Which Disney Pal Pairing Are You and Your Friend?

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Every day is a good day to celebrate the magic in our friendships, but this Valentine’s Day season, we’re finding extra reasons to honor our buddies during D23’s Pal-entine’s Day celebration! Right now, you’re probably thinking about a special pal—whether they’re a childhood friend, a buddy from work, or just a cool someone you met at the right time. You might know everything about this friend, but there’s one thing any Disney fan should know about their friendship—which Disney pal pairing is most like theirs? Worry not, because we’ve concocted this quiz to help you discover which two buddies from the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, or Star Wars are most like you and your friend.

1. Where did you and your pal meet?

2. How long did it take for you to become friends?

3. You’re going out with your pal—what’s your destination?

4. What’s one word that describes your friendship?

5. You’re going to Disneyland! What are you and your friend doing first?

6. Pick a Disney+ series for you and your pal to binge together

7. Which of the following most describes your friend?

8. Pick one thing to symbolize your friendship

Which Disney Pal Pairing Are You and Your Friend?
Mike and Sully

Mike and Sully

You and your bestie might have started off on the wrong foot, but soon enough you realized that you make a great team! While you might be opposites in some ways, those differences only make the two of you stronger. Together, you can achieve anything—whether it’s rescuing a lost kid or doing hilarious stand up, you’ve created a monstrously great friendship!
Carol Danvers and Maria Rambeau

You’ve got a friendship strong enough to survive space and time! Most likely, your friendship was founded from a shared interest—maybe through work, a hobby, or an invasion of shape-shifting aliens! You both love making the world better... and getting into trouble. When you and your friend work together, you’re flying higher, further, faster as a team.
Luca and Alberto

Luca and Alberto

It’s a big world out there, and you and your friend are determined to explore it together! Your friendship is filled with a sense of wonder, and more often than not, the pair of you can be found trying something new. While the unknown can be scary, you both remind each other to say “Silencio, Bruno!” to your worries and take on whatever new food, activity, or place is next.
Shang-Chi and Katy

Shang-Chi and Katy

As a duo, you bring unique talents to the table, although you’re probably using them for more wacky hijinks than fighting bad guys. You’ve known each other for a long time, growing from goofy kids to... still goofy adults! While you both know how to have fun, when the going gets tough, you always have each other’s backs. Dedicated to supporting each other, you’ve created a legendary friendship that can handle any challenge in life.
Finn and Poe

It only took one moment for this friendship to form, and then you were instantly a pair. Even though you’ve lived totally different lives, it feels like you should have known each other forever. You make great copilots for navigating life, inspiring hope in each other when times get tough. You’ll never find a more perfect pairing in all the galaxy then you and your bestie!
Tiana and Charlotte

Tiana and Charlotte

Since childhood, you and your bestie have been believing in fairy tales and finding magic in the world. You’re both royalty in your own ways, supporting each other’s aspirations no matter how different they might be. If there’s an emergency (be it fashion- or frog-related), you are always ready to drop everything and help your friend.

The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red

By Zach Johnson

In Disney and Pixar’s new film, Turning Red, the relationship between Mei (voiced by Rosalie Chiang) and her slightly overbearing mother, Ming (voiced by Sandra Oh), is, well… complicated. It’s a dynamic director Domee Shi knows firsthand—and one she was keen to explore onscreen. “Back in 2017, as I was promoting my short film Bao, a lot of people kept asking me, ‘Why is this little dumpling a boy?’” Shi recalls. “I would reply, ‘Oh, because I only had eight minutes to tell this story. For a mother-daughter story, I’d need an entire feature film to unpack that.’” Her response turned out to be prescient, because around that time, Shi got to pitch three feature-length film concepts. “All of my ideas were coming-of-age teen girl stories, because that was something I was super passionate about telling,” Shi explains. “At the time, it wasn’t something that I saw a lot of in media or in animated films.”

The idea for Turning Red “was the most personal to me,” adds Shi, noting that it also resonated with Pete Doctor, Chief Creative Officer for Pixar Animation Studios, and the Pixar Brain Trust. “It was weird and very specific. At the end of the day, that’s what draws people to these ideas and stories. It was inspired by my own relationship with my mother.”

Naturally, Mei shares many qualities with her creator. The 13-year-old is confident, dorky, and torn between being her mother’s dutiful daughter and becoming her own person. “Like Mei, I’m an only child,” says Shi. “I was always super close to my parents—especially my mom—since my dad had to go away for work often. It was just the two of us. We did everything together. We commuted together to work and to school in downtown Toronto. We went on mother/daughter bus trips and vacations. But then, as all kids do, I started to grow up. I started changing. I started getting into anime and comics. I hung out with my friends more and more, and less and less with my mom. She didn’t understand why I was obsessed with these fictional characters with huge eyes and colorful, spiky hair! I was being pulled in one direction, but my duty and my loyalty to my mom was pulling me in another.”

However, unlike Mei, Shi didn’t ever “poof” into a giant red panda whenever she got too emotional—which, for a teenager, happens practically all the time. In the film, the initial transformation comes as a surprise to Mei… but, it turns out, it’s part of her family’s history.

“For Mei, the red panda is like a magical spark that sets off this internal conflict within herself,” Shi says. “Because up until that [transformation], Mei thinks she has it all figured out—like we all did before we woke up one day and realized all of a sudden we’re covered in body hair, we smell funky, our emotions are all over the place, and we’re hungry all the time. We wanted to use the red panda as an adorable metaphor for the scary, unadorable, awkward, and cringy changes we go through during that age. More specifically, we wanted to explore the nuances of Asian parent-child relationships, from dealing with change to all of the intergenerational conflict and how it shapes who we become. Turning Red is quirky and surreal, but at its core, it’s a mother and daughter finally embracing change in all of its messy and furry forms—even if it means saying goodbye to the relationship they once had.”

Shi’s story is specific, but it is also universal. Early in the process, producer Lindsey Collins recalls, the Turning Red team relayed their own experiences to enrich the story. “The crew brought in their middle school yearbooks and shared stories of their awkward moments in middle school,” she says. “Those of us who are parents shared our bad parenting moments. We really had to be real with one another about our daily failures and our daily successes.”

Such perspectives added nuanced dimension to the evolving mother/daughter dynamic at the heart of the story. Collins, for example, was in a unique position as a mother of three, two of whom are teenagers, and often advocated for Ming. “As I would talk with Domee, our writer, and our story team, it was always coming from a place of: ‘Let’s not be too harsh on the mom!’” Collins says. “Moms don’t necessarily always know what they’re doing.” Through these ongoing discussions, Collins says her priority “was making sure Domee’s voice and tone shone through,” particularly as it pertained to Mei and Ming’s relationship.

Shi says she’s grateful to have the opportunity to tell a story like Turning Red, especially since she longed for “a movie like this” when she was Mei’s age. “It would have been so cool to point to a film that said, ‘This part of your life is going to be messy. It’s going to be scary, funny, awkward, and embarrassing, but it’s going to be OK. You’re going to survive!’”

Turning Red launches exclusively on Disney+ on March 11, 2022.

Want more details on Turning Red? The spring issue of Disney twenty-three features an exclusive cover, as well as conversations with Shi and Oh. The quarterly publication is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps and is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The issue will begin arriving before the end of February.

Exclusive Q&A with Secrets of Sulphur Springs Star Madeleine McGraw

By Victoria Hunt

Secrets of Sulphur Springs actress Madeleine McGraw is giving D23 an exclusive inside look at season two of Disney Channel’s hit show, as well as her life on and off the screen. The teen plays Zoey Campbell, the twin of Wyatt (Landon Gordon) and younger sister of the dangerously curious Griffin Campbell (Preston Oliver). The series revolves around the haunted Tremont hotel in Louisiana, where Griffin discovers looming mysteries of its past. According to McGraw, season two of Secrets of Sulphur Springs is jam-packed with more terrifying mysteries than ever before.

D23: What three words would you use to describe season two of Secrets of Sulphur Springs?
Madeleine McGraw (MM): Mysterious, fun, and creepier.

D23: We are dying to know if the set of the Tremont hotel is just as haunting in real life?
MM: Maybe even more creepy! There are creepy dolls and boxes, and then on the inside of it, the doors are so scary. There are also so many old pictures, which are also kind of terrifying—so, there’s definitely a ghost living in there.

D23: What is your favorite part about playing Zoey?
MM: I love everything about playing Zoey. I love that she’s a twin. That’s probably my first favorite thing, because I’m a twin in real life, too. But I also love that she has a little bit of attitude and that she loves her twin Wyatt. She loves him so much, but she doesn’t like to show it.

D23: What do you want the viewers of Sulphur Springs to know about season two?
MM: We worked really hard on season two and we had the best time filming it. So, I hope everyone enjoys it!

D23: What’s it like to have been part of the Disney family for the last few years?
MM: In one word, I can say it’s been so magical. It’s been such an honor because I’ve grown up watching Disney Channel and I still watch it today. It’s just really cool to think that [one day], my kids will be watching Secrets of Sulphur Springs on Disney Channel.

D23: You’ve mentioned previously that you are a huge Disney parks fan. What’s your favorite part of Disneyland?
MM: I love roller coasters so much. My favorite rides are probably Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and the Incredicoaster. I’m not sure if the Star Wars: Rise of The Resistance counts as a rollercoaster, but it’s pretty fast!

D23: What are you currently obsessed with on Disney+?
MM: I love the new movie Encanto. It is so good. And I re-watch that movie every single night—not even kidding. I love the songs. I hum them. My mom’s like, “Hey, are you really humming Encanto again?” and I was like, “Yes! I love that movie.”

Season two of Secrets of Sulphur Springs is now available for streaming on Disney+.

 

Rise Up, Sing Out Now Airing on Disney Junior—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

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Disney Junior’s Rise Up, Sing Out Inspiring Conversations

It’s positively music to our ears! Earlier this week, Disney Junior debuted a brand-new series called Rise Up, Sing Out—an animated show featuring music-based shorts that showcase an inspiring, empowering, and optimistic message about race, culture, community, and celebrating differences. Check out a featurette about the making of the shorts, above.

The shorts feature music by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson (director of the documentary Summer of Soul… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised, now streaming on Hulu) and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter of the Grammy®-winning musical group The Roots, who also serve as executive producers alongside Latoya Raveneau (Disney+’s The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder). The shorts are produced in collaboration with Oscar®-winning animation studio Lion Forge Animation (Hair Love).

All eight episodes of Rise Up, Sing Out are currently streaming on Disney+, with the first episode having premiered this past Wednesday, February 2, on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Additional episodes will roll out on Disney Channel and Disney Junior into next week. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for all the tuneful, inspirational fun!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

Leave it to the worlds of Disney to color your weekend with lots of incredible viewing… Take to Disney+ and celebrate the 77th anniversary of Disney’s seventh full-length animated film, The Three Caballeros; find out if it’s “Good to be Bad” with a Descendants marathon on Disney Channel; and so much more.

Disney+ Original Documentary More Than Robots to Premiere at SXSW

Our pals over at Disney+ just announced that the Gillian Jacobs–directed film More Than Robots, an original documentary presented by Supper Club and Disney+ and made in partnership with FIRST®, will premiere at the world-renowned SXSW (South by Southwest) Film Festival on March 14—followed by its exclusive streaming debut Friday, March 18, on Disney+. Take a gander at the official trailer for the film, above.

More Than Robots follows four teams of teenagers from around the world as they prepare for the 2020 FIRST Robotics Competition. Viewers will get to know teams from Los Angeles, Mexico City and Chiba, Japan, as they work towards the goal of taking their unique designs all the way to the highly competitive global championships. Despite facing challenges along the way—including limited community resources and the COVID-19 pandemic—the kids persevere… and learn that there is a lot more to the competition than just robots.

For more than 20 years, Disney has supported FIRST with financial, in-kind and mentorship resources. Together with Lucasfilm’s philanthropic initiative Star Wars: Force for Change, FIRST continues to bring hands-on learning opportunities and mentorship to more young people around the world—empowering them not only to think big, but to develop the skills needed to be the next generation of innovators.

Actress Jacobs (Community) makes her feature-length documentary directorial debut with More Than Robots… make sure to mark those calendars!

Everything to Watch During Black History Month 2022

We’re now firmly ensconced in Black History Month—and to honor the occasion (worthy of celebration all year long!), an incredible lineup of content can be viewed across Disney’s streaming services and airing on Disney’s linear networks. From can’t-miss series (Abbott Elementary, grown-ish, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder) to inspiring movie collections, D23 has curated the ultimate viewing guide for content from across the company.

Snowdrop

Korean Drama Snowdrop to Premiere on Disney+

Snowdrop, the highly anticipated original series from Korea, premieres on Disney+ this Wednesday, February 9. A period drama that explores the forbidden love between a young couple trapped in a time of political turmoil, the series features Jung Hae-In, star of Tune in for Love and While You Were Sleeping, and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo in her leading-role debut. All 16 parts will drop (no pun intended) that same day…

When a blood-soaked man (Jung) bursts into the dormitory of a women’s university in Seoul, Korea, Eun Yeong-ro (Jisoo) goes against her better judgment and risks being expelled to hide the man from his attackers and tend to his wounds. Unbeknownst to Yeong-ro, the man has a harrowing secret that threatens to put her friends’ and family’s safety at risk—and the two, who embark on an improbable romance, will have to work together to overcome ample obstacles… An emotional rollercoaster full of excitement, action, and romance, Snowdrop—written by Yoo Hyun-mi and directed by Jo Hyun-tak—follows Yeong-ro as she goes against both family and country to help the man she loves.

“Snowdrop is a heartwarming fictional melodrama about a young couple in love, and as the story unfolds, [they] find themselves enduring an unbearable pain that one rarely encounters in a lifetime,” Jo recently said. “I hope global audiences find this heartfelt series also gripping and suspenseful, as the two come to face their fate.”

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom Expands 50th Anniversary Festivities with New Parades

The fun continues at Walt Disney World Resort for their big 50th anniversary… and The World’s Most Magical Celebration at Magic Kingdom Park at is adding even more magic with exciting new and returning entertainment.

Beginning Friday, February 11, the brand-new Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade! super-sized parade stars nearly 30 of our favorite Disney and Pixar friends, including Nick and Judy from Zootopia, Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book, José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros, plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and more—including the Magic Kingdom debut of Miguel from Coco in his mariachi finery.

The beloved Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will return to Magic Kingdom Park on Wednesday, March 9—which happens to be the anniversary of the parade’s debut in 2014. Dazzling guests since its debut, the parade features beloved Disney characters bringing their individual stories to life on enchanting floats that look as though the characters themselves had a hand in crafting them. One of the highlights? The breathtaking, fire-breathing Maleficent Dragon float, looming 26 feet above the parade route at a whopping 35 feet in length… and it’s returning to the parade looking just as menacing as ever.

But that’s not all: Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire will make its debut on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage on Friday, February 25. The show, newly enhanced for Walt Disney World’s 50th celebration, will incorporate favorite scenes inspired by Frozen, Tangled, and The Princess and the Frog—plus a new opening and a new finale with Mickey Mouse and pals in their sparkling, EARidescent best. Presented multiple times a day, the show includes an all-new, original song titled “Where the Magic Feels Like Home.”

ICYMI: Your Guide to Valentine’s Day Sweets and Treats at Disney Parks Around the World

It’s almost time to celebrate love in all its many forms, and the good folks at Disney Parks around the globe have cooked up some truly delightful ways to win your heart—through your stomach! We’d recommend eating a snack before checking out D23’s colorful rundown; if not, you’ll definitely come away hungry. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya!

Pal-entine’s Day Watchlist: 5 Favorite Disney Movies Celebrating Friendship

By Victoria Hunt

The love we have for our friends is a bond unlike any other. With the season of love approaching, we have compiled a list of our favorite movies to stream on Disney+ with our besties to celebrate these special relationships in our lives. What better way to spend the day than with our friends, some snacks and uplifting Disney classics.

Luca

Luca (2021)
Set on the beautiful Italian Riviera, Luca focuses on the tale of two young sea monsters posing as humans in the little seaside village of Portorosso. The boys, Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) and Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer), along with their new human friend, Guilia (voice of Emma Berman), make the most of their summer above the waves including Vespa rides and lots of gelato, while attempting to hide their true identities. This movie is chalk full of new experiences and fun adventures, just like every great friendship.

Holes

Holes (2003)
After being sent away to a juvenile detention camp in the desert for a wrongful conviction, Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf) meets the teen actually responsible for the crime pinned on him, Hector Zeroni (Khleo Thomas). The two enlist on a mission to escape the detention center and unearth some secrets along the way. During their multi-day journey across the barren Texas desert, the two boys come to realize that this is not the first time their paths have crossed, as a centuries old curse has brought them together once more. Holes is a classic story about overcoming obstacles in order to bring truth to light.

Wreck-It Ralph

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Stuck in a rut, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) is tired of being the villain in his arcade game, Fix It Felix Jr. He desperately desires to be a hero to gain respect and maybe even some friends. With the help of the other misfits of the game world, including the irrepressible Vanellope (voice of Sarah Silverman), he travels through the video game universe to level-up his reputation. Grab your favorite sweet treats and your bestie to watch this hilarious and heartwarming tale.

Monsters University

Monsters University (2013)
Not all friendships start out on the right foot, and Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) and James P. “Sully” Sullivan are certainly no exception in this Monsters Inc. prequel. The two monsters are polar opposites, with Mike focused on his studies and Sully on his social life, but the two share the goal of becoming the top scarer in their class. Hijinks ensue and force the fraternity brothers to set their differences aside to achieve their dreams. Go Oozma Kappa!

The Color of Friendship

The Color of Friendship (2000)
This Disney Channel Original Movie, based on the true story of author and anti-apartheid activist Piper Dellums, has warmed the hearts of Disney fans for over 20 years. Piper (Shadia Simmons), a Black teen from California, is shocked when the South African girl her family is hosting, Mahree (Lindsey Haun), turns out to be white. The girls come from two very different cultural backgrounds, with Mahree living a privileged life in apartheid-era South Africa and Piper being the daughter of an American congressman. The teens soon come to realize that maybe they aren’t so different after all, and with a little work they prove that friendship and love tower over all else.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

By Andie Hagemann

Your weekend lineup is jam-packed with music and adventure! Celebrate the anniversary of The Three Caballeros on Friday. Then, find out if it’s good to be bad with a Descendants marathon airing all-day Friday. Watch a climber explore his famous mountaineer father’s legacy with the premiere of National Geographic Documentary Films’ Torn. Toss your pixie dust in the air because Peter Pan is celebrating its 69th anniversary Saturday. Keep your Sunday scaries at bay with a viewing of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil that evening.

The Three Caballeros—Friday, February 4, on Disney+
Get your dancing shoes ready to celebrate the 77th anniversary of Disney’s seventh full-length animated film! Donald Duck (voice of Clarence Nash) stars in this spectacular animated and live-action adventure that is full of surprises and toe-tapping songs. After Donald receives magical gifts from his Latin American friends, he’s transported on a musical journey with José Carioca (voice of José Oliveira) and Panchito (voice of Joaquin Garay). The sensational music and spectacular colors are a treat for the whole family!

Descendants—Friday, February 4, at 10:55 a.m. ET, on Disney Channel
Kickstart your weekend with a magical Descendants marathon. In a present day Auradon, Ben (Mitchell Hope), the son of King Adam, aka Beast (Dan Payne), and Queen Belle (Keegan Connor Tracy), chooses to grant four children of iconic Disney villains—Cruella De Vil, Maleficent, Evil Queen, and Jafar—the opportunity to live in the kingdom, escaping their island prison and earning a chance at redemption. Are Mal (Dove Cameron), Carlos (Cameron Boyce), Jay (Booboo Stewart), and Evie (Sofia Carson) truly bad or just born that way? The sequels will follow immediately after on Disney Channel.

Torn—Friday, February 4, on Disney+
National Geographic Documentary Films’ latest film examines the life of legendary climber Alex Lowe, who was tragically lost alongside cameraman and fellow climber David Bridges in a deadly avalanche on the slopes of the Tibetan mountain Shishapangma in 1999. Seventeen years after their deaths, the bodies of Lowe and Bridges were discovered, and Lowe’s family traveled to the Himalayas to recover the men’s remains. Watch archival footage of Lowe’s adventures, home movies and emotional interviews with his family in this captivating documentary.

Peter Pan—Saturday, February 5, on Disney+
You can fly… and transport yourself to Never Land as this Disney classic celebrates its 69th anniversary. Wendy (voice of Kathryn Beaumont) and her two brothers Michael (voice of Tommy Luske) and John (voice of Paul Collins) are surprised when a magical boy named Peter Pan (voice of Bobby Driscoll) flies into their bedroom as he chases down his shadow. The children follow Peter and his fairy pal Tinker Bell back to Neverland, but his rival Captain Hook (voice of Hans Conried) and his band of pirates stir up trouble for all.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil—Sunday, February 6, at 5:40 p.m. ET, on Freeform
In anticipation of the wedding of Aurora (Elle Fanning), Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) travels to meet Prince Phillip’s parents for an intimate family dinner. The evening quickly goes south when Aurora’s future mother-in-law, Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer), angers Maleficent and starts a fiery fight that leaves the king near death. When Ingrith’s plan to destroy the fairy population is revealed, Maleficent joins forces with a group of outcasts to battle the queen and her army.

Turning Red Takes over the New Cover of Disney twenty-three

By the D23 Team

What if teenage anxiety transformed you into a giant red panda? It’s the kind of question only the creative minds at Pixar Animation Studios would dare to ask—and answer—in Disney and Pixar’s wild and wonderful new animated feature, Turning Red. The spring issue of Disney twenty-three features an exclusive cover showcasing the cuddly oversized character (the much bigger and furrier version of Mei Lee, a teen with a lot on her mind), as well as a conversation with director Domee Shi and star Sandra Oh about creating this unique tale, which premieres exclusively on Disney+ on March 11.

And later this spring, Doctor Strange will face his greatest challenge as he staves off chaos in Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Co-producer Richie Palmer and star Xochitl Gomez reveal how they tackled the most complicated tale yet in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The new issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also details what guests can expect when they travel on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort starting this March, as writer Will Keck goes “undercover” for the Resistance and manages to sample the exquisite cuisine, “shore excursion,” and entertainment offerings along the way. In another part of the World, Imagineers are putting the finishing touches on EPCOT’s first other-World Showcase Pavilion—the Wonders of Xandar—and discuss the excitement that awaits guests on one of the largest indoor roller coaster experiences in the world. Plus, the stellar journey of pilot droid RX-24, better known as “Rex,” is chronicled in honor of 35 years of the popular Star Tours attraction.

Also included in the Spring 2022 issue of Disney twenty-three:

  • 60 years of “great responsibility” with Spider-Man
  • The magnificent creatures of Disneynature’s epic Polar Bear
  • A new generation of Alice and her friends in Alice’s Wonderland Bakery
  • The deeply rooted Disney connections in Ridley Pearson’s Kingdom Keepers Inheritance: Book One
  • Disneyland Paris’ most iconic attractions, from concept art to reality, to celebrate the park’s 30th anniversary
  • The life-changing Disney Dreamers Academy
  • Regular features including By the Numbers, Character Analysis, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives

Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps and is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of February.

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The Queen of Hearts Tarts Recipe

You’ll lose your head over these sweets! These strawberries and cream tarts are the perfect teatime treat for even the most tempestuous of queens.

Ingredients

For Tarts:

  • 1 package pre-rolled frozen pie crust (in sheets)
  • Strawberry jam
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
  • ½ teaspoon gelatin powder
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 stick (½ cup) butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Icing:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 6 teaspoons milk
  • ½ tablespoon cocoa powder
  • Red food coloring

Equipment

  • 12-hole muffin tin
  • Baking sheet
  • Rolling pin
  • Heart-shaped cookie cutter
  • Circular cookie cutter

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shells

  1. Let frozen pie crust sheets thaw as instructed on the package. Once thawed, preheat oven as instructed on the package. Spray the muffin tin with non-stick spray, or grease with butter.
  2. Roll out the crust dough to about half its current thickness. Using a circular cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough and gently press each circle into the muffin tin. If the sides of the dough extend over the edge of the tin, trim them carefully with a knife. With the leftover dough, cut out 12 heart-shaped pieces using a cookie cutter.
  3. Prick the base of each tart shell with a fork and place the hearts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake both for around 10-12 minutes or until golden. Keep an eye on the oven, as the hearts may bake quicker and may need to be removed sooner than the shells. Allow to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Mock Cream Filling

  1. In the meantime, add the gelatin powder to the cold water and allow to bloom for 5 minutes. In a small saucepan, mix the sugar and milk over low heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. Once the gelatin is ready, add to the saucepan and stir until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
  3. With a stand mixer or handheld beater, beat the butter and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the cooled milk mixture, mixing constantly, until fully combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Icing

  1. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk with a fork or spoon until smooth. Pour half the mixture into a second bowl.
  2. In one bowl, add 5-10 drops of red food coloring and mix. Continue to add food coloring and mix until your desired shade is reached.
  3. In the second bowl, add the cocoa powder and mix. If the mixture becomes too thick, add an additional ¼ teaspoon of milk.
  4. Spoon each of the icings into its own piping bag or plastic sandwich baggie. Cut the tip off the bag very close to the corner, creating a small nozzle for the icing.

Step 4: Assemble the Tarts

  1. Add a spoonful of strawberry jam to each tart shell and smooth over the bottom.
  2. Add mock cream by the spoonful until the shell is full. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  3. Carefully pipe the chocolate icing onto half of each tart, and pipe red icing on the other half.
  4. Place one of the pie crust hearts onto each tart, aligned in the middle.
  5. Allow the icing to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Year of the Tiger: 5 Favorite Striped Disney Pals

By Victoria Hunt

Disney has a long history of memorable animal characters gracing our screens—from Pascal the Chameleon in Tangled and Dug in Up to Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio and everyone in between. But since today is Lunar New Year, and it’s ringing in the Year of the Tiger, that got us reminiscing about Disney-related, not-so-ferocious felines.

So to celebrate the spring festival, we’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite Disney tigers! Take a look and see if you roar with agreement…

Tigger

Tigger (The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, 1977)
Between his bouncy tail and his infectious positivity, Tigger has stolen our hearts for almost 30 years. 

Rajah

Rajah (Aladdin, 1992)
Rajah may be a little rough around the edges, but it’s only because of his fierce loyalty and love for his best friend, Jasmine.

Shere Khan

Shere Khan (The Jungle Book, 1967)
Shere Khan isn’t the cuddliest tiger of the bunch, yet we love him because he’s confident and suave!

Tillie Tiger

Tillie Tiger (Elmer Elephant, 1936)
In this Silly Symphony classic, Tillie is not only the cutest little “kitty,” but also one of the first tigers featured in a Disney film.

Bonus Cub:

Chandu

Chandu (Tokyo Disney Resort)
Chandu—though not be a character in a Disney movie—is an adorably important part of Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage at Tokyo DisneySea… so we just had to include him!

Your Guide to Valentine’s Day Sweets and Treats at Disney Parks Around the World

By the D23 Team

It’s no secret that food is the way to winning hearts—and our love affair with delicious treats at Disney Parks around the world is only just beginning! From Disneyland in Anaheim to Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney Parks are preparing a selection of tasty treats that you and your sweetheart can enjoy during Valentine’s Day and throughout the season. So if you’re planning a Disney Parks date sometime soon, check out this guide for everything you need to know about all the limited time treats you need to try.

Walt Disney World Resort

EPCOT

Coral Reef Restaurant (available February 14)

  • Flourless Chocolate Cake: Flourless chocolate cake and dark chocolate crémeux with fresh berries, raspberry whipped cream, and raspberry méringue (New)

Le Cellier Steakhouse (available February 14)

  • Flourless Chocolate Cake for Two: Flourless chocolate cake and dark chocolate crémeux with fresh berries, raspberry whipped cream, and raspberry méringue (New)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

ABC Commissary (available February 11 through 14)

  • Engagement Ring Cake: Chocolate cake filled with raspberry sauce atop a shortbread cookie complete with a white chocolate engagement ring (Plant-based) (New)

The Hollywood Brown Derby (available February 11 through 14)

  • Red Velvet White Chocolate Mousse: Red velvet white chocolate mousse atop a chocolate cookie (New)

The Trolley Car Café (available February 11 through 14)

  • Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake filled with cream cheese buttercream topped with strawberry buttercream (New)

Resorts

Available at Multiple Resorts February 9 through 20

  • Sweetheart Chocolate Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with hazelnut cream topped with chocolate hazelnut and strawberry buttercream, a white chocolate heart, and strawberry crisp pearls. (New) You can find this tasty treat at the following:
    • Landscapes of Flavor at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    • Centertown Market at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
    • Riverside Mill at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
    • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
    • Good’s Food to Go at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
    • The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Intermission Food Court

  • Sweetheart Sundae: Mickey and Minnie red velvet waffle with strawberry and chocolate swirl, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream (available February 9 through 20) (New)
  • Mickey and Minnie Bouquet: Mickey and Minnie red velvet cake with chocolate topped sugar cookies (available February 11 through 14) (New)

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
World Premiere Food Court

  • Sweetheart Sundae: Mickey and Minnie red velvet waffle with strawberry and chocolate swirl, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream (available February 9 through 20) (New)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (available February 14)

Sanaa

  • Valentine’s Day Candy Bar: Coconut, apricot, caramel, pistachio, and cashew bar coated with milk chocolate and topped with chai cream, red velvet crumbs, and raspberry gel

Disney’s BoardWalk

BoardWalk Bakery (available February 7 through 14)

  • Marshmallow Mountain Cookie: Sugar cookie with a mountain of vanilla marshmallow dipped in white chocolate and finished with Valentine’s sprinkles (New)
  • Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Available individually or in a pack of six (New)
  • Cannoli, Coconut Macaron, Sugar Cookies, and Mickey Cinnamon Rolls in pink and red colors (New)

Flying Fish (available February 11 through 13)

  • Cocoa Breach Vanilla Custard: Cocoa breach vanilla custard with milk chocolate bavarois and feuilletine crunch topped with a heart-shaped under a red chocolate disk (New)

Trattoria al Forno (available February 11 through 14)

  • Porterhouse Beefsteak for Two: Garlic butter, truffled gnocchi gratin, and pancetta brussels sprouts (New)
  • Cherry Cordial Brownie: Cherry cordial brownie base, chocolate crunch mousse, cherry filling, and amaretto panna cotta (New)

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Steakhouse 71 (available through February 28)

  • Strawberry Chocolate Chip Pancake: Chocolate chip pancake with a raspberry cream cheese icing, fresh strawberries, and a chocolate strawberry sauce (New)

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Gasparilla Island Grill (available through February 15)

  • Valentine’s Day Chocolate Cherry Blondie Pop: Chocolate cherry blondie pop dipped in dark chocolate (New)

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

Scat Cat's Club (available February 1 through 28)

  • Mickey Beignet: Mickey-shaped beignet drizzled with cinnamon candy drizzle and Valentine's Day quins with crushed cinnamon candies
  • Baton Rouge Beignets: Two traditional beignets with cinnamon candy drizzle, Valentine's Day quins, and crushed cinnamon candies with a pipette of cinnamon whisky

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Roaring Fork (available February 14)

  • Valentine’s Day Cupcake: Strawberry cupcake with chocolate custard filling topped with buttercream, white chocolate hearts, and heart sprinkles (New)

Disney Springs

Amorette's Patisserie (available February 10 through 24)

  • Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
  • Hearts of Romance Cake: Strawberry short cake (New)

Marketplace Snacks (available through February 26)

  • DOLE Whip Chocolate and Strawberry: Chocolate soft-serve swirled with DOLE Whip strawberry garnished with a chocolate-dipped strawberry

The Ganachery (available through February 14)

  • Sweetheart Minnie Piñata: Chocolate sphere filled with marshmallow and chocolate (New)
  • Ruby Kiss Bon Bons: Kiss-shaped bonbon made from ruby chocolate (New)
  • Strawberry & Champagne Ganache Squares: Strawberry and Champagne chocolate ganache squares

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Park

Red Rose Taverne

  • Gorgeous Grey Stuff: Red shortbread cookie, red velvet cake, raspberry, cookies & cream mousse, and heart sprinkles (available February 1 through 28) (New)
  • Heart-shaped Butter Cookie: Heart-shaped shortbread cookie with strawberry glaze, white chocolate drizzle, and heart sprinkles (available February 1 through 28) (New)
  • Strawberry Sweet Tea: Black Tea with lemon and sweetened with strawberries (available through March 28) (New)

Galactic Grill (available through March 1)

  • Spicy Nash Chicken Sandwich: Fried breaded chicken breast smothered in house-made Nashville hot-inspired sauce, with bread-and-butter pickle chips, and mayo on a toasted bun served with choice of Greek yogurt or french fries (New)
  • Galactic Sunrise Slush: Strawberry limeade with a mix of sliced strawberries and purée served with a light-up glow cube (New)

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (available February 11 through 14)

  • Sweetheart Sundae: Strawberry, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, strawberry sauce, caramel and chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and red sugar sprinkles topped with a chocolate-covered strawberry (New)

Alien Pizza Planet (available through March 1)

  • SpaceDip Pizza Slice topped with spinach & artichoke dip, chicken, capicola, and assorted cheeses

Tomorrowland Churro and Pretzel Stands (available through March 1)

  • Sour Cherry Pretzel: Cream Cheese-filled pretzel with sour cherry sugar (New)
  • Sour Cherry Churro with sour cherry sugar

New Orleans Square Churro Stand and Critter Country Churro and Lemonade Cart (available February 1 through 28)

  • Strawberry Churro: Churro rolled in strawberry sugar

The Tropical Hideaway (available February 1 through 28)

  • Valentine Swirl: DOLE Whip watermelon and cherry swirl

Disney California Adventure Park

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café (available February 14)

  • Valentine Macaron: Red and white macaron and strawberry buttercream filled with strawberry jam and brownie (New)

Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (available February 11 through 14)

  • True Love Sundae: Scoops of vanilla and strawberry ice cream served in a waffle cup and topped with strawberry sauce, cherry whipped cream, sprinkles, and a chocolate-covered strawberry

Town Square Churro Stand (available February 1 through March 1)

  • Sweet Strawberry Dipping Sauce: Sweet strawberry dipping sauce

Lamplight Lounge (available February 11 through 14)

  • The Love That Lasts a Life Time Sweet Cocktail: Raspberry rum, liqueur, pineapple juice, orgeat, lime juice, and raspberry purée (New)
  • The Flame Spicy Cocktail: Raspberry rum, peach schnapps, mango, and raspberry purées with lime juice and firewater bitters (New)
  • The Ex Sour & Bitter Cocktail: Citron vodka, lemonade, blackberries, agave, and angostura bitters (New)
  • Valentine Cocktail Flight: The Ex, The Flame & The Love (New)

Various Candy Locations Around Disneyland Resort Including:

Marceline’s Confectionery, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, and Pooh Corner (available through February 14)

  • “Bee Mine” Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel and red chocolate and decorated in white and dark chocolate with cute little chocolate bee
  • Strawberry Cake Pop: Chocolate cake pop dipped in pink strawberry-flavored chocolate and drizzled with red chocolate
  • “Bee Mine” Cereal Treat: Heart-shaped cereal treat dipped in red chocolate and decorated in white and dark chocolate with a cute little chocolate bee
  • Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallow wand dipped in caramel and dark chocolate drizzled with red and pink chocolate
  • Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberry: Long-stemmed strawberry dipped in dark chocolate and drizzled in white chocolate
  • Milk Chocolate Swirl Strawberry: Long-stemmed strawberry swirled in milk, white, and dark chocolate

Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa

GCH Holiday Cart (available February 1 through March 1)

  • Mickey Mouse-shaped Valentine’s Cookies
  • Heart-shaped Sugar Cookies
  • Chocolate Minnie Mouse-shaped Crisped Rice Treats
  • Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
  • Ombre Macarons

Craftsman Bar (available February 1 through March 1)

  • Tuxedo Strawberry: Raspberry rum, dark crème de cacao, strawberry purée, and half and half served "up" in a chocolate-coated martini glass with strawberry garnish
  • California Crush: Apple whiskey, strawberry purée, lemon, and agave served with a mint sprig and strawberry heart garnish
  • Love’s Lantern: Citrus vodka, raspberry Liqueur, and lime garnished with edible flowers and a glow cube

Disneyland Hotel

Coffee House (available February 1 through March 1)

  • Red Velvet Cupcake (New)
  • Sablé Heart Cookie with raspberry filing (New)
  • Raspberry Mocha (New)
  • Iced Raspberry Mocha (New)

Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill (available February 1 through March 1)

  • Red Velvet Cupcake (New)
  • Sablé Heart Cookie with raspberry filing (New)

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel

Walt’s Cafe (available February 13 through 14)

  • Valentine’s Day Dinner Set: Enjoy a fine dining experience for a romantic evening. (New)

Various Locations at the Hotel (available through March 31)

  • Valentine’s Day Seasonal Cake: White chocolate and strawberry cake with passion fruit (New)

Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Disneyland

Royal Banquet Hall (available February 14)

  • Royal Banquet Hall Valentine’s Day Set Menu for Two: With delicious food and refreshing beverages, enjoy this romantic meal and create unforgettably sweet memories with your significant other. (New)

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

Aurora (available February 11 through 14)

  • Aurora Valentine’s Set Menu for Two: Experience this fine dining treat, special for Valentine’s Day, while overlooking Wishing Star Lake and Shanghai Disneyland (New)

Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disneyland

Ice Cream Cones and Café Orleans (available through March 30)

  • Hot Chocolate Drink: Hazelnut flavored milk with cocoa foam featuring a chocolate slight to melt in the milk (New)

Pan Galactic Pizza Port

  • Chocolate Fondant: Served slightly warm with chocolate melting out from inside and sweet and sour berry sauce or mild whipped cream topped with a chocolate Minnie Mouse bow (New)

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Wind & Waves Grill (available February 14)

  • Valentine's Day 3-course Prix-fixe Menu: Duo of soup and salad, choice of bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin or bay scallop and spring vegetable risotto, and chocolate mousse cake (New)

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)