Play It Cool with New Trailer for West Side Story—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

The Countdown Continues Towards 20th Century Studios’ West Side Story

In just a few weeks’ time, we’ll meet Tony, María, Bernardo, Anita, and all the Sharks and the Jets when 20th Century Studios’ West Side Story dances across theaters around the U.S.—and to celebrate its impending release, they’ve gifted us a brand-new trailer for the film, above.

Directed by Steve Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, West Side Story tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony), Rachel Zegler (María), Ariana DeBose (Anita), David Alvarez (Bernardo), Mike Faist (Riff), Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino), Ana Isabelle (Rosalía), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank), Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke) and Rita Moreno (Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno—one of only three artists to be honored with Academy, Emmy®, Grammy®, Tony and Peabody Awards—also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

West Side Story has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway show, with book by Arthur Laurents; music by Leonard Bernstein; lyrics by Sondheim; and concept, direction, and choreography by Jerome Robbins. See it in theaters beginning December 10!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

Disney+ Day, ahoy! There is so much from around the worlds of Disney to watch this weekend on our beloved streamer (honestly, Disney+ is almost like a best friend at this point)… including Marvel Studios’ 2021 Disney+ Day Special, Ciao Alberto, Olaf Presents, and more. We hope y’all have laid in enough snacks to last through these many, many hours of most excellent entertainment!

Candlelight Processional

“Candlelight Processional” Announces Narrators for 2021

In case you’re not familiar: Each holiday season, the “Candlelight Processional” at America Gardens Theatre—inside EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort—finds a celebrity narrator telling the story of Christmas, accompanied by stirring songs of hope and joy performed by an orchestra and massed choir. This year, the Voices of Liberty will form a living Christmas tree at center stage, flanked on either side by a choir of Disney cast members. And just who will be joining these fantastic performers as narrators? Our friends at the Disney Parks Blog recently announced the 2021 lineup, including award-winning actors, singers, Broadway legends, TV hosts… and even a few Disney princesses!

This year’s “Candlelight Processional” lineup includes:

  • November 26-28: Auli’i Cravalho
  • November 29-December 1: Chita Rivera
  • December 2-4: Disney Legend Jodi Benson
  • December 5-7: Alton Fitzgerald White
  • December 8-10: Bart Millard
  • December 11-13: Lisa Ling
  • December 14-16: Andy Garcia
  • December 17-19: Ana Gasteyer
  • December 20- 22: Courtney B. Vance
  • December 23-25: Steven Curtis Chapman
  • December 26-28: Blair Underwood
  • December 29-30: Pat Sajak

The “Candlelight Processional” is part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which runs from November 26 through December 30. For more info “Candlelight Processional” dining packages—a lovely way to package your evening up like a holiday gift!—visit the Walt Disney World website.

Kaitlyn Bristowe Joins Dancing with the Stars 2022 Winter Tour

Dancing with the Stars fans, take heed: Mirrorball Champion Kaitlyn Bristowe (The Bachelorette) will be kick-ball-changing her way into the Dancing with the Stars 2022 winter tour! Reprising her Mirrorball-winning stint on the hit series, fans can come witness Kaitlyn relive her most memorable moments from the ballroom alongside her professional partner, Artem Chigvintsev, in their very own hometown. See Bristowe’s recent performance on the show in the clip, above.

“All of the dancers told me what an incredible experience the tour is,” Bristow recently said. “I am very excited that I’ll finally get to perform in front of an audience and connect with the fans! Being on Dancing with the Starslet me live out my childhood dream by being able to dance on such a big platform and I am beyond grateful for all of it.”

America’s favorite dance show is back on tour this winter to celebrate its 30th Season with “Dancing with the Stars – Live Tour 2022.” Launching January 7 in Richmond, Virginia, this year’s all-new production will feature fan-fave professional dancers thrilling audiences with all the breathtaking dance styles seen on ABC’s hit show—plus several brand-new choreographed specifically for the tour. In this year’s state-of-the-art production, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the excitement, glitz, and glamour they see in the ballroom every Monday night live in their hometowns.

For more info, including a full list of tour dates and locations, check out DWTSTour.com!

Meet the Hilarious Cast of Home Sweet Home Alone

Mere days ago, several cast members from Home Sweet Home Alone—premiering this very day (Friday, November 12) on Disney+—came together for a rollicking virtual press conference… and D23 was there! Hear about some of the behind-the-scenes hijinks, and how they brought the heart and humor of the original Home Alone franchise to this new iteration, by clicking here.

Magic Kingdom Park: Marvelous Metamorphosis from Halloween to Holidays

Wonder what it’s like to switch—literally overnight—from the spooky, kooky celebrations of Halloween at Magic Kingdom Park to a veritable holiday jubilee? Look no further than this magically merry video, above, featuring the Walt Disney World Holiday Services team transforming the park in just one evening. Make sure to look for all the special EARidescent touches on Main Street U.S.A., created to honor the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.

Festivities officially begin today, Friday, November 12, when holiday magic and delightful displays of decorations will be found throughout the Walt Disney World Resort—including Disney Springs. If you’re a D23 Gold Member and will be visiting the resort during Destination D23 next week, make sure to check it all out!

ICYMI: Terrific Tales from Encanto’s Vibrant Voice Cast

Later this month, we’ll finally get to meet the magical Madrigal family—who live in the truly enchanting hills of colorful Colombia—in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ milestone 60th animated feature, Encanto. Hear from members of the film’s talented voice cast (plus a bonus story from the film’s songwriter, Lin-Manuel Miranda) in D23’s rundown of their recent laughter-filled virtual press conference.

Decking the Halls with the Cast of Home Sweet Home Alone

By Courtney Potter

It’s the reimagining of a beloved holiday film franchise, and it starts jingling its proverbial bells on Disney+ Day—this Friday, November 12! In Home Sweet Home Alone, married couple Pam and Jeff McKenzie (Ellie Kemper and Rob Delaney) are more frazzled then usual during the holiday season; Jeff has lost his job, and they find themselves contemplating selling their beloved Winnetka, Illinois, home to make ends meet. But when they realize they own a family heirloom that could fetch a lot of money, they believe their prayers have been answered. However, during an open house, someone takes said heirloom… and that someone is annoying 10-year-old Max Mercer (Archie Yates), whose family has recently moved in next door. Over at the Mercer residence, things are just as nutty—and in the ruckus of his large family leaving for their holiday trip to Japan, Max is left behind… The separation from his mother Carol (Aisling Bea) and the subsequent freedom and solitude is, surprisingly, not all that he dreamed it could be.

Having few options left, Pam and Jeff decide to track Max down and retrieve their heirloom—which, as you might imagine, is mucheasier said than done. With the McKenzies’ sights set on the Mercer home, it’s up to Max to protect it from these innocent-seeming trespassers… and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep them out! Hijinks of epic proportions ensue—but despite the chaos around him, Max soon comes to realize there really is no place like home sweet home.

D23 was lucky to hear directly from some of Home Sweet Home Alone’s delightful cast—including Yates, Kemper, Delaney, Bea, and Ally Maki (Jeff’s sister-in-law, Mei)—during a rollicking virtual press conference. Read on for a few of their memorable stories from the making of the film…

Home Sweet Home Alone

Kemper and Delaney on the physical demands of their roles:
“They were comprehensive,” Delaney admitted. “I mean, we started stunt training well before we started shooting—thank goodness. And we were really required to do most of the stunts in the film! Professional stunt people did them as well,” he added, chuckling, “and they edited them in. But they really put us through the paces! Which, frankly, was shocking to me because I thought that I would just have to dip in for a humorous rejoinder now and then—but they’re like, ‘No, we’re going to require you to be in the entire film and do the stunts.’ Which was scary, educational, and really very fun.”

Kemper agreed, adding, “It turned out to be a lot of fun. I hadn’t done anything like that before! It was challenging, but also funny—and athletic in a way that I wasn’t expecting.”

Yates on honoring the original films while making the role of Max his own:
“Well, I did take a lot of inspiration from the original Home Alone movies,” the Jojo Rabbit star said. “I mean, I religiously watch them every year at Christmas, so it was pretty easy for me to relate [to the character of Kevin McCallister]. But then again, Max is supposed to be a completely different character from Kevin—so while I did want it to [honor] the classic, I also wanted it to be original and a bit different. Because that’s what this film is all about. It’s the same universe, but it’s a completely different story.”

Bea and Maki on bringing Home Alone’s heartfelt hilarity to their film:
“[We wanted to highlight] that emotional moment of seeing your son again,” Bea explained, recalling a favorite moment from the original film, “and that moment to the door. I think that’s because you [as the audience] get such a feeling from that moment.”

Added Maki, “The hijinks! I feel like we all grew up on this movie—and just seeing the booby traps being set; I think we all wanted to have like a booby-trap house growing up!”

The cast on switching up who you “root for” in this iteration:
“Our mission was one inspired by, I think, goodness,” said Kemper. “Our motives were good: We want to save our family.”

“That said though, for me, there is a villain in the film, and he’s played by Archie Yates and his character is named Max Mercer!” Delaney continued, laughing. “Because if we’re trying to get back our stuff, that we need to save our family—I don’t think of myself as like a method actor, but the whole time we were filming, I was like, ‘Oh, Max is the enemy.’ But when I watched the [finished] film, and you felt sympathetic towards Max, I was like, ‘Oh, this must be a different film than the one I appeared in.’” With his fellow cast members cracking up, he added, “So, certainly in watching it, I think there’s no [true] ‘antagonists.’”

Bea agreed, adding, “I think, like Rob and Ellie were talking about, there’s a bit of a change in the balance of ‘evil versus good.’ In [the earlier Home Alone films], you were very aware of who was bad and who was good. And now this time ‘round, you can sort of understand the ‘burglars’—where are they coming from, emotionally, in the movie.”

Home Sweet Home Alone

… and on working with Devin Ratray, who portrayed Kevin’s bratty older brother Buzz McCallister in the original films:
“The one day I worked with him, he was so cool,” said Yates. “He was [particularly] awesome to work with. I was actually like really nervous at first, because I thought I was like looking at a [VIP]!” “We sadly didn’t get to take a photo with him,” continued Kemper, “because it was so cold outside that day—I think the cameras froze that day… He’s a fantastic actor. And I was so happy that [he] could do this film; he’s brilliant.” Added Delaney, “Seeing his scene with [Maki], and I’m watching him… and he’s so great and so charming. And the thing is, it’s not a ‘stunt’ to have him [in this film]—yes, you’re thrilled to see him come back, but he’s so good in this. It’s a very special performance.”

Look for 20th Century Studios’ Home Sweet Home Alone when it begins streaming on Disney+ during Disney+ Day—Friday, November 12!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

By Zach Johnson

Today’s edition of “5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend” is dedicated to Disney+ Day, a global celebration that will come to life across all dimensions of The Walt Disney Company. Subscribers to Disney+ will be treated to new content releases across the service’s iconic brands, Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star in international markets, along with sneak peeks into what’s to come. Below, we’ve highlighted just a few titles debuting on Disney+ Day: Ciao Alberto, Entrelazados, Marvel Studios’ 2021 Disney+ Day Special, Olaf Presents, and Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett.

Ciao Alberto

Ciao Alberto—Friday, November 12, on Disney+
Set after the events of Disney and Pixar’s Luca, this original short finds Alberto (voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer) enjoying a new life in Portorosso working alongside Massimo (voiced by Marco Barricelli)—the imposing, tattooed, one-armed fisherman of few words. Alberto wants more than anything to impress his mentor—but, of course, it’s easier said than done.

Entrelazados—Friday, November 12, on Disney+
Stream all episodes back-to-back when the first season of this all-new series premieres on Disney+ Day. Allegra (Carolina Domenech) dreams of joining the Eleven O’ Clock music hall company—but her mother, Caterina (Clara Alonso), won’t accept that. Allegra’s life changes drastically when she finds a mysterious bracelet that takes her back to 1994, the year Caterina (Manuela Menéndez) was her age and starting her career at Eleven O’ Clock.

Marvel Studios’ 2021 Disney+ Day Special—Friday, November 12, on Disney+
Explore the MCU’s Disney+ series—past, present, and future. Highlighting the action, emotion, drama, and humor from WandaVision, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Loki, and What If…?, it also includes a look at upcoming titles and new project announcements.

Olaf Presents

Olaf Presents—Friday, November 12, on Disney+
In this new series of shorts from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Olaf (voiced by Josh Gad) goes from snowman to showman as he takes on the roles of actor, actor, costumer, producer, and set builder for his unique “retelling” of five favorite Disney animated tales. Olaf demonstrates his theatrical flair, starring as a mermaid, a genie, a lion king, and more while regaling the people of Arendelle with delightfully abbreviated versions of each story.

Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett—Friday, November 12, on Disney+
The new documentary special celebrates the origins and legacy of Star Wars’ legendary bounty hunter, Boba Fett, before The Book of Boba Fett debuts on Disney+ this December.

Terrific Tales from Encanto’s Vibrant Voice Cast

By Courtney Potter

Meet the Madrigals—a family who lives hidden in the majestic mountains of Colombia. Their home is an Encanto, a truly wondrous place brimming with enchantment that’s blessed every child in the clan with a unique gift… well, every child except one: 15-year-old Mirabel (voice of Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Stephanie Beatriz). Upon discovering that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope.

With musical numbers by Tony® Award-winning and Oscar®-nominated songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, Encanto—Walt Disney Animation Studios’ milestone 60th animated feature—will begin enchanting audiences in just a few weeks’ time! Recently, D23 was lucky to hear directly from the majority of the film’s incredible voice cast, including Beatriz, John Leguizamo (voice of Bruno), María Cecilia Botero (voice of Abuela Alma), Diane Guerrero (voice of Isabela), Jessica Darrow (voice of Luisa), Angie Cepeda (voice of Julieta), Mauro Castillo (voice of Félix), Carolina Gaitán (voice of Pepa), Adassa (voice of Dolores), Rhenzy Feliz (voice of Camilo), and Ravi Cabot-Conyers (voice of Antonio). Read on for their thoughts, as well as a peek into why being a part of Encanto was so meaningful.

Beatriz on how she relates to her character, Mirabel:
“Mirabel doesn’t have a gift, which I find extremely relatable,” the actress explained, “because there have been many times in my life where I felt like I didn’t belong, I didn’t measure up, I wasn’t talented enough to be there. I had that sort of ‘imposter syndrome.’ But I also discovered by getting older, and working more and more on trusting myself, that I do have something to offer, and it is special—I am myself. Not everybody’s gonna love [it], that but the people that do are gonna love it really hard.”

She continued, “Disney has this incredible tradition of crafting [female] protagonists and their stories who are these girls and women who are really brave, really good at heart, want the best for everyone around them—and are willing to go on these sometimes really dangerous, crazy, magical adventures to get what they want. And I’m really proud to be part of that legacy—to honor the work of all of the women that have come before me that have been in this position, and also hopefully add something new to it as well.”

Encanto

Leguizamo on voicing Bruno, one of the more mysterious members of the Madrigal family:
“Bruno is that relative that always says the wrong thing at every party,” admitted the Emmy® and Tony Award winner, chuckling. “[The one] who wrecks every holiday because they’re always talking too much.  That’s who I am. I’m Bruno… I had that bit of an issue. I was always talking too much, saying everything people were afraid to say; I would say it! My mom would say [in Spanish], ‘Please just be quiet, stop talking!’ I was the black sheep of the family. So, I relate to Bruno.”

Botero on feeling close to her character, the matriarch of the Madrigal family:
As the well-known Spanish-language television actress explained, “[Abuela Alma] is the one who [protects] the family, the one that keeps the family together… [And] I think I am the abuela, for all my nieces and everybody. What I really like about Abuela Alma is that she’s not a typical grandmother. She’s [strict] sometimes, but she also so tender and so lovely.”

Cepeda on falling in love with her character, Mirabel’s mother, Julieta:
“Julieta’s very kind, [and] she’s warm,” the actress explained, “and she cares so much about her family, and for the people in her community. She has this gift [where] she heals people with the food that she cooks, and she does that for all who need it. And she also has this special relationship with Mirabel; she knows how Mirabel feels about not having a gift, and [recognizes] the fact that she feels that she doesn’t belong—and she’s always there for her. I relate to that… I have a lot of nieces and nephews, and it’s so important for me to be there for them, and to try and [offer] some kind of guidance. Because I know how that feels—when you feel awkward, when you feel like you don’t belong, when you’re insecure. So, I try to be that rock in my family as well. Family’s everything for me. And I also love cooking!”

Darrow on why she embraces her character Luisa, one of Mirabel’s sisters:
“I love Luisa so much, because of how much we are alike,” she admitted, laughingly adding, “We are both tough crybabies, y’know? We’ve got the tough exterior, but a soft, mushy center. We’re [also] very much the rock of both of our families [like Angie mentioned], I think. We definitely keep it all together—whether it be family secrets or just general ‘moderation’ within the family. We take care of our sisters, our mom, our dad, our abuela. We would both do anything for our abuelas! Luisa’s gift is super strength, and that is both physical and emotional. [I think] she is the emotional superhero of the film.”

Encanto

Guerrero on what she’s learned from her portrayal of Mirabel’s other sister, Isabela:
“Isabela’s gift is to make things grow: plants and beautiful flowers,” she explained. “And so, with this gift came the expectation that she just had to be ‘perfect’ and beautiful and ‘just so.’ She uses it kind of like a defense mechanism—this [gift] that has worked for her for so long. But I think she discovers that, when you’re growing up, and you’re an actual real human being,” she added, chuckling, “that perfection really isn’t sustainable. I really relate to that in my own life. I used to think that if you weren’t perfect—if you didn’t do things right—then that would just be the end of it, you know? I used to be so afraid to mess up and ask questions and seem like I was in trouble. I think I used it to protect myself [from that] for a long time, as I was growing up. But like Isabela, I’ve been trying to break free from that… I want to evolve.”

Gaitán, who voices Pepa, Mirabel’s aunt, on finding common ground with her character:
“I really can relate to Pepa because I’m a little bit [dramatic] as well,” said the actress and salsa singer. “Sometimes [I’m] a little bit like a drama queen. But most of all, I think it’s about vulnerability—not to be in control of everything. And I really love that about Pepa. She’s emotional, and she allows herself to be emotional. I think that that’s very beautiful about a person, and about a character. And that’s also a gift.  And I think [that relates to Colombia], the climate variety that we have. Pepa’s [Encanto] gift is that she’s always raining or thundering—and Colombia is like that, you know? One city is cold, and you can drive a few hours to another city and it’s super warm. It’s everything in Pepa, and everything about Pepa that I love. And, of course, the music [of the film] as well… I think Colombia deserves so much to be told [about] in this way—because we are all this. We are colorful, we are funny people, we are great people. And also, there’s something very particular that I can notice here in this movie, and it’s the magical realism; you can notice it in every single character.”

Castillo on how he brought his own life experiences to Félix, who married into the Madrigal clan:
“Félix is the soul of the party!” the actor and Latin Grammy® Award-nominated singer exclaimed. “He loves music, and he deeply loves his wife Pepa—and he admires every single member of the family. And he likes food a lot! He’s very much like me; I’m a salsa singer, and I love to dance and to show all the goodness of the Colombian Pacific, the region in Colombia that I’m from. The world capital of the salsa—la capital mundial de la salsa! So, this character has a lot of things in common with me… and I have a very special [bond] with Casa Madrigal and [whole] family.”

Encanto

Adassa on portraying Dolores, Pepa and Félix’s oldest child:
The singer and actress admitted, “I absolutely love the character. I think that [directors] Byron Howard and Jared Bush and [co-director] Charise Castro Smith did an amazing job creating this character, because she has all the secrets; [her gift is that] she can hear everything. But sometimes, her well-placed heart is a little bit out of order. When she speaks up and she can’t help it… And I love her character, because even though she is a strong part of the family, sometimes she can [go] unnoticed… With Dolores, it’s just everything’s so loud that she has to maintain a certain composure to be able to deal with things around her, in her environment. She means well—she just [sometimes] puts her foot in her mouth!”

Feliz on the fun of bringing Camilo, Pepa and Félix’s shape-shifting son, to life:
“Camilo is someone who’s a little crazy, a little dramatic; someone who’s a lot of fun and has a lot of energy,” said the actor. “Camilo is this entertainer—he wants to make everyone laugh and have a good time. And I feel like that [too]; I’m an actor, so when you get that spotlight, it feels nice, it feels good! So, he’s kind of like that—he’s out there trying to get that attention; he was born for the spotlight. He has a good time, and he’s a lot of fun—but he loves his family.”

Cabot-Conyers on voicing Antonio, Dolores and Camilo’s brother and the youngest member of the Madrigal clan:
“He’s kind of an introvert,” he admitted. “But he also has a really big heart. [In my own life], I can talk with all different sorts of people… [During the film], Antonio finally gets out of his shell and is able to communicate with animals.”

Encanto

Leguizamo on seeing his such robust Colombian representation on the big screen in Encanto:
“There were a couple of moments that really hit me hard,” the comedian and actor admitted. “As grown man, I was like, ‘Yo, my tears are welling up!’ Because [the film represents] how my Colombian family looks… I mean, it looked like my family—it looked like the way I grew up! And to see that, you just feel like, ‘Oh my god, we’ve arrived…’”

BONUS: Lin-Manuel Miranda on an early inspiration for his work on the film:
“I remember my father, Luis, telling us a story about his grandmother in Puerto Rico,” the Oscar nominee (Disney’s Moana) recalled. “She had lots of kids, and those kids married, and they all stayed under the same roof. And she ‘ruled’ with such certainty that people would bring their paychecks to her, and she would reallocate the wealth amongst the kids—the married couples; her children and grandchildren,” he added, laughing. “And that is the kind of rule that ended up informing Abuela Alma—who really loves her family dearly, but holds it super tight. That’s just where our story begins…”

Experience Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto when it comes to U.S. theaters on Wednesday, November 24.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Zach Johnson

Disney+ Day is fast approaching! On Friday, November 12, The Walt Disney Company will host a global celebration that will come to life across all dimensions of the Company. Subscribers will be treated to new content releases across the streaming service’s iconic brands, along with sneak peeks of what’s to come. It’s a big week for Disney+ titles in general, as the season finale of Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. will begin streaming Wednesday. Disney+ Day will include the premiere of the new Disney+ original movie Home Sweet Home Alone, a reimagining of the popular Home Alone franchise; the beloved family-friendly adventure film Jungle Cruise, available to all subscribers at no additional cost; the streaming premiere of Marvel Studios’ blockbuster film Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings; and the first episodes from season two of The World According to Jeff Goldblum.

Doogie Kamealoha

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. —Wednesday, November 10, on Disney+
In the season finale, “Aloha – The Goodbye One,” Lahela (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) accepts a medic job on a pro surf tour in Australia, but Benny (Jason Scott Lee) and Clara (Kathleen Rose Perkins) refuse to let their 16-year-old live with her boyfriend, Walter (Alex Aiono), and leave her medical residency for the summer. As the Chief of Staff announcement nears, Lahela skirts Clara’s authority, requesting a sabbatical. Meanwhile, Benny insists Uncle John (Al Harrington) should be discharged early for the family’s King Kamehameha Day potluck. If Walter offers to skip his tour, can Lahela muster the strength to do what’s right?

Home Sweet Home Alone

Home Sweet Home Alone—Friday, November 12, on Disney+
20th Century Studios’ all-new adventure comedy centers on Max Mercer (Archie Yates), a mischievous and resourceful young boy who has been left behind while his family is in Japan for the holidays. When a married couple (Ellie Kemper and Rob Delaney) attempting to retrieve a priceless heirloom set their sights on the Mercer family’s home, it is up to Max and Max alone to protect it from the trespassers… and he will do whatever it takes to keep them out! Hilarious hijinks of epic proportions ensue, of course. But despite the absolute chaos, Max eventually comes to realize that there really is no place like home sweet home.

Jungle Cruise

Jungle Cruise—Friday, November 12, on Disney+
Embark on rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) and fearless researcher Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt). Lily enlists Frank’s help in finding an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities. During their epic quest, the unlikely duo encounters countless dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the rainforest. As the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes grow even higher for Lily and Frank. Their fate (and all of mankind’s) hangs in the balance!

Shang-Chi

Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings—Friday, November 12, on Disney+
Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) is living a seemingly ordinary life in San Francisco when a group of assassins suddenly show up and steal a pendant that his mother (Fala Chen) gave him when he was young. Shang-Chi and his best friend Katy (Awkwafina) leave their safe lives and journey to Macau to warn his younger sister, Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), that she is the assassins’ next target. It soon becomes clear that Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind. Drawn back into the web of the Ten Rings organization led by his estranged father, Wenwu (Tony Leung), Shang-Chi realizes he must put an end to his reign.

The World According to Jeff Goldblum

The World According to Jeff Goldblum—Friday, November 12, on Disney+
Jeff Goldblum is back… and he’s as curious as ever! In the first five episodes of season two, releasing all at once, he will uncover surprising secrets behind a whole new host of topics—including dogs, fireworks, magic, monsters, and motorcycles. While meeting a new cast of fantastic characters, from passionate fans to experts unveiling life-changing new technology, Goldblum will discover just how these topics have shaped the world we live in.

Disney+ Day Reveals Epic Week-Long, Company-Wide Promotions

By Zach Johnson

Disney+ Day is just around the corner—and Disney+ is just getting started!

Ahead of Disney+ Day, The Walt Disney Company just announced new company-wide promotions and additional content premiering this Friday, November 12, to celebrate the Disney+ global community. To thank fans for their support over the past two years, Disney+ subscribers can enjoy special benefits such as additional time at Disney Parks around the world, shopDisney deals, access to fan-favorite content, exclusive first looks on platform, and more! For those looking to join the Disney+ community, from today through Sunday, November 14, new and eligible returning subscribers can get one month of Disney+ for $1.99. Fans are also invited to follow Disney+ on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, which will share sneak peeks at upcoming Disney+ movies and series starting at 6 a.m. PT Friday.

“Since launching two years ago, Disney+ has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world with its best-in-class originals and robust library of beloved films and series,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. “With Disney+ Day, we are creating an unparalleled experience for our subscribers as only The Walt Disney Company can.”

Celebrations from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
In celebration of Disney+ Day, Disney+ subscribers with a valid ticket or pass and theme park reservation on Friday, November 12, will enjoy special benefits across Disney theme parks—in addition to some spectacular surprises! Disney+ subscribers and their travel party are invited to enter the theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort 30 minutes before the parks open. For even more fanfare, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park will roll out the blue carpet for guests with character moments, photo opportunities, and more. Disney+ subscribers will also enjoy complimentary Disney PhotoPass photo download(s) taken at select locations.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris will also roll out the blue carpet at Walt Disney Studios for guests to celebrate with special character appearances and photo opportunities throughout the day. That’s not all! The park will also extend its operating hours by 30 minutes so that guests can enjoy watching The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror illuminate the night in Disney+ blue!

ShopDisney will offer free shipping in the U.S. and Europe from Friday, November 12, to Sunday, November 14, to subscribers of Disney+. Also starting today in the U.S., and for a limited time, shopDisney will roll out new customizable products from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel, including short sleeve and long sleeve T-shirts for kids and adults from Disney+ favorites like Loki, Luca, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Star Wars: The Bad Batch.

Disney Publishing Worldwide, meanwhile, will offer select $0.99 eBooks today through Wednesday, November 17. Fans can discover the stories behind their favorite Disney+ series, including High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Loki, and The Mandalorian.

Disney and VeVe, the largest mobile-first digital collectible platform, have collaborated to launch a series of NFTs featuring beloved and iconic characters from fan-favorite properties. “Golden Moments” gives fans the opportunity to purchase digital golden statues inspired by stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and The Simpsons. New digital collectibles were first made available daily on Sunday, November 7—and “Golden Moments” will culminate on Disney+ Day with a special Ultra Rare digital collectible!

Disney will team up with Funko to offer an exclusive 10% off Disney+ products from Friday, November 12, to Sunday, November 14, on Funko.com and in their two retail locations: Funko HQ located in Everett, Washington, and Funko Hollywood, located in Los Angeles, California. Customers can use promo code DISNEYPLUSDAY on funko.com, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout in-store. (Exclusions apply; see terms and conditions for details.) Star Wars fans can check out BringHometheBounty.com at 6 a.m. PT on Disney+ Day to see exclusive reveals of new Star Wars Funko Pop! Bobbleheads.

Additionally, Disney will team up with Target to host in-store activations on Friday, November 12, through Sunday, November 14, in almost 800 Target stores across the U.S. as part of a joint commitment to create new experiences for guests. Target shoppers will have the ability to sign up for the Disney+ Day offer and receive special giveaways.

From Friday, November 12, through Sunday, November 14, more than 200 AMC Theatres will celebrate Disney+ Day with four daily surprise screenings of fan-favorite movies. Each movie will feature a surprise short—and guests won’t know which movie is being shown until the screening begins! Tickets for these surprise screenings are $5 each, and guests will receive a free Disney+ poster and a special concession offer with their ticket purchase. A list of participating AMC locations can be found here.

Celebrations on Disney Networks
Disney’s network shows and syndicated series will join in the celebration all week long with Disney+ Day takeovers, talent shout-outs, and special show integrations.

Fans can find out what their favorite on-air talent from the Disney-owned networks are streaming on Disney+ in a series of spots featuring Anthony Anderson and his mother Doris Hancox (To Tell The Truth), Kelly Ripa (Live! with Kelly and Ryan), and Jesse James Keitel (Big Sky) on ABC; Yara Shahidi and Trevor Jackson (grown-ish) on Freeform; Peyton Manning (Peyton’s Places) with his daughter Mosley, along with NBA stars Brook and Robin Lopez on ESPN; Albert Lin (Lost Cities with Albert Lin) and Bear Grylls (Running Wild with Bear Grylls) on National Geographic; Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story) on FX; and Kat Dennings (Dollface) and Tamera Mowry-Housley (Baker’s Dozen) on Hulu.

Audiences can watch for exclusive Disney+ Original spots tonight during ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown and Monday Night Football, test their trivia in a Disney+ category in Jeopardy! on Friday, November 12, and tune-in for special Disney+ Day integrations and in-show mentions throughout the week on Dancing with the Stars, General Hospital, Live! with Kelly and Ryan, Wheel of Fortune, Tamron Hall, The View, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Stephen A’s World, NFL Live, NBA Today, SportsNation, and more.

The celebration will extend to local communities via ABC’s Owned TV Stations with original programming dedicated to Disney+ Day including special episodes of Localish and On the Red Carpet. Also, Good Morning America will celebrate live from Times Square on Friday, November 12, with special guests from Disney+ shows and spotlights on the coast-to-coast celebrations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney+ Premieres, First Looks, and More
On Friday November 12, at 6 a.m. PT, fans can follow along with Disney+ on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for first looks, new trailers, exclusive clips, and stars of upcoming content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and in select international territories, Star. Disney+ subscribers will also be treated to exclusive on-platform specials from Pixar Animation Studios premiering at 8 a.m. PT and from Marvel Studios premiering at 8:45 a.m. PT, and other surprise sneak peeks.

Additional new and beloved fan-favorite content will make their Disney+ streaming debuts on Friday, November 12, including:

  • A new documentary titled The Making of Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles about Billie Eilish’s recent Disney+ cinematic concert experience
  • Marvel Assembled: The Making of Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, a docu-special chronicling the creation of the recent Marvel Studios’ theatrical release
  • Marvel Studios Legends: Hawkeye, an episode that revisits all of Hawkeye’s epic moments from the MCU in preparation for the upcoming Disney+ Original Series
  • The live-action animated musical fantasy romantic comedy film Enchanted (2007), starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey
  • The recent Disney Channel Original Movie Spin where Rhea (Avantika), an Indian American teen, discovers her passion for creating DJ mixes that blend her South Asian culture and the world around her
  • All episodes of Fancy Nancy season 3, which will launch day and date with its premiere on Disney Junior

Disney+ Day

These titles join previously announced Disney+ Day premieres including: Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, Jungle Cruise, Home Sweet Home Alone, Olaf Presents, Frozen Fever, Paperman, The Ballad of Nessie, Feast, Get a Horse!, The Little Matchgirl, Tick Tock Tale, Tangled Ever After, Ciao Alberto, The Simpsons in Plusaversary, The World According to Jeff Goldblum, Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett, Marvel Studios’ 2021 Disney+ Day Special, Entrelazados, and in international markets, Dopesick. 

IMAX Enhanced Expanded Aspect Ratio to Launch on Disney+ with Titles from the Marvel Cinematic Universe
For the first time ever, fans will be able to stream some of their favorite MCU titles in IMAX’s Expanded Aspect Ratio at home with IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, launching on Friday, November 12. With IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, subscribers will get more picture with IMAX’s Expanded Aspect Ratio across 13 Marvel titles; all they need to do is hit play. IMAX’s Expanded Aspect Ratio is 1:90:1, offering up to 26% more picture for select sequences—meaning more of the action is visible on screen, as the filmmakers intended.

The 13 titles available at launch include the Disney+ premiere of Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, in addition to Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Widow. (Content availability varies by region.) “Disney, Marvel Studios, and IMAX have collaborated for years to bring the world’s most popular films to the big screen, and on Friday we’ll start to bring IMAX technology to subscribers with IMAX Enhanced viewing in the Disney+ app,” said Michael Paull, President of Disney+ and ESPN+. “We’re thrilled to create new value for Marvel fans and audiences on Disney+, and we’re looking forward to offering even more IMAX Enhanced functionality in the future.”

Disney+ Day Limited Offer and Promotions
To celebrate the first two years of the service and all the new content to come, Disney+ is inviting fans to join the community with a special, limited time offer. From now until Sunday, November 14, new and eligible returning subscribers in the US and select countries can get one month of Disney+ for $1.99 (then $7.99/month) by signing up at www.DisneyPlus.com/DisneyPlusDay and join in on all of the Disney+ Day celebrations.

Fans can also tune in to the Disney+ Day celebration on TikTok, where Disney+ has launched an official account. The streaming service’s new TikTok will be home to unique short-form content featuring iconic Disney+ stories, brands, and characters. Follow @DisneyPlus on TikTok today for new content all week leading up to Disney+ Day!

Disney+ will pop up in cities around the world with larger-than-life icons and characters from its marquee brands. The activation kicked off in New York City today and will continue in Nashville on Wednesday, November 10, and Los Angeles on Friday, November 12.

Visit www.DisneyPlus.com/DisneyPlusDay to follow along all week as The Walt Disney Company comes together for Disney+ Day.

*Offer valid until 11:59 PM PST on 11/14/21. Valid only for new Disney+ subscribers and returning Disney+ subscribers with no current active entitlement, who are 18 years of age or older. Valid payment method required to redeem offer. Upon redeeming this offer, you will be enrolled in an auto-renewing monthly subscription of Disney+ and you will be charged the then-current retail price (currently $7.99/mo (plus tax, where applicable)) on a monthly basis beginning at the end of your 1-month promotional offer unless you cancel your subscription before then. Cancel anytime, effective at the end of your billing period. No refunds or credits for partial months. To accept this offer, create a Disney+ account, accept the Disney+ Subscriber Agreement, and select the monthly offer. Cannot be combined with any other offers, coupons, discounts or promotions. Not redeemable for cash or any other goods or services.

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland Resort and Disney Festival of Holidays

By Zach Johnson

Season’s eatings!

Dig in to this year’s foodie guide to the holidays at the Disneyland Resort and Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park! Dozens of themed items will be available throughout the entire season from November 12, 2021, through January 9, 2022. Also, please don’t forget to download the latest version of the Disneyland mobile app*, as this is a convenient way to order food and beverages at most quick-service dining locations.

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Disneyland Park

Alien Pizza Planet (Mobile Order Available)

  • Chicken Parmesan Pizza – Chicken breast tossed in zesty marinara sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan topped with sun-dried tomato drizzle, seasoned breadcrumbs, and basil
  • Tomato Cream Pasta – Italian sausage and bell peppers served on chef’s choice of pasta tossed with blush sauce
  • Green Alien Holiday Macaron – Macaron filled with marshmallow crème and chocolate ganache

Blue Bayou Restaurant

  • 31 Royal Street Signature Julep – A refreshing blend of blood orange and mint
  • Cookie Butter Crème Brûlée with cookie crumbles and chocolate brownie

Café Orleans

  • Hot Cocoa Crème Brûlée topped with marshmallow chantilly and served with sugar cookies

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Carnation Café

  • Herb-roasted Pork Sandwich – Herb-roasted pork, mortadella, pickled onions, and arugula on ciabatta served with your choice of fresh fruit or seasoned french fries

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Churro Cart – Castle Hub

  • Chocolate-Cinnamon Churro – Traditional cinnamon-sugar churro rolled in hot chocolate powder

Churro Cart – Critter Country

  • Groom Churro – Classic churro dressed in a duo of dark and milk chocolate

Churro Cart – New Orleans Square

  • Bride Churro – Elegantly dressed churro in a bouquet of vanilla and sugar

Churro Cart – Tomorrowland

  • Pink Coconut Churro with chocolate marshmallow crème dipping sauce

Churro Cart – Town Square

  • Holiday Cookie Churro topped with crushed ginger snaps and holiday spices with vanilla dipping sauce

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

French Market (Mobile Order Available)

  • Smothered Beef with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, caramelized onions, and roasted garlic au jus
  • Haunted Mansion Holiday Wreath Cookie
  • Wedding Cake – Chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, sour cherries, and cream cheese filling, finished with a splatter of cherry sauce

Galactic Grill (Mobile Order Available)

  • Specialty Burger – 1/3 lb. Angus beef patty, roasted sausage, provolone, chimichurri aïoli, honey-mustard, arugula, grilled onion, and red bell peppers on a toasted bun served with choice of Greek yogurt or french fries
  • Peppermint-Mocha Frappé – Frozen coffee beverage with peppermint and chocolate, topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies
  • Caramel Pecan Brownie Parfait – Layers of devil’s food cake, chocolate brownie, caramel pecans, and vanilla chantilly

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (Mobile Order Available)

  • Peppermint Holiday Sundae – Two scoops of peppermint ice cream with fudge topping, crushed peppermint, whipped cream, and a cherry

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Golden Horseshoe (Mobile Order Available)

  • Churro Funnel Cake à la Mode – House-made funnel cake topped with dulce de leche gelato, cinnamon sugar, toffee candy and caramel

Harbour Galley (Reopening Soon) (Mobile Order Available)

  • Seafood Boil for Two – Shareable experience with Cajun-buttered shrimp with red potatoes, corn, and andouille sausage with rustic bread (also available as an individual portion; offering starts mid-December)

Hungry Bear Restaurant (Mobile Order Available)

  • Spicy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger – 1/3 lb. Angus chuck patty with applewood-smoked bacon, American cheese, onion ring, pickled jalapeños, and BBQ sauce served with Cuties Mandarin oranges or french fries
  • Honey Cream Cold Brew – Cold brew sweetened with honey cream served over ice
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Funnel Cake

Ice Cream and Vending Carts

  • Cinnamon Cotton Candy

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Jolly Holiday Bakery Café (Mobile Order Available)

  • Turkey Noodle Soup
  • Holiday Brownie with white chocolate mousse, holiday sprinkles, and decorations
  • Chocolate-Mint Macaron with white peppermint cream filling and rich chocolate ganache
  • Holiday Sandwich – Roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce on rustic bread served with house-made chips
  • Maple Walnut Cheesecake – Maple cheesecake with walnut-graham cracker crust, vanilla chantilly, and candied walnuts
  • Mickey Gingerbread – Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Market House

  • Mickey Gingerbread – Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie

Mint Julep Bar (Mobile Order Available)

  • Peppermint Beignets – 3- or 6-pack beignets dusted with peppermint powdered sugar

Plaza Inn

  • Chocolate Chip-Red Velvet Bundt Cake filled with cheesecake, cream cheese glaze, and holiday sprinkles
  • Holiday Cake – Devil’s food cake with swirled chocolate mousse filling, buttercream frosting, and holiday sprinkles
  • A Christmas Fantasy Parade Dining Package – Roasted New York strip loin and house-made mac and cheese with autumn vegetables and chocolate bread pudding

Pretzel Carts – Tomorrowland

  • Toffee Pretzel – Cream cheese-filled pretzel sprinkled with toffee sugar and chocolate marshmallow crème dipping sauce

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Rancho del Zocalo

  • Pork Pozole – Traditional Mexican stew of hominy, shredded pork, and guajillo peppers garnished with lime, cabbage, onion, and radish
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate with cinnamon flavor
  • Cinnamon Crisps with Dipping Sauce – Caramel, honey-vanilla or chocolate
  • Dessert Nachos – Cinnamon crisps topped with berry compote, whipped cream, and honey crème anglaise
  • Horchata – Sweet creamy cinnamon, rice, and milk beverage served over ice

Refreshment Corner (Mobile Order Available)

  • Spicy Meatball Sandwich – House-made meatballs, marinara, shredded mozzarella, and cheese sauce on a toasted garlic hoagie roll

Red Rose Taverne (Mobile Order Available)

  • Eggnog Cold Brew – Cold brew coffee and eggnog topped with whipped cream and holiday spices
  • Holiday Grey Stuff with holiday sprinkles and a white chocolate star
  • Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

River Belle Terrace

  • Hummingbird Cake – Pineapple-banana spice cake with cream cheese frosting and candied pecans
  • Country Ham Cubano – Pulled pork, Havarti cheese, and pickles
  • Seasonal Monkey Bread

Royal Street Veranda (Mobile Order Available)

  • Pumpkin Fritters with cream cheese dipping sauce

Stage Door Café (Mobile Order Available)

  • Spicy Corn Dog – Hand-dipped spicy beef frank drizzled with cheese sauce and crushed spicy chips served with Cuties Mandarin oranges or small bag of chips
  • Churro Funnel Cake – House-made funnel cake topped with cinnamon sugar, caramel, toffee candy, and whipped cream
  • Classic Funnel Cake with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and snowflake sprinkles

Tropical Hideaway

  • Holiday DOLE Whip Sundae – A swirl of DOLE Whip Cherry and Lime topped with festive decorations

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Disney California Adventure Park

Award Wieners (Mobile Order Available)

  • Pastrami Reuben – Thinly sliced pastrami with caramelized onions, pickled cabbage, Thousand Island dressing, spicy mustard, provolone, and pickle spears on a toasted baguette served with Cuties Mandarin oranges or filmstrip fries
  • Chocolate-Marshmallow Funnel Cake Fries topped with cinnamon-cocoa, marshmallow drizzle, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce

Boudin Bread Cart

  • Candy Cane-shaped Sourdough
  • Christmas Tree Pull-Apart
  • Snowman-shaped Sourdough

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Churro Cart – Goofy’s

  • Dusted Gingerbread Churro with sweet gingerbread crumbles drizzled with vanilla frosting and finished with Christmas chocolates

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Mobile Order Available)

  • Tres Leches Hard Float – Tres leches stout served with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
  • Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Sundae – Scoops of chocolate and peppermint ice cream in a candy cane premium waffle cup topped with whipped cream, chocolate-dipped cookies, and crushed peppermint
  • Chocolate-Peppermint Bar – Choice of ice cream bar dipped in chocolate drizzled in peppermint icing and topped with crushed peppermint
  • Mickey Gingerbread

Cozy Cone Motel 1 – Churros (Mobile Order Available)

  • Cherry-Chocolate Churro – Classic churro rolled in crushed chocolate cookies and topped with cherry glaze and chocolate chips

Cozy Cone Motel 2 – Ice Cream Cones (Mobile Order Available)

  • Peppermint Ice Cream (cone or cup) decorated with holiday sprinkles and topped with a sugar star

Cozy Cone Motel 3 – Chili Cone Queso (Mobile Order Available)

  • Creamy Pesto Alfredo Cone – Creamy pesto alfredo pasta, marinated chicken, balsamic reduction, diced tomatoes, and Romano cheese served in a bread cone

Cozy Cone Motel 4 – Frozen Cone-coctions (Mobile Order Available)

  • Peppermint Stout

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café

  • Mickey Gingerbread

Hollywood Lounge (Mobile Order Available)

  • Holiday Lemonade – Butterfly pea tea, orange juice, and lemonade
  • Peach-Citrus Cocktail – Peach schnapps, rum, lemon-lime soda, blue curaçao, and orange juice
  • Holiday Mule – Peppermint schnapps, cranberry juice, and ginger ale
  • Holiday Limeade – Lemon-lime soda with grenadine garnished with a cherry
  • Blue Lemonade Fizz – Butterfly pea flower tea with hard lemonade seltzer
  • Tropical Holiday Margarita – Tequila, rum, coconut milk, lime juice, and coconut cream

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining

  • Holiday Hot Chocolate – Peppermint schnapps and vanilla vodka in hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and peppermint
  • Holiday Martini – Vanilla vodka paired with peppermint, chocolate liqueur, and hazelnut liqueur with a rim of chocolate and peppermint

Lamplight Lounge 

  • Stout-braised Winter Short Ribs served atop creamy spiced butternut squash risotto with glazed baby carrots finished with short rib jus reduction, bourbon-cranberry sauce, toasted pepitas, and pea-shoot greens
  • Holiday Hot Chocolate – Peppermint schnapps and vanilla vodka in hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and peppermint
  • Holiday Martini – Vanilla vodka paired with peppermint, chocolate liqueur, and hazelnut liqueur with a rim of chocolate and peppermint
  • Peppermint-Hot Cocoa Donuts – Hot cocoa-dusted donuts with toasted marshmallow creme and peppermint-chocolate dipping sauces

Mortimer’s Market

  • Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Sourdough
  • Snowman-shaped Sourdough

Outdoor Ventures

  • Blue and White Swirl Cotton Candy in Snowflake Bag

Pacific Wharf Café (Mobile Order Available)

  • Candy Cane-shaped Sourdough
  • Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Sourdough
  • Snowman-shaped Sourdough
  • Mickey-shaped Gingerbread

Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart (Mobile Order Available)

  • Mickey-shaped Gingerbread

Schmoozies! (Mobile Order Available)

  • Peppermint Shake – Peppermint shake topped with whipped cream and chocolate crème cookies
  • Holiday Affogato – Peppermint ice cream with a shot of espresso
  • Mocha Almond Affogato – Mocha almond ice cream with a shot of espresso
  • Mocha Almond Fudge Shake with a chocolate peanut rim topped with whipped cream

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Smokejumpers Grill (Mobile Order Available)

  • Cranberry Turkey Burger – Grilled turkey burger, cranberry BBQ sauce, seasoned sweet potato fries, and fried onion strings served with choice of waffle-cut fries or onion rings
  • Apple Whiskey Cocktail – Whiskey with apple cider, apple juice, and hints of vanilla

Wine Country Trattoria

  • Chocolate Peppermint Martini – Chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and vanilla vodka in a crushed candy cane-rimmed glass

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

GCH Craftsman Grill (Mobile Order Available)

  • Holiday Mickey Donut
  • Holiday Minnie Donut

GCH Craftsman Bar

  • California Snowball – Rum, coconut rum. and cream of coconut garnished with coconut flakes
  • Holiday Spice – Cream liqueur, spiced rum, and pumpkin-spice syrup garnished with a cinnamon stick and a dusting of pumpkin spice

Disney’s Grand Californian Holiday Cart

  • Mickey Poinsettia Cookie
  • Mickey Snowman Cookie
  • Mickey Christmas Cookie
  • Mickey Gingerbread
  • Mickey Peppermint Crisped Rice Treat
  • Cookie Christmas Box
  • Gingerbread Stout Cake
  • Holiday Hot Chocolate
  • Holiday Peppermint Hot Chocolate
  • Holiday Hot Cider
  • Cookie Shot
  • Red Velvet Cookie Shot
  • Holiday Hot Chocolate with Irish Cream Liqueur
  • Holiday Hot Chocolate with Spiced Rum
  • Holiday Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps
  • Holiday Hot Chocolate with Cream Liqueur
  • California Snowball – Rum, coconut rum, and cream of coconut garnished with coconut flakes
  • Holiday Spice – Cream liqueur, spiced rum, and pumpkin spice syrup garnished with a cinnamon stick and a dusting of pumpkin spice

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Disneyland Hotel

Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill (Mobile Order Available)

  • Snowball Cookies
  • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

The Coffee House (Mobile Order Available)

  • Flaky Napoleon – Layered puff pastry with chantilly cream
  • Apple-Cinnamon Muffin
  • Egg Nog Latte
  • Hot Apple Cider

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

  • Ginger-Spice Cocktail – Gin, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, ginger syrup, and cinnamon syrup, dusted with cinnamon dusted with candied ginger
  • Peppermint Rum Cocktail – Rum, peppermint schnapps, ginger syrup, lemon juice, cream of coconut, mint leaves, and pomegranate juice garnished with a candy cane
  • Sparkling Wine Cocktail – Trader Sam’s Gorilla Grog, lime juice, orgeat, orange curaçao, rum, sparkling wine, and cinnamon syrup garnished with a cherry
  • Holiday Cocktail – Spiced liqueur, coffee liqueur, lime juice, pineapple juice, and coconut cream available in a Nutcracker Tiki Mug

Disney Festival of Holidays

For 59 days, enjoy all the tastes, sights and sounds of the diverse season of celebrations, featuring the best of Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. With eight locations, the Festive Foods Marketplace offers tasty holiday dishes that are a nod to family traditions and dishes from around the globe. Disney chefs drew on inspiration from their own unique stories to create some of the marketplace menus. The deliciousness extends to festival-inspired treats at select restaurants, carts and kiosks all around the park.

Pick up the Disney Festival of Holidays Tasting Passport at any of the Festive Foods Marketplace kiosks at Disney California Adventure park and receive stamps as you taste your way through all the great offerings at the eight Festive Foods Marketplaces kiosks. After you collect all the marketplace stamps, visit the Holiday Central Pergola, located near The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, to get a special completion stamp.

Back again this year is the Sip and Savor Pass, which includes eight entitlement tabs to redeem for select food and nonalcoholic beverages at participating Festive Foods Marketplace kiosks and dining locations.

If you have an unredeemed 2020 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Sip & Savor Pass, as a one-time exception, you may use your remaining entitlement tabs for eligible 2021 Disney Festival of Holidays offerings at participating locations. The entitlement tabs must still be intact and attached to the original 2020 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Sip and Savor Pass in order to be accepted—or you can request to exchange the unused, qualifying entitlement tabs for a Disney Gift Card eGift.

Now, on to the menus!

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Holiday Duets Marketplace

  • Braised Pork Belly Adobo with Garlic Fried Rice
  • Shrimp & Grits with Andouille Sausage
  • Pabana Cachaça Colada – Cachaça, passionfruit, banana, mango, coconut cream, and lime
  • Calamansi Melon Lemonade – Calamansi, cantaloupe, and house-made lemonade

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Brews & Bites Marketplace

  • Impossible Chorizo Queso Fundido with House-made Tortilla Chips

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Winter Sliderland Marketplace

  • Nashville Hot Turkey Slider with dill pickle
  • Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail – Bourbon, cranberry, orange, and cinnamon
  • Prickly Pear Tea Lemonade – Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Ceylon Black Tea (cold brew), prickly pear beverage syrup, and house-made lemonade

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Grandma’s Recipes Marketplace

  • Impossible Arepa Encantada
  • Gingerbread Mickey
  • Berries ‘n’ Crema – Huckleberry, strawberry, and raspberry house-made syrup; condensed and whole milk; and fruit-flavored cereal topped with house-made strawberry whipped cream

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

A Twist on Tradition Marketplace

  • Reimagined Beef Brisket Wellington
  • Reuben Potato Bites with Russian Dressing & Rye Toast Crumble
  • Churro Toffee Cold Brew Latte – Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company Mexico Origin-blend Coffee; Demerara and cinnamon sugar; and vanilla bean and almond milk topped with whipped cream and churro toffee pieces
  • Red Sangria
  • Sauvignon Blanc

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Making Spirits Bright Marketplace

  • Cinnamon & Sugar Holiday Tart
  • “Hot Cocoa” Marshmallow Macaron
  • Maple Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum – Rum and maple syrup with flavors of hazelnut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove topped with house-made salted caramel whipped cream
  • White Wine Flight
  • Red Wine Flight

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Favorite Things Marketplace

  • Holiday Stuffing Mac & Cheese
  • Chana Masala with Grilled Garlic Naan
  • Hibiscus Ginger Mezcal Mule – Mezcal, house-made hibiscus syrup, ginger, lime juice, and Topo Chico Mineral Water
  • Selection of Pale Ales and Stouts

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Merry Mashups Marketplace

  • Esquites Carnitas Mac & Cheese featuring Oaxaca and Cotija cheeses with spiced puffed rice
  • Holiday Spiced Wings with citrus cranberries
  • Holiday Mix
  • Honey Guava Pisco Punch – Pisco, guava, spicy honey syrup, ginger, and lime juice

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Treats for Santa Marketplace

  • Mickey Snowman Cookie Decorating Kit
  • Holiday Mix
  • Maple Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum – Rum and maple syrup with flavors of hazelnut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove topped with house-made salted caramel whipped cream

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Festival-Inspired Offerings

Viva Navidad at Paradise Garden Grill (Mobile Order Available)

  • Chile Relleno Plate – Roasted poblano stuffed with veggie stew topped with roasted tomato sauce and tofu crema served with Spanish rice and black beans (plant-based)
  • House-made Pozole – Mild red chile and pork stew with hominy topped with shredded cabbage, onions, radish, lime, and oregano served with tortilla chips (Sip and Savor Pass portion eligible)
  • Torta al Pastor – Soft telera roll, chorizo beans, pork al pastor, cabbage, guacamole, and crema served with tortilla chips and molcajete salsa (Sip and Savor Pass eligible)
  • Street-Style Tacos – Three corn tortilla tacos filled with carne asada, carnitas, and chicken with white onion and fresh cilantro served with Spanish rice and black beans topped with queso blanco (Sip and Savor Pass portion eligible)
  • Pineapple Tres Leches Roulade – Vanilla sponge with layers of pineapple filling and cinnamon buttercream finished with white chocolate mousse and tres leches soak
  • Kids’ Street-Style Tacos – Corn tortilla taco filled with choice of carne asada, carnitas, or chicken served with Spanish rice and black beans topped with queso blanco and choice of small lowfat milk or small DASANI Water
  • Kids’ Cheese Quesadilla – A whole-wheat tortilla with melted cheese served with a mandarin orange and choice of small lowfat milk or small DASANI Water

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Paradise Garden Carts

  • Beef Tamale with Red Sauce
  • Guava and Cheese Pan Dulce – Guava and cheese pan dulce finished with a colorful chocolate sarape
  • Maple-Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum – Rum, maple syrup and flavors of hazelnut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove topped with a house-made salted-caramel whipped cream

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Willie’s Churro Cart

  • Chocolate-Pecan Churro – Classic churro topped with maple glaze, toasted pecans, and chocolate drizzle

Grizzly Peak Churro Cart

  • Peppermint Churro – Churro coated with crushed candy canes and drizzled with chocolate and vanilla icing

Hollywood Churro Cart

  • Chocolate-Hazelnut-Strawberry Churro – Classic churro drizzled with chocolate-hazelnut and strawberry sauces

Lucky Fortune Cookery (Mobile Order Available)

  • Bao Bun with Seasonal Fruit – Crispy bao bun filled with seasonal fresh fruit tossed in a berry sauce and dusted with powdered sugar

Pacific Wharf Café (Mobile Order Available)

  • Apple Fritter Bread Pudding – Warm apple-cinnamon bread pudding served with whipped cream and warm salted caramel sauce

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Smokejumpers Grill (Mobile Order Available)

  • Holiday Shake – Spiced shake garnished with green whipped cream and a red wreath donut
  • Loaded Latke – Traditional latke loaded with smoked brisket topped with soy yogurt-horseradish sauce and scallions

Sonoma Terrace (Mobile Order Available)

  • Avocado Cheese Steak – Thinly sliced steak with grilled onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, avocado spread, and melted jack cheese
  • Peppermint Cold Brew Cocktail – Cold brew with coffee liqueur, a splash of crème de menthe and crème de cacao, garnished with a miniature candy cane
  • Cranberry Mule – A twist on a classic mule with cranberry juice and agave garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a cape cranberry

Studio Catering Truck (Mobile Order Available)

  • Deconstructed Carnitas Tamal – Rajas con queso tamale, carnitas, salsa verde, avocado salsa, crema, and queso fresco

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland

Pym Tasting Lab (Mobile Order Available)

  • Holiday Snack Molecules – Gingerbread and Mexican hot chocolate caramel corn, mini pretzels, honey-roasted peanuts, dried cranberries, and popped sorghum

Terran Treats

  • Pineapple-Coconut Ration – Pineapple-flavored spiral churro dipped in a coconut-flavored glaze and sprinkled with toasted coconut

(Note: All offerings subject to change.)

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

Our Favorite Times Zendaya Has Dazzled Us in the Worlds of Disney and 20th Century Studios

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Ten years ago, we danced along with the debut of the Disney Channel series Shake It Up. The series, which aired for three toe-tapping seasons, followed the friendship of Rocky Blue and CeCe Jones, portrayed by Zendaya and Bella Thorne, respectively. To celebrate a decade of this dance-centric sitcom, we rounded up our favorite times when co-lead Zendaya made magic in the worlds of Disney and 20th Century Studios:

Shake It Up

Rocky Blue (Shake It Up)
Our lives were first “shaken up” when this dance-centric sitcom debuted and introduced many of us to Zendaya for the first time! As the books-mart Rocky Blue, she showed off her dancing skills and comedic chops playing alongside Bella Thorne’s street-smart (and sometimes trouble-making) CeCe Jones. Together, the two best friends dance on the show Shake It Up Chicago and get into wacky adventures both on and off stage. While Rocky tries to be the voice of reason to CeCe, they still find their way into hilarious hijinks together.

The Pixie Hollow Games

Fern (The Pixie Hollow Games)
In this charming animated movie, the Garden Guild has always lost the Pixie Hollow Games, but this year the garden talent fairy Fern is determined to make a change. Voiced by Zendaya, Fern cheers on her team from the sidelines, as she sustained an injury from the previous year’s game (from slipping on slug slime, no less).

Dancing with the Stars

Contestant (Dancing with the Stars, Season 16)
While she’d played a professional dancer on television, this was Zendaya’s chance to learn professional dancing in real life! On season 16 of Dancing with The Stars, Zendaya was paired with professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy to compete throughout the season, scoring big on dances like Cha-cha-cha, Jive, and Salsa. Her brilliance in the ballroom led to competing in the final three for the coveted mirrorball trophy! While her final freestyle dance did not land her the trophy, she did win second place—and a place in all of our hearts as a talented dancer.

Frenemies

Halley Brandon (Frenemies)
Zendaya made her Disney Channel Original Movie (or DCOM for short) debut in Frenemies, an intertwined story of three different pairs who go from friends to enemies to friends again. As the nerdy Halley, Zendaya once again plays against her Shake It Up co-star Bella Thorne, who is the popular girl Avalon. The two friends run a web magazine called GeeklyChic, and get noticed by Cherie St. Claire, the head of their favorite publishing company. However, the excitement of her attention turns sour when Cherie offers to buy the magazine, but will only appoint one of the girls as editor-in-chief! The two former BFFs fight to determine who will take the coveted role, but in the end they realize the most important role they can play is best friend to each other.

Zapped

Zoey Stevens (Zapped)
For high school girls, boys can be a nuisance—especially for Zoey, who has three obnoxious brothers that lead her into all kinds of trouble… That is, until a crazy set of circumstances leads to an app on Zoey’s phone that gives her the ability to control boys! In Zendaya’s second DCOM, she faces the ultimate challenge: with the power of control, she can finally live the life she wants—but at the cost of everyone she controls becoming lifeless robots! It’s up to Zoey to figure out how to reverse the app’s effects before it takes everyone’s lives out of control.

K.C. Undercover

K.C. Cooper (K.C. Undercover)
Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine someone as iconic as Zendaya being able to go undercover, but when she was playing the title character in the Disney Channel series K.C. Undercover, she took on the life of a precocious super spy. A math genius born into a family of secret agents, K.C. is invited to join her family in their work for the mysterious agency called “The Organization,” fighting crime and keeping Washington, D.C. safe—all while still getting her homework done on time!

The Greatest Showman

Anne Wheeler (The Greatest Showman)
Zendaya does it all in this beloved film from 20th Century Studios: She sings! She flies through the air! She has pink hair! She falls in love with Zac Efron! As acrobat Anne Wheeler, Zendaya soars across the screen as a performer in P.T. Barnum’s circus who falls in love with playwright Phillip Carlyle (Efron) and fights to overcome the social stigma against their romance. This is a musical, so of course all of this is set to music, including the showstopping “Rewrite the Stars,” a beautiful duet between Zendaya and Efron.

Travel Back to Portorosso with Ciao Alberto—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

New Trailer for Disney & Pixar’s Ciao Alberto, Debuting on Disney+ Day

For fans of Disney and Pixar’s Luca, it should come as no surprise that Alberto has been making quite a splash as Massimo’s employee… and we’ll catch back up with the duo in Ciao Alberto—an all-new short from Pixar Animation Studios debuting on Disney+ next Friday, November 12, during Disney+ Day: the streamer’s big celebration of new content releases, fan experiences, exclusive offers and more from across The Walt Disney Company.

With best friend Luca away at school, Alberto is enjoying his new life in Portorosso working alongside Massimo—the imposing, tattooed, one-armed fisherman of few words—who’s quite possibly the coolest human in the entire world, as far as Alberto is concerned. And Alberto wants more than anything to impress his mentor… but that’s easier said than done.

Ciao Alberto is directed by McKenna Harris and produced by Matt DeMartini.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

We’re still recuperating from Halloween, but we’d be lying if we didn’t admit we are, ever so slowly, inching our way into holiday mayhem. To that end, we were delighted to realize that Jingle All the Way is making its Disney+ debut this very weekend! What else is in store from around the worlds of Disney? Season two of Animaniacs on Hulu; a new episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on ABC; and more!

Disney Ultimate Toy Drive

Just Launched: Disney Ultimate Toy Drive

Speaking of the holidays… wanna help Disney spread some joy? Just this week, The Walt Disney Company launched its 2021 Disney Ultimate Toy Drive—benefiting the Marine Toys for Tots Program—as part of its efforts to inspire a world of hope. The campaign kicked off during ABC’s Good Morning America, with co-anchor Michael Strahan and ABC News Correspondent Will Reeve announcing the $500,000 donation to Toys for Tots.

Now through this December 14, families and fans can join the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive and give back to those who need it most this holiday season by donating a toy online at shopDisney.com or donating a new, unwrapped toy in person at Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort or Disney Springs at Walt Disney World.*

Disney’s relationship with the Marine Toys for Tots Program began in 1947 when Walt Disney and his animators personally designed the original Toys for Tots train logo that is still used today.

For more info, check out www.disney.com/toydrive!

*At Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, collection bins are located at the World of Disney store, Star Wars Trading Post, and Resort Hotel stores. At Disney Springs at Walt Disney World, collection bins are located at the World of Disney store, Marketplace Co-Op, Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Disney Springs® Welcome Center.

Adventures By Disney

Adventures by Disney Announces Thrilling Arctic Cruises for 2023

If you’re looking to plan the trip of a lifetime for 2023, search no further than this all-new experience… Adventures by Disney just announced expedition cruises to the northernmost region of the earth: the Arctic!

Traveling aboard intimate, purpose-built ships that are specially designed to access remote destinations, guests will experience incredible, pristine natural wonders and diverse wildlife during these unforgettable adventures. A team of expert naturalists and Adventure Guides will bring the stories and cultures of these regions to life both on land and at sea during a broad range of excursions that every member of the family will enjoy.

Sailing on a chartered adventure with PONANT, a leader in luxury polar expeditions, the new Family Expedition Cruises to the Arctic are scheduled for two departures in June and July 2023. Families will discover the distinctive landscapes and unique wildlife of this region during special 10-day, nine-night itineraries—which will include breathtaking glaciers of this region’s most beautiful fjord, Kongsfjorde, as well as the opportunity to hear from Walt Disney Imagineering’s Joe Rohde, who’s set to join travelers on the July itinerary to share stories about both his impressive Disney career and his passion for nature and conservation.

But wait, there’s more: Adventures by Disney will give families the opportunity to explore Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands, with additional sailings to both destinations in 2023. Bookings for 2023 Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruise itineraries open to the public on Friday, November 12! Learn more by visiting adventuresbydisney.com; call 1-800-543-0865; or by contacting your travel agent.

First Look at Disney+’s The Book of Boba Fett

Did you feel that disturbance in the Force earlier this week? Well don’t worry, because it was for a very goodreason: Disney+ just debuted their action-packed trailer The Book of Boba Fett, a new series from Lucasfilm that’s launching exclusively on the streaming service on December 29.

The Book of Boba Fett, a sure-to-be-electrifying Star Wars adventure teased in a surprise end-credit sequence following the season two finale of The Mandalorian, finds legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) and mercenary Fennec Shand (Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen) navigating the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.

Disney Legend Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Robert Rodriguez, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson are The Book of Boba Fett’s executive producers. Mark those calendars, y’all!

Primos

Disney Branded Television Orders New Animated Series Primos

There’s more animated fun on the horizon, courtesy the good folks at Disney Branded Television… they’ve just ordered the new series Primos, an original animated comedy created and executive produced by Natasha Kline. The story, based on Kline’s own childhood experiences with her extended multicultural Mexican American family, introduces viewers to Tater—an eccentric 10-year-old girl with big dreams and, unbeknownst to her, a certain “it factor” that makes her exceptional. When her 12 cousins (“primos” in Spanish) move in for the summer, they help her discover just what it is.

“Primos is set in childhood summers spent with my cousins under one roof, and the comedy that’s borne from that wonderfully hectic setting,” Kline recently said. “As a kid, I didn’t see myself or my culture represented onscreen, so I’m excited to share my family dynamic through these new Disney characters and stories.”

Produced by Disney Television Animation, each half-hour Primos episode is comprised of two 11-minute stories. Tater’s aspirations and larger-than-life imagination are seen via entries in her super-secret diary, which turn her deepest thoughts into grandiose animation sequences. Stay tuned for more news about the series as it becomes available.

ICYMI: It’s All Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus 2

It’s a Halloween gift that keeps on giving: Official word that Hocus Pocus 2, the further adventures of those wonderfully wicked Sanderson Sisters, will premiere on Disney+ in Fall 2022! See who’ll be joining Disney Legend Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker for this sequel to the fan-favorite ’93 film right here at D23.com.

Open the Door to The Magical World Premiere of Encanto

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Encanto

Last night, Hollywood Boulevard transformed into the Casa Madrigal as the purple carpet unrolled for the world premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 60th feature film, Encanto. The movie follows the Madrigal family, who have been blessed with magical powers thanks to their home in an Encanto—an amazing place filled with heightened spirituality and enchantment. Well, everyone in the family has powers except for 15-year-old Mirabel. However, when her beloved Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides she is the only one who can save her home and her enchanted family.

Encanto

We got to meet the voices behind the magical Madrigals—along with the folks who use their creative talents to conjure up the film itself! Producer Yvette Merino stopped by to talk with us about how Encanto came to life and why family is such an important theme of the film. Merino explained, “What’s at the core of this movie is the question of: ‘How well do we know our families, and how well do they know us?’” Mirabel makes a lot of assumptions about what life is like for her super-powered relatives, but throughout the movie she learns there’s more to them than magic. “Maybe her family is more than what she sees,” Merino said. “We hope that people walk away thinking, ‘Maybe I should talk to my family,’ because we can all grow up in the same house but all have different experiences on what that’s like.”

Encanto

Jessica Darrow, who voices the super-strong Luisa, Mirabel’s older sister, expanded on that thought: “Not only is she literally lifting churches, wagons, and donkeys, but she is lifting the emotional burdens off of her family. She has to show up in so many different ways—until it bubbles up to the surface, and you experience what happens when some of her own inner life comes out.”

Encanto

Being surrounded by super-powered siblings and family members can be overwhelming. Angie Cepeda, who voices Mirabel’s mother, Julieta, said, “Mirabel feels a little lost, like she doesn’t belong. Julieta perceives that and is always trying to make Mirabel realize that she’s special, even if she doesn’t have any of those gifts.”

Encanto

Those who marry into the Madrigal family also don’t have gifts—but they don’t mind. Mauro Castillo, who voices Mirabel’s uncle, Fèlix, might be super-positive, but he doesn’t need any more super powers than that. He’s just happy to be with his weather-controlling wife, Pepa: “He admires deeply his wife Pepa. Pepa has the ability to change the climate with her mood, and he loves all of that! He’s just like me—I’m a salsa singer and I love to dance and share with the people my craft.”

Encanto

Fèlix’s love of dancing doesn’t just come from Castillo—all the dancing in Encanto was choreographed by Jamal Sims and Kai Martinez, who had more than just the challenge of choreographing animated characters. They also had to do everything over video chat! “We never met the directors in person, so tonight will be our first time meeting them!” Sims explained. “They would tell us what they wanted to do for the story, and we would go in and do the movement and send it to them. It’s been a lot of back and forth!”

While the toe-tapping teleconferencing was tricky, making up dances for animated characters also provided a chance for the choreographers to think outside of the box. “It was definitely a space for us to create and use our imaginations,” Martinez said. “We had to tap into that kid side of us—and that’s the spirit of Disney!” Sims added, “We got to create what all the characters in this film move like, and how they dance together as a family.”

Their influence on movement extended beyond just the dance sequences, Martinez explained: “We also had a chance to influence the way the characters were animated. For example, for Dolores’ character, we gave her very catlike and staccato movements, which they used throughout the film. I’m very proud of that!”

Encanto

Of course, you can’t have dance routines without music, which is where composer Germaine Franco came into play. Beyond scoring the 60th film from Disney Animation Studios, Franco is also the first woman to compose a score for a Disney Animation film. Having previously worked with Pixar on the music for Coco, Franco was delighted to return to the Disney family to work on Encanto: “It was great! Disney has been a fantastic supporter and really given me great opportunities.”

Before Encanto opens in theaters November 24, fall under the spell of more highlights from the premiere in the gallery below.