Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in September 2021

August 17, 2021September 13, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Disney+ today announced which titles will be joining its library in September. A trio of shorts will debut throughout the month, beginning with Dug Days (September 1), followed by Twenty Something (September 10) and Nona (September 17). Seven Japanese anime studios bring their unique talent and perspective to Star Wars: Visions, a collection of animated short films premiering September 22. September also marks the premieres of Grammy® Award winner Billie Eilish’s cinematic concert experience, Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles, and Peyton Elizabeth Lee’s new series, Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.

Throughout the month, brand-new episodes of the hit Disney+ Originals Monsters At Work, Turner & Hooch, and Marvel Studios’ What If…? will debut weekly on the streaming service. New library additions in September include Confessions of a Shopaholic, Dark Phoenix, Descendants: The Royal Wedding, The Fault in Our Stars, The Great Barrier Reef (Season 1), Life Below Zero: Next Generation (Season 16), Pepper Ann (Seasons 1-3), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Spooky Buddies, and Tomorrowland, among many other titles.

All the film and television titles coming to Disney+ in September are listed below:

Wednesday, September 1
Alaska Animal Rescue (Season 2)
Cesar Millan: Better Human Better Dog (Season 1, 2 Episodes: “Tall End of Trauma,” “Hijacked Pack”)
The Chicken Squad (Season 1) (4 Episodes)
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life (Episode 106: “The Hazelnut King/Egg Baby/Mega Muscle Chip”)
Dug Days (Shorts) (Season 1 Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)
Marvel Studios Legends (New Episodes)
Monsters At Work (Episode 110: “It’s Laughter They’re After”)
Turner & Hooch (Episode 107: “To Serve and Pawtect”)
What If…? (Episode 104)

Thursday, September 2
Behind The Scenes of Growing Up Animal (Premiere)

Friday, September 3
Dark Phoenix
Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles (Premiere)
Smoky Mountain Park Rangers
Tomorrowland

Wednesday, September 8
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life (Episode 107: “Struggling Duckling/Friends of the Family/Top Dog”)
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (Premiere) (Episode 101: “Aloha – The Hello One”)
The Incredible Dr. Pol (Season 19) (5 Episodes)
Mira, Royal Detective (Season 2) (15 Episodes)
Pepper Ann (Seasons 1-3)
Turner & Hooch (Episode 108: “Arf Appreciation”)
What If…? (Episode 105)
The Wizard of Paws (Season 1)

Friday, September 10
Far Away from Raven’s Home
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Twenty Something (Short) (Premiere)

Wednesday, September 15
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life (Episode 108: “The Ghost/The Imperfect Crime/Nut Soup”)
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (Episode 102: “Love Is a Mystery”)
Life Below Zero: Next Generation (Season 16)
Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (Season 4) (13 Episodes)
Ready for Preschool (Season 2)
Turner & Hooch (Episode 109: “Witness Pup-tection”)
Unknown Waters with Jeremy Wade (Season 1) (3 Episodes)
What If…? (Episode 106)

Friday, September 17
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Descendants: The Royal Wedding
Disney’s Broadway Hits at London’s Royal Albert Hall
Flooded Tombs of The Nile
Jade Eyed Leopard
Nona (Short) (Premiere)

Wednesday, September 22
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life (Episode 109: “The Unusual Nutspects/An Evening with Clarice/Craft Craze”)
Dog: Impossible (Season 2)
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (Episode 103: “License to Not Drive”)
Spidey and his Amazing Friends (Season 1) (7 Episodes)
Star Wars: Visions (Filmmaker Focus) (Bonus Featurettes) (All Episodes Streaming)
Star Wars: Visions (Shorts) (Season 1 Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)
Turner & Hooch (Episode 110: “Lost and Hound”)
What If…? (Episode 107)

Friday, September 24
The Fault in Our Stars
A Spark Story (Premiere)
Spooky Buddies

Wednesday, September 29
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life (Episode 110: “Too Late to Hibernate/Sorry Nut Sorry/Never Trust a Sausage”)
Disney’s Magic Bake-Off (Season 1) (7 Episodes)
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (Episode 104: “Lahela & Stitch”)
Great Barrier Reef (Season 1)
The Hatcher Family Dairy (Season 1)
Muppet Babies (Season 3) (8 Episodes)
Ready for Preschool (Season 1)
Rolie Polie Olie (Seasons 1-5)
The Simpsons (Season 32)
Turner & Hooch (Episode 111: “Hooch Machina”)
Vampirina (Season 3)
What If…? (Episode 108)

A New Super Hero Rises at the World Premiere of Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings

August 17, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Marvel Studios rolled out the red carpet for the MCU’s newest Super Hero.

On Monday night, stars Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Ronny Chieng, Benedict Wong, Dallas Liu, Andy Le, Jayden Zhang, Harmonie He, and Jodi Long joined director and writer Destin Daniel Cretton; producers Kevin Feige and Jonathan Schwartz; executive producers Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, and Charles Newirth; and writers Dave Callaham and Andrew Lanham to celebrate the rise of the MCU’s newest Super Hero at the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings. Hosted at the El Capitan Theatre, the event brought out dozens of stars, including Eternals director Chloé Zhao, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness star Xochitl Gomez, and Ben Kingsley, who returns as Trevor Slattery in Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings.

For Liu, the world premiere marked a major milestone after the film was announced in 2019. “I started this journey over two years ago at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego about to go onstage for Comic-Con,” Liu told reporters on the red carpet. “I never thought in a million years that it would all lead me to this moment right now, right here, in front of so many amazing fans—some of whom have lined up for hours and hours to be here. It’s such a groundswell of love and support and joy. It’s exciting. This is beyond a dream come true.”

On the press line, Feige revealed Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings was a project 20 years in the making. “From my earliest days at Marvel, there were lists of, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to make a movie about this?’” Feige said. “There are still some things that we’ve not made yet on that list, but I’m so happy that we’re finally debuting Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings with a full Hollywood Blvd. close—like a big premiere should be.”

Cretton added it felt “really good” to finally see the movie with an audience. “It has been a long journey for our team. It’s also been a long journey for the world the last couple years. To be here, to have a night to be grateful for being able to work for the past two years with really good people and celebrate together, is really special.” Shang-Chi’s origin story “is really dear to my heart,” Cretton added. “Growing up in Hawai‘i, I didn’t really have any Super Heroes that I could dress up like on Halloween. I got to explore this character alongside Simu and watch him grow, in true Marvel fashion, into a fully developed human being who is relatable in his ups and downs, in his strengths and weaknesses, and who finds his heroism by overcoming things that many of us are trying to overcome in our daily lives.”

Before Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings opens in theaters on September 3 (get tickets via Fandango), take a closer look at the red carpet arrivals from the world premiere:

How a “Summer Reset” Shakes Things Up in Season Two of the Disney+ Original Series Diary of a Future President

August 17, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Everything was going according to plan… until the “summer reset,” that is.

The second season of Diary of a Future President, streaming in its entirety on Disney+ starting Wednesday, August 18, finds Elena (Tess Romero) riding high after following a Senator’s advice last year. “She’s ready to take on the world,” Romero tells D23. “She thinks she’s got the student rep thing in the bag… and then she realizes that seventh grade isn’t exactly what she planned. She can’t just assume that whatever she thinks is going to happen is going to happen. In the first few episodes of the season, Elena gets knocked down a little bit. She gets thrown back into reality, which is a little rough on her. But she’s able to pick herself up and get back to it. There’s a lot of changes in her life in season two.”

According to showrunner Ilana Peña, it was important that Elena remember why she wants to be elected student representative in the first place. “At the end of season one, Elena’s like, ‘I can be a leader.’ And so many leaders, I think, stop there. They’re just like, ‘I want to be a leader.’ But it’s so not about you. It’s so much about who you’re representing, about the people who you’re lifting up. That’s why we wanted Elena to go through that journey.”

After her BFF Sasha (Carmina Garay) gets a boyfriend and the lead role in the school musical, Elena begins to feel a little lost. Everyone and everything, it seems, has changed. “We love the idea of a ‘summer reset,’ because we [the writers] remembered how kids would come back after summer break totally different,” says Peña. “They’d be one of the Seven Dwarfs before and then Channing Tatum after. And we wanted to present that in an emotional way. For Elena, what does that look like for somebody who’s so sure of herself?”

The “summer reset” doesn’t just affect Elena, of course. Her brother, Bobby (Charlie Bushnell), is now in high school. But because freshmen aren’t allowed to join the tennis team, his friends pursue other interests—ones that don’t necessarily interest him. Meanwhile, Bobby is still harboring a secret crush on his best friend, Liam (Brandon Severs), unsure if the feelings are mutual. “For Bobby, you’ll get to see natural progression of his journey,” Peña tells D23. “We always knew that’s where we wanted him to go—not just in coming to terms with his sexuality, but in learning how to open up and learning how to use his voice.”

According to Bushnell, Bobby’s journey mirrors Elena’s in that their expectations don’t necessarily reflect reality. “I don’t know how much I can say, but Liam is interested in someone else. Tennis is not really a part of his life, and his friends kind of split up a bit,” Bushnell says. “In the first half of the season, Bobby is just trying to find his way in high school. He’s still on this path of self-discovery, trying to figure out who he is. But then, in the latter half of the season, Bobby meets some new people and makes some new friends. He gets close to one in particular—and that opens him up to some cool new experiences.”

Back at home, Gabi (Selnis Leyva) makes a bold step in her relationship by inviting Sam (Michael Weaver) to move in with her and the kids. Although she second-guesses her decision, neither Elena nor Bobby does. “Right off the bat in season one, Bobby got along with Sam and welcomed him in,” recalls Bushnell. “He’s happy to have Sam around; he’s like the father figure that Bobby needs. They have some really nice moments this season.”

But Peña, who loosely based Diary of a Future President on her own adolescence, notes that blending families can sometimes be more complicated for adults. “It’s not always milk and honey,” she says. “It’s not always really rainbows and sunshine.” For a widow like Gabi, “It’s always related to grief. This is a woman who has been grieving her husband for three to four years. So, what does grief look like for her? Sometimes it looks like, ‘I miss this person.’ Sometimes it looks like, ‘My kids are pulling away from me.’ I think Gabi’s always going to be grieving, even though she loves Sam and she’s thrilled to have him in her life. Gabi is based on my mom, who is remarried and happy. It’s been 25 years and my mom is grieving every day, so I wanted to explore the journey of grief without making it a tragedy.”

Leyva, for one, is impressed by how “heartfelt” and “realistic” Gabi’s arc is in season two. “There are moments where I teared up just reading the scripts, because I know how important it is to tell these different stories and to give people a chance to see themselves,” she tells D23. “As a mother to a young lady, I connect with Gabi and Elena’s relationship a little bit too much. It’s like a little parallel, creepy world that we’re living in! I started out season one being a single mother. I liked having my life in order, knowing exactly what I wanted to do, and being very much in control. Then someone came into my life at the same time that Sam came into Gabi’s life. Our lives are connected in many ways.”

Weaver, who has a 14-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter, adds that he’s continually impressed by the “authenticity” of each character’s experiences. “Some of the scripted conversations in the show are the same conversations I’ve had at home with my kids,” he says. “I can’t say enough about Ilana and the team of writers who developed these stories.”

Romero is excited for each story to unfold when season two debuts on Disney+. “There’s a lot of growth and change and new things happening,” she teases. “It’s touching and sweet.”

Inside Hulu’s Mysterious New Series Nine Perfect Strangers

August 17, 2021August 17, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Hulu is about to introduce audiences to Nine Perfect Strangers.

Based on The New York Times bestselling book by author Liane Moriarty, the streamer’s eight-episode series debuts Wednesday, August 18. It’s set at a boutique health and wellness resort that promises to heal and transform people’s lives. Watching over the 10-day retreat is the resort’s director, who’s on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies. Unfortunately, these nine “perfect” strangers have no idea what’s about to hit them.

During the Television Critics Association’s Summer Press Tour, stars Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Bobby Cannavale, and Regina Hall joined David E. Kelley (executive producer and showrunner), Jonathan Levine (director and executive producer), Bruna Papandrea (executive producer), and Per Saari (executive producer) to discuss the “trippy” series. “When people say, ‘Define what it is,’ we still can’t,” said Kidman, who also serves as an executive producer. “I dare you to ask any of us what genre this is. We have no idea!”

What is clear, however, is that the limited series explores suffering: how it’s avoided, how it’s compounded and how it’s overcome. “Doing the show, you think a lot about what you do to cover up your problems,” said McCarthy, who also serves as an executive producer. “Masking things doesn’t make them better—and at some point, you have to get them out.”

The series was filmed in Byron Bay, Australia. “It was extraordinary to shoot there. The magical quality of the environment really helped us,” said Kidman, who grew up hours away in Sydney. “It was one of those things where you walk in and you go, ‘Is this real?’”

In addition to its dreamlike setting, Nine Perfect Strangers boasts an all-star cast that includes Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, Samara Weaving, Melvin Gregg, Asher Keddie, Grace Van Patten, Tiffany Boone, and Manny Jacinto. The project also marks McCarthy’s fourth time starring opposite Cannavale—a welcome reunion for both of the actors. “Bobby is so funny, and he’s such an amazing actor. He’s so present, and you never quite know which way he’s going to go with it,” McCarthy said. “It’s great when you have that kind of comfort level with somebody. You’re not afraid to be embarrassed or to feel dumb.”

Said Cannavale, “I feel the same way. It’s really serendipitous.”

“We usually get through a couple of takes pretty easily, and then we have fun and do a couple of takes just for ourselves,” Cannavale continued. “Most of the time, it feels effortless. I think that’s a testament to the kind of preparation Melissa does, and to her work ethic and to the depth of her well. So, it’s a thrill to work with somebody like that.”

Kidman, meanwhile, adopted a method approach to her performance and stayed in character on set. “The first time I met everyone, except for Tiffany and Manny, I walked in as [my character] Masha—and I never related to anybody in any other way. I only related to them as Masha and I stayed in the character,” she recalled. “The first thing we shot was the scene where I come in the room and say, ‘I am Masha. Welcome to Tranquillum.’ And then I was able to stay in that place. I wanted a very calm, healing energy to emanate all of the time. I remember going over to people and sort of putting my hand on their heart and holding their hand. They’d talk to me and use my name, Nicole, and I’d completely ignore it; I’d only respond to ‘Masha.’” Admittedly, it was a “weird place to exist,” but it was “the only way” in which the Academy Award^® and Emmy^® winner “could do the performance.”

New episodes of Nine Perfect Strangers stream every Wednesday, only on Hulu. Hear more from Nine Perfect Strangers star Luke Evans on our latest episode of the D23 Inside Disney podcast.

A Special Guest Star Joins Monsters At Work—Watch a Sneak Peek!

August 17, 2021August 16, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Is it National Take Your Child to Work Day in Monstropolis?

In this week’s new episode of Monsters At Work, streaming Wednesday on Disney+, executive producer Bobs Gannaway’s daughter, Hadley Gannaway, guest stars as Ms. Flint’s daughter, Thalia—and we’ve got an exclusive look in the clip below! Hadley even shares a scene with her dad, who voices Otis, the Monsters, Inc. receptionist, in the series.

If Hadley sounds familiar, that’s because she also provided the voice of Young Anna in Frozen 2! In her Monsters At Work episode, titled “Little Monsters,” Tylor (voiced by Ben Feldman) sees an opportunity to get promoted as a Jokester during Mini-Monster Day at Monsters, Inc. after he is paired with Ms. Flint’s daughter, Thalia. Can he get her to laugh?

The series’ voice cast includes Disney Legends Billy Crystal and John Goodman reprising their respective roles as Mike and Sulley alongside Mindy Kaling as Val, Henry Winkler as Fritz, Lucas Neff as Duncan, and Alanna Ubach as Cutter. Recurring cast includes Bonnie Hunt as Ms. Flint, John Ratzenberger as Yeti and Bernard, Jennifer Tilly as Celia Mae, Bob Peterson as Roze, Aisha Tyler as Millie, and Stephen Stanton as Smitty and Needleman.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

August 16, 2021

By Zach Johnson

It’s never too late to find love, as Bachelor in Paradise aims to prove Monday on ABC. Wednesday is a busy day, as Disney+ will debut the 10-episode second season of the scripted original series Diary of a Future President and premiere a new original series, Growing Up Animal, from National Geographic. A new episode of Good Trouble airs on Freeform, while Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers welcomes viewers to Tranquillum House.

Bachelor in Paradise—Monday, August 16, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
It’s time to return to Bachelor Nation’s favorite beach as a new group of singles heads to paradise hoping for a second—or third—chance at love. Former fan-favorite bachelors and bachelorettes are ready to find their match while living together in a tropical resort in Mexico. Returning bartender Wells Adams adds master of rose ceremonies to his duties, and he will be joined by a rotating roster of celebrity guest hosts. David Spade is the first of the season, and he welcomes 13 lovely ladies (Serena Chew, Jessenia Cruz, Maurissa Gunn, Tahzjuan Hawkins, Abigail Heringer, Deandra Kanu, Victoria Larson, Tammy Ly, Natasha Parker, Victoria Paul, Mari Pepin-Solis, Serena Pitt, and Kelsey Weier) and 10 gorgeous guys (Joe Amabile, James Bonsall, Kenny Braasch, Connor Brennan, Aaron Clancy, Tre Cooper, Noah Erb, Ivan Hall, Brendan Morais, and Karl Smith). Throughout the season, additional eligible bachelors and bachelorettes will join the search to find love in Paradise.

Diary of a Future President—Wednesday, August 18, on Disney+
Season two continues the origin story of Cuban American and future leader Elena Cañero-Reed (Tess Romero) as she enters the seventh grade. This coming-of-age series and family comedy follows Elena through the ups and downs of middle school which set her on the path to becoming the president of the United States. In season two, Elena bounces back from the “summer reset”; Bobby (Charlie Bushnell) comes to term with his sexuality; and Gabi (Selenis Leyva) and Sam (Michael Weaver) take their relationship to the next level.

Growing Up Animal—Wednesday, August 18, on Disney+
Narrated by Emmy® Award-nominated actress Tracee Ellis Ross, this Disney+ original series from National Geographic offers an intimate and extraordinary look at baby animals, from the safety of the womb to the uncertainty of birth and their tentative first steps. Each adventurous episode sees the incredible transformation of a different baby animal—chimps, sea lions, elephants, African wild dogs, lions, and grizzlies—full of wonder and emotion. This is the magical story of a mother’s instinct to nurture and her infant’s drive to survive.

Good Trouble—Wednesday, August 18, at 10 p.m. ET on Freeform
In “Opening Statements,” Callie (Maia Mitchell) sees Jamie (Beau Mirchoff) in a new light as trial begins. After running into old colleagues, Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) wonders if she can ever make amends. Meanwhile, Malika (Zuri Adelee) must learn to set boundaries, and a new relationship between Alice (Sherry Cola) and Ruby (Shannon Chan-Kent) is revealed.

Nine Perfect Strangers—Wednesday, August 18, on Hulu
Based on Liane Moriarty’s New York Times bestselling book, the eight-episode series stars Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, Bobby Cannavale, Regina Hall, Samara Weaving, Melvin Gregg, Asher Keddie, Grace Van Patten, Tiffany Boone, and Manny Jacinto. Promised total transformation, nine very different people arrive at Tranquillum House, a private retreat run by the enigmatic wellness guru Masha (Kidman).

Behind the Scenes of Spin’s Most Colorful Scene

August 16, 2021August 10, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Were you tickled pink by the color run scene in the Disney Channel Original Movie Spin? Did it make you green with envy, perhaps? The event, organized by Ginger (Kerri Medders) and Rhea (Avantika) and inspired by Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, is one of the movie’s standout scenes. But as much fun as the color run looks onscreen, it was actually “really chaotic” to film, recalls director Manjari Makijany. “That was definitely one of those days where everything that could go wrong did go wrong. It was raining, we had a lot of extras, and because we were following all the protocols for COVID-19, we had to make sure everybody tested negative.”

The health and safety of everyone on set was of the utmost importance, of course. Still, Makijany wasn’t about to let inclement weather rain on her parade, and the cast and the extras followed her lead. “All of a sudden, I had half the time to film the emotional beats, the musical beats, and the grand background,” Makijany tells D23. “That was definitely challenging, but it was also the most fun scene to film because we had this lovely color theory going on with Max and Rhea’s color palettes, where Max was in cool colors and Rhea was in warm colors. And when time slows down, Rhea is encompassed in a blue splash of color, and then a yellow splash hits her; it’s literally a melding of her two worlds.”

“There was a lot going on with that one, for sure,” adds Anna Cathcart, who plays Molly. “One of the biggest things was we only had one take. We were all wearing white; the whole crowd was wearing white outfits. Once those powder cannons went off and once everyone started throwing powder, you were colorful—and you were gonna stay colorful!”

According to Michael Bishop, who plays Max, working around the “very temperamental” weather added a sense of excitement and urgency to filming. “We had several extras in this park, and every time it would rain, they would be sent back to where they were being held. Then it would stop raining and someone would say, ‘Run! Quick! Everyone, get out there! We’re going to shoot the scene! We’re getting all the colors ready.’ And it would be this crazy run out to the park. We would try to shoot it really quickly, and then it would start raining again, so everyone would have to run back. It was fun, but also tough to navigate.”

To ensure Makijany got all the footage she needed, the cast and extras rehearsed the scene repeatedly as they waited for a break in the clouds. “We went over it for so long to make sure it went smoothly,” says Cathcart. “It was definitely a chaotic day with so much going on and so many people managing all the moving parts, but it worked out. It was beautiful.”

Jahbril Cook, who plays Watson, recalls another highlight of the shoot: “It looks so beautiful, magical, and majestic in the movie; I had a great time. It looks so good!”

While “everything that could go wrong did go wrong,” everyone is proud of how the scene turned out. According to Makijany, “A lot of people celebrated Holi for the first time when we were filming that scene, and they were like, ‘I can’t believe we haven’t celebrated this festival before. We’ve got to continue this tradition and celebrate Holi every year.’ So, it was fun.” Bishop was one of those people, and he had a blast sharing the moment with his co-stars. “Shooting the color run was awesome because I’d never experienced this part of Indian culture before,” he says. “I learned so much. It was awesome to be thrown into that.”

New Tenaya Stone Spa Opens September 16 at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland Resort

August 13, 2021

By the D23 Team

The ultimate in rest and relaxation is the name of the game when Tenaya Stone Spa, a boutique retreat, opens September 16, 2021, at the Disneyland Resort. The upscale spa is nestled inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa—and as luck would have it, you can make advance reservations starting today! FYI: Tenaya Stone Spa will initially be available for guests of the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, and will be open to non-hotel guests at a later date.

Inspired by the spirit of nature and California heritage, Tenaya Stone Spa is a new 6,000 square-foot facility designed by Disney Imagineers who gathered inspiration from the spirit of nature, indigenous cultures of California, and the iconic Craftsman design of the hotel. While it’s just steps from the hotel’s entrance to Disney California Adventure Park, Tenaya Stone Spa is a true worlds-away hideaway…

Guests can enjoy their customized spa day in this rejuvenating haven by choosing from an array of luxuriating body treatments, massage, and salon services—all performed in this softly serene setting. The spa features eight treatment rooms; two for couples’ massage; four manicure/pedicure chairs; a relaxation lounge; men’s and women’s changing rooms; and a retail boutique. “Tenaya Stone Spa’s distinctive setting and experience encourages relaxation, revitalization, and restoring balance,” explains Brett Perkins, Tenaya Stone Spa director. “Our customized treatments are designed to be stress-relieving, pampering, and purposeful, combining a blend of therapies and products.”

There’s another beautifully unique aspect to this brand-new location: its name. “The spa name Tenaya (pronounced ten-eye-a) can be interpreted ‘to dream’ in the indigenous culture of the Yosemite Valley,” says Dawn Jackson, a Native American cultural advisor within Disney, who began working on the project as an Imagineer on the Story Development team. “For modern-day travelers seeking a respite to dream and recharge, the spa provides an opportunity to relax into a dream-like state, a reverie of being lost in one’s thoughts, regaining balance within themselves.” Laid out according to the four directions of north, south, east, and west, and aligned with the four colors of white, red, black and yellow, the spa is thoughtfully designed. Guests will notice several special touches such as wood flooring cut in rounds; a chandelier designed from a tree root; stained-glass doors and windows; rocks and minerals; and art pieces crafted by regional artisans.

Within the spa, guests will discover an actual Tenaya Stone—a focal point and a place to pause and set intentions. This intimate nature-themed arbor then leads to a softly sunlit relaxation room with a stained-glass window of a rising sun and a trickling water feature. The stone was a gift from a Miwok Elder and her family who are descendants of Chief Tenaya in Yosemite Valley. With blessings, the stone now resides at the heart of the spa, offering inspiration to all visitors with its peaceful energy. “Tenaya Stone Spa embraces the concept of the natural order of four, found throughout many indigenous cultures of the world… In developing the spa, we aspired to create a fresh take on the principles of the Arts & Crafts movement by honoring nature. We drew inspiration from the foundation of the hotel, literally in the stones, the earth, and the trees, and figuratively in the promise of a place to relax and to dream,” adds Katrina Mosher, art director, Walt Disney Imagineering.

Magical Massages
Massage therapies available at Tenaya Stone Spa include the customized Tenaya Signature Massage and the Tenaya River Stone Massage, which incorporates heated river stones to help soothe and relax the body. Guests may slip into nirvana with the Head, Hands & Feet With Heart Massage or unwind with their significant other with a side-by-side Tenaya Signature Couples Massage.

The Aromatherapy Massage uses plant-based aromas made from essential oils infused with gem elixirs and flower essences. The Herbal Poultice Massage uses warmed poultices designed to melt away muscle tension by combining pressure with steamed compresses of wild crafted herbs. And the Mother-To-Be Massage uses pre-natal techniques, organic products, and pre-natal cushions designed to create comfort for the expecting mommy in mind.

Beguiling Body Treatments
The Purify & Refresh Body Treatment hydrates and exfoliates, beginning with a warm milk nectar wrap, followed by a sea salt exfoliation with notes of clove, a purifying mud wrap, and an oil-infused ginger and grapefruit extract designed to promote skin rejuvenation.

The Wild Honey and Mud Body Renewal is a four-step treatment including red clay and micro- pumice exfoliation, a peat mud nutrient mask, fruit serum and an oil massage crafted to give the skin a moisturized, radiant glow. In addition, the Nourishing Avocado Body Treatment is designed to refresh the skin with dry brushing, a whipped shea sugar exfoliation, and a nourishing mask—along with a scalp, shoulder, and foot massage.

Treats for the Feets
Hotel guests who’ve done a lot of walking will surely delight in the Step in Time Foot Massage, a calming foot soak and lower leg massage… or they can sink into pure relaxation with the Mindful Traveler Foot Treatment—an exfoliating foot soak and energizing massage designed to help increase circulation, reduce lower leg muscle stress, and leave legs and feet feeling silky smooth. Plus, the Avocado Lime & Honey Foot Treatment caresses the skin with antioxidant oils, smoothing exfoliation, hydrating avocado butter mask, honey-based fruit serum, and skin-glistening agave nectar oil for a ready-to-go finish.

Salon Services
In addition, spa goers can add a sprinkle of magic to their Tenaya Stone Spa visit with manicures and pedicures designed to make guests look and feel fabulous—whether strolling through the Disneyland Resort or attending an enchanting special occasion.

The spa is located near GCH Craftsman Bar & Grill, where spa guests may enjoy a bite to eat before or after their spa treatment—and it’s all just steps from the hotel’s entrance to Disney California Adventure park.

For more information, a complete list of services*, and to make spa reservations, visit Disneyland.com/TenayaStoneSpa. (Note that facials and make-up applications will be offered at Tenaya Stone Spa at a later date.)

*Salon treatments are for ages 18 and older; children (ages 14-17) receiving salon services must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. At this time, all spa guests are required to wear an approved face covering during their entire visit.

First Look at National Geographic’s Growing Up Animal—Plus More in News Briefs

August 13, 2021August 12, 2021

By Courtney Potter

Disney+ Reveals First Look at National Geographic’s Growing Up Animal

Earlier this week, Disney+ shared a breathtaking first look at National Geographic’s Growing Up Animal, an original series premiering exclusively on the streaming service next Wednesday, August 18.

Narrated by Tracee Ellis Ross, the Emmy® Award-nominated star of ABC’s black-ish, Growing Up Animal captures the intimate and extraordinary adventures of baby animals—from the safety of the womb to the uncertainty of birth and their tentative first steps. Each episode follows the incredible transformation of a different iconic animal: baby chimps, sea lions, elephants, African wild dogs, lions, and grizzlies… all of whom are full of wonder and emotion. This is the magical, heart-warming story of a mother’s instinct to nurture and her infant’s drive to survive.

The six-episode series is truly an in-depth examination—using unique technology to allow viewers to experience first-hand what these mothers and babies endure during the path to new life. As each episode follows the pregnant mother’s journey, scientifically accurate in-utero baby animal silicone models are used to portray the miracles happening within the womb; these scenes depict a realistic view of the animals at various stages in fetal development. World-renowned scientists and animal researchers gathered the data and scans to make the models as accurate and life-like as possible, all especially for the series. Sounds epic and educational—one of our fave combos.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

This weekend kicks off with a Friday the 13th… but don’t fret: It’s looking to be a truly fun-lucky 72 hours filled with great new stuff to watch from around the worlds of Disney—including the big Disney Channel premieres of Spin, Descendants: The Royal Wedding, and Disney’s Magic Bake-Off. And there’s more where that came from; check out our full rundown.

Fun at Downtown Disney District and Disney Springs with Disney’s Magic Bake-Off

Speaking of Disney’s Magic Bake-Off, if you find yourself at Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort the weekend of August 20-22, you’ll be able to delight in some delectable series-related fun. During this unique event—with showings at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m.—kids ages 7-12 can put their skills to the test decorating cupcakes with Disneyland Resort pastry chef (and Magic Bake-Off judge) Graciela “Gracie” Gomez while a DJ spins some fabulous beats! Space is limited for cupcake decorating and this event is free, so calling all parents: Make sure to sign up starting at 4 p.m. each day at Downtown Disney District to secure a spot for your kidlet(s). It’s easy peasy—just visit the Downtown Disney District stage where an Events cast member will be able to assist with signing up for a time slot at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., or 7 p.m. on the day of your visit. And after you have finished decorating up a storm with Chef Gracie, make sure to head over to the Downtown Disney District courtyard adjacent to the stage for two deliciously colorful photo walls (which are already up and ready for selfies).

But that’s not all: Bakers on the East Coast can whip up their best pose at the all-new photo wall at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort. Only available this August, the magical Magic Bake-Off poster is located on the wall next to the Disney’s Days of Christmas store. And as a reminder from our friends at the Disney Parks Blog, don’t forget to tag these photos with #DisneyMagicBakeOff and #DisneySprings… and make sure to scan the QR code for a special surprise!

**New and Returning Cast Announced for The Lion King and Aladdin on Broadway**

With Broadway coming alive in New York City once again, Disney Theatrical Productions announced a plethora of casting news related to not only The Lion King and Aladdin and their Big Apple-based productions, but also to their North American tours of Frozen and The Lion King. Read up on all the triple-threat talents you can expect to see gracing these various stages by clicking here.

Global Rendition of “Starting Now” for the Ultimate Princess Celebration

Fifteen different performers from across the world were recently tasked with recording a brand-new version of original song, “Starting Now,” as part of the Ultimate Princess Celebration initiative. The song—inspired by Disney Princesses and Queens and celebrating the heroines who fill our world with courage and kindness—was initially recorded by superstar and Grammy Award®-winning artist Brandy. Produced by Grammy Award nominee Oak Felder and written by Jason Mater, Jordan Powers, and Darren Criss (yes, that Darren Criss), “Starting Now” was initially released on Walt Disney Records on May 21. Artists across the world have also released local versions of “Starting Now” since then.

Among the artists (and their languages) are Brandy (English); Leslie Clio (German); Cerise Calixte (French); Noemi (Italian); Nerea Rodríguez (Spanish—Spain); Karol Sevilla (Spanish—Latin America); Agnes Nunes (Portuguese); Mimi Korg (Russian); Alicja Szemplińska (Polish); Krisiya (Bulgarian); Feli (Romanian); Gioia Parijs (Dutch); Ailee (Korean); Eden Alene (Hebrew); and Stefania (Greek).

The Ultimate Princess Celebration, launched in April 2021, is a year-long event spotlighting the courage and kindness Disney heroines inspire in fans around the world. Families can visit DisneyPrincessStories.com (or DisneyPrincessStories.co.uk, for those of you “across the pond”) to download the 14 inspiring stories from the “Tales of Courage and Kindness Story Collection”; available for free, these stories will inspire fans of all ages to carry out their own small acts of kindness and help to create a kinder world.

**ICYMI: Exclusive Q&A with Free Guy Director Shawn Levy**

It’s an extremely anticipated film, and it’s coming to theaters this very weekend. Ready yourself for the mirth and raucous merriment of Free Guy—starring Ryan Reynolds and Jodie Comer (among a slew of hilarious others)—by reading D23’s exclusive Q&A with the film’s director, Shawn Levy. Click here and be thoroughly entertained.

Every Way to Celebrate 50 Years of Walt Disney World (That We Know So Far)

August 12, 2021August 12, 2021

By the D23 Team

Today marks 50 days until October 1, when 50th anniversary celebration of the Walt Disney World Resort opening begins. With 50 exciting days ahead of us until the start of the festivities, we’ve rounded up everything we know so far about “The World’s Most Magical Celebration – Walt Disney World Resort 50^th Anniversary:”

The World’s Most Magical Celebration
As announced back in February, the 50th anniversary celebration for Walt Disney World begins on October 1 and will last for 18 months, featuring new experiences at the resort’s four theme parks and beyond—including shimmering EARidescent décor. Plus, Mickey and Minnie will dress in dazzling new outfits created just for the celebration. D23 celebrated this announcement with an episode of our D23 Inside Disney podcast featuring Walt Disney World Resort Director of Public Relations Dave Coombs, who dove into details on the celebration.

Royal Makeover of Cinderella Castle
A gorgeous sight for any fan walking down Main Street, U.S.A., Cinderella Castle is the glimmering jewel in the Magic Kingdom skyline. This year, the castle is adorned with extra sparkle and shine thanks to a special 50th anniversary crest. The crest completes the castle’s royal, EARidescent makeover, joining gold bunting, sparkling embellishments and other new enhancements leading up to “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” beginning on October 1.

Display of “Fab 50” Friends
As part of the countdown to “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” a collection of 50 golden characters are being unveiled across Disney—including by us here at D23! Earlier this week, our very own Michael Vargo, Head of D23, revealed that Orange Bird would be one of the 50 characters featured in the statues that will be on display throughout the parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Stay tuned to social media to see who else is joining the roster of characters like Mickey, Edna Mode, R2-D2, Cheshire cat, and more as part of the Disney Fab 50.

Magical Mementos
Last week, Disney Parks Blog revealed a fantastic first look at the new merchandise collections debuting this fall across Walt Disney World Resort, with select items available at shopDisney.com. From classic to contemporary styles – and everything in between – you can take home the magic of the 50th anniversary celebration when the merchandise debuts this fall. Starting today, you can get select pre-celebration must-haves throughout Walt Disney World Resort and on shopDisney.com to help get you ready for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”

Remember to Spot this New Scene!
Next time you put on your opera glasses for a viewing of Mickey’s PhilharMagic at Disneyland Resort or Disneyland Paris, you might spot a brand-new scene featuring music and characters from Disney and Pixar’s Coco. As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, this Coco-inspired sequence will also be debuting at Magic Kingdom’s version of Mickey’s PhilharMagic later this year.
Check out this video detailing more of the collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Animation, and Pixar:

Lighting Up The Night
It’s not a celebration without a spectacular display of lights to brighten the night—and there’s nighttime entertainment galore just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Over at Magic Kingdom, look to the nighttime sky starting October 1 to see Disney Enchantment, featuring music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.

At EPCOT, the much-anticipated new nighttime spectacular Harmonious will also debut on October 1, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and media in new ways. As a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide, you’ll hear new interpretations of classic Disney songs as you’ve never heard them before, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world.

If you need some daytime dazzlement, head over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to enjoy Disney KiteTails several times daily, starting October 1. Performers will fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water elaborate three-dimensional kites—some stretching to 30 feet long—will depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo, and King Louie.

Disney Magic from the Start of Your Trip
For many of us, our trip to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” starts at the airport. Touching down at the Orlando International Airport, you’re only a drive away from your favorite Walt Disney World Resort parks, hotels, restaurants, and more. Coming just in time for the 50th anniversary celebration this fall, airport passengers will discover many exciting Disney touches, including a wide-spanning art installation in the terminal train stations featuring favorite Disney characters, new magic engaging passengers as they walk through a glistening glow of projected EARidescent light patterns, and an immersive photo opportunity with a re-creation of a Disney ride vehicle to capture special memories as they make their way through the airport.

Turn a Page on Celebration
While the festivities at Walt Disney World resort are only 50 days away, you can immerse yourself in the celebration soon thanks to a selection of exciting books celebrating Walt Disney World’s legacy arriving in September. Check out Disney Parks Blog for the full list, including A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth, written by friends of D23 Kevin Kern, Tim O’Day and Steven Vagnini – which is available for pre-orders now and will be officially released on Sept. 28, 2021.

Bring the Celebration to Your Home
Wanting to start celebrating early? You can take home some of the celebration now thanks to the 2021 D23 Gold Member Collector Set, an exclusively curated set celebrating the vibrant history of The Vacation Kingdom of the World. Featuring a vintage-inspired lunchbox, a stunning pin set, an exclusive vinyl record, and so much more, this set is perfect for any fan who wants to start the celebration right from their home. Made exclusively for D23 Gold Members, you can join the club here to get your own collector set.

Already have the set and craving more? We’re releasing new pin sets celebrating our favorite characters from Walt Disney World Resort. Our first set, celebrating the characters of Magic Kingdom, is available now for D23 Gold Members.

Much, Much More
And stay tuned! There is much more of this story left to tell, and we’ll continue that tale each day throughout the next 50 days right up to the big moment on Oct. 1.

So, keep checking back with us early and often here at D23.com to learn more about “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” and follow #DisneyWorld50 to make sure you don’t miss a moment!