Ghirardelli Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Hearts Recipe

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

  1. Preheat over to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  2. To prepare crust, in a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter.
  3. Add the chocolate graham crackers, ground almonds, and sugar and mix until combined.
  4. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
  5. 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.
  6. Strain sauce through a mesh strainer to remove seeds and set aside.
  7. To prepare cheesecake, in a small pot over low heat, bring the whipping cream to just boiling.
  8. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips.
  9. Set aside for 5 minutes and then stir until smooth.
  10. In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth.
  11. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
  12. 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.
  13. Add the melted chocolate to the remaining batter and mix until combined.
  14. Pour the chocolate cheesecake batter into the pan.
  15. Very carefully layer the raspberry cheesecake mixture on top of the chocolate mixture.
  16. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until filling is set.
  17. Cool in pan, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold before removing from pan.
  18. If desired, top cooled cheesecakes with one or a combination of the garnishes below.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. Fresh raspberries on top or served on the side.
  22. 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

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.

Hayley Mills
Richard Harbaugh / AMPAS

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.

Hayley Mills

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.

101 Dalmatians: Which Dalmatian Are You?

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians is celebrating 61 years since its debut on January 25, 1961. The animated film about perseverance, fierce loyalty, and a whole lot of cute puppies became an instant classic, touching generations of Disney fans.

Just over six decades later, we cannot help but feel nostalgic when reflecting on the film’s adorable pups, each with their own unique personality. Take our quiz below to find out which Dalmatian—we chose five of our favorites—you are most like!

101 Dalmatians

At a party, you are:

It’s “Movie Night” and you get to choose the genre. What are you picking?

What’s for dinner?

It’s Friday night and you’re taking your date:

It’s your best friend’s birthday... what did you get them?

101 Dalmatians: Which Dalmatian Are You?
You are Patch!

101 Dalmatians - Patch

Just like Patch, you must be rambunctious, bold, and confident. You don’t mind being the center of attention and you would never let anyone get in the way of you and the ones you love.
You are Perdita!

101 Dalmatians - Perdita

Like Perdita, you are loving, kind, and gentle. You enjoy a nice night in with the people you love most, and you will stop at nothing to make sure your family is happy and safe.
You are Pongo!

101 Dalmatians - Pongo

Pongo is responsible, a leader, and a little goofy—just like you. You both love to hang out with those closest to you, because you are incredibly loyal; in fact, you’d much rather spend quality time with just a couple of good friends or family than with a room full of people.
You are Lucky!

101 Dalmatians - Lucky

You, like our friend Lucky, might be a little shy, thoughtful, and love a good nap. You would much rather spend some time curled up with a good book or Disney+ than at some loud party with lots of people.
You are Rolly!

101 Dalmatians - Rolly

Just like Rolly, you must be awfully hungry all the time! You love your friends and family, but nothing compares to your love of a good meal.

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.