Celebrate May the 4th with a Look at Out-of-This-Galaxy Star Wars Experiences Coming from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

May 4, 2021May 4, 2021

Bright suns, everyone!

Today is, of course, May the 4th—the annual celebration of all things Star Wars, when fans around the galaxy celebrate the iconic stories and characters we’ve come to know and love over generations. There are many ways to join the fun wherever you may be today—from screening favorite Star Wars films and series on Disney+, such as the brand-new original animated series Star Wars: The Bad Batch, to taking a thrilling ride on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Our friends at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products have so many more out-of-this-galaxy offerings in the works that are sure to excite Padawan, Jedi, and Disney fans alike. Here’s the latest information on what’s to come:

Walt Disney World Resort—Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will fully immerse guests in a galaxy far, far away when it debuts in 2022 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, going beyond anything Disney has ever created before. As part of this first-of-its-kind vacation experience, guests become the heroes of their own stories during a two-day, two-night adventure where they see, feel, and live Star Wars. Over the course of their stay onboard the Halcyon starcruiser, guests will make choices that determine their personal adventure through unique interactions with characters, crew, and other passengers they meet during their journey—and those decisions just might impact the fate of the galaxy!

During their Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience, guests will choose alliances and chart their courses. They’ll be immersed in Star Wars “storyliving” through an array of enthralling onboard activities, including an opportunity for guests to discover their own connection with the Force as they learn the ancient ways of the lightsaber and face off against a training remote. They’ll also visit the Starcruiser’s bridge to learn about its systems and how to operate them, including navigation and defense—skills that may come in handy later during this incredible galactic adventure.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser guests will also be the first to see characters such as Rey wield a brand-new, more realistic lightsaber developed by Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development to create dramatic in-person moments previously only seen in films or shows.

Guests will be transported from the starcruiser for an excursion to Batuu, where they may explore the winding pathways of Black Spire Outpost and seek out a hidden Resistance base. On board the ship, the Crown of Corellia Dining Room will offer dining options throughout the day, with breakfast and lunch fare available daily, while at night the bright and welcoming hall transitions into an enticing supper club with a lavish multi-course menu of both otherworldly and familiar origins. One night’s dinner in the Crown of Corellia Dining Room—named for the planet that’s home to the shipyards that created both the Halcyon and the famed Millennium Falcon—will feature a live performance from a galactic superstar who can captivate an entire room with the crook of her jewel-encrusted purple Twi’lek finger.

Beginning today, a model of the Halcyon starcruiser will be on display inside Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a limited time. Be sure to check it out on while you’re in the park, and visit StarWarsGalacticStarcruiser.com for more information and to register for updates about this vacation experience.

Disney Cruise Line—Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge and Star Wars Day at Sea
Among the incredible experiences announced during Once Upon a Disney Wish, last week’s grand reveal of the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, is Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge. Guests will embark on a space-jumping tour of the Star Wars galaxy when they visit this high-end bar styled as a luxurious yacht-class experience. This richly themed, immersive experience will be reserved for adults every evening, offering interactive tasting experiences and signature beverages inspired by destinations such as Batuu, Tatooine, and Mustafar. Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge is just the latest in the collection of Star Wars experiences that are available onboard Disney Cruise Line, including Star Wars Day at Sea, which features an action-packed day filled with characters, movie screenings, a deck show, and more. Star Wars Day at Sea returns to the Disney Fantasy in 2022. Visit DisneyCruise.com for more information about this and other sailings.

New Star Wars Products
May the 4th also marks a perfect occasion to add to your ever-growing assortment of must-have merch, with brand-new collections from the likes of Adidas, Herschel, RSVLTS, and more debuting at retailers worldwide in honor of Star Wars Day. Dozens of new products are also available for fans to discover today at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and online at shopDisney.com. Video game fans can look forward to the Next-Gen release of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which will bring a number of technical improvements to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S console versions of the game this summer. Gamers can also save today on fan-favorite Star Wars games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

We’ll sharing new details about all of these experiences (at lightspeed) as they’re revealed. Stay tuned to D23.com for all the news, and be sure to visit Disney+ today for the premiere of Star Wars: The Bad Batch. The original animated series follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in The Clone Wars) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone Wars. Members of Bad Batch—a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army—each possess a singular exceptional skill that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew.

We’ve got a good feeling about this—all of it!

EXCLUSIVE REVEAL: New Ahsoka Tano™ Figure by Sideshow

May 3, 2021May 4, 2021

By the D23 Team

Calling all Rebels! This May the Fourth is going to be epic, as we can exclusively reveal first-look images of an all-new collectible by Sideshow inspired by fan-favorite Star Wars character Ahsoka Tano™! Based on her appearance in Star Wars: Rebels, this limited-edition, fully sculpted Premium Format™ Figure is 19.5-inches tall and stands ready for action atop a Malachor-themed display base, wielding her distinctive dual lightsabers. The polystone Ahsoka Tano Premium Format Figure is fully sculpted to capture the energy and action of her animated presence in a three-dimensional statue format. Ahsoka’s vibrant orange portrait bears her distinct white facial markings, and her face is framed by her white and blue patterned montrals and lekku. Her costume features a blue-grey bodysuit and sculpted skirts, belts guards, and detailed tan tassets at her hips. In her hands, her unique, white-bladed sabers are unsheathed in anticipation of a fateful duel.

The Sideshow Exclusive Edition of the Ahsoka Tano Premium Format Figure will also include a sculpted Morai. Ahsoka’s convor companion is perched on its own Malachor-themed base, and sits alongside the Togruta to create a beautiful centerpiece to any Star Wars collection. The figure will be available for pre-order starting May 4th at 6am PDT.

Marvel Studios Celebrates the Movies with a Sneak Peek at Phase 4

May 3, 2021

By Zach Johnson

In a video celebrating the love of storytelling and the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most memorable moments, Marvel Studios today gave fans a hint of what’s to come in Phase 4!

The video features a voiceover from late Disney Legend Stan Lee, who says, “I love being with people; it’s the most incredible feeling in the world. That world may change and evolve. But the one that will never change: We’re all part of one big family.” Lee’s words are punctuated by memorable scenes from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “That man next to you? He’s your brother,” he continues. “That woman over there? She’s your sister. We’re all part of one universe that moves ever upward and onward to greater glory.”

The video then celebrates the viral moment when a movie theater audience erupted in cheers and delight while watching all of Marvel’s Super Heroes emerge from portals to take a stand against Thanos (Josh Brolin) in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame.

The video then shows footage from the upcoming films Black Widow, starring Scarlett Johansson, and Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings, starring Simu Liu, and gives fans a first look at Eternals, hailing from Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao.

The video also reveals titles for the Black Panther and Captain Marvel sequels, as well as a release date for the next Ant-Man film. The chronological list of Phase 4 films is as follows:

Black Widow (July 9, 2021)
Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings (September 3, 2021)
Eternals (November 5, 2021)
Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17, 2021)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (March 25, 2022)
Thor: Love and Thunder (May 6, 2022)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (July 8, 2022)
The Marvels (November 11, 2022)
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (February 17, 2023)
Guardians of the Galaxy 3 (May 5, 2023)
Fantastic Four (TBA)

For more details, visit Marvel.com.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

May 3, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Start the week off right by tuning in for a special Eid al-Fitr episode of Mira, Royal Detective, airing Monday on Disney Junior and DisneyNOW. To celebrate Star Wars Day the following day, join us in streaming the premiere episode of Lucasfilm Ltd.’s all-new original series Star Wars: The Bad Batch exclusively on Disney+. On Thursday, ABC delivers a new episode of Grey’s Anatomy featuring two special guest stars from seasons past. Then, on Friday, Disney+ will add the 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer to its library, while Hulu will premiere all eight episodes from the third and final season of Shrill.

Mira, Royal Detective—Monday, May 3, at 5 p.m. ET on Disney Junior and DisneyNOW
First, in “The Eid Mystery,” Mira (voice of Leela Ladnier) helps her friend Sadia (guest star Ayana Manji) look for a lost holiday eidi gift envelope on the ground. Recurring cast member Rizwan Manji stars alongside his real-life daughter (Manji) as Mr. Khan. Then, in “The Case of the Pinched Paintbrush,” Priya (voice of Roshni Edwards) is distraught after her special paintbrush goes missing, so Mira resolves to solve the case and help her find it.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch—Tuesday, May 4, on Disney+
The original animated series from Lucasfilm Ltd. follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Each member of Bad Batch—a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army—possesses a singular exceptional skill that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers… not to mention a formidable crew!

Grey’s Anatomy—Thursday, May 6, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
The long-awaited reunion between Dr. Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) and Dr. April Kepner (guest star Sarah Drew) is finally here. In the brand-new episode “Look Up Child,” Dr. Avery also pays a visit to his dad (guest star Eric Roberts), who sets him on the right path.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer—Friday, May 7, on Disney+
The long-awaited wedding of Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Jessica Alba) and Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Ioan Gruffudd) is interrupted by a mysterious alien known as the Silver Surfer (voice of Laurence Fishburne), who wreaks havoc as he heralds the impending destruction of the planet. With time running out, the Fantastic Four—including Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Chris Evans) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Michael Chiklis)—reluctantly team up with Dr. Doom (Julian McMahon) in a last-ditch effort to save Earth.

Shrill (Season 3)—Friday, May 7, on Hulu
Annie (Aidy Bryant) is feeling energized by a recent breakup with her dud of a boyfriend, Ryan (Luka Jones), and her newfound momentum at work. In fact, she thinks everything is finally falling into place in life… but does Annie actually know how to get what she wants?

The Pixar Fan’s Guide to Disney+

May 1, 2021May 5, 2021

By The D23 Team

Pixar Animation Studios has taken us to infinity and beyond since Disney+ launched in November 2019. Since then, subscribers have had unfettered access to their favorite Disney and Pixar titles, all in one place—including record-breaking box office smashes like Toy Story 4; original short-form content such as Forky Asks a Question; the recent documentary series Inside Pixar; two-time Oscar®-winner Soul; and the forthcoming animated series Monsters At Work.

For the uninitiated, Disney+ offers ad-free programming and adds original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action, and animated series, and short-form content in its library; here’s a glimpse at both current and upcoming Pixar content available to Disney+ subscribers:

Soul
This newly minted Oscar-winning animated feature follows Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx), a middle school band teacher who dreams of being a professional jazz musician. But soon after he gets his big break, a tragic misstep sends Joe to The Great Before—the place where souls get their interests, personalities, and quirks. Aided by a wise-cracking, centuries-old soul named 22 (voice of Tina Fey), Joe must find a way back to Earth in order to fulfill his lifelong dream.

22 vs. Earth
Speaking of 22, that quirky soul is at the center of Pixar Animation Studios’ latest short, 22 vs. Earth—now streaming on Disney+. Set before the events of Soul, the short follows 22 as she defies the rules of The Great Before and refuses to go to Earth, enlisting five new souls to join her rebellion. But when the new souls’ activities lead to unexpected results, 22 discovers her subversive scheme might have unearthed a surprising revelation about the meaning of life…

SparkShorts
Disney+ is the exclusive home of SparkShorts, the Pixar Animation Studios short film series spotlighting new voices and exploring new storytelling techniques. One of the more recent SparkShorts Disney+ has debuted is the Academy Award®-nominated Burrow, in which a young rabbit embarks on a journey to dig the burrow of her dreams, despite having no idea what she’s doing. Also look for Float, where a father discovers that his son is different from other kids in the most unusual way. Among the other titles available are Purl, Smash and Grab, and Kitbull.

Inside Pixar
Disney+’s Inside Pixar is a 15-episode documentary series uncovering the personal and cinematic stories to reveal the people, artistry, and culture of Pixar Animation Studios. Look for episodes following Soul co-director and screenwriter Kemp Powers; Onward director Dan Scanlon; and Pixar Animation Studios facilities director Patty Bonfilio.

Forky Asks a Question
Forky (voice of Tony Hale), a crafts project created from trash in Toy Story 4, has important questions about how the world works, such as: What is love? What is time? What is cheese?” Watch him explore these mysteries and more in a series of 10 shorts.

Lamp Life
This all-new animated short film centers on Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts) and finally answers the questions regarding why she was M.I.A. during the events of Toy Story 3.

Luca
Debuting June 18 on Disney+, Disney and Pixar’s Luca is a fin-tastic coming-of-age story that follows the adventures of teenage sea monsters Luca Paguro (voice of Jacob Tremblay) and Alberto Scorfano (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer) over the course of one life-changing summer on the Italian Riviera. Though their friendship may seem somewhat unlikely at first, Luca and Alberto’s instant bond runs as deep as the waters they call home.

Whereas Luca is careful and logical, Alberto is adventurous and outgoing. It doesn’t take long before Alberto rubs off on Luca, convincing him to swim above the water’s surface for the first time. With a newfound bravado, Luca sets foot—er, fin—on land, where he soon discovers he has the magical ability to transform into a human. Riveted by this revelation, Luca finds himself spending more and more time broaching the surface to plan the “perfect” summer with Alberto—one filled with delicious food and endless scooter rides.

Monsters At Work
Premiering on Friday, July 2, exclusively on Disney+, this brand-new animated series from Disney Television Animation picks up the day after the Monsters, Incorporated power plant started harvesting the laughter of children in order to fuel the city of Monstropolis—thanks to Mike and Sulley’s discovery that laughter generates 10 times more energy than screams. Tylor Tuskmon (voice of Ben Feldman), an eager and talented Monsters University graduate, always dreamed of becoming a Scarer… until he lands a job at Monsters, Incorporated and discovers that scares are out and laughs are in! After being temporarily reassigned to the Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team (MIFT), Tylor must work alongside a misfit bunch of mechanics as he looks toward becoming a Jokester.

Returning cast members include Disney Legends Billy Crystal (Mike Wazowski) and John Goodman (James P. “Sulley” Sullivan)—alongside John Ratzenberger (as Yeti, and Tylor’s dad, Bernard), Bob Peterson (voicing Roze, the twin sister of his original Monsters, Inc. character Roz), Bonnie Hunt (Ms. Flint), and Jennifer Tilly (Celia Mae). Joining them are Feldman; Aisha Tyler as Tylor’s mom, Millie; Mindy Kaling as fellow MIFT member Val Little; Henry Winkler as scatterbrained boss Fritz; Lucas Neff as Duncan, an opportunistic plumber; Alanna Ubach as officious rule follower Cutter; and Stephen Stanton as Smitty and Needleman, the bumbling custodial team at Monsters, Inc.

Dug Days
Dug discovers the dangers of suburbia like puppies, fireworks, and… SQUIRRELS!! Dug Days will premiere on Disney+ in Fall 2021.

Cars
This new Disney+ series will Lightning McQueen and Mater on a road trip across the country. Featuring new characters, old friends, and imaginative destinations; coming to the streaming service in Fall 2022.

Win or Lose
Pixar’s first-ever long-form animated series, which debuts exclusively on Disney+ in February 2023, follows a middle school softball team in the week leading up to their championship game, and each episode is told from the perspective of a different character.

Disney+ will also serve as the exclusive streaming home of The Walt Disney Studios’ blockbuster hits and beloved animated shorts, including:

Animated Shorts:

Mater and the Ghostlight
Your Friend the Rat
Presto
BURN-E
Partly Cloudy
Dug’s Special Mission
George and A.J.
Day & Night
La Luna
The Legend of Mor’du
The Blue Umbrella
Party Central
Lava
Sanjay’s Super Team
Riley’s First Date?
Piper
Lou
Bao
Auntie Edna
Lamp Life
Pixar Popcorn (mini short collection)

Feature Films:

Toy Story
A Bug’s Life
Toy Story 2
Monsters, Inc.
Finding Nemo
The Incredibles
Cars
Ratatouille
WALL•E
Up
Toy Story 3
Cars 2
Brave
Monsters University
Inside Out
The Good Dinosaur
Finding Dory
Cars 3
Coco
Toy Story 4
Onward

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!

Something’s Coming: First Look at West Side Story—Plus More in News Briefs

April 30, 2021April 30, 2021

By Courtney Potter

**Brand-New Trailer for 20th Century Studios’ West Side Story Debuts**

As unabashed musical theater fans, we’ve been looking forward to the new, sure-to-be-incredible, Steven Spielberg-helmed West Side Story—and now, thanks to a first-look trailer that debuted during last week’s Oscars®, we’ve gotten a tantalizing taste of what to expect…

Directed by Oscar winner Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, West Side Story tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony), Rachel Zegler (María), Ariana DeBose (Anita), David Alvarez (Bernardo), Mike Faist (Riff), Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino), Ana Isabelle (Rosalía), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank), Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke), and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno—one of only three artists to be honored with Academy, Emmy®, Grammy®, Tony, and Peabody Awards—also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

Bringing together the best of both Broadway and Hollywood, the film’s creative team includes Kushner, who also serves as an executive producer; Tony winner Justin Peck, who choreographed the musical numbers in the film; renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor and Grammy winner Gustavo Dudamel, who helmed the recording of the iconic score; Oscar-nominated composer and conductor David Newman (Anastasia), who arranged the score; Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home, Thoroughly Modern Millie), who supervised the cast on vocals; and Grammy-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (Beauty and the Beast, Chicago), who served as executive music producer for the film. West Side Story has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway show, with book by Arthur Laurents; music by Leonard Bernstein; lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; and concept, direction, and choreography by Jerome Robbins.

West Side Story is set to mambo into in U.S. theaters beginning December 10!

**New UK Beauty and the Beast Tour Cast Announced**

Fans of delightful musical theater; those of you joining us from “across the pond”; and anyone in between—here’s some great news from our pals at Disney on Broadway: Disney’s Olivier Award-winning stage musical Beauty and the Beast just announced the cast to star in the re-imagined and re-designed new production!

Courtney Stapleton (Dear Evan Hansen, Six) and Emmanuel Kojo (Oklahoma!, Girl from the North Country) will play the iconic lead roles, Belle and her Beast, as spectacular new designs and state-of-the-art technology fuse with the classic story, bringing the beloved tale to new life. Rounding out the main cast are Gavin Lee (known by Broadway fans for his turns as Bert in Mary Poppins and Squidward in SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical) as Lumiere; Tom Senior (The Pirates of Penzance) as Gaston; Sam Bailey (2013’s The X-Factor winner) as Mrs. Potts; Nigel Richards (The Phantom of the Opera) as Cogsworth; Martin Ball (Les Misérables) as Maurice; Samantha Bingley (The Secret Garden) as the Wardrobe; Emma Caffrey (Curtains) as Babette; and Louis Stockil (Miss Saigon) will play Le Fou.

Spectacularly reimagined in amazing new designs—using the latest theatrical innovations—this timeless romantic tale will be brought to life on stage like never before, with all the charm and elegance audiences expect from Belle and her Beast. Among the many new features of this 2021 production is an incredible tap dance within the legendary production number Be Our Guest, created expressly for Lee—recognized as one of the great tappers on either side of the Atlantic. (He even tapped for us at D23 Expo 2019!)

Olivier Award nominee Matt West will direct and choreograph this new production, leading a team that includes composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, bookwriter Linda Woolverton, scenic designer Stan Meyer, costume designer Ann Hould-Ward and lighting designer Natasha Katz. The team collectively received five Tony® nominations and a win for Hould-Ward’s costume design, when Disney first debuted Beauty and the Beast on Broadway 26 years ago.

Beauty and the Beast will open a UK & Ireland Tour at The Bristol Hippodrome on Wednesday, August 25, with further dates confirmed in Liverpool, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Dublin—and more on the way. For more info, visit beautyandthebeastmusical.co.uk.

**Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max Celebrate Black Hair in New Episode**

Looking for something great to watch tonight? Your search is over: Disney Channel’s popular daughter/father comedy Sydney to the Max, starring actress and musician Ruth Righi as outgoing middle schooler Sydney Reynolds, explores the beauty and complexities of Black hair in a new episode premiering this evening, Friday, April 30, at 8:25 p.m. EDT/PDT, on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW. To chat about the nuances that went in to bringing this episode to life, Disney Channel enlisted High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star Dara Reneé to interview Righi, writer Kourtney Richard, and director Morenike Joela, in an open conversation about the new episode and Black hair; check out the clip, above.

In the episode, entitled “The Hair Switch Project” and geared for kids ages 6 to 11, Sydney begins to question her straight hairstyle after her classmate Jada suggests that she try wearing her hair natural sometimes. This sends Sydney on a hair journey tied to her cultural identity and memories of her late mom, Alisha. Her dad, Max, tries to help, but Sydney is still at a loss and calls on her grandmother Maya. Back in the ’90s, young Alisha is faced with a different hair dilemma when school picture day rolls around, and her mom has booked a salon appointment for her to get a relaxer. Alisha doesn’t know what to do because she loves her naturally coifed hair and feels like she loses a piece of herself every time she gets it straightened.

The series also stars Ian Reed Kesler as Max, Caroline Rhea as Judy Reynolds (in both decades), Ava Kolker as Sydney’s best friend Olive, Jackson Dollinger as young Max, and Christian J. Simon as young Max’s best friend, Leo.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

Can you even believe that we’re just a few days away from May? Time flies when you’re having fun, thanks especially to fabulous content to watch from around the worlds of Disney. This upcoming weekend features the debut of Pixar Animation Studios’ short 22 vs. Earth on Disney+; the premiere episode of the third and final season of FX’s Pose; a sure-to-be-rollicking live “Disney Night” on ABC’s American Idol; and a whole lot more.

Gabby Duran & the Unsittables Returning for Second Season

Here’s some more big news from our pals over at Disney Channel: Their totally out-of-this-world live-action comedy series Gabby Duran & the Unsittables is set to return for a second season on Friday, June 4, at 8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT, on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW. The series stars multitalented actress and musician Kylie Cantrall as Gabby Duran, a teenaged girl who inadvertently lands a job babysitting an unruly group of VIP extraterrestrial children disguised as everyday kids. Hijinks, as you might imagine, ensue.

This season, Gabby—resourceful and courageous as ever—faces even bigger challenges as she continues to protect her alien charges while also navigating the everyday emotional rollercoaster of middle school. Picking up immediately after last season’s cliffhanger, Gabby’s mom, Dina (Valery Ortiz), is on the verge of learning Gabby’s secret—which the intrepid teen will have to stop in order to avoid catastrophic outcomes. Other adventures this season include a robot replica Gabby-bot running amok; an alien friend who turns into a “Predator” when she becomes emotional; and a quest to recover Principal Swift’s (Nathan Lovejoy) home after it’s shrunken down to the size of a dollhouse by an extraterrestrial prankster.

Mark your calendars!

The Wonderful World of Disney Returns to ABC This Monday!

Gather the family ’round the ol’ Victrola—err, we mean, around your TV or streaming device of choice—and prepare for another heartwarming go ’round of ABC’s long-running The Wonderful World of Disney.

Throughout the month of May, beginning this Monday, May 3, ABC will air iconic titles currently available to stream on Disney+, starting with the broadcast debuts of both Disney and Pixar’s Incredibles 2 (May 3) and Finding Dory (May 10); followed by Monsters, Inc. (May 17); and then Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Tangled (May 24) and The Princess and the Frog (May 31) rounding out the month.

New Rendering of “Trader Sam’s Gift Shop” at Jungle Cruise

This is a fun update from our friends at the Disney Parks Blog: Trader Sam will soon chart a new adventure along the Jungle Cruise river at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Parks!

The proprietor of the Jungle Navigation Company Ltd., Alberta Falls, has entrusted her longtime friend Trader Sam to manage the new Lost & Found location. True to his name, Trader Sam never misses an opportunity to make some extra cash. After all, the very best attractions all end with a gift shop, right? Take a gander at the rendering of their newest venture together, above. Looks like all manner of hilarious animal shenanigans are afoot…

This new Trader Sam scene is one of several that are interconnected and build on Jungle Cruise’s hilarious original story—and never fear: As previously announced, the attraction’s world-famous skippers will continue to crack up guests young and young-at-heart with their side-splitting observations. Once everything’s complete, guests will discover more about the events that led up to this final scene.

Stay tuned for more info on Jungle Cruise’s enhancements in the coming months.

**New Black Widow Featurette Delves Into Natasha’s Past…**

Marvel Studios recently celebrated National Superhero Day by premiering a brand-new featurette for their upcoming Black Widow. Looking back at the illustrious career of Natasha Romanoff, Scarlett Johansson—who reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow in the film—assures fans that “it’s time for her story”… and we couldn’t agree more!

In the film, Natasha confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger. Joining Johansson for all that action-packed fun are Florence Pugh as Yelena; David Harbour as Alexei/The Red Guardian; and Rachel Weisz as Melina.

Black Widow—the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)—is directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige. The spy thriller will launch simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ (with Premier Access in most Disney+ markets) on July 9. We cannot wait!

ICYMI: Disney Kicks Off Global Ultimate Princess Celebration

Just this week, Disney kicked off a very special yearlong event spotlighting the courage and kindness that Disney heroines inspire in fans all around the world—and part of that kickoff includes an amazing new song performed by Brandy (star of the beloved Wonderful World of Disney special Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella) called “Starting Now.” For more scoop on the Ultimate Princess Celebration, the song, and what other Disney heroine-related festivities you can expect over the next 12 months, click here.

How Disney Parks Makes the Best TikToks on the Planet

April 30, 2021April 29, 2021

By Jocelyn Buhlman

It’s a chilly day at Disney Springs and you’re craving something sweet. The options for treats are endless… But you’ve only got one thing on your mind, thanks to a video you’d watched earlier: the Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise, an adorable hot chocolate “bomb” shaped like our favorite snowman. You’ve been waiting all day to try it—because you can’t stop thinking of the video where the treat melted into a cup of warm milk, creating the perfect cup of hot chocolate for a cold day.

@disneyparksSome people are worth melting for ⛄️#HotChocolateBombs #Olaf #Frozen #Disney #DisneySprings #HappyHolidays #HomeCooked ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

This video of the Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise hot chocolate bomb has a whopping 25.5 million views and nearly 5 million likes, making it the most-viewed and liked video on the @DisneyParks account.

Before you know it, you’re sipping your own mug of hot chocolate just like in the video. But who is this secret insider, sharing videos of sweet tips and tricks for the aspiring Disney Parks expert?

Meet the Team
It’s not so much a “who” as it is a team of “whos”: Five magic makers on both coasts have been conjuring up videos about Disney Parks and Resorts for TikTok since September 2020. On the East Coast, Andy Crisp (who lent his voice to the Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise video) and Dom Tucciarone craft content around Walt Disney World Resort, while over on the West Coast, Andi Sakowski and Claudia Landis have been busy prepping content to celebrate the reopening of the Happiest Place on Earth. Along with Sara Sturgess, Digital Integration Specialist, focusing on engagement on the platform and occasionally lending her voice to pickle-related TikToks, the five of them have been hard at work creating the content that ends up sprinkling pixie dust on your For You Page.

The constantly growing social media platform was a perfect fit for Disney Parks. Jason Recher, vice president, Public Relations Content Creation and Digital Integration, explains, “TikTok is a platform where creative storytelling flourishes. For us, it’s a powerful and fresh way to build connections and share our uniquely Disney stories in a real and relevant way.”

Building a Brand-New Account
TikTok is still an emerging social media platform and is often associated with videos of teenagers doing fun dances to catchy pop songs—but once you’ve taken some time to scroll the platform’s “For You Page,” a curated home page serving up videos that the algorithm thinks you might enjoy, you’ll discover a variety of communities on the platform sharing their passions with the world. For the @DisneyParks team, you might just find some Disney fans sprinkled in there, too.

Before the team had even filmed their first video, they were digging into what—pardon the pun—makes the app tick. In fact, they were there behind-the-scenes cooking up magic even before that September launch date.

Just like Walt said, the team kept moving forward, experimenting with new content types even after the channel launched. “We really get to test and try so many different things,” Sturgess explains.

Highlighting Hidden Gems
“It really started with the Olaf video, where Andy’s personality showed there were humans behind these videos” Tucciarone explains. The video was one of the first to be narrated by a member of the team, and that narration added extra warmth and personality that made fans click “follow”—and flock to the The Ganachery, where the Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise sold out the day after the video was posted!

“It’s bringing awareness to locations that people didn’t know about,” Crisp explains, “The Ganachery was around for five years, but now they are reaching a lot more people. People visit because they are interested in the Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise but then stay to hear the stories about what they create at the shop.”

This concept—that the TikTok account was your pocket best friend with all the tips and tricks about Disney Parks—carried on, from a hot dog that could only be bought with a catchphrase the TikTok account shared. The fans loved it— The fans loved it— the hot dog became a top seller at the food truck, all thanks to the power of TikTok.

@disneyparksSHH! SECRET MENU 🤫 through Jan. 25: new ‘King Dog’ at Hot Diggity Dog Food Truck 🌭 6 PM – Close #DisneySprings #DisneyKingDog #HotDiggityDog #HotDog ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

The “King Dog” could only be purchased by guests who learned the secret catchphrase from this video.

With the team providing voiceover, it’s akin to video chatting with your Disney-obsessed friend. Crisp describes his strategy: “Pretend it’s your best friend and you’re just telling them about your job.”

Showcasing the Magic Makers
Ask anyone who’s been to a Disney Park, and they’ll tell you the same thing: It’s cast members who add extra magic to your visit. The @DisneyParks TikTok account has showcased cast members in a variety of roles, from giraffe keepers to sign painters, and there’s something extra magical about each video. “When you talk to these people, you really hear their true, authentic selves,” Landis explains.

Recently, the team posted a video of Disneyland cast members preparing to open the park, set appropriately to the tune of “For the First Time in Forever” from Frozen. The comments section was in tears—or at least in crying face emojis. Over 10,000 people and counting have joined in to comment on the emotional sight of people standing on Main Street, U.S.A. again after over a year of the park’s closure.

@disneyparksFor the first time in forever there’ll be magic, there’ll be fun #Disney #DisneyParks #Disneyland #CastMember #Frozen #FirstTimeInForever #California ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

This TikTok was the first time many fans had seen people on Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. in more than a year.

Getting to make videos for @DisneyParks TikTok account has many perks—after all, someone has to go to all the cool locations to film that viral content, right? One of the earlier videos to generate attention for the account was a tour of the Cinderella Castle Suite at Magic Kingdom. Fans were drooling over the exclusive look inside the rarely visited suite—and the tour made the news, getting coverage everywhere: Reader’s Digest, PopSugar, Yahoo!—even news outlets in the United Kingdom!

@disneyparksBibbidi Bobbidi Boo, here’s an exclusive #Cinderella Castle Suite Tour for you 🏰✨ #Disney #CinderellaCastle #Suite #RoomTour #WDW #Magic #DisneyParks ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

The Cinderella Castle Suite is rarely seen by the public, so this tour via TikTok was a special treat!

But it wasn’t just the fans who were awed at the experience—the TikTok team was surprised with the opportunity to film the video, having been led to believe they were attending a mystery meeting. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—and they got to share it with all of their followers! “The experience alone was fantastic, and being able to share it on an official Disney platform in such a casual way I feel broke some barriers,” Tucciarone recalls.

Tell the Guards to Open Up The Gates
With the team divided across two coasts, the magic makers behind the account cherish the chances they have to film together. Now, the team is reunited at Disneyland Resort, having spent the past week filming a variety of TikToks while the empty park is their playground. It’s already a special experience—how often do you get to run amok in a near-empty Disneyland, after all? But thanks to TikTok, the fans are right there with them as the park preps for reopening. “It’s coming back to life,” Landis explains, “and we’re out there capturing those moments with a phone!”

On an overcast Monday—the last day before Cast Previews begin and guests are once again roaming the park—the four team members gather in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle for their next video. They don’t have much time—the castle is a popular location for filming, so the team only has five minutes to capture what they need.

The team makes the rare choice to step in front of the camera, sitting along the compass rose on the ground in front of the castle. A cast member helpfully brings out a tape measure to make sure the team is seated six feet apart from each other while the team provides instruction to photographer Christian Thompson, who will film them from a distance.

Before they begin, Sakowski explains the classic game to Donald Duck and a representative from the Disney Parks entertainment team—she explains the premise: The team is playing “Duck, duck, goose,” and Donald can’t wait to have some fun!

No more time for planning—Thompson is filming, turning the camera on each member of the team before rounding on Donald who is shocked to be told he is a goose! He throws a fit-after all, he’s not a goose! Not surprisingly, he stomps his feet in front of the gorgeous backdrop of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

They play the game three times while the camera is running and it’s almost time to go—but Sakowski asks Donald to play the game one more time.

Thompson rolls camera again: “Duck, duck, duck, duck… Goose!” Donald crosses his arms, perfectly angry at the accusation of “Goose,” giving reaction so dramatic that would surely be award-winning… if there was a “Best Angry Avian” award, that is.

@disneyparksDuck. Duck. Duck. Duck. Goose? 🦆 #Disney #DisneyParks #Disneyland #DonaldDuck #DuckDuckGoose #California ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

The @DisneyParks TikTok team isn’t shy about stepping in front of the camera, especially to play a game with Donald Duck!

And that’s a wrap! It’s time to leave and the team is off. Who can rest when you’re getting ready for Disneyland to reopen? That morning they’d already filmed with Dopey in front of Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, and now Sakowski and Tucciarone are off to Toontown, having earlier plotted out a concept to reveal the building for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (opening in 2023) using a popular TikTok trend. They film, edit, and get approvals for video all in the same day, so next thing they know, screenshots of their TikTok have spread far and wide as fans react to the silly reveal of the new building.

@disneyparksWhat big building? That’s just Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, opening 2023! 🚂 ##Disneyland ##Disney ##HowWillTheyKnow ##Toontown ##California ##Anaheim ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

The team successfully revealed the goofy sign on the building while utilizing a popular TikTok trend.

While Disneyland is, for now, opening only to California Residents, anyone can take a quick trip to the park when they open their TikTok account. Will they see a special sneak peek into a new attraction? Meet one of the cast members who makes magic every day? No matter what video is next, you know that your friends at the @DisneyParks TikTok account will make sure you’re let in to the magic.

“Our storytelling is perfect for TikTok,” Sturgess explains of the combination of Disney and the up-and-coming social media platform, “and our team has done an amazing job of taking everything we know about storytelling at Disney and putting it through that raw, unvarnished look. It’s a great way to continue sharing the story of Disney parks.”

See what we’re Tik-Talking about for yourself by following @DisneyParks on TikTok for more videos about Disney Parks all over the world.

Disney Cruise Line Makes a Disney Wish Come True

April 29, 2021July 14, 2022

By Courtney Potter

If a dream is a wish your heart makes, then Disney Cruise Line is making all of our dreams come true with today’s reveal of the Disney Wish—the newest member of Disney Cruise Line’s incredible fleet. Scheduled to set sail in Summer 2022, families will discover a mesmerizing new world created especially for them: a celebration of storytelling that brings to life the fantastical worlds and beloved characters at the heart of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars adventures like never before!

There’s so much to look forward to… from adventuring with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse aboard the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, to royally reveling in a brand-new theatrical dining experience with friends from Frozen… from teaming up with the Avengers at an incredible Marvel cinematic dining adventure, to the first-of-its-kind Star Wars experience on board a Disney ship… it’s not hyperbole to say there’s truly something for everyone. If that already sounds like the “Best Trip Ever!,” you’ll be excited to learn that Disney Wish bookings open to the general public beginning Thursday, May 27.

“This ship has everything that fans and families love about a Disney Cruise,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, as he kicked off the ship’s virtual reveal. “It’s a great example of the Disney difference that sets us apart from everyone else—guaranteeing guests of all ages a phenomenal, one-of-a-kind experience… The Disney Cruise Line team, and our extraordinary Imagineers, have absolutely outdone themselves. The Disney Wish is truly magical.” “We can’t wait for the Disney Wish to join the Disney Cruise Line family, to deliver on our legacy of extraordinary service and an experience that’s unmatched in the cruise industry,” added Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “Our newest ship will celebrate everything that families love about sailing with us, from the incredible dining experiences and character interactions, to dazzling shows and the crew’s thoughtful attention to detail. We can’t wait to welcome our guests aboard the Disney Wish as we expand the reach of our world-class fleet.”

But much like the best sailors on the sea, let’s reorient ourselves: D23 attended today’s rollicking reveal, as well as a panel with several of Disney Cruise Line’s key Wish players—and here’s a bit more about what you can expect from this incredible ship.

Design Distinction
The Disney Wish will feature a brand-new, distinctly Disney design concept inspired by timeless tales of wishes come true. This idea of enchantment—a theme found at the heart of so many favorite Disney tales—will manifest throughout the ship, in the form of the magical forest setting of the Walt Disney Theatre; storybook-inspired staterooms; and even the gorgeous fairytale castle-inspired Grand Hall (artist rendering seen above), where a dazzling wishing star descends from the glittering chandelier above. “The Grand Hall is our ‘castle on the sea,’ and we are so excited,” admits Kristen Baribeau, Area Manager, Entertainment Operations, Disney Cruise Line; “Even just walking into this space, you just stop—it’s absolutely gorgeous.” But that’s not all: “What we’re so excited about,” she continues, “is it’s the first time we’re going to have an atrium stage on the Disney Cruise Line fleet. And of course, what is a stage without bringing to life with some of our world-famous characters?… You’ll see some special effects and [an] integration of technology that’s helping to transform that space from day into night, with different events happening around every corner.”

As far as accommodations, most of the Disney Wish’s 1,254 staterooms will offer an ocean view—a full 70% of those offer a spacious verandah—and there’ll be 450+ connecting doors that adjoin rooms to accommodate larger families and groups.

The ship will elevate its concierge experience with more than double the number of premium concierge staterooms and suites, including Disney’s first-ever staterooms located above the bridge—boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal awe-inspiring ocean views overlooking the bow of the ship. An exclusive lounge with private sun deck will be the perfect place for concierge guests to relax, sip a cocktail, and enjoy a premium level of dedicated service throughout the voyage. Plus, the Disney Wish will also debut four lavishly appointed royal suites (seen in photo above) that accommodate up to six guests and include extravagant details and first-class amenities. These include a pair of two-story suites, the first of their kind within the Disney fleet, which feature stunning statement pieces like an elegant spiral staircase and a spectacular two-deck-high stained-glass frieze.

“Oh Boy!” Swimtastic Fun with Mickey Mouse
Disney Cruise Line will give fabulous new meaning to “fun in the sun” on board the Disney Wish with an incredible, brand-new Disney attraction at sea—a first of its kind anywhere on the Disney Cruise Line fleet—and three themed districts that offer dedicated space for families, children, and adults alike.

The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse animated shorts will come to life on AquaMouse (artist rendering seen above), a new attraction featuring show scenes, lighting, and special effects! This wild water ride, where you join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in a new story called “Scuba Scramble,” is sure to delight everyone in the family as they zig, zag, and zoom through 760 feet of winding tubes suspended high above the upper decks. And just wait ’til you experience it for yourself: “You could say it’s going to have a splash-tacular ending!,” says Pam Rawlins, Executive Producer, Walt Disney Imagineering.

In addition to AquaMouse, the area will feature a whopping six pools, spaciously staggered among tiered decks and surrounded by lounge chairs—and a fresh take on quick, casual food and beverages with a festive character twist. The little ones in your life will delight in an all-new Toy Story-themed district designed especially for families with toddlers and young children, including a splash zone, wading pool, family waterslide, and smoothie bar. And adults can indulge in sun-drenched serenity at Quiet Cove, a peaceful refuge featuring a luxurious infinity pool, poolside bar, and chic cafe.

A Veritable Culinary Cabaret
The Disney Wish will debut with three brand-new family dining concepts, ranging from theatrical entertainment to cinematic adventure to sophisticated elegance. As with every ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, dinner on board the Disney Wish will be so much more than a meal!

Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure (artist rendering seen above) is Disney’s first Frozen-themed theatrical dining experience that will bring the world of Arendelle to life through immersive live entertainment (featuring faves like Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf) and world-class cuisine infused with Nordic influences. Worlds of Marvel is the first-ever Marvel cinematic dining adventure, where guests will play an interactive role in an action-packed Avengers mission that unfolds around them. And 1923—like D23, named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded—is an elegant celebration of the company’s legacy, paying homage to the golden age of animation and offering a tasteful tribute to its Californian colorful cultural heritage.

But wait, there’s more: On top of the variety of dining options the Disney Wish will offer—including casual dining, specialty treats, 24-hour room service, and gourmet cafes—there are memorable premium dining options available exclusively for adults, in an elegant, upscale “suite” inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Beauty and the Beast. Palo Steakhouse (artist rendering seen above) is the evolution of a Disney Cruise Line staple, in a setting inspired by Cogsworth, the animated film’s majordomo-turned-enchanted-clock. “We’ve moved Palo into a new element,” explains James Willoughby, Director, Hotel Operations, Special Projects, Disney Cruise Line. “We’re infusing a modern steakhouse with Palo’s rich Italian cuisine. This is fundamentally going to be the way to evolve the restaurant and keep it very much alive in our guests’ hearts for years and years to come.”

Additionally, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement will offer the most luxurious dining experience on board, featuring a gourmet menu crafted by the three-Michelin-starred chef; this romantic and intimate venue will evoke the dazzling spirit of the film’s candelabra maitre d’, Lumiere. And The Rose is a chic new lounge at the entrance of Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté. Inspired by the fateful flower at the heart of the story, The Rose will be chic setting for pre- or post-dinner cocktails.

And there’s one more out-of-this-galaxy addition to the Disney Wish’s delectable delights: For the first time on a Disney ship, guests will embark on a space-jumping tour of the Star Wars galaxy at Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge (artist rendering seen above), a high-end bar styled as a luxurious yacht-class spaceship. This immersive experience will be reserved for adults every evening, offering interactive tasting experiences and signature beverages inspired by destinations such as Batuu, Tatooine, and Mustafar.

Entertainment Around Every Corner
As guests have come to expect from every ship, Disney Cruise Line is combining innovative design and technology onboard the Disney Wish to create amazing, immersive entertainment environments that will completely surround guests in storytelling in totally unique ways. The aforementioned forest-themed Walt Disney Theatre (artist rendering seen above) is an opulent show palace that will come alive with original Broadway-style stage productions developed exclusively for Disney Cruise Line—including a reimagined fan favorite, Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular, and two brand-new shows that are currently being developed. And for Disney Cruise Line guests looking to see first-run (and classic!) films on board, you’ll be delighted to know that the Wonderland and Never Land Cinemas will be the Wish’s intimate screening rooms—providing guests more options than ever from the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and more.

Plus, Luna is a brand-new entertainment hub that will transition from a daytime setting for family fun into an elegant evening venue for adult-exclusive entertainment, offering a variety of live shows and interactive programming throughout the day. For those looking for more sports-oriented fun, Hero Zone is a futuristic arena where physical activity will blend with imagination via action-packed challenges and game show-style competitions for families to take on together.

Imaginations, Assemble! Fun for Kids of All Ages
Disney Cruise Line is positively chockablock with activities for kids, and the Disney Wish will be no exception. Children ages 3 to 12 will enter their favorite Disney stories via the reimagined Disney’s Oceaneer Club, a real-life wonderland featuring more spaces and stories than ever before. And kids will be able to enter the club right from the Grand Hall, through a very special, totally cool “secret entrance” (yes, there is a slide involved).

Brand new to any Disney Cruise Line ship is the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab (artist rendering seen above), a first-of-its-kind opportunity for kids to discover the secrets of world-renowned Disney Imagineers with hands-on activities and inventive experiments. Kids will even get to design, and “ride,” their own attraction! Meanwhile, Marvel Super Hero Academy is a high-tech Avengers headquarters where young “recruits” will train to be the next generation of Super Heroes with the help of their own heroes, like Spider-Man, Black Panther, Ant-Man, and The Wasp. And Fairytale Hall is a royal trio of activity rooms where princesses and princes will let their creativity shine at Rapunzel’s Art Studio; read and act out stories at Belle’s Library; and test newfound icy powers at Anna and Elsa’s Sommerhus. Plus, it’s a small world Nursery is still on board to take care of the littlest cruisers (6 months to 3 years), and Edge (ages 11 to 14) and Vibe (ages 14 to 17) will offer trendy hangouts and dedicated programming to tweens and teens.

Treasures Untold
As Baribeau admits, “I’m so excited, because this ship offers a space for everything, and it gives us Disney Cruise Line crew members and cast members the opportunity to dream up ways to entertain our guests in endless ways.” Rawlins concurs, adding, “I think our guests are going to [thrill at] all these charming details—even when they just walk into the Grand Hall, whether or not they’re coming in for the first time, greeted by Cinderella… I think our guests are going to be incredibly overwhelmed, and [will] bring the magical vacation home with them.” “The spectacular fusion of all our learnings and all of the special qualities will continue into the latest ships to be launched with Disney Cruise Line fleet,” adds Willoughby. “There’s remarkable passion and dedication that’s come from an incredible team. And that team right now is across the world. When it comes to doing the best and being the best, we are ensuring from day to day that we care about our guests.”

The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage—a five-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay—on June 9, 2022, followed by an inaugural season of three- and four-night cruises to the same destinations from Port Canaveral, Florida. Get ready, because bookings open on May 27!

For more information, visit disneycruise.com.

Everything to Know About the Reopening of Disneyland Resort

April 29, 2021May 3, 2021

By the D23 Team

We’ve been counting down the days, and it’s almost here—starting April 30, Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure will reopen their gates to all the magic and adventure we know and love. California residents with valid theme park admission and reservations will be able to once again enjoy their favorite attractions, restaurants, and more at Disneyland Resort. We know you’re all probably meticulously planning your trips down to the smallest churro crumb—but just in case you need some help, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know before you return to the Happiest Place on Earth. To really perfect your planning, you’ll want to complete every task on Disney Parks Blog’s Planning Checklist to ensure you have the most magical trip possible.

Tickets and Reservations
To enter Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park, both a theme park reservation and valid admission ticket for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. Guests must have a valid theme park admission ticket in order to make a reservation. Theme park reservations are limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks, and in groups no larger than 3 households, in line with current state guidelines. The theme park reservation system is now open for all Guests and theme park ticket sales have resumed.

To accommodate as many types of ticket holders as possible, reservations for select dates may be made available on a rolling basis. Check here to see when reservations are available. Please note that park reservations are limited in number and subject to availability. Availability can change until the park reservation is finalized.

Park Hours
Upon reopening, daily park hours for Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park are currently planned to be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit Disneyland.com for operating hours on the day you wish to visit, as they are subject to change.

Parking
Guests can park at both the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures with a valid ticket and theme park reservation. Thanks to that handy theme park reservation you made, there’s no need to rush or arrive early—just make sure you’ve given yourself enough time to walk from the parking structure to the park entrances, as the tram is not operating at this time. For your convenience, stroller, wheelchair and ECV rentals will be available at the parking structures.

To help with physical distancing requirements, early arrivals are not encouraged, and lineups will not be allowed prior to 6 a.m. on opening weekend, when the parking structures and security screenings will open. For more information on parking at the Disneyland Resort, please visit here. You can also check out the planning checklist from Disney Parks Blog for more details on current parking rules and restrictions

Attractions
Whether you’ve been wanting to zoom through space or say “hi” to some happy haunts, make sure you check out Disney Parks Blog’s guide to attractions and entertainment and their guide to using the Disneyland app (which includes instructions on how to use the updated virtual queue system for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance) so you know exactly what to do to experience your favorite attractions. While you’re planning your magical day at Disneyland Resort, see which attractions are open at Disneyland Park here and at Disney California Adventure here.

During your visit, make sure to check out these three attractions that have been newly renovated:

Haunted Mansion: The classic crawl through its creepy chambers has been enhanced with some new features, including the return of a beloved changing portrait. Check out our story on the eerie enhancements for more details.
Snow White’s Enchanted Wish: The newly reimagined update to the Fantasyland classic Snow White’s Scary Adventures features new music, LED black lighting, laser projections, and a new animation system. Plus, keep a sharp eye out for new shadow projections and updated shimmering lighting effects! You can check out a sneak preview of the enhancements here.
King Arthur Carrousel: Is there anything more classic than enjoying a spin on this gorgeous carrousel? The landmark of Disneyland park has been recently hand-repainted with 14k gold leaf accents, vibrant details and bold colors. Take a whirl over to Disney Parks Blog for their exclusive first look at the gorgeous new colors.

Merchandise
Bring home the memories of your latest trip with a brand-new line of merchandise celebrating the parks’ reopening. The “Magic is Back” line features jackets, face masks, pins, and more celebrating your return to the Happiest Place on Earth. Take a closer look at the new products at Disney Parks Blog.

Food
Craving a churro? Preparing to make a mad dash for a Dole Whip as soon as the gates open? Remember that food and beverages can only be consumed in dedicated dining areas, following the state’s health and safety guidelines. You can use mobile ordering on Disney Parks App to quickly and easily order your favorite treats from select locations. Need some tips on what new treats to try? Check out our roundup of all the new food and beverages headed to Disneyland Resort (and Walt Disney World!) and then head to Disney Parks Blog for their foodie guide to Disneyland’s reopening.

Downtown Disney District
Downtown Disney District, the perfect location for shopping after a fun day at the parks, will be open at 10 a.m. on April 30 and at 9 a.m. May 1 and beyond. For complete and updated information on shopping at Downtown Disney, check out the Know Before You Go page for information on parking, store availability, and more!

Hotels
Planning to stay at Disneyland Resort for multiple days? Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa reopens on April 29, 2021, with limited capacity, and room reservations are available now! The Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will reopen at a later date. Before you check in, review Disney Parks Blog’s Know Before You Go guide to make sure you’re prepared for your stay!

What’s Next?
While we’re excited to experience Disneyland’s reopening and revisit our favorite attractions, restaurants, and shopping experiences, we can’t help but keep our eye to the future! Have June 4 circled in your calendar, because that’s when a super new expansion opens at Disney California Adventure: Avengers Campus! Check out our latest story on this expansion, and then assemble over to our comprehensive guide on everything we know about this thrilling new land.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

April 29, 2021April 29, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Mark your calendars for the debut of 22 vs. Earth, a new short film from Pixar Animation Studios streaming on Disney+ starting this Friday. That same day, a new episode of Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max will celebrate the beauty and complexities of Black hair. On Saturday, Hulu will add dozens of film titles to its library, including What’s Love Got to Do with It. Then, on Sunday, the American Idol contestants will travel to Walt Disney World Resort for the live “Disney Night” episode, while FX will air the first episode from the third and final season of Pose.

22 vs. Earth—Friday, April 30, on Disney+
Set before the events of Disney and Pixar’s Soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey) defies the rules of The Great Before by refusing to go to Earth and enlisting a gang of five other new souls—whom she nicknames Macaroni (voice of Karee Ducharme), Zimmy (voice of Aiyanna Miorin), Peanut (voice of Adela Drabek), D-pac (voice of Samantha Ho), and Moonbeam (voice of Micah Chen)—in her attempt at rebellion. But, as the other new souls’ activities yield unexpected results, 22 may discover a surprising revelation about the meaning of life.

Sydney to the Max—Friday, April 30, at 8:25 p.m. ET on Disney Channel
In “The Hair Switch Project,” Sydney (Ruth Righi) begins to question her straight hairstyle after her classmate Jada (Princess K. Mapp) suggests she try wearing her hair natural sometimes. This sends Sydney on a hair journey tied to her cultural identity and memories of her late mother, Alisha (Krystal Joy Brown). Although her dad, Max (Ian Reed Kesler), tries to help, Sydney looks to her grandmother Maya (Carlease Burke) for some guidance. Meanwhile, back in the ’90s, young Alisha (Cassidey Fralin) is faced with a different hair dilemma when school picture day rolls around and her mom books a salon appointment for her to get a relaxer. Alisha doesn’t know what to do since she loves the texture of her natural hair and feels like she loses a piece of herself whenever she gets it straightened.

What’s Love Got to Do with It—Saturday, May 1, on Hulu
This 1993 biopic is the story of legendary soul singer Tina Turner (Angela Bassett) and her rise to stardom. Born Anna Mae Bullock, she discovers her love of singing in a Tennessee church choir. After she moves to St. Louis to pursue a career, Anna Mae meets the charismatic Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne), who renames her Tina Turner and offers to help her succeed. As a musical team, they take the music industry by storm. But as Ike’s temper worsens, Tina must make the tough decision to leave him and forge her own path.

American Idol—Sunday, May 2, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC
It’s finally “Disney Night!” The results of the Comeback show will be announced at the top of the show. Then, the top nine contestants will travel to Walt Disney World to find some inspiration from The Most Magical Place on Earth… and to get some one-on-one advice from celebrity mentor John Stamos! The season’s top 10 contestants, including the Comeback winner, will perform a beloved Disney song in the hopes of securing America’s real-time vote. The set list includes “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella, “Remember Me” from Coco, “Real Gone” from Cars, “When She Loved Me” from Toy Story 2, “Go the Distance” from Hercules, “Baby Mine” from Dumbo, “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio, “Into the Unknown” from Frozen 2, “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan, and “Circle of Life” from The Lion King. Sofia Carson will sing her latest smash, while Jon Batiste will perform “It’s All Right” from the Academy Award®-winning Disney and Pixar film Soul. The top seven finalists will be revealed at the end of the episode—meaning it’s extra important to cast your votes live throughout the episode!

Pose—Sunday, May 2, at 10 p.m. ET on FX
In the final season of Pose, it’s now 1994 and ballroom feels like a distant memory for Blanca (Mj Rodriguez), who struggles to balance being a mother with being a present partner to her new love, in addition to her new role as a nurse’s aide. Meanwhile, as AIDS becomes the leading cause of death for Americans ages 25 to 44, Pray Tell (Emmy® Award winner Billy Porter) faces unexpected health burdens. Elsewhere, the emergence of a vicious new upstart house forces the House of Evangelista members to reclaim their legacy.