Calling all 4*TOWNies! If you’ve watched Walt Disney Animation Studio’s newest animated film Turning Red, you’re probably just as obsessed with the movie’s musicians, 4*TOWN, as we are. What’s not to love about a nostalgic boy band with catchy lyrics and perfectly choreographed dance moves? Well, now you can put your knowledge to the test with this fun quiz. Try to finish the lyrics to 4*TOWN’s biggest hits!
Orange Bird – Think Orange Thoughts!
By Francesca Scrimgeour, Walt Disney Archives
The thoughtful and cheerful little Orange Bird has been an emblem for Walt Disney World Resort since the beginning. Always a friend to all, the Orange Bird loves to meet new friends and assist in good deeds. However, he does not communicate by sounds or tweets. Rather, this tiny, happy, flying bird thinks of exactly what he wants to express, and an orange cloud appears over his head to convey what he is thinking. Hatched just before the opening of Walt Disney World, the Orange Bird’s first appearance happened on March 3, 1971, at a press event in Lakeland, Florida. Since then, the Orange Bird has been a tremendously popular character that has evolved with new artwork and stories over time.
At the outset, the Florida Citrus Commission needed a persona to represent its fresh Florida citrus. The creation of the Orange Bird stems back to Disney Legend and animator Bob Moore, along with publicity art designer Don MacLaughlin, who together crafted the Orange Bird specifically for the Florida Citrus Commission in 1969. The Orange Bird swung from a branch on the mythical Sunshine Tree inside the Sunshine Tree Terrace restaurant at the Magic Kingdom Park. As guests left the Tropical Serenade attraction (currently known as Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room), they were greeted by Orange Bird at the Sunshine Tree Terrace, where there were plenty of citrus products on hand to enjoy. A few of those citrusy items included traditional orange juice served in Orange Bird paper cups, as well as thirst-quenching orange slushes, the O.J. Hot Sipper for the winter season, and the mouthwatering citrus swirl soft serve. As the mascot of the Sunshine Pavilion, it was only natural to have a walkaround character of the Orange Bird allowing guests to snap pictures and create orange-filled memories with him. Credit for the adorable, strolling character of the Orange Bird goes to Disney Legend and Imagineer Bill Justice, a 42-year Disney veteran that helped animate such films as Alice in Wonderland (1951) and Peter Pan (1953). The Orange Bird appeared on billboards, in television commercials, and on merchandise, with guests getting to know him before they even set foot in the park. In addition to Sunshine Pavilion, the Orange Bird sometimes flew over to the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village (now Disney Springs) to promote Florida citrus products in the mid-1970s. The Orange Bird could be spotted at the former Captain’s Tower shop (now Disney Pin Traders) with welcoming signage and a larger-than-life-sized Orange Bird statue. The character had become a symbol of Florida to park visitors around the world and promoted the Florida oranges and juice. As the Florida slogan went, “A day without Florida orange juice is like a day without sunshine,” and the Orange Bird was always ready to think orange thoughts.
The brilliant songwriting duo the Sherman Brothers introduced the new character to the world through the 1971 album, The Orange Bird. Disney Legends Richard and Robert Sherman created all-new songs for Disney’s newest character with the exception of one song, “I’ll Fly the Skyway.” This song was originally written for Thomas O’Malley in The Aristocats (1970) with the original title of “My Way’s the Highway.” Instead of scrapping a perfectly good song, the Sherman Brothers reworked it into The Orange Bird Storyteller LP.
As for the narration, Vince Jefferds, who was formerly the Vice President of Sales Promotions, assisted in the creation of the story of the Orange Bird. The record tells the story of the “fluffy little puffy sight to see” who was rejected by other birds since “all the thoughts he ever spoke appear in orange smoke.” The Orange Bird decides to go down south to find new friends, where he runs into an alley cat, mistakes a traffic light for another orange bird, and eventually finds a home with a picnicking family.
Renowned voice talent for the album included Robie Lester, Sam Edwards, and Ron Howard. Robie had a great deal of credits to her name, including the sped-up voice of Dale from the famous chipmunk duo, the singing voices for Eva Gabor’s Duchess (The Aristocats, 1970) and Bianca (The Rescuers, 1977), and the theme song performer for The Three Lives of Thomasina (1963). Edwards also had many Disney voice acting credits, beginning with the adolescent voice of Thumper in Bambi (1942) and many Disneyland Records characters, such as the Big Bad Wolf in the 1958 album version of Three Little Pigs. Filmmaker and actor Ron Howard provided his voice to other characters in Disneyland Records albums like Mike from The Story and Song from The Haunted Mansion (1969) and Woot from The Tin Woodman of Oz (1970). The Orange Bird album would mark all three actors’ final LP performance for Disneyland Records.
The Orange Bird would fly his “leafy wings” again in September 1980 to star in Foods and Fun: A Nutrition Adventure, an educational film that promoted the importance of plentiful sleep, nutritious meals, and vigorous exercise. Through all his hard work, the Orange Bird was able to have the energy to fly south for the winter where he met a family to join in with the warm weather activities. The animated short was directed by Rick Reinert, who helped create a few of Disney’s educational featurettes, with music by Will Schaffer, known more commonly as Will Schaefer, who composed the background music of many Disney television films and series like Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color and The Wonderful World of Disney. Even though the Orange Bird does not speak, he was accompanied by a flock of renowned voice actors that included Rex Allen, June Foray, Ilene Latter, and Hal Smith. The names and voices from this film may seem familiar to many Disney fans. Rex narrated many films and television shows along with theme park attraction characters like “Father” in General Electric’s Carousel of Progress eventually becoming the “Grandfather” when the attraction was updated in 1993 and the riverboat captain from the Liberty Belle Riverboat in Magic Kingdom Park. June voiced many television and film characters such as Witch Hazel in Trick or Treat (1952), Grammi Gummi on Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears, and Grandmother Fa in Mulan (1998). Lastly—and to show off his vocal range—Hal famously voiced Owl in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) along with subsequent Winnie the Pooh films, Goofy in Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983), and Gyro Gearloose from DuckTales.
The partnership with the Florida Citrus Commission lasted from 1971 until its contract expired in 1987. Just like the record album, the Orange Bird took a little vacation and after 25 years, he flew back to his home in the Sunshine Tree Terrace just in time for the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. After a major refurbishment of the Sunshine Tree Terrace—from the thatched roof to painted graphics—in 2012, the Orange Bird was revealed on the new sign and the original 1971 figure was returned to the quick-service restaurant. Imagineer Jason Grandt sought out the original figure and brought back a slice of 1971 to the park through the refurbishment of the Orange Bird figure. The Orange Bird has since been revitalized in different merchandise items such as mouse ears, pins, and apparel that have been popping up ever since. The Orange Bird also makes small appearances in both Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Resort and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Walt Disney World. In the Disneyland Hotel location, a small note appears next to the Orange Bird figure in the bar notating, “Traded for this because I thought it had appeal.” Naturally, the Orange Bird made his way back to the Disney Springs shopping district after promoting Florida citrus in one of its previous shops with a vintage Orange Bird art mural that is a celebration of Florida history. In 2022, the Orange Bird made his Golden Books debut with new Sunshine Tree adventures on a Florida farm with a menagerie of new friends and some familiar Disney birds. The book is affectionately written by Jason and illustrated by Scott Tilley.
The location of the Sunshine Tree Terrace has moved in Adventureland, but the Orange Bird is still a representative of the land. The character has brought joy to park visitors around the world and even “though his little beak, can’t even peep a squeak,” he captures our hearts and imaginations. Next time you visit the Magic Kingdom Park, make sure to visit the Orange Bird for a citrus swirl and think of something sunny just for him!
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Reveals Rockin’ Playlist
By Andie Hagemann
Saving the galaxy requires an “Awesome Mix!”
Before Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens on Friday, May 27, at EPCOT’s Wonders of Xandar pavilion, guests can rock out to the attraction’s stellar track list. Walt Disney Imagineers tested hundreds of songs before narrowing it down to six, in their classic versions, as the soundtrack for the all-new family-thrill coaster.
Here’s the “Awesome Mix” for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind:
- “September”
- “Disco Inferno”
- “Conga”
- “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”
- “I Ran”
- “One Way or Another”
In addition to the rockin’ playlist, the attraction will include Eson as the attraction’s antagonist! Guests will come face to face with the Celestial, who is looking to “right a wrong in a big way” after the Guardians battled him for the Power Stone in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie. However, the Guardians of the Galaxy—Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot—are stepping in to save the day. But, they can’t do it alone and need guests’ help to stop Eson from executing his plan.
The Biggest Little Farm: The Return Expounds Upon the Curiosity of Farm Living
By Andie Hagemann
They’re back! This Earth Day, revisit the enchanting Apricot Lane Farms with National Geographic’s all-new special, The Biggest Little Farm: The Return. Get reacquainted with Molly and John Chester, the stars of the 2018 award-winning documentary film, The Biggest Little Farm, as they chronicle the next chapter of their unique journey. The special premieres on Friday, April 22, exclusively on Disney+, as part of the streaming service’s Earth Day celebration.
In The Biggest Little Farm, viewers watched the Chesters channel the classic sitcom Green Acres as they abandoned their big-city life in Los Angeles in favor of living on a then-barren farm in Ventura County, California. A few years later, Apricot Lane Farms is thriving, and it’s not so “little” anymore. Over 75 different fruit varieties, including mandarins, grow in the farm’s diverse orchard aptly referred to as “The Fruit Basket.” The special will introduce the adorable animals who reside at Apricot Lane Farms, including Emma the pig and a lamb named Moe, as well as educate viewers about the importance of soil health for growing nutrient-dense food.
For The Biggest Little Farm: The Return, the couple partnered with National Geographic to effectively share the many stories of Apricot Lane Farms, including Emma welcoming her newest litter and Moe integrating himself as a member of the Chester family. The farmers felt it was ideal considering the brand’s renowned storytelling of the animal kingdom. “National Geographic is really into what we’re into: the importance of every little creature from the microbe to the coyote and mountain lion, or a giant 650-pound pig named Emma,” John Chester said. “All those things coming together and their support for the way we tell stories has been just a perfect partnership for us.”
Despite the overwhelming success of The Biggest Little Farm, jumping back into filmmaking whilst working as a full-time farmer again was no easy feat. Molly Chester confessed that filmmaking was the furthest thing from her husband John’s mind before they signed on to film the update. The dynamic couple shared the motivation behind the special and more while on a virtual panel during the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. “The farm is a microcosm of the planet—it all works the same way, so that was really important,” shared John Chester. “It wasn’t an easy thing to do for our marriage—to go run a farm and also tell a story, and then another one. I’ve never felt more motivated to suffer in the way of making a film than I did in making The Biggest Little Farm, and with this special [too].”
Molly Chester said one of the biggest, unexpected blessings of the documentary’s success is how it has inspired others to follow their lead. “We do weekly farm tours here and [visitors will say], ‘I watched the film and now I’m taking over my aunt’s farm,’ or ‘you inspired us to go out and buy 10 acres,’” she shared. “It does feel like there are these little seeds that have spread across the world due to this.”
John Chester added that the documentary and Apricot Lane Farms hope to galvanize a new generation of farmers from the young and young at heart who are looking to be stewards of the Earth and farm in a way that heals the planet. To succeed in doing so, the couple stressed, requires being fearless in the pursuit.
“It’s really just about taking the things that we normally would be afraid of and flipping that on its head by being incredibly curious about how it all works, because curiosity is essentially the antidote to all of our fears, especially as farmers and as human beings facing any conflict,” said John Chester.
The Biggest Little Farm: The Return is available for streaming on Earth Day, exclusively on Disney+.
See the Cast of black-ish Then and Now
By Zach Johnson
It’s the end of an era—and cause for celebration!
After eight seasons and 173 episodes, ABC’s award-winning and critically acclaimed comedy series black-ishwill end its remarkable run on Tuesday, April 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. As we prepare to say goodbye to the Johnson family and the actors who brought each indelible character to life, take a look at how much they’ve each grown.
Although the series finale of black-ish is just a few days away, this isn’t goodbye! Just last month, Freeform announced it had renewed the spinoff grown-ish for a fifth season, which will find Junior following in the footsteps of his big sister, Zoey, at Cal U.
D23-Exclusive Goof Troop 30th Anniversary Pin – Now on Sale!
By the D23 Team
Come along and join the fun with this pin celebrating 30 goof-tacular years of Goof Troop! This D23 Gold Member exclusive pin is a ”gawrsh-durn” perfect way to relive the glittering, fluorescent ’90s nostalgia of family, friendship, and animated antics from everyone’s favorite father-son duo, Goofy and Max!
This pin is inspired by the Goof Troop animated TV series, which featured “The Goof,” a single-parent family man who struggles to raise his son in suburbia. His son, Max, however, wants to be different than his old man—in other words, cool. The results are misunderstandings and misadventures complicated by their next-door neighbor Pete, a snarling used car salesman with a big ego and temper to match. Voices include Bill Farmer (Goofy), Dana Hill (Max), Jim Cummings (Pete), April Winchell (Peg), Nancy Cartwright (Pistol), Rob Paulsen (P.J.), and Frank Welker (Waffles/Chainsaw).
Our Goof Troop 30th Anniversary pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,000, is available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney now!
*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. Pins are sold for $12.99 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.
5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week
By Andie Hagemann
Before we bid adieu to the Johnson family, watch iconic episodes of ABC’s black-ish leading up to the series finale. From stellar Halloween costumes and an homage to a legendary sitcom to a fun-filled family vacation at Walt Disney World, we present a few fan-favorite episodes to binge. The emotional finale airs on Tuesday, April 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. All episodes are available to stream on Hulu, while select episodes of the series are available on Disney+.
“The Prank King” (Season 1, Episode 6)—Available on Hulu
The Johnson family’s annual Halloween tradition of pulling pranks is in peril when the older kids refuse to participate. Dre (Anthony Anderson) is worried that the kids’ lack of interest is the end to his family’s holiday fun, so he pulls out all the stops to inspire the spooky hijinks.
“Good-ish Times” (Season 2, Episode 24)—Available on Hulu
Dre, exhausted and stressed out by his job, unwinds with a marathon of Good Times. However, as he drifts off to sleep, he dreams his family is transported into the 1970s as the show’s classic characters.
“VIP” (Season 3, Episode 1)—Available on Hulu
Dre and Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross) surprise the family with an exclusive VIP experience during their Walt Disney World vacation. The Johnsons receive the superstar treatment at The Happiest Place on Earth, but the line-jumping and celebrity status quickly goes to the kids’ heads. Meanwhile, Pops (Laurence Fishburne) and Ruby (Jenifer Lewis) stir up trouble in the parks.
“Everybody Blames Raymond” (Season 6, Episode 6)—Available on Hulu
Junior (Marcus Scribner) is determined to make curate a perfect first trick-or-treating experience for Devante (Berlin and August Gross), but each family member has differing ideas for the group costume. Meanwhile, the Johnsons can agree that Raymond (Aiden Lewandowski), a new friend of Jack (Miles Brown), needs to go.
“Homegoing” (Series Finale)—Tuesday, April 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, on ABC
The beloved comedy series concludes with the Johnson family weighing big decisions. With Pops and Ruby preparing to move away, Dre and Bow contemplate changes for themselves, leading Dre to receive unexpected advice from Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 2 in Production for Disney+
By Zach Johnson
Fans can’t get enough of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder!
Disney+ just announced the animated series is already in production on a second season—and the timing couldn’t be better, because the season one finale begins streaming Wednesday, April 20, only on Disney+. A celebrated revival of The Proud Family, the series hails from Disney Television Animation. The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is executive produced by its creator, Bruce W. Smith, and Ralph Farquhar.
Cast members returning for season two include Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson as Oscar Proud, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy Proud, JoMarie Payton as Suga Mama, Cedric “The Entertainer” as Uncle Bobby, Karen Malina White as Dijonay Jones, Soleil Moon Frye as Zoey Howzer, Alisa Reyes as LaCienega Boulevardez, Carlos Mencia as Felix Boulevardez, Maria Canals-Barrera as Sunset Boulevardez, Alvaro Gutierrez as Papi, Raquel Lee Bolleau as Nubia Gross, and Marcus T. Paulk as Myron.
Returning recurring voice actors include Keke Palmer as Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, Billy Porter as Randall Leibowitz-Jenkins, Zachary Quinto as Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins, EJ Johnson as Michael Collins, Asante Blackk as Kareem, Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Francis “KG” Leibowitz-Jenkins, Bresha Webb as CeCe, and Aiden Dodson as BeBe.
Of course, no season of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder would be complete without a star-studded guest cast. Chance the Rapper, Gabrielle Union, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Anthony Anderson, Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Jane Lynch, Holly Robinson Peete, Maury Povich, Storm Reid, Courtney B. Vance, and Liana Mendoza are among the famous names guest starring in season two.
In addition to Smith and Farquhar, Calvin Brown Jr. serves as the series’ co-executive producer and story editor. Jan Hirota is its producer and Eastwood Wong is its art director. Latoya Raveneau, Rudi Bloss and Tara Nicole Whitaker serve as the directors.
Which Turning Red Character are You Most Like?
By Jocelyn Buhlman
We know that there’s “Nobody Like U,” but we bet you have a thing or two in common with Mei and her friends from Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red! Since the film debuted on Disney+, fans have been loving how relatable Mei, Miriam, Abby, and Priya are, reminding us of our own friends and the silly adventures we have with them. You might even find yourself debating with your friends who is more of a Mei—or if you’re possibly a Priya. Well, debate no more! Get your definitive answer by telling us about your ‘90s and early ‘00s Disney favorites. Your answers will reveal exactly which of this fabulous foursome you’re most like!
What’s your go-to pick for movie night?
Which Disney song are you singing for karaoke?
What fictional band or musician do you have a poster of in your room?
You’re home from school! What are you doing to unwind?
Which Pixar movie made you cry the most?
Who do you relate to the most?
You’re making a mix CD for your crush—which Disney song is the opening track?
How do you show off your Disney fandom?
And finally, the most important question: Who is your favorite 4*Town Member?
World of Color Dazzles Again Beginning April 22—Plus More in News Briefs
By Courtney Potter
World of Color Returns to Disney California Adventure with a New Virtual Queue System
World of Color, the breathtaking nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park, brings animation to life—and it’s officially returning on Friday, April 22! The show allows viewers the chance to relive memorable scenes from beloved Disney and Pixar films through powerful dancing fountains shooting high to the sky; a fantastic movie screen of made entirely of water; and lasers that electrify the night… all brought together on Paradise Bay by a memorably tuneful soundtrack. Need a quick reminder of the fun? Check out the new clip from our friends at Disney Parks Blog, below.
When World of Color returns, there will be a new virtual queue system to help guests view this popular show. Beginning April 22, distribution times for the virtual queue enrollment—only accessible via the Disneyland mobile app—will begin at noon, daily. (Do note that, in order to join the virtual queue, you must have entered Disney California Adventure with a one day, one park ticket or Park Hopper ticket, or Disneyland Park with a Park Hopper ticket.) But never fear: If the queue reaches capacity, guests can visit the Paradise Bay viewing area shortly before World of Color begins to check in with a cast member for walk-up viewing options.
Joining the virtual queue for World of Color is not required to view the spectacular, but it is highly recommended. For all the pertinent how-to details about the virtual queue system, visit Disneyland.com… and prepare to be dazzled once again!
5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®
There are some egg-cellent ways to celebrate this Easter weekend from around the worlds of Disney: See if private eye Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) can uncover Who Framed Roger Rabbit; get into the spring spirit with Disney’s classic Bambi; spend a blustery day with Disney’s Winnie the Pooh; and much more.
Coming Soon: New Disney+ Short When Billie Met Lisa
Just this week, Oscar®- and Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter Billie Eilish revealed that she’ll be appearing alongside the iconic family from The Simpsons in the upcoming short titled When Billie Met Lisa. The all-new short, featuring Eilish and her brother FINNEAS, will premiere Friday, April 22, exclusively on Disney+.
In When Billie Met Lisa, Lisa Simpson (voiced by Yeardley Smith) is discovered by the chart-topping artists while she’s searching for a quiet place to practice her saxophone. Eilish invites Lisa to her studio for a special jam session she won’t soon forget!
This upcoming release from The Simpsons is the fourth in a collection of shorts created exclusively for Disney+. The previously released Star Wars and Marvel-themed shorts Maggie Simpson in ‘The Force Awakens from Its Nap’ and The Good, The Bart, and The Loki are currently available on the streamer—and the most recent short, The Simpsons in Plusaversary, was released on November 12, 2021, in celebration of Disney+ Day. All of these and more can be found in The Simpsons collection on the streaming service. “D’oh!”
espnW Summit NYC Unveils Speakers and Agenda
Cool news, sports fans: The espnW Summit NYC will return in person and via livestream on Wednesday, May 4, at the 1 Hotel in Brooklyn. The one-day event will gather a distinctive group of leaders and change-makers at the intersection of sports, business, and entertainment for a day of conversation and reflection about the women and sports space.
The line-up includes a look ahead at ESPN’s Fifty/50 initiative honoring the 50th anniversary of Title IX, a conversation with NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, and more. The event will stream live across espnWevents.com, the ESPN App, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube—and as with all espnW Summits, movement and wellness will be woven into the experience. espnW Columnist and ESPN Radio host Sarah Spain will once again serve as event host, joined by espnW writer and ESPN commentator Julie Foudy, SportsCenter anchor Elle Duncan, Women’s College Basketball and WNBA game and studio analyst and sideline reporter LaChina Robinson, game and studio analyst Monica McNutt, and studio anchor Christine Williamson.
The espnW Summit NYC will run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. To register to attend in person—and for further information—visit nyc.espnwsummit.com.
Justin Bartha Joins Cast of National Treasure on Disney+
Riley is back, and he’s ready for more adventure!
Earlier this week, Disney+ announced that Justin Bartha is returning to guest star and reprise his memorable character Riley Poole from the hit National Treasure franchise in the upcoming Disney+ original series of the same name. The live-action series is an expansion of the movie franchise centered on a young heroine, Jess (Lisette Alexis), a brilliant and resourceful DREAMer who embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to uncover the truth about her family’s mysterious past and save a lost Pan-American treasure.
As previously announced, the series also stars multiple award-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones as Billie, a black-market antiquities expert and treasure-hunting billionaire who lives by her own code; Zuri Reed as Tasha, Jess’ ride-or-die friend who joins the treasure hunt but is forced to reevaluate her belief system to help her best friend; Jordan Rodrigues as Ethan, Jess’ childhood best friend who has loved her since the day they met; Antonio Cipriano as Oren, a loveable but self-obsessed goofball with an encyclopedic knowledge of conspiracy theories who attempts to win back Tasha’s affections; and Jake Austin Walker as Liam, a swoon-worthy struggling musician with a permanent chip on his shoulder who comes from a long line of treasure hunters. Jess recruits her friends to help uncover the truth about her parents and their connection to the treasure. Lyndon Smith stars as FBI Agent Ross, who assists in the quest.
Stay tuned for more updates on the series as they become available.
Behind the Design of shopDisney’s New Limited-Edition Merida Doll
The latest release from the Ultimate Princess Celebration Disney Designer Collection of limited-edition dolls, now available on shopDisney, is Merida—the memorable heroine of Disney and Pixar’s Brave. D23 recently spoke with the doll’s designer, Wes Jenkins; hear about his process, and what drew him to Merida in the first place, by clicking here.
If the Sneaker Fits: Disney+ Releases Trailer for Sneakerella
Disney+ has just revealed a new trailer for its upcoming original movie Sneakerella—premiering Friday, May 13, on the streaming service. From the studio behind the mega-hit Descendants, High School Musical, and ZOMBIES franchises, this pop/hip-hop musical is set in the vibrant street-sneaker subculture of New York City and puts a contemporary twist on the Cinderella fairy tale.
El (Chosen Jacobs), an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens, works as a stock boy in a shoe store and hides his artistic talent. Sparks fly after a chance encounter with Kira King (Lexi Underwood), the daughter of sneaker royalty and a Manhattan “Princess Charming” of sorts. With a nudge from his best friend and a touch of magic, El finds the courage to lace up and dream big!
Also starring John Salley, Devyn Nekoda, Juan Chioran, Bryan Terrell Clark, Kolton Stewart, Robyn Alomar, Yvonne Senat Jones, and Hayward Leach, Sneakerella is directed and co-executive produced by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum.
ICYMI: Dancing with the Stars Moving to Disney+ This Fall
The rumors are true—the mirrorball is moving: After an incredible 30 seasons on ABC, Dancing with the Stars is moving to a new home on Disney+. The hit series received a two-season pickup and will premiere exclusively in the U.S. and Canada this fall, making Dancing with the Stars the first live series to debut on the streaming service. Hear about the change from a few folks behind the sparkly scenes right here at D23.com.