Disney Teams with Starlight Children’s Foundation to Create Pixar-Themed Hospital Gowns

September 2, 2021

By the D23 Team

It’s time for Pixar Fest—an incredible month-long celebration of all things Pixar! Fans can look forward to a Disney+ virtual film festival; cool sweepstakes; and brand-new product launches!

To celebrate such a momentous occasion, Disney has teamed up with Starlight Children’s Foundation to design Pixar-themed Starlight Hospital Wear inspired by the iconic Pixar films Toy Story (Buzz Lightyear and Jessie), The Incredibles, and Up (Russell). Each hospital gown will include an interactive QR code that patients can scan on their phones for special Pixar animated content. (How cool is that?!) For more information on this magical collaboration, visit starlight.org/disney.

Wait, there’s more… Fans and families are invited to join big-time online content creators like The Williams Family, Phil Wright, Merrick Hanna, and McKenzi Brooke—as well as actor/avid Pixar fan Harry Shum, Jr. (Crazy Rich Asians)—in the first-ever Pixar-inspired social media challenge! So, how can you take part? Just head over to your TikTok and Instagram Reels to recreate character dances and poses themed to favorite Pixar films and beloved characters. We can’t wait to see what y’all create!

And starting this Friday night, September 3, fans can grab their Pixar gear and tune in to Disney+ to enjoy their favorite Pixar movie. (Don’t forget: You can join in on the fun with Disney+ and D23’s Pixar Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt!) Check out the schedule below:

Make sure to follow along on all of Pixar’s social channels—and join the conversation by using the hashtag #PixarFest. Adventure is out there!

Exploring Shang-Chi’s Ties to the Larger MCU

September 2, 2021September 2, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings is an origin story that blazes across the big screen with never-before-seen, mind-blowing action, stunning visuals, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s signature blend of heart and humor. And although this marks the first time Shang-Chi has appeared onscreen since his Marvel Comics debut in 1973, it’s not the first time the shadowy Ten Rings organization has popped up in the MCU.

In fact, the Ten Rings organization was behind the plot to kidnap Tony Stark (Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr.) in 2008’s Iron Man—the very film that turned the genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist into a bonafide Super Hero and, in turn, launched the MCU. The person behind the Ten Rings organization was deceptively introduced in 2013’s Iron Man 3 in the form of Iron Man’s archenemy, The Mandarin, who debuted in Marvel Comics in 1964, a decade before Shang-Chi. In the film it was revealed that the person masquerading as the Mandarin was actually an actor named Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), hired by the secret leader of the Ten Rings to impersonate him and broadcast his agenda.

“We talked about when to bring the person behind the Ten Rings organization to the screen, and we wanted to do it when we felt we could do the character justice and really showcase the complexity of the character—and that’s what fun about the MCU at this stage,” says Kevin Feige, producer and president of Marvel Studios. “We can make a film like Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings and introduce a brand-new hero to the world, but the subtitle actually connects it back to the very beginning of the MCU, which opens the door to exploring the Ten Rings organization and who is really behind it.”

Kingsley reprises his role in Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, coming into contact with Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), Katy (Awkwafina), and Xialing (Meng’er Zhang). We won’t spoil the circumstances of how that happens—you’ll have to see the film when it opens in theaters on Friday, September 3—but he plays an integral role in their mission.

In Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, audiences will learn the history of the real person who leads the Ten Rings: Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung), Shang-Chi’s father. The power of the actual Ten Rings has allowed Wenwu to build the Ten Rings criminal organization.

Trevor isn’t the only familiar face who pops up in Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings. After Shang-Chi is attacked in San Francisco, he and Katy travel to Macau to warn his sister, Xialing, that danger is heading her way. Once there, they learn Xialing has made a name for herself as owner of the Golden Daggers Club, an underground fighting ring.

The first cage match they see is between Abomination, last seen onscreen in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, and Wong (Benedict Wong), last seen onscreen in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. Abomination may have immense strength, but Wong is a master of the mystic arts who deftly uses portals to redirect Abomination’s own punch back at him. We won’t spoil who wins the match… but you can bet this won’t be the last time Shang-Chi sees the victor!

Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings is an origin story that sets up the titular character for a promising future in Phase Four of the MCU. Phase Four features both known characters, such as Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), and unknown ones, such as the Eternals.

Liu, for one, can’t wait to tell more stories as Shang-Chi. “I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be here,” he says. “It’s been the most grueling thing I’ve ever done, but easily the most fulfilling. Whether it’s doing action sequences that have been choreographed by some of the most incredible action designers and martial artists in the world or acting opposite some of the most incredibly talented people that have ever graced the screen, every day felt like it was full of blessings. Many days I would go home and my entire body would be aching. But even then, I never lost sight of the fact that this is a historic, significant moment. To be a part of that is so incredible, and I can’t say enough how grateful I am for it.”

Disneyland Foodie Guide to Spooky Eats and Halloween Treats

September 2, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Disneyland Resort chefs and candy makers have conjured up all sorts of eerie eats and tasty treats for Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort this year! From Mummy Marshmallow Wands and Halloween Grey Stuff to Blood Orange Slushes and Ghost Pepper Potato Bites, it’s all frightfully delicious! Plus, keep an eye out for all of this year’s creepy-cool novelties!

With help from our friends at the Disney Parks Blog, this Foodie Guide is seriously jam-packed with all the yummy details on where to find all of this year’s offerings available during Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, which runs from September 3-October 31.

Disneyland Park

Alien Pizza Planet (Mobile Order Available)

Deconstructed Lasagna – Campanelle pasta tossed in ricotta cream sauce topped with Bolognese sauce and bread crumbs
Supernova Special – Spiced marinara sauce topped with sausage, salami, assorted cheeses, onions, olives, and tomatoes drizzled with pesto
Halloween Alien Macaron filled with blackberry buttercream and lemon curd

Café Orleans

Chocolate-Praline Mousse Cake – Decadent praline mousse, dark chocolate brownie, vanilla creme anglaise, and ganache

Candy Palace (Mobile Order Available)

Jack Skellington Apple
Poison Skull Apple
Mummy Marshmallow Wand
Jack Skellington Cake Pop
Minnie Witch Crispy
Spider Web Crispy
Pumpkin Brittle (available October 1-31)
Pumpkin Fudge

Carnation Café (opening September 16)

Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich – Sriracha-glazed fried chicken breast on a brioche bun with spicy sandwich spread, pepper jack cheese, creamy mustard slaw, and cilantro served with fries

French Market (Mobile Order Available)

Haunted Mansion Holiday Wreath Cookie (limited offering available while supplies last)
Chocolate Cherry Cake – Chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, sour cherries, and cream cheese filling finished with a splatter of cherry sauce

Galactic Grill (Mobile Order Available)

Blood Orange Slush – Blood orange slush with a swirl of raspberry sauce and a glow cube
Loaded BBQ Pork Fries – Crisscut fries topped with slow-cooked BBQ pork, cheddar, chipotle ranch, and spicy slaw
Chocolate & Red Velvet Parfait – Layers of red velvet cake, ganache, cookies, dark chocolate mousse and chocolate cake topped with chocolate flakes, a chocolate Darth Vader helmet, and a mini chocolate lightsaber

Gibson Girl (Mobile Order Available)

Halloween Candy Sundae – Two sundaes in one: sour gummy ice cream with raspberry sauce, gummy treats, and fruit candies; and chocolate ice cream with hot fudge and pieces of chocolate candy bars

Hungry Bear (Mobile Order Available)

Honey Cream Cold Brew – cold brew coffee and honey-flavored cream poured over ice
Pumpkin Cheesecake Funnel Cake – Pumpkin cheesecake filling and vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream
Loaded French Fries – French fries topped with a creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and green onions
Loaded Onion Rings – Onion rings topped with a creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and green onions
Loaded Bowl – Choice of french fries or crispy onion rings topped with a creamy cheesy sauce, crispy bacon, and green onions in a Zero Dog Bowl

Hunny Spot at Pooh’s Corner (Mobile Order Available Starting September 2)

Jack Skellington Apple
Poison Skull Apple
Mummy Marshmallow Wand
Jack Skellington Cake Pop
Minnie Witch Crispy
Spider Web Crispy
Haunted Mansion Holiday Wreath Crispy (available October 1)
Pumpkin Brittle (available October 1-31)
Pumpkin Fudge

Jolly Holiday Bakery Café (Mobile Order Available)

Toasted Salsa Roja Chicken Sandwich – Salsa roja shredded chicken on rustic bread with jack and cotija cheeses served with tortilla soup
Pumpkin Muffin
Dark & White Chocolate Mousse Brownie – Chocolate brownie with black and white chocolate mousse
Cookie & Cream Macaron – Mummy mickey macaron shell with a cookies and cream filling
Bat Cookie – Shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a Vampire Mickey face
Pumpkin Cheesecake – Classic pumpkin cheesecake decorated with a chocolate spider web and a Halloween decoration

Market House

Bat Cookie – Shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a Vampire Mickey face

Mint Julep Bar (Mobile Order Available)

Mickey-shaped Strawberry Chocolate Beignets topped with strawberry-chocolate powdered sugar (3 and 6 Packs)

Plaza Inn

Halloween Cake – Chocolate cake with multi-colored mousse, green buttercream, royal icing, and Halloween sprinkles

Rancho del Zocalo

Milk Mamey – Vibrant tropical mamey fruit with flavors of persimmon, sweet potato, stone fruit, and vanilla served over ice
Creamy Horchata – Sweet creamy cinnamon rice and milk beverage served over ice

Red Rose Taverne (Mobile Order Available)

Halloween Grey Stuff – Traditional Grey Stuff with tomb stone cookie and holiday sprinkles
Candy Apple Cold Brew – Cold brew coffee, apple syrup, whipped cream, and caramel sauce

Refreshment Corner (Mobile Order Available)

BBQ Bacon Dog – All-beef, foot-long hot dog with bacon slices, BBQ sauce, fried onions, jack and cheddar cheese, and chives served with choice of sliced apples or small bag of chips

River Belle Terrace

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
Chicken & Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Brisket grilled cheese, hot chicken, and pickled pepper relish

Stage Door Café (Mobile Order Available)

Spicy Corn Dog – Spicy beef frank hand-dipped and fried, drizzled with cheese sauce and crushed spicy chips served with fries
Chocolate-Hazelnut Funnel Cake with Halloween Sprinkles – House-made funnel cake topped with chocolate-hazelnut spread and whipped cream dusted with chocolate-espresso powder

Churros

Churro Cart near Casey Jr. Circus Train
- Churros with Pumpkin Dipping Sauce
Critter Country Fruit Cart
- Chocolate Dusted Churro – Classic churro dressed in a duo of dark and milk chocolate
New Orleans Churro Cart
- White Chocolate Churro – Elegantly dressed churro in a bouquet of vanilla and sugar
Tomorrowland Churro Cart
- Pumpkin Spice Churro – Chocolate churro rolled in pumpkin spice sugar with brown butter cream cheese dipping sauce
Town Square Churro and Churro Cart near Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Chocolate Cookie Churro – Churro covered with chocolate cookie crumbles blended with colored sugar

Disney California Adventure Park

Award Weiners (Mobile Order Available)

Halloween Candy Funnel Cake Fries – Dusted in crushed chocolate cream-filled cookies with cream cheese sauce, cookie pieces, gummy candies, chocolate-coated candies, and whipped cream
Halloween Candy Funnel Cake Fries in Mickey Ear Hat Bowl

Bing Bongs

Jack Skellington Apple
Poison Skull Apple
Mummy Marshmallow Wand
Minnie Witch Crispy
Oogie Boogie Crispy
Pumpkin Fudge

Boudin Bakery/Boudin Bread Cart

Vampire Mickey-shaped Sourdough

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

Cookies & Candy Sundae – Scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream, hot fudge, chocolate cookie crumbles, and gummy candies in a chocolate-dipped waffle cone
Halloween Ice Cream Bar – Ice cream bar dipped in chocolate with chocolate accents and sprinkles
Spiked Hard Apple Float – Hard apple cider and apple sorbet drizzled with caramel sauce

Corn Dog Castle (Mobile Order Available)

Pepper-Jack Cheese Stick – Pepper jack cheese stick dipped in corn dog batter and topped with raspberry sauce

Cozy Cone Motel (Mobile Order Available)

Fruity Sugar Churro – Churro tossed in fruity cereal sugar topped with a purple and green glaze
Spicy Mac & Cheese Cone – Pasta with spicy red pepper-cheese sauce topped with crushed chile-cheese puffs served in a bread cone
Cozy Cone Macaron filled with peanut butter cream and pretzels

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café

Oogie Boogie Macaron – Black macaron filled with green apple buttercream, caramel, brownies, cookie crumb dust, and gummy candy

Flo’s V-8 Café (Mobile Order Available)

Spicy Chicken & Fries – Steak fries drizzled with ranch dressing topped with chicken tenders tossed in mango-habanero sauce and finished with green onions
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Fries – Steak fries topped with cheddar cheese, chicken tenders tossed in buffalo sauce and celery bits drizzled with ranch (available at Oogie Boogie Bash)
Loaded Gravy Fries – Steak fries topped with chicken tenders, jack cheese, and smothered in gravy (available at Oogie Boogie Bash)
Loaded Chili Fries – Steak fries topped with cheddar cheese, Walt’s Chili, diced onions, and sour cream (available at Oogie Boogie Bash)

Hollywood Lounge (Mobile Order Available)

Fanta Spooky Spirit – Fanta Piña Colada with white rum and melon liqueur
Worms, Dice & Everything Nice – Midori, peach schnapps, crème de menthe, orange juice, and pineapple juice topped with gummy worms and Oogie Boogie dice glow cubes
PBJ & W – PB & raspberry jam hard cider with peanut butter whiskey
Howl-o-Ween Concoction – Pineapple michelada with white tequila and pineapple chamoy topped with spicy candy
My Bugs! My Bugs! – Limeade with grenadine float and gummy worms
Orange Cream Fanta-sy – Fanta Orange infused with vanilla topped with whipped cream and black sprinkles
Various refreshing bottled Micheladas

Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums

Shortbread Halloween Cookie

Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining

Ghost Pepper Nachos – House-made green tortilla chips, ghost pepper cheese sauce, ghost pepper-marinated steak, refried black beans, tomatillo avocado salsa, tomato, and cilantro
Specialty Cocktail – Añejo tequila, mezcal, agave, hibiscus, and lemon juice

Mortimer’s Market

Mickey Bat Sourdough Bread

Pacific Wharf Café (Mobile Order Available)

Vampire Mickey-shaped Sourdough

Paradise Garden Grill (Mobile Order Available)

Plaza de la Familia – Celebrate the everlasting bonds of family and the spirit of Día de los Muertos from September 3 to November 2, 2021.

Pollo Verde Wet Burrito – Chicken cooked in grilled salsa verde, golden rice, black beans, and crema
Traditional Tamale Plate – Red chile pork tamales with golden rice and black beans
Tacos with Estilo Callejero – Trio of sirloin beef tacos with pickled vegetables, golden rice, and black beans
Tortitas de Papa – Plant-based crispy potato cakes with sautéed spinach, ranchero salsa, golden rice, and pickled onion salsa
Ensalada de Frutas – Jicama, watermelon, cucumber, pineapple, and mango with chili-lime salt and chamoy
Kid’s Offerings – Cheese Quesadilla or Street-style Taco
Coco Cake – Layers of vanilla cake filled with a cinnamon “churro” flavored mousse and covered in sweet cream cheese frosting
Mexican Hot Chocolate – Cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate topped with whipped cream
Aqua de Jamaica Slush – Sweet hibiscus tea slush

Schmoozie’s Smoothies (Mobile Order Available)

Mint-Chocolate Cookie Shake with whipped cream and chocolate cream-filled cookie ears
Chocolate Chip Shake topped with whipped cream and a chocolate cookie stick

Smokejumpers Grill (Mobile Order Available)

Green Apple Lemonade with sour green apple syrup, cherry pearls, and raspberry sauce
Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger – Angus beef patty, pickled jalapeños, bacon, pepper jack, beer-battered onion rings, jalapeño popper, jalapeño chips, and chipotle mayo

Studio Catering Truck (Mobile Order Available)

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken with Fanta pineapple-infused fried rice and soy-ginger glaze
Ghost Pepper Potato Bites – Potato bites, ghost pepper cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and pickled jalapeños
The Backlot Carnitas Nachos with house-made tortilla chips, red pepper cheese sauce, chipotle crema, and green onions
Plant-based Backlot Nachos – Soy chorizo with house-made tortilla chips, dairy-free cheese and crema topped with green onions

Trolley Treats (Mobile Order Available)

Jack Skellington Apple
Poison Skull Apple
Mummy Marshmallow Wand
Jack Skellington Cake Pop
Minnie Witch Crispy
Oogie Boogie Crispy
Pumpkin Brittle (available October 1-31)
Pumpkin Fudge

Churros

Cozy Cones
- Fruity Sugar Churro – Churro tossed in fruity cereal sugar topped with a purple and green glaze
Grizzly Peak Churro Cart
- Caramel Apple Churro – Churro rolled in green apple flavored sugar topped with a caramel drizzle
Hollywood Churro
- Chocolate-Marshmallow Churro – Classic churro rolled in crushed chocolate cookies and “mummified” in marshmallow icing “bandages”
Willie’s Churros (Buena Vista)
- Chocolate & Matcha Churro – Churro rolled in chocolate cookie crumbs and drizzled with a matcha cream cheese buttercream and strawberry sauce

Downtown Disney District

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes

Halloween CrazyShake – Chocolate shake with a vanilla frosted rim with candy corn topped with a “spider-web” chocolate cupcake, orange and white twisty pop, orange rock candy, whipped cream, orange sprinkles, and a chocolate drizzle (available October 28-31)

Ballast Point Brewing Co.

Victory at Sea Braised Short Rib – Slow braised short rib in Victory at Sea, cheddar grits and bacon greens

Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs

Cheddar Pickle Dog – Kosher pickled corn dog rolled in a cheddar cheese blend

Jamba

Pumpkin Smash – Made with our original pumpkin spice blend with your choice of either classic or plant-based

Kayla’s Cake

Mummy Macarons with cookies and cream buttercream (available September 9-October 31)
Pumpkin Cheesecake Macarons with white chocolate pumpkin ganache (available September 9-October 31)

Marceline’s Confectionery (Mobile Order Available starting September 9)

Minnie Witch Apple
Jack Skellington Apple
Poison Skull Apple
Mummy Marshmallow Wand
Jack Skellington Cake Pop
Minnie Witch Crispy
Oogie Boogie Crispy
Pumpkin Brittle (available October 1-31)
Pumpkin Fudge

Naples Ristorante e Bar

Spookaccino – Cappuccino with edible scary paper spiders and insects

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

Crouching Dragon Sushi Roll – fresh tempura shrimp, asparagus, and creamy avocado. Before serving, the roll is topped with a spicy krab mix and drizzled with eel sauce, spicy mayo, and sriracha.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup – Chocolate cake filled (and topped) with peanut butter frosting dipped in chocolate ganache and finished off with mounds of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (available October 4-10)
Double Stuffed OREO – Orange vanilla buttercream filled chocolate cake lined with Halloween orange OREO cookie crust topped with orange vanilla buttercream frosting, OREO crumble rim, and black bat (available October 18-31)
Bewitched – Signature Red Velvet is rolled in our exclusive Halloween inspired decorations by fancy sprinkles (available October 26-31)

Uva Bar & Cafe

Trick or Treat – A spooky cocktail with bourbon, pumpkin spice syrup, lemon juice, and soda water

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

GCH Craftsman Grill (Mobile Order Available)

Mickey-shaped Pumpkin Cupcake
Mickey-shaped Pumpkin Donut
Mickey-shaped Mummy Donut

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Holiday Cart

Jack Skellington Cookie
Mickey-shaped Monster Cookie
Minnie-shaped Halloween Cookie
Oogie Boogie Cupcake Treat
Oogie Boogie Cupcake Trick
Mickey-shaped Whoopie Pie
Skull-faced Cookie
Oogie Boogie Crispy Treat
Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot Glass with Milk

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

If you have tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure park, check out the dinner and dessert packages for a grim, ginning good time:

Don’t forget to download or update the Disneyland mobile app, as this is the primary way to order food and beverages at most quick-service dining locations. Guests with confirmed theme park reservations and tickets for the same park can make dining reservations on the same date 60 days in advance with mobile check-in and mobile waitlist at select full-service locations, available on the Disneyland mobile app.

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!