Summer of Disney+ is Your Passport to Fun—Plus More in News Briefs

June 4, 2021

By Courtney Potter

Sit Back and Unwind with Summer of Disney+

To paraphrase an iconic song from the 1960s, “Summer’s here and the time is right, for streaming all night long!” This summer, Disney+ is ready to be a veritable headquarters of guaranteed no-stress streaming—and big-time fun for the whole family. With a fresh batch of weekly Disney+ Original Series episodes; a “New to Disney+” movie of the week; and curated seasonal favorites to relive again and again, Disney+ is your passport to countless streaming adventures over these next few months…

To kick off the good times, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Raya and the Last Dragon will be available to all subscribers at no additional cost beginning this Friday, June 4—along with the critically-acclaimed short film that premiered with it in theaters, the tunefully adorable Us Again. Additionally, fans will surely want to tune in every week to find out what happens next to the God of Mischief in Marvel Studios’ Loki; the monsters of Monstropolis in Disney Television Animation’s Monsters at Work; and the crime-solving, dog-loving Turner family in Turner & Hooch. And don’t forget—who could, honestly?—the amazing new adventures to come with Disney and Pixar’s Luca on June 18, Marvel Studios’ Black Widow on July 9, and Disney’s Jungle Cruise beginning July 30.

There’s a lot more where that came from—including the return of WDAS’s experimental short film program Short Circuit and the new series Growing Up Animal from National Geographic—so stay tuned for further info as the summer months progress…

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

Welcome to June, y’all! To go along with all that Disney+ summer fun mentioned above, there’s also a smorgasbord of great content to watch this very weekend from around the worlds of Disney. Disney Channel’s Gabby Duran & the Unsittables begins its second season; FX offers up the series finale (say it isn’t so!) of its critically acclaimed series Pose; and so much more.

Get Ready to Assemble at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park

Unless you’ve recently returned from a months-long, Internet-free sojourn through the Himalayas (in which case, wow! Welcome back! Also, a lot has happened…), you’ve heard that Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure park is set to open Friday, June 4—and to celebrate such a momentously heroic occasion, Disneyland Resort pulled out all the stops for an incredible opening ceremony that streamed live on the Disney Parks Blog. In case you missed it, check out the replay, above.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek was joined in front of Avengers Headquarters—near an amazing, full-size Quinjet—by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Marvel Studios President/Marvel Chief Creative Officer Kevin Feige… They were accompanied by Paul Rudd, star of the Ant-Man films; Anthony Mackie from the hit Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier; and Iron Man director and actor Jon Favreau. Several other special guests had earlier toured Avengers Campus and made special appearances during the event, including Guardians of the Galaxy’s Zoe Saldana, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ Simu Liu, and Captain Marvel’s Brie Larson.

And don’t forget: Join along as D23 Inside Disney assembles at Avengers Campus for a special inside look! We’ll see ya there!

“Disney After Hours Boo Bash”: Details Revealed

There’s a brand-new Halloween-themed event spiriting its way into Magic Kingdom park later this year at Walt Disney World Resort… “Disney After Hours Boo Bash,” a separately ticketed and limited-capacity event, will take place select nights August 10 through October 31 from 9 p.m. to midnight.*

Just what can foolish mortals young and young-at-heart expect? Special cavalcades full of characters will pop up throughout the night, including “Mickey’s Happy Halloween Cavalcade,” the “Disney Villains Halloween Cavalcade,” and “Jack’s Nightmare Cavalcade” featuring Jack Skellington and friends… And be sure to look out for Maleficent, who will make an appearance down the parade path in the form of a fire-breathing dragon! Plus, other faves will be lurking about—such as Miss Carlotta at the Haunted Mansion, and Goofy and Chip ‘n’ Dale appearing in their Halloween best. Lots of specialty food and drink is in store, as well as complimentary snacks and beverages. But that’s not all: Guests can dress in costume for “Disney After Hours Boo Bash” and get their fill of Halloween candy while trick-or-treating around the park!

Tickets for this hauntingly fun-filled three-hour event go on sale Tuesday, June 15! For more information, including how you can score yourself a ghostly good space inside one of these “Disney After Hours Boo Bash” evenings, click here.

*Some event nights in August and September will be from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

**Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder Wraps Production**

We couldn’t let a hilarious photo like the one seen above slip by without calling it out here in News Briefs… After wrapping filming on Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder, actor Chris Hemsworth and director Taika Waititi celebrated by sharing a photo from the set of the upcoming film.

Posting in costume as Thor alongside Waititi (who also reprises his role as Korg), Hemsworth took to Instagram to post the image alongside this equally rib-tickling caption: “That’s a wrap on Thor: Love and Thunder, it’s also national don’t flex day so I thought this super relaxed photo was appropriate. The film is gonna be… crazy off the wall funny and might also pull a heart string or two. Lots of love, lots of thunder! Thank you to all the cast and crew who made this another incredible Marvel journey. Buckle in, get ready and see ya in cinemas!!”

During The Walt Disney Company’s Investor Day late last year, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed Christian Bale is joining the cast of Thor: Love and Thunder as Gorr the God Butcher, alongside Hemsworth (Thor), Natalie Portman (Jane Foster), and Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie). The film is set to open in theaters on May 6, 2022.

Adventures by Disney Announces 2022 New England Vacation

Ready to plan your next big adventure? Adventures by Disney has you covered—and they’ve just announced an all-new guided vacation to New England: Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine for 2022.

With bike rides through Burlington, carriage tours through Acadia National Park, lobster feasts in Bar Harbor, and tours of covered bridges in Vermont, this adventure will help you experience life as a New Englander and get a glimpse of all that makes this part of the U.S. so captivating. The eight-day, seven-night New England adventure also includes a morning of exploration at the Shelburne Museum; an afternoon cruise along Lake Champlain on Vermont’s largest cruise ship; and even a stay at the historical Trapp Family Lodge, the former home of Maria and Baron von Trapp! Ten New England departures will be offered between May and October 2022, four of which are reserved for adult guests.

In other news, ABD is also offering up an expansion of its Private Adventure itineraries—adding Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia; England and France; New Zealand; Australia; South Africa; and Ireland to the mix. In 2022, Adventures by Disney will be offering a total of 11 Private Adventures, in which families can venture alongside a preferred travel party of up to 12 guests and select flexible booking dates (pending seasonality).

Bookings for both the new Adventures by Disney New England vacation and added Private Adventures open to the public on June 11. For more info, visit adventuresbydisney.com, call 1-800-543-0865, or contact a travel agent. Safe travels!

Helen Mirren to Narrate Hilarious Unscripted Series for ABC

Fun news from our pals at ABC: Iconic actress Helen Mirren has been tapped to narrate When Nature Calls with Helen Mirren (formerly When Nature Calls WT), a laugh-out-loud, one-hour unscripted comedy series that looks at the lighter side of the natural world. Mirren will lean into her considerable comedic talents (seriously, she’s a hoot!)—matching the spirit of this visually enchanting and ridiculously hilarious tour of the animal kingdom.

When Nature Calls with Helen Mirren also has a new premiere date: Thursday, June 24, at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC. (Episodes will air the next day on demand and on Hulu.) Based on a BBC Studios comedy format, the series features comedians putting words into the mouths of beautiful beasts, teeny-tiny frogs, beatboxing badgers, and more in captivating footage from all over the world. “I am excited by the opportunity to reveal the ‘true inner lives’ of the noble creatures with whom we share the planet,” Mirren recently said.

FYI: With When Nature Calls with Helen Mirren debuting on June 24, that now means ABC’s Holey Moley 3D in 2D will swing into its season three premiere with an epic two-hour episode on Thursday, June 17, at 8 p.m. EDT—returning to its regular 9 p.m. timeslot the following week.

Get Early Access to the June Disney Treasures From the Vault, Limited Edition Goofy Plush, Amazon Exclusive

June 4, 2021June 4, 2021

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

Relive the magic of Disney with the Treasures From the Vault Plush. Inspired by Disney’s classic character, the Limited Edition Goofy is the sixth collectible character in this exclusive Amazon series. Standing 16 inches tall and made of soft fabric with embroidered eyes, Goofy is wearing his orange hat with matching vest, green corduroy pants, and soft blue shirt. 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 12 of these commemorative plush. Ages 3+

The story of Goofy is a legendary Hollywood success story. Originally named Dippy Dawg, Goofy made his first appearance as a member of the audience in the cartoon short “Mickey’s Revue” (1932). What distinguished Goofy from those sitting around him was his distinctive laugh. Before long, Goofy was acting alongside Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, and in 1939 appeared as the star of his own cartoon short “Goofy and Wilbur.” Goofy would go on to star in a popular series of “How To” cartoons, and in the 1950s, appeared in several shorts with a wife and son as the character Mr. Geef.

Sixth commemorative plush in the Treasures From the Vault Plush collection.
Includes Certificate of Authenticity.
Amazon exclusive.
Goofy stands 16 inches tall.
Made with soft fabric with embroidered eyes.
Collect all 12.
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, June 4, at 9 a.m. PST,visit this page on D23.com for the link to purchase the June Disney Treasures From the Vault, Limited Edition Goofy Plush, Amazon Exclusive.
Please Note: You must be signed in as a D23 Member to access the link to purchase. Click “Sign In” at the top of the page.
Limited quantities of the plush will be available on Amazon.com.

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

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

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

Director Zach Parrish on Cutting a Rug with Us Again

June 3, 2021

By Courtney Potter

Ready to hit the dance floor? Having premiered ahead of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Raya and the Last Dragon in U.S. theaters, the animated short Us Again debuts on Disney+ this Friday, June 4!

The first animated short from Disney Animation in five years, Us Again is directed by Zach Parrish; set in a city pulsating with rhythm, the story follows Art, an elderly man, and Dot, his young-at-heart wife, as rekindle their youthful passion for life—and each other—on one magical night… The years fade away as the joy of dancing propels them across the vibrant cityscape of their youth and revives fond memories and ambitions. Us Again is told entirely without dialogue, with choreography by award-winning choreographer/dancers Keone and Mari (World of Dance) and an original funk/soul musical score by Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel).

D23 recently had the chance to hear directly from Parrish himself—head of animation on Big Hero 6 and director of the Short Circuit film Puddles—about this toe-tapping project. Read on for some inside intel!

On what inspired him to create such a dance-filled story:
“I went to an Academy [of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences] event where they were talking about the intersection of ‘eccentric dance’ and animation,” explains Parrish. “[Iconic Disney animator] Eric Goldberg was there, and he did a live drawing on stage while somebody was dancing. I didn’t realize—I guess consciously, until that moment—how much dance had been a part of some of my favorite films. Because I’m a huge animation nerd; I’ve been a huge animation nerd since I was a kid… But Eric Goldberg is the king of that, so obviously, Rhapsody in Blue [from Fantasia 2000] was such a big reference for me. And of course his incredible Genie from Aladdin. Disney’s done all kinds of movies, but the musicals are always my favorites… I think I was aspiring to fit within that history of Disney animation and music and dance.”

On what surprised him most about helming this particular project:
“It was much more akin to a theatrical directing experience,” Parrish says. “That was a big learning curve for me—having so many more voices in a room, and realizing how much of your job is making sure that you are finding that line between being clear about where you would like to go. And recognizing that you might not [always] have the best idea, and really hearing where everyone’s coming from.”

And there’s another reason why this experience was so unique, for all involved:
Explains Parrish, “There was obviously a big, big shift there because we did about half the film from home… There was a big challenge as far as making sure that while at home, we were all looking at the same thing, and that we could trust a couple of things. Color was a big one; [making sure] everyone had the right monitors—because if I’m saying, ‘No, this is too purple,’ I don’t know what their screen looks like. And then timing as well; because we finished animation from home, [it was important] to make sure the sync was right. None of it was ‘local’—we were technically running computers that were still inside of the Walt Disney Animation Studios building. Checking everyone’s Internet speeds and stuff like that, [because] Keone and Mari’s movement is so specific to every note… The crew was incredible and everyone wanted to finish—we were so excited about getting this thing done. Everyone was really collaborative, and it ended up being really fun, to be honest.”

On one of the most memorable moments from the filmmaking process:
“There are so many good memories, [but] one in particular always jumps to the front of my mind,” admits Parrish. “So during this entire thing, we were also renovating our house. We had crammed basically our entire house into one bedroom. It was a Saturday, and I was sitting on my couch next to my refrigerator, with plastic curtains for walls,” he adds, chuckling. “And I got an email from Keone with the [choreography] that’s at the very end of the short… And I just remember sitting on my couch, next to my refrigerator, and crying because it was so beautiful and so emotional and hit at the moments I wanted to hit. And it was that realization, like, ‘Wow, this is gonna work’— because up until that moment, it was always an experiment. [I’d always felt like], “I think this could work; I’m pretty sure this could work.’ But that was the moment where not only did it work, it was better than I anticipated it being.”

On what Parrish hopes audiences take away from Us Again:
“Disney has such a legacy, and such skill at [offering] life-affirming messages,” the director says. “I hope audiences appreciate this film as part of that canon, and I hope they see it as something that can sit ‘on the shelf’ with the other shorts and other features that the studio has made. I hope they also see how much Disney believes in diversity and representation, and that Disney is really creating [a world] that’s inclusive for everyone.”

Don’t miss Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Us Again when it premieres on Disney+ later this week!

Everything To Know Before You Assemble to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure

June 3, 2021

By the D23 Team

Starting June 4, aspiring Super Heroes can adventure to Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort and live out their heroic dreams. If you’re one of the many who can’t wait to explore Disney California’s Adventure’s newest land and make memories alongside characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, The Wasp, Black Widow, and more, we’ve rounded up everything to know while planning your next mission to Disneyland Resort. We’ve already shared everything we know about the new land, along with a first look inside the campus—here’s what else you need to know about Avengers Campus.

Check out the Guide Map:

Put yourself on the map—literally—with the first look Disney Parks Blog provided of the guide map. Check out the full map on the blog so you can lead your team to all the epic action on your next trip.

Your Ultimate Checklist

There are always essentials to cross off your list before your next trip: Mouse ear headband? Check. Comfortable shoes? Check! Theme Park reservation? Make sure you have everything you need and that you have the most up-to-date information on Disneyland Resort by checking out a handy-dandy checklist provided by our friends at Disney Parks Blog here. Their guide includes details on the virtual queue for WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, details about mobile ordering your super sustenance, and more!

Get A First Look With D23 Inside Disney

The hosts of the D23 Inside Disney podcast are making a super mission to Avengers Campus to give YOU the inside scoop on the new land. Get all the info here on how to watch this special video episode on Avengers Campus’ opening day.

Prepare to Shop ‘til You Drop

Super Heroes need super gear—and Avengers Campus has everything an aspiring hero needs to save the day! Disney Parks Blog has the scoop on three mercantile shops in the campus that have gadgets, gizmos, and some really cool T-Shirts. Check out their merch guide here.

Plan Your Super Snacks

After saving the day, you might get a craving for shawarma—well, you’re in luck! Channel your inner Avenger at the Shawarma Palace—plus, more treats and eats you can’t miss. We’ve rounded up 5 epic eats you need to try and Disney Parks Blog has a complete list of all the super snacks and fantastic foods available at the campus here.

Keep an Eye Out For Daring Details

What’s an adventure with the Avengers without some Easter eggs? With an immersive land like Avengers Campus, there are unique details to spot everywhere, and we talked with an Imagineer about 5 details dedicated fans will want to spot. Get the inside scoop here.

Make Sure To Get Your Tickets and Reservation
Ready to visit Avengers Campus? Make sure you have your ticket and reservation! All guests (ages 3 and older) need to have both a ticket and theme park reservation for the same park on the same date in order to visit a theme park. Disney Parks Blog recently announced a new way for guests to purchase theme park tickets at the same time they make park reservations. The booking window for theme park reservations has expanded out to 120 days, allowing guests even more time to plan their return to the resort! Check the theme park reservation calendar for availability. For full details on booking tickets and reservations to the park, check out Disney Parks Blog for details.

Kylie Cantrall Previews New Adventures in Babysitting in Gabby Duran & the Unsittables’ Second Season

June 3, 2021June 3, 2021

By Beth Deitchman

When it comes to challenging babysitting gigs, Gabby Duran has got it covered. Forget crying babies or toddler tantrums. When her charges drink soda, her concern isn’t a sugar high but the possibility that the kid she’s watching might actually explode. Gabby’s ability to remain calm in situations where the fate of the universe is literally in her hands, not to mention the trust she’s earned by keeping her alien employers’ identities a secret, has cemented her status as best babysitter in the galaxy. A new season of Gabby Duran & the Unsittables kicks off Friday, June 4 (8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT), on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW, and star Kylie Cantrall is thrilled for fans to see how the show—and Gabby—have evolved.

“This isn’t her first rodeo,” Cantrall says as Gabby embarks on a new season of babysitting adventures, having already mastered blocking purple slime and quieting a screeching Vibra-Bird in season one. “I can’t say that Gabby is perfect in season two. She still messes up quite a bit—that’s just her nature. But I think she’s coming at the world of babysitting from more of a pro standpoint,” she says.

Season two will find Gabby facing bigger challenges of both the alien and the middle school varieties. “Either one of those worlds is already challenging on its own,” Cantrall acknowledges, noting that Gabby’s unique babysitting gig forces her to be a leader who’s quick on her feet. “But she also has to be quick on her feet when it comes to school, with gossiping and all that stuff that comes with being in middle school,” she points out. “You have to stand your ground and stand up for yourself.”

The new season begins immediately after a cliffhanger that finds Gabby’s mom, Dina, on the verge of learning her daughter’s secret. And with the help of her alien friends, Gabby will have to go to extreme measures to keep Dina from quashing her out-of-this-galaxy babysitting career. We won’t spoil what happens, but Gabby’s efforts involve an emotional trip down memory lane that includes actual home videos featuring a much younger Cantrall. She shares, “It’s such a beautiful scene. That was definitely one of my favorite scenes to film.”

Of course, given the purple slime and the highly entertaining assortment of alien babysitting charges Gabby encounters, Cantrall’s time with Gabby Duran & the Unsittables has included so many memorable scenes to film, many of which involve visual effects. “A lot of the time with our show, we’re not actually working with the other actors because we get such tight angles that they wanted to keep that eyeline close to camera,” Cantrall explains, revealing that the actors sometimes find green tennis balls or pieces of tape as their scene partners, with alien effects added during post. “We actually have these little stickers of everyone’s face that we put on the camera,” she reveals. “It’s fun when you see the final product and you see how it turns out… That piece of tape that I was working with now looks like an awesome blob. It’s so cool to see it at the end.”

From making TikToks with her Gabby Duran & the Unsittables family members Coco Christo (who plays little sister Olivia) and Valery Ortiz (who plays mom Dina), to being splashed with slime, Cantrall is having a blast filming the series. But she’s also proud of the message that the character and the series bring to young viewers. “I just think she’s such a good role model. She stands up for what she believes and she never takes no for an answer. She’s a great friend and sister. And she can kick some alien butt when it comes to using the Ancient Hammer of Gwargwar,” Cantrall notes—and the actress is happy to let fiction influence real life. “To see a young Latinx woman be so in charge and such a great role model is really inspiring to me,” she shares. “I’ll find myself in situations in my everyday life where I’ll be like, ‘What would Gabby do?’”

And Cantrall hopes that viewers find themselves asking that same question, and that they follow Gabby’s lead in celebrating what makes them unique. “I think that’s the main message of the show, just being OK with who you are and embracing what makes you different,” she says. “I hope the show inspires everyone to embrace themselves in every aspect, because that’s the most important thing.”

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

June 3, 2021

By Zach Johnson

The best babysitter in the galaxy is back! On Friday, season two of Gabby Duran & the Unsittables will debut on Disney Channel. In addition, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ feature film Raya and the Last Dragon will be available to stream at no additional cost for all Disney+ subscribers, while the theatrical short Us Again will make its streaming debut. On Sunday, the seventh season of Celebrity Family Feud will premiere on ABC, and later that night, FX will air the series finale of the award-winning, groundbreaking drama Pose.

Gabby Duran & the Unsittables—Friday, June 4, at 8:50 p.m. ET on Disney Channel
This season, Gabby (Kylie Cantrall) will face even bigger challenges as she continues to protect her alien charges while also navigating the daily ups and downs of middle school. First, Gabby must talk to Dina (Valery Ortiz), who’s forbidden her from babysitting aliens!

Raya and the Last Dragon—Friday, June 4, on Disney+
Enter the fantasy world of Kumandra, where long ago humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned—and it’s up to Raya (voice of Kelly Marie Tran) to track down the last dragon (voice of Awkwafina) and restore the fractured land and its divided people. During Raya’s epic journey, she’ll learn that it takes more than a dragon to save the world—it’s also going to require trust and teamwork.

Us Again—Friday, June 4, on Disney+
Set in a vibrant city pulsating with rhythm and movement, an elderly man and his young-at-heart wife rekindle their youthful passion for life and each other on one magical night. The years fade away as the joy of dancing propels them across the exciting cityscape of their youth and revives fond memories and ambitions. Director Zach Parrish’s story is told without dialogue and is set to a funk and soul musical score reminiscent of the mid-1960s.

Celebrity Family Feud—Sunday, June 6, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Host Steve Harvey welcomes Rob Lowe, playing for The Wounded Warrior Project, and Terrence Howard, playing for The Dragon Kim Foundation. On Rob’s team are wife Sheryl Berkoff; sons John Owen Lowe and Matthew Lowe; and Rob’s “right-hand,” Carol Andrade. On Terrence’s team are wife Mira Howard and pals Elijah Kelly, Ross Naess, and Evan Ross.

Pose—Sunday, June 6, at 10 p.m. ET on FX
Category is… a fabulous farewell. When Blanca (Mj Rodriguez) discovers an HIV clinical trial is denying access to people of color she joins ACT UP in an effort to get Pray Tell (Emmy® Award winner Billy Porter) the medication. The series finale is written by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Steven Canals, Janet Mock, and Our Lady J and directed by Canals.

5 Epic Eats You Need to Try at Avengers Campus

June 3, 2021

By Beth Deitchman

When you visit Avengers Campus, opening Friday, June 4, inside Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort, be sure to bring a taste for adventure and a heroic appetite! The brand-new land—which is dedicated to discovering, recruiting, and training the next generation of Super Heroes—is chock full of innovative new food and beverage offerings you will love 3000. D23 recently spoke with Michelle Gendreau, director of Food & Beverage for the Disneyland Resort, who gave us the inside dish on some of the delicious new items that will be available at dining locations in Avengers Campus. Here are some of the must-try meals and morsels you’ll want to sample.

Pingo Doce
This bubbly drink is legendary in Avengers history; and it’s available exclusively at Avengers Campus. You’ll find the refreshing beverage—that’s lemon-lime with a vanilla kick—at Pym Test Kitchen featuring Impossible™ Foods, where Hope and Hank Pym and Scott Lang are “shrinking problems and growing solutions.” And speaking of “growing,” you might consider picking up an Enlarged Pingo Doce Soda Can novelty and fill it with this signature drink or your favorite Coca-Cola® beverage.

Not So Little Chicken Sandwich
The juxtaposition of a quite sizable fried chicken breast with a much smaller brioche bun makes this sandwich extra fun. “It’s reminiscent of a chicken katsu,” Gendreau shares, and she believes this will be an instant fan-favorite. It’s served with two sauces—teriyaki and red chili—as well as pickled cabbage slaw, with crispy potato bites on the side. Order this dish at Pym Test Kitchen featuring Impossible™ Foods.

Impossible™ Spoonful
“People do not believe me that this is plant-based,” Gendreau says, and this dish of rigatoni and ditalini pastas, plant-based meatballs, tomato sauce, dairy-free Parmesan, and micro basil tastes like the ultimate classic comfort dish. The presentation, however, is anything but classic. The name of the Impossible™ Spoonful comes from the enormous ladle in which it’s served, and said ladle holds a bounty of noodles both large and small, as well as two “meatballs” of vastly differing sizes. “It’s storytelling to the max, and the flavor is really good,” Gendreau says. This dish can also be found at Pym Test Kitchen featuring Impossible™ Foods.

Adult Beverages from the Pym Tasting Lab
Right next door to the Pym Test Kitchen, take note of an oversized beer can for a sense of what’s in store. A variety of craft beers are on tap (and glasses fill from the bottom up!), along with an assortment of Pym particle-infused cocktail experiments and beer cocktails. Among the drinks for Campus recruits who are 21 and older: The Regulator (pictured above) features tequila, Minute Maid lime juice, mango and habanero syrup, wheat ale, and mango popping pearls; while for something a bit sweeter, the Molecular Meltdown is made from marshmallow milk stout and vanilla ice cream (and is topped with miniature marshmallows). Pair all of the Pym Tasting Lab beverages with Snack Molecules, which are mini pretzels, honey roasted peanuts, and sweet & spicy popped sorghum.

Cosmic Cream Orb
Don’t be deceived by its modest appearance. Within the Cosmic Cream Orb’s black exterior is a spectacular whipped raspberry cheesecake mouse in an absolutely vibrant shade of purple. These are among the sweet treats that have been curated by Taneleer Tivan at Terran Treats, a cart located not far from the Collector’s fortress… and they just might tempt you to pay Taneleer a visit.

There’s so much more, of course, that you’ll need to plan on multiple visits in order to make your way through the massive menu, which also includes shawarma-inspired wraps at the Shawarma Palace cart; a “Pym-ini” that’s available in an individual portion or super-sized for a family or friends to enjoy together; and a PB&J Flavor Lab that invites the youngest food scientists to experiment with their own creations using smooth peanut butter, strawberry jelly, and Pym particle bread. Visit the Disney Parks Blog to view the entire Foodie Guide to Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort, and prepare for an epicurean experience that’s epic from start to finish.

5 Super Details for Disney Fans to Discover at Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort

June 3, 2021

By Beth Deitchman

Are you ready to team up with the Avengers and tap into your inner Super Hero? Avengers Campus, an entirely new land dedicated to discovering, recruiting, and training the next generation of Super Heroes, is about to open inside Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort. It’s been brought to life by an incredible team of Imagineers who know and love Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as much as we do, and they’ve gone to truly epic lengths to ensure that the campus itself, its innovative and tasty treats, and all of the magnificent merchandise will delight every fan—even those who might just be discovering these beloved characters for the first time.

“The stories take place here and now,” Walt Disney Imagineering’s Scot Drake, who leads the team that’s assembling Avengers Campus, tells D23. But, to echo the words of Nick Fury, when you enter the land, you become a part of something bigger, with a rich history that you can’t help but notice as you move from one address to another. The Imagineers looked to this storied past to inspire Easter eggs and amazing details to discover when you first visit Avengers Campus. This is just a taste, and you’re sure to find something new each time you return to the land, but here are five fun finds that will get your Spidey senses tingling:

Your journey begins with a map
Drake teases that there are two maps located at Avengers Campus that provide a fascinating glimpse into the land’s longstanding connection to the Starks, and you’ll see nods to Tony and his family throughout the land. The Worldwide Engineering Brigade, or WEB, as the young innovators you’ll encounter there prefer to call it, is located within a brick building that was home to Stark Motors when it first opened. And on both the building’s façade and as you go through the brand-new attraction WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, you might still see traces of its former incarnation as an automotive factory.

And speaking of WEB…
Look to the rooftop and you may see Spider-Man swinging above, so it should come as no surprise to find Peter Parker within WEB’s walls. Peter is just one of the young innovators who has been invited to WEB at the behest of Tony Stark to invent new technologies and equip everyday people to become heroes. “Because WEB is an organization of young geniuses who are inventing the technology for the next generation of heroes, we have so many Easter eggs of other characters along their journey,” Drake teases, noting, “If you go through [the attraction] you can follow that one story, but it doesn’t take much to look around and see all the other fun things that they’re working on and all the other characters that we’re going to be hinting at.”

Avengers’ favorite fare
The campus will feature the second outpost of Tony Stark’s beloved “shawarma joint,” where he and his fellow Avengers dined after the Battle of New York. The original Shawarma Palace is located just a few blocks from the battle zone, but guests at Avengers Campus will be able to refuel with shawarma-inspired wraps at this food cart. Choose from hand-held savory wraps with fragrant chicken shawarma and garlic sauce, the Impossible™ plant-based falafel wrap, or for a heroic start to the day, the Impossible™ Breakfast-Sha-Warm-Up.

Classic Park treats meet the newest Pym technology
Disney fans, what could possibly be better than a soft, warm pretzel? Perhaps a soft, warm pretzel that’s grown exponentially through the use of Pym Particles. When you enter the Pym Test Kitchen featuring Impossible™ Foods, Drake shares, “You’re going to see a big conveyor belt of Park pretzels going in to this small quantum tunnel where we’re going to see pretzels grow and shrink right in front of our eyes. Then you’re going to be able to purchase a pretzel that can feed the whole family or a kit of mini-pretzels.” In the name of science, we’re happy to try both!

A location that might feel Strange-ly familiar
Those who are already steeped in knowledge of the multiverse may be familiar with the New York-based sanctum where Doctor Strange is frequently found. Avengers Campus guests will now have the opportunity to visit an ancient sanctum that’s a bit different, as evidenced by the logo. As the story goes, this ancient site has been hidden for centuries—though there have long been rumors of unexplained events and energies that emanated from this remote location. A Stark Industries complex was built there in the late 1940s and now, decades later, Tony Stark has invited Doctor Strange to the Avengers Campus to enlighten recruits about the mystic arts. Drake reveals that this gateway now connects Doctor Strange to any other place in the multiverse, noting, “He could have just stepped through from Paris or from Hong Kong or from anywhere in the universe.”

Overall, Drake and his fellow Imagineers want Avengers Campus to feel like a world of endless possibilities, a place where literally anything may happen. “And,” he says, “it’s not always going to be the same place every time you go into it. Something new is around every corner.”

5 Pieces of Must-Have Merch You Need to Find at Avengers Campus

June 3, 2021June 3, 2021

Beginning this Friday, June 4, guests will team up and assemble with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes at Avengers Campus inside Disney California Adventure park at the Disneyland Resort. And in addition to the memories they’ll make through missions, attractions, and encounters with an amazing array of Avengers, there’s a super selection of merchandise debuting in the brand-new land that’ll boost the heroic feeling you get during your visit—and even keep it going after you return home.

The stories of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have always been a reflection of the world outside our window, and that’s been a guiding force for the team behind Avengers Campus. “We’re trying to introduce you to concepts and ideas that can happen within the world that you live in,” Brad Schoeneberg, vice president of Brand Merchandising for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, tells D23.

There’ll be three dedicated locations where this magnificent merchandise will be available for purchase: Disneyland Resort Backlot Premiere Shop, located at Stage 17 in Disney California Adventure; and within Avengers Campus at WEB Suppliers and the Avengers Campus Supply Pod. Schoeneberg offered an inside look at the vast collection debuting at Avengers Campus, which includes brand-new Funko Pop! figures, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)-inspired kits to do at home, drinkware, and more. Here are five items that we’re sure every Super Hero recruit will want to pick up while they’re in the new land:

Spider-Bots
In creating these interactive companions, Schoenberg explains that he and his team thought, “Every Super Hero needs a friendly sidekick to help protect their neighborhood, so how can we make something that each person can connect with and then learn to play with in their own unique way?” Spider-Bots are powered by a remote control with eight articulated legs that move forward and backward—and they’re customizable. Guests can utilize tactical upgrades to harness the powers and style of favorite Super Heroes such as Black Panther, Iron Man, Black Widow, and Ant-Man and The Wasp. Adding to the “friendly” nature of these sidekicks, it’s also possible to connect with friends’ Spider-Bots to engage in epic showdowns.

WEB Tech Accessory: The WEB Power Band
The exciting new attraction WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure invites guests to don 3-D glasses and sling webs like Spidey himself, and for a truly customizable experience you’ll want to have WEB Tech on your wrist. The WEB Tech base band features an attraction mode that unlocks multi-fire webs while you’re in the ride vehicle to personalize game play for a cool, new experience on the attraction. Schoenberg reveals, “When you wear that WEB Tech inside the attraction, you’re going to get a different power on the ride than others that may be with you.” Guests will have fun discovering their own powers, and they can also add on WEB Tech that’s inspired by Spider-Man, Ghost Spider, Iron Man and Rescue, and other favorite Super Heroes. With lights, sounds, projections, and webs that eject and retract, WEB Tech is the ultimate role-play accessory, both in Avengers Campus and at home.

Spider-Man Goggles
It’s been said that eyes are the windows to the soul, and these stylish Spider-Man goggles display a range of emotions—from concern to puzzled to, well, joy (as conveyed via flashing hearts). They wear like sunglasses, Schoeneberg notes, with a digital screen that the wearer won’t see that’s sure to delight every passerby. “They’re fun to wear but they’re really fun to see someone wearing,” he emphasizes.

Avengers Campus Gear
“We really thought about what do our campus recruits wear when they’re in training,” Schoeneberg explains, and that’s the aesthetic behind the performance fleece hoodies, tees, and more that will be available at Campus Supply Pod. The iconic, Disney Parks-exclusive Avengers “A” is layered in, and items also feature pockets to hold every recruit’s tech. The gear, Schoeneberg says, “is not only reflective of the fact that you’re training potentially for the Avengers, but it’s also comfortable.”

A Brand-new Spidey Suit
Throughout Avengers Campus, Spider-Man will be seen in a new suit that’s been designed exclusively for Disney Parks. This suit has been re-created for young recruits, and Schoenberg says, “It’s really reflective of the character that you’re spending the day with on your visit to a park.”

Schoeneberg notes that the team behind the Avengers Campus merchandise kept technology and innovation in mind as they approached all of the new products and experiences—whether guests will be enjoying them in the park or back at home. “Technology and innovation isn’t a destination on any one item, it’s just part of the way we want to approach new products, new experiences, and especially things that are tied to this fantastic world of the Avengers,” he says. “And there’s nothing more fantastic than guests being able to experience the products in the spaces and in the world that’s been designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. It just feels like you’re living this story. You are really having your own Super Hero journey.”

“We’re Going to Disney World”: Boy Meets World

June 2, 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 the 1990s as audiences tuned in weekly to watch classic shows such as Full House (1987–95), Step by Step (ABC: 1991–97; CBS: 1997–98), Family Matters (ABC: 1989–97; CBS: 1997–98), and Sabrina the Teenage Witch (ABC: 1996–2000; WB: 2000–03).

For Disney fans, these titles are memorable not only for their place in ABC history, but also for the episodes of each show that were 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 Walt Disney World attractions that were ripe for promotion via television programming created for families.

One of the most popular ABC sitcoms during this era was Boy Meets World (1993–2000), starring Ben Savage (Cory Matthews), Rider Strong (Shawn Hunter), Danielle Fishel (Topanga Lawrence), and Will Friedle (Eric Matthews). The show centers on Cory, a young suburban Philadelphia boy trying his best to navigate the triumphs and tribulations of friendship, family, school, and romantic relationships along the path to adulthood.

During the show’s third season, the episode titled “The Happiest Show on Earth” finds Cory reeling from a breakup with Topanga, who has recently won a school trip to Walt Disney World thanks to a paper she wrote about the environment. Initially, Cory is happy for Topanga until he discovers that Ronnie “Lips” Waterman (Andrew Keegan), the class heartthrob known for being a flirt, also won the same trip to Florida. Encouraged by his brother Eric, Cory decides to take his best friend, Shawn, with him to Walt Disney World in order to win back Topanga.

The characters split their time between the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, with the latter park factoring heavily into the episode’s plotline. Many of the important story beats take place at The Living Seas pavilion (now called The Seas with Nemo & Friends), and there’s even a special guest star appearance by another TGIF alum, Staci Keanan, who played Dana Foster on Step by Step. Ultimately, Cory and Topanga decide to get back together while sharing a romantic embrace perfectly timed to the majestic aquatic choreography of the EPCOT Fountain of Nations.

Thanks to our partners at ABC, the Walt Disney Archives is delighted to share publicity and behind-the-scenes imagery from the filming of the 1996 Boy Meet’s World episode “The Happiest Show On Earth,” and don’t forget to check out the show now streaming on Disney+.

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