5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

Several exciting premieres are coming to your TV and assorted streaming devices this week! Step into the O.R. for a new episode of The Good Doctor, airing Monday, with guest star AJ Michalka. The Coterie Crew returns for the season four premiere of Good Trouble on Wednesday. Then, on Friday, Raven is back in San Francisco to help her father in the season five debut of Raven’s Home; that same day, don’t miss the launch of Disney and Pixar’s animated feature film Turning Red. Plus, learn how the heartwarming tale was brought to the screen in the documentary Embrace the Panda: Making of Turning Red later that evening.

The Good Doctor—Monday, March 7, at 10:01 p.m. ET, on ABC
Andrews (Hill Harper) enlists Shaun (Freddie Highmore) and Allen (Bria Samoné Henderson) to help perform a risky surgery to restore the voice of a famous pop star—portrayed by special guest star AJ Michalka. Meanwhile, Reznick (Fiona Gubelmann) and Park (Will Yun Lee) treat a man whose teenage son, Cody (Mathew Horner), is confined to a wheelchair due to complications related to Kabuki Syndrome.

Good Trouble—Wednesday, March 9, at 10 p.m. ET, on Freeform
The Coterie Crew is back… and they’re dealing with the fallout of the season three finale. The long-awaited verdict is in for the trial of Tommy Sung (Kevin David Lin), and Callie (Maia Mitchell) needs to keep Kathleen (Constance Zimmer) from getting in legal trouble. Meanwhile, Malika (Zuri Adele) processes the surprise return of Isaac (Sarunas J. Jackson); Gael (Tommy Martinez) tries to keep Isabella (Priscilla Quintana) in town; and Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) meets with Evan (T.J. Linnard). Plus, a new resident moves into The Coterie.

Raven’s Home—Friday, March 11, at 8 p.m. ET, on Disney Channel
Raven and her zany family are back for season five! When Raven’s father, Victor (Rondell Sheridan), has a health scare, Raven (Raven-Symoné) and Booker (Isaac Ryan Brown) bolt to San Francisco to come to his aid. Of course, hilarious hijinks ensues when Booker fails at babysitting his cousin and must fix things before his mom finds out.

Turning Red—Friday, March 11, on Disney+
Adolescence is a beast! Disney and Pixar’s newest feature film makes its big debut on the streamer. Mei Lee (voice of Rosalie Chiang) is a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between being a perfect daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if sometimes overbearing mother, Ming (voice of Sandra Oh), is never far behind—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships, and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited, she transforms into a giant red panda!

​​Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red—Friday, March 11, on Disney+
After watching Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red, catch this exclusive feature documentary about the all-women team at the helm of the new film. Academy Award®-winning director Domee Shi and her team grant viewers behind-the-scenes access to the creative journey that brought this relatable, hilarious, and heartfelt story to the screen.

 

Disney Alum Shine in Top Acting Categories at the Oscars®

By Tori Hunt

It’s award season in Hollywood and the Oscars® are just around the corner. While we prepare our best formal attire and popcorn to view the ceremony, let’s reflect on how the nominees for Best Actor and Best Actress also just happen to have Disney roles on their resumes.

Will Smith – This fresh prince is no stranger to the Disney family. Smith participated in Disneyland’s 35th Anniversary (1990) and starred in Enemy of the State (1998) for Touchstone Pictures. For National Geographic on Disney+, he’s currently traveling the world from Pole to Pole. But perhaps his most memorable Disney role was that of Genie in the live-action Aladdin (2019).

Benedict Cumberbatch – Marvel fans must be ecstatic to see Cumberbatch in the running for Best Actor. The man behind Doctor Strange (2016)—with major roles in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and Avengers: Endgame (2019)—has been a Disney fan favorite for years.

Jessica Chastain – Chastain earned her first Oscar nomination for playing Celia Foote in the 2011 hit movie The Help, but that isn’t the only time she’s worked with Disney. Her fiery red locks and fierce personality got her cast as Merida in the Disney Dream Portrait Series, where she can be seen straddling a horse with her bow and arrow. We will take a live action Brave anytime now!

Penélope Cruz – Cruz played Angelica in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) and voiced Juarez the guinea pig in the hilarious 2009 movie G-Force. Like Chastain, Cruz was also the face of a Disney princess in the portrait series, portraying Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

Andrew Garfield – We know this might be a controversial opinion, but Garfield may be our favorite Spider-Man (don’t tell Tobey McGuire or Tom Holland). In the 2012 and 2014 Amazing Spider-Man films, Garfield took on the role of Peter Parker and won our hearts. He even made a special appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), despite having handed the spidey suit over to Holland.

Denzel Washington – Oh, how we love him! Washington first made his appearance as a Disney actor when playing Herman Boone in the classic film Remember the Titans (2000).

Kristen Stewart – Yep! Even this Twilight star has a Disney connection. Back when Stewart was a young teen, she was featured in a small role in Disney’s The Thirteenth Year (2003).

Nicole Kidman – While the Oscar winner has yet to fill an iconic Disney-branded role, she did light up our screens as the mysterious Masha in Nine Perfect Strangers on Hulu (2021).

Javier Bardem – You may recognize Bardem from his bone-chilling role as Captain Salazar in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). His undead character attempts to undermine Captain Jack Sparrow in this fan favorite.

Olivia Coleman – The English actress won her first Academy Award® for The Favourite, released by Fox Searchlight just before the studio joined the Disney family. She also voiced Donka in Ron’s Gone Wrong, now streaming on Disney+, and she has an as-yet undisclosed role in Marvel Studios’ upcoming Disney+ series Secret Invasion.

Quiz: Which Disney Animal Are You?

Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red is a coming-of-age story about Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old girl who discovers that she “poofs” into a giant red panda every time she experiences a strong emotion. Like Mei, feelings can get the best of all of us sometimes! Whether you’re angry, excited, gleeful—or maybe even a little down in the dumps—this quiz will help you find out which Disney, or Disney and Pixar, animal you would transform into when you get in your feels…

You have no plans this weekend. What will you do with two days completely to yourself?

Your best friend is having a really bad day. What will you do to cheer them up?

Your favorite ice cream flavor of all time is:

When opening presents on your birthday, which gifts do you gravitate towards first?

Which is your favorite Disney song?

Which Disney Princess would you want to go on an adventure with?

What do you do when you have a difficult problem to solve?

How long do you take to get ready in the morning?

If you could have any of these superpowers, which would you choose?

Finally, which Disney animal is YOUR favorite?

Which Disney Animal Are You?
Hei Hei

Moana - HeiHei

Your muted demeanor is hilarious, but it can get you into sticky situations at times. Like Hei Hei, you enjoy zoning out and letting fate lead your way through life. You are a great friend to chill out with, but seriously—you do need to watch where you’re going!
Marie

The Aristocats - Marie

Just like Marie, you don’t start fights, but you can finish them! You think of yourself as a prim and proper person, but you can also be playful and mischievous. You love your family, friends, and going on adventures... all while looking stylish, too.
Rainbow Unicorn

Like the famous Rainbow Unicorn, you enjoy the finer things in life and know that you deserve the best. Maybe it’s your flashy appearance or your long list of credits at Dream Productions, but people can’t help but take note of your fabulousness!
Rex

Rex is a loyal friend, through and through. Just like you, he’s there when his friends need him, even if he is terrified of almost everything. Honest to a fault and always willing to lend a helping hand despite any anxiety, you and Rex make excellent adventure buddies!
Stitch

Lilo and Stitch - Stitch

You live life on the edge! Like Stitch, you are a lean, mean, destruction machine, but you also have a heart of gold. On the surface you leave most situations in chaos—but deep down you’re warm, snuggly, and would do anything for your friends. Remember: “Ohana” means “family”!
Heimlich

If there is one word to describe you and Heimlich, it’s “ravenous.” Nothing makes you happier than a yummy treat—and you love to spend time with friends at restaurants, cooking at home, or pretty much anywhere you can be simultaneously snacking. You need a lot of sustenance to become a beautiful butterfly!
Terk

Tarzan - Terk

Just like Terk, you are the life of the party! You love to have a good time, throw parties, and get down on the dance floor. You’ve probably given your friends stomach aches from laughing so hard at your hilarious jokes—and you always know what to say to make someone smile.
Scar

The Lion King - Scar

Cool, calculated, with a sleek sense of style. Just like Scar, no one intimidates you... and you intimidate everyone! You’re always one step ahead of the people around you, but you make world domination look easy with your calm, refined attitude. The world better be prepared for what you have in store.

Keep checking D23.com for more information on Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red. And the fun doesn’t end here—join D23 today to get the latest issue of Disney twenty-three, featuring exclusive coverage of Turning Red. Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps and is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. Stream Turning Red on Disney+, starting on March 11th.

Disney+ to Introduce an Ad-Supported Subscription Offering in Late 2022

The D23 Team

In a first for Disney’s premier direct-to-consumer streaming service, Disney+ will expand its offerings for consumers by introducing an ad-supported subscription in addition to its option without ads, beginning in the U.S. in late 2022, with plans to expand internationally in 2023.

“Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price point is a win for everyone—consumers, advertisers, and our storytellers,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. “More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families.”

Disney leads the market with quality and premium ad experiences. It is home to the industry’s premier ad-supported streaming services, including Hulu, a pioneer and leader among all ad-supported video-on-demand subscription services, and ESPN+, which continues to pave the way for direct-to-consumer sports programming and live events. This type of innovation, driven by advertising that is contextually relevant to viewers, will soon extend to Disney+.

“Since its launch, advertisers have been clamoring for the opportunity to be part of Disney+ and not just because there’s a growing demand for more streaming inventory,” said Rita Ferro, President, Advertising, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. “Disney+ with advertising will offer marketers the most premium environment in streaming with our most beloved brands: Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic. I can’t wait to share more with advertisers at the Upfront.”

The ad-supported offering is viewed as a building block in the Company’s path to achieving its long-term target of 230 million–260 million Disney+ subscribers by FY24.

More details, including launch date and pricing, will be announced at a later date.

Dream Big with the New Better Nate Than Ever Trailer—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Disney’s Better Nate Than Ever: New Trailer Unveiled

Ready to dream big? The good folks over at Disney+ recently released the trailer for Disney’s Better Nate Than Ever—a feel-good comedy adventure, complete with showstopping musical numbers, debuting exclusively on the streaming service in just a few weeks. Watch the clip, featuring two new original songs written for the film (“Big Time” and “#GoAWF”), above.

Based on the award-winning novel by Tim Federle (creator and executive producer of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Better Late Than Ever chronicles the exploits of 13-year-old Nate Foster (Rueby Wood). Nate’s got big Broadway dreams, only there’s one big problem—he can’t even land a part in his Pittsburgh middle school’s play! But when his parents leave town, Nate and his BFF Libby (Aria Brooks) sneak off to the Big Apple for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prove everyone wrong. A chance encounter with Nate’s long-lost Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow) turns his journey upside-down, and together they’ll learn that life’s greatest adventures are only as big as your dreams…

The film’s cast is rounded out by Joshua Bassett, Michelle Federer, and Norbert Leo Butz. Written for the screen and directed by Federle, Better Late Than Never debuts exclusively on Disney+ on Friday, April 1!

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

Settle in on the couch (or the streaming location of your choosing!) for another weekend of fabulous viewing fun from around the worlds of Disney. It’s an especially robust few days for animation fans—Coco on Disney Channel, Onward on Disney+, and more—and don’t miss a new episode of ABC’s The Rookie on Sunday. See what else to expect by clicking here.

Coming April 29: The First-Ever Disney Junior Fun Fest!

Calling all kids! The first-ever Disney Junior Fun Fest—a one-day event celebrating the entertaining and music-filled stories of the top preschool TV network’s hit series—will bring magic and merriment straight to fans on Friday, April 29, at Disney California Adventure park.

The event will include sneak peeks at upcoming Disney Junior series; special announcements; surprise appearances; a Doc McStuffins stage show highlighting 10 years of the beloved series; and even Alice’s Wonderland Bakery “Unbirthday Party,” complete with a hands-on cupcake decorating course inspired by the new Disney Junior series. (The class is also available for guests throughout Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, from March 4–April 26.)

Disney Junior Fun Fest will kick off in the morning with a cavalcade of beloved Disney Junior characters welcoming fans and making their way through the park. Throughout the day, look for main stage attractions with fun games, trivia, and music to keep preschoolers and their families singing and dancing together. Guests can also enjoy regular Disney Junior programming at Disney California Adventure, including the Disney Junior Dance Party! and the Spidey and his Amazing Friends photo wall at the Hollywood Backlot.

Additional details, a schedule of events, and special appearances will be announced soon—so keep your eyes peeled!

Schedule, events, offerings, and appearances subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice, including but not limited to dates, times, and sessions. Both theme park admission and park reservation for the same park on the same date are required for park entry. Visit Disneyland.com for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort, including updates on required face coverings.

Disneyland Resort’s Avengers Campus Honors Stan Lee

Also in Disney California Adventure, guests can now see a plaque honoring Disney Legend Stan Lee, and his incredible 100-year legacy, as they enter Avengers Campus.

Lee, whose legacy has inspired generations of fans to find their inner hero, was one of the most prolific and legendary comic creators of all time—so it’s fitting to honor him in Avengers Campus, a land dedicated to the next generation of Super Heroes.

The plaque, near the land’s entrance, reads: “We dedicate Avengers Campus to the incomparable Stan Lee. That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt a real superhero. Thank you, Stan, for inspiring the hero within each of us. You have made us all True Believers.”

7 Marvel Live-Action Series Coming to Disney+ March 16

And speaking of Marvel: In just a few weeks, Disney+ will add more Marvel live-action series titles to its already fabulously expansive content offering in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, including the addition of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and more! See what else you can expect—including an update to Disney+’s Parental Controls—right here at D23.com.

Oscar Isaac Visits Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Earlier this week, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser officially launched at Walt Disney World Resort—see D23’s robust related coverage here, here, and here!—and a very special someone recently helped celebrate the momentous occasion…

As seen in the clip above, courtesy our friends at the Disney Parks Blog, actor and producer Oscar Isaac—who plays Resistance hero Poe Dameron in the latest Star Wars film trilogy—visited the Halcyon starcruiser to tour the ship with Disney Imagineer Scott Trowbridge and try out some of the exciting onboard activities.

For more information on this first-of-its-kind immersive experience, be sure to visit starwarsgalacticstarcruiser.com.

ICYMI: Everything to Eat and Do at the 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World Resort now through July 4 (whether that’s for a sojourn on the Halcyon starcruiser or not), do make sure to check out our comprehensive guide to everything you can eat, see, and do at the consistently colorful and delightfully delicious 2022 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. It’s sure to be a delight to the senses!

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

By Andie Hagemann

Brace yourself for a weekend full of fanciful adventures coming to your TV screens (and assorted streaming devices)! Miguel embarks on a quest to unearth family secrets in Coco, airing on Friday. On Saturday, see if the Sharks invest in the next batch of pitches during the latest episode of Shark Tank. Celebrate the second anniversary of Onward by watching this epic journey full of brotherly love on Sunday; that same day, find out what happens when a princess chooses to go against tradition in Brave. And don’t miss a heart-pounding new episode of The Rookie that evening!

Coco—Friday, March 4, at 5 p.m. ET, on Disney Channel
In this hit Disney and Pixar animated film, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) longs of becoming a musician just like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt)—and refuses to let his family’s multi-generational music ban stop him from pursuing his dream. Anxious to prove his musical prowess, Miguel mistakenly finds himself in the mystical Land of the Dead, eventually befriending a trickster named Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal) before embarking on a quest to uncover family truths.

Shark Tank—Saturday, March 5, at 5 p.m. ET, on ABC
A new batch of hopefuls enter the Tank for a chance at striking a deal in this week’s episode. Look for pitches for a plant-based, natural hair care line for multicultural young men; treats to calm dogs during loud events; and healthy snacks made from an ancient superfood. Meanwhile, a former athlete celebrates originality through art while bringing people together through play with her company. Plus, The Pizza Cupcake’s Andrea Megiatto and Michelle Jimenez update their investor, Lori Greiner.

Onward—Sunday, March 6, on Disney+
In this heartwarming animated film from Disney and Pixar, teenage elf brothers Ian (voice of Tom Holland) and Barley (voice of Chris Pratt) get an unprecedented opportunity to spend one more day with their late father and set out on a magical journey by way of Barley’s van Guinevere. But when the boys’ mom, Laurel (voice of Julia Louis-Dreyfus), finds out they’re missing, she enlists the help of The Manticore (voice of Octavia Spencer). Will the boys complete their mission? Curl up on the couch for a viewing of this comedy adventure in celebration of its second anniversary!

Brave—Sunday, March 6, at 3 p.m. ET, on Disney Channel
Princess Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) is determined to create her own path in life despite the wishes of her parents King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson), in this Disney and Pixar hit. Her actions, defying years of tradition, inadvertently unleashes chaos with the other Scottish Lords—but in the process, she finds a wise old woman who grants her an ill-fated wish. To undo this curse, she must utilize her archery skills and learn the real meaning of bravery before it’s too late.

The Rookie—Sunday, March 6, at 10 p.m. ET, on ABC
This episode—intended for a mature audience—is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats! The precinct is stunned when two people who were scheduled to testify before a grand jury are murdered… the first by way of a drive-by-shooting; the second by way of poisoning, right near the police station’s front desk. With Sergeant Grey (Richard T. Jones) set to testify next, John (Nathan Fillion) and his fellow LAPD officers scramble to save one of their own and catch the culprit before it’s too late.

 

D23-Exclusive Turning Red Mei Lee Red Panda Jumbo Pin (SOLD OUT)

“It’s gonna be Mei” with this fun pin celebrating the release of Disney and Pixar’s newest instant classic, Turning Red. This D23 Gold Member-exclusive oversized jumbo pin is the perfect way to dial up that nostalgia with Mei Lee’s giant red panda alter-ego!

The pin is inspired by the film, which introduces Mei Lee—a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying a dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, is never far away… an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships, and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda! The film premieres exclusively on Disney+ on Friday, March 11.

Our Turning Red pin, offered in a limited edition of 750, will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney beginning at 7 a.m. PT on March 7, 2022.

*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 $24.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of one (1) 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.

7 Terrific Tales from the Turning Red Press Conference

By Courtney Potter

Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red follows Mei Lee (voice of Rosalie Chiang), a confident, dorky 13-year-old growing up in 2000s Toronto, Canada, as she’s torn between staying a dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Ming (voice of Sandra Oh), her protective (if not slightly overbearing) mother, is never far away… an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, a.k.a. her utter devotion to the film’s uber-popular boy band 4*Town; her relationships, including those with BFFs Miriam (voice of Ava Morse), Priya (voice of Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), and Abby (voice of Hyein Park); and her body weren’t enough, whenever Mei gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant, albeit seriously adorable, red panda!

Directed by Domee Shi, who helmed 2018’s Oscar®-winning animated short Bao, and produced by Lindsey Collins—with a screenplay by Shi and Julia Cho—Turning Red will “poof” its way onto Disney+ beginning in just over a week. To celebrate the film’s impending debut, the voice cast and the filmmakers gathered for a rollicking virtual press conference, where they shared some terrific “tails” and meaningful memories about their experiences making the film.

Turning Red

Chiang on discovering how much Mei’s life resembles her own—amazingly so:
“After watching a movie, my mom and I looked at each other and said, ‘This is really similar,’” the newcomer explains. “There are so many odd, really weird coincidences. First of all, my mom’s middle name is Ming. There’s no way they could have known that! And my favorite animals were actually red pandas—before the whole project even started. But the main thing is that my mom, since way before this project, actually calls me Mei Mei! It means ‘little sister’ in Chinese… So, when [Ming in the film] says, ‘Oh, perfect little Mei Mei,’ I’m like, ‘Hey, that’s what I literally went through!”

Oh on the importance of two kinds of relationships—those with friends and those with parents:
“Having young women and young girls in my life, and watching television and films with them over the years, you just realize, ‘I don’t know who sets this up—that girls are [catty]—because I don’t think it’s true,” the Golden Globe® winner explains. “And I think this film is an extremely good representation of deep friendships, the highs and the lows. I have relationships and friendships that are 40 years old. What I love about this film, through the friendships and also the music, is it [shows] that precious time when you’re starting to figure out who you are, when your friends become really, really important.”

Turning Red

Collins on asking Billie Eilish and FINNEAS to create 4*Town’s songs:
“At one point we were like, ‘All right, who’s gonna write the music—and who do we approach?’” the producer says. “I have three teens at home and they’re listening to music constantly. And Billie and Finneas’ music was being played all the time in my house; they were clearly people who were speaking to this generation… So, we thought, ‘Well, let’s ask.’ It felt ridiculous at the time—it’s such a weird ask. They’re super popular. I didn’t even think they were gonna take the meeting. But I think maybe because it was such a weird ask—it wasn’t, ‘Oh, sing us a song’; it was, ‘Can you write boy band songs for us?’—they were intrigued. We went down and pitched it to them, in person. And before the meeting ended, they were like, ‘We’re in!’ It was huge. It was a gift, really.”

Ramakrishnan on her own 4*Town-esque concert experience:
“I remember—and this is gonna be very Canadian of me—going into grade nine, going into high school, and that summer before, I went to my first concert,” she admits. “I went to see [Canadian pop group] Marianas Trench and I lost my mind! I was always wondering, ‘Why do people cry at a concert? Shouldn’t you be excited to be there?’ You would be smiling, maybe laughing, who knows. But then as soon as they came out on stage I was bawling, and I thought, ‘I understand now. I understand why I was so emotional.’ I didn’t know exactlywhy, but it just made sense. The importance of music, growing up—it totally shapes who you are.” 

Morse on coming to her character from an authentically teenage standpoint, and what she loves about Miriam:
“I’m currently a high school student,” she explains, “and everybody is just growing and changing together. It can be very stressful and even dark at times, ’cause everyone is going through a lot, and not everyone knows how to handle that. But at the same time, it’s kind of a beautiful thing. Everybody’s in that together and putting their all into living their lives the best they can… I was really inspired by my own friends, putting them into Miriam herself; she is such a supportive and amazing friend to Mei and the other girls. My friends are so supportive and always there for me, no matter what, so I thought it was really cool to kind of ‘give back’ in that way.

Turning Red

Cho recalls collaborating with Shi on the screenplay:
“It was really a joy to be able to embrace all of my own self in the writing of this,” she admits, “and having partners who loved it. We would always encourage each other to bring more and more of ourselves into it. One of the things Domee and I really connected on, pretty early, was the fact that we both grew up really tight with our moms in a way that was beyond culture, beyond anything—it’s just the way we personally developed these relationships with two women who are very strong in very different ways. I think that for us, the story was also—in that sense of transition—going from a girl whose mom is your whole world to a young woman who’s starting to learn to be independent, and how scary that is… The fact [is] our moms are still very much a part of our lives, but we had to find a newrelationship with them. So, I think a lot of that definitely went into this story, and into these characters.”

Shi on advice for other women directors, and what she hopes audiences—especially young girls—take away from the film:
“Being able to find a support system and a community at Pixar, that was so valuable for me—and really built my confidence and my voice as a filmmaker and a storyteller,” the director explains. “When I first started at Pixar, there were four or five women in the story department—and we started having lunches together and sharing stories. I remember this one lunch where we all went around and said our goals out loud—and that was the first time that I actually said, aloud, ‘I want to direct!’ Then I was embarrassed and thought, ‘Oh no. Why did I say that?’ But everyone responded, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah!’ And I think just saying it and putting it out there—and being with people that support and validate you—that can make you not feel so alone… That was huge for me.”

“The inspiration behind Turning Red just came from my own life—growing up in the early aughts as a Chinese Canadian dorky, sassy, nerdy girl who thought she had everything under control,” she continues. “She was her mom’s good little girl. And then boom, puberty hit. And I was bigger. I was hairier. I was hungry all the time. I was a hormonal mess and I was fighting with my mom like every other day. Making this film was kind of my chance to go back to that time—to make [something] for 13-year-old me, the teenager who thought, ‘What’s happening to me? No one’s telling me anything!’ I think it’s so cool that audiences can take comfort in the story, but it’ll also make them laugh as well.”

See Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red on Disney+ beginning Friday, March 11!

Hollywood Goes Wild at the World Premiere of Turning Red

By Sarah Sterling

On Tuesday, Hollywood came out to celebrate the world premiere of Disney and Pixar’s 25th animated feature film Turning Red—and­­ has there ever been a more appropriate time for a red carpet? Turning Red is the story of 13-year-old Meilin Lee (voiced by newcomer Rosalie Chiang), an overachieving student, dutiful daughter, and steadfast friend whose life is flipped upside when she discovers her family’s big, hairy secret. When the women in Mei’s family reach adolescence, they gain the power to transform into gigantic red pandas! But is this power a blessing or a curse? Mei must decide between being her mother’s perfect “Mei Mei” and embracing who she really is (furballs and all).

Turning Red

Mei’s story heavily centers around her very close group of friends. These girls do everything together, whether it’s causing chaos at middle school or convincing their parents to let them go to a 4*Town concert. Miriam, Priya, and Abby love Mei for who she is and are a key part in helping her tame her inner beast. On the red carpet, we spoke to Ava Morse, who voices Miriam, about the strong female friendship featured in Turning Red. “[Miriam] is so supportive of all of her friends and is always there for [them] no matter what,” Morse said. “To be able to set the road for young girls to have that inspiration for what a true, healthy female friendship looks like? I’m honored to be a part of that.”

Turning Red

Speaking of Toronto’s hottest boy band, 4*Town...

One of the most unique aspects of Turning Red is its noticeable setting in the year 2002. This movie is chock-full of Y2K nostalgia for millennial audiences to appreciate. Mei owns a Tamagotchi-esque virtual pet, she and her friends record themselves doing silly dances on a Hi-8 camcorder, and, YES, they have their very own boy band to obsess over! Grammy®-winning musical artists Billie Eilish and Finneas wrote 4*Town’s hit single, “Nobody Like U” which is sure to have “Everybody” saying “Bye, Bye, Bye” to your old playlists because it is a massive earworm!

Turning Red

4*Town is made up of five members, including Finneas himself, who voices Jesse. Disney fan-favorite Jordan Fisher lends his voice to Robaire, with Topher Ngo, Josh Levi, and Grayson Villanueva rounding out the band as Aaron T., Aaron Z., and Tae Young. These guys are huge boy band aficionados themselves! Villanueva let us know he was especially inspired by *NSYNC and sang their music for his audition tape. Villanueva and Ngo also revealed they are real-life best friends who have supported and mentored each other throughout their musical careers! Ngo told us, “We sing in a cappella groups together and he’s actually a big brother of mine. When I was first in L.A., I didn’t know what I was doing, and he was like, ‘Yo, man! Let’s go get coffee. I’ll sit you down and show you how to do this music thing!’ So, it is so rewarding to be in this film with him.”

Turning Red

Sherry Cola, who voices one of Mei’s aunties, honed in on the core message of Turning Red. “At the end of the day, it’s about embracing who you are and staying true to yourself and letting that red panda unleash when it needs to!” Cola said. These are themes that any person can relate to, and while Pixar has crafted coming-of-age stories before, Turning Red differentiates itself with a pointedly female lens and understanding of the Asian Canadian experience. But this is a universal story, according to director Domee Shi, who explained, “We want to use the red panda in this movie as an adorable metaphor for the scary, unadorable, awkward, and cringey changes we go through during this age."

Turning Red

Turning Red will be available to stream on Disney+ starting March 11.

Stream Turning Red on Disney+

If you live in the Los Angeles area, you can also catch the film at The El Capitan Theatre during a one-week engagement from March 11-17. While you wait, enjoy this gallery from the world premiere below:

Everything to Do and Dine at Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

By the D23 Team

If you’re a foodie fighting the urge to whine about the lack of local treats and eats in your life, we’ve got great news for you: Returning March 4 through April 26, 2022, you can celebrate the cuisine and wine of California at Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival! The beloved festival is back in full force—with a feast of options, both new and classic.

From festival marketplaces to favorite restaurants, you can find delicious delights all around Disney California Adventure park. Eager to taste as much as possible? Grab a Sip and Savor Pass, which allows you to try up to eight different food and non-alcoholic beverage items at participating locations. You can purchase your pass at several spots throughout Disney California Adventure park before you start your culinary quest.

While you’re making plans to eat, drink, and be merry, make sure you check out the other limited-time offerings during the festival:

  • Culinary Demonstrations – Local, visiting, and Disney chefs prepare a few of their favorite recipes on stage—available weekends only!
  • Family Programming – Throughout the duration of the festival, find something fun for everyone in the family, including special activity zones and demonstrations.
  • Cocktails @ Sonoma Terrace hosted by CORKCICLE® – Enjoy an expanded menu of craft brews, signature cocktails, savory snacks, and more.
  • Live Music – Groove to toe-tappin’ musical performances presenting the perfect side dish to complement the bon viveur vibe.
  • Soarin’ Over California – Aspiring aviators can see the state’s natural and manmade wonders as this California classic attraction returns for a limited time!
  • Carthay Circle Winemaker Receptions – Enjoy hand-selected California wines, masterfully paired with an array of small plates.
  • Wine, Beer and Mixology Education & Tasting Seminars – Discover something special when sommeliers, brew masters, and mixologists divulge their industry expertise during these fascinating 45-minute sessions.

Worked up an appetite yet? Make your menu for the day ahead of time by checking out our complete guide to the mouth-watering wonders in store at Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival:

D•Lish

Food Items:

  • Black & Tan Beef Potato Puffs: Karl Strauss Wreck Alley stout gravy and lager micro sponge (available with Sip & Savor Pass)
  • Cubano Slider: Slow-roasted mustard-crusted pork and sliced smoked ham with melted swiss cheese and slice of pickle served on a Hawaiian roll (available with Sip & Savor Pass)

Beverages:

  • Central California Cooler: Peach, apple, orange, and lemon juice (non-alcoholic) (available with Sip & Savor Pass)
  • Chocolate Marshmallow Cold Brew Cocktail: Irish whiskey, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Mexico Origin Coffee, chocolate syrup, almond milk, and toasted marshmallow (New)
  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

Nuts About Cheese

Food Items:

  • Peanut Butter & Jelly Mac with brown sugar streusel and strawberry crackle (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • Next Level Crackers & Cheese: House-made herb crackers with white cheddar-infused fromage blanc, spicy prosciutto spread, and cherry jam (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • SNICKERS Caramel-Peanut Milk Chocolate Mickey Macaron: Chocolate Mickey macaron filled with caramel ganache and SNICKERS pieces (available with Sip & Savor Pass)

Beverages:

  • Spicy Honey-Apricot Cocktail: Rye Whiskey, apricot, orange, lemon juice, spicy honey syrup, and bitters (New)
  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

Uncork California

Food Items:

  • California Artisan Cheese Selection: Habanero Jack and TomaProvence (available with Sip & Savor Pass)
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch: Chocolate-hazelnut mousse topped with chocolate-hazelnut glaze and a gold leaf (available with Sip & Savor Pass)

Beverages:

  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Chardonnay
  • Merlot
  • Pinot Noir
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Brut
  • White Wine Flight
  • Red Wine Flight
  • Green Apple & Lychee Mimosa: Flavors of green apple and lychee (New)
  • Passion Fruit & Banana Mimosa: Flavors of passion fruit and banana (New)
  • Cherry, Yuzu & Ginger Mimosa: Flavors of cherry, yuzu, and ginger (New)
  • Tropical Mimosa Flight
  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

Berry Patch

Food Items:

  • Strawberry Cheesecake with lemon Chantilly (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • Blueberry-Buttermilk Pie (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

Beverages:

  • Cherry-Chocolate-Mint Dessert Cocktail: Vodka, crème de menthe liqueur, cherry, chocolate syrup, coconut cream, and heavy whipping cream (New)
  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

California Craft Brews

Food Item:

  • IPA Sausage Dog on a soft pretzel roll with onion-pepper Jardinière, cheddar cheese sauce, and malt vinegar-jalapeño crunch (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

Beverages:

Beer:

  • Mexican Style Lager
  • Pilsner
  • Sour
  • Hefeweizen
  • Tropical Wheat 
  • Witbier
  • Gose
  • Fruited India Pale Ale
  • Imperial Red India Pale Ale
  • Hazy Double India Pale Ale
  • Bright & Balanced Beer Flight 
  • Bigger & Bolder Beer Flight 

Hard Seltzer and Hard Cider:

  • Boysenberry Lemonade Hard Seltzer 
  • Hard Cider

Novelty:

  • Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

Peppers Cali-Ente

Food Items:

  • Chile Relleno Empanada with arbol pepper salsa and Oaxaca and Cotija cheeses (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • Ají de Gallina: Spicy yellow chile creamed chicken with jasmine rice and olive tapenade (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

Beverages:

  • Cantarito-style Paloma: Reposado tequila, habanero-pineapple juice, rock melon syrup, lime, and Fresca
  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

I ❤️Artichokes

Food Items:

  • Chicharron-crusted Fried Artichoke Dip with smoked pepper crema and Oaxaca cheese (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • Artichoke Toast with Olive Tapenade: Toasted sliced baguette with artichoke cream cheese, topped with olive & artichoke tapenade and drizzled with olive oil (available with Sip & Savor Pass)

Beverages:

  • Passion Fruit Rum Cocktail: White rum, Italian bitter apéritif, passion fruit, orange, guava, orgeat, and lime (New)
  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

Avocado Time

Food Items:

  • Petite Avocado Impossible Burger with dairy-free pepper jack (available with Sip & Savor Pass)
  • Frozen Guacamole: Avocado paleta with lime crema, pico de gallo, and chile-lime seasoning (available with Sip & Savor Pass)

Beverages:

  • Ruby Grapefruit Sparkling Beverage: Grapefruit juice, raspberry syrup, agave nectar, and Topo Chico mineral water (non-alcoholic) (available with Sip & Savor Pass)
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

Cluck-A-Doodle Moo

Food Items:

  • Ranch Wings with hot sauce drizzle (available with Sip & Savor Pass)
  • French Onion Grilled Beef Tenderloin Slider: Grilled beef tenderloin topped with a Gruyère cheese sauce and caramelized onions served on an onion roll (available with Sip & Savor Pass)

Beverages:

  • Blackberry-Lavender Lemonade: Blackberry, pineapple juice, lavender syrup, and lemon juice (non-alcoholic) (available with Sip & Savor Pass)
  • IPA
  • DIPA
  • Belgian Style White
  • Lemonade Lager
  • Sampler Beer Flight
  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

Golden Dreams

Food Items:

  • Honey-Orange-glazed Salmon Salad with citrus vinaigrette (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • Mango-Carrot Gazpacho with grilled shrimp and jalapeño crema (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

Beverages:

  • Orange-Honey Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Mexico Origin Coffee, orange blossom honey, white chocolate, orange juice, vanilla, orange extract, and almond milk (non-alcoholic) (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • Pineapple-Tiki Bitter Cocktail: Aged rum, campari, pineapple juice, orgeat, lime juice and tiki bitters (New)
  • Chardonnay
  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

Garlic Kissed

Food Items:

  • Grilled Top Sirloin with roasted garlic-Gruyère smashed potatoes and black garlic chimichurri (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • Carbonara-Garlic Mac & Cheese with peppered bacon (available with Sip & Savor Pass)

Beverages:

  • Rosemary Bitter Orange Mule: Vodka, Aperol, orange juice, lime juice, rosemary syrup, and ginger beer (New)
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

LA Style

Food Items:

  • Glazed BBQ Pork Belly with furikake-togarashi mac salad (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • Gyro-inspired Flatbread featuring Impossible Ground Beef with chipotle hummus, tzatziki, and spiced crispy chickpeas (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

Beverages:

  • Mezcaleros Ancho Sandia Margarita: Mezcal, ancho chile liqueur, watermelon, mango, lime, and agave nectar (New)
  • Sake-Melon ’75: Sake, ginger liqueur, prosecco, rock melon syrup, and lemongrass-citron purée (New)
  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

Willie’s Churros

Food Item:

  • Mango Churro: Mango sauce, chile-lime sugar, and tamarind chamoy (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

Smokejumpers Grill (mobile order available)

Food Item:

  • Pepperoni Pizza Slider: Angus beef and pork sausage patty, pepperoni, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fried pepperoni served on a ciabatta slider roll and topped with a pepperoncini (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

Beverages:

  • Peach-Blueberry Lemonade with blueberry flavor-filled boba (non-alcoholic) (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • Peach-Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail: Vodka and blue curaçao, peach-blueberry lemonade, and blueberry flavor-filled boba (New)

Churros near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

Food Item:

  • Maple Bacon Churro: Cinnamon sugar, maple icing, and crumbled bacon (available with Sip & Savor Pass)

Sonoma Terrace (mobile order available)

Food Item:

  • Old World Aged White Cheddar Lager Soup with toasted fig and prosciutto sandwich (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

Beverage:

  • Novelty: Red or Green Grapes Glow Cube Charm (can be added to any beverage)

Cocina Cucamonga (mobile order available)

Beverage:

  • Strawberry Horchata: House-made rice and cinnamon beverage with strawberry sauce (non-alcoholic) (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • Strawberry Horchata with Spiced Rum: House-made rice and cinnamon beverage with strawberry sauce and spiced rum (New)

Lucky Fortune Cookery (mobile order available)

Food Item:

  • Mushroom Bao: Hoisin-glazed mushrooms, Asian slaw, and jalapeño in a steamed bao (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

Pacific Wharf Café (mobile order available)

Food Item:

  • Avocado Toast: Smashed avocado on toasted sourdough bread, fire-roasted cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, cilantro, and balsamic reduction (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart (mobile order available)

Food Item:

  • Horchata Cold Brew: Creamy blend of cold brew and house-made rice and cinnamon beverage (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

Paradise Garden Grill (mobile order available)

Food items:

  • Brisket Fries: French fries topped with shredded smoked BBQ brisket, cheddar cheese sauce, pico de gallo, chipotle crema, and green onions (available for Sip & Savor Pass) (allergy-friendly options available) (New)
  • Char Siu Ribs: Chinese-inspired grilled pork ribs with steamed rice and almond-cabbage salad (available for Sip & Savor Pass) (allergy-friendly options available) (New)
  • Impossible Gyro: Seasoned plant-based meat served in pita bread with dairy-free tzatziki, seasoned tomatoes, cucumber, and onions (allergy-friendly options available) (New)
  • Jerk Chicken: Caribbean-inspired half chicken with mango-pineapple salsa served with black beans, white rice, and fried plantains (allergy-friendly options available) (New)
  • Beer-battered Fish Tacos: Baja-style beer-battered fish on corn tortillas topped with slaw, pico de gallo, cilantro crema, and lime wedge with house-made tortilla chips and roasted red chile-tomato salsa (available for Sip & Savor Pass) (allergy-friendly options available) (New)
  • Strawberry Shortcake: Pound cake with fresh strawberries and mascarpone crème (available with Sip & Savor Pass)

Beverages:

  • Bourbon-Strawberry Lemonade garnished with fresh strawberry and mint (New)
  • Mexican-style Lager

Paradise Garden Grill Beer Garden

Beverages:

  • Salt & Lime Lager
  • Honey Blonde Ale
  • Passionfruit Wheat Ale
  • Sour Ale
  • Black Lager
  • Mango Habanero Apple Hard Cider
  • Blueberry Saison
  • Hazy IPA
  • Imperial Stout
  • IPA
  • Barrel-Aged Scotch Ale
  • Mead
  • Beer Garden Flight

Paradise Gardens Special Event Cart

Food Items:

  • Pretzel Bites with beer cheese sauce (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)
  • Berry Cotton Candy (New)

Beverage:

  • IPA

Outdoor Vending Carts Throughout the Park

Food Item:

  • Berry Cotton Candy (New)

Lamplight Lounge Boardwalk Dining

Beverages:

  • Blue Peach-Basil Cocktail: Gin, elderflower liqueur, peach, basil simple syrup, lemon, blue curaçao, and fresh basil (New)
  • Smoked Pineapple Bourbon: Bourbon whiskey, Italian bitters apéritif, honey simple syrup, grilled pineapple, and lemon juice (New)

Lamplight Lounge

Food Items:

  • Ribeye for Two: Share a 28-ounce bone-in ribeye with gastrique-glazed baby carrots, poblano-potato bake, roasted vine tomatoes, cipollini onions, and bourbon-bacon compound butter paired with a specially selected glass of wine and Cookies and Cream Donuts for dessert.
  • Cookies and Cream Donuts topped with crème-filled chocolate cookie pieces served with a vanilla and cookie dipping sauce (New)

Beverages:

  • Blue Peach-Basil Cocktail: Gin, elderflower liqueur, peach, basil simple syrup, lemon, blue curaçao, and fresh basil (New)
  • Smoked Pineapple Bourbon: Bourbon whiskey, Italian bitters apéritif, honey simple syrup, grilled pineapple, and lemon juice (New)

Pym Test Kitchen (mobile order available)

Food Item:

  • Elote Pretzel: Five-ounce pretzel topped with corn three ways, cilantro sprigs, radish, cotija, and flavored crema (New)

Pym Tasting Lab (Sip & Savor Pass and mobile order available)

Food Item:

  • Snack Molecules: Mini pretzels, honey-roasted peanuts, and popped sorghum with spring flavors (New)

Terran Treats

Food Item:

  • Raspberry Spiral Ration: Yellow strawberry spiral churro with berry compote (available with Sip & Savor Pass) (New)

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)

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