D23-Exclusive Alice in Wonderland by Mary Blair 70th Anniversary Plush—Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter

By the D23 Team

D23 Exclusive Cheshire Cat Plush – Alice in Wonderland by Mary Blair – Limited Release

D23 Exclusive Mad Hatter Plush – Alice in Wonderland by Mary Blair – Limited Release

You’ll lose your head—proverbially speaking, of course—for D23’s exclusive Alice in Wonderland plush modeled after pre-production art by Disney Legend Mary Blair. The September release includes the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter. These collectible, uniquely detailed plush toys commemorate the film’s 70th anniversary.

You’ll receive a Certificate of Authenticity along with each plush, which arrives in a collector’s display box complete with the D23 logo. They’ll be available for purchase beginning September 24 (starting at 7 a.m. PT) at shopDisney.com for ALL D23 Members.

alice plush

The Cheshire Cat
This plush is quite unusual, much like the Cheshire Cat himself… notice how he’s holding up his head!

The Mad Hatter
The Mad Hatter plush is particularly colorful, with varied fabrics—and a teacup, of course.

Remember: Our D23-exclusive Alice in Wonderland by Mary Blair 70th Anniversary Plush will be available for ALL D23 Members at shopDisney.com beginning September 24 at 7 a.m. PT! Don’t miss out!

About the Alice in Wonderland by Mary Blair Collection
Celebrate the 70th anniversary of Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland with this one-of-a-kind collection featuring the works of Disney Legend Mary Blair. Blair began drawing at The Walt Disney Studios in 1940; a pioneer and leading female artist in her field, she was an imaginative color stylist, concept artist, and designer, and worked on some of Walt Disney’s most popular animated classics.

Her topsy-turvy, upside-down art style lent itself masterfully to the film Alice in Wonderland (1951). Create your own wonderland with this distinctive collection of items!

The bare necessities:

  • Polyester
  • Cheshire Cat: 9 1/2” H
  • Mad Hatter: 12” H
  • Imported

To purchase, log in to shopDisney with the Disney account tied to your D23 Membership.

Not a D23 Member? Click here to join.

Plush available only to D23 Members. Available for purchase starting September 24, 2021, while supplies last at shopDisney.com (online or via phone orders). Not valid on purchases made at Disney store and Disney Baby Store retail and outlet locations or Disney Parks and Resorts locations or on Disney store merchandise purchased from other retailers or using third- party websites. Must be logged in to your Disney Account to purchase, using an account linked to your D23 Membership. Maximum one of each plush per D23 membership. 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.

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in October 2021

By Zach Johnson

Disney+ just announced a spooktacular streaming lineup for October!

On the originals front, LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales will kick things off on October 1, followed by the six-part docuseries Among the Stars on October 6, the Halloween special Muppets Haunted Mansion on October 8, and the anthology series Just Beyond on October 13. Throughout the month, new episodes of Disney Insider, Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., and Marvel Studios: Assembled will debut on a weekly basis. Mark your calendars for the season finales of Turner & Hooch and What If…? on October 6 and Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life on October 13. Additional titles joining the Disney+ library include Alvin and the Chipmunks, Black Widow, Impact with Gal Gadot (Season 1), and Rookie of the Year, to name just a few.

All the titles coming to Disney+ in October are listed below:

disney+ october

Friday, October 1
Alvin and the Chipmunks
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip
Just Roll with It: You Decide Live!
LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales (Premiere)
The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular!

disney+ october

Wednesday, October 6
Among the Stars (Season 1 Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)
Black Widow
The Chicken Squad (Episode: “The Surprise Party Surprise / U.F. Oh-No”)
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life (Episode 111: “Night of the Pizza Moon / Who’s Your Granny? / Summer Sidekick Syndrome”)
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (Episode 105: “Dunk Cost”)
Drain the Oceans: The Mississippi River & Arctic War (Season 1)
Drain the Oceans (Season 4)
The Ghost and Molly McGee (Season 1) (5 Episodes)
Impact with Gal Gadot (Season 1)
Muppet Babies (Season 3) (9 Episodes)
Puppy Dog Pals (Season 4) (5 Episodes)
Spidey and his Amazing Friends (Episode: “Rocket Rhino / Trick or Trace-E”)
Turner & Hooch (Episode 112: “Bite Club”) (Season Finale)
What If…? (Episode 109) (Season Finale)

disney+ october

Friday, October 8
Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches
Muppets Haunted Mansion (Premiere)
Under Wraps (2021)

disney+ october

Wednesday, October 13
Apollo: Back to the Moon (Season 1)
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life (Episode 112: “Delivery Duck / Dark in the Park / Choppin’ Dale”) (Season Finale)
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (Episode 106: “Career Babes”)
Just Beyond (Season 1 Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)
Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures (Episode: “The Spooky Spook House / Clarabelle’s Banana Splitz!”)
Secrets of the Zoo: North Carolina (Season 1)
Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under (Season 2)
The Wizard of Paws (Season 1)
Zombies: Addison’s Moonstone Mystery Shorts (Season 1)

Friday, October 15
Lost Cities with Albert Lin: The Great Flood
Megacity of the Maya Warrior King

disney+ october

Wednesday, October 20
Disney Insider (Episode 108: “Drawn to Life, Muppets and the Haunted Mansion, Our Very Own Studio Tour”)
Disney’s Magic Bake-Off (Season 1) (4 Episodes)
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (Episode 107: “Mom-Mentum”)
Marvel Studios: Assembled (Episode: “The Making of Black Widow“)
PJ Masks (Season 5) (6 Episodes)
The Wild Life of Dr. Ole (Season 1)

Friday, October 22
Rookie of the Year
Thumbelina

Wednesday, October 27
Disney Insider (Episode 109: “Harmonies of Harmonious, Tiana’s Cuisine, Galaxy’s Edge Expands… Virtually”)
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (Episode 108: “Talk-Story”)
Marvel Studios: Assembled (Episode: “The Making of What If…?”)
Port Protection Alaska (Season 4)

disney+ october

Friday, October 29
Bob Ballard: An Explorer’s Life
McFarland, USA

How ABC’s The Wonder Years Transports Viewers from 2021 to 1968

By Zach Johnson

The Wonder Years may be a fictional series, but in many ways, it’s also a time capsule of America 50+ years ago. Inspired by the beloved and award-winning series of the same name, the new original coming-of-age comedy follows the Williams family in the late 1960s, told from the perspective of imaginative 12-year-old Dean (Elisha “EJ” Williams). The Wonder Years joins ABC’s comedy night lineup tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, with a cast that includes Dulé Hill as Bill Williams, Saycon Sengbloh as Lillian Williams, and Laura Kariuki as Kim Williams, with Don Cheadle narrating each episode as Adult Dean Williams.

With the wisdom of his adult years, Dean’s hopeful and humorous recollections depict the ups and downs of growing up in a Black middle-class family in Montgomery, Alabama. To ensure that The Wonder Years accurately reflected its specific location and time, production designer Aiyana Trotter researched catalogs, films, magazines, photographs, and more from that period. “A lot of what was fashionable then looks kitschy and odd to us now,” says Trotter. Not wanting to make the Williams’ home “a parody of the ’60s,” Trotter says she looked for ways to make it genuine but subtle. “There isn’t much documentation of real homes of Black families in the ’60s,” she says, “so we were more dependent on the work or photojournalism and private photo collections… In the end, I had to find that balance so that the Williams family home feels familiar to us, like memories of our grandma’s house.”

the wonder years

Both the Williams family home and Dean’s school were constructed on a soundstage, which meant they literally had to design each set from the ground up. “We had to source everything: the construction materials, set dressing and props,” says Trotter. Set decorator Andrea Doyle bought fabrics from the ’60s and “created window dressing, bedspreads, and upholstered furniture with it,” she adds, while the set decoration team “scoured three states to find the period furniture, lighting, kitchenware, toys, games, picture frames, etc.”

Meanwhile, costumer designer Ceci’s creative journey began with mining her own life experiences, as well as those of her family and friends. “I have a treasure trove of family photos and a library of popular magazines from the ’60s that really transported me back to that time period,” she says. “My mom and dad are really my true inspirations. They both exposed me to the rudiments of fashion, style, fabrication, construction. and so much more.” Clothing from that era is distinguished by “bold colors, playful prints, textured textiles, and silhouettes that range from mod to sophisticated elegance,” says Ceci. “The costumes visually tell the story of each character as intended by the producers and writers. I think they support their narratives and speak for themselves.” Indeed, according to several of the actors, Ceci’s contributions proved invaluable in helping them get into character. “I’ve always been a fan of the style from the ’60s, because back then, everything mattered,” says Hill. “Walking out the door you made a statement: the way you had your hair made a statement, the suit you had on made a statement. Somewhere along the way, we may have lost that. I like the idea of looking back on that and hopefully reinvigorating that mindset.”

the wonder years

“The thing I’ll probably never get over is how tight those pants are!” Williams says. “Every time period has its own unique way of doing things, and this is how it was done in the ’60s.”

Although it’s a scripted comedy series, The Wonder Years is set against the backdrop of real events from American history. “We will not shy away from showing how the events of the time would have really affected a Black family as a unit, and affected the individual members, living in Alabama in the ’60s,” explains showrunner Saladin K. Patterson, who executive produces the series alongside Lee Daniels, Fred Savage, and Marc Velez. “By leaning on personal stories from family members and using those as the basis for how our characters would react/behave, we can organically weave the events into our narrative.”

That said, The Wonder Years is first and foremost a comedy series. “Lee Daniels and I feel that the experiences of the Black middle-class during the late ’60s have not been explored in TV and film,” Patterson says. “We have seen them explored for other decades, but usually the late ’60s are seen through the perspective of the ‘struggle.’ While that is a very important part of the Black experience, we feel there are other valuable perspectives that an audience would relate to.” Although The Wonder Years is set in the past, many of its themes remain relevant as ever. “If we can look at the turbulent, divisive late ’60s as ‘wonder years,’ then one day, a future generation will look at the 2020s as their ‘wonder years,’” he says. “That means we can have hope that the turbulent, divisive issues of today will be solved in our collective future—just like they were solved in our collective past.”

The Walt Disney Company Celebrates Disney+ Day on November 12 to Thank Subscribers with New Content, Fan Experiences, and More

By the D23 Team

Mark your calendar! On Friday, November 12, The Walt Disney Company will host Disney+ Day, a global celebration that will come to life across all dimensions of the 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 a special presentation on Disney+ for fans with sneak peeks into what’s to come. Additionally, the service will continue to engage new audiences around the world, as Disney+ expands into new Asia-Pacific markets on November 12.

That’s not all! In honor of the second anniversary of Disney+, subscribers will have access to promotions and experiences across the Company. Disney Parks and Resorts around the world and Disney Cruise Line will roll out the blue carpet for Disney+ fans with some surprise and delight moments including photo opportunities, character moments, and more; shopDisney.com will have special offers; popular network shows and syndicated series will join in the celebration along with talent and series across ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN and ESPN+, Freeform, FX, Hulu, National Geographic in the U.S., and on owned channels abroad.

“The inaugural Disney+ Day will be a grand-scale celebration of our subscribers across the entire company,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This day of appreciation brings to life our mission to entertain, inform, and inspire fans and families around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, and will become an annual tentpole event to be amplified across our global businesses.”

Disney+ Day Content Premieres from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic
Disney+ Day will feature content premieres from all of the marquee brands on service, including:

  • The streaming premiere of Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings
  • The beloved Disney family-friendly adventure film Jungle Cruise, available to all subscribers
  • The new Disney+ Original movie Home Sweet Home Alone, a reimagining of the popular holiday franchise
  • An all-new original series of shorts from Walt Disney Animation Studios called Olaf Presents, which sees Frozen’s beloved snowman retelling several classic Disney tales as only he can
  • The domestic Disney+ streaming debut of fan favorite shorts from Walt Disney Animation Studios including Frozen Fever, Oscar®-winning shorts Feast and Paperman, Oscar-nominated Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse! and more
  • An animated short film Ciao Alberto from Pixar, featuring characters from this summer’s animated hit breakout film Luca
  • A new short from The Simpsons that pays tribute to Disney+’s marquee brands
  • The first five episodes from season two of The World According to Jeff Goldblum from National Geographic
  • A special celebrating the origins and legacy of Star Wars’ legendary bounty hunter, Boba Fett
  • A special celebrating the Marvel Cinematic Universe on Disney+ with an exciting look towards the future
  • Dopesick, an original series starring Michael Keaton, which will be released in international markets as part of the Star general entertainment content offering

Subscribers to the service will be entertained with an inaugural Disney+ Day fan celebration on Disney+, which will include breaking news, first looks, new trailers, exclusive clips, and appearances from Disney+ creators and stars.

Global Launches in South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong
In honor of Disney+ Day, Disney+ will make its debut in South Korea and Taiwan on November 12, and in Hong Kong on November 16, bringing Disney’s iconic characters and stories into the homes of new audiences around the globe.

More exciting content premieres, consumer offers, and news will be announced leading up to Disney+ Day.

20th Century Fox “Spooktacular” – 1940s: Nightmare Alley

By Christina Pappous, Walt Disney Archives

As fall swiftly approaches, and with it, the scariest of holidays—Halloween!—we’re taking a “spooktacular” decade-by-decade tour through the most haunting films from 20th Century Fox. While our first stop on the tour may not trade in ghouls and ghosts, Nightmare Alley (1947) asks a question perhaps scarier than anything else: How can anyone get so low?

Set in the seedy world of carnivals and charlatans, Nightmare Alley is a film full of twists, turns, and triple crossings. It tells the story of the ambitious and cunning carnival barker Stanton “Stan” Carlisle, as played by Tyrone Power, and his meteoric ascent from assistant to the carnival’s mentalist, Zeena (Joan Blondell), to “The Great Stanton,” the sophisticated spiritualist to Chicago’s high society. During one of his performances, Stan crosses paths with psychiatrist Lilith Ritter (Helen Walker), and the two concoct a plan to swindle Stan’s wealthy patrons. Ultimately, Stan’s greed and arrogance prove to be his undoing, and he comes crashing down, uttering “Mister, I was made for it” as he descends into the lowest of the low of carnival folk: the geek.

Nightmare Alley is an unusual film, both in its story and its production. While it certainly follows the stylistic conventions of classic film noir—from its morally ambiguous characters and chiaroscuro lighting—the film’s carnival setting and evocations of magic and spirituality render it unique and genre-defying. Lead actor Tyrone Power was one of most popular stars at 20th Century Fox, and studio head Darryl F. Zanuck was incredibly reluctant to let Power, then primarily known for his matinée idol good looks and roles in in romantic swashbucklers like The Mark of Zorro (1940), take on a character as slimy as Stanton Carlisle. Power, freshly returned from active duty as a pilot in the Marines, sought to take on more complex and challenging roles and fought hard to get Nightmare Alley made.

The film was neither well received by critics nor audiences upon its initial release, but over the years, Nightmare Alley has become a classic, and its sordid exploration of how anyone can get so low continues to haunt audiences today.

Keep your eye out for Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming take on Nightmare Alley from Searchlight Pictures, opening December 17, 2021.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Zach Johnson

Dust off your dancing shoes, because Dancing with the Stars is returning for its milestone 30th season tonight on ABC. Then, join us in streaming the season finale of the FX on Hulu original series Reservation Dogs. Two days later, The Wonder Years will premiere on ABC and Star Wars: Visions will debut on Disney+. Last but not least, celebrate the fifth anniversary of the inspirational drama Queen of Katwe on Thursday, streaming on Disney+.

Dancing with the Stars—Monday, September 20, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Season 30 brings an energetic cast of 15 celebrities who are ready to add their sparkle and shimmy to the ballroom. Judges Len Goodman, Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are back, as is host Tyra Banks. Celebrities include Jimmie Allen, Melanie C, Christine Chiu, Brian Austin Green, Melora Hardin, Olivia Jade, Matt James, Amanda Kloots, Martin Kove, Suni Lee, “The Miz,” Kenya Moore, Cody Rigsby, Iman Shumpert and JoJo Siwa, and professional dancers include Brandon Armstrong, Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Sharna Burgess, Cheryl Burke, Witney Carson, Artem Chigvintsev, Val Chmerkovskiy, Sasha Farber, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater and Britt Stewart. Pairings will be revealed during the premiere, as they perform dances like the cha cha, foxtrot, jive, paso doble, quickstep, salsa, or tango.

reservation dogs

Reservation Dogs—Monday, September 20, on FX on Hulu
California, here they come! In the season finale, “Satvrday,” the Reservation Dogs—Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis), Cheese (Lane Factor), Elora Danan (Devery Jacobs), and Bear Smallhill (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai)—try their hand at being vigilantes as a tornado rolls into town. The eighth episode is directed by Sterlin Harjo and written by Migizi Pensoneau.

the wonder years

The Wonder Years—Wednesday, September 22, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC
As the youngest member of the Williams family, Dean (Elisha “EJ” Williams) is struggling to figure out where he fits in. Between his brother’s athleticism, his sister’s popularity, his mother’s intelligence, and his dad’s overall coolness, everyone else seems to have their own “thing.” So, Dean decides to pursue his calling as “The Great Uniter” by trying to organize the first integrated baseball game between his team and his best friend’s team.

star wars: visions

Star Wars: Visions—Wednesday, September 22, on Disney+
Seven Japanese anime studios bring their unique talent and perspective to this collection of animated short films. As a first formal venture into anime, each short film bears a unique Japanese sensibility, which in many ways aligns with the tone and spirit of Star Wars storytelling. The Duel, Lop and Ochō, Tatooine Rhapsody, The Twins, The Elder, The Village Bride, Akakiri, T0-B1, and The Ninth Jedi are available in Japanese and dubbed in English.

queen of katwe

Queen of Katwe—Thursday, September 23, on Disney+
Based on a true story, Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga) is a chess prodigy in Uganda who works hard to become a world champion. Directed by Mira Nair, the film also stars Lupita Nyong’o as her mother, Harriet Mutesi, and David Oyelowo as her coach, Robert Katende.

Dancing with the Stars Shakes Things Up for Season 30

By Zach Johnson

Get ready for even more twists, tricks and kicks!

Dancing with the Stars is set to return to the ballroom for its milestone 30th season, with celebrities Jimmie Allen, Melanie C, Christine Chiu, Brian Austin Green, Melora Hardin, Olivia Jade, Matt James, Amanda Kloots, Martin Kove, Suni Lee, “The Miz,” Kenya Moore, Cody Rigsby, Iman Shumpert, and JoJo Siwa competing for the coveted Mirrorball trophy. Professional dancers returning to the series include Brandon Armstrong, Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Sharna Burgess, Cheryl Burke, Witney Carson, Artem Chigvintsev, Val Chmerkovskiy, Sasha Farber, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater, and Britt Stewart. Pairings will be revealed during the two-hour season premiere, airing tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, and they will be judged by Len Goodman, Derek Hough, Carrie Anna Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli.

A pop culture phenomenon, Dancing with the Stars has been nominated for 133 Emmy® Awards since its debut in 2005, winning 18 times—including the other week, when Hough took home the trophy for Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming. Rest assured, the creative team is pulling out all the stops for the 30th season. “Behind the scenes, we’ve been putting so much of our energy into making sure this entire season is so special,” executive producer Andrew Llinares said during the Summer TCA virtual press conference in August. “Our attitude is that every week should be an event in its own right.”

Another notable change this season is the introduction of the series’ first same-sex pairing between Siwa and her yet-to-be-revealed partner. “I think it’s cool,” said Siwa, who added it’s also “tricky” to be a pioneer: “Who leads? How do you dress? What shoes do you wear?”

“I think a lot of people are going to be excited about this,” said host and executive producer Tyra Banks, returning for her second season. “I think it’s going to save lives. It’s going to change lives, and it’s going to make a lot of noise—noise that needs to be made.”

With a big smile, Siwa said, “I’m so excited to be making history.”

This season will mark the first time there are four permanent judges, as Goodman was unable to return to the ballroom last year due to travel restrictions; he was able to stay involved, however, by pre-taping segments from abroad. “It’s a full circle moment,” said a proud Llinares. “He was right there from the very beginning, and now he’ll be back again for the 30th season, along with the other three amazing judges who were with us last year.”

Win a Chance to Attend the Disney Imagination Campus 50 Teachers Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort

You—yes, you!—could be one of 50 teachers to attend the Disney Imagination Campus 50 Teachers Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort! At Disney Imagination Campus, Imagination Powered Learning is how we inspire students’ curiosity and fuel creativity. In celebration of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary, and to recognize exceptional teachers who are passionate about using the tool of imagination in their classroom, we’re inviting 50 deserving teachers who reflect the creativity and imagination of Walt Disney to attend a one-of-a-kind teacher event.

Fifty winners will be treated to a four-day, three-night stay at Walt Disney World Resort! Winners will participate in a half-day inspiration session with Disney leaders and storytellers, gaining key insights and ideas that can be taken back to the classroom. They will also receive an exclusive inside look at the reimagined Disney Imagination Campus workshops reflecting curriculum in Science & Technology, Arts & Humanities, Leadership & Innovation, and Performing Arts. And, of course, each of the winners will get to experience all the magic of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration!”

Disney Imagination Campus 50 Teachers Celebration

Now through October 31, 2021, you can enter for a chance to join us!

Follow these three simple steps to enter:

  • Step 1: Create an account.
  • Step 2: Submit your contact information.
  • Step 3: Submit a short essay.

For the essay portion, share an example of when you’ve encouraged students to use their imaginations to creatively solve problems, including your own creativity in presenting curriculum in a new and inspiring way.

Fifty lucky winners will be selected and notified beginning January 10, 2022!

As a little extra magic, you can also choose to enter a secondary sweepstakes for a chance to win $100 for your classroom. Fifty winners will receive a $100 prepaid card for supplies to foster an engaging and inspirational classroom environment. See official rules for details.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Promotion includes a Sweepstakes and a Contest. Promotion begins at 12 p.m. ET on 9/13/21 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 10/31/21. Open only to teachers, music directors, and administrators in education who are legal residents of 50 US/DC who are 21 years or older. Click here for Official Rules, including how to enter, odds, prize details and restrictions. Void where prohibited. Msg&data rates may apply. Sponsor: Disney Destinations, LLC, P.O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

Breathtaking New Trailer for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

West Side Story: Something’s Coming This December…

To paraphrase the great Stephen Sondheim, there’s a film that’s “only just out of reach”—but we now have a fresh trailer to help tide us over…

Earlier this week, The Walt Disney Company released a gorgeous new trailer (as well as a new poster) for Academy Award®-winning director Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of the musical West Side Story, slated to open exclusively in U.S. theaters this December 10. Check it out for the first (or 83rd time, if you’re anything like us), above.

Directed by 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. Mark those calendars now, y’all.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

The weekend is just about here (huzzah!), and there’s lots of fun stuff to enjoy from around the worlds of Disney. Over on Disney+, Descendants: The Royal Wedding and Disney’s Broadway Hits at London’s Royal Albert Hall join the streaming service’s lineup; and on FXX, get a head start on all things Emmy Awards by tuning into the 2021 Creative Arts Emmys. There’s more where that came from, so get your popcorn ready…

new restaurants

Delectable New Restaurants Opening Soon at Walt Disney World Resort

Foodies of the world, get thee to Walt Disney World Resort! In honor of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” kicking off Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary this October, several new restaurants will be opening their doors to guests and offering all manner of delicious new eats and treats.

Steakhouse 71, located on the first floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, will open on October 1 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The chefs at Steakhouse 71 have created an incredible dinner menu with all the hallmarks of a family-friendly steakhouse (including that tasty-looking prime rib above), and offerings at breakfast and lunch that are as unique as they are delicious—including a nod to Walt Disney himself, with contemporary spins on some of his favorite foods. And kids get to be creative with their meals—choosing from a fun menu that even includes creating their own ice cream sundae! And let’s not forget some fabulous libations (both alcoholic and non-) from Steakhouse 71’s talented mixologists and sommeliers. Reservations are now available; visit the restaurant’s website for more info.

Meanwhile, over at Space 220 at EPCOT, virtual departures for walk-up diners blast off on September 20—the same day you can start making reservations, with September 27 as the first reservable date. Space 220 will offer a two-course prix fixe menu for lunch and a three-course prix fixe menu for dinner. Enjoy a selection of “lift-off” appetizers including Big Bang Burrata and Neptuna Tartare; “star course” main entrées such as Flat Iron Steak and Florida Red Snapper; and a choice of “supernova sweets” for dessert like sticky toffee pudding and chocolate cheesecake. (“Satellite sides” will be available à la carte.) Unique beverages include a colorful lineup of atmospheric spirits, as well as zero-proof (non-alcoholic) cocktails, big dipper brews, and worldly wines.

Stay tuned for more yummy news from our celebratory pals at Walt Disney World in the coming weeks and months…

 Among the Stars Set to Blast Off on October 6, Only on Disney+

Up, up, and away! Disney+ just shared a first look at its new original series Among the Stars. All episodes of the six-part series will launch (pun intended) on Monday, October 6.

As seen in the newly released official trailer (above), the docuseries embeds viewers with NASA astronaut Captain Chris Cassidy as he embarks on one last mission. Through intimate footage, personal video diaries, and livestream footage—stationed both on Earth and in space—viewers will a firsthand look at the team of engineers, flight controllers, and specialists who take on these dangerous and awe-inspiring missions for the greater good.

Following the teams’ successes and failures over the course of two years, Among the Stars offers up behind-the-scenes access to the critically important NASA mission of repairing a $2 billion science experiment, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS), which aims to reveal the origins of the universe. To repair the AMS, former Navy Seal Captain Cassidy and his team must undertake a series of complex spacewalks—but the story quickly becomes a tale about the larger team at NASA, their roles in this daring mission, and the collective quest to succeed.

As space junkies, we can’t wait to check it out!

Epcot Candlelight Processional

“Candlelight Processional” Returns to EPCOT on November 26

That’s right—the beloved holiday tradition is back! “Candlelight Processional,” a long-standing annual Disney Parks institution (dating back to 1958 at Disneyland park), has delighted Walt Disney World guests since 1971; initially held at Magic Kingdom park, it moved over to EPCOT in 1994. After being very much missed during last year’s holiday season, the production will once again grace the America Gardens Theatre with a live orchestra, cast choir, and celebrity narrator retelling the traditional Christmas story in spectacular and heartwarming fashion. Look for the “Candlelight Processional” as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, from November 26 through December 30.

The show will be expanding its cast choir for the occasion (hoping to welcome back community choirs next year), and more details—including the roster of celebrity narrators—will be announced in the coming weeks. So, keep your eyes (and your jingle bells) peeled!

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Returning for Season Three

If you ever wanted to know what it would be like for a bunch of theater kids to spend the summer at a rustic sleepaway camp… well, wonder no further, thanks to the good folks at Disney+ and creator/executive producer Tim Federle. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is returning for a third season, which will indeed take place at summer camp! To hear from Federle and read more about what you can expect, click here.

Adorable Baby White Rhino Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Fun news from over at the always-nifty Disney Parks Blog: This week saw the arrival of a baby white rhino born to first-time mom Jao backstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. “Mom and baby are doing great under the keepers’ watchful and joyful eyes,” Scott Terrell, DVM, DACVP, Director of Animal & Science Operations, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, recently told the Parks Blog. “I am happy to report that the beautiful calf snuggled up to mom and began nursing right away.”

To ensure Jao and her baby boy have ample time to bond, it’ll be a while before the calf is weighed—but typically, Terrell explained, white rhino calves can weigh as much as 140 lbs. at birth. That’s a lot of baby!

Rhinoceros also have one of the longest gestation periods of any mammal: approximately 16 to 18 months. The animal care team’s veterinarians, scientists, and animal keepers kept a close eye on Jao throughout her pregnancy, conducting regular checkups and ultrasounds to ensure a safe birth. Mama Jao and baby are expected to join the “crash” (a group of rhinos) in their habitat on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in the coming weeks, where park guests can catch a glimpse of the herd while aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris.

ICYMI: Guest Voices Coming to The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder

There’s a truly incredible cavalcade of guest voice actors coming to Disney+’s upcoming animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder… wanna hear from Tiffany Haddish? You got it. What about Al Roker? Sure thing! Brenda Song? Jane Lynch? Olympian Laurie Hernandez? Check, check, and check. To prove we’re not throwing the word “cavalcade” around lightly, read our full rundown of what voices to expect when the series debuts in 2022 right here at D23.com.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

By Zach Johnson

So much to watch, so little time! First up, enjoy two back-to-back episodes of Gabby Duran & The Unsittables, airing Friday on Disney Channel. That same day, Disney+ will add Descendants: The Royal Wedding and Disney’s Broadway Hits at London’s Royal Albert Hall to its library. The following night, FXX will present the 2021 Creative Arts Emmys®. Wrap up the weekend Sunday when ABC airs the hilarious season finale of Celebrity Family Feud.

Gabby Duran

Gabby Duran & The Unsittables—Friday, September 17, at 8:48 p.m. ET on Disney Channel
In “Welcome to the Club,” when joining the Latinx club fuels an identity crisis within Gabby (Kylie Cantrall), she goes overboard in her efforts to impress the group with her knowledge of all things Latinx. Then, in “Dinas and Dougs,” when Dina (Valery Ortiz) introduces Gabby and Olivia (Coco Christo) to her new boyfriend, Doug, the girls discover that while he may be a prince, he also has an extraterrestrial secret.

Descendants: The Royal Wedding

Descendants: The Royal Wedding—Friday, September 17, on Disney+
Happily-ever-after is about to begin for Auradon’s beloved power couple Mal (voice of Dove Cameron) and King Ben (voice of Mitchell Hope) as they prepare to say “I do” at a magical celebration with their friends and family. But is Hades (voice of Cheyenne Jackson) about to ruin his daughter’s big day? Featuring a brand-new song, the animated special features the voices of Sofia Carson as Evie, Booboo Stewart as Jay, Sarah Jeffery as Audrey, Melanie Paxson as Fairy Godmother, China Anne McClain as Uma, Jedidiah Goodacre as Chad, Anna Cathcart as Dizzy, Dan Payne as Beast, and Bobby Moynihan as Dude the Dog.

Disney+

Disney’s Broadway Hits at London’s Royal Albert Hall—Friday, September 17, on Disney+
This magical musical extravaganza is a must-see for fans of Aida, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Newsies, and Tarzan. Filmed in 2017, the special features several world-class singers, such as Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland, performing beloved songs from Disney on Broadway productions, along with a special appearance by Disney Legend Alan Menken.

2021 Creative Arts Emmys

2021 Creative Arts Emmys—Saturday, September 18, at 8 p.m. ET on FXX
An edited presentation of the awards ceremony, filmed over two consecutive days, will honor and celebrate the talented artists and craftspeople in categories across all genres, including animation, comedy, documentary, drama, limited series, movies, reality, and variety. Fan-favorites Black Is King, The Conners, Dancing with the Stars, Life Below Zero, The Mandalorian, Pose, Secrets of the Whales, and WandaVision are among the winners!

Celebrity Family Feud

Celebrity Family Feud—Sunday, September 19, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Reality stars from Selling Sunset (playing for Food on Foot) and Bling Empire (playing for Hate Is a Virus) go head-to-head and compete to win money for their chosen charities. Then, the Wilson Phillips family (playing for ASPCA, MusiCares, and the Los Angelitos Orphanage) takes on Grammy® Award winners Pentatonix (playing for Make-a-Wish®).