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

November 5, 2021

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!

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 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!

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

November 4, 2021

By Jocelyn Buhlman

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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!”

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.

Doctor Strange’s Top 5 MCU Moments (So Far)

November 4, 2021November 5, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Strange but true: Today marks five years since Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange opened in theaters around the world! Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film brought renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)—a character who debuted five decades earlier in the pages of Marvel Comics—to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Ever since he began studying sorcery, it’s been a strange ride for the Super Hero.

Cumberbatch went on to reprise his role across multiple MCU titles, most recently in the animated series What If…? To celebrate the fifth anniversary of Doctor Strange’s MCU debut, we’ve rounded up and ranked his top five moments… so far! After all, he’ll be back soon in Spider-Man: Far from Home and later in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness…

5. Doctor Strange Meets His Match.
What’s better than one Doctor Strange? Two Doctor Stranges! (Or is it Doctors Strange? Hmm.) The fourth episode of What If…? explored an alternate reality in which Stephen lost his heart instead of his hands. After traveling to Kamar-Taj to learn the Mystic Arts, he discovered the Eye of Agamotto, which can manipulate time. There was a catch, of course: Using it could destroy reality. But after the death of his girlfriend, Dr. Christine Palmer (voiced by Rachel McAdams), a distraught Stephen tried using the Eye of Agamotto to change her fate—to no avail. Using the power of the Dark Dimension, The Ancient One (voiced by Tilda Swinton) split him into two versions: one who accepted Christine’s death, and one who grew powerful by absorbing other mystical beings, becoming Strange Supreme.

4. No One Puts Doctor Strange in a Corner.
Midway through Doctor Strange, the New York Sanctum was attacked by Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) and his zealots. Although he was still a student of the Mystic Arts, a brave Stephen leapt into action and singlehandedly managed to fend them off. (Sure, the Cloak of Levitation helped, but it doesn’t have hands.) He ultimately imprisoned Kaecilius, albeit briefly—but it marked the first glimpse at just how powerful Stephen was destined to be.

3. Like Steve Rogers, Doctor Strange “Could Do This All Day.”
How do you defeat Dormammu, ruler of the Dark Dimension? If you’re Doctor Strange, you use the Eye of Agamotto to basically annoy him into submission. Dormammu tried killing him thousands of times, only for Stephen to turn back time and “come to bargain” again. The endless loop disturbed Dormammu so much that he begged to be set free, and Stephen agreed—provided he removed the Zealots and swore to never attack Earth again.

2. Doctor Strange Is Everywhere You Look.
If two Doctor Stranges (Doctors Strange?) weren’t enough for you in What If…?, in 2018, Avengers: Infinity War gave us dozens… of illusions, that is. While fighting Thanos (Josh Brolin) on Titan alongside Iron Man (Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr.), Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), and Nebula (Karen Gillan), Stephen managed to outwit Thanos a few times. He ultimately gave up the Time Stone, betting on the 1 in 14,000,605 chance that the Avengers and their allies would prevent Thanos from killing half of all life in the universe.

1. Hope Has Arrived.
Against all odds, Captain America (Chris Evans) was ready to take on Thanos and his army by himself. But then, Doctor Strange and his fellow sorcerers began to open up portal after portal, providing backup and hope. No, we’re not still crying about it. (OK, maybe a little…)

Continue the fifth anniversary celebration of Doctor Strange by streaming the film, along with Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame and What If…?, now on Disney+.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

November 4, 2021

By Zach Johnson

The holidays are (almost) here! Get into the spirit by logging into Disney+ and watching The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, which celebrated its 15th anniversary Wednesday, and following it up with Jingle All the Way, which joins the streaming service Friday. In addition, the second season of Animaniacs debuts in full on Hulu Friday. On Sunday, tune in for the network premiere of 20th Century Studios’ The Art of Racing in the Rain on FXX, and don’t miss an all-new episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on ABC later that evening.

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause—Friday, November 5, on Disney+
’Twas the fight before Christmas… As the holiday nears, Scott Calvin (Disney Legend Tim Allen) invites his in-laws (Alan Arkin and Ann-Margret) to join the festivities. But things take a chaotic turn when he discovers a way out of his “Santa Clause” and the mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short) puts the big freeze on Christmas! Now, unless Scott can get his job back in the St. Nick of time, it’s going to be a very cold “Frostmas” all around the world!

Jingle All the Way—Friday, November 5, on Disney+
It’s Turbo Time! In this ’90s holiday film, workaholic salesman Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) wants to be a better dad to Jamie (Jake Lloyd) and husband to Liz (Rita Wilson). He promises to get Jamie the hottest toy of the season, Turbo-Man… even though it’s Christmas Eve and it’s practically sold out. As he hunts down the elusive toy, he runs into mailman Myron (Sinbad), another father on the same quest. He may be searching for the year’s hottest toy, but along the way, Howard might find the real meaning of Christmas.

Animaniacs—Friday, November 5, on Hulu
The Emmy^® Award-winning animated series returns with 13 brand-new episodes that have something for everyone: pop culture parodies, musical showstoppers, takedowns of historical baddies… and even some important safety tips! Join the Warners—Yakko, Wakko, and Dot—as they wreak havoc everywhere they go, from the Warner Bros. lot to an international beauty pageant and all the way into outer space. Pinky and the Brain and Starbox & Cindy are also back, joining Animaniacs characters from the cutting room floor.

The Art of Racing in the Rain—Sunday, November 7, at 9 a.m. PT on FXX
Based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein, this heartwarming tale is narrated by a witty and philosophical dog named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner). Through his unique perspective into the human condition, Enzo helps his owners—Denny (Milo Ventimiglia), Eve (Amanda Seyfried), and Zoë (Ryan Kiera)—navigate the various ups and downs of life.

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune—Sunday, November 7, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White invite a trio of boy band singers—Joey Fatone (playing for Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky), Wanya Morris (playing for Boys & Girls Clubs of America), and Shawn Stockman (playing for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)—to spin the world’s most famous Wheel and solve puzzles for a chance to win $1 million. As always, all of prize money goes to a charity of the star’s choice.

Get Early Access to the November Disney Treasures From the Vault, Limited Edition Robin Hood Plush, Amazon Exclusive

November 4, 2021November 5, 2021

Disney Treasures From the Vault, Limited Edition Robin Hood Plush, Amazon Exclusive

Relive the magic of Disney with the Treasures From the Vault Plush. Inspired by Disney’s “Robin Hood”, the Limited Edition Robin Hood is the eleventh collectible character in this exclusive Amazon series. Standing 15.25-inches tall and made of soft fabric with embroidered eyes, Robin Hood is wearing his signature yellow bycoket hat with a red feather and a green tunic with matching green shoes. He even includes a Certificate of Authenticity and comes in a window box featuring exclusive Disney Treasures From the Vault packaging with gold foil detailing; ideal for collectors. Collect all twelve of these commemorative plush. Ages 3+

The legend of Robin Hood has been told countless times on the silver screen, including Walt Disney’s own live-action film, The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men in 1952. What sets the Disney studio’s 1973 animated film apart is the fact that the inhabitants of Nottingham are all animals. Our hero Robin Hood is a sly fox and his love interest Maid Marian is a vixen. The title character’s trusty sidekick Little John, known for his size, is a big loveable bear and the cowardly Prince John is a scrawny, childish lion. The film’s movie poster proclaimed the film as “The way it really happened in Sherwood Forest”. Oo-De-Lally!

Eleventh commemorative plush in the 2021 Treasures From the Vault Plush collection. Each month a new limited edition commemorative plush is being revealed, exclusively on Amazon. Collect all twelve.
Each Limited Edition Robin Hood Plush includes a Certificate of Authenticity within the box. D23 members will have early access to the line of limited edition Disney plushes presented by Amazon.
Disney Studios set their film apart from the live-action film by telling the story of Robin Hood “the way it really happened in Sherwood Forest,” with animals, and depicting Robin Hood as a fox.
Robin Hood stands 14 inches tall and is made of soft fabric with embroidered eyes.
Ages 3+
D23 Members will be the first to be notified about each month’s theme and have an opportunity to order the month’s design.
Each month D23 will provide Members with advance notice of the date the plush will be available for purchase on Amazon.com.
On Friday, November 5th, at 9 a.m. PST,visit this page on D23.com for the link to purchase the November Disney Treasures From the Vault, Limited Edition Robin Hood Plush, Amazon Exclusive
Please Note: You must be signed in as a D23 Member to access the link to purchase. Click “Sign In” at the top of the page.
Please note limited quantities of the plush will be available on Amazon.com.

For more Disney favorites, visit amazon.com/Disney for a full assortment of products.

Disney Treasures from the Vault Limited Edition Plush offer available to D23 Members for a limited time. Limited quantity of plush are available, while supplies last at Amazon.com.

Items not eligible for any additional promotional discounts or offers except available shipping offers. Offer subject to restrictions and to change without notice. Void where prohibited.

5 Questions About Marvel Studios’ Eternals Answered

November 3, 2021

By Zach Johnson

In Marvel Studios’ Eternals, 10 new Super Heroes from the cosmos become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Opening exclusively in theaters Friday, the highly anticipated film hails from Oscar®-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, a lifelong Marvel fan. “The MCU is full of heart—a world filled with great characters and epic adventures. It’s made by people who truly love storytelling and have immense respect for their fans,” says Zhao. “I came into the process as a filmmaker and also as a fan. To be able to make a standalone movie, but also to celebrate what came before us, to expand the mythology and to shape the future of the MCU, was an exciting challenge and an honor to be a part of.”

Drawing inspiration from Disney Legend Jack Kirby’s original comics, Eternals paints an epic picture that spans 7,000 years. What else should you know before seeing it? Read on…

1. Who are the Eternals?

The Eternals are a race of immortal aliens from the distant planet Olympia who arrived on Earth thousands of years ago to protect humanity from a race of alien predators called the Deviants. The Eternals were alerted to the Deviant threat by the Celestials, a race of cosmic builders first seen in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). The Eternals are led by Ajak (Salma Hayek), the only member with a direct connection to the Celestials. The other Eternals are Sersi (Gemma Chan), Ikaris (Richard Madden), Thena (Angelina Jolie), Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Druig (Barry Keoghan), and Gilgamesh (Don Lee). The Eternals are a diverse and powerful group, consisting of both thinkers and fighters. They share the same cosmic energy, which manifests itself in different powers within each individual, and when they work together, their powers complement each other. (ICYMI, meet the Eternals here.)

2. Why have the Eternals remained in the shadows?

In theory, the Eternals could have intervened when Thanos (Josh Brolin) acquired the six Infinity Stones required to eradicate half of all life in the universe with the snap of a finger. They could have stopped Ultron (James Spader) from destroying the capital city of Sokovia. And surely, the Eternals could have prevented Loki (Tom Hiddleston) from invading New York City with the Chitauri army. So, why didn’t they? Quite simply, it goes against their mission. Their job is to protect humanity from the Deviants—nothing more, nothing less. But after the Deviants mysteriously return, they can no longer sit on the sidelines. As Ajak says in the film, “We have watched and guided. We have helped them progress and seen them accomplish wonders. Throughout the years, we have never interfered… until now.”

3. What brings the Deviants back?

As Ajak explains in the final trailer, “Five years ago, Thanos erased half of the population of the universe. But the people of this planet brought everyone back with the snap of a finger. The sudden return of the population provided the necessary energy for the Emergence to begin.” Now, the Eternals have just seven days to reunite and prevent a global catastrophe.

4. When does Eternals take place?

The story takes place across two time periods. One storyline is set in the past when the Eternals operated as a formidable team and a close family unit. The second storyline is set in the present, when the group has broken up and lives among humans, hiding in plain sight. As time passed, the Eternals’ personalities evolved, as did their dynamics. The Eternals’ secret presence within society over thousands of years led to some of them, like Sersi, to become attached to the human race. Equally, some of the Eternals have become frustrated and would like to head off on a different mission or return to their home planet. But the reemergence of the Deviants means the Eternals will need to put their differences aside…

“For me, each of these Eternals and the emotional journey and transformation they go through in this film represent an aspect of human nature that we like to explore,” Zhao explains. “They represent an exploration of the duality in each of us. So, in a way, the 10 of them have lived for 7,000 years, but what they picked up from us that they love or hate says a lot about who they are, but also says a lot about who we are.”

5. Where can I purchase tickets to see Eternals in theaters?

Visit Fandango or other retailers for showtimes and tickets.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Enter the Enchanting World of Encanto With Disney twenty-three

November 2, 2021November 2, 2021

By the D23 Team

It’s challenging being “ordinary” when you live in a home like Mirabel’s—every child in her family has received a magical gift… except for her. That’s the premise of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ dazzling new film Encanto, which arrives in theaters November 24. The new issue of Disney twenty-three, featuring an exclusive cover in celebration of the film, takes readers on a journey to the colorful world of the Madrigal family, set in the lush landscapes of Colombia. Star Stephanie Beatriz and the creators of Encanto open the door to this extraordinary tale that is anything but ordinary.

And this December, visionary director Steven Spielberg gives audiences a musical holiday gift: his reimagining of the beloved West Side Story. In exclusive interviews, stars Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose tell Disney twenty-three how they brought the classic story to life—and how it’s just as relevant today as it was when it was created. In other holiday happenings, Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye series, which takes place at Christmastime, will score a bullseye on Disney+ later this month, and star Alaqua Cox and executive producer Trinh Tran preview the adventure. Plus, guests can cozy up by the “virtual fireplace” as Walt Disney Animation Studios artist Brittney Lee shows off her hand-crafted Arendelle Castle Yule Log coming to Disney+, and Disney twenty-three shines a very merry light on some favorite animated holiday shorts. For even more seasonal fun, visit D23.com starting December 1, when D23 Season of Magic kicks off with videos, stories, sweepstakes, and more to ensure your winter is a wonderland.

The new issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also goes behind the scenes of the first-ever Cirque du Soleil / Walt Disney Imagineering / Walt Disney Animation Studios collaboration, Drawn to Life. Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen discusses her epic roles from The Mandalorian to Mulan and the upcoming The Book of Boba Fett. And readers can take a visual journey through Bob Iger’s remarkable time at Disney—first as an ABC executive, then Disney’s CEO, and now its outgoing Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. From Mickey Mouse and the Jonas Brothers to the Avengers and Disney Legends, it’s been a memorable ride.

Also included in the Winter issue of Disney twenty-three:

A salute to Beauty and the Beast on its 30th anniversary
A close-up look at the incredible Walt Disney Archives exhibits around the country
From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Encanto, a new piece of art features all 60 feature films from Walt Disney Animation Studios
Marvel Comics celebrates 60 fantastic years of The Fantastic Four
Five wild decades of Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at Walt Disney World Resort
Regular features including By the Numbers, Character Analysis, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives

Plus, every issue includes special holiday gift tags created by Topps Digital just for D23 Gold Members along with the exclusive opportunity to redeem more than 30 Digital Collectibles from Disney’s Animation Research Library—including scenes from Dumbo, Beauty and the Beast, and 101 Dalmatians! Members will be able to redeem this one-of-a-kind Gold Pack free in the Disney Collect! by Topps app.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. Learn more about D23 Gold Membership here. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of November.

“We’re Going to Walt Disney World”: Full House

November 1, 2021November 3, 2021

By Matt Moryc, Walt Disney Archives

If you grew up watching television in the 1980s and ‘90s, there is an objective argument to be made that some of the greatest family sitcoms of all time were produced during this era. The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) was at the forefront of this golden age of adolescent television with their Friday night programming block titled TGIF (short for “Thank Goodness It’s Funny”). Debuting in 1989, TGIF became a staple in millions of homes across America, and would continue to be throughout 1990s as audiences tuned in weekly to watch now-classic shows such as Boy Meets World (1993-2000), Step by Step (ABC: 1991-1997; CBS: 1997-1998), Family Matters (ABC: 1989-1997; CBS: 1997-1998), and Sabrina the Teenage Witch (ABC: 1996-2000; WB: 2000-2003)

For Disney fans, these titles are memorable not only for their place in ABC history, but also for the episodes each show filmed at Walt Disney World Resort. Setting family sitcoms in this vacation kingdom could not have come at a better time for The Walt Disney Company, as it was in the midst of vastly expanding its hold on ‘90s popular culture with a string of hit animated films and new Walt Disney World attractions; both were ripe for promotion via TV programming aimed at attracting the attention of parents and their kids.

One of the most beloved and fondly remembered TGIF sitcoms on ABC was Full House. Originally premiering September 22, 1987, the show was not initially well-received by critics, but it soldiered on and eventually became a family favorite and standout in the Nielsen TV ratings. When TGIF debuted in 1989, Full House kicked off the night and was followed by a pair of two other classic ABC sitcoms—Perfect Strangers and Family Matters. In a 2017 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bob Iger, then CEO and Chairman of The Walt Disney Company, remembered, “…Full House had not established itself as that much of a success when it was tried in different time slots earlier in the week. And it was Friday night and putting it as the anchor of TGIF that really gave it the lift.”

The original plot of Full House centered on San Francisco TV sportscaster Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) trying to pick up the pieces of his life after the untimely death of his wife, which left him raising three young daughters: D.J. (Candace Cameron [Bure]), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin), and Michelle (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen). To help Danny cope with his unexpected widower role, his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis (John Stamos) and best friend Joey Gladstone (Dave Coulier) move in to help raise the girls.

By the time season six rolled around, the show had become a smash hit and a cultural phenomenon, thanks in part to its many catch phrases—”Have mercy!”; “You got it, dude!”; “How rude!”; “Cut it out!”— and the wild popularity of the show’s twin actresses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. In early March 1993, the cast left the controlled environment of the Warner Bros. Studios soundstages in Burbank, California, and trekked to Florida to film a two-part episode set at Walt Disney World.

The story begins with Michelle and Stephanie fighting over who gets the last of a cherry candy, with Danny proclaiming Michelle the winner. This causes Stephanie to lament that Michelle always gets what she wants—an important plot point that will drive the rest of the story. After the candy debacle, Danny says goodbye to his long-distance girlfriend Vicky Larson (Gail Edwards), and then decides seconds after she leaves that he is prepared to propose to her. Meanwhile, Jesse tells his wife Becky (Lori Loughlin) that his band, Jesse and the Rippers, are going to be playing at Walt Disney World, and he wants the trip to be a romantic occasion for the pair to celebrate their anniversary. Joey, who co-hosts a radio show with Jesse, enters the scene and says the radio station agreed to let the two broadcast their show from Florida—much to Jesse’s chagrin. And, of course, the rest of the Tanner family, including bothersome neighbor Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber), tell Jesse they are also coming to Florida—again, to Jesse’s dismay.

Once in Florida, the characters gather outside their hotel, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, to discuss their agendas before splitting up to embark on their day at Disney parks. D.J., Michelle, Kimmy, and Stephanie head to the Magic Kingdom where they see a giant lamp on Main Street, U.S.A., that—if rubbed by the right person—will make Genie from Aladdin appear… and that person will become prince or princess for the day. In perhaps one of the cheekiest and self-aware Disney in-jokes ever, D.J. mistakenly thinks she sees her boyfriend Steve Hale (Scott Weinger), who couldn’t make the trip, at the ceremony dressed up as Aladdin; in real life, Weinger was the voice of the title character in the 1992 animated version of Aladdin. Michelle and Stephanie argue over who’s next to rub the lamp, with D.J. pleading for Stephanie to let Michelle go ahead of her. Stephanie agrees, but fumes over Michelle yet again getting whatever she wants. Michelle rubs the lamp and Genie is summoned, making her “Princess for the Day” and the recipient of the three special wishes. Her first wish is to bypass waiting in any lines.

Over at the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios), Joey meets up with his animator friend, played by real-life Disney animator Mark Henn, at the former attraction The Magic of Disney Animation (now Star Wars Launch Bay). While Mark is away from his animation desk, Joey draws a caricature of himself that inexplicably comes to life and entertains through a variety of sight gags.

Danny goes to meet Vicky, who was able to fly out to Walt Disney World to join the vacation, and he spends the rest of his time trying to find the right moment to propose to her. Unfortunately, every time he tries, something—or someone—interrupts him. Back at the Magic Kingdom, D.J., Kimmy, and Stephanie tire of Michelle’s bossy princess attitude and strict mandate that they only ride the attractions she wants to. After overhearing the group’s disdain for her unfair rulings, Michelle decides to run away from them. To top off the rest of the drama, Becky becomes upset with Jesse after he repeatedly fails to find time in his busy schedule rehearsing with his band and doing his radio show to celebrate the couple’s anniversary.

Michelle doesn’t go missing for very long, thanks to Snow White—who finds her and grants her next wish for a tea party with Disney characters. At the party, Michelle is reunited with her family. Meanwhile, Jesse and Becky get over their tiff, via Jesse’s piano love ballad to her in the lobby of the Grand Floridian; Steve shows up at the hotel because he misses D.J. too much; and Stephanie and Michelle reconcile and admit that they were both being unkind to one another. This leads to Michelle using her last wish to make Stephanie a princess and let her participate in that afternoon’s Surprise CelebrationParade at the Magic Kingdom.

The fun concludes that night in front of Cinderella Castle, with the Tanner family gathering to watch a special performance by Jesse and the Rippers. As the band begins their last song, “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” fireworks fill the night sky and a special message made of fireworks reads “Vicky, Will You Marry Me?” Vicky accepts Danny’s proposal, and the episode comes to its magical conclusion.

The following behind-the-scenes and publicity photos—provided by our partners at ABC—are from these 1993 Full House episodes: “The House Meets The Mouse, Part 1,” and “The House Meets the Mouse, Part 2.”

Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas to Bring Good Cheer All Season Long

November 1, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Just in time to start wrapping presents and trimming the tree, Freeform today announced its highly anticipated 25 Days of Christmas event will return for its 25th Anniversary on Wednesday, December 1. Freeform is the home for all of your Christmas favorites, including Home Alone, The Santa Clause trilogy, and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), as well as beloved classics like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Freeform will also air special blocks of holiday episodes of The Simpsons and spend an evening with everyone’s favorite toy gang with a marathon of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story films. And if that’s not enough holiday cheer, Freeform is bringing the holiday party to you with the network premiere of Office Christmas Party, starring Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston. Other holiday favorites airing throughout December include Black Nativity, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Love Actually, The Preacher’s Wife—and so much more!

Below is a daily list of the movies airing during the 25 Days of Christmas event (ET/PT):

Wednesday, December 1

7 a.m. – Holiday in Handcuffs
10:30 a.m. – The Simpsons
11:05 a.m. – The Santa Clause
1:15 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
3:45 p.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
5:50 p.m. – Home Alone
8:20 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
12 a.m. – 2 a.m. – The Simpsons

Thursday, December 2

7 a.m. – The Mistle-tones
10:30 a.m. – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
11 a.m. – Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House
1:05 p.m. – Arthur Christmas
3:10 p.m. – Home Alone
5:40 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
8:20 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
12 a.m. – 2 a.m. – The Simpsons

Friday, December 3

7 a.m. – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
7:30 a.m. – Jingle All the Way 2
9:30 a.m. – Jingle All the Way
11:35 a.m. – 4:35 p.m. – Family Guy
4:35 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
7:15 p.m. – The Santa Clause
9:25 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
11:55 p.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Saturday, December 4

7 a.m. – The Simpsons
7:30 a.m. – Jingle All the Way
9:35 a.m. – Prancer Returns
11:40 a.m. – Home Alone 3
1:50 p.m. – Arthur Christmas
3:55 p.m. – Disney’s A Christmas Carol
6:05 p.m. – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
7:10 p.m. – Frosty the Snowman
7:45 p.m. – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
8:50 p.m. – Home Alone
11:20 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Sunday, December 5

7 a.m. – Prancer Returns
9:05 a.m. – Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
10:05 a.m. – Unaccompanied Minors
12:10 p.m. – Arthur Christmas
2:15 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
3:55 p.m. – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
5 p.m. – Frosty the Snowman
5:35 p.m. – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
6:40 p.m. – Home Alone
9:10 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
11:50 p.m. – Daddy’s Home 2

Monday, December 6

7 a.m. – It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
10:30 a.m. – The Simpsons
11 a.m. – Daddy’s Home 2
1:10 p.m. – Home Alone
3:40 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
6:20 p.m. – The Santa Clause
8:30 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
12 a.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Tuesday, December 7

7 a.m. – Stealing Christmas
11 a.m. – Home Alone
1:30 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
4:10 p.m. – Jingle All the Way
6:15 p.m. – Disney’s A Christmas Carol
8:20 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
12 a.m. – Arthur Christmas

Wednesday, December 8

7 a.m. – Snow
11 a.m. – Jingle All the Way
1 p.m. – Jingle All the Way 2
3 p.m. – Arthur Christmas
5 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
7:30 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
9:30 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
12 a.m. – 2 a.m. – The Simpsons

Thursday, December 9

7 a.m. – Snow 2: Brain Freeze
10:30 a.m. – Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
11:30 a.m. – The Santa Clause
1:40 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
3:50 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
5:50 p.m. – Home Alone
8:20 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
12 a.m. – Snowglobe

Friday, December 10

7 a.m. – Call Me Claus
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Family Guy
12 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
2:35 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
4:10 p.m. – Home Alone
6:40 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
9:20 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
12 a.m. – 2 a.m. – Family Guy

Saturday, December 11

7 a.m. – Unaccompanied Minors
9:05 a.m. – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
9:35 a.m. – The Star (2017)
11:40 a.m. – Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
1:10 p.m. – Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
2:40 p.m. – Toy Story That Time Forgot
3:10 p.m. – Toy Story
5:10 p.m. – Toy Story 2
7:15 p.m. – Toy Story 3
9:45 p.m. – Toy Story 4
11:55 p.m. – Arthur Christmas

Sunday, December 12

7 a.m. – The Star (2017)
9 a.m. – Jingle All the Way
11 a.m. – Jingle All the Way 2
1:05 p.m. – Arthur Christmas
3:10 p.m. – Disney’s A Christmas Carol
5:15 p.m. – The Santa Clause
7:25 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
9:55 p.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
12 a.m. – Home Alone 5: The Holiday Heist

Monday, December 13

7 a.m. – Holiday in Handcuffs
10:30 a.m. – Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
11:30 a.m. – The Santa Clause
1:30 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
4 p.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
6 p.m. – Home Alone
8:30 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
12 a.m. – 2 a.m. – Family Guy

Tuesday, December 14

7 a.m. – 12 Dates of Christmas
10:30 a.m. – Jingle All the Way
12:30 p.m. – Love Actually
3:30 p.m. – Home Alone
6 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
8:30 p.m. – Office Christmas Party (Freeform Premiere)
12 a.m. – The Night Before

Wednesday, December 15

7 a.m. – Life-Size 2: A Christmas Eve
10:30 a.m. – Family Guy
11 a.m. – Office Christmas Party
1:35 p.m. – The Santa Clause
3:45 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
6:15 p.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
8:20 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
12 a.m. – 2 a.m. – Family Guy

Thursday, December 16

7 a.m. – Black Nativity
10:30 a.m. – The Preacher’s Wife
1 p.m. – Almost Christmas
3:30 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
6 p.m. – Home Alone
8:30 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
12 a.m. – 2 a.m. – The Simpsons

Friday, December 17

7 a.m. – 9 a.m. – Family Guy
9 a.m. – Love Actually
12 p.m. – Home Alone
2:30 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
5:10 p.m. – The Santa Clause
7:20 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
9:50 p.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
11:55 p.m. – Disney’s A Christmas Carol

Saturday, December 18

7:35 a.m. – Love Actually
10:45 a.m. – Unaccompanied Minors
12:55 p.m. – The Santa Clause
3:05 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
5:35 p.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
7:40 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
9:40 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
12:20 a.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

Sunday, December 19

7 a.m. – The Middle
7:30 a.m. – Unaccompanied Minors
9:30 a.m. – Home Alone 3
11:30 a.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
1:30 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
4:10 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
6:10 p.m. – Frosty the Snowman
6:45 p.m. – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
7:50 p.m. – Home Alone
10:20 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
1 a.m. – Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic

Monday, December 20

7 a.m. – Prancer Returns
10:30 a.m. – Home Alone
1 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
3:35 p.m. – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
4:40 p.m. – Frosty the Snowman
5:15 p.m. – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
6:20 p.m. – The Santa Clause
8:30 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
12 a.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Tuesday, December 21

7 a.m. – 9 a.m. – Family Guy
10:30 a.m. – Jingle All the Way
12:30 p.m. – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
1 p.m. – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
2 p.m. – Daddy’s Home 2
4 p.m. – Disney’s A Christmas Carol
6 p.m. – Home Alone
8:30 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
12 a.m. – 2 a.m. – Family Guy

Wednesday, December 22

7 a.m. – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
7:30 a.m. – Jingle All the Way
9:30 a.m. – Love the Coopers
12 p.m. – Daddy’s Home 2
2:05 p.m. – Home Alone
4:35 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
7:15 p.m. – The Santa Clause
9:25 p.m. – The Santa Clause 2
11:55 p.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Thursday, December 23

7 a.m. – It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
9 a.m. – Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
10:30 a.m. – Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
12 p.m. – Arthur Christmas
2:05 p.m. – The Star (2017)
4:05 p.m. – Home Alone
6:35 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
9:15 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
11:55 p.m. – Arthur Christmas

Friday, December 24

7 a.m. – Prancer Returns
10:30 a.m. – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
11 a.m. – The Star (2017)
1 p.m. – Home Alone
3:30 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
6 p.m. – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
8:30 p.m. – Frosty the Snowman
9 p.m. – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
10 p.m. – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
12 a.m. – 2 a.m. – Family Guy

Saturday, December 25

7 a.m. – Arthur Christmas
9:10 a.m. – The Santa Clause
11:20 a.m. – The Santa Clause 2
1:50 p.m. – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
4 p.m. – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
5:05 p.m. – Frosty the Snowman
5:40 p.m. – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
6:45 p.m. – Home Alone
9:15 p.m. – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
11:55 p.m. – Arthur Christmas

Hocus Pocus 2 to Debut on Disney+ in Fall 2022: All the Details!

November 1, 2021November 1, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Come! We fly! Production on the live-action comedy Hocus Pocus 2, the haunting sequel to Disney’s Halloween cult classic, is underway in Rhode Island. The Disney+ original film, directed by Anne Fletcher, will debut exclusively on Disney+ in Fall 2022.

Disney Legend Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy star as Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, the delightfully wicked Sanderson sisters who bewitched audiences in the 1993 film Hocus Pocus. Doug Jones also returns as Billy Butcherson. Joining them are Whitney Peak as Becca, Lilia Buckingham as Cassie, and Belissa Escobedo as Izzy, three young women in present-day Salem who incite the wrath of the three witches.

It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th century sisters who were executed for practicing witchcraft, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high school students to figure out how to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before midnight on All Hallow’s Eve.

“I am beyond thrilled to be involved in the sequel to a film that is as beloved as Hocus Pocus,” says Fletcher. “Fans around the world have embraced these characters and have made this film a Halloween tradition whose popularity continues to grow, and how lucky am I to be back at Disney with these three extraordinarily talented ladies in the iconic roles they created, as well as our fabulous new additions to the cast?”

Rounding out the cast of Hocus Pocus 2 are Hannah Waddingham, Tony Hale, Sam Richardson, Juju Brener, Froy Gutierrez, Taylor Paige Henderson, and Nina Kitchen.

Hocus Pocus 2 is written by Jen D’Angelo and produced by Lynn Harris, with Adam Shankman, Ralph Winter, and David Kirschner serving as the sequel’s executive producers.