Magic Awaits at Asteria, a New Storyliving by Disney Residential Community in North Carolina

By the D23 Team

Disney fans seeking to immerse themselves in the worlds of Disney in their daily lives need look no further—Storyliving by Disney is bringing its signature magic to Asteria, a new residential community planned in the heart of North Carolina, near Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.

Inspired by the spirit of discovery, the Asteria community is designed to encourage exploration of the region’s natural beauty and spark lifelong learning.

“The Asteria community builds upon strong initial interest for our first Storyliving by Disney community in California and will expand Disney-branded communities to the East Coast,” said Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses. “Our team has been working closely with Disney Imagineers to develop a unique vision for this project inspired by Walt Disney’s innate curiosity and North Carolina’s spirit of discovery.”

Home sales for the community—which is in the beginning planning stages with Walt Disney Imagineering and DMB Development—are anticipated to begin in 2027.

Influenced by the nearby universities in the famed Research Triangle, the community is envisioned as a campus of discovery—a place for exploring and learning. The Asteria community is being developed on 1,500 acres in the heart of North Carolina’s picturesque Chatham County. Situated in the town of Pittsboro, residents will have access to all the amenities of a metropolitan area with the charm of a small town. Plans call for more than 4,000 residential units including single-family and multi-family homes, with some home sites specifically designated for 55+ adults.

The Asteria community is part of the larger, award-winning Chatham Park master-planned community by Preston Development Company, co-founded by Julian “Bubba” Rawl and Tim Smith.

“For nearly 15 years, Chatham Park has set the standard for innovative growth and thoughtful planning. We feel an extraordinary sense of responsibility to our residents and the broader community with this project and we’re incredibly fortunate to work with Disney, DMB Development, and homebuilders to create something truly special,” said Rawl.

The Asteria community will offer future residents a unique lifestyle thanks to distinctive Disney placemaking. A range of home styles will line quaint streets leading to a mix of community amenities designed to showcase the surrounding area’s natural beauty. The community will feature acres of neighborhood parks and miles of beautiful walking and biking trails where residents can connect with the outdoors.

Part of the Club
Asteria community homeowners will become part of a club with amenities planned to include a wellness and recreation center, restaurant, sport courts, swimming pools, community garden, and plentiful outdoor space for lawn games, events, and fire pits. The club will also feature enrichment programming only Disney can deliver; some of the experiences under consideration include Storyliving dinners inspired by Disney tales, lessons with Disney artists, and family fun days with Disney-themed activities.

Asteria is the second Storyliving by Disney community in the United States and first on the East Coast. It follows the Cotino community currently under development in Rancho Mirage, California, in the Coachella Valley—a location where Walt Disney himself once owned a home and spent time with his family.

To receive news and updates or to access additional information about Asteria, a Storyliving by Disney community, please visit www.storylivingbydisney.com/asteria.

Electrifying Premiere Photos from Percy Jackson and the Olympians

By Courtney Potter

Earlier this week, Disney+ hosted the world premiere for the highly anticipated Original series Percy Jackson and the Olympians at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Serving as a key location for the series, “The Met” provided a perfect backdrop for the big red-carpet event—immersing the show’s stars, creative team, and guests into the world of Percy Jackson.

And just who arrived to celebrate such an electrifying occasion? Stars Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson), Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase), and Aryan Simhadri (Grover Underwood)—of course!—as well as the series’ creative team, including executive producer (and author of the book series) Rick Riordan and his wife and fellow executive producer, Rebecca Riordan.

In an image from the world premiere for Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, from left to right, Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase), Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson), and Aryan Simhadri (Grover Underwood) are seen smiling for cameras on the red carpet.

Series guest stars including Adam Copeland, Jason Mantzoukas, Timothy Omundson, and Azriel Dalman—as well as recurring stars such as Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn, Virginia Kull, Glynn Turman, and Timm Sharp—were also on hand for the festivities.

Based on Disney Hyperion’s best-selling book series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians follows Percy (Scobell) on a dangerous quest. Once he learns his father is the Greek god Poseidon, Percy first needs to survive Camp Half-Blood—a sanctuary for demigod children; there, he must prove himself and confront his origins. With the help of his mates Annabeth (Jeffries) and Grover (Simhadri), Percy then sets off on a perilous journey across America to return Zeus’ master lightning bolt, but he’ll need to outrun monsters and outwit gods to stop an all-out war and find the answers he seeks...

Looking for a crash course on who’s who in the series? Click here!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians premieres December 20, only on Disney+.

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

By Courtney Potter

We’ve got a veritable “sampler platter” of merriment and mirth to watch from around the worlds of Disney this weekend… some new, some classic, and some delightfully in-between—but all of it sure to bring you glad tidings! Country music fans will have a lot to cheer about, as will those who enjoy traditions of the musical-theater variety. And there’s more where that came from, so read on for what to expect:

In an image from CMA Country Christmas, Amy Grant (left) is wearing a strapless silver gown and is holding a microphone; she has her arm around Trisha Yearwood (right), who is wearing a sparkly gray long-sleeved gown and is also holding a mic. They are smiling at each other. Several band members can be seen on stage behind them.

CMA Country Christmas—Thursday, December 14, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC / next day on Disney+ and Hulu
’Tis the holiday season, and time for some jingle-bell rock! Hosted by Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood, CMA Country Christmas was filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience and showcases one-of-a-kind musical performances of festive classics from country music’s biggest stars—including Jordan Davis, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Jon Pardi, Lindsey Stirling, The War And Treaty, Zach Williams, Lainey Wilson, and (of course) Grant and Yearwood themselves. This 14th annual shindig will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu after it airs on ABC, so you can enjoy it all weekend long (and beyond!)…

In an image from Disney Branded Television’s Firebuds, from left to right, Piston the police car (voiced by Caleb Paddock) is seen with Jayden (voiced by JeCobi Swain); Flash the firetruck (voiced by Terrence Little Gardenhigh) is seen with Bo (voiced by Declan Whaley); and Axl the ambulance (voiced by Lily Sanfelippo) is seen with Violet (voiced by Vivian Vencer).

Firebuds—Friday, December 15, at 12 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
The episode’s two stories include “Annie Spokely,” in which the Firebuds get a rescue call from an old western town; guest voices include Leisha Hailey as Annie Spokely, Punkie Johnson as Cousin Fanny, and Ariel Winter as Calamity Train… and “Ingrid on Ice,” where the Firebuds help a young ice cream truck sell frozen treats on a cold day.

In an image from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon) is dressed like Santa Claus and placing gifts under a Christmas tree. There is a fireplace to his left, above which are hung several stockings.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas—now streaming on Disney+
This is one of those movies that works for two different holidays—so if you didn’t catch it back in October, or even if you did, fire up your device of choice and confidently enjoy this weekend! (Plus, it’s celebrating its incredible 30th anniversary this year, so it deserves a repeat viewing.) Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon), the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, decides to take over Christmas—and mayhem ensues! His obsession extends to kidnapping Santa Claus and giving terrifying toys to the children of the world… but when Jack sees the horrified reaction to his creepy Christmas, he realizes the true way to be himself is to embrace his love of Halloween.

In an image from the Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, from left to right, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Dave Bautista as Drax, and Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord are standing in the middle of Knowhere as Peter begins unwrapping a huge gift. Mantis and Drax are wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, and Christmas lights are strewn every which way.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special—now streaming on Disney+
Having premiered last year, as a lead-up to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, this Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation remains chock-full of yuletide cheer! The Guardians are on a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), so they head to Earth in search of the perfect present: Kevin Bacon, star of Footloose. Yes, really. Also featuring Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, and Sean Gunn as Kraglin.

In an image from The Sound of Music, Maria (Disney Legend Julie Andrews) is standing close to Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) next to a gazebo’s window; a grove of trees can be seen behind them. The pair looks longingly at each other.

The Sound of Music—Sunday, December 17, at 7 p.m. ET/PT on ABC (check local listings)
This 1965 film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s seminal musical—based on a true story—is a holiday staple on ABC… so gather the fam and settle in for some “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens” (and so much more!). Winner of five Oscars®, including Best Picture, The Sound of Music stars Disney Legend Julie Andrews as Maria, a postulant in late ’30s Austria who is sent to the home of widower Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) to be governess to his seven precocious children. Eventually, Maria and Von Trapp fall in love and marry before being forced to flee with their family across the Alps towards freedom.

TABOO®: Disney Edition is the Perfect Challenge for Ultimate Disney Fans

By Jocelyn Buhlman

As Disney fans, we pride ourselves in knowing everything and anything about the worlds of Disney—but how well can you describe your Disney favorites without directly saying their names? TABOO®: Disney Edition challenges you to do just that!

Four TABOO®: Disney Edition cards are laid out against a yellow background, photographed from a top-down view. A blue buzzer sits in the lower left of the image, and an hourglass sits in the upper right.

TABOO®: Disney Edition is a Disney twist on a classic party game where teams compete to guess words without the use of “taboo” clues.  Can you describe Genie without saying his name? What if you also can’t say words like “wish” or “magic lamp?” Put your knowledge to the test to give your team clues to guess the word. You need to be quick—you’re racing against a timer to describe as many Disney words as possible!

Guess it right and earn a point or get the buzzer if you slip up. Besides the fun of creatively describing Disney characters, places, and more, you also get to buzz your opponents if they say a Taboo word!

Four people sit around a black table, playing DL2_0577.jpg. In the foreground of the image, the hands of a player are extended, holding some of the game’s cards. Beside this person is another hand, holding the game’s blue buzzer. In the background, two more players smile and point at the players in the foreground.

The team with more points at the end of the round wins—until it’s time for a rematch, of course. This game is the perfect way to flex your Disney fandom with your friends and family. Plus, you might discover who else in your life shares your Disney enthusiasm.

Ready to play? You can get TABOO®: Disney Edition here.

Meet the Characters of Percy Jackson and the Olympians

By Alison Stateman

Fans of Rick Riordan’s bestselling Percy Jackson book series may be familiar with many of the main players in the upcoming Disney+ Original series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, but a quick refresher—or crash course for the newly initiated—will provide viewers with valuable info on all manner of heroes, gods, and even a monster or two! Read on to find out more about who’s who in the highly anticipated series, debuting on the streaming service on Wednesday, December 20 with a two-episode premiere, followed by new episodes weekly.

Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) crouches down before a wooden door with his gold sword drawn. He is looking out intently at something offscreen. He wears a green flannel-print shirt, T-shirt underneath, and jeans.

Percy Jackson
Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) is at a crossroads. Like many a 12-year-old on the cusp of becoming a teen, he’s trying to find where he fits in. Throughout his young life, he’s always felt like an outsider, partly due to how others respond to his ADHD and dyslexia. He’s bullied, with bad grades, and has a growing fixation with mythological figures that mysteriously appear and, just as quickly, disappear. Kind, smart, impulsive, and rambunctious, Percy is quick to anger when things seem unfair to him. Raised by his loving mother, Sally (Virginia Kull), who schooled him on the world of Greek mythology, and less-than-nurturing stepfather in modern-day New York City, Percy resents his absentee biological father. His world is turned upside down when he discovers he’s a demigod and the son of none other than the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon (Toby Stephens). But there’s no time to process it, as he is whisked away to Camp Half-Blood—a camp where demigods like himself are protected from monsters until they fully come into their powers.

However, the gods do not think well of their half-human prodigy—in fact Zeus (Lance Reddick) accuses Percy of stealing his master lightning bolt and if it isn’t returned to him within the week, it’ll be an all-out war among the gods. Hey, no pressure there. At least he can bring two demigods of his choosing along on his recovery mission, which leads us to…

Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries) turns and looks toward the left, in a green forest. Her long dark hair is in tight all-over braids and tied back on each side creating loose ponytails. She wears a suit of armor over her orange camp shirt.

Annabeth Chase
Daughter of the Greek goddess Athena, Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) is a brilliant strategist who sees the world differently and is always six steps ahead of everyone else. The strongest warrior in camp, where she’s spent the last five years, the only way left to prove herself is by going on a quest. She sizes up each new arrival to see if they hold a key to a quest she can join, including Percy—who, indeed, chooses her as the first of his quest-mates. As he explains to a baffled camp leader at his quick choice, “If the mission requires someone to push me down a flight of stairs for it to succeed, you’d want someone who won’t hesitate when they do it.”

Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri) stands looking off at something at left in a darkened rainy wood. His satyr horns and hair are soaked as is his dark hooded jacket.

Grover Underwood
A satyr—half boy and half goat—disguised as a 12-year-old classmate of Percy’s, Grover (Aryan Simhadri) cares deeply about others and will always choose what is best for them, even if it gets him in a lot of trouble. Though cautious by nature, he’ll always fight to protect his friends, especially his best friend Percy Jackson. He’s someone Percy can truly trust, which is why he chooses Grover to accompany him on his quest.

Alecto aka Mrs. Dodds
Mrs. Dodds (Megan Mullally) is Percy’s strict Algebra teacher who behaves monstrously at times… which is not at all surprising when you consider her true identity. She’s one of the three Furies, known as Alecto, who loyally serves Hades, the god of the Underworld—whose kingdom happens to be below modern-day Los Angeles. 

Sally Jackson (Virginia Kull) stands with her body turned toward the right with arms crossed protectively around her waist in a softly lit room. She wears a blue flannel-print long-sleeve shirt over a white T-shirt with a single pearl necklace hanging delicately at her neck.

Sally Jackson
As Percy’s loving, protective, and selfless mother, Sally Jackson raised her son knowing that one day she’d have to give him up to the dangerous world of the Olympian gods. She has sacrificed much to keep him safe, including having to relinquish him to Camp Half-Blood—a journey in which tragedy befalls the mother-son duo.

Chiron aka Mr. Brunner
Disguised as Percy’s Latin teacher Mr. Brunner (Glynn Turman), Chiron is none other than the famed centaur and trainer of heroes, as well as activities director for Camp Half-Blood. Wise and noble, he provides Percy with moral guidance as the young demigod grabbles with his fate—and mission.

Dionysus aka Mr. D (Jason Mantzoukas) as his alter-ego running Camp Half-Blood stands with his arms crossed and eyebrows raised in seeming judgement. He wears a tiger-printed short-sleeve shirt and jeans with woods visible behind him.

 

Dionysus aka Mr. D
Mr. D (Jason Mantzoukas), short for Dionysus, runs Camp Half-Blood, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to skirt the rules. Though forbidden by Zeus to consume alcohol, he tries to get Percy to fetch him a bottle of wine through deception. As Chiron explains to a confused Percy, “Demigods can do things for gods that gods are forbidden to do themselves.”

Gabe Ugliano
Gabe (Timm Sharp) is Sally’s selfish, brash, and combative husband and Percy’s stepfather, whose armchair-adjacent occupation is gambling on the horses and, as Percy says, “losing at imaginary poker.”

Clarisse La Rue
Clarisse (Dior Goodjohn) is a strong-willed and competitive fighter who lives up to her bloodline as a child of Aries, the god of war. Unfortunately, that win-at-all-cost attitude makes her the Camp Half-Blood bully of newcomers like Percy.

Luke Castellan
Meet the counselor of the cabin devoted to the offspring of Hermes (Lin-Manuel Miranda) and demigods whose parents have yet to claim them. The undisputed coolest—and kindest—kid at camp, Luke Castellan (Charlie Bushnell), befriends and helps Percy learn the ropes at Camp Half-Blood.

7 Seasonally Sublime Films to Stream on Disney+

By Courtney Potter

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… so grab your favorite cozy blanket, whip up a piping hot cup of cocoa (we’re fans of extramarshmallows—the mini variety, natch), and settle in for a long winter’s night with Disney+! With the holidays upon us and wintery weather sweeping in across the country, there’s no better time to gather the family—both related, chosen, and the four-legged variety—and enjoy all manner of festive fun available on the streaming service.

This year, the crack team of elves here at D23 has put together a list of seasonally sublime movies available to stream on Disney+—and a few from Hulu, since the beta launch of Hulu on Disney+ is now entertaining bundle subscribers—from around the worlds of Disney (and beyond) that are sure to warm the cockles of your heart. Bookmark this list, so you know what to watch during your next snow day!

By the way: Are you a D23 Member and a Disney+ subscriber and looking for some perfect gifts? Well, you’re in holly-jolly luck! You now have access to Disney+ Perks, which offers 50% off a new D23 Gold Membership—as well as savings on other brands you know and love, like Corkcicle and Sideshow. (Great for under the tree!)

And that’s not all: There’s also a Disney Cruise Line sweepstakes in the offing! Disney+ subscribers as of November 29 who are also D23 Members have a chance to be among the first to set sail on the maiden voyage of the all-new Disney Treasure. For your chance at an incredible seven-night cruise aboard the brand-new vessel (including roundtrip airfare), click here!

Now, onto the list…

In a now-iconic image from Home Alone, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is looking in the mirror, his palms to his cheeks after putting aftershave on his face; the burning has caused him to yell out in pain.

Home Alone >
For the uninitiated, this now-beloved 1990 holiday comedy follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) as he becomes the man of the house… overnight! When the rest of his frenzied family embarks on a Christmas vacation, Kevin is accidentally left behind. Unfortunately, it’s now also up to Kevin to stop two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) from breaking in. Can his DIY booby traps protect the family home? Sure, there’s plenty of slapstick—but this film is pretty heartwarming too, thanks to a delightful turn by Catherine O’Hara as Kevin’s mom, Kate.

In an image from The Muppet Christmas Carol, Tiny Tim (Robin the frog) is sitting atop the shoulder of his dad, Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog), holding his crutch aloft; they’re standing next to Emily Cratchit (Miss Piggy); everyone wears 19th century clothing and they’re standing on a snowy London street.

The Muppet Christmas Carol >
There’s no way we could leave this one off the list… The Muppets’ 1992 take on the classic Charles Dickens tale features Gonzo the Great (voiced by Dave Goelz) as Mr. Dickens himself, as he narrates a faithful adaptation of the tale of the redemption of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Kermit the Frog (here voiced by Steve Whitmire, as Disney Legend Jim Henson had only recently passed when this film was made) takes on the role of Bob Cratchit, and Fozzie Bear (voiced by Frank Oz) costars as Fozziwig, obviously. With songs by The Muppet Movie’s Paul Williams and amazing performances by humans and Muppets alike, this a veritable holiday staple.

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, Elsa (voiced by Disney Legend Idina Menzel) is inside the ice castle she just created. She’s wearing the iconic icy blue gown; crystals are flying from her hands, and she is singing.

Frozen >
The one that started it all! Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2013 Oscar® winner is a perfect “gather the fam”-type film for a cozy night in. Perpetually optimistic princess Anna (voiced by Disney Legend Kristin Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with mountain man Kristoff (voiced by Disney Legend Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister, newly minted queen Elsa (voiced by Disney Legend Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. With help from a sunny snowman named Olaf (voiced by Disney Legend Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana, Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) is on the back of her vessel, steering by holding an oar; there is an island in the distance behind her, and her hair is swept back somewhat by the wind.

Moana >
Feel like warming up after a trek through Arendelle? We’ve got just the thing! This Walt Disney Animation Studios 2017 hit follows an adventurous teen (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) as she sails out on a daring mission to save her people. Early on, she meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), who guides her on her journey to become a master wayfinder. Together they sail across a vast ocean, encountering gigantic monsters and impossible odds… all while Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always desired: her own identity.

In an image from Disney’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Eglantine Price (Disney Legend Angela Lansbury) is sitting on an animated throne surrounded by the children she’s been charged with looking after during the London blitz (played by Ian Weighill, Roy Snart, and Cindy O’Callaghan). To the right is a bird dressed in a suit and glasses; he’s gesturing seriously with his wing.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks >
Swinging it back to a Disney classic, we’re going with one of our all-time favorites—a film that mixes live action with animation and some fantastic tunes from Disney Legends Richard and Robert Sherman: 1971’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks, starring Disney Legend Angela Lansbury! It’s fall 1940, and eccentric spinster Eglantine Price (Lansbury) has been asked to take in three children (Ian Weighill, Roy Snart, and Cindy O’Callaghan) escaping the Blitz in London. But it just so happens that Eglantine is studying to be a witch, hoping her skills will help hasten the end of World War II. Songs, shenanigans, hilarity, and heart ensue. Also starring Mary Poppins’ David Tomlinson, a fellow Disney Legend.

Elf > (Hulu)
… And now for a few options available to Disney+ subscribers thanks to the Hulu beta launch! In this 2003 film (how is it 20 years old?!), Will Ferrell stars as Buddy—a human orphan raised by Santa’s elves at the North Pole. When it’s discovered that Buddy’s real father, Walter (James Caan) is on the “naughty list,” Buddy decides to travel to New York City to help redeem him with some Christmas spirit. While on this crazy adventure, endlessly enthusiastic Buddy meets Jovie (Zooey Deschanel), a dissatisfied worker at Gimbels department store… and romance, surprisingly, ensues.

In a split image, on the left, a colorized image of Natalie Wood as Susan and Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle in 1947’s Miracle on 34th Street; on the right, Sir Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle, dressed in his “normal” clothing, up on top a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Miracle on 34th Street > (1947 and 1994) (Hulu)
Finally, here’s a two-for-one special! The original Miracle on 34th Street, from 1947, is an absolute classic—starring Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn, and a young Natalie Wood as a little girl who (at least initially) doesn’t believe in Santa Claus. The 1994 remake managed to, thankfully, be just as warm and wonderful (in our humble opinion, at least!) as the ’47 version… thanks to fantastic performances from Mara Wilson as the aforementioned non-believer and Sir Richard Attenborough as one of the best Santas ever committed to celluloid.

Hulu Content, Perks, and Sweepstakes Come to Disney+

While What If…?, the exclusive Disney+ series, imagines alternate realities within the MCU, rest assured that everything you’re about to read is happening in our timeline and is available as we speak! If you’ve been toggling between Loki on Disney+ and The Bear on Hulu, your streaming life is about to get a whole lot easier. Last week marked the beta launch of Hulu on Disney+ for Bundle subscribers, making finding your favorite content even easier.

In addition, D23 Members and Disney+ subscribers now have access to Disney+ Perks which offers 50% off a new D23 Gold Membership and other savings on brands you love like Corkcicle, Sideshow, and Under Armour. To top it off, you can even enter a Disney Cruise Line sweepstakes!

We chatted with Joe Earley, Disney Entertainment’s President of Direct-to-Consumer, to get the inside scoop on this exciting development.

A Seamless Streaming Experience Begins
What’s Hulu on Disney+? Imagine opening your Disney+ app and finding a new Hulu tile, sitting cozily next to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic tiles. Just a click on this tile takes you to a world of Hulu’s extensive content – from award-winning originals to next-day TV shows. All this without the hassle of app-switching!

The Beta Phase: A Sneak Peek into the Future
Why beta? It’s all about perfecting the user experience. The official launch is set for March 2024, but today’s sneak peek helps Disney fine-tune this innovative integration.

“It’s an exciting next step for Direct-to-Consumer,” says Earley. “We’re committed to understanding what our subscribers truly desire.”

Balancing Family-Friendly Content with Adult Offerings
Concerns about content clashes? Earley assures that Disney+ will continue to be a safe space for families. This rollout includes time for subscribers to adjust parental controls, ensuring the right content reaches the right audience.

“Disney+ is all about offering ‘kid time,’ ‘we time,’ and ‘me time,'” Earley explains. This integration promises an exciting, age-appropriate experience for everyone.

The Vision Behind the Integration
This move is more than just convenience. It’s about deepening engagement and expanding content discoverability. “It’s an unbelievable value,” Earley shares. “We’re excited to offer a vast content universe under one subscription.”

Maintaining Standalone Apps
Worried about losing standalone apps? Fear not! Both Hulu and Disney+ will continue as separate entities. Hulu + Live TV and Premium add-ons remain exclusive to the Hulu app.

Disney’s Streaming Strategy: A Broader Vision
Earley highlights Disney’s commitment to optimizing content, marketing, and user experience. “Hulu on Disney+ will increase engagement and reduce churn,” he says, emphasizing innovation and competitive edge.

A Final Word from Joe Earley
Earley’s message to subscribers is clear: “Our Bundle subscription offers an incredible range of content from Disney+ and Hulu, promising endless stories and entertainment.”

Disney Earns 27 Golden Globe Award® Nominations

By Zach Johnson

Earlier this morning, The Walt Disney Company received 27 Golden Globe Award® nominations across its content brands and studios, including Disney Television Studios’ 20th Television, FX, FX Productions, Hulu Originals, Marvel Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Searchlight Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Studios.

Searchlight Pictures leads with eight nominations, with Poor Things earning seven in the Motion Picture categories. Leading in the television categories are FX’s The Bear on Hulu and the Hulu Original Only Murders in the Building, which each received five nominations.

Winners will be announced Sunday, January 7, 2024.

A complete list of all The Walt Disney Company nominations follows below.*

Willem Dafoe plays Dr. Godwin Baxter in Poor Things. His face is disfigured and he sits in an oversized chair. Next to him are several glass orbs and tubes that produce gas.

Poor Things (Searchlight Pictures)
7 Nominations

  • Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
  • Best Director, Motion Picture – Yorgos Lanthimos
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy – Emma Stone
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture – Willem Dafoe
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture – Mark Ruffalo
  • Best Screenplay, Motion Picture – Tony McNamara
  • Best Original Score, Motion Picture – Jerskin Fendrix

Sydney Adamu, played by Ayo Edibiri, Natalie "Sugar" Rose Berzatto, played by Abby Elliott, and Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, Jeremy Allen White, look puzzled in The Bear.

The Bear (FX/Hulu)
5 Nominations

  • Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Ayo Edebiri
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Jeremy Allen White
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role on Television – Ebon Moss-Bachrach
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role on Television – Abby Elliott

Loretta, played by Meryl Streep, performs onstage in Only Murders in the Building. She is holding a swaddled baby and is surrounded by several wicker bassinets.

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu Originals/20th Television)
5 Nominations

  • Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Disney Legend Steve Martin
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Martin Short
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Selena Gomez
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role on Television – Meryl Streep

In a scene from Fargo, Scotty Lyon, played by Sienna King, holds hands with Dorothy "Dot" Lyon/Nadine Tillman, played by Juno Temple, who crouches in front of her.

Fargo (FX)
3 Nominations

  • Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television – Jon Hamm
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television – Juno Temple

Janine Teagues, played by Quinta Brunson, talks to Barbara Howard, played by Sheryl Lee Ralph, in a scene from Abbott Elementary. They are standing in the cafeteria.

Abbott Elementary (ABC/20th Television)
2 Nominations

  • Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Quinta Brunson

In a scene from All of Us Strangers, Adam, played by Andrew Scott, leans forward in a crowded bar. Harry, played by Paul Mescal, drapes his right arm over Adam's shoulder.

All of Us Strangers (Searchlight Pictures)
1 Nomination

  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama – Andrew Scott

Ember, a Fire woman, speeds through a metropolis in a scene from Elemental.

Elemental (Pixar Animation Studios)
1 Nomination

  • Best Motion Picture, Animated

Catherine, played by Elle Fanning, sits cross-legged on her bed in a scene from The Great. She is wearing an ornate brocade dress and appears confused or exasperated.

The Great (Hulu Originals)
1 Nomination

  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy – Elle Fanning

Nebula, played by Karen Gillan, Peter Quill, played by Chris Pratt, and Drax, played by Dave Bautista, suit up for battle in a scene from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (Marvel Studios)
1 Nomination

  • Cinematic and Box Office Achievement in a Motion Picture

In scene from Wish, Asha stands with her arms outstretched as star shines bright above her. They are surrounded by deer, rabbits, raccoons, turtles, and other forest animals.

Wish (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
1 Nomination

  • Best Motion Picture, Animated

*As some of the nominations overlap, these are grand totals for each entity.

Bestselling Author Jeff Kinney Shares Behind-the-Scenes Stories About Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever

By Emily Hewitt

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever, premiering on Disney+ today, is a hilarious and heartfelt animated film that follows the holiday misadventures of Greg Heffley (voiced by Wesley Kimmel). After Greg accidentally damages a snowplow while making a snowman with best friend Rowley Jefferson (voiced by Spencer Howell), he worries he won’t get the new video game console he so desperately wants for Christmas. To make matters worse, he gets snowed in with his family, including his grumpy older brother Rodrick (voiced by Hunter Dillon) and annoying younger brother Manny (voiced by Gracen Newton).

 

The film is based on the book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever, from the wildly successful Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney, who also serves as the writer and executive producer of the new film. Lucky for D23, we had a chance to chat with Kinney about the making of the holiday movie. (Spoiler alert: the conversation discusses plot details.)

“I tried to sort of invert these Christmas stories that are usually about the joy of being together, in this story,” Kinney tells D23. “The last place that Greg wants to be is snowed in with his family, but he can’t do anything to get out of it and it gets more and more stressful for him.”

Greg’s mom’s perspective is especially reflected on-screen as she wants everyone to have a picture-perfect holiday together, juxtaposing Greg’s hopes for the holidays. “I think that she represents a kind of optimism—and Greg represents opportunism,” he explains.

Although the film does show a “nightmarish” side of Christmas, Kinney tried not to be too nihilistic. “You really can’t get away with telling a holiday story without it being really heartwarming,” the author says.

Kinney drew inspiration from a childhood experience: “There was a gift that I really coveted one year, and I found it in the linen closet,” he shares. “There is a big twist in the middle of the story where Greg finds the gift that he wasn’t sure he was going to get and that puts a different twist on things—because now [he’s] going to get it as long as [he’s] good, and that kind of thing did happen to me.”

When adapting the book for film, it was especially important for Kinney to touch upon the irony of Greg being bad, although this is the time of year he is really supposed to be good. He also wanted to include Elfriendo, a stuffed animal elf that watches Greg to ensure he is on his best behavior, to add a horror element to the film.

Kinney wrote the original story when he was in his early 30s and knew little about writing for the screen. In the years since—which have included adapting several of his books for film—Kinney says he’s learned how best to tell a story onscreen.

“What was really great about adapting [Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever] is I can go back to something where I had some good ideas but make it into a really good story,” he admits.

The first book in the Wimpy Kid series, titled Diary of a Wimpy Kid, was published in 2007—and the first film adaptation, of the same title, was released in 2010. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever was published in 2011 and Kinney started developing the film shortly after, though it took 10 years to come to fruition. Around the same time Kinney was asked to create a special for Fox Animation. Thus began a partnership with Fox and then The Walt Disney Company following its acquisition in 2019. In total, Kinney has made seven Diary of a Wimpy Kid films—four live-action films and three animated films.

“I think that Disney films have a certain tonal quality,” Kinney says. “Theirs is a brand that’s really strong and understood by families, and it’s fun for me. It’s a fun challenge.”

He continues, “I think the stories are kind of universal in a way, because they’re the stories of childhood. This story in particular is a whole family story. So, everybody’s experience is reflected on the screen. And I think that the more universal the stories are, the better that they work, not just in the United States, but around the world.”

When making the three animated films based on his books, Kinney wanted to ensure the artistic integrity of the original sources were carried over onto the screen. “We saw the live-action movies where the audience had to make this leap from the page to the actors,” he explains. “[With this film], we wanted to make it feel like Greg’s diaries became real—and I hope that we’ve achieved that.”

For the latest animated Christmas-themed chapter in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Kinney says he has one particular wish: “The hope of anybody that ever puts together a holiday movie,” he admits, “is that it will become a classic.”

Rejoice in Holiday Magic with these Friends of D23 at Light Up the Season

It’s that time of year to officially Light Up the Season! This Sunday, December 10, D23 Members will once again join us on The Walt Disney Studios lot for a jolly celebration and tree lighting. Amongst the glittering decorations and merry music, guests will be able to meet Disney characters in their festive best, enjoy seasonal sweets, and—of course—shop!  Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift for your special someone or just looking for a little treat for yourself, get to know the friends of D23 bringing exclusive discounts, magical prizes, and more to our celebration:

A young man wearing a black turtleneck and red pants stands with a woman with a red bow in her hair, white shirt, and gingham skirt---both are smiling. On the top left is the logo “Disney |Citizen” and to the far right is a large Citizen watch with classic Disney characters on the face.

A woman festively attired in a silver and pink feathered dress stands in profile with a Citizen watch on her wrist. Next to her is a close-up of the watch featuring Minnie Mouse with a disco ball. The logo “Disney | Citizen is at the lower right corner.

Citizen
Be sure to visit Citizen at this year’s Light Up the Season to shop your favorite Disney, Marvel, and Star Warstimepieces all powered by ANY LIGHT and never in need of a battery. The perfect gift for you, your family, or friends at an incredible holiday discount!

A festive snowy scene in a forest; there is a cabin with illuminated windows at center. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck build a snowman to the left of the cabin, while Goofy and Pluto admire a Christmas tree to the cabin’s right, in this Disney Fine Art Print.

Collectors Editions
Collectors Editions, publishers of Disney Fine Art, is excited to offer D23 Members and Disney Employees exclusive savings on limited-edition Disney artwork! Gold Members will receive 23% off at the booth when presenting their Membership Card. Stop by, shop selections, and meet artist Trevor Carlton who will be painting live!

An array of Disney Chase Visa cards is seen with brand icons from left to right, Captain America’s shield/Avengers, Grogu/Star Wars, Cinderella’s castle at Walt Disney World at center, a Disney100 platinum design with Mickey and Minnie, and Black Panther.

Disney Rewards
Holiday cheer from Disney Rewards. Stop by the Disney Rewards booth across from the Disney Studio Store to pick up a special lithograph for a bit of holiday cheer. While supplies last. Want to learn more about Disney Rewards? Visit DisneyRewards.com to explore the Disney© Visa© Credit Cards. Restrictions apply.

Four images of the Disney100 Platinum Edition showcase signature details. From Top left to Bottom right: Full car view; Close-up of hidden Mickeys in wheel hubcap; closeup of interior with Disney100 on screen control; closeup of seatback with Disney100 embossed.

Hyundai
The magic is in the journey.  Experience the joy of the season at the Hyundai Winter Wonderland. Enjoy a complimentary hot holiday beverage and explore the Hyundai IONIQ 5 Disney100 Platinum Edition—the first-ever vehicle designed with visual input from Walt Disney Imagineering. Learn more at:  https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/2024-ioniq-5-d100-platinum

The Iron Studios figurine of Sorcerer Mickey is seen at the center, with the Iron Studios logo at bottom left. The Disney100 logo is at bottom right.

Iron Studios
Hailing from our roots in Brazil, Iron Studios is on a relentless quest to immortalize the most iconic moments and characters for every fan around the world. We are really excited to bring our collection of the Disney Classics, Marvel, and Star Wars figures to D23 fans at Light Up the Season, so don’t miss out and join us at our booth to catch a glimpse of something special!

The LEGO set build of the alien moon of Pandora is seen on a tabletop.

LEGO
Dive into the world of Avatar in a way you’ve never seen before! Over one million LEGO® bricks were used to create this epic build of the beautiful alien moon of Pandora! Visit the lobby of the Frank G. Wells Building to see the diorama with your own eyes.

A full Lionel train is seen with Mickey Mouse as conductor and Donald Duck close by. The train is green and red with cheerful holiday scenes and a few Hidden Mickeys. The Lionel logo set amid a gold-festooned wreath is at top right with the tagline “Memories that last a lifetime.”

Mickey and Minnie handcar in platinum is at lower left. The Lionel logo set amid a gold-festooned wreath is at top right with the tagline “Memories that last a lifetime is at the right.

Lionel
Lionel is thrilled to help Disney “Light Up the Season,” bringing a line of stunning and imaginative Disney and Disney Pixar model train products that will add an extra touch of magic to your home this Christmas! From celebratory Disney100, to Disney Princesses, to Toy Story; stop by to see the Lionel team and our amazing train products that make the perfect gift for all Disney lovers. What better way to start your own family tradition than with a Lionel train under the tree and make memories that last a lifetime. If you are unable to attend the event, you can find all our available Disney products, and so much more, at www.lionelstore.com. We hope to see you there!

The Disney branded TABOO game box sits at center, with playing card, sand timer and other game objects in front.

The Op
The Op, also known as usaopoly, is a leading publisher and manufacturer of board games and puzzles for over 25 years! Our diverse portfolio includes award-winning and bestselling titles such as TELESTRATIONS®,BLANK SLATE™, and TAPPLE™ as well as licensed versions of MONOPOLY®, CLUE®, YAHTZEE®, and more. The Op continues to partner with marquee brands and licensors such as Disney and are excited to celebrate the holidays at the game table!

Stop by our booth to play some games and bring family, friends, and fans together to create memorable experiences through play!

At left in profile is a man wearing a Santa hat and a holiday RSVTS short-sheeve shirt. He holds a pile of wrapped presents that are about to tip over. At left are three RSVTS shirts with holiday-inspired prints. The logo Disney| RSVTS is at top.

RSVLTS
RSVLTS is excited for its first D23 Light Up the Season event! We are bringing all D23 Members a second chance to grab some recently sold-out Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars holiday apparel featuring Mickey, Minnie, Iron Man, Darth Vader, and more. We are also bringing along a Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas favorite just for you. Also, discounts will be available for D23 Gold Members. And don’t forget to check out our Limited Edition Disney100 line at RSVLTS.com.