5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

October 18, 2021

By Zach Johnson

As two series end, two more begin!

On Monday, The Bachelorette returns for a new season on ABC, followed by the series premiere of Queens. That same night, you can stream the mysterious season finale of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. On Wednesday, a new installment of Marvel Studios: Assembled arrives on Disney+, and the next day, The Next Thing You Eat debuts on Hulu.

The Bachelorette—Tuesday, October 19, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Michelle Young’s journey to find love begins! Thirty men are hoping to impress her with their charm and wit. But before they can attempt to woo her, they’ll have to get through hosts and mentors Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams first. It may be night one, but the men quickly learn it will take more than a good entrance to win this Bachelorette’s heart.

Queens—Tuesday, October 19, at 10:01 p.m. ET on ABC
The series follows a fractured girl group living in the shadows of their once-prominent hip-hop dynasty. Their popularity skyrocketed following the release of a chart-topping single, and the women became regarded as one of the greatest girl groups of their generation. Despite critical and commercial success, the group was plagued by internal conflict and jealousy. Estranged, out of touch, and now in their 40s, the four women (Eve, Naturi Naughton, Nadine Velazquez, and Brandy) reunite for the chance to recapture their fame and regain the swagger they had in the ’90s when they were legends in the hip-hop world.

Only Murders in the Building—Tuesday, October 19, on Hulu
If the walls in the Arconia could talk! In the hilarious and nail-biting season finale, “Open and Shut,” podcasting trio Charles (Disney Legend Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) race toward a resolution… as their own lives are put in danger!

Marvel Studios: Assembled—Wednesday, October 20, on Disney+
Go behind the scenes of Marvel Studios’ Black Widow, directed by Cate Shortland and starring Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow. Hear from the cast and creative team, including stars David Harbour and Florence Pugh and producer Kevin Feige.

The Next Thing You Eat—Thursday, October 21, on Hulu
From chef David Chang and Academy Award^®-winning documentary filmmaker Morgan Neville, the six-episode docuseries explores the seismic changes happening all around us and what they mean for the way we’ll eat in the future. Chang and a diverse cast of characters dare to dive headfirst into what lies ahead, ranging from robots to lab-grown fish, insect farms to artificial intelligence calling all the shots… and everything in between!

Stars in their Rides: What It’s Like to Make Magic in a Walt Disney World Attraction

October 18, 2021October 18, 2021

By Jeffrey R. Epstein

In honor of the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort, we’re sharing a classic Walt Disney World article that was originally printed in Disney twenty-three magazine in 2011 for the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Stay tuned to D23.com for more stories celebrating the past, present, and future of Walt Disney World Resort!

On the opening day of Disneyland on July 17, 1955, Walt Disney made history in countless ways. One of those enduring achievements was combining popular stars of the day with his classic talent for storytelling. So, along with Snow White, Dumbo, and Mr. Toad, on hand that day was Davy Crockett star Fess Parker, who led the parade and the Mouseketeers made their debut (their Mickey Mouse Club wouldn’t premiere until that October). And of course, Walt himself was there—already a huge celebrity to millions of people around the globe.

The tradition of blending storytelling with celebrities has continued to this day. D23 had the chance to speak with some of the talented individuals who have appeared in Walt Disney World attractions from the past and present, lending their voices, bodies, and sometimes hours of time in a makeup chair to create magic for park guests.

Check out the first half of this story here, featuring quotes from Steven Tyler, Allison Janney, and more!

Illeana Douglas
Manager, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (2000 – present)

What was your reaction when you got the call to play Aerosmith’s manager?
At first I thought it was a joke, Growing up, Aerosmith was my favorite band ever! It was the first or second concert I went to. So, of course, I wanted to do it. How I was cast has been a total mystery to me. You wouldn’t think I’d be the choice. I was doing The Drew Carey Show at the time playing his girlfriend. So it may have come from that. Drew did something for Disney [Sounds Dangerous] and it was right around the same time. Whoever pitched me, I’m glad that they did.

What was it like filming with Aerosmith?
The shooting of it was absolutely hysterical. Aerosmith couldn’t remember any of the words. We had to do the whole thing as one take. So if somebody messed up you had to do it again. Between the four guys in Aerosmith, I’d walk on and then they’d say, “Maybe we should ask our… ” And I’d say “Manager! I’m the manager! OK, let’s take it again.” They messed up so many times, I think Steven just put it in his own words. “Yeah, make it happen!” They were the nicest group of people.

What was it like going on the attraction for the first time?
When it came time for the ride, we had to go down to Walt Disney World. It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done in my life, I guess because of the lights being out! And they had an Aerosmith concert at the opening. They were just the best. I have such fond memories of that. I got autographs from everybody. And more times than not, people have come up to me and ask me about it. I think they’re going to mention a movie I’m in. And they say, “You’re on a ride in Walt Disney World!”

What’s it like being a part of Disney history?
Growing up in Massachusetts I think I went to Walt Disney World once, but I was such a huge fan of the animation. Who doesn’t want to be a part of Disney? I hadn’t gone to the parks so much but I was a fan of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and all the movies. I didn’t think about it at the time. I was thinking more about the fun Aerosmith thing. As the years have gone by and the way people keep coming up to me, I am thrilled to have been a part of it. It’s such an elite group—somehow I got snuck in there.

Paul Reubens
Captain RX-24 (Rex), Star Tours, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (1990 – 2010)
DJ R3-X (DJ Rex), Oga’s Cantina, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (2019-present)

Had you been a fan of Disney World and Disneyland?
I am a huge fan of Walt Disney World and Disneyland! Like most baby boomers, these parks and the Mickey Mouse Club played a significant role in my childhood. I was about 3 years old when I watched the opening of Disneyland live on TV. That moment was like the moon landing for little kids. I still remember it. I think every kid in America went to their parents and said, “Take me to Disneyland,” after that broadcast. I finally got to go when I was 12, when my family took a trip out west. It blew my mind back then and still does every time I go. I have family in Florida, and when I go back, we often visit the parks, and I’m always struck by something new. There is nothing like it anywhere. I am in awe of the concept, execution, and technology of Walt Disney World. One of the perks I got from working on Star Tours and other Disney projects was a yearly pass, and I used it a lot. I took a lot of friends to the park and have many great memories from our visits. I’ve even had a helicopter tour of the Florida property, and I was struck by the vastness of the place. I’m also a graduate of California Institute of the Arts, conceived and endowed by Walt Disney himself. So I guess you could say Disney helped start my career.

What did you think when you were approached about being a part of Star Tours?
I was beyond thrilled and said “yes” right away. First, it was a chance to work with George Lucas, someone I admire very much. And it was getting to work with Disney and be part of a theme park ride that was going to change the way people experience theme park rides. It was so cool. It was the first flight simulator ride, which is still very much the standard today. There were so many reasons to be involved with Star Tours; honestly, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough. I’m so happy I did.

What did you think of Rex when you saw him?
Unlike other animated projects I have worked on, I got to see the character pretty close to complete. Usually, it’s just a rough mock-up. But this was far along. I think George Lucas heard my voice in the film Flight of the Navigator and then I got asked to work on it. Regarding the performance, I tapped into the enthusiasm of someone getting to go on this fantastic ride. It was very easy, since I was pretty blown away by the whole experience. I was having the time of my life, as I imagine Rex was.

How was the recording process?
The recording process was pretty straightforward. I only improvised a tiny bit. It was more about fitting a particular reaction into a specific amount of time. With this kind of work, I trusted the creative team behind creating the ride and followed their lead. It was such a joy to see the finished product. Friends called me and said, “The wait time is 45 minutes for this ride, is it worth it?” I said, “Absolutely! It will be a few of the coolest minutes of your life!”

Are people surprised to know you recorded Rex?
People bring it up to me and ask me about it quite often. It’s a variation on Pee-wee’s voice, altered electronically, so it’s not that hard to connect the dots. It’s one of those things I am really happy to be a part of and thrilled to be recognized for.

Eric Idle
Dr. Nigel Channing, Honey I Shrunk the Audience and Journey Into Imagination with Figment (1994 – 2010, 2002 – present, respectively)

What was it like filming Honey I Shrunk The Audience?
We shot it all in one take, because all the action is contained in that wide shot. Like a play really—no close ups and huge 70 mm camera. We would set up the whole piece and then go again.

What was your first reaction when you saw the film?
I found it very impressive. I liked the interaction gags, the mice and so on. Disney kindly flew us all to EPCOT for the opening, and since we had kids they loved it.

Then they flew me and my family to France for the opening at Euro Disney, which was also a great time.

How did they approach you about joining the Imagination attraction?
Bit by bit they would ask me to come back and shoot the character Nigel Channing—to help with links and entertain the audience while they were waiting. It was always just a day shoot. The final time with Figment I was made up as the moon, which took a while. I was happy to meet [Disney Legend Richard] Sherman who wrote that and so many songs.

How do you feel being a part of Disney history—featured in not one but two popular attractions?
I am proud to be in two attractions. I love being able to appear 15 times a day without having to turn up!

Kathy Najimy
Dr. Femus, The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, Magic Kingdom (1995 – 2003)

The makeup process must have taken quite a while?
It was about a four-hour application to make our heads and faces green. It was so much fun. At the time we were trying to figure out what was happening—they showed us sketches of the monster. But it sounded like a ride we’d never seen before. The ground was shaking and you feel the breath of the monster on your neck. So that was so cool.

Did you have fun while shooting?
We had done two days of filming. It was the second day and we were done. Kevin Pollak (Spinlok) had taken the green makeup all off—it took about an hour to get it off. Then the director walked in and said, “I’ve got some bad news… We need to reshoot.” And Kevin literally lost it. He was freaking out. The director and I turned to Kevin and said, “April Fools!” That was one of my best ones ever.

Do you remember what your reaction was seeing it for the first time?
I went and saw it with my now-husband, and I loved it. It was almost a little too scary for me. I thought it was so innovative. I had never experienced anything like it before, and I had been to Disneyland a thousand times. I thought the combination of the live action, the movie, the breaking of the tube the monster was in, the stomping around and the breath on your neck—I thought it was genius. The only thing I’m bummed about is that my daughter never got to see it. But I still have a picture of me and my dog sitting on the director’s chair with the big green watermelon head.

Celebrate Destination D23 with These Cool New T-Shirts

October 18, 2021October 18, 2021

By the D23 Team

Destination D23 Dinosaur! Disney’s Animal Kingdom T-Shirt
Destination D23 Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure EPCOT T-Shirt
Destination D23 Electrical Water Pageant Walt Disney World T-Shirt
Destination D23 Orange Bird Logo T-Shirt
D23 Walt Disney World Characters Logo T-Shirt

Destination D23 is just around the corner—and we can’t wait for all the fun to come November 19 through 21 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort.

Joining us that weekend? Looking for some fantastic, brand-new gear to bring with? Or a collector looking for the latest and greatest? No matter what, you’re in luck: Today, D23 is unveiling a cool new collection of must-have tees… Featuring artwork created just for D23 by Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily—and inspired by the D23 Gold Member Collector Set (part of the 2021 D23 Gold Membership)—the shirts are sure to add some incredible Disney flare to any fan’s wardrobe.

Take a gander below at what you can expect when this new collection goes on sale Monday, October 18, at 7 a.m. PT, only on shopDisney!

Destination D23 Dinosaur! Disney’s Animal Kingdom T-Shirt
Based on the DINOSAUR attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this orange T-shirt features the Time Rover vehicle and a Carnotaur—seen by intrepid adventurers who travel back in time on the attraction’s perilous prehistoric race to rescue 3.5-ton Iguanadon before a meteor strikes!

Destination D23 Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure EPCOT T-Shirt
The newest attraction at EPCOT’s World Showcase, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure obviously requires a cool new T-shirt in time for Destination D23… and this pebble-colored top boasts a depiction of the Eiffel Tower and adorable Remy in his chef’s toque.

Destination D23 Electrical Water Pageant Walt Disney World T-Shirt
This sleek black T-shirt features the fan favorite Electrical Water Pageant (presented on the waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon every night since Walt Disney World Resort’s opening in 1971!), as well as a little peak at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Destination D23 Orange Bird Logo T-Shirt
Of course we had to offer up a shirt featuring the famous Orange Bird himself! This heather grey top also highlights the Destination D23 logo—complete with location and date, so you can remember where and when you gathered with all your D23 friends!

D23 Walt Disney World Characters Logo T-Shirt
Now, this shirt isn’t specifically themed to the Destination D23 event—but it’s supremely cool nonetheless! This navy T-shirt depicts “Florida’s Fab Five”: the Orange Bird; Henry the Bear from Country Bear Jamboree at the Magic Kingdom; Figment from EPCOT’s Journey Into Imagination; R3-X from his “Captain Rex” years at Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and the legendary Yeti from Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom… along with the D23 logo.

All of the above items are available starting this Monday, October 18, at 7 a.m. PT at shopDisney… where Gold Members should be sure to use their D23 Discount of 10 percent off their purchase of $50 or more!

The “Galactic Journeys” Pin Set Celebrates Out-Of-This-World Disney Parks Characters

October 18, 2021October 18, 2021

By the D23 Team

D23 Exclusive Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Pin Set – ”Galactic Journeys” – Limited Edition

A new pin set is blasting off, celebrating the intergalactic characters of Walt Disney World Resort! This pin set was created just for D23 by artists Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily and pays tribute to five of the cosmic characters of the far reaches of the galaxy that have inspired us over the years. These D23 Gold Member-exclusive pins, created in vintage-inspired soft enamel, are the perfect way to celebrate this magical milestone.

To compliment the “Florida’s Fab Five” exclusive pin set included in the D23 Gold Member Collector Set—part of the 2021 D23 Gold Membership—D23 is proud to offer four additional pin sets celebrating 50 years of the Walt Disney World Resort. Read the fall issue of Disney twenty-three for a sneak peek at all four. Want to make your collection complete? Be sure to get the previous sets in the series, “A Most Magical Kingdom” and “The Vacation Kingdom of The World.”

The “Galactic Journeys” pin set includes:

Skippy from The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
SMRT-1 from Communicore
Shaman of Songs from Na’vi River Journey
Dok Ondar from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Nine-Eye from The Timekeeper

Our “Galactic Journeys” pin set, offered in a limited edition of 2,500, will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney at 7 a.m. PT on October 18, 2021.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. Pin sets are sold for $49.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pin sets 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.

We’ve revealed three out of the four collectible pin sets celebrating the original characters of Walt Disney World Resort—stay tuned to next month when we reveal the final set in this series!

Bow Down to the New Queens of ABC

October 15, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Hear ye, hear ye: Queens are coming back to take their crowns!

ABC’s original musical drama series Queens stars Eve, Naturi Naughton, Nadine Velazquez, and Brandy as members of a former ’90s girl group who decide to reunite after a major, public breakup on stage 20 years prior. “Our show is about sisterhood and family,” writer and executive producer Zahir McGhee says. “You fight with your family, and these are people who have been brought back together after a long period of time. We have fights, but we want to see people supporting one another and coming back together. There are always going to be arguments. There is always going to be a hierarchy that exists and is shifting.”

Fans of Eve, Naughton and Brandy’s music will be delighted to see them performing original songs with Velazquez. Grammy^® Award winner Swizz Beatz serves as the series’ executive music producer, adding credibility and style. Says Eve, “The music on the show is honestly incredible. Someone asked me the other day when I would drop another album. If you’re looking for new music, the music on the show is going to feed you—trust me! I am actually hoping this will be a great way to dip my toes and my whole body back into music without having the actual pressure of an album. I’ll get to have fun and be this other character and perform this incredible music. And when you hear it, you’re going to love it!”

Velazquez is the only main cast member with no background in professional music. However, with the support of her co-stars, she’s ready to show what she’s capable of through Queens. “It was an intimidating idea, but I was ready to face things that I’ve been keeping from the world,” she says. “I am musical in my soul. I am a dancer—she’s in there—and through this job, she’s finally coming out. I want to cry! The support of Naturi and Eve and Brandy gives me life. I’ve had a traumatic experience in the entertainment business because I was so afraid to show so much. But I get to be all that here, kind of like my character does. It’s like a second chance to become something and to redefine myself.”

No stranger to the Disney family, Brandy says the series allows her to channel multiple passions into one project. “Queens is such a blessing because I get to do everything that I love to do all on one show with amazing people,” she says. “I’m so excited. I can’t even believe this is happening or that it’s even real! I want this show to last for as long as it can.”

Intended for adult audiences, Queens doesn’t shy away from delicate issues in the music industry. However, the episodes are balanced with moments of levity and nostalgia. “We just want to be as authentic as we should be,” Eve explains. “We’ve lived that time and we come from that time, so it was something that was important to us. There will be some moments, like when people are listening to the music and they see our outfits, our hair, everything, and we want them to be taken back to that time. It’s all about the authenticity.”

“Authenticity” is a word often used by the cast and creative team to describe the series, which premieres Tuesday, October 19, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. “We have a lot of the real people who were there doing it at the time, which gives it a certain level of authenticity,” says McGhee, who is an executive producer alongside Tim Story and Sabrina Wind. “We don’t have a show where you can have five women of color and a man of color front and center. That is just not common on ABC and is not common in broadcasting media. We have the opportunity to tell the breadth of stories about the experience of women of color and Black women in this country that isn’t the pressure of Eve having to be the one Black character to say the thing that matters, right? We’re varied, we’re great, we’re beautiful. The time was yesterday for this show, and the time is today—and the time is tomorrow.”

First Two Episodes of Hawkeye Drop November 24—Plus More in News Briefs

October 15, 2021October 18, 2021

By Courtney Potter

**Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye: First Two Episodes Debut on Disney+ November 24**

This just in, and you’ll wanna mark your calendars for this: The first two episodes of Marvel Studios’ six-episode event Hawkeye will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on November 24! Subsequent episodes will launch each week on Wednesday. Have a look at the new trailer celebrating this announcement, above.

Hawkeye is an original series set in post-blip New York City where former Avenger Clint Barton aka Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) has a seemingly simple mission: get back to his family for Christmas. But when a threat from his past shows up, he reluctantly teams up with Kate Bishop (Haylee Steinfeld)—a skilled archer and his biggest fan—to unravel a criminal conspiracy.

The series—helmed by Rhys Thomas and directing duo Bert and Bertie— also stars Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton, Zahn McClarnon, Brian d’Arcy James, and newcomer Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez. We cannot wait!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

Halfway to Halloween and the time is right… to watch Hocus Pocus! (Who are we kidding; we watch it throughout the year.) If you’d care to join us, it’ll be airing this very weekend as part of Freeform’s “31 Days of Halloween” programming event. As for what else there is to watch from around the worlds of Disney, there’s a truly entertaining plethora of choices—read all about ‘em here.

***Olaf Presents*: New Series of Animated Shorts Coming to Disney+!**

News from the world of Frozen: Disney+ and our pals at Walt Disney Animation Studios just unveiled plans for a new series of animated shorts starring everyone’s favorite lil’ snowman, Olaf, as he recreates moments from Disney Animation classics The Little Mermaid, Moana, The Lion King, Aladdin, and Tangled. See the snowman-turned-storyteller in action in the brand-new trailer, above.

In the shorts, Olaf steps into the spotlight as he takes on the roles of producer, actor, costumer, and set builder for a unique retelling of five fave Disney animated tales. The charismatic snow(show)man demonstrates his theatrical flair, taking on such iconic roles as a mermaid, a genie, and a lion king (and most of the parts in between), as he entertains Arendelle with his delightful abbreviated versions of these beloved stories. Josh Gad once again lends his voice to the perpetually cheerful Olaf, with veteran Disney animator Hyrum Osmond (Moana, At Home With Olaf) directing.

Olaf Presents launches exclusively on Disney+ Day—a global celebration that will come to life across The Walt Disney Company on Friday, November 12 (so soon!)… with new content releases, amazing fan experiences, special offers, and more.

First Look at Disney+’s Home Sweet Home Alone

Another Disney+ Day premiere that’s sure to fill you with cheer is Home Sweet Home Alone, the reimagining of the beloved holiday film franchise. Take a gander at the hilarity in store in the brand-new, first-look trailer, above.

The adventure-comedy follows Max Mercer (Archie Yates), a mischievous and resourceful young boy who has been left behind while his family is in Japan for the holidays. So, when a married couple (Ellie Kemper and Rob Delaney) attempting to retrieve a priceless heirloom set their sights on the Mercer family’s home, it is up to Max to protect it from the trespassers… and he will do whatever it takes to keep them out! Hijinks of epic proportions ensue—but despite the chaos around him, Max soon comes to realize there really is no place like home sweet home.

Directed by Dan Mazer, Home Sweet Home Alone also stars Aisling Bea, Kenan Thompson, Tim Simons, Pete Holmes, Devin Ratray, Ally Maki, and Chris Parnell. Look for it on Disney+ beginning November 12!

Disney Junior Dance Party! Now Back at Disney California Adventure

Good news for families with younger kids who will soon find themselves enjoying Disneyland Resort—as of today (Friday, October 15), Disney Junior Dance Party! has returned to Disney California Adventure park.

This colorful, tuneful live show features high-energy songs, dazzling special effects, and a bunch of beloved characters from some favorite Disney Junior series. Disney Junior Dance Party! is hosted by Finn Fiesta and DJ Deejay, who encourage young and young at heart to sing and dance to their favorite Disney Junior songs. This cool interactive atmosphere practically insists on audience members playing along with Disney Junior faves like Doc McStuffins; Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Mickey and the Roadster Racers; and even Vampirina from the hit Disney Junior series of the same name.

So break out those dancin’ shoes and make sure to visit Disney Junior Dance Party! the next time you’re visiting Disney California Adventure…

Exciting New Trailer for The Beatles: Get Back

A sure-to-be-incredible three-part docuseries is coming to Disney+ just in time for Thanksgiving… and we’re preemptively giving thanks for the amazing footage contained therein.

Directed by three-time Oscar^®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson, The Beatles: Get Back is made up entirely from never-before-seen restored footage of the iconic band, providing the most intimate and honest glimpse into the creative process and relationship between John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr ever filmed.

The docuseries showcases The Beatles’ creative process as they attempt to write 14 new songs in preparation for their first live concert in more than two years. Faced with a nearly impossible deadline, the strong bonds of friendship shared by the four lads from Liverpool are put to the test. Jackson compiled the docuseries from nearly 60 hours of unseen footage shot over 21 days, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg in 1969, and from more than 150 hours of unheard audio… most of which has been locked in a vault for more than half a century.

Watch for The Beatles: Get Back to roll out over three days—on November 25, 26, and 27—exclusively on Disney+.

Go Galactic This Holiday Season with “Bring Home the Bounty”

Star Wars fans, here’s some amazing holiday-related info: Disney and Lucasfilm just launched “Bring Home the Bounty,” a global consumer products, games, and publishing campaign debuting new Star Wars products every Tuesday—now through December 28! It’s all to help fans find that perfect bounty for their family, friends, and or even themselves! (Can you see us raising our hands?)

The 12-week program will include reveals of items inspired by the huge Star Wars universe including Lucasfilm series such as The Mandalorian and the upcoming The Book of Boba Fett; classic content like the Skywalker saga films; new animated series such as Star Wars: The Bad Batch and Star Wars: Visions; and lots more. Each Tuesday, new goods across toys, apparel, action figures, accessories, books, comics, games content, and more will debut on BringHomeTheBounty.com—as well as with retailers around the world, helping fans to fill out their holiday wish lists.

New products and content—including items from Hasbro, The LEGO Group, Funko, Mattel, and many more—will be revealed each Tuesday at 6 a.m. PT/9 a.m. ET, with select pre-orders starting Wednesdays at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET. Products can be found at top retailers globally, including shopDisney. Lightspeed to holiday fun!

**New Marvel Studios’ Eternals Featurette—and Tickets Now On Sale**

We’re just a few weeks away from the debut of Marvel Studios’ supremely anticipated new film, Eternals… and to celebrate, earlier this week, Marvel Studios revealed a new featurette for the film. Whet your appetite by giving it a looksee, above.

Eternals follows a group of heroes from beyond the stars who had protected the Earth since the dawn of man. When monstrous creatures called the Deviants, long thought lost to history, mysteriously return, the Eternals are forced to reunite in order to defend humanity once again. The film stars Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, and Barry Keoghan, with Don Lee, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie. The film is produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore and is directed by recent Academy Award® winner Chloé Zhao.

But that’s not all: Should you want to get a head start on your movie-going experience, tickets are now on sale; visit Fandango.com for showtimes near you and to reserve your seats.

Disney Cruise Line Returns to Favorite Tropical Locales in 2023

Fun news from the good folks at Disney Cruise Line… In early 2023, they’ll be returning to top tropical destinations in the Bahamas—including Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay—as well as the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, sure to delight guests of all ages with their truly one-of-a-kind vacations at sea.

Departing from Port Canaveral, the Disney Wish will sail into 2023 with three- and four-night voyages to Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay. Cruises aboard Disney’s newest ship combine enchanting new entertainment and storytelling, with the unparalleled service and magical moments that guests love when sailing with Disney. And the Disney Fantasy will begin the year with seven-night sailings to several favorite destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Plus, one unique eight-night sailing includes two days in beautiful Bermuda! And in Miami, the Disney Dream will embark on an assortment of four- and five-night cruises to locales including Grand Cayman, Nassau, Castaway Cay, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Meanwhile, in January and February, the Disney Magic will sail from Galveston, Texas, on a variety of four-, five-, six- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean; then, in February and March, the Disney Magic is “going down the bayou” for the first time during a debut season in New Orleans. Departing from the heart of “The Big Easy,” along the mighty Mississippi River, the four-, five-, and six-night sailings will call on the tropical destinations of Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

And as for the Disney Wonder, it will return to the West Coast, sailing from San Diego in April and May with cruises to Baja, Mexico, and the Mexican Riviera.

Bookings will open to the public on Thursday, October 21. More details can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2023 page of disneycruise.com!

**ICYMI: Behind the Spooky New Series Just Beyond on Disney+**

Inspired by the writings of R.L. Stine, each episode of Disney+’s new series Just Beyond tells an astonishing and thought-provoking story of a reality just beyond the one we know… D23 had the very cool chance to hear directly from Stine as well as series executive producer Seth Grahame-Smith; see what they had to say about these perfect-for-Halloween adventures by clicking here.

50 Years of The Vacation Kingdom of the World

October 15, 2021October 15, 2021

By Francesca Scrimgeour, Walt Disney Archives

With the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World underway, what better way to celebrate than by looking back at the grand opening celebration of the Magic Kingdom Park? After the success of the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, Walt Disney recognized the impact an East Coast theme park and city of tomorrow could make. Walt acknowledged that it would be different from Disneyland Park in California, stating, “I’ve always said there will never be another Disneyland, and I think it’s going to work out that way… This concept here will have to be something that is unique, so there is a distinction between Disneyland in California and whatever Disney does in Florida.” Sadly, Walt passed away in 1966 before the ground was broken in 1967 for the construction of Walt Disney World. The new park and resort continued taking shape, though, as Walt’s brother and business partner, Roy O. Disney, put off his retirement to make sure his brother’s dream became a reality.

archives walt disney world — Roy O. Disney with Mickey Mouse in Town Square at Magic Kingdom Park at the grand opening dedication of Walt Disney World. © 1971 Disney

Learning from the previous mishap of a live televised broadcast on the opening day of Disneyland Park, Walt Disney World had a preview month beginning with an opening gala on October 25, 1971. The opening ceremony was filmed and broadcast through NBC across the nation in living color as the television program professes. Guest star Glen Campbell kicked off the program with a walk through the wilderness of the property, strumming his guitar and singing “Today Is Mine.” Disney Legend Julie Andrews starred as the host of the show as she zoomed in on a monorail to tell audiences, “I’m here at the opening of the Walt Disney World in Florida. We’re just a few miles away from Cape Kennedy where men point their space vehicles toward the stars, and Walt Disney decided to launch his final dream.” Throughout the broadcast, Andrews shined as the illustrious narrator, a groovy dancer, and a legendary singer. Other guest stars included Buddy Hackett and Jonathan Winters, who each did their own spin of comedy about the opening of the new theme park.

Another familiar face at the opening was Bob Hope—or, as he called himself, Bob “ex- Mouseketeer” Hope—who also whooshed in on a monorail to the Contemporary Resort, escorted by two Guest Relations Cast Members. Hope complimented the achievement of the vacation resort while sprinkling in his characteristic humor, with jokes like ordering room service delivered by Snow White and being afraid to eat the apple! Summing up his comical and entertaining experience, Hope praised Walt Disney World and how it “is a tribute to the vision, imagination, and genius of Walt Disney.”

The World Symphony Orchestra played an inspiring concert for thousands of invited guests at the foot of Cinderella Castle. The event program for the World Symphony Orchestra professed that it consisted of 145 musicians from 63 nations, 30 states and the District of Columbia, and that “they have been brought together under the auspices of the Federation of People-to-People Programs to affirm the universal meaning and worldwide heritage of symphonic music.” The creation of the group was the idea of Walt Disney Productions, along with help from the U.S. State Department. The World Symphony Orchestra only performed this concert just three times, first for members of the United Nations in the Philharmonic Hall in New York City, then at Walt Disney World, and finally at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The performers all wore special red-and-white ribboned medallions, and the conductor was Arthur Fiedler, who led the Boston Pops Orchestra at the time. The World Symphony Orchestra also participated in the opening TV special, playing Respighi’s “Pines of Rome.”

What is a Disney celebration without a parade? A Grand Opening Parade was held on October 25 to kick off the momentous event with the grandeur that The Walt Disney Company was known for. The parade included 4,000 entertainers with Mickey Mouse leading the procession aboard a giant drum, followed by a merry menagerie of beloved Disney characters. Then, to signal the 1,076-member marching band, Herald Trumpeters of the United States Army Band played a fanfare from atop the roofs of the Main Street, U.S.A. buildings, heralding the arrival of composer Meredith Willson, who wrote the Broadway musical The Music Man. Fittingly, Willson rode on a gazebo-type float while directing the incredible 1,076-member ceremonial band that streamed behind him down Main Street, U.S.A., playing the iconic American Standard from that show: “Seventy-Six Trombones.”

Once the marching band circled around the Central Plaza in front of Cinderella Castle, a mass choir was at the ready in the Castle Forecourt to sing “When You Wish Upon a Star” accompanied by the band. As the song came to a resounding finale, enormous decorative drums which lined the entirety of Main Street, U.S.A. to signify the grand opening of the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World.

Roy O. Disney firmly believed in Walt’s vision of Disney World and as a financial mastermind, he knew that this endeavor was not only a creative milestone but also a very sound business decision. The entire Florida Project meant a great deal to him, and to honor his dear brother, Roy changed the name of the resort from the announced “Disney World” to “Walt Disney World”. Roy felt that “Everybody knows the Ford car, but not everybody knows it was Henry Ford who started it all. It’s going to be Walt Disney World, so people will always know that this was Walt’s dream.”

On a sunny Monday in October with Mickey Mouse by his side, Roy O. Disney dedicated the park and Walt Disney World as a whole to his little brother. Roy proudly read his dedication to the audience, stating, “Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney… and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place… a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn – together.”

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

October 14, 2021October 14, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Take a trip to the future—and the past—when FX airs X-Men: Days of Future Past Friday. Later that night, things get animated on Disney’s Magic Bake-Off when the creative minds behind Big City Greens evaluate three teams of two pastry chefs’ work on Disney Channel. Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” is well underway, and this weekend’s “faboolous” lineup includes three of our favorites: Hocus Pocus, Maleficent, and Toy Story of TERROR!

X-Men: Days of Future Past—Friday, October 15, at 11 a.m. ET on FX
The X-Men fight a war for the survival of mutants across two time periods. The beloved characters from the original X-Men film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from the past in order to change a major historical event and fight in an epic battle that could save our future. The ensemble cast includes Hugh Jackman as Wolverine; James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart as Professor X; Michael Fassbender and Ian McKellen as Magneto; Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique; Nicholas Hoult as Beast; Halle Berry as Storm; Anna Paquin as Rogue; Elliot Page as Kitty Pryde; Shawn Ashmore as Iceman; Omar Sy as Bishop; Evan Peters as Quicksilver; Daniel Cudmore as Colossus; Fan Bingbing as Blink; Booboo Stewart as Warpath; Adan Canto as Sunspot; and Peter Dinklage as Bolivar Trask.

Disney’s Magic Bake-Off—Friday, October 15, at 7 p.m. ET on Disney Channel
The animated series Big City Greens comes to life when the young pastry chefs set out to design cityscape cakes complete with fondant streets, sugar paper maps, and more. Chris and Shane Houghton, Big City Greens’ creators and executive producers, are guest judges!

Hocus Pocus—Saturday, October 16, at 7:15 p.m. ET on Freeform
Pranksters conjure up wild witches from 17th century Salem for a night of zany fun and comic chaos! The 300-year-old Sanderson sisters (Disney Legend Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker) set out to cast a spell on the town and reclaim their youth… but first they must get their act together and outwit three kids and a talking cat!

Maleficent—Saturday, October 16, at 9:25 p.m. ET on Freeform
After a neighboring kingdom threatens her forest, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) places an irrevocable curse on the king’s newborn daughter, Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning). But as the child grows, Maleficent develops a soft spot for her. As the conflict between the two realms intensifies, Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land.

Toy Story of TERROR!—Sunday, October 17, at 11:35 p.m. ET on Freeform
What starts out as a fun road trip for Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Disney Legend Tim Allen), Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), and the gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse when the trip detours to a roadside motel. After Mr. Potato Head (voiced by Don Rickles) suddenly disappears, the other toys find themselves in a mysterious sequence of events that must be solved before they all suffer the same fate!

JUST ANNOUNCED: Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives Heads to Disney+ This November

October 14, 2021

By the D23 Team

For over 50 years, The Walt Disney Archives has been preserving the history of Disney films, television shows, theme parks, books, and so much more—and this November, Disney+ subscribers will get a peek inside its massive collection.

The documentary, which premiered in June 2020 exclusively for D23 Gold Members in celebration of The Walt Disney Archives’ 50th anniversary, is hosted by legendary producer Don Hahn. The film looks at beloved Disney icons, including its theme parks and Studio lot, through an engaging, historical lens, as Hahn speaks with Walt Disney Archives director Becky Cline and other members of the Archives team. Each stop on the adventure offers a look at some of the iconic artifacts that have played a role in shaping The Walt Disney Company. The film, directed by John Gleim, features new interviews with Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger, Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige, Pixar’s Pete Docter, film historian Leonard Maltin, and many more.

Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives will debut on Disney+ November 19. You can watch the trailer for the documentary below:

9 Times Tim Curry Joined the Worlds of Disney and Fox

October 13, 2021

By Courtney Potter

With a long and illustrious career spanning stage, music, television, and film, Tim Curry brings a truly memorable point of view to every character he portrays. Curry’s very first role was in the original London cast of the musical Hair—after which he’s enjoyed a decades-long career delighting all manner of audiences.

Curry is a magnetic performer who, despite some recent health challenges, remains a pop culture icon. Over the years, he’s often joined the worlds of both Disney and Fox; below are nine such occasions the Daytime Emmy® award-winning and Tony® Award-nominated actor brought his signature charisma to screens big and small… Many of these titles are available on Disney+ or Hulu, so make sure to give them a looksee!

Muppet Treasure Island
Curry is probably best known to Disney fans as Long John Silver in the 1996 Muppet-led, Brian Henson-directed adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Young Jim Hawkins (Kevin Bishop) is given a treasure map by a mysterious sailor—after which, he sets sail with his pals, Gonzo and Rizzo, on a high-seas adventure. But when Silver and his crew seize the map and take Jim hostage, it is up to Captain Smollett (Kermit the Frog) and his men to come to the rescue.

The Three Musketeers
Based on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas, this 1993 Walt Disney Pictures film follows the D’Artagnan (Chris O’Donnell) as he journeys to Paris to join the Musketeers, only to find the powerful Cardinal Richelieu (Curry) plotting against them and attempting to make himself king. Despite the remaining Musketeers thwarting Richelieu’s initial plans, further nefarious hijinks ensue… until finally (spoiler alert) the cardinal is conquered once and for all.

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
This 1997 direct-to-video Disney animated feature catches back up with Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara) and the Beast (voice of Robby Benson) as Christmas descends on the castle. Hoping to keep the pair from falling in love, the malevolent pipe organ Forte (voice of Curry) convinces the Beast that Belle has run away—when, in fact, she’s gone with her castle friends to find the perfect Christmas tree. Thankfully, Forte’s ruse is revealed, allowing the fledgling couple to celebrate the holiday together.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Curry’s voice was heard during seasons 5 and 6 of the Lucasfilm animated series—set between the events of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith—as Chancellor Palpatine, aka Darth Sidious. Among several other storylines, Curry’s tenure included Sidious traveling to Mandalore to confront Darth Maul, who had become the leader of Death Watch.

Dinosaurs
Airing on ABC from 1991 to 1994, this Disney-produced live-action (animatronics) series followed the life of a prehistoric family, the Sinclairs—dad Earl; mom Fran; their three kids Robbie, Charlene, and Baby; and Fran’s mother Ethyl—in a modern-day-style setting. Curry’s voice was heard in seven episodes throughout the run of the show, including as the Chief Elder, the dinosaur who presides over all of the government in Pangaea.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
This 1992 Fox sequel finds Curry costarring as the concierge, Mr. Hector, at New York City’s Plaza Hotel—where Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) has managed to finagle a room, using his father’s credit card, after mistakenly catching a flight to the Big Apple during the holidays. Hector and his team are sure there’s something fishy going on, but leave it to Kevin to keep them on their toes.

Garfield: Tale of Two Kitties
In this 2006 Fox follow-up to ’04’s Garfield, Curry provides the voice of Prince XII, a cat—owned by a recently deceased British aristocrat—who bears a striking resemblance to a certain lasagna-loving feline. Lord Dargis (Billy Connolly), the aristocrat’s greedy nephew, had hoped to inherit her estate… but when he finds out he won’t until Prince also shoves off this mortal coil, and with Garfield (voice of Bill Murray) in London after stowing away in owner Jon’s (Breckin Meyer) luggage, mistaken-identity adventures arise.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Curry stars as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in this intended-for-adult-audiences, cult-classic Fox movie musical, first unleashed on the public in 1975. For the uninitiated (which includes those among you who’ve never attended a midnight performance!), the film follows newly engaged Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) as they find themselves stranded inside a castle amongst some very interesting characters. It’s, to paraphrase the film, a night out they’ll remember for a very… long… time.

FernGully: The Last Rainforest
This 1992 Fox animated feature, adapted from the book of the same name by Diana Young, is set in an Australian rainforest inhabited by fairies. One such fairy, Crysta (voice of Samantha Mathis), shrinks a logger named Zak (voice of Jonathan Ward) down to her size… Together, they rally all the surrounding fairies, and the rainforest’s animals, to protect their home from both Zak’s fellow loggers and from Hexxus (voice of Curry), an evil entity fueled by pollution.

Bonus Addition: ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter at Magic Kingdom Park
He’s found himself featured across stage and screen for decades—but lest you think Curry hasn’t yet found his way into a Disney Parks attraction… he has! From 1995 to 2003, Curry’s voice could be heard at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom as an X-S robot known as Simulated Intelligence Robotics, or S.I.R., in the pre-show for ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter.

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**Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye: First Two Episodes Debut on Disney+ November 24**

***Olaf Presents*: New Series of Animated Shorts Coming to Disney+!**

**New Marvel Studios’ Eternals Featurette—and Tickets Now On Sale**

**ICYMI: Behind the Spooky New Series Just Beyond on Disney+**