Disney Goes JRPG with Twisted Wonderland Mobile Game

By the D23 Team

There’s a whole new way to interact with some of your favorite Disney Villains, and it’s right in the palm of your hand! Twisted Wonderland, from Aniplex of America, is Disney’s first-ever mobile gaming experience that features an original story and characters, inspired by classic Disney Villains, in the visual and storytelling style of renowned anime and manga artist, Yana Toboso. And guess what? The English version of the game just launched on January 20 for players in the United States and Canada!

Twisted Wonderland is a narrative-based mobile JRPG that’s perfect for both manga/anime and Disney fans searching for a mobile gaming experience that offers a twist (pun intended!) on beloved stories. Summoned by a magic mirror, players are sent on a mysterious adventure inside an arcane academy called Night Raven College; with nowhere else to go, you accept the masked headmage’s (that’s “headmaster,” to you non-magic folk) mysterious hospitality and begin searching for a way home… but you quickly find that the students at this school are as talented as they are dysfunctional—bickering and competition are the perpetual order of the day. What secrets lie within the villainous hearts of these students? After choosing from seven dorms inspired by classic Disney Villains, players soon begin to uncover a thrilling story and diverse gameplay brought to life courtesy signature illustrations by renowned artist Yana Toboso—best known for her successful Black Butler series.

With an opening animation by TROYCA and voice acting talent including Natsuki Hanae (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Tokyo Ghoul), Koki Uchiyama (Haikyu!!, Fate/Zero), and Atsushi Tamaru (The Irregular at Magic High School, The Asterisk War), Twisted Wonderland promises a truly unique gaming experience. “As we welcome players in the U.S. and Canada to the world of Twisted Wonderland with the launch of the mobile game’s English version, we are truly humbled to be given stewardship of this new adventure in the beloved and imaginative shared universe Disney has cultivated for so long,” says Yusuke Toyama, producer of Aniplex, Inc. “We are thrilled to expand our audience capturing new and returning Disney fans while offering a new take on classic Disney stories where the villains take center stage.”

Twisted Wonderland is now available for download from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. For more information, visit disneytwistedwonderland.com.

 

You Can Only Ride These 8 Unique Attractions at Disneyland Resort

By Jocelyn Buhlman

These attractions are only at Disneyland Resort, so make sure to check them out on your next trip!

Speaking of trips, D23 is taking a trip Around the World of Disney Parks as part of our 2022 D23 Gold Member Collector Set, which celebrates all of Disney’s theme parks around the world—plus Disney Cruise Line! As part of our celebration, we’re taking a closer look at Disneyland Resort and some of its unique attractions. From rides personally overseen by Walt Disney himself to newer, superpowered attractions, Disneyland is home to a variety of exclusive experiences that spread happiness to visitors from all over the world.

There are so many attractions to choose from, and we picked eight of our favorites to showcase to you now:

The Disneyland Story presenting “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln”

The Disneyland Story presenting “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln”
Originally created for the Illinois pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln”was not only the culmination of Walt Disney’s long-standing admiration for the United States of America’s 16th president, but also an impressive feat of Imagineering! The Audio-Animatronics™ figure of Lincoln was the first use of a human figure and wowed audiences at both the World’s Fair and Disneyland Park with its lifelike movement as it delivered a speech to the wonderstruck audience. While the current figure of Lincoln that broke ground at the World’s Fair has evolved over the years, the current advanced Audio-Animatronics figure continues to impress guests who visit the attraction.

Disneyland - Indiana Jones Adventure

Indiana Jones Adventure
You had to look, didn’t you? This action-packed attraction transports guests into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, where they can obtain earthly riches, eternal youth—or a whole lot of trouble! Besides being a highly detailed (and highly fun!) attraction, Indiana Jones Adventure also gives guests a unique opportunity: This time we’re the ones rescuing Indy! On your high speed and turbulent journey, you’ll encounter swarms of giant insects, a giant snake, one skeleton in a Mickey ear hat and, of course, a terrifying boulder HURTLING RIGHT AT YOU! How will you and your fellow intrepid explorers make your escape along with Indiana Jones? You’ll just have to visit Disneyland to find out! While a similar version of this attraction exists at Tokyo DisneySea, (beware the Crystal Skull!) The Indiana Adventure at Disneyland features The Temple of the Forbidden Eye and effects and details unique to the location. You can read about some of those unique details and Easter eggs here.

Disneyland - Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland
Only at Disneyland can you fall down, down, down the rabbit hole and explore Wonderland aboard your very own oversized caterpillar. This attraction whisks you through the vivid world of Wonderland, from singing flowers to the Tulgey Woods—and even through a very merry “unbirthday” party! Just watch out when you go through the Queen’s palace... What makes this attraction unique from other Fantasyland attractions is that you make your escape from the Queen of Hearts by traveling down a giant vine outside. Enjoy the view of the Mad Tea Party and “it’s a small world” Mall before you arrive at the strangest tea party both you and Alice have ever attended.

Disneyland - Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
For those of us who do not drive regularly, Autopia is a novel way to experience hitting the road. For all of us, seasoned drivers or not, the only way we can experience driving through a house (and a jail, and a warehouse, and a courtroom, and...) is to channel our motormania in Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. You enter via Toad Hall, but who knows where your trip will end? This fan-favorite attraction opened with Disneyland’s debut in 1955 and has been thrilling guests for over 65 years.

Disneyland - Matterhorn Bobsleds

Matterhorn Bobsleds
Who needs to climb a mountain when you can speed through it? Walt had that thought when he visited the real Matterhorn during the filming of Third Man on the Mountain. He was so struck by the beauty of the epic Swiss mountain that he decided to build one in his theme park! The mountain is roughly a 1/100th size model of its Swiss counterpart, but the ride took more creative liberties than just its size—in 1978, a fierce Abominable Snowman made his debut in the attraction, adding an extra thrill to the fast-paced adventure. When the attraction debuted, it was innovative for its use of cylindrical rails and urethane wheels—which are now standard for roller coasters. Additionally, it was the first tubular steel roller coaster in the world when it opened in 1959! Terrifying Abominable Snowmen, however, are not standard in roller coasters, which is all the more reason to check out Matterhorn Bobsleds next time you visit Disneyland.

Disneyland - Radiator Springs Racers

Radiator Springs Racers
Only at Disney California Adventure Park can you visit the town of Radiator Springs at Cars Land. The detailed recreation of the small town from Disney and Pixar’s Cars films is full of familiar locations—but if you turn right at the end of the street, you’ll discover something special: Radiator Springs Racers! This attraction takes you on a tour of Radiator Springs before you head off to the big race, and along the way you’ll meet some familiar faces... er... vehicles? Traveling through Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley is no small feat—at almost six acres, Radiator Springs Racers is the largest attraction by acreage at Disneyland Resort! Therockwork of Cars Land spans nearly 300,000 square feet—making it the largest rockwork construction in anydomestic Disney theme park.

Disneyland - Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Care to drop in to admire the Tivan collection? We heard they’re showing off a new exhibit: the Guardians of the Galaxy! Of course, Rocket has already broken out, and he’s got an escape plan that involves a gantry lift, a rockin’ soundtrack, and YOU! Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! takes you through the Tivan collection of aliens (and the occasional Abominable Snowman) and into the gantry lift, where you put your hands in the air so they can scan for clearance—and then keep your hands in the air when you drop suddenly. Your top-to-bottom tour of the fortress is accompanied by one of six songs from Star-Lord’s mixtape, which sets the stage for one of six unique storylines to play out while you experience the plunging thrills of the attraction.

Disneyland - WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Disneyland Resort is where all kinds of dreams come true. Guests can live their dreams of soaring through space, adventuring through exotic jungles, befriending princesses, and more. One dream that is now able to come true? Slinging webs with Spider-Man! Since summer 2021, guests have been helping our favorite Web Head save the day on WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. After Spider-Bots break loose at the Worldwide Engineering Brigade (WEB, for short) facility, Spidey enlists us to help him sling webs and take down the rampaging robots. The chance to fight alongside Spider-Man feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but thanks to Disney magic, you can team up with Spidey any time you visit Disney California Adventure.


Stay tuned to D23.com for more features on the wonderful worlds of Disney parks. Start your own adventure now by joining D23! The 2022 D23 Gold Member Collector Set is included as part of any 2022 D23 Gold membership.

View 2022 Gold Collector Set

Disney Cruise Line Introduces Pixar Day at Sea for 2023

By Andie Hagemann

Ready to meet your favorite Pixar characters while floating above Nemo’s ocean home? Disney Cruise Line guests will be immersed in the ever-unfolding stories of their favorite toys, monsters and heroes during the all-new Pixar Day at Sea aboard special sailings of the Disney Fantasy in early 2023.

Pixar Day at Sea

Featuring one-of-a-kind experiences, the day-long celebration on select seven-night voyages will bring to life the beloved Pixar tales of Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, and more! Themed dining, character encounters, and a theatrical musical experience await families on this fun-filled day at sea that culminates with a deck party of “Incredible” proportions.

A Pixar film festival, exclusive merchandise and photo opportunities will also be available. Characters may include Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Bo Peep from Toy Story; Mike, Sulley and Boo from Monsters, Inc.; Joy and Sadness from Inside Out; Dug and Russell from Up; and everyone’s favorite supers—Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone from The Incredibles.

Pixar Day at Sea

A new, interactive character dining experience hosted by Sheriff Woody, Jessie, and Bullseye will kick-start the day, and families will enjoy a Pixar-themed dinner with visits from some of their favorite Finding Nemo friends, including interactive conversations with Crush. 

Pixar Day at Sea

A new nighttime spectacular will call upon Disney Cruise Line guests to help the Incredibles save the day, while a theatrical experience will bring to life the beloved story of Miguel and his family from Coco through live music and puppetry. The day ends with a dance party on the deck.

Pixar Day at Sea will be included on nine select Disney Fantasy cruises from January through March 2023. Departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, the Disney Fantasy will sail to several guest-favorite destinations in the eastern and western Caribbean. Every cruise includes a visit to Disney’s private island oasis, Castaway Cay.

To learn more, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.

Disney+ Orders New Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series

By Andie Hagemann

Disney+ has ordered Percy Jackson and the Olympians, an epic new series based on—and closely aligned with—Disney Hyperion’s best-selling book series by award-winning author Rick Riordan. Geared towards a general audience and especially tweens, teens, and young adults, the live-action series tells the story of 12-year-old modern demigod Percy Jackson, who’s just coming to terms with his newfound supernatural powers when the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. Percy then embarks on a journey across America to find the missing bolt and restore order to Olympus.

Rick Riordan and Jon Steinberg will pen the pilot, with James Bobin directing. Steinberg will oversee the series with his producing partner, Dan Shotz. Steinberg and Shotz serve as executive producers alongside Bobin, Rick Riordan, Rebecca Riordan, Bert Salke, Monica Owusu-Breen, Jim Rowe and Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell, and D.J. Goldberg. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television. Casting is underway.

“With Rick Riordan, Jon Steinberg and Dan Shotz leading our creative team, we’re deep into creating a compelling TV series worthy of the heroic mythological characters that millions of Percy Jackson readers know are well-worth caring about, and we’re eager to invite Disney+ audiences into stories that are true to the blockbuster franchise and full of anticipation, humor, surprise, and mystery,” says Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television.

Adds 20th Television president Karey Burke, “Bringing Rick Riordan’s brilliant Percy Jackson books to Disney+ as a television series has been a mission for so many of us at this company, as well as for Rick himself, and Jon, Dan, James, and the excellent team they have assembled have proven to be the perfect collaborators. Thanks to our friends at Disney Branded Television led by Ayo, and Disney Streaming led by Michael [Paull], this will be an adaptation for the ages, with all the excitement, action and mythology fans of the books expect and love.”

“The opportunity to deliver a new fantastical series based on the bestselling book franchise to audiences around the world is thrilling and we look forward to what our partners at 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, and the ingenious Rick Riordan have in store for demigods everywhere,” says Paull, president of Disney Streaming.

Riordan, a former teacher turned best-selling author, is the top author at Disney Hyperion.

In 2016, he and Disney Hyperion launched the Rick Riordan Presents imprint with the ongoing goal to find, nurture, and promote diverse and under-represented authors of mythology-based fiction for middle grade readers.

Disneyland Paris Kicks Off 30th Anniversary Celebrations March 6

By the D23 Team

It all started on April 12, 1992, when Disneyland Paris—the kingdom of dreams and magic that has been enchanting guests for decades—first opened to the public. Having hosted more than 375 million visitors and debuting countless new experiences, Disneyland Paris has over the years created unforgettable memories that last a lifetime… no wonder it’s become Europe’s top tourist destination! The resort is known for bringing unique ideas to life, exploring new paths, and continuously reinventing itself.

30 Years of Magic, Innovation, and Pop Culture
Anchored in today’s popular culture, Disneyland Paris has inspired numerous international artists over the past three decades, from chefs and pastry chefs to fashion designers and photographers, all of whom shared their own artistic interpretations of the resort in their work. Check out this incredible legacy in a new clip from Disneyland Paris, highlighting the last 30 years:

For three full decades, Disneyland Paris has continued to develop more immersive experiences to bring stories and characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises to life. And the role of 16,000 talented cast members has been essential—their attention to detail, creativity, quality of service, and passion have truly brought the resort’s magic to life. Whether it be through attractions, shows (more than 200 shows have been produced by Disneyland Paris’ Entertainment department since 1992), restaurants, shops, hotels, gardens, or even décor, more than 500 professions contribute to shaping the future of the entertainment landscape every day.

March 6, 2022, will kick off a brand-new era marked by transformation, limitless creativity, and new technology—creating even more unforgettable memories for all the guests to come. Read on to find out more!

Dazzling New Nighttime Entertainment Comes to the Iconic Castle
Any visitor to Disneyland Paris knows that unique shows are part of the resort’s DNA… from Mickey and the Magician and The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands to Disney Junior Dream Factory, colorful, tuneful shows contribute to creating magic for resort guests.

And now, there’s a brand-new show on the horizon: For Disneyland Paris’ 30th, Dream… and Shine Brighter! will be performed several times each day, on Central Plaza at Disneyland Park in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle—which recently went through a 12-month-long refurbishment.

Celebrating three themes—the power of laugh, passion, and dreams—the show will feature more than 30 Disney characters and dancers with new colorful floats and a unique soundtrack. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and all their friends will be decked out in new iridescent costumes created especially for the 30th anniversary… and they’ll be joined by other favorites including the Genie from Aladdin, Rapunzel from Tangled, and Jessie and Woody from Toy Story, to name just a few.

To give you a sneak peek of the new costumes designed for this celebration, Disneyland Paris organized its own fashion show where Mickey, Minnie, and pals “hit the catwalk” in a totally one-of-a-kind setting:

But that’s not all! Come nighttime, a spectacular new moment will delight guests before one of the park’s most beloved shows, Disney Illuminations. Called Disney D-Light, this new pre-show will combine video projections, illuminated water jets, lighting effects, mist, iconic Disney songs—and in the skies above—incredible drone choreography to bring an additional touch of magic to the iconic Castle. Filled with all manner of special effects, the different scenes will transform the Castle as never before. Check out a special sneak peek below:

To kick off the celebration and for a limited time, a light and air show featuring 200 drones– designed with the assistance of European expert Dronisos, the show’s official technology provider– will be performed to as an unforgettable finale to this new nighttime pre-show. It’s the first time a Disney Park will be using the drone technology as part of a daily outdoor show above its Castle! These synchronized drones will form a sparkling figure “30” in the sky right above Sleeping Beauty Castle, as the new theme song created for the 30th Anniversary—“Un monde qui s’illumine”—plays. The soundtrack was recorded with a symphony orchestra at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.

Elements to Make Fan Favorites Extra Magical
In addition to these incredible new shows, guests will be able to enjoy countless other experiences with family and friends… over 50 attractions perfect for both young and young at heart. “Selfie Spots” featuring favorite Disney characters will be seen throughout the park, and many shows including Mickey and the Magician (performances will start in Spring/Summer 2022), Disney Junior Dream Factory, Disney Stars on Parade (which made its big comeback in early January 2022 after being suspended for nearly two years) will delight fans as part of the celebration… and Disney Illuminations will immerse guests in Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars stories from the past and the present!

Gardens of Wonder Celebrate the Artistic Side of Disney and Pixar Characters
Sleeping Beauty Castle is the gorgeous centerpiece to Disneyland Park, and something new is blooming in front of the castle for the 30th anniversary celebration! Gardens of Wonder is an entirely new installation of art pieces, featuring kinetic Disney and Pixar sculptures which will all “come to life.” The 10 theme-based gardens will feature 30 art pieces total, celebrating nature and embodying the diversity of popular Disney and Pixar characters.

Through the production of local craftsmen, each art piece will take inspiration from a variety of influences, from windmills for children to the world of Salvador Dali. Each of the 10 gardens will have a different theme that showcases a wide variety of Disney and Pixar characters; for example, the Garden of Asia includes sculptures of Baymax, Mushu, and Sisu. Check out the video above for a closer look at art that will be coming to the gardens.

The Most Delicious Way to Celebrate
Of course, you can’t ring in 30 years of Disneyland Paris without new and delicious food and beverages! All foodies need to mark their calendars for March 6, 2022, which is when more than 60 new dishes will debut at the resort. You’ll be able to enjoy new vegetarian options, such as a vegan panini or a salted mashed potato waffle. Plus, look out for new desserts and cocktails! Disneyland Paris’ pastry team has been hard at work developing sweet treats for guests to enjoy, such as a white chocolate and strawberry cake served under a dome, called “Le Boquet final.”

If you’ve got an even bigger sweet tooth, you’ll want to check out the new 30th Anniversary-themed macarons assortment at the resort’s all-you-can-eat buffets. When you’re done dining on this feast for both the eyes and stomach, try a refreshing new exclusive drink, such as the pink “Happy Birthday Cocktail” or the “Smoothie with a Twist,” which features blueberries purees, banana, and coconut.

A Shopping Experience Unique to Disneyland Paris
With its 63 theme-based boutiques and shops, shopping is an experience in itself at Disneyland Paris. For the resort’s 30th Anniversary, teams have designed more than 350 new exclusive items—the most significant product development program ever conducted at Disneyland Paris! From limited edition collectibles to keychains, Anniversary-themed plush, iconic ear headbands, and trendy sweatshirts, the 30th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris will offer items to suit all tastes, so that everyone can shine in his/her/their own way!

And as the celebration continues, new collections and products designed in collaboration with renowned brands will be added to the 30th Anniversary merchandise collections in Disneyland Paris shops—meaning there will be even more surprises in store for guests.

Minnie Mouse Gets a Fashionable New Look
For the 30th Anniversary, Minnie Mouse called upon renowned British fashion designer Stella McCartney and asked her to create her first pantsuit to be worn at Disneyland Paris.

“I am delighted to be working with the one, the only, the iconic Minnie Mouse,” says McCartney. “I have designed a custom outfit for her in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris. Minnie has always had a special place in my heart. We share the same values. What I love about Minnie is the fact that she embodies happiness, self-expression, authenticity, and that she inspires people of all ages around the world. Plus, she has such great style!”

McCartney continues, “I wanted Minnie to wear her very first pantsuit at Disneyland Paris, so I have designed one of my iconic costumes—a blue tuxedo—using responsibly sourced fabrics. This new take on her signature polka dots makes Minnie Mouse a symbol of progress for a new generation. She will wear it in honor of Women’s History Month in March 2022. I can’t wait for you to see this new look at Walt Disney Studios Park!”

As part of a global collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, McCartney will also market a unique Minnie Mouse T-shirt as part of the International Women’s Rights Day. It will be exclusively available online and in Stella stores on March 8, 2022. Then, in Spring 2022, Stella McCartney will also launch a limited-edition product line inspired by Fantasia.

Avengers Campus Opening Scheduled for Summer 2022
Calling all heroes! Get ready for an epic new land opening at Disneyland Paris. As a new recruit, you’ll team up with the Avengers and take on the mightiest Marvel missions. As previously announced, the 30th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris will mark the highly anticipated opening of Avengers Campus, an integral part of the transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park. Starting in Summer 2022, Super Heroes from the Marvel universe will gather there, inviting guests to embark on a brand-new journey consisting of heroic adventures and missions, extending the immersive experience in the Marvel universe, which started with the opening of Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in 2021.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

This week is jam-packed with new shows and a celebration of a beloved classic. Fresh off the vine is Promised Land, a new family drama series premiering on ABC Monday night. Then on Tuesday, curl up on the couch with your furry, four-legged friends for a viewing of the Disney’s animated One Hundred and One Dalmatians (to commemorate the day of its 1961 release!) before taking in a new episode of ABC’s Abbott Elementary. Get ready for some laughs on Thursday when Random Rings lands on Disney+; that same day, Zooey seeks her grandparents’ advice on the winter premiere of Freeform’s grown-ish.

Promised Land

Promised Land—Monday, January 24, at 10:01 p.m. ET, on ABC
Sip back and savor the premiere of the brand-new drama series Promised Land. This multigenerational epic tells the story of a Latinx family vying for power and wealth in California’s Sonoma Valley. Alliances and loyalties are tested as patriarch and vineyard owner Joe Sandoval (John Ortiz) assesses the future of his family’s wine business. Hundreds of miles south, Carlos Rincón (Andres Velez) his sisters Juana (Katya Martín) and Rosa Sánchez (Ariana Guerra) cross the U.S. border from Mexico in search of a better life.

101 Dalmatians

One Hundred and One Dalmatians—Tuesday, January 25, on Disney+
Celebrate the 61st anniversary of this animated classic! When Pongo the Dalmatian spies the beautiful Perdita on his walk, he devises a plan for his owner, Roger, to meet Perdita’s owner, Anita. Roger and Anita fall in love and marry, pairing Pongo and Perdita together too. Perdita gives birth to a litter of puppies and Anita’s old classmate Cruella De Vil offers to purchase them all—but once Roger declines her offer, Cruella plots to steal the puppies… to create a fur coat!

Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary—Tuesday, January 25, at 9 p.m. ET, on ABC
Don’t be tardy for an all-new episode of Abbott Elementary. After receiving a negative teacher review, Janine (Quinta Brunson) gets a much-needed confidence boost when a student transfers from Melissa’s (Lisa Ann Walter) class to hers, but the student proves to be too much to handle. Meanwhile, as Jacob attempts to bond with Gregory, it’s revealed Jacob is continuously trolled by his students.

Random Rings

Random Rings—Wednesday, January 26, on Disney+
Ring! Ring! It’s your favorite animated Disney characters on the line! Seasons one and two of the comedy short series Random Rings are coming to Disney+. Watch Disney Channel characters likes Dr. Doofenshmirtz from Phineas and Ferb and Cricket and Tilly from Big City Greens make silly prank calls, including asking a grocery store if they have enough yogurt to cover an entire hill for people to sled down.

grown-ish

grown-ish—Thursday, January 27, at 10 p.m. ET, Freeform
In the winter premiere, the gang is forced to deal with the ramifications from the luau’s explosive events. Zooey (Yara Shahidi) seeks advice from Pops (Lawrence Fishburne) and Ruby (Jenifer Lewis), while Aaron (Trevor Jackson) must deal with the accountability of his actions at the party. Plus, Ana (Francia Raisa) and Vivek (Jordan Buhat) struggle to try to keep their hookup a secret, and more juicy details are revealed.

Fun New Ways to Play Coming Soon to Toy Story Land—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Toy Story Land

New Playset and Roundup Rodeo BBQ Debuting at Toy Story Land in 2022

Attention all honorary toys: After rollicking through a ride on Toy Story Mania! at the Walt Disney World Resort’s Toy Story Land (and making sure there’s no snakes in yer boots!), you’ll soon be treated to a whole new experience—later this year—that is filled to the brim with fun. Andy discovered Jessie’s Trading Post playset tucked away in the attic and is bringing it downstairs to set up shop. It’s full of the coolest toys and finest souvenirs handpicked by the rootinest, tootinest cowgirl.

Meanwhile, also coming in 2022 to Andy’s backyard is the previously announced Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant. In this unique, family-friendly dining experience, guests will enjoy delicious barbecue fare while surrounded by a kaleidoscope of toys, games, and playsets that Andy has brought together to create his one-of-a-kind rodeo.

Stepping into the lobby and waiting area, guests experience firsthand what it feels like to be one of Andy’s honorary toys before progressing into two larger dining room spaces where Andy’s rodeo takes place. There, the rodeo will be in full swing, with Western town and train station playsets mixing with surprising, playful details—including some fan-favorite Pixar characters as they’ve never been seen before!

Stay tuned for more info as we “yeehaw!” ever closer to these Toy Story Land openings…

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

We’re still in the throes of winter here in the ol’ Northern Hemisphere—so if you’d rather stay inside this weekend (where it’s toasty warm and there are snacks; always important!), let us help you find some fun things to watch from around the worlds of Disney. Mrs. Doubtfire starring Disney Legend Robin Williams? Sounds like a blast! A Bob’s Burgers marathon? Don’t mind if we do! Find out how to watch these (and more) by clicking here.

Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight Premieres Official Trailer

Earlier this week, Disney+ debuted an exciting trailer for the upcoming Marvel Studios series Moon Knightduring Halftime of the NFL Super Wild Card matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams. Take a gander at the thrilling clip, above.

Moon Knight follows Steven Grant (Oscar Isaac), a mild-mannered gift-shop employee, who becomes plagued with blackouts and memories of another life. Steven soon discovers he has dissociative identity disorder—and shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector. As Steven/Marc’s enemies converge upon them, they must navigate their complex identities while thrust into a deadly mystery among the powerful gods of Egypt. (How’s that for an intriguing plot?!)

Moon Knight stars Isaac, Ethan Hawke, and May Calamawy. Directed by Mohamed Diab and the team of Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, look for the series to start streaming exclusively on Disney+ beginning Wednesday, March 30.

National Geographic Documentary Films’ Torn: Coming Soon to Disney+

Director Max Lowe and producer Chris Murphy comes National Geographic Documentary Film’s Torn, which gets its streaming premiere on Disney+ next month.

On October 5, 1999, Alex Lowe was tragically lost alongside cameraman and fellow climber David Bridges in a deadly avalanche on the slopes of the Tibetan mountain Shishapangma. Miraculously, Alex’s best friend and climbing partner, renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker, survived the avalanche. After the tragedy, Anker fell in love with Alex’s widow, Jennifer; married her; and stepped in to help raise Alex and Jennifer’s three sons. In 2016, 17 years after their deaths, Alex and Bridges’ bodies were discovered—and the Lowe family journeyed to the remote Himalayan mountains to recover the men’s remains.

In the powerful and deeply moving Torn, Max examines the long-buried feelings that the discovery unearthed for him and his family members. Weaving together archival footage of Alex’s spellbinding adventures, revealing home movies and emotional interviews with Jennifer and sons Sam, Isaac, and Conrad, Max challenges long-held family myths and questions his own beliefs as he creates an insightful examination of fatherhood, love, loss, and resilience—all set against the high-stakes world of professional mountain climbing.

The film, which had its world premiere at the 2021 Telluride Film Festival and won the award for Best Feature Film at BANFF, captures the Lowe-Ankers’ intense personal journey through love and loss. Find it on Disney+ beginning Friday, February 4.

This High School Musical: The Musical: The Series News Is Really Cool…

…and we mean that literally. Just this week, our pals over at Disney+ announced that not only are several new actors—as well as some fantastic guest stars—joining the cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series as it sets its third season inside a drama-rific sleepaway camp, but they also revealed what musical the talented triple-threats will be taking on at said camp: Frozen! Read up on all the latest updates right here at D23.com.

New Trailer for The Wonderful Winter of Mickey Mouse

Here’s some more chilly fun to look forward to: Disney+ has released the trailer for The Wonderful Winter of Mickey Mouse, launching the second season of The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse.

The animated series spotlights the endearing, adventurous, and comedic antics of Mickey Mouse, Disney’s No. 1 star, and is geared towards kids, families, and fans of all ages. It’s produced by Disney Television Animation with Emmy® Award-winning artist and director Paul Rudish serving as executive producer and supervising director. Christopher Willis, the Emmy-nominated composer of the Mickey Mouse shorts, also provides the music for this series.This second installment consists of four extended-length specials that are themed to each season—winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The Wonderful Winter of Mickey Mouse kicks things off when it premieres Friday, February 18, exclusively on Disney+.

ICYMI: Jonathan Freeman Reflects on a Remarkable Run in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway

Can you imagine portraying a fan-favorite character from creation, through animation, and then onto the live theatrical stage? It doesn’t happen very often—but it did happen to Tony®-nominated actor Jonathan Freeman, who voiced Jafar in the 1992 animated hit and then originated the role in the musical version on Broadway. Before he takes his final bow Sunday, hear from Freeman directly in this exclusive interview with D23.com.

Big City Greens Gets a Season Three Premiere Date—Plus a Fourth Season and a Movie Musical!

By Zach Johnson

This news makes us very hoppy.

Chris and Shane Houghton, creators and executive producers of the animated comedy Big City Greens, Disney’s No. 1 show, will join the echelon of format-leaping creative talent as the brothers’ popular series spins off a movie musical for Disney Channel and Disney+. Big City Greens also received a fourth season order from Disney Channel, bringing it to more than 100 episodes for the Daytime Emmy®-winning and Annie Award-nominated comedy.

“Chris, Shane and their crew made this decision an easy one because they consistently turn their wellspring of bold ideas into entertainment that connects with kids and families and appeals to fans of animation everywhere,” says Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television. “They’re an important part of our TV animation studio which, guided by Meredith Roberts and her outstanding team, is key to our group’s creative footprint and success. Whether I’m at work or at home with my family, I join the millions of viewers around the world who are looking forward to all that Big City Greens has in store for us.”

The third season of Big City Greens will debut on Saturday, February 12, at 9 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel. Last year, Shane told D23, “There are going to be some big changes for the Greens coming up”… and boy, was he serious! The story arc will bring a big change for the optimistic mischief-maker Cricket Green (voiced by Chris), who moved from the country to the big city with his wildly out of place family: hard-working father Bill (voiced by Bob Joles), sweet-and-sour Gramma Alice (voiced by Artemis Pebdani), and quirky older sister Tilly (voiced by Marieve Herington), who later in season three will participate in a rite of passage event—one that’s uniquely Green style. If you need to catch up before the February 12, you’re in luck! The first two seasons are available to stream on Disney+. The Houghton humor and creativity are also on display in two short-form Disney Channel series, Broken Karaoke and Random Rings, each featuring characters from Big City Greens.

Big City Greens is influenced by the Houghtons’ childhood in the small rural town of St. Johns, Michigan, with locations and characters inspired by their real-life family members and townsfolk and their experiences upon departing rural farmland for college in big cities. The animated series debuted in 2018, and in 2021, the Houghtons inked an overall deal at Disney Television Animation. In addition to the brothers, the movie and series’ creative team includes producer Michael Coughlin, co-executive producer Stephen Sandoval, and composer Joachim Horsley. Big City Greens is a production of Disney Television Animation.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

By Andie Hagemann

This weekend boasts a bevy of adventures for the whole family! For the space curious, Ad Astra airs Saturday on FXX. Follow that up with a viewing of Mrs. Doubtfire, starring Disney Legend Robin Williams, on Freeform. The computer-animated The Book of Life airs Saturday on FXM, the same day as a National Treasure double feature on Freeform. Round out the weekend with a delectable marathon of Bob’s Burgers on Sunday. 

Ad Astra

Ad Astra—Saturday, January 22, at 6:30 a.m. ET, on FXX
Thirty years ago, Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones) led a voyage into deep space, but the ship and crew were never heard from again. His son, Roy McBride (Brad Pitt), is now a fearless astronaut determined to embark on a daring mission to Neptune to uncover the truth about his missing father and a mysterious power surge that threatens the stability of the universe.

Mrs. Doubtfire

Mrs. Doubtfire—Saturday, January 22, at 9:15 a.m. ET, on Freeform
Help is on the way! With little access to his children, divorced dad Daniel Hillard (Disney Legend Robin Williams) hatches an elaborate plan. With help from his creative brother Frank (Harvey Fierstein), he dresses as an older British woman and convinces his ex-wife, Miranda (Sally Field), to hire him as the children’s nanny. “Mrs. Doubtfire” wins over the children and helps Daniel become a better parent—but hijinks ensue when both Daniel and his nanny persona must meet different parties at the same restaurant.

The Book of Life

The Book of Life—Saturday, January 22, at 10:20 a.m. ET, on FXM
In the Mexican town of San Angel, Manolo (voiced by Diego Luna), Maria (voiced by Zoë Saldana) and Joaquin (voiced by Channing Tatum) have been friends ever since childhood. Their lives all took different paths—Maria was sent to Europe, Joaquin joined the military, and Manolo studied to become a bullfighter. But one thing remains the same: Manolo and Joaquin both want to marry Maria. Little does the trio know that battling husband-and-wife deities have made a high-stakes wager on the love triangle’s outcome.

National Treasure

National Treasure and National Treasure: Book of Secrets—Saturday, January 22, at 11:55 a.m. ET and 3:05 p.m. ET, on Freeform
Saddle up for a double feature of two jam-packed adventures! In National Treasure, Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage), heir to a treasure-hunting family, learns about a national treasure from his grandfather. Clues leading to the hidden treasure chest are cyphered and scattered all over the country. When Ben’s accomplice decides to steal the “Declaration of Independence” to obtain the next clue, Ben decides to intervene, leading to a wild quest to rescue the national treasure. Then, embark on another journey in National Treasure: Book of Secrets as Ben looks for clues to find a lost city of gold.

Bob’s Burgers

Bob’s Burgers—Sunday, January 23, starting at 3 p.m. ET, on FXX
Turn up the grill for a tasty marathon of Bob’s Burgers episodes! Bob Belcher is a third-generation restaurateur who runs Bob’s Burgers with his loving wife and their three children. Watch as the family attempts to keep the restaurant open after Bob’s flattop grill breaks on the morning of Ocean Fest. Later, watch the family try to cheer Gene up when he can’t eat Thanksgiving dinner due to the stomach flu, and Tina and Louise learn how to fight.

Jonathan Freeman Reflects on a Remarkable Run in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway

By Zach Johnson

Jonathan Freeman, who originated the role of Jafar in Broadway’s Aladdin, will end his incredible run at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Sunday, January 23, after more than 2,000 performances. Few know the character as intimately as Freeman, who has been the voice of Jafar since Walt Disney Animation Studios released Aladdin in 1992. Freeman has continued to voice the evil vizier over the years, and in 2011, he brought him to life—literally—when the production was first staged in Seattle. He stayed with the show during its 2013-14 tryout in Toronto and later earned raves after it opened on Broadway in 2014. In an exclusive interview with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, he recalls revisioning Jafar for the stage, shares what he’ll miss most about the company of Aladdin, and reveals why now is the perfect time to explore a whole new world—both personally and professionally.

Freeman had initially planned to say farewell in February 2021, which would have marked his seventh year in the show. However, in 2020, Aladdin joined other Broadway shows in suspending production due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I didn’t want to let go of all my work and my friends in the theater in the middle of the pandemic,” he says. “I thought that would be too sad.” Aladdin resumed performances in September 2021, with Freeman returning as Jafar. With his final performance in Aladdin just days away, he says, “I just feel like it’s time for me to do something else.”

Plus, Freeman says, “All the elements sort of aligned into a place where I was like, ‘I think this is good to let somebody else have a crack at it.’ I used to be very territorial about it. When they first mounted the production in Japan—and I’ve never expressed this to anybody out loud—I was a little frantic inside that suddenly there was going to be another Jafar. Then there was Jafar in Germany. Then there was Jafar in the U.K. Then there was a foreign and a national tour. All of a sudden, this character I had taken such good care of and taken such guardianship over for so many years was being splintered off. It’s crazy the way your mind works sometimes.” Flashing a big smile, Freeman adds, “I think I got over all of that.”

Although Freeman had previously starred in three Disney on Broadway productions—Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Mary Poppins—the Tony® Award-nominated actor recalls feeling “terrified” when Thomas Schumacher, president of Disney Theatrical Productions, approached him in 2011 about returning to the role of Jafar, this time onstage. “I was very excited when Thomas Schumacher called me to say he was working on a plan to do a tryout in Seattle,” he says, “but I clutched at the very end and I thought, ‘Oh, maybe this is a terrible idea. What if I’m terrible in the show? Is all of my work since 1991 going to go down the toilet?” Being in a room with actors who were not a part of the film—including Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), Courtney Reed (Jasmine), and James Monroe Iglehart (Genie), all of whom went on to originate their roles on Broadway—put Freeman’s mind at ease. “I was used to hearing what Aladdin sounded like when I was talking to him in the studio, but in this new stage version, everything was different. All of a sudden, I just had to get that this was a new experience and that it was going to be whatever it was going to be. I had lunch with [director] Casey Nicholaw one day, who said to me, ‘You have to get out of your own way.’”

That’s exactly what he did, as Freeman went on to wow audiences nightly for the next several years. After he takes his final bow in Aladdin this Sunday, the actor says he’ll most miss spending time with the cast and crew, who have become like a second family to him.

“You get to be such good friends with people, and a lot of the crew I’ve been friends with since I moved into the theatre to do Mary Poppins, which I did for two and a half years,” Freeman tells D23. “We really have a good time. It’s as close to having another family experience as you can have, because you see these people every day.” Aside from the cast and crew, he says, he’ll miss some of the quiet behind-the-scenes moments—moments where he gets lost in the beauty and the majesty of Aladdin. “I love hearing the overture every night,” he says. “I love standing in the wings every night before my first scene, hearing Aladdin sing ‘Proud of Your Boy’ and doing it so gorgeously. I enter immediately after he finishes that song, and every night before I go on to do my first ‘nasty’ scene, I have to have to do a big attitude adjustment.”

With a handful of shows left, Freeman—who says he always gravitated towards Disney Villains, even as a child—admits it’s just starting to sink in that his time as Jafar on Broadway is about to end. “There’s a certain finality to it,” he says. “I feel a little hopped up talking about it, a little more hyper than normal. Everything’s a little more heightened.” Post-Aladdin, Freeman hopes to go back to his roots and “reunite myself with plays, maybe even do some classic theatre again. I don’t know. And then, there’s just a lot of other things I want to do that have nothing to do with show business.”

Although he’s saying goodbye to Aladdin on Broadway, he’s not saying goodbye to Jafar. He plans to continue voicing the character, but he’s also ready to begin his next chapter. “It’s just time. I’ll miss all of it,” he says, choking back tears. “Oh, it’s disgraceful to have to see a villain cry. Don’t make me do it!”