and Yoda, would incorporate puppets in the Touchstone Pictures film. They remain some of my favorite props in the Walt Disney Archives collection.” – Mike Buckhoff, Research
“Disney Channel’s ‘Imagineer That!’ series, hosted by Tom Morrow 2.0, was a frenetic and fun behind-the-scenes tour of Walt Disney Imagineering, where us early 2000s kids could get our burning Parks questions answered. It felt like it was created to hit me specifically. I have always been obsessed with Audio-Animatronics® figures, especially the ones based on robots where you can see their inner workings. This made Tom Morrow 2.0 the perfect host and visual analogy for these interstitials, as well as for the former Innoventions pavilion at EPCOT. When I saw this figure in the Walt Disney Archives some 20 years later, the unexpected flood of nostalgia I experienced seeing this admittedly niche celebrity among the collection was a fun moment!” – Ty Popko, Digitization
“Growing up, The Happiest Millionaire (1967) was a family favorite. We knew all the songs—and admittedly some of the dances—by heart. The film begins with a series of beautiful paintings, ending with this one featuring a 1916 Philadelphia street. The painting dissolves into live-action and Tommy Steele jumps off the ice cart, beginning the Sherman brothers’ catchy opening number ‘Fortuosity.’ As a kid I was in awe of this magical transformation! Being able to see the level of detail that goes into artwork that might only be onscreen for a moment and help preserve it for future generations is the most rewarding part of working at the Walt Disney Archives!” – Nicole Carroll, Research
“While there are several nostalgic favorites in our collection that hold a special place in my heart, it’s sometimes most exciting to come across items from films I never expected to be there. Finding Bobby Boucher’s signature look from Touchstone Pictures’ The Waterboy (1998) was surprising and brought up so many memories of watching this Adam Sandler classic with my family.” – Haley Smith, Exhibitions
“Coming from a visual art background, I greatly admire the two-dimensional, original artwork preserved in the Archives collection, especially the iconic attraction posters from Disneyland. Peter Pan’s Flight has always been my favorite Fantasyland dark ride, and the actual screen-printed poster has such a delicious pop of color and beautiful illustrations that fill me with the same wonder I felt as a child—and still feel today whenever I go to the park and take a ride to Never Land.” – Taylor Larsen, Acquisitions
“I’m often asked, ‘Who’s your favorite Disney character?’ I always reply confidently, ‘Walt Disney.’ So it’s no wonder that my favorite piece of the Walt Disney Archives’ vast collection is not a single asset, but two rooms filled with an assortment of unique items that constitute Walt Disney’s office suite. From this unpretentious corner office, Walt dreamt up all my childhood memories, from animated features to Disney Park attractions. A testament to Walt’s enduring legacy, the offices were restored in 2015 by the staff of the Walt Disney Archives and studio craftsmen to serve as a place of inspiration for all who visit.” – Edward Ovalle, Research
“My favorite asset in our collection is this iconic outfit worn by Annie James and Hallie Parker (Lindsay Lohan) in The Parent Trap (1998)—one of my favorite Disney films since I was a child. The button-up coat and skirt represent new beginnings for the twins: Annie wears it when she arrives at Camp Walden, and Hallie dons the outfit when meeting her mother, grandfather, and butler Martin for the first time. From fun hijinks, star-crossed lovers, witty jokes, and secret twins, this film is five out of five peanut-butter-dipped Oreos.” – Devorah Burgess, Research
“Stick’s white katana from the streaming series Marvel’s Daredevil (2015–2018) and Marvel’s The Defenders (2017) is one of many props in the Walt Disney Archives collection that I hold as my favorite. I just love the detail and beauty that went into crafting this piece, from the white woven hilt to the small hidden dagger on the scabbard. Just holding the katana makes me feel like I’m ready to take on a secret organization of ninjas and save New York!” – Brian Ball, Acquisitions
“Who doesn’t love a beautiful shoe and a little bit of movie magic? Designed by Salvatore Ferragamo, Danielle de Barbarac’s slipper from 20th Century Fox’s Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998) is a brilliant spin on the traditional glass slipper from the classic Cinderella story. The material elements used, the iridescent silk taffeta, the plexiglass heel, the silver threads and embroidered designs, and the sparkling silver crystals give the slipper its magical glass-like essence. As Prince Henry says, it really is a ‘rather remarkable shoe,’ indeed.” – Heather Hoffman, Research
“I’m excited to highlight one of my favorite assets from our collection: the spellbook from Disney’s 1993 classic Hocus Pocus. This enchanting book perfectly embodies our mission at the Walt Disney Archives: to preserve the magic. But it’s not just the magic crafted by Disney that we preserve; it’s also the special magic that you—our fans and guests—bring to these assets. With countless incredible pieces in our archives, we are honored to protect this shared legacy. Together, we celebrate and preserve a truly magical history." – Cesar Gallegos, Collections
“Growing up in Anaheim, Disneyland always had a special place in my heart. I loved riding my favorite attraction over and over again—the Matterhorn Bobsleds—and never thought that my Disney career would begin at this magical place. I love the history and nostalgia of the park, so seeing all the incredible treasures from the vaults of the Walt Disney Archives, like the very first ticket to Disneyland, acquired by Roy O. Disney on July 18, 1955, makes me feel like a kid again!” – Michael Vargo, Senior Vice President, Walt Disney Archives and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club

Three staff members of the Walt Disney Archives, Ty Popko (wearing a light blue shirt and wristwatch), Patrick Letrondo Markulis (wearing a dark blue shirt and watch), and Amaris Ma (wearing a light purple blouse, blue sweater, and necklace), pose outside in front of a depiction of Sleeping Beauty Castle at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

Thank you to the team that worked behind the scenes to help the Walt Disney Archives celebrate American Archives Month: Cesar Gallegos (Collections), Amaris Ma (Operations, right), Patrick Letrondo Markulis (Digitization, center), Ty Popko (Digitization, left), and Steven Vagnini (Research), as well as Steven Diaz and Matt Stroshane.

Exclusive Q&A: Moana 2 Directors Take Us Behind the Seafaring Scenes

By Courtney Potter

As its new song says, “We’re Back”: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2 reunites Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) for an incredible new voyage! After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters. Alongside a motley crew of unlikely seafarers—including storyteller/Maui superfan Moni (voiced by Hualālai Chung), cantankerous yet lovable farmer Kele (voiced by David Fane), and exuberant engineer Loto (voiced by Rose Matafeo)—she heads toward an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

With Moana 2 making its final alignments with the proverbial currents before heading into theaters on November 27, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club was lucky enough to speak exclusively with the film’s directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller (who also co-wrote the script with executive producer and Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush). Read on for a captivating look into what makes this return to Motunui—and beyond—so special...

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, from left to right, Loto (voiced by Rose Matafeo), Moni (voiced by Hualālai Chung), Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho), and Kele (voiced by David Fane) are standing on a canoe in the middle of the ocean, looking at something off-camera to the right.

D23: Thanks for chatting with us today! The first film was so beautifully and creatively inspired by the different cultures and peoples of the Pacific, and that obviously continues with Moana 2. How did you balance both the storytelling it takes to make an animated film and this level of cultural authenticity?

David Derrick Jr. (DD): Before we even brought in all of the artists, we brought in our Oceanic Cultural Trust consultants. For me, the Trust has informed so many of our choices culturally and creatively...

I came to Disney to work on the first Moana. Part of my heritage comes from Samoa, and I was very proud to tell a story from a Pacific point of view—and to have the opportunity to continue to do that with Moana 2, I think, is an absolute gift. It’s been wonderful.

D23: Can you talk a little bit about the mix of CG and hand-drawn animation in this film? Because it made a huge impact in the first one. How is it essential to Moana 2?

Jason Hand (JH): Our animators are incredible. They’re the best in the business. I think the performances from the CG characters that our animators have done in this film are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. [Disney CEO] Bob Iger actually commented on how incredible the animation is, which meant a lot to us. And then you add in Eric Goldberg, a Disney animation icon, to lead the team of hand-drawn artists that are creating Mini Maui, bringing those tattoos to life—it’s such a special part of this film.

It’s something I really connect to because it’s this incredible magic trick. There are two different performances happening from an animation standpoint; when it’s timed right and it plays—when Maui’s literally arguing with himself—it’s hilarious. It’s my favorite thing! It’s also super emotional. We go and take this [film] to places that our audiences have never seen before, as it progresses. I’m so excited for everybody to see that.

In a triptych image, photos of Moana 2 directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller are seen side by side. At left, Derrick Jr. is wearing a black button-down shirt and has long dark hair; at center, Hand (who has short brown hair) is sitting on a red chair, and is wearing a blue and black plaid button-down shirt; at right, Ledoux Miller (who has long dark hair and is wearing glasses) is standing against a dark gray background, wearing a pink and white jacket, a white T-shirt, and black pants.
Moana 2 directors (l-r) David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller.

D23: How do you see Moana fitting in with other animated female leads across the history and the worlds of Disney?

Dana Ledoux Miller (DLM): I think what sets Moana apart from other Disney Princesses—all of whom we’re huge fans of—is that her superpower is her empathy. No one cares more about her people or puts other people first than Moana. Everything she sets out to do is in service of community, and I find that so inspiring. She doesn’t go off to do things for herself—she does them for others. And in Moana 2, she is really embarking on an adventure to shape the future of her people and connect them to a world much bigger than already exists for them.

JH: Also, I think the performance that Auli‘i imbues Moana with is so funny—and I think that’s one of the other things that sets this character apart. She’s hilarious; she’s super goofy; she can stumble and pick herself up and keep going. And I love that about this character, that she’s so funny.

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, from left to right, Kele (voiced by David Fane), Moni (voiced by Hualālai Chung), Pua the pig, Heihei, Loto (voiced by Rose Matafeo), Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), and Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) are standing on their canoe over open ocean, at night. The sky is filled with bright stars, and underneath them is a gigantic whale shark lit up with bioluminescence—both on its skin and in the surrounding water.

D23: We’ve seen how the original film has become so hugely popular and watched over and over again on Disney+. What did that tell you all about how to continue Moana’s story?

DLM: I think it’s pretty incredible, to be able to step into a world that is so beloved by so many. It was really important to us that we honor the first film. Moana goes on this epic journey—she becomes a wayfinder and brings her people back to who they’re meant to be. So when we started crafting Moana 2, we asked the question: what next? How can we continue Moana’s story? How much farther can she go? We really set out to push her to new limits.

I think all of us, as we’re growing up, we kind of think we know who we are—and then circumstances change. Or we’re introduced to new people in our lives, like a little sister—in Moana’s case, her little sister Simea [voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda]—and it changes the way we think about ourselves and the way we think about our world. So we set out to craft a story that was absolutely true to the first film, but more expansive—and it really forces Moana to learn more about herself, to figure out how much farther she can go. And let me tell you—she goes beyond what she thinks she can do...

Behind-the-Scenes Exclusives with Moana 2 Filmmakers

By Courtney Potter

We’re a little under a month away from the debut of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, which sails onto screens November 27! In the film, Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) journeys farther than she’d ever thought she’d go. Accompanied once again by demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), along with a new crew of unlikely canoe-mates (voiced by Hualālai Chung, David Fane, and Rose Matafeo), she heads into dangerous water; much like what guides her as a wayfinder, it seems this mission has been written in the stars…

Recently, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club had an exclusive chat with the film’s producers, Yvett Merino and Christina Chen, as well as two members of the film’s Oceanic Cultural Trust—Kalikolehua Hurley and Lāiana Kanoa-Wong—who spoke about the making of this incredible new film and gave us a glimpse into what audiences can expect.

Side-by-side headshots of (l-r) Moana 2 producers Yvett Merino and Christina Chen. Merino has long brown hair and is wearing a pink long-sleeved shirt and glasses; Chen has long back hair and is wearing a black shirt and blazer.
Moana 2 producers Yvett Merino and Christina Chen.

“Moana is one of my favorite characters,” explains Chen, “and she’s such a great symbol of strength, but also of such goofiness and vulnerability. And she has such love for not only her family, but also for people—and for wanting to find her own individual self and her sense of adventure. I think she definitely fills in that space with Disney heroines.” Adds Merino, “I love that in Moana 2, we see her a little bit older, a little bit wiser. She stands on her own from the first film—but on this one, she really grows into a great leader and great heroine, accomplishing more than what she ever thought she could.”

Catching back up with Moana is a riveting prospect for both producers: “I’m always excited to come back into the world of Moana,” Merino admits. “Christina and I were fortunate to work on the first film together—so when we had the opportunity to come back and work on this one, we were thrilled. But stepping into this world, I’d do any day of the week!” Says Chen, “We were super excited to be able to lean into a character that’s so beloved in the world. I think for us, we took it upon ourselves to take a leap of faith and assume that people would want to hear more about her—and she’s grown, and in the scheme of the story, how she’s continued to evolve three years since the events of the first Moana.”

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) is standing in front of stylized moon, seen in luminescent hues of purple and blue, and he looks off camera to the right. He’s surrounded by mist and is holding his magical hook.

The pair is especially looking forward to audiences seeing the lush visuals of Moana 2 on the big screen. Explains Chen, “This film is such a spectacular event. The artists have really poured their hearts and souls into the smallest of details, to make this as beautiful as possible. The first film did such a great job of setting that bar—and we wanted to make sure that we not only met that bar but exceeded it. And our crew has done an amazing job in really making sure this is something that you have to see in theaters over and over again.”

Adds Merino, “These animated films, they take hundreds and hundreds of people to make. And for me personally, I feel like it’s such a gift that I get to walk into these doors every day and work with these incredible artists and engineers and production management staff. There are so many people that work so hard to get these films up on the big screen. They’re all amazing, and we’re all really just trying to tell the best story and make the best-looking film.”

Side-by-side headshots of (l-r) Moana 2 Oceanic Cultural Trust members Kalikolehua Hurley and Lāiana Kanoa-Wong. Hurley has long light brown hair and is wearing a pink blazer and yellow shirt. Kanoa-Wong has dark hair and is wearing a flower-patterned shirt and beads around his neck.
Moana 2 Oceanic Cultural Trust members Kalikolehua Hurley and Lāiana Kanoa-Wong.

One of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ unique additions to its filmmaking process, in terms of both Moana and Moana 2, is the utilization of its Oceanic Cultural Trust—a team of experts in anthropology, linguistics, wayfinding, and choreography, and other advisors who present knowledge of and insight into the peoples of the Pacific. “I started working at Disney Animation on the first Moana film as its community relations manager,” Hurley tells D23, “leading the Oceanic Cultural Trust for that film, and was so lucky to do the same for Moana 2. I’ll always remember when I first heard that Disney Animation was working on a film about a young Pacific Islander. To work on our films, especially with our incredible cultural team, has been one of the great joys of my career.”

Adds Kanoa-Wong, “I got involved because my whole life has been dedicated to language and culture back home in Hawaiʻi. From the time I was a child until I became an adult and took on leadership roles, language, culture, voyaging—all of these cool things that uplift our community—have been a part of my life. And as the Moana team was expanding, they were seeking out additional input, and I got invited to be a part of the Cultural Trust.”

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) is seen in silhouette standing on the beach, blowing into a conch shell. The sun is behind her and almost setting; an oar is sticking out of the sand nearby, and her canoe can be seen near the shore on the left. Palm trees and other greenery can be seen on the right.

Working on these films has been an especially memorable experience for Hurley, who got to meet an extraordinary individual in the process: “I’m Native Hawaiian, grew up on Oʻahu—and as a Hawaiian person, I know a lot about Hōkūleʻa [a traditional voyaging canoe], the Polynesian Voyaging Society, and of course, [master navigator] Nainoa Thompson. I didn’t grow up around the canoes, so to be able to meet Nainoa—and not just meet him, but collaborate with him in the making of the film… For me, that was one of my favorite memories.”

As for Kanoa-Wong, “I got to visit the animation team in Vancouver, and it was my first time helping to lead on activities that would connect them more to our culture, to our voyaging heritage, and just having such a good time with them. We taught them basics of navigation; we taught them rope making. We also helped to do a little bit of our cleansing in a blessing of the space… Those are the kind of moments that will always live with me; I’m very grateful.”

And the opportunity to advise as part of such a unique cultural team is not lost him: “I’m so proud of our voyaging heritage,” Kanoa-Wong continues. “Often, I feel like people might hear about Pacific Islanders in very small sections of the news. But when you have a platform like entertainment—storytelling in movies like Moana 2—where you’re able to see wayfinding and voyaging at such a global scale is amazing to me. I hope it inspires people to look into it a little bit more and find out about our amazing voyaging ancestors. So if that can be uplifted, then I imagine our families at home, and the people of the Pacific Islands—or people all around the world—can find value in their cultural practices and the things that make them unique and help them arrive to their own space.”

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) is surrounded by her crew (l-r) Kele (voiced by David Fane), Moni (voiced by Hualālai Chung), and Loto (voiced by Rose Matafeo) as they stand on their canoe; all four are looking up at something off camera, with concerned looks on their faces. Moana is holding onto an oar, and Loto is holding onto some sort of axe-type tool.

Says Hurley, “Pacific Islanders are not from a monolithic culture. We come from these incredible island nations and have our own distinct cultures and traditions. For Moana 2, a big challenge for us was figuring out how to create the fantastical place that Moana’s from, in Motunui. Working with the Trust—with experts from places like Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Aotearoa, Hawaiʻi, Satawal, and the Solomon Islands—with all of us bringing our own unique contributions to the film, while finding cultural elements we all can resonate with, was something we really focused on.”

She continues, “Many of us Pacific peoples cherish our connections to nature. I hope that Moana 2 inspires us to sit, be quiet and really get in tune with the natural world around us. It could be listening to the rain falling on a roof, or the sound of the wind in the trees, or maybe the voice of a sibling, a parent, a friend, or a neighbor. When we can more deeply connect to the spaces we inhabit, we can gain a deeper appreciation for them. Moana really embodies that; there are many moments in this film where she has to get quiet and ‘tap in,’ and really listen to cues from nature around her to help her find her way.”

“The story of Moana and her growth as a leader is so epic,” adds Kanoa-Wong. “I think something that’s so universal; we’re all becoming leaders of our own lives. We’re all becoming navigators of our own lives. I think for all of us, we hope that audiences can see their own challenges in Moana’s story and learn how to be the best navigators that they can be.”

Music by John Williams Director: A Tribute to the “Timeless Nature” of His Work

By Moss Cohen

Fans of Disney Legend and five-time Academy Award® winner John Williams will soon be able to learn the backstory of how the composer created the iconic scores for such beloved franchises as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and many other classic films in the new documentary Music by John Williams streaming on Disney+ and in select theaters.

In the documentary, director/executive producer Laurent Bouzereau sits down with the 92-year-old Williams — often in front of his piano — to discuss his evolution from being the son of a musician to growing into a jazz pianist in his own right, before ultimately becoming possibly the most highly-regarded film score composer of all time.

To properly capture William’s impact as an artist, Bouzereau features interviews with luminaries from the world of film and music such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, and Ron Howard — among many more.

We spoke with Bouzereau about how he was finally able to make the film after 30 years of knowing Williams, the help he received from Spielberg in getting the film made (including Spielberg providing home movies of Williams scoring his films), and what he hopes viewers learn Williams sharing his techniques for making music.

Why did you feel compelled to explore the life and career of John Williams?
Well, I have been obsessed with John Williams, his work and movies really, that he scored for as long as I can remember. So, he’s been part of my film education, and I’ve always felt that there was a story there to be told and to be inspired by. I’ve known John for 30 years and I’ve been trying to do this film for a long time. It’s something that I brought up on several occasions and was always told “No.” But, given my relationship with Steven [Spielberg], it eventually got made.

A black and white photo of Laurent Bouzereau sitting next to John Williams at the piano

The film doesn’t just celebrate John Williams’ music, but also it explores his techniques for creating music tailored to each project. What do you hope viewers take away from these insights into how Williams works?
I really feel that John is an eternal student. Actually, the resistance he had about doing this was, “I don’t like to look behind or in the past, I like to look forward,” because he’s constantly challenging himself.

I think that for young people sometimes because of technology today, [they] think that you can be an overnight [success]. It’s kind of a real interesting lesson to realize that it takes work and it takes curiosity and it takes a really big amount of courage to keep on challenging yourself.

When you look at people that were making films 50 years ago when John was emerging as the force that he is today, a lot of people are forgotten, but John is not. He has reinvented himself not only through the opportunities that he got with Steven — who’s never made the same movie twice and the sort of tapestry that allowed John to thrive in — but you just realize that new generations of filmmakers want to work with John. Now, that’s not true for a lot of people, you know?

So, that’s a tribute to not only stamina, but also the timeless nature of what he does. And I think that needed to be documented and told. I really look at him in the same way I look at Beethoven or Mozart or Gershwin. He is that guy and is that talented. So hopefully the message here is clear.

Gustavo Dudamel, Music & Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducts an orchestra—using a lightsaber—with John Williams at The Hollywood Bowl.

One of the things that keeps coming up throughout the film is the way that he uses character themes like Raider’s March for Indiana Jones, among many others. Why was his understanding of how to create a memorable theme for a character so important to explore throughout the movie?
Here’s the thing: a lot of the movies that John was working on were benchmark films that had a world that was very new to the audience. Think about Star Wars, we had never seen anything like Star Wars. To have the ability to create a score that hits you at the same time as the title and the crawl was a way to pull the audience into a world that we had no idea what to expect. And that alone, I think, gives you permission to enter something otherworldly. But the music is identifiable as very much classical music, something you actually know. So the music plays a role that not only gives you the pathos of the characters and the world you’re your meeting, but by being relatable as a viewer, as a listener, allows you to enter those worlds and feeling usually comfortable in them.

So, that’s a big, big part of what John’s music does. And then in terms of Jaws, for example, the fact that the shark was not working and you didn’t see the shark for the longest time, the music was there to play that character. And then you hear that and you’re like, “Who needs the shark? We have the music, right?” And today if you hum that score people know what it is and what you mean.

John Williams conducts a scoring session for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

There’s an image of John Williams that gets mentioned in the documentary as a sort of a man alone tapping away at his piano writing scores. But what also really came through was how important collaboration was to his process — Steven Spielberg looms large throughout the movie. How did collaboration make him the composer that he became?
I think that Steven and John, and John and George [Lucas], and John and many filmmakers, the reason why the collaboration works is that it’s a brotherhood. Steven describes it as a brotherhood. So, it’s not a fatherhood, which would be like a figure of authority looking down on the filmmakers. It’s not that, it’s a brotherhood. They’re in it together and they speak the same language. And so, I think that’s the secret to John, whereas a lot of composers — and George Lucas actually mentions this in passing — can be very confrontational and do not have the ability to really dialog with filmmakers. And you’ve seen many big, big composers getting fired from movies. But John has this humanity in him that makes him extremely easy to talk to and to collaborate with. And he is very determined and very rigid in his approach to his work in many ways, but not in in any way that you would say that he is the only one running the ship. He is very much at the service of the musicians and of the filmmakers. As I said, brotherhood.

John Williams holds a cigar and sits next to Steven Spielberg in 1977.

Steven Spielberg provided many home movies of Williams conducting his scores to be used throughout the documentary. And he’s also a producer on the film. How did his involvement enhance the story that you were telling about Williams?
Steven, I owe everything to him. Steven is the one who really, when I went up to him and I said, ‘We’ve got to do this film,’ he’s the one who approached John. But not only was he the bearer of great news to me when John said yes, finally, but he literally said, ‘This is an important film and I want to be there with you the whole time.’

So, we communicated about every single aspect of the film, from who is going to be interviewed to the structure to the design of the title, to everything, the final mix, which we did at Skywalker [Ranch]. So, his contribution to the film is gigantic. And it was also very reassuring to me, as was having Kathy Kennedy and Frank Marshall and, of course, Ron and his company [Imagine Entertainment].

That sort of triangle of [Spielberg’s production company] Amblin and Lucasfilm and Imagine was very comforting to me because I just knew that I could really trust when they watched a cut and identified “Is it working? Is it not working? What do we need?”

Why did this movie need to be made with Disney and Lucasfilm for Disney+?
Well, that’s where it belongs. That’s where it belongs. The combination of Steven, Kathy, and Frank is just essential to me and that part of your family. I couldn’t have done it without the support of Disney and Lucasfilm.

Black and white poster for Music by John Williams

QUIZ: Would You Survive the Witches’ Road?

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

In Marvel Television’s Agatha All Along, the Witches’ Road (a magical gauntlet of trials) is not for the faint of heart; it demands courage, honesty, and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. If you so choose, as you navigate through this mystical journey, you’ll face the ultimate test of character—can you confront the truth, collaborate with allies, and make the sacrifices necessary to emerge unscathed? Catch the two-episode finale of the series on October 30!

How do you typically handle conflicts with friends?(Required)
If your magical abilities began to fade, what would you do first?(Required)
In a group project, how do you typically contribute?(Required)
Which scenario would you find most difficult to face?(Required)
Which potion would you most want to master?(Required)
Which phrase would you consider your guiding principle?(Required)
What’s your ideal way to face a major challenge?(Required)
When encountering a powerful adversary, what strategy should you employ?(Required)