Even More Magic is in Store with These Special Offerings Just for Magic Key Holders

September 2, 2021

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Home is where the heart is—and for so many Disney fans, our hearts lie at Disneyland. For those of us who love to visit the iconic park as much as we can, the Magic Key program is a new way to unlock endless fun at Disneyland Resort. The Magic Key program, which was announced last month as the next evolution of the Disneyland Resort Annual Pass program, has now launched to much excitement from Disney fans who can’t wait to plan their return trips to their second home. While for many, the Magic Key program’s choice, flexibility, and value for park admission; special access to unique experiences; and valuable saving opportunities are already magical prospects, we’re excited to share that throughout the year, Magic Key holders can also enjoy special benefits—such as a dedicated dining experience at the Magic Key terrace, special offerings at festivals for just Magic Key holders, a Magic Key holder celebration month, plus other unique surprises. We’ve gathered all the details on these exciting perks and opportunities, so you know exactly what world of wonder will be unlocked if you become a Magic Key holder!

Magic Key Welcome Package

This year rings in 66 years of Disneyland park and in honor of that anniversary, anyone who signs up for the Magic Key Program within the first 66 days will become a charter member! What does that mean? (Besides bragging rights, of course.) These guests will receive a special welcome package that will include unique items such as a premium branded pin, celebratory button, magnet, and more.

Magic Key Starcade Experience*

The fun doesn’t stop there! For a limited time, Magic Key charter members will also be celebrated with access to a limited-time experience at Starcade in Tomorrowland in Disneyland park. Stop by the Starcade from September 1 – October 30, 2021, from 12-6 p.m. and you can enjoy:

Special space with phone charging stations
Fun Magic Key photo opportunities
Close-up look at Magic Key-themed items available around the Disneyland Resort
And, occasionally, you may even see a surprise appearance by Mickey or Minnie

* Must show proof of Magic Key holder status upon entry. Subject to change or end without notice.

Magic Key Terrace

During a busy day of fun at Disney California Adventure park, sometimes you just want to take a moment to relax. Luckily for Magic Key holders, there’s a special place just for you, where you can dine, drink, and people watch to your heart’s content. The Magic Key terrace is a special dining lounge created just for Magic Key holders, where you may enjoy a signature drink or a flavorful bite while taking in the views of the classic Pacific Wharf surrounding area.

Sounds like a dream come true? Good news! The Magic Key terrace is now open via mobile walk-up list on the Disneyland app, or by checking in at the location for availability. Beginning September 2, 2021, Magic Key terrace will begin taking advance dining reservations via the Disneyland app—so start planning your next trip now!

Magic Key Holder Popcorn Bucket

Popcorn is a must-have snack for any Disneyland trip, and Disneyland’s souvenir popcorn buckets add an extra splash of style and fun to your snack time. Naturally, Magic Key holders can show off their style with an all-new popcorn bucket exclusive to the program! Check out this FIRST LOOK at the new Magic Key popcorn buckets that will be available for Magic Key holders in the coming weeks! Once they arrive at Disneyland Resort, Magic Key holders will be able to purchase these popcorn buckets throughout both parks, while supplies last. The Magic Key holder popcorn bucket will be $11 with refills for $1.50 through November 10, 2021.

And Even More Magic

Toad Photo Opportunity—Just for Magic Key holders, enjoy a special complimentary Mr. Toad-themed Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot and digital download, now through October 30, 2021. Check the Magic Key portal on the Disneyland app for details.
Magic Key embroidery—Special options available for Magic Key holders to purchase at select locations in the parks.
Magic Key Portal—check out the all-new Magic Key portal on the Disneyland app to more deeply engage directly with our community of Magic Key holders! Find relevant news, an overview of benefits, custom content, special offers, and more.

Learn more about Magic Key at Disneyland.com/MagicKey, and stay tuned to D23.com for future updates on this exciting program!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

September 2, 2021September 1, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Labor Day weekend is upon us—and with it comes Billie Eilish making her Disney+ debut Friday with Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles. FX has programmed a Labor Day Weekend of Super Heroes, featuring some of your favorite characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and beyond, airing Friday through Sunday. Searchlight Pictures’ Tolkien makes its network debut on FXX Friday, the same day Hulu debuts all episodes of its new reality series, The D’Amelio Show. And FXX has lined up The Simpsons Back-to-School Marathon on Sunday, which includes The Simpsons Movie and fan-favorite episodes.

Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles—Friday, September 3, on Disney+
Fresh off the release of her sophomore album, Happier than Ever, Grammy^® Award winner Billie Eilish presents a cinematic concert experience. It’s an intimate performance of every song in the album’s sequential order—for the first and only time—from the stage of the legendary Hollywood Bowl. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and co-directed by Oscar^®-winner Patrick Osborne, the special includes animated elements, taking viewers on a dreamlike journey through Billie’s hometown of Los Angeles and its most iconic backdrops. The special also feature guest appearances from singer-songwriter FINNEAS; the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus; the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel; and the world-renowned Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo.

Labor Day Weekend of Super Heroes—Friday, September 3, at 3 p.m. ET, Saturday, September 4, at 9 a.m. ET, and Sunday, September 5, at 9 a.m. ET on FX
It’s a super weekend filled with Super Heroes! Suit up for three days of heroics with a movie lineup that includes Dark Phoenix, Deadpool 2, Logan, Spider-Man: Far from Home, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Thor: The Dark World, Venom, and X-Men: Apocalypse.

Tolkien—Friday, September 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET on FXX
The biographical drama explores the formative years of renowned author J. R. R. Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult) as he finds courage, friendship, and inspiration among a fellow group of writers and artists at school. Their brotherhood strengthens as they mature and weather love and loss, including Tolkien’s tumultuous relationship with Edith Bratt (Lily Collins), until the outbreak of World War I threatens to tear their fellowship apart. All of these experiences would ultimately inspire Tolkien to write his iconic Middle-earth novels.

The D’Amelio Show—Friday, September 3, on Hulu
TikTok sensation Charli D’Amelio has the world at her fingertips as she tries to balance fame and family while running a budding empire and making new friends in Los Angeles. Her sister, Dixie, is experiencing her own overnight success on social media as she pursues a career in music. For mom Heidi and dad Marc, raising teenagers is hard enough before factoring in a cross-country move and protecting their two girls from the dark side of fame.

The Simpsons Back-to-School Marathon—Sunday, September 5, at 7 a.m. ET on FXX
Drop your backpack and get ready for an all-day marathon of school-themed episodes of The Simpsons. The fun starts with The Simpsons Movie, featuring all your favorite characters.

Get Early Access to the September Disney Treasures From the Vault, Limited Edition Pluto Plush, Amazon Exclusive

September 2, 2021September 3, 2021

Click Here to access the September Disney Treasures From the Vault, Limited Edition Pluto Plush, Amazon Exclusive

Disney Treasures From the Vault, Limited Edition Pluto Plush, Amazon Exclusive

Relive the magic of Disney with this Treasures From the Vault Plush! Inspired by Disney’s classic character, the Limited Edition Pluto is the ninth collectible character in this exclusive Amazon series. Sitting 13 inches tall and made of soft corduroy fabric with embroidered eyes, Pluto is wearing a gold pendant collar and has an adorably perked ear. 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+

Mickey’s faithful pup Pluto starred in 48 of his own cartoons, but also appeared in many supporting roles alongside Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy in classic Disney animated shorts. The dog who would eventually evolve into Pluto made his big screen debut as a pair of bloodhounds in a 1930 Mickey Mouse cartoon. Later that same year, Pluto appeared as Minnie Mouse’s dog, Rover, in The Picnic—and in 1931 he officially became Mickey’s pet dog, Pluto.

Ninth 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 12!
Each Limited Edition Pluto 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.
Mickey’s loyal dog Pluto starred in dozens of his own cartoons, and appeared in supporting roles in many classic Disney animated shorts.
Pluto sits 13 inches tall and 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, September 3, at 9 a.m. PST,visit this page on D23.com for the link to purchase the September Disney Treasures From the Vault, Limited Edition Pluto, 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 this 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 Pluto Plush offer available to D23 Members for a limited time. Limited quantities of this 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.

Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween Invites You to Stay in and Get Spooky

September 1, 2021September 1, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Calling all goblins, monsters, and witches!

Freeform is getting into the Halloween spirit once again with another year of wicked October programming. The highly anticipated 31 Nights of Halloween is back all month long with a lineup of Halloween films, including beloved classics and recent hits. From October 1-31, join us as we celebrate Halloween at home with haunting movies, including fan favorites Ghostbusters (1984), Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, Hotel Transylvania 2, Goosebumps (2015), and Shrek. New to the film lineup this year are Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Fright Night (2011), Jaws, Cowboys & Aliens, and Men in Black II, among several others.

In addition, fans in the Los Angeles area will get a chance to come face-to-face with some of these films at Freeform’s Halloween Road, which will be held at Heritage Square Museum from October 1-5. Tickets are on sale beginning today and can be purchased here.

Below is a night-by-night list of the programming airing during 31 Nights of Halloween:

Friday, October 1
2:30 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
5 p.m. ET/PT – The Addams Family (1991)
7 p.m. ET/PT – Addams Family Values
9 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus

Saturday, October 2
7 a.m. ET/PT – The Goonies
9:35 a.m. ET/PT – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
12:15 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
2:45 p.m. ET/PT – The Addams Family (1991)
4:50 p.m. ET/PT – Addams Family Values
6:55 p.m. ET/PT – Monsters, Inc.
9 p.m. ET/PT – Monsters University
11:30 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)

Sunday, October 3
7 a.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
8:40 a.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
11:10 a.m. ET/PT – Matilda
1:15 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
2:55 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
4:35 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
6:45 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent
8:50 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (Freeform Premiere)
11:30 p.m. ET/PT – The Craft (1996)

Monday, October 4
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
1:30 p.m. ET/PT – The Goonies
4 p.m. ET/PT – Matilda
6 p.m. ET/PT – The Craft (1996)
8:30 p.m. ET/PT – Fright Night (2011) (Freeform Premiere)
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Tuesday, October 5
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – Matilda
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
3 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek
5 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
7 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
9 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Wednesday, October 6
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek
2:30 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
4:30 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
6:30 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
8 p.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Thursday, October 7
11:30 a.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
1:30 p.m. ET/PT – Halloweentown
3:30 p.m. ET/PT – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
6 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
8:30 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters II
12 a.m. ET/PT – Jaws 3 (Freeform Premiere)

Friday, October 8
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Family Guy Halloween Programming
12 a.m. ET/PT – Frankenweenie (2012)

Saturday, October 9
7 a.m. ET/PT – Turbo (2013)
9:10 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek
11:15 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
1:20 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
3:25 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 2
5:30 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
7:40 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
9:50 p.m. ET/PT – The Addams Family (1991)
11:55 p.m. ET/PT – Addams Family Values

Sunday, October 10
7 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek
9:05 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
11:10 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
1:15 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 2
3:20 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
5:30 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
7:40 p.m. ET/PT – The Addams Family (1991)
9:45 p.m. ET/PT – Addams Family Values
11:50 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)

Monday, October 11
11:30 a.m. ET/PT – Jaws (Freeform Premiere)
2:30 p.m. ET/PT – Jaws 2 (Freeform Premiere)
5:05 p.m. ET/PT – Alien
7:45 p.m. ET/PT – Aliens
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Tuesday, October 12
3 p.m. ET/PT – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
4 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
6:30 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
8 p.m. ET/PT – Mrs. Doubtfire
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Wednesday, October 13
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
3 p.m. ET/PT – Halloweentown
5 p.m. ET/PT – Mrs. Doubtfire
8 p.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Thursday, October 14
1 p.m. ET/PT – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
3:30 p.m. ET/PT – Hook
6:45 p.m. ET/PT – Matilda
8:50 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus

Friday, October 15
11 a.m. ET/PT – Matilda
9 p.m. ET/PT – Family Guy Halloween Programming

Saturday, October 16
7 a.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
9:30 a.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters II
12 p.m. ET/PT – Mrs. Doubtfire
3:05 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
5:15 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II (Freeform Premiere)
7:15 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
9:25 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent
11:30 p.m. ET/PT – The House with a Clock in Its Walls (Freeform Premiere)

Sunday, October 17
7 a.m. ET/PT – The Middle Halloween Episode
7:30 a.m. ET/PT – Mrs. Doubtfire
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
12:40 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II
2:40 p.m. ET/PT – The House with a Clock in Its Walls
5:10 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
7:20 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 2
9:25 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
11:35 p.m. ET/PT – Toy Story of TERROR!
12:05 a.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

Monday, October 18
2 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
4 p.m. ET/PT – Toy Story of TERROR!
4:30 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 2
6:30 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
8:30 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Tuesday, October 19
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
3:40 p.m. ET/PT – X-Men: First Class
6:50 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Wednesday, October 20
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – X-Men: First Class
1:30 p.m. ET/PT – Cowboys & Aliens (Freeform Premiere)
4 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
6 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II
8 p.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Thursday, October 21
4 p.m. ET/PT – The Craft (1996)
6:30 p.m. ET/PT – The Huntsman: Winter’s War (Freeform Premiere)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent
12 a.m. ET/PT – Mirror Mirror

Friday, October 22
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – The Craft (1996)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Family Guy Halloween Programming
12 a.m. ET/PT – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Saturday, October 23
7 a.m. ET/PT – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
9:30 a.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
11:50 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek
1:55 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
4 p.m. ET/PT – Halloweentown
6:05 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
8:15 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (2016)
11:30 p.m. ET/PT – Fright Night (2011)

Sunday, October 24
7 a.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
9:30 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek
11:40 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
1:45 p.m. ET/PT – Halloweentown
3:50 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
5:30 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (2016)
8:45 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
10:55 p.m. ET/PT – Mrs. Doubtfire

Monday, October 25
1 p.m. ET/PT – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
2 p.m. ET/PT – The Goonies
4:30 p.m. ET/PT – Scared Shrekless
5 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek
7 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
9 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Tuesday, October 26
12 p.m. ET/PT – The Goonies
2:30 p.m. ET/PT – Scared Shrekless
3 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek
5 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
7 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
9 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Wednesday, October 27
1 p.m. ET/PT – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
3:30 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
6 p.m. ET/PT – Matilda
8 p.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Thursday, October 28
11:30 a.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
2 p.m. ET/PT – Matilda
4 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
6:30 p.m. ET/PT – The Craft (1996)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
12 a.m. ET/PT – Frankenweenie (2012)

Friday, October 29
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Family Guy Halloween Programming
12 a.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II

Saturday, October 30
7 a.m. ET/PT – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
8 a.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
12:35 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II
2:35 p.m. ET/PT – Goosebumps (2015)
5:05 p.m. ET/PT – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (Freeform Premiere)
7:10 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
8:50 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
11 p.m. ET/PT – Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Freeform Premiere)

Sunday, October 31
7 a.m. ET/PT – Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
10 a.m. ET/PT – Goosebumps
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
2:35 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
4:45 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
7:15 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent
9:20 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
11:30 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)

All programming is subject to change.

Three Artists Reimagine a Sherman Brothers Classic in Honor of the New Reimagine Tomorrow Digital Destination

September 1, 2021September 1, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Today, The Walt Disney Company launched the Reimagine Tomorrow digital destination, its first large-scale platform for amplifying underrepresented voices and untold stories. The Reimagine Tomorrow endeavor builds on Disney’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The effort, announced to employees in 2020, reflects the actions and innovations Disney employees have taken across the Company to affect workplace representation, content, and the communities in which the Company operates.

As part of this fantastic endeavor, Disney approached three remarkable artists to put their own spin on “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” written by Disney Legends Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. Watch each artist’s music video (below), and visit the Reimagine Tomorrow digital destination to get the inside scoop on their creative processes.

Bardo
Originally from Chicago’s South Side, Bardo brings wildly diverse influences to his music, inspired by his Cape Verdean heritage and his time living all over the world, from Michigan to Italy, Spain, and Japan. “Living abroad did wonders for me in terms of being able to approach music from different angles,” he says. He continues to evolve his sound, studying classic soul, reggae, and more, aiming to craft classics of his own and give people music that just feels good: “I’ve had that type of exposure that allows me to weave those different elements in and out, make my music more interesting and feel more fresh.” Nowhere is that more evident than in his reimagining of “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.” The original, released in 1964, is “a completely different style of music,” Bardo says. “It’s got a completely different bounce to it. One of the hardest parts was just rapping those lyrics, because those lyrics were not written with a rapper in mind; they were written to be sung.” Ultimately, Bardo was able to add both a “hip-hop twist” and a “Latin flair” to his rendition.

Caleigh Cardinal
Caleigh Cardinal is the winner of the 2020 Juno Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year, one of many honors bestowed upon this self-described “soul-funk” songstress. She’s also a host on Alberta’s CKUA Radio Network and prioritizes using her visibility to pave the way for other indigenous artists. When Cardinal was asked to reimagine “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” she says she “couldn’t believe that it was really happening to me.” In fact, she says, “What’s been really great about this project is it’s led me to this place where I realize that not only am I enough, but that I’m doing the work that I need to do to make this world a better place for Indigenous people.” As such, Cardinal’s reimagining of the Sherman Brothers classic is reflective of her own journey. Her “hopeful” rendition has “a little bit of darkness,” she explains, “because the Indigenous experience hasn’t been easy.”

Jeremy Passion
Hailing from San Francisco, Filipino-American Jeremy Passion is a self-taught musician who began playing piano at age 4 and was writing songs by the time he was 15. “I love R&B/Soul, so that’s kind of my niche,” Passion says. He has released two R&B songs on YouTube, “Lemonade” and “Well Done,” which now boast a combined 5 million-plus views.

“When I was first contacted about participating in Reimagine Tomorrow, the first thought that I had was, ‘Whoa,’” Passion says. “As an independent artist, as a Filipino-American, as an Asian-American, this is a really important project to be in.” After he first heard the Sherman brothers’ “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” Passion says he wondered how to “flip this classic big band showtune and still bring honor to the original song.” He conceptualized a beat, then added to the melody. All of a sudden, he says, “I saw colors—just straight-up colors—as I was creating this progression. I wanted it to feel like sunshine.”

Visit the Reimagine Tomorrow digital destination to go behind the scenes with each artist and to learn more about Disney’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Go on the Ultimate Pixar Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt on Disney+

September 1, 2021December 10, 2021

By the D23 Team

All month long, our friends at Pixar and Disney+ are ringing PixarFest, a celebration full of out-of-this-world fun featuring your favorite films and characters, along with all-new stories. To help kick off the festivities, we here at D23 have teamed up with our pals at Disney+ to craft the ultimate challenge of your Pixar knowledge: A Pixar scavenger hunt! To play, just download the worksheet below and start streaming. Grab your friends and family to watch each Pixar film, keeping an eye out for the detail or Easter egg in the movie that shouts out a previous or future Pixar movie. Write down your answers, then come back at the end of the month for the reveal of the answer key to see how you did!

Download the scavenger hunt worksheet here

Download the scavenger hunt answer key here

“We’re Going to Disney World”: Step by Step

September 1, 2021September 20, 2021

By Matt Moryc, Walt Disney Archives

If you grew up watching television in the 1980s and 1990s, 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 Broadcast 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 classic shows such as Full House (1987-1995), Boy Meets World (1993-2000), 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. The idea to send family sitcoms to the 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 theme park attractions that were ripe for promotion via television programming created for families.

Step by Step aired on ABC as a part of the TGIF television line up from 1991 to 1997. The show stars Patrick Duffy as Frank Lambert, a divorced father with three kids, and Suzanne Somers as Carol Foster, a widow with three kids. After Frank and Carol get remarried to each other—without informing their kids!—they decide to move both of their families under one roof in suburban Wisconsin. This large, blended family is seemingly always at odds, but each episode provides the opportunity for them to learn to live with and love each other via funny and heartwarming interactions that sitcoms are known for.

In February 1996, the cast of Step by Step traveled to Walt Disney World to film a two-part episode, which aired in May of that year. The story sees the family vacationing to Walt Disney World for one week thanks to a generous gift from Frank’s mother, Helen (June Lockhart). Because the show featured such a large cast, there are plenty of storylines to follow: JT Lambert (Brandon Call) and his best friend Rich (Jason Marsden) spend all of their joint apartment savings to impress two girls they meet at the Magic Kingdom; Frank and Carol struggle to find some alone time together to celebrate their anniversary; Karen Foster (Angela Watson) finds her confidence to compete in a country western singing contest at Pleasure Island thanks to encouragement from her sister Dana (Staci Keanan) and stepsister Al (Christine Lakin); and Grandma Helen falls for a Frenchman she meets on the ferryboat to the Magic Kingdom.

By far the most engaging storyline—and the one that ties everything together— belongs to Jake “Flash” Gordon (Jeff Juday), a bumbling and hyperactive handyman who makes a detour on his road trip so he can return a hammer to Frank. After deciding to join the family’s vacation, Flash learns that a man from Uzbekistan holds the world record for visiting every Walt Disney World attraction, restaurant, snack stand, and merchandise location in under four days. This doesn’t sit well with Flash and he declares that the record needs to be brought back to American soil. Utilizing help from Mark Foster (Christopher Castile) and Brendan Lambert (Josh Byrne), Flash succeeds in his quest to reclaim the record, and caps off the achievement with a celebration in front of Cinderella Castle with the rest of the cast.

The following behind-the-scenes and publicity photos—provided by our partners at ABC—are from the 1996 Step by Step episodes “We’re Going to Disney World, Part 1,” and “We’re Going to Disney World, Part 2,” now streaming on Hulu.

Celebrate even more Walt Disney World nostalgia with the 2021 D23 Gold Member Collector Set, exclusively available to D23 Gold Members!

Marvel Comics Reveals First Look at Eight New Tentpole Titles

August 31, 2021

By Jim Frye

In celebration of Marvel’s birthday today, August 31, Marvel Comics revealed its first look at eight new tentpole titles that will shape the future of the Marvel Universe in the months to come.

All hell breaks loose in the Marvel Universe as The Kingpin finally declares all-out war on the heroes in Devil’s Reign! Having set the stage in their Eisner-nominated Daredevil epic, Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto’s far-reaching crossover event finds Mayor Fisk outlawing all Super Heroes in New York and unleashing intel on all their dark secrets, while pitting Daredevil, Elektra, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and many more against his Thunderbolt agents. But in the end…Who Will Reign?

Marvel Comics’ Avengers Forever pulls together archeologist Tony Stark aka the Invincible Ant-Man and Avengers from across the multiverse to bring order to timelines where “hope” is a four-letter word. Jason Aaron and Aaron Kuder present an all-new series that will redefine the Avengers as… The Multiverse’s Mightiest Heroes.

The future of the Marvel Universe is here, and Timeless is where it all begins. When a threatening new timeline emerges, Kang the Conqueror must fight his way through the coming year to protect the main 616 timeline he’s worked centuries to solidify as his own. Jed MacKay, Kev Walker, Joe Bennett, Mark Bagley, and more provide a first look at what’s coming to the Marvel Universe in 2022 in a story that will prove… The Future is Timeless.

House of X and Powers of X ushered in The First Krakoan Age of the X-Men. Now, Marvel Comics’ X Lives of Wolverine and X Deaths of Wolverine will test “the best there is at what he does” before any mutant can survive to The Second Krakoan Age. Benjamin Percy, Joshua Cassara and Federico Vicentini tell two interlocked tales about what happens to Wolverine when… His Pasts Meets His Future.

Marvel Comics’ She-Hulk, from Rainbow Rowell and Rogê Antônio, throws the book at Jennifer Walters as she tries to put her rage-filled days behind her and return to practicing law in defense of the innocent. But when a friend from her past comes knocking with a mystery she can’t resist, She-Hulk gets… Back To Bashing.

Dan Slott is joined by Carlos Pacheco and Rachael Stott for Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four: Reckoning War, an epic saga over 15 years in the making. The original secret war of the Marvel Universe has been reignited and every living being in reality is in danger, for we are finally at… Our Day Of Reckoning.

Lunella Lafayette and her lovable 20-foot dinosaur are back in Marvel Comics’ Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. But what shape will their partnership take in this exciting new era? Keep your eyes peeled in the coming months for more news about the next adventure of the biggest brain in the world that will send dino-sized shockwaves throughout the Marvel Universe. In 2022, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur will bring new meaning to the term “Marvel Team-Up” in a tale that promises to… Shake Your World.

For more information, visit Marvel.com.

The Magic Is Calling! New Walt Disney World Annual Passes Available September 8

August 30, 2021August 30, 2021

By Zach Johnson

There’s one kind of magic that’s different from the rest. It’s Annual Passholder magic, which lets you revisit the spots where your favorite memories were made and feel them wash over you again and again. As the countdown continues for the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort, the magic is calling—and new Walt Disney World Annual Passholders are invited to be a part of this beloved program, beginning September 8, 2021!

Walt Disney World is introducing four new Annual Passes, which offer the flexibility and choice to meet guest needs, each designed based on Passholder feedback. These passes will help Disney fans experience “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” to its fullest, from new attractions and nighttime spectaculars, to dazzling decorations and much more!

Here are some highlights of the new Annual Passes:

Hold More Park Reservations: Depending on their pass type, Passholders may now hold up to five Disney Park Pass reservations at a time. “Bonus reservations” will be added to the calendar from time to time, so Passholders can make an additional park reservation without it counting against their applicable reservation hold limit. Plus, when Passholders stay at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels, they will also be eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their stay—in addition to the reservations you can hold based on your pass type!
Customize Your Pass: Choose different add-on options based on your preferences, from the Water Park and Sports option to Disney PhotoPass downloads. These add-on options will be available for purchase with any of our four new passes.
Access a New Integrated Calendar: Planning will be easier with enhancements to the reservation system, including a new integrated calendar that lets Passholders quickly see blockout dates for each pass type; view available days; and make, modify, or cancel a reservation all in one place.
Enjoy Passholder Perks: Passes will continue to offer benefits you know and love including the Park Hopper option; standard theme park parking; and discounts on merchandise and dining. Plus, there will be a few special surprises throughout the 50th anniversary celebration!

Click here for more information on the Annual Pass options.

The Annual Passholder program is also introducing a new look to honor its past while looking forward to the future. Using a piece of the original Walt Disney World Resort logo as a foundation for bright colors and energetic design, the program’s new look puts Passholders right in the middle of the magic.

Current Annual Passholders may continue to use them as you do today; when it is time to renew, you will be able to renew into one of our new passes (at a special price). Plus, starting September 8, 2021, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Plus Annual Passholders will also be able to hold more reservations at a time. Visit DisneyWorld.com/AnnualPass to learn more… and be on the lookout for a new and exclusive magnet, coming your way soon!

Now is the perfect time to be an Annual Passholder, as unforgettable experiences are coming during the 50th anniversary celebration. Soon, you’ll be able to check out two new nighttime spectaculars with Disney Enchantment and Harmonious, each debuting on October 1! That same day, you can also experience the new attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, which will soon offer Passholder previews for those who registered.

Please note as we continue to manage attendance to provide a great experience for everyone, at any time, Annual Passes may be unavailable for purchase. Annual Passholders will also still be required to make park reservations for each day of their visit. Please visit DisneyWorld.com/Pass for additional information and details about the new Annual Passes.

A Glittering, New Walt Disney Archives Exhibit Premieres at Bowers Museum in Winter

August 30, 2021August 30, 2021

By the D23 Team

This winter, prepare to behold a collection fit for royalty—Disney royalty, that is! Our friends at Walt Disney Archives are once again partnering with Bowers Museum to debut a spectacular exhibition on December 12, 2021: All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives.

archives bowers — King Brian’s Crown
*Darby O’Gill and the Little People* (1959)
(Walt Disney Productions),
Walt Disney Archives, ©Disney

The all-new exhibition, All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives, showcases the sparkling side of The Walt Disney Archives’ collection, including jewelry and accessories from Titanic, The Princess Diaries, and some of your favorite Disney and 20th Century Studio films. The exhibition explores how jewelry is used to tell stories, with the displays divided into three sections:

“Jewelry Informs Character” explains what wearable accessories tell viewers about characters.
The “Feature Vault” offers a jaw-dropping look at the most prized jewelry and accessories inside the Walt Disney Archives.
“Reflections on Reality” includes displays that tie earrings, cuff links, rings, tie pins, and more back to the Disney films and parks where they originated.

When costume design is done well, small pieces of jewelry blend inseparably into the style of the characters that wear them, but these objects are what make Disney characters timeless. All That Glitters looks at crowns, tiaras, watches, rings, bracelets, and more that were designed by some of the biggest names in fashion to create our favorite moments in entertainment throughout The Walt Disney Company.

Some of the iconic pieces in the exhibit include:

A rare merchandise locket from the 1960 film Pollyanna
The stunning “Heart of the Ocean” necklace from James Cameron’s Titanic (1997).
Anne Hathaway’s crowns and tiaras from the Princess Diaries movies (2001 and 2004).
Mulan’s matchmaking outfit from Disney’s 2020 live-action film, on display for the first time.
Genie’s lamp from Aladdin (2019), on display for this first time.

Advanced ticket sales for All that Glitters will launch to Bowers Members starting October 1 and to the general public starting November 1. Details at bowers.org. All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives is curated by the Walt Disney Archives in conjunction with the Bowers Museum.