5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

January 31, 2022January 31, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Fabulous content is headed your way this week! Kick off February with a viewing of hit comedy That Thing You Do! on Tuesday, followed by four episodes of The Chicken Squad on Wednesday. Don’t miss Thursday’s premiere of the ABC News special Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising, which honors Black actresses throughout history as part of The Walt Disney Company’s celebration of Black History Month. Make Friday a double feature night with viewings of the hit movies Snow Dogs and Never Been Kissed coming to Disney+.

That Thing You Do!—Tuesday, February 1, on Hulu
Follow the rise and fall of the fictional one-hit wonder band, the Oneders, in this live-action comedy written and directed by Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks. After their drummer breaks his arm, the band hires jazz drummer Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott), who adds a new flavor to their music, securing them a talent show victory. Under the guidance of manager Amos White (Hanks)—who renames the band The Wonders—they soar to the top of the charts with their 1964 Beatles-style hit song, “That Thing You Do!” But will their newfound fame be too much for the band to handle?

The Chicken Squad —Wednesday, February 2, on Disney+
Four episodes from season one of Disney Junior’s animated series are coming to the streaming service! Watch as three young chicken siblings Coop (voiced by Ramone Hamilton), Sweetie (voiced by Gabriella Graves), and Little Boo (voiced by Maxwell Simkins), along with their retired search and rescue dog mentor, Captain Tully (voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown), team up on problem-solving adventures to help their many animal friends.

Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising—Thursday, February 3, at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC
Celebrate the beginning of Black History Month with an all-new ABC News primetime special. Soul of a Nation returns with an exploration of how Black actresses, a historically overlooked and undervalued group in Hollywood, have in recent years begun to ascend the top echelons of entertainment and American culture. The special includes interviews with award-winning actresses Tessa Thompson (above), Halle Berry, Debbie Allen, Jackée Harry, Marla Gibbs, Regina Hall, and entertainment reporters who look back at the first milestones for Black women in Hollywood, discussing the triumphs, the obstacles, and those who blazed the trail.

Snow Dogs—Friday, February 4, on Disney+
Miami dentist Ted Brooks (Cuba Gooding Jr.) receives the surprise of a lifetime when he finds out he is adopted after being named in his biological mother’s will. Ted travels to the wilds of Alaska to claim his inheritance, but he is soon shocked to find out he is now the owner of seven unruly sled dogs! Adjusting to life in the artic isn’t made any easier for Ted, as mountain man Thunder Jack Johnson (James Colburn) attempts to claim the dogs himself. Will Ted give in and return to his life in Miami?

Never Been Kissed—Friday, February 4, on Disney+
Hilarious hijinks ensue after Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore, above), a junior copywriter at the Chicago Sun-Times, is assigned to investigate teen culture at her former high school. The fresh-faced 25-year-old poses as a student and manages to infiltrate the popular clique thanks to her brother, Rob (David Arquette). Josie gets her desired second chance at the high school experience after being cruelly nicknamed “Josie Grossie” the first time around. However, her plan is soon complicated when she develops a crush on her English teacher, Sam Coulson (Michael Vartan, above). Will she get her story and her fairytale ending?

Set Sail for Fun with Three Enchanting River Cruise Vacations with Adventures by Disney in 2023

January 31, 2022January 31, 2022

By the D23 Team

Your dreams of vacation are coming true! Adventures by Disney is returning to three enchanting rivers in 2023: The Rhine, the Danube, and the Seine! With 27 action-packed departures that include family, adult-exclusive, and holiday-themed sailings, these itineraries offer firsthand experiences of the people, places, and stories of iconic destinations. Take your experience to another level with the help of specially trained Adventure Guides who provide a seamless and authentic experience that is marked by Disney’s signature service.

Escape is Only a Cruise Away

Your journey begins with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, who Adventures by Disney has partnered with to take you on eight-day, seven-night river cruises that are filled with active, immersive experiences.

Rhine River
Have you ever wanted to jump inside a storybook and explore its gorgeous villages and landscapes? On Rhine River cruises, you can experience quaint, colorful villages in-person in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Plus, take a toboggan ride through the black forest; enjoy high-adrenaline thrills at an indoor winter park; and voyage through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley to see up-close views of 30 majestic castles.

Danube River
Set sail into worlds you’ve seen on the big screen when you visit eight unforgettable destinations in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary on the Danube River cruise. Not only can you roam medieval ruins and scale treetop rope bridges, but you can also channel your inner Julie Andrews and marvel at the rolling hills made famous in The Sound of Music!

Seine River
Whether you’re a romantic, a supporter of the arts, or just a fan of adventure, you’ll celebrate the magnificence of France with the Seine River cruise! Enjoy visits to picturesque provincial towns, the historic beaches of Normandy, Monet’s House and Gardens, the dramatic cliffs of Etretat, and Paris—the “City of Lights.”

Plus, Adventures by Disney guests can extend their Seine river cruise vacation with a three-day, two-night Paris Escape. From spectacular views of the “City of Lights” to a private walking culinary tour and an immersive visit to the Louvre Museum guided by a local expert, you won’t want to miss this pre-cruise package.

Specialty, Seasonal, and Themed Departures

In 2023, the Adventures by Disney river cruise lineup also includes a variety of specialty sailings that feature themed offerings onboard and onshore, in addition to the excursions and entertainment already built into each itinerary.

Special adult-only vacations include themed Oktoberfest sailings on the Danube River and Food and Wine cruises on the Rhine River, each offering an extra serving of refinement and fun for culinary connoisseurs and “foodies” alike. Also on the Danube and Rhine, families can discover the spirit of the holiday season during festive Christmas Market cruises.

Adventures by Disney river cruise bookings are open now!

If you’re interested in booking a vacation on these 2023 river cruise sailings, you can take advantage of Adventure by Disney’s Early Booking Offer savings of $500 per person. You can also sail into summer with Adventures by Disney’s 2022 River Cruise Offer savings of $500 per person on select river cruises this year! Availability for these offers is limited.

To learn more about Adventures by Disney, or to book a vacation, guests can visit AdventuresByDisney.com; call 1-800-543-0865; or contact a travel agent.

Adventures of Buck Wild Ushers in a New Era for the Ice Age Franchise

January 28, 2022January 28, 2022

By Zach Johnson

The pack is back!

The all-new animated adventure The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, now streaming on Disney+, continues the hilarious escapades of the beloved sub-zero heroes from the globally successful Ice Age franchise. The characters and stories are timeless… making it hard to believe it’s been two decades since the first Ice Age film was released!

The film’s executive producer, Lori Forte, has been with the franchise from the beginning, working on such feature films as Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009), Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012), and Ice Age: Collision Course (2016), as well as a handful of shorts and television specials, including Surviving Sid (2008), Scrat’s Continental Crack-Up (2010), and Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas (2016)—to name just a few. “I don’t think anyone, especially me, could’ve predicted after we made the first film 20 years ago that there would be another one—let alone several more!” Forte tells D23 in an exclusive interview. “Audiences have really come to love these characters and these stories so much.”

Although the first five films were produced by Blue Sky Studios (which Disney acquired in 2019), Forte feels the characters and stories have always upheld the standards of Disney animation. “Part of the reason people embraced the first film so much is that there were lovable characters,” she says. “It was very funny, it had real heart, and it was about three disparate characters coming together to form a family. The idea that you don’t have to be related by blood to be a family was a very universal theme. As the films continued, we built upon that idea. Families grow and change. People come and go from families. Families expand. With every film, we wanted to incorporate some of those ideas and show milestones in the characters’ lives—how we are changed by them and how we grow by them—so that at the end of each film, they’re not quite the same characters they were when it began, and certainly not the same characters they were when the franchise began.”

The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, a Disney+ Original movie, follows the one-eyed, adventure-loving weasel Buck Wild (voiced by Simon Pegg) as he sets off to rescue the thrill-seeking possum brothers Crash and Eddie (voiced by Vincent Tong and Aaron Harris, respectively) who got trapped beneath the ice in a massive cave inhabited by dinosaurs. With the help of some new friends, including a zorilla named Zee (voiced by Justina Machado), they all embark on a mission to save the Lost World from dinosaur domination.

For years, Forte says, she had hoped to tell a story that centered on the character Buck Wild, who was introduced in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. “Our writers created the character, but Simon brought it to life in ways we would have never expected,” she says. “We just fell in love with him and knew that we didn’t want our journey with Buck to end.”

Pegg, too, had been eager to revisit his role—and making Buck the star of the first film in the franchise to debut on Disney+ afforded them the “perfect opportunity” to do just that, says Forte. “Buck is a lovable character. He’s eccentric, he’s joyful, he’s wacky, he’s wild. He’s the guardian of the Lost World of Dinosaurs! How much more excitement do you need?”

In The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, she says, “We’re giving him a chance to experience new things, to have new relationships, to grow and change. Buck has always been a very solitary character; he’s very much a loner. But in Buck Wild, you’ll see a little bit of how Buck adapts and evolves after all these new characters are thrown into his life.”

Forte began her career in feature animation at Disney, where she was the creative executive on two Oscar^®-nominated titles, Toy Story (1995) and Runaway Brain (1995), and was also involved with The Lion King (1994) and Pocahontas (1995). Forte then became a producer for Fox Animation Studios, where she developed several feature film ideas and conceived the idea to make a movie about an icy world and its extraordinary inhabitants.

After all these years, Forte says there’s “no end” to the stories she wants to tell in the Ice Age franchise. “Look at all of our characters,” she says. “There’s Sid and his kooky family. There’s Diego, who’s got a rich backstory, too; he’s a wonderful, wonderful character. There’s Ellie. So, if Disney wants us to make more films, we have so many stories yet to tell.”

Get Those Puppies! One Hundred and One Dalmatians

January 28, 2022

By Christina Pappous, Walt Disney Archives

Eighty-four. Add fifteen, plus two. A hundred and one! Released on January 25, 1961, One Hundred and One Dalmatians is an adaptation of the children’s novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith. In writing the screenplay, story artist Bill Peet “decided to start the narrative from the dog’s point of view” and notably, the tale is set in contemporary London—a contrast to preceding Disney films that took place in earlier times or fairytale realms.

The film’s aesthetics reflected the larger turn in animation towards a more modern, graphic style with stylized, angular characters and loosely detailed backgrounds. As historian Charles Solomon writes in his essay about the film in The Walt Disney Film Archives, The Animated Movies: 1921–1968 (Taschen, 2016), this “crisp new style tied animation not only to contemporary fine art, illustration, and cartooning but also to the modern aesthetic of industrial design.” Most famously, One Hundred and One Dalmatians was the first feature film to rely on the Xerox camera throughout the animation process; prior to this production, animators’ drawings were inked directly onto animation cels, a labor- and time-intensive process. To reduce cost and increase production efficiency, the studio’s technology genius, Ub Iwerks, began experimenting with using Xerox photography in animation. By the end of the 1950s, he had successfully created a Xerox system that transferred animators’ pencil drawings directly onto cels, maintaining the energy and lines of their work. For a film that involved 6,469,952 spots on Pongo, Perdita and the 99 puppies, the process was quite helpful for directing animator Eric Larson and the rest of the animation team during the three-year production!

Despite these innovations, Walt Disney was quick to cool on the finished film. As Solomon later highlighted, in Ken Anderson’s words, “Walt never liked the visibility of the lines […] he wanted people to believe that these things were not drawings, that these things were actual people. His whole drive had been in that direction.” However, One Hundred and One Dalmatians was a massive critical and commercial success for the studio and went on to earn over $10 million during its initial release. In light of this beloved, nay, “paw-fect” legacy, please enjoy images from the making of this fabulous film and more from our collections and check out One Hundred and One Dalmatians on Disney+!

Play One Hundred and One Dalmatians

Directing animator Eric Larson with Dalmatian puppies.

At the suggestion of Ub Iwerks, animators built and photographed scale models of Cruella De Vil’s car and the lorry to reference when animating the climactic car chase sequence.

Lisa Davis, voice of Anita Radcliff, reading to one of the production’s furry friends. Davis originally read for the role of Cruella De Vil, but concluded she was better suited to voice the gentle Anita.

Model sheet for the Dalmatian puppies.

Story sketches of Pongo.

Walt Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Story and Song vinyl record; note how the cover art employs a model sketch of Rolly.

Quinjet Lands at Disneyland Paris’ New Avengers Campus—Plus More in News Briefs

January 28, 2022

By Courtney Potter

Calling All Recruits: The Quinjet Has Arrived at Disneyland Paris

Avengers, assemble! In anticipation of Disneyland Paris’ brand-new Avengers Campus opening later this summer, our friends at the resort just welcomed the Avengers’ signature aircraft, the Quinjet… See how they got the aircraft safely to its landing place atop the Campus’ central hub in the video, above.

First imagined as an advanced aircraft transport used by Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, there have been several different Quinjet designs throughout Marvel comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, for their Avengers Campus version, the Disneyland Paris team wanted to show a cool, forward-looking aesthetic—but to build a full-size jet, it required additional engineering expertise… which Walt Disney Imagineering found by partnering with British company UK Loco, a longtime collaborator who’d already provided technical input into other amazing Disneyland Paris experiences including Toy Story Playland and Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy.

Just like at Hong Kong Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park, Disneyland Paris’ Avengers Campus will give guests the ability to meet and interact with their favorite heroes in incredible, immersive ways. And why not make a whole Marvel-themed vacation out of it this summer by staying at Disneyland Paris’ newly opened Disney’s Hotel New York: The Art of Marvel? Sign us up!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

If you’ve been jonesing for some animation to delight you this very weekend, you’re in luck—there’s plenty to choose from around the worlds of Disney. Not only can you help celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s 63rd anniversary with a viewing on Disney+, but you can also take in a ’90s animated favorites Hercules and A Bug’s Life over on Freeform. And there’s more where that came from…

Disney to Produce Opening Ceremony for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

Athletes from across the country will converge on the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort when the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games kick off in just a few months’ time… and Disney has just announced that the thousands of competitors, families, and fans in attendance for the games will be treated to incredible entertainment—sprinkled with a little pixie dust, no doubt—with an opening ceremony produced by Disney Live Entertainment!

Special Olympics USA, Experience Kissimmee, and Walt Disney World Resort revealed the news during the recent Special Olympics USA Games’ Head of Delegates meeting at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Walt Disney Company has a long-standing relationship with Special Olympics, including additional sponsorship and in-kind support for the USA Games, as well as staging multiple state and local events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. As the presenting sponsor of the Volunteer Program for the ’22 USA Games, Disney will also support the families and fans cheering on the athletes this summer with cast members and community volunteers.

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will be held from June 5-12!

Marvel Day at Sea Returning to Disney Cruise Line in 2023

In further Marvel-related news… For fans looking for a truly epic vacation in early 2023, the largest assembly of Marvel heroes and villains will be on one ship when Marvel Day at Sea returns to Disney Cruise Line next year.

Now on the Disney Dream, embarking on spectacular voyages out of Miami, Marvel Day at Sea combines the thrills of Marvel comics, films, and animated series with the excitement of a Disney Cruise, making for an unforgettable day! This celebration on select five-night Caribbean cruises—beginning January 7, 2023—features encounters with some of your favorite heroes (including Thor!), all manner of action-packed entertainment, and Marvel-themed activities designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Along with visiting destinations in the Western Caribbean including Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; and Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, guests will be able to experience all that the Disney Dream has to offer while on a Marvel Day at Sea sailing—Broadway-style shows like Beauty and the Beast, themed dining, and so much more. If you’re ready to book your next epic adventure, or want further info, check out DisneyCruise.com.

A Replacement Oscar for Disney Legend Hayley Mills…

Several decades ago, Disney Legend Hayley Mills realized the special “juvenile” Academy Award^® she’d received in 1961 had disappeared. Thankfully, she’s now been reunited with Oscar—and D23 spoke exclusively to the actress about the whole experience! See Mills “get together (yeah yeah yeah)” with her new statuette by clicking here.

Virtual Polka Dot Retreat Celebrates Minnie Mouse and National Polka Dot Day

Get out those dots, friends! National Polka Dot Day, the annual fan holiday honoring Minnie Mouse, is next week—and @MinnieStyle is hosting virtual sessions (think of them as Minnie moments) on Instagram, all inspired by our favorite lifestyle muse.

Kicking off on Monday, January 31, and polka dotting through Friday, February 4, the event will showcase what it means to be “Positively Minnie” through fun, uplifting programming that’s sure to inspire! Each day, talented influencer guests known as Minnie Muses will co-host a series of 10- to 15-minute sessions on a variety of topics such as careers, friendship, and body positivity; audiences around the world can tune in to @MinnieStyle on IG starting at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT to join the conversation live. Daily replays will also be available on @MinnieStyle following each session.

The sessions include:

January 31: Aysha Harun (Focusing on Empowering Your Life)
February 1: Rae Hersey (Focusing on Styling)
February 2: Marisas Meizz (Focusing on Forging Good Friendships)
February 3: Loria Stern (Focusing on Turning a Passion into a Business)
February 4: Kellie Brown (Focusing on the Journey to Self-Love)

And make sure to keep those eyes peeled on @MinnieStyle for announcements on additional special guests!

ICYMI: Disneyland Paris Kicks Off 30th Anniversary Celebrations March 6

Thrilling new experiences? Check. Incredible new food? But of course. A sure-to-be-insanely-memorable new drone show above the newly refurbished Sleeping Beauty Castle? Naturally! All that and much, much more is coming to Disneyland Paris beginning this spring when the resort celebrates its 30th anniversary. Read all about what guests can expect right here at D23.com.

Pooh’s Hunny Pots de Crème Recipe

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022

These Hunny Pots de Crème—inspired by our friend, Winnie the Pooh—are the perfect sweet treat to share with your honey!

Ingredients

For Custard:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup milk
4 egg yolks
1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Caramel Sauce:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup honey
3 tbs butter
1/8 cup heavy whipping cream
A pinch of salt

For Topping:

1/2 cup white chocolate chips or white chocolate candy melts

Special Equipment:

4 oven-safe ramekins or glass jars
Baking dish
Kettle
Bubble wrap
Fine-mesh sieve

Directions

Step 1: Make the Custard

Preheat oven to 300°F. Heat a kettle of water until boiling.
In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, honey, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat until honey is fully dissolved. Split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds, then add both the seeds and pod to the cream mixture. (If using vanilla extract instead, add now.) Once the mixture begins to steam, turn off the heat and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, quickly whisk the eggs yolks until lightened (about 30 seconds). Ladle the cream mixture into the eggs slowly, whisking constantly, to temper the eggs. Once all of the cream is incorporated, the mixture should be smooth and warm to the touch. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove remaining pieces of the vanilla bean.
Place a wet paper towel or cloth in the bottom of the baking dish and arrange the 4 ramekins on top; the towel will prevent the ramekins from sliding around. Fill each ramekin equally with the custard. Place the baking dish in the oven, then carefully pour the hot water into the dish, being careful not to splash into the ramekins.
Bake for 30-50 minutes, depending on the size of your ramekins. When the custard is ready, the sides should be set, but the center should be jiggly. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and allow ramekins to cool on a drying rack.
Once the pots are room temperature, chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours, or overnight.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, add sugar and heat on medium-low. Stir occasionally, and do not leave unattended. Sugar should first begin to clump, then melt.
Once the sugar is mostly melted, add honey. Continuing stirring until sugar has fully melted and the honey is fully combined. The mixture should be a light golden-brown color.
Remove from heat and add butter. Stir until combined, then add heavy cream and a pinch of salt.
Cool until room temperature, then set aside in the fridge until ready to assemble.

Step 3: Make the Topping

Place the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 60 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 10-second intervals and stirring until fully melted.
Lay out the piece of bubble wrap with the bumpy side facing up. Spread the melted chocolate on top, creating a thick, even layer.
Place in the fridge to harden. Once set, slowly peel the bubble wrap off, revealing a honeycomb-shaped piece of chocolate. Using your hands, break the chocolate into four smaller pieces.

Step 4: Assemble

Top each custard with a spoonful of caramel sauce. If sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, heat in microwave for 30-second intervals and stir until it reaches a thinner consistency.
Print our Hunny Label Design and cut out each label. Wrap a label around each ramekin and tape in the back to secure it.
Top each custard with a piece of chocolate honeycomb. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!

5 Things to Know About The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild

January 27, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Adventure-loving weasel Buck Wild (voiced by Simon Pegg) is back, along with your favorite Ice Age pals, for more hilarious escapades in The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild. In this new animated film, thrill-seeking possum brothers Crash (voiced by Vincent Tong) and Eddie (voiced by Aaron Harris) set out on a journey to assert their independence and find a place of their own. However, trouble ensues when they find themselves trapped in a massive cave inhabited by dinosaurs, including a revengeful Orson (voiced by Utkarsh Ambudkar). Can the band of unlikely pals save the Lost World from dinosaur domination?

The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild premieres Friday, January 28, exclusively on Disney+. Before you stream the film, read on for five things you need to know—straight from the cast and crew!

1. Buck Takes Center Stage
Beloved Ice Age character Buck Wild makes his triumphant return as viewers are transported to the Lost World—and in this adventure, viewers get a glimpse at Buck’s backstory. The one-eyed weasel, who made memorable appearances in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009) and Ice Age: Collision Course (2016), earned his spinoff thanks to his zany personality. “He’s clever, he’s an adventurer, he’s a swashbuckler, he’s a protector, and he’s guardian of the Lost World,” says executive producer Lori Forte. “It’s such a great, great character to have. We love to go on adventures with him because he’s just not afraid of anything.”

2. A Bold New Character Joins the Crew
Justina Machado voices Zee, a zorilla often mistaken for a skunk thanks to her killer scent—which has become her superpower. As Buck’s counterpart, Zee is graceful, independent, courageous, and not fazed one bit by Orson and the raptors. Machado was excited to be part of the Ice Age family and to be afforded the opportunity to voice a strong female character like Zee. “She’s just a lot of fun, and it was so much fun going into the studio and working on her,” says Machado. “She’s very funny, and as you can see, all the characters that she’s surrounded by are so great. No one is funnier than the other, so it just was great fun to be a part of this.” Not only did Machado voice Zee, but she also served as inspiration for Zee’s spirit. “We started taking traits from her, like her strength and her personality and her in-your-face kind of thing, and it wove into the character itself,” says Forte. “Zee was very much part of who Justina is.”

3. Family Is Forever
As with the other installments of the Ice Age films, the dynamics between family and friends—both what keeps them apart and what brings them together—is at the heart of The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild. “We loved the idea that once you’re in a herd, which is our family, it’s a herd,” says director John C. Donkin. “They’re equivalent. Once you’re in a herd and you have that connection, it’s OK if there’s some physical separation between you, because there’s always going to be shared love and support.” The creators felt it was important to incorporate these elements, especially with so many across the globe separated from their families and chosen families amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. A G.O.A.T. Inspired Zee’s Movement
When animating Zee, Donkin and the crew were inspired by superstar Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and her graceful and powerful movements. Says Donkin, “We looked at gymnastics, and she’s very physically able. There’s this great moment in the third act where Buck sees Zee go off and handle [Orson].” Machado says it was thrilling to see her character come to life and do spectacular stunts as Zee saves the day.

5. Buck’s Independence Is Challenged
Buck is considered a loner—after all, his many inanimate friends include rocks and tree stumps. In this film, he shakes up his solitary life to help the possums, which requires him to ask for help. Pegg says Buck learning how to be vulnerable and connect with others is an important lesson for the young and young at heart. “He’s so used to doing everything by himself that the idea of relying on his friends, or trusting someone to do something else, is a little bit uncomfortable for him,” says Pegg. “In this movie, he learns that it’s not only OK to ask for help, it’s also OK to ask for help as a guy from your female friends, and to trust in them to take over.”

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

January 27, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Animated features (and a little bit of mystery) are taking over your weekend: Watch the premiere of The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild on Disney+ on Friday, and then catch a brand-new episode of Secrets of Sulphur Springs on Disney Channel that night. Go from zero to hero with a double dose of two animated classics airing Saturday morning, beginning with Hercules and followed by A Bug’s Life, on Freeform. Later that day, celebrate the 63rd anniversary of Sleeping Beauty with a viewing of the classic on Disney+… and don’t forget the cake!

The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild—Friday, January 28, on Disney+
Adventure-loving weasel Buck Wild (voice of Simon Pegg) is back, along with your favorite Ice Age pals, for more hilarious escapades. In this new animated film, thrill-seeking possum brothers Crash (voice of Vincent Tong) and Eddie (voice of Aaron Harris) set out on a journey to assert their independence and find a place of their own. However, trouble ensues when they find themselves trapped in a massive cave inhabited by dinosaurs. Buck Wild rescues Crash and Eddie—but can the new pals save the Lost World from dinosaur domination?

Secrets of Sulphur Springs—Friday, January 28, at 5 p.m. ET, on Disney Channel
Is more trouble ahead for our time-traveling adventurers? Young Sam Tremont (Ethan Hutchinson, pictured above) secretly watches Harper (Kyliegh Curran) search for the hatch in the middle of the night as she tries to escape the 1930s and travel back to the present day. Meanwhile, Elijah Tremont (Robert Manning Jr.) receives a life-altering offer from a judge.

Hercules—Saturday, January 29, at 8:25 a.m. ET, on Freeform
Who puts the “glad” in gladiator? In this 1997 animated classic, Hercules (voiced of Tate Donovan), the son of gods Zeus (voice of Rip Torn) and Hera (voice of Samantha Eggar), is snatched as a baby by Hades (voice of James Woods) and forced to live among mortals as a half-man, half-god. To rejoin his family on Mount Olympus, Hercules will need to perform a rite of passage on Earth to prove himself worthy. With the help of satyr Phil (voice of Danny DeVito) and a damsel-not-so-distressed named Meg (voice of Susan Egan), Hercules discovers that a true hero is not measured by the size of his strength but by the strength of his heart .

A Bug’s Life—Saturday, January 29, at 10:30 a.m. ET, on Freeform
This 1998 animated feature follows Flik (voice of Dave Foley)—a resourceful ant who, unlike his fellow bugs, is a bit of an independent thinker. After one of his inventions goes wrong, he sets out on a mission to protect his colony from a crew of villainous grasshoppers and regain the Queen’s (voice of Phyllis Diller) trust. However, when the “warrior bugs” Flik recruits are really a circus troupe, he must rely on his own ingenuity and creativity to save the day.

Sleeping Beauty—Saturday, January 29, on Disney+
Make it blue or make it pink? Celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the iconic animated film with a special viewing on Disney+. Snubbed by the royal family and filled with jealousy, Maleficent (voice of Eleanor Audley) curses newborn Princess Aurora (voice of Disney Legend Mary Costa) to die on her 16th birthday, upon the prick of a spinning needle. With the help of her guardian fairies, Aurora only falls into a deep sleep that can be ended with true love’s kiss. Will Maleficent’s plan come to fruition, or will it be foiled by Prince Phillip (voice of Bill Shirley)?

Ghirardelli Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Hearts Recipe

January 26, 2022

Servings: 9 servings
Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

For Cheesecake:
2 cups Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips
4 8 ounce pkg. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
4 eggs (for cheesecake)
1/2 cup raspberry puree (recipe below)
1/2 cup heavy cream (for cheesecake)

For Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 crackers)
1/4 cup ground almonds
4 tablespoon white sugar
3/4 cup butter, melted

For Puree:
1 (10 – 12 oz) pkg. frozen raspberries
4 tablespoons white sugar

For Chocolate Ganache (Optional):
2 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup(s) heavy cream

For Garnish (Optional):
1 cup fresh raspberries
8 ounce Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips
8 ounce Ghirardelli White Chocolate Baking Bar

Preparation

Preheat over to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
To prepare crust, in a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter.
Add the chocolate graham crackers, ground almonds, and sugar and mix until combined.
Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
To prepare the puree, combine raspberries and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to boil, and continue boiling 3-5 minutes, or until sauce is thick.
Strain sauce through a mesh strainer to remove seeds and set aside.
To prepare cheesecake, in a small pot over low heat, bring the whipping cream to just boiling.
Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips.
Set aside for 5 minutes and then stir until smooth.
In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth.
Beat in eggs, one at a time.
Remove approximately 1 & 1/2 cup; cup of this batter and place into a smaller bowl and add 1/2 cup raspberry puree. Blend until combined.
Add the melted chocolate to the remaining batter and mix until combined.
Pour the chocolate cheesecake batter into the pan.
Very carefully layer the raspberry cheesecake mixture on top of the chocolate mixture.
Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until filling is set.
Cool in pan, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold before removing from pan.
If desired, top cooled cheesecakes with one or a combination of the garnishes below.
Chocolate Ganache: In a small pot over low heat, bring the heavy cream and butter to just boiling. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Set aside for 5 minutes and then stir until smooth. Pour over cold cheesecake to form ganache layer, or drizzle over the cold cheesecake. Refrigerate until it is set.
Raspberry Puree: Pour remaining raspberry puree over cold cheesecakes. White Chocolate: In double boiler over hot water, melt the white chocolate until smooth. Drizzle over cold cheesecakes. Refrigerate until it is set.
Fresh raspberries on top or served on the side.
For Heart Shapes: To make the individual heart shape cheesecakes, prepare the recipe as directed using a 13X9 inch pan instead of a springform pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes. After the cheesecake cools, cut out the hearts using a metal heart shaped cookie cutter.

Still craving something sweet? Don’t forget that D23 Gold Members get an exclusive discount in Ghirardelli stores!

Disney Legend Hayley Mills Receives Replacement Oscar

January 26, 2022

By Victoria Hunt

It’s been over three decades since Disney Legend Hayley Mills’ Oscar statuette went missing from her London home. But now, she and Oscar have been reunited!

In 1961, Mills received a special, smaller “juvenile” Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS)—an award given periodically to recognize performers younger than 18—for her role in Disney’s Pollyanna at the young age of 15. (It was the last year the Academy handed out the “juvenile” award.) When her statuette disappeared in the late 1980s, Mills wasn’t sure if she would ever be reunited with it—but after 30-plus years, the Academy reissued an Oscar exclusively for Mills, following the celebration of the movie’s 60th anniversary in 2020.

The new Oscar was presented to Mills by AMPAS President David Rubin on January 9 at the AMPAS offices in Beverly Hills, California. But that’s not all: As Mills tells it, her face lit up with excitement when Rubin surprised her with a new full-sized statuette. All told, it was an occasion Mills had been hoping for since the day the award disappeared.

“It was an amazing moment in my life,” Mills recently explained exclusively to D23. “I love it passionately. I am deeply grateful to the Academy for seeing their way to giving it to me.”

When Mills originally won the award in 1961, she was away at school in England and missed out on the ceremony. Fellow Disney star Annette Funicello (herself inducted as a Disney Legend in 1992) accepted on her behalf… and Mills was later handed the Oscar out of a box by her then-manager: “He put this cardboard box on the kitchen table and pushed it towards me and said, ‘This is for you,’ Mills recalled.

Not only did she receive this new statuette, it came with recognition accorded directly by the Academy—something that Mills holds dear to her heart. Now 75 years old, the actress feels that only now she can fully appreciate the honor of receiving an Oscar. “I know so much more about the whole history and meaning of the Oscars that I didn’t understand or fully appreciate at the time,” Mills said of her 15-year-old self.

Mills, who was named a Disney Legend in 1998, remains an icon of Disney films from the 1960s. Walt Disney himself found her talent incomparable, and he signed her to a five-year contract in 1960, immediately casting her in Pollyanna. Many leading roles followed, including The Parent Trap, In Search of the Castaways, and others. Her ability to capture an audience has left a mark on the hearts of generations of Disney fans.

Mills plans to put her new golden friend on display in her home for all to see.